Healing Your Body Through Your Hands: ACUPRESSURE POINTS

Hand reflexology is an ancient healing technique that focuses on specific areas of the hands to bring stress relief and alleviate pain. Practitioners believe that the body is interconnected through reflex points that correspond to various organs and body parts. By applying pressure to these reflex points on the hands, one can promote relaxation and well-being.

Here are some key points about hand reflexology:

1. History and Origins:
   • Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced reflexology to the American medical community between 1915 and 1917. He believed that the body was divided into ten vertical zones, each corresponding to specific organs.
   • Dr. Joe Shelby Riley expanded on Fitzgerald’s work by adding horizontal zones across the body. He created reflexology maps for both the feet and hands.
   • Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist, furthered Dr. Riley’s work. She researched pressure points and developed her own foot and hand reflexology charts, which are still widely used today.
   • Ingham’s pioneering reflexology training continues through the International Reflexology Institute in Florida.
2. How Hand Reflexology Works:
   • Reflexology points on the hands correspond to different regions of the body. Applying pressure to specific spots on the hands can provide targeted relief to connected body parts, such as eyes, ears, or internal organs¹².
3. Benefits of Hand Reflexology:
   • Stress reduction and relaxation
   • Pain relief
   • Improved circulation
   • Enhanced overall well-being
4. How to Perform Hand Reflexology:
   • Choose a zone on your hand that corresponds to the medical issue you want to address (e.g., fingertips for sinus headaches).
   • Apply pressure using your thumb or fingers while sliding back and forth over the reflex zone³. (Wikihow)