Managing Stress

Reflexology to Help Manage Stress · Adrenal Glands · Zone 26  

Function: The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that you can’t live without, such as cortisol. Cortisol helps you respond to stress and has many other important functions. With adrenal gland disorders, your glands make too much or not enough hormones.

Adrenal Reflex: Using the thumb on the inside edge of the foot (just under the knuckle of the big toe) gently press. Breathe in deeply and slowly as you press this point.

Reflexology to Help Manage Stress · Spinal Zones · Zone 9, 10, 31, 37, 39, 40  

Spinal Reflex: Using the thumb, press and circle down the side of the foot, starting from the big toe down towards the heel. Next, press and move across from the heel to the ankle and then pressing and circling from the ankle to the big toe along the side of the foot. Repeat at least three times. Working this area can help to reduce pain, tension or muscle spasms.

Neck Reflex: Using the thumb on the inside edge of the foot (just under the knuckle of the big toe) gently press. Breathe in deeply and slowly as you press this point.

Reflexology to Help Manage Stress · The Diaphragm · Zone 16  

Function: The diaphragm, located below the lungs, is the major muscle of respiration. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle that contracts rhythmically and continually, and most of the time, involuntarily. Upon inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens and the chest cavity enlarges.

Diaphragm Reflex: Using your thumb, work across the middle section of the foot 3 times. Working this point will help to release tension held throughout the whole body.

Reflexology to Help Manage Stress · Solar Plexus · Zone 14  

Function: An essential part of the body’s nervous system, the solar plexus plays a large role in keeping our organs functioning smoothly and preparing the body to respond to stress by making changes in metabolism. Also called the celiac plexus – the  solar plexus is a complex system of radiating nerves and ganglia. It’s found in the pit of the stomach in front of the aorta. It’s part of the sympathetic nervous system. It plays an important role in the functioning of the stomach, kidneys, liver, and adrenal glands.

Solar Plexus Reflex: Gently squeezing your foot by pressing on both sides of the foot, a central vertical line will appear. You’ll find the Solar Plexus reflex exactly on the crossing of this folding line and the line (where the colour changes between the ball and the arch of your foot). Simply apply thumb pressure on this point, whilst breathing out deeply. Do this 2-3 times.

Reflexology to Help Manage Stress · Pituitary Glands · Zone 2  

Function: The pituitary gland is called the ‘master gland’ as the hormones it produces control so many different processes in the body. It senses the body’s needs and sends signals to different organs and glands throughout the body to regulate their function and maintain an appropriate environment.

Pituitary Reflex: Using the thumb, press and circle the middle of the big toe for a few seconds.