Reflexology and Meridian Therapies Explained

Reflexology and meridian therapy are a part of alternative healing methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both therapies are closely related because reflexology and meridian therapy activate the meridian of the body. Meridians are channels wherein the life force or qi flows. These channels are directly linked to major organs. The body remains healthy as long as the qi flows uninterrupted within the body meridians. Any blockage in the meridian translates to pain or body dysfunction.

How Reflexology Therapy Works

In reflexology, a practitioner will stimulate the meridians on the feet and hands to remove any blockage in the meridian with his or her hands. Once the blockage is removed, the qi moves freely, bringing harmony and functions back in the body.

The 12 Main Meridians in Reflexology

There are 12 main meridians in the body in reflexology. All these channels, which run through the hands and feet, are interconnected with each other and are named to relate to a certain organ. Because the meridians are connected to specific organs, stimulating the points will activate the corresponding organ.

The six meridians in the feet are: Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Gallbladder, Bladder, Kidneys. On the other hand, the meridians in the hands are: Lungs, Large Intestines, Pericardium, Triple Heater, Small Intestines, and Heart.

How Meridian Therapy Works

Meridian therapy – better known as acupuncture – is a form of alternative healing that utilizes thin needles to remove blockages in the body meridians. The difference between reflexology and acupuncture is that the latter treats the over 500 points along the main meridians. Meridian therapy is utilized to understand the path of the disease rather than simply removing the blockages in the meridians with manual manipulation using the hands.

This healing method makes an excellent diagnostic tool. For instance, if a certain condition does not improve because the organ becomes impaired, the meridian that transverses into that organ is observed. From there, a practitioner will treat the reflex area of the organ related to the meridian. This is why reflexology and acupuncture are typically applied in conjunction with each other to treat serious diseases.

In reflexology, the meridians are automatically activated by massaging certain points on the hands and feet. However, the treatment does not address the many points of one meridian all over the body. Think of acupuncture as a refined treatment for sickness and reflexology as a general remedy.

Benefits of Reflexology and Meridian Therapies

Research and clinical tests conducted by scientists are limited in terms of the efficacy of reflexology and meridian therapy. However, multiple studies show that these remedies help alleviate stress, improve overall well-being, and reduce pain.

On the other hand, practitioners of these healing methods believe that reflexology and acupuncture heals a broad range of illnesses including cravings, addiction, dyslexia, phobias, depression, chronic and acute pain, anger, and grief.

Reflexology and meridian therapy may help stimulate nerve function, increase circulation, improve sleep and prevent sleep disorders. These healing treatments also prevent migraines, treat urinary tract ailments, and speed up recovery. Some studies show that acupuncture and reflexology could also treat some forms of cancer.

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