Recently, hand reflexology is receiving some well overdue attention. An Egyptian papyrus dated 2330 B.C. depicts both hand and foot reflexology, so, both have existed since ancient times.
Eunice Ingham, who made foot reflexology popular last century, acknowledged hand reflexology, but only as "a back up" when working on the feet was not possible. Similarly, few courses or books have taught how to stimulate the reflex areas of the hands. Consequently, hand reflexology is comparatively unknown.
Foot reflexology requires bare feet, and both recipient and practitioner positioned comfortably. This severely limits the settings in which foot reflexology can be performed. In comparison, the easy availability of the hands makes hand reflexology conducive to almost any setting.
Some people are much more comfortable receiving hand reflexology. Ticklishness, smelly feet, perceived ugly feet, and a stranger touching one's feet are barriers to foot reflexology. Hand reflexology is good news for people with these concerns.
Hands are very accessible for working on your self, which is never quite as pleasant as receiving from someone else. However, working on your own hands provides all the therapeutic benefits of reflexology: stress relief, improved circulation of blood and lymph, revitalization of glands and organs, and improved functioning of immune, digestive and eliminative systems, etc. Yes, hands are excellent for self-help.
You should consider these three advantages of hand reflexology if you are intending to learn reflexology. I predict that hand reflexology will soon have equal footing (excuse the pun), and may even become more popular than foot reflexology.
If you haven't experienced hand reflexology, there is nothing quite as exquisite as surrendering overworked, sensitive hands to the bliss of nurturing touch. As one client says: "It's so relaxing!" Try it.
By Christopher Shirley
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