Pressure on Reflex Points

[Tibiman]

Hi All

Im a qualified massage therapist and am also studying reflexology.

The problem I am having is that my case study clients for reflex are all commenting that my pressure on the points is not hard enough. As a massage therapist I have no problems in applying pressure, but when I use my fingers, thumbs for reflex, I dont seem to have enough power to press the points hard enough.

Given that Im a student and am still referring to notes at times, I dont know if this has anything to do with it, ie, still learning the points, as sometimes the pressure is good but a lot of times it is not.

Any ideas, suggestions would be appreciated


becks x

 

[maunank shah]

Hi Becks37,

Reflexology can be very hard on the thumbs especially, so I generally include effleurage and other techniques into the routine as I go. This allows your thumbs to be less under pressure constantly and also introduces different levels of pressure for the recipient to experience. As you will have noticed whilst doing your CS, some parts of the foot are more sensitive than others so the intensity should vary as you go.

Plenty of practise will strengthen the thumbs; check that your posture and height of chair is correct for best angle to apply pressure and look after your thumbs and fingers with warm ups and cool downs. May be do a reciprocal treatment with another massage therapist to iron out any impending RSI (I am lucky as my OH does remedial massage).

Perhaps you could explain at the start of your session that Reflexology is actually about applying pressure intuitively to specific areas on the foot to balance the body rather than simply doing a general foot massage. The level of pressure does not equate to the healing received, it merely helps the recipient and their foot to relax.

 

[Femme fatale]

HI Becks,

I hope you are enjoying your reflexology course. I can share my experience with you and hopefully it will help. When I was a student in the initial days of the course I found it very difficult to gauge the pressure. I think this comes with time and experience. The reflex points are going to feel different from person to person any way so you really do have ot adapt the pressure from client to client.

I did have issues with my thumbs to start with and I ended up with my right thumb in a splint for about 6 weeks. As I had been concerned about the correct pressure I had neglected my posture and my remained very stiff during the treatments. I was not bending my thumb at all so before long I had caused strain on it. This very very painful and as I was studying I could not rest it for long enough as the case studies started very soon after the start of the course.

So do try to do some hand exercises and warm the muscles before treatments. Simple stretches are great and make sure you bend your thumbs. The pressure will come in time when you are more familiar with the routine.

Hope this helps. x

 

[Jimmy williams]

Hi Becks
Do you know any reflexologists near you? Could you do a mini treatment on them and you will get a different opinion on your pressure and probably find it is fine. I see you are from London - I am SE London and more than happy to be a victim if convenient to you!!!!! Oh the sacrifices we make to help others!!!
Love Melanie x

 

[dashanyaos]

Hi Jung

Thanks for your response and advice, sorry to hear about your injury, back then. Just reading your response, I realise that my posture needs some awareness placed on it and also, I dont usually bend my thumbs at all as I just kind of glide along, doing the caterpiller walk...thanks for this tip and i must practice it straight away!

Thanks again

Becks

 

[cap d]

Hi Gaiaholistix

Thanks for your response.

Please read my respone above to Jung.

I will take into consideration your points and also aim to vary the pressure, as I usually aim to stick to the same pressure Im applying on all of the reflex points, and didnt think of varying it at all, and yeah, I may try this out on another therapist.

Thanks again

Becks

 

[Min]

Hi Melsy

Thanks for your reponse.

Please see my responses above.

I live in SE London too, near Camberwell and would appreciate you being a victim (as you put it). How do I get in contact with you?

Becks

 

[KellyC]

Hi Becks I have sent you a pm
love Melanie x

 

[lakersfan]

Do be careful to look after your thumbs. I've been massaging for 9 years now and although I'm really careful NOW about posture and supporting joints etc, I probably wasn't in the early years. Am paying for it now with arthritis in base of left thumb.

 

[Brandie C]

Hi Becks,

I'm in agreement with all the advice given. Do get your OH to work on your hands and give excerices to do evey day which will really help.

Love light and laughter

Jane

 

[wmrqcmko]

Hi Becks
After 23 years as a reflexologist (average 6 treatments a week) I have no problems with my thumbs and I would say my pressure is medium but with specific access which means it will feel strong if the point is out of balance. I use a light touch with trauma clients. The secret is applying pressure with a pin point spot on your thumb or finger , hand very close to the foot and usually accessing from beneath. The push comes from your body or shoulder, not the wrist or thumb joint, as in T'ai Chi using the natural energy of the body. It helps to use the side of your thumb. Armpits are open and free, again to allow chi to flow, elbows well down.
Very strong first aid pressure can be applied using Rwo Shr methods with knuckles although in Taiwan the reflexologists have callouses on their knuckles from this!

Happy Thumbing!