Suffering from a terrible backache? Did you know that pressing certain targeted nerves on your hands and feet can ease your pain? It may sound incredible, but that’s just what reflexology does! Let’s look at how reflexology can help you ease back pain.

What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology is an alternative medicine therapy that involves the application of pressure to the feet and hands using specific finger techniques. Reflexology is an apt example of pseudoscience. It works on a system of zones either on the palm or the sole. Pressing specific pressure points on your palms and soles can help affect a physical change in your body and relieve pain. Scientific studies have not been able to conclude whether reflexology is an effective treatment for any ailment (1).

Using Reflexology For Back Pain (Feet):

Reflexology determines several pressure points on the sole that can help alleviate pain in specific areas of the body. Here, we look at how to relieve back pain using foot reflex points.

1. Begin by applying pressure around the entire heel and ankle area, especially the inner edge of your foot. The spinal reflex points are located on the edges of the feet.
2. If you suffer from upper back pain, consider massaging the pressure points for your shoulder (just below the base of the smallest finger) and back (at the base of your toe).

Use these steps to relieve back pain using foot reflexology:

1. Massage The Cervical Spine:

The spine reflex point usually lies on the inside edge of your foot.

1. Rest your right foot on your left knee, and using your right hand, gently massage the spinal reflex points (the inside edge of your foot, the tip of the big toe down to the ankle.)
2. Beginning with the toe, press the spot firmly and continue applying pressure as you slide over the length of your foot along the edge, making sure you spend enough time (2-3 minutes) on every reflex point.

2. Massage The Sciatic Nerve:

Once you have massaged the spinal reflex points, you should move on to the sciatic nerve.

1. The reflex points for the sciatic nerve lie right at the outer edge of our ankles.
2. The sciatic nerve is the most prominent nerve in the body, and pressure or inappropriate positioning can lead to sciatic pains, which also cause backache.
3. Massaging the sciatic nerves will boost blood circulation in the area and is a good way to prevent sciatica.

3. Massage The Shoulders:

Once you have worked the spine and sciatic nerves, the next order of the day is to massage the upper back and shoulder points.

1. Begin by applying pressure to the area just beneath the base of your toes.
2. Press the shoulder points down and massage them for 2-3 minutes.
3. For added benefits, consider pressing your sole down with your knuckles.
4. You can also massage the shoulder reflex points present on the top of the foot.

Using Reflexology For Back Pain (Hands):

Now that you know how to use the reflexology points in your feet to reduce back pain, let’s look at some ways to use reflexology points in your hands to achieve the same.

1. Massage The Spinal Reflex Point:

1. Use your fingers to apply pressure to the outside edge of your palm.
2. Massage the area gently for 2-3 minutes.

2. Massage The Shoulder Reflex Point:

1. Once you have covered the spine reflex points, move on to the shoulder reflex points, which are located just beneath the base of your little finger.
2. You can either massage the palm or the top of your hand.

A Word Of Caution:

All reflex points won’t be located at the soles of your feet. There are many major reflexes on the top of your feet and the bottom of your legs.

While working on any reflex point, you can also massage the brain reflex point to release endorphins that make you feel good.

So, the next time you feel your back aching, try reflexology. You don’t have to buy anything or commit to a routine. Tell us whether it worked for you. Leave a comment below.

The post How To Relieve Back Pain Using Reflexology? appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

by Ameya C via STYLECRAZE