Reflexology: The Secret to Boosting Your Immune System
The pandemic continues to affect our lives, plus winter’s chilly winds, snow and ice are here, keeping us inside. What’s the result? Colds, coughs, flu, COVID, and other respiratory infections often follow. A powerful immune system booster is invaluable to help you and your loved ones deal with the “bugs” that are ever more prevalent. Can Reflexology help boost your immune system? Let’s find out.
Eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise, and managing stress all help put your immune system in tip-top shape. But, because “life happens,” sticking to a regimen is often easier said than done! Reflexology provides a wonderfully pleasurable, natural way to strengthen your immune system when the cold winds blow. Another secret? Reflexology is a lifesaver any time you need a lift, are in pain, or just feel like being nurtured and taken care of!
Reflexology is an art and science where applying firm, yet gentle pressure to “reflex points” on the hands, face, ears, and feet affect all your organs, glands, and each part of your body. An easily-learned routine gives your body’s immune system a natural boost because it stimulates ket aspects of your body. You can exchange reflexology sessions with your partner plus use this routine on friends and family members. No foot is too young or old to benefit!
Try this easy 20-minute routine and see for yourself how pleasurable, relaxing, and beneficial reflexology can be:
Relax the Feet
One at a time, with simple relaxation techniques: pressing and squeezing, lightly slapping, gently kneading—whatever feels good. Finish by pressing and holding your thumb on the solar plexus point of each foot for five to ten seconds each (see chart.)
“Walk” Your Thumb
On the bottom of each foot, “walk” your thumb up from the base of the heel to each toe. Imagine your thumb is a caterpillar inching its way up your foot. Then, using the chart below, press these reflex points with the outer edge of your thumb or tip of your forefinger:
- Chest balances heart function Thymus stimulates immune activity
- Lymph Drain/Neck improves lymph circulation to neck, throat, and thyroid
- Thyroid/Tonsils strengthen immune system structures
- Pituitary or “master gland” (center of the big toe) stimulates/balances hormone secretions of all other glands, stimulates the production of lymphocytes that secrete antibodies and fight viruses
- Spleen activates immune structures to fight infection
- Liver neutralizes toxins
- Adrenals increase energy, combat inflammation
- Ileocecal Valve for mucus control and cleansing
- Intestines eliminate wastes
- Kidneys reduce fluid retention, eliminate wastes
- Lymph/Groin Area activate immune structures
Ahh…More Relaxation
Apply the relaxation techniques again and finish with another thumb press on the solar plexus point on both feet.
End with “breeze strokes”—lightly run your fingertips down the tops, bottoms, and sides of each foot in a feathery motion, barely touching the skin. Repeat this several times. It is so soothing!
Just as stress weakens your immune system, the deeply relaxed state you experience during and after a reflexology session boosts your immune system. And it’s a great time for using visualization to strengthen your sense of protection and health. Your loved one might see and feel a bright pink glow flowing through and around their body, energizing their immune system—or they can picture lymphocytes gobbling up germs and viruses.
Add Reflexology to your “medicine chest.” Because you can help yourself, your family, and friends boost their immune systems to stay protected and healthy, whatever the season!
– Laura Norman
