Reflexology has a lot of benefits; one of which, includes the ability to help detox our bodies. The organ systems involved with the toxin removal from our bodies includes the lungs, skin, digestive tract, and the most important of all in removing toxins: the liver and kidneys.
A 30-minute detox routine is just what many of us need. Use this routine along with regular to intense pressure for those who are in generally good health and want to do a “cleanse” with reflexology. For those who have been recently ill or are experiencing a chronic health condition, make sure to keep track of your symptoms and also be sure that an already weakened system is not overloaded with toxins.
Warm-Up:
To warm up, start with the solar plexus reflex (both R and L simultaneously), to start parasympathetic NS, and bring the body into relaxation. Parasympathetic system turns on digestions, and dilates blood vessels, which improves circulation of blood and lymph. To keep aiding blood circulation with an all-over foot squeeze (first right, then left), stimulate vessels throughout the body.
Routine Sequence:
Lung reflexes (R,L): “Hammering” the lung reflexes at the balls of the feet is quite effective at stimulating the lungs. Do this by either using your knuckles or the outer part of your fist to make sure you attain a certain comfort level of depth/pressure. Do one minute per foot, and follow it with a lung-opener spread technique.
Liver and Gallbladder Reflexes ( R ):
Initially, start out with working the liver reflex gently, deepening pressure gradually for 3 to 5 minutes. Take special care, because this has the ability to rapidly induce a feeling of nausea in cases where toxins are overloaded, so make sure to communicate freely with your client. Try to work at a level where only very slight nausea is okay. If it gets more intense, stop and follow toxin release guidelines, beginning again in 48 hours with a lighter touch the next time around. Hook/pump the gallbladder reflex multiple times, or for up to 30 seconds.
Kidney Reflexes (R , L ):
Make sure to pay special attention to the kidneys, from 3 to 5 minutes per reflex. Begin with a light pressure, with circular movements, gradually moving to a caterpillar technique with increasing pressure. Stop session if toxin release symptoms become more than minimal. Once, “sweep” your pressure stroke down the ureter, bladder, and urethra, to the penis/vagina reflex, then return to kidney once again.
Intestine Reflexes (L, R):
Both intestines can trap toxins in their mucous lining, so be particularly careful with that considered. Use caterpillar or circular movements to cover the whole area. Work small intestines, 3-5 minutes per foot, beginning with a light pressure and gradually increasing. For the last 3 to 5 minutes, work the large intestines from right to left foot, completing from cecum, ileocecal valve, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.
To finish, end with solar plexus reflex both feet. This aids with continued relaxation and digestion. Also serve your client a tall glass of water.
