Reflexology　and　Hypertension--Nancy‘sblog

Reflexology and Hypertension

[ 2007-12-18 15:59:00 | By: Nancy ]

Hypertension is a condition where an individual has high blood pressure. When the heart pumps, blood is pushed through the blood vessels. The blood that is pushed by the heart causes the blood vessels to stretch and relax as the heart pumps and relaxes. When the heart pumps, the pressure in the blood vessels is highest and this is referred to as systolic blood pressure. A systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg to 139 mmHg (millimeters of mercury on the measurement machine) is called prehypertension. A greater than 139 mmHg is seen in hypertension. When the heart is in a relaxed mode, the heart is filling with blood from the body and lungs. During this relaxed mode, the blood pressure in the vessels is lower at around 80 mmHg or less and this is referred to as the diastolic blood pressure. A diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg to 89 mmHg is in the prehypertension range. A greater than 89 mmHg is seen in hypertension.

High blood pressure is a kind of common chronic disease. It is also called "primary high blood pressure". In Chinese medicine, high blood pressure is caused by disorders of the of liver and kidney. Foot therapy can keep the balance of Ying and Yang of the two organs, thus working properly for the disease.

Reflexology Session for Hypertension

1. Start with a Reflexology Warm-Up. This helps you relax, tones the energy of the whole body, and prepares your feet to be worked on.

2. Start directly on the heart and chest area. This area stretches from the diaphragm line to the base of the toes on both feet. Using a technique called the thumb walk, work on this area thoroughly.

3. Now work on the heart reflex on your left foot. This area helps strengthen and regulate the heart.

4. Work over the diaphragm line running just below the ball of the foot using thumb walk. This will help deepen and open your breathing and bring more oxygen and ch'i or prana to each cell.

5. Work on the reflex areas for your chest. This area is located on top of both feet, in the troughs between the toes. Starting in zone 1 (at the base of the big toe), work up toward your leg, about 2 inches up from the webbing. Continue working each zone, ending in zone 5 near the outside edge of your foot. Press with your index finger, using the finger walk.