Myth #4 About Reflexology

Reflexology will destroy my thumbs. To that I will say, only if you are using your tools incorrectly.

• Remember Myth #1? If you are regularly applying more pressure than your hands can safely give, then yes, you will eventually hurt your thumbs.

 

Years ago, I had the opportunity to work on a 3-day-old in the hospital, who was hooked up to all sorts of life support. I very lightly made contact on his brain and diaphragm reflexes. (He was in the hospital because he had stopped breathing.) The improvement in his rate of breathing and oxygen intake on the monitor was obvious and impressive. Believe me, I was barely touching him. You do not have to hurt yourself to help someone else.

 

• If your body is not positioned correctly in relation to the position of the client’s body, then yes, you will eventually hurt your thumbs. Ergonomics plays a significant role in people’s injuries on the job, no matter whether you are offering reflexology, typing on a computer, working in an assembly line, cleaning teeth. Proper ergonomics and good body mechanics are critical to your well-being and longevity in any field.

 

• If you apply force/pressure through the joints of your hands and wrists when not aligned properly, then yes, you will eventually hurt your thumbs. Bringing to your awareness how you are using your hands is one of the most valuable pieces of feedback an instructor can give you when you’re practicing.

 

• If you start out giving more sessions, back-to-back, than you are capable of handling, then yes, you will eventually hurt your hands. Would you run a marathon without training up to it?

 

• If you use only your thumbs, or worse still, only the thumb on your dominant hand, then yes, you will eventually hurt yourself. Use both hands; utilize the second, third and fourth digits as well. Everyone shares in the work.

 

I hope my comments to these four myths helps to dispel any fear and/or misconceptions that you may have about receiving a reflexology session and/or learning to give a loving, intentional session to others.

My colleague, Jenny Runde, and I pride ourselves on being able to teach people how to give a relaxing foot reflexology session in a safe and fun atmosphere. We invite you to join us for either an introductory weekend training or, if you’re full-on ready, the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification.

Oh, and you better believe that we will be watching your body mechanics and offering our feedback on what we see you doing correctly – and not so correctly, too.