There passing through the body to reflex zones found on the sole of the feet and hands which are said to correspond to every part or system of all the organs and structures of the body. The aim of Reflexology is to clear the energy channels that have become blocked and hence causing problems, by massage to enable organs to work more efficiently. A massage technique using a 'caterpillar walk' is used whereby a 'push and stop' movement is made with your thumb. Every time your thumb bends as it moves along, it looks like a caterpillar.

Some people find that Reflexology can help with sluggish digestion and constipation which, they have found, can be helped by working on the reflex points, found in the foot, of the small intestines and colon. Start on the right foot using your left thumb to work on the reflex area using a caterpillar-type walk from your hard heel pad along to the narrowest part of your foot. Then repeat this on you left foot using your right thumb.

Now return to the right foot and follow the path of the ascending and traverse colon, using this caterpillar walk along from the heel, up an imaginary line from the little toe to cross the foot towards the instep. Then continue on your left foot starting at the continuation point on the instep rather than the heel and follow the path of the transverse colon down to the heel. This should be done twice but if you feel any pain or discomfort, you should stop. Also, it won't work miracles - but it may help a little.

Most commonly, reflexology is associated with the feet in the UK but in the USA, both are widely practised. There are several benefits over using hands rather than feet - the most obvious being the fact they are so easily accessible and you can discreetly 'treat' yourself in virtually any situation. In contrast, it would be rather tricky to say the least to suddenly peel off your footwear and bend over to play with your feet whilst sitting through a meeting! Each area of the body, like the feet, is represented on the hands, according to reflexologists, and by stimulating the appropriate areas, energy blockages which can cause poor health and illness, are said to be released thus promoting the natural healing process.

Of most interest to us, the reflex points for the stomach are on the left hand. Using your right thumb, make forward 'creeping' movements on the palm of your left hand.

One reader of this site suggested that Reflexology can be beneficial for treating pregnancy morning sickness.  For more information, go to : PREGNANCY page.

For further information, contact: Association of Reflexologists, 5 Fore Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1HX.  Tel: 0870 5673320 (Overseas: 01823 351010), Fax: 01823 336646,  Email: info@aor.org.uk,  Website: www.aor.org.uk