Respiratory Reflexology

The chest is an incredibly important part of the body; it is the seat of the heart and the lung and many of us ignore the health of these organs and put them under increasing pressure by soldiering on when we have a respiratory infection, not exercising adequately and engaging in bad habits such as smoking and vaping. We are also constantly exposed to environmental toxins, bacteria, viruses and moulds.

The components of the respiratory system are the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, diaphragm, sinuses and lungs. This system ensures the continuing supply of oxygen to cells throughout the body as well as removing carbon dioxide waste products.

Respiratory reflexology has several positive effects which include:

·      Improved lung function

·      Enhanced breathing pattern

·      Deeper and more relaxed breathing

·      Decongestion of airway passages 

·      Relieved constriction of chest muscles

As a reflexologist, I work the reflexes for the entire respiratory system as well as the nervous system that supports the organs and muscular system of the chest. I also work the nerve innovations for all the organs using spinal reflexology.

The hands have the same reflexology reflexes as the feet and are much easier to access for self-help techniques...

Exercises and a brief how to do them

• Place your thumb on the ball of your hand just below the forefinger and middle finger and slowly rock the fingers back and forward 10 times and repeat on the other hand - see video above. (This is also an excellent calming technique and can also help prepare for a better night’s sleep).

• Firmly pinch and release the webbing between your thumb about twenty times and repeat on the other hand. Try doing this during a coughing fit, as it may help ease the irritation as the premise of reflexology is to balance the body by stimulating specific pressure points on the hands and feet that correspond to a particular part of the body;

• Pinch the webbing between all the fingers (as above) about 10 times each as this can help to stimulate the immune system;

• Locate the tender adrenal reflex on the palm of the hand in the middle of the soft, fleshy area beneath the thumb and stimulate for a few seconds then hold for about 20 seconds. Repeat on the other hand. This can have a deeply calming effect on the entire body.

Sarah Sellick

Sports Massage Therapist and Refloxologist