How to relieve back pain with reflexology

8 out of 10 adults will experience back pain at some point.

Most back pain is non-specific and can be traced to a specific location, such as an injury. 

This type of back pain often occurs spontaneously. 

However, there are reflexology techniques that can be used to relieve intermittent or chronic back pain in the long and short term.

Using foot reflexology points

Treat the correct area. 

You can treat lower back pain by applying pressure to reflex points on the soles of your feet, the entire heel area and around your ankles, and the inside of the bottoms of your feet. 

You can treat the upper back by pressing on the shoulder and upper back reflex points that are on the soles of the feet and the backs of the feet just below the tips of the toes.

Massage the lower leg. 

A simple massage and rotation of the ankle can help prepare the foot for reflexology treatment.

Use gentle but firm pressure and massage your calves, ankles, feet and toes. 

Massage the edge of the lower arch of your foot for 5-10 minutes. This area corresponds to the lumbar region and will help relieve general back pain.

Focus your attention on the cervical spine. 

Spinal reflex points follow pathways along the edges of your feet, not your feet. 

Rest your right foot on top of your left foot and use your right big toe to press all the spinal reflex points that run along the inside of the edge of your foot, from the tip of the big toe to the ankle.

Starting at the tip of the toes, press the big toe firmly into the skin and move it slowly along the sole of the foot to make sure all your reflex points are pressed.

Massage your sciatic nerve 

The reflex point for the sciatic nerve is immediately behind the ankle bone and continues upwards in a straight line 10 cm long. 

Sciatica causes a burning pain in the leg because the nerves are compressed, which can be caused by a variety of factors. 

Pressing the sciatic nerve reflex point daily for a few minutes is a great way to prevent painful cases of sciatica.

Use your index finger and thumb to press the area. 

Move your finger and thumb back and forth, in and out.

Treat your upper back by providing reflexology on points that connect the upper back and both shoulders. 

These points are at the base of your toes, above and below the soles of your feet.

Apply pressure with your thumbs to the area just below your toes, first on the soles of your feet and then on the tops of your feet.

When massaging the soles of your feet, you can also press your knuckles deeply into the reflex points.

Use a lighter touch on the same reflex point on the top of the foot as this area is more bony and sensitive.

Use the reflective points on the hand

Use hand reflexology to be practical. 

Sometimes you just don’t have time to take off your shoes and do a full foot reflexology. 

Instead, you can use hand reflexology. 

This is especially helpful if your foot is injured or infected with something.

Touch the reflex points for your spine . 

Do this using your thumb on the outer edge of your palm.

 Massage first with the right hand and then switch to the left.

Press the reflex points that correspond to the shoulders and upper back . 

You can do this by pressing the area just below the little and ring fingers on your hand.

In the palm of your hand, the shoulder and upper back area is just below your index and middle fingers. 

There is also an upper back reflex point in the palm of your hand just below the base of your thumb, outside the outside of your hand.

Always massage the reflex points on your hands. 

The reflex point on your left shoulder is at the base of your left little finger, and the reflex point on your right shoulder is at the base of your right little finger.

Advices

Remember that not all reflex points for your back are on the soles of your feet. 

Most of the reflex points can also be found on the top of your foot and even on the bottom of each foot.

You can also work on the reflex areas of the brain (toes and hands) to help release endorphins, natural “feel good” chemicals that will help prevent pain.

Make sure your lower back is supported when sitting in a chair. 

If necessary, use a pillow or rolled-up towel to support your lower back.

Even if you don’t have chronic back pain, try to practice reflexology for a few minutes every day. 

The more often you do it, the more benefits you will feel. Think of it as a preventative measure.

Consider hiring a professional reflexologist if you have frequent back pain. You can still do reflexology on your own between regular visits. 

If you are being treated by a professional, pay attention not only to the area the reflexologist is massaging, but also to the amount of pressure applied. 

This will help you apply reflexology to yourself.

Support your head with a towel so that your back is straight.

Create a comfortable environment for yourself while doing reflexology. 

Calm music, dim lighting and relaxing aromatherapy can enhance reflexology.

Sleep on a firm mattress, preferably under the age of 10.

Everyone is different, so the time it takes to feel an improvement depends on various factors, such as your health, age, diet and even stress levels. 

A single reflexology session may be enough to relieve back pain, but it is not uncommon for patients to require several sessions.

Caution

Poor posture and lack of exercise can undo all of your back pain relief efforts. 

Weak abdominal muscles fail to support the back properly, so consider strengthening them. 

Take a short walk every day and use the stairs instead of the elevator.

Consult a doctor if you have a serious back injury.

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