Reflexology Points for Itching
Reflexology is an ancient art that may help you relax and reduce stress. Practitioners use gentle pressure from their thumbs and fingers to stimulate specific reflex points on the soles of your feet thought to correspond with each of your organs. Reflexologists believe poorly functioning internal organs can manifest with physical symptoms, including itching. Reflexology isn't used to diagnose or cure disease, but is often used as a complementary treatment for many disorders, including conditions that cause itching, such as eczema. Consult your physician before undergoing reflexology massage, especially if you are pregnant or have a serious medical condition such as diabetes or poor circulation.
A reflexologist works on a patient's foot. (Image: George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images)Initial Exam
Before starting any reflexology procedure, a skilled reflexologist first examines each foot thoroughly. The reflexologist looks for any abnormalities in your skin, as well as any areas of swelling, poor circulation and infection. Precautions are taken for contagious skin diseases such as an athlete's foot infection, which can spread to other areas of your foot and to the reflexologist's hands. Reflexology points for organs located on the right side of your body correspond to reflexology points found on your right foot, and corresponding points for organs on your left side are located on your left foot. Skin conditions causing itching, such as eczema and psoriasis, are typically treated by stimulating the adrenal gland reflexology points on each foot.
The Adrenal Refelxology Points
Itching of your skin, also called pruritis, is caused by an inflammatory reaction. It can affect a small patch of skin or large areas of your body. Complex conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, celiac disease and lupus, can cause itchy skin. Reflexology treatments for itching center on stimulating the pressure points for your adrenal glands, located on the inner part of each foot, mid-sole, under the balls of your big toes, because the adrenal glands produce cortisone, which calms the inflammatory process and alleviates itching.
Other Reflexology Points
In reflexology, the body is viewed and treated as a whole. Along with stimulating the adrenal gland points on each foot to relieve itching, other reflexology points can also be worked on. Laura Norman, author of "Feet First: A Guide to Reflexology," says your reflexologist may work on the points for your thyroid gland, located just above the ball of your big toe joints, to improve overall skin health, and the points for your kidneys, found diagonally below the points for your adrenal glands, to aid in elimination of toxins. If your itching is caused by dry skin, stimulating the points for your adrenal glands and kidneys may also help your body maintain the proper water balance.
Precautions
Reflexology is basically a safe procedure, but there are times when you shouldn't have your feet worked on. Avoid reflexology treatments if you have a fracture of your foot, open sores or wounds, blood clots in your legs or are suffering from gout. Get your doctor's advice before undergoing reflexology treatments if you have poor circulation or any type of arthritis. If you are pregnant and your obstetrician gives you permission to have treatments, ask the reflexologist to avoid points associated with the ovaries and uterus.
