As you may know, I love sharing self care tips, tools, and resources in my blog and monthly newsletter.
Here are my top 3 DIY reflexology tips for cold and flu. In this post you’ll discover how to:
- Reduce a fever
- Get over a cold or flu more quickly
- Support the lungs and soothe a cough
- Boost your immune system
- Breathe easier and reduce stuffiness and congestion
- Plus, 3 additional bonus tips to alleviate allergy symptoms, PMS, and general stress relief.
I’ll also cover what is reflexology, how does reflexology work, and the benefits of reflexology.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is based on the principle that a map of the body is reflected on the hands and feet, and by applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet various parts of the body are affected.
How does Reflexology work?
Reflexology balances the nervous system by stimulating the nerve endings of your feet, which connect with your spinal nerves and corresponding organs. It works with the circulatory system to break up congestion and deposits in your hands and feet, which also stimulates the corresponding organs and helps detoxify your body.
What are the benefits of Reflexology?
Over 170 studies of reflexology have been conducted demonstrating the following benefits:
- Reduces stress and brings about relaxation
- Promotes balance and normalization of the body’s functions
- Improves circulation and delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all the cells in the body
Top 3 DIY Reflexology Tips for Colds & Flu
The reflexes are the same for the hands and feet. It’s often easier to work on your own hands rather than your feet, especially if you have a cold. Below are 3 DIY reflexology techniques you can do on your hands (you can also use these on your kids!):
1. Fever: Pituitary Gland Reflex
This is a great technique if you have a fever. The pituitary gland is often compared to the master conductor of the orchestra. Overseeing the entire endocrine system, it’s an important point to help the body balance itself.
- Find the middle of the whorl of your thumbprint. This is the pituitary reflex.
- Take the side of the nail of the other thumb, and press it into the center of the whorl of the thumbprint and hold.
- Good metaphors to let you know you found the right spot: it feels like a little metal ball under the skin, or it feels like you stuck a needle in your thumb.
- Do both thumbs holding each for 45 seconds, 2 or 3 times a day, until the fever subsides.
2. Coughs: Lung Reflexes
This technique helps support your chest and lungs if you have a cough, and boosts your immune system in general.
- Open the palm.
- With the other hand, press the thumb along and across the base of the fingers of the open palm.
- Work you way down, pressing the thumb all over the ball of the hand, just above the center of the palm (this entire area is the reflex for the lungs).
- Do both hands a few times a day, for 45 seconds.
3. Stuffy Nose/Head: Head & Sinuses Reflexes
This is wonderful for any kind of congestion (including allergies) and often helps immediately.
- The fingers are the reflexes for the head and sinuses.
- Press and massage from the base of each finger to the tip.
- If you’re congested, your fingers might feel a little tight or puffy as you work toward the finger tips.
- Do this on each finger on both hands a few times, 3-4 times a day, or whenever you notice the congestion.
Bonus: Here’s a short video where I demonstrate 3 additional reflexology tips for allergies, PMS, and stress relief, as well as some of my favorite reflexology gadgets. Want more? Check out the Reflexology Playlist I created on my YouTube Channel.
These easy DIY reflexology tips provide gentle support and can be a useful tool for your self care. And of course, always seek medical attention f0r serious health issues.
Need additional support? I work with clients all over the world, offering Distance Reiki, Tao Hands, and Virtual Hypnosis sessions. (Being able to do a session from the comfort of your own home, especially when you’re sick or not feeling well, is a major benefit of virtual sessions.)
Book a session to boost your immune system or help you get over a cold/flu faster.
Want more? Here’s more info on my recommendations for the best reflexology gadgets.
