Reflexology - 5 power points

The first step in proper breathing is to expand the lungs. In reflexology, we do this by pulling the solar plexus and diaphragm reflexes down to create more space.

Breathing and speech are related, and breathing and tension are also related. Most people hold their breath when under stress. Many ailments and most tension can be dispersed with proper breathing.

Working both reflexes is extremely important to the person with asthma, allergies, and faulty blood pressure. For those problems also work the adrenal glands. (see - 5. Adrenal glands)

How to work it:
Place both thumbs on the center just below the ball of the foot, where there is a bit of a dent (Yellow stars). With your thumb, push in towards the clients knee and hold this reflex for 30 seconds. This is the solar plexus. Now place your thumbs on the diaphragm reflex below ball of the foot. You may place your thumbs together or on both ends of the diaphragm reflex. Using your thumbs simultaneously or alternating, stretch the diaphragm downward, so the lung has more room to pull in long deep breaths.

The thymus gland is the center of the immune system, recognizing and sending out the appropriate antibodies to fight disease.
The thymus reacts to stress by shrinking, therefore unable to fight disease. It trains antibodies; it is vital to the immune system. You'll find it sensitive with anyone suffering with allergies, when there is stress. Since your thymus is at attention all of the time, it will probably be sensitive.

How to work:
Located at widest portion of the foot. Place your right thumb of the right foot on the trachea reflex, directly across from what is known as the bunion bump. Hook your thumb inwards, and medially.

The Pituitary gland is "The Master Gland". It over looks all of the other glands of the body and all the bodily functions. It secretes nine hormones, it influences growth, is a part of the triangle of life along with the sex glands.

Work this reflex to reduce fever (every 15min) alleviate dizziness, faintness, muscle pain, muscle strength, congested breathing.

How to work:
Find the cave where the swirls of the big toe comes together now put the hooking part of your thumb directly in the center of this cave and hook to the medial side. This may be quite sensitive. It is a good idea to watch subtle movements on the face or you can even ask if it is sensitive.

The hormones of the Pineal Gland feeds the muscles, one feeds the memory, and one improves the nature of your sleep (produces melatonin)

It is important in dreaming, goal setting, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, muscle aches, spasms. Also work it for Parkinson's disease.

How to work:
Using your index finger between your fist and second knuckle. Press in and down on the little ledge (nose) on the medial side of the big toe, just above the bump and even with the base of the nail.

The adrenals have about 50 functions and many known hormones, among them, adrenaline which causes sugar to be released from the liver for quick energy in times of stress or for the fight/flight reflex. We tend to run on this faulty adrenal energy which causes exhausted adrenals. The adrenals fight infection, aid in muscle tone, make extra estrogen and testosterone, regulate our lymph glands, and the body's mineral balance. They fight fatigue, allergies, viruses, and clear up the bronchi oles. The adrenals glands are involved in arthritis and migraines. You're never wrong to work the adrenal gland, no matter what the problem.

How to work:
Find the slight indentation halfway between the base of ball of Foot and the Waist Line, in line with the stem of the Big Toe. Place fingers over top of Ankle and with your thumb, hook medially into the Reflex.