08/08/2025
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ORIGINS OF HAND REFLEXOLOGY
Modern reflexology is a healing art that has been practised for thousands of years in various forms throughout the globe.
Techniques involving the therapeutic care of the hands and feet were passed down from one generation to the next.
The ancient Egyptians, Indians, Chinese and Native Americans have all, at some point, acknowledged the importance and effectiveness of hand and foot massage.
In Saqgara, the ancient Egyptian physician Ankhmahors' tomb bears an illustration dating back to 2300 BC of a scene that closely resembles a modern day reflexology treatment of the hands and feet.
Ancient healing practices also highlight the effectiveness of pressure therapy involving fingers and thumbs. In fact, early writings suggested that rubbing or wringing the hands together could benefit the body as a whole.
WHY CHOOSE HAND REFLEXOLOGY OVER FOOT REFLEXOLOGY?
As of the 8th of August 2025, I have acquired a Diploma in Hand Reflexology. Most of my clients are aware that I already practice general Thai foot reflexology. However, some clients may now opt for hand reflexology because
✋🏼 they have ticklish feet;
✋🏼 they have extra sensitive feet that do not like being touched;
✋🏼 they have an injury to the feet, such as ingrown toenails or athlete’s foot;
✋🏼 work on particular reflexes that are found on the feet can be reinforced with the application of hand reflexology;
✋🏼 clients, especially the elderly and those who happen to have physical impairments, will find that self-care is easier to achieve with hand reflexology;
✋🏼 it allows for clients to become more aware of their hands, ensuring that they will protect them more;
✋🏼 reflexology uncovers the root causes of illnesses rather than simply dealing with the symptoms (e.g., if you are prone to migraines, hand reflexology won't just limit treatment to the reflex zones relating to the head and would assess the possible causes for a headache, such as sinus congestion, hormonal imbalance, anxiety, stress, and eyestrain);
✋🏼 hand reflexology treatments are gentle and natural: there are no adverse reactions associated with this treatment because it is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy without side effects;
✋🏼 regular hand reflexology treatments can help to boost the immune system and improve the body's resistance against illnesses;
✋🏼 hand reflexology offers a preventative measure against the development of future diseases; and
✋🏼 hand reflexology can be used to complement allopathic medicine: awareness among the medical profession on the benefits of hand reflexology is growing and this therapeutic treatment is now used in hospitals in various departments, such as maternity wards, orthopaedics, hospices and even in intensive care.
⛔️ It's important to note that if clients are taking prescribed medication, it should never be withdrawn without the consent of their general practitioner.
⛔️ Reflexology should never be used to diagnose conditions; neither should it replace existing treatments from a medical practitioner.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Prior to receiving a hand reflexology treatment, clients must be aware of the following contraindications:
❌ Liver disorder
❌ Recent operations
❌ Unstable blood pressure
❌ Cuts or abrasions
❌ Epilepsy
❌ Skin allergies
❌ Medical oedema
❌ Severe mental health problems
❌ Fractures or sprains
❌ Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
❌ Certain prescribed medication
❌ Diabetes (requires GP consent)
❌ Pregnant clients in their first trimester (the pituitary gland reflex should never be worked on at all stages of pregnancy too)
❌ Those experiencing heart problems should also seek advice from their GP before receiving hand reflexology treatments
The following conditions need to be treated with extra caution:
⚠️ Cuts must always covered with plasters.
⚠️ Verrucas need to be covered with a plaster and the area where the verruca is present should be avoided.
⚠️ When gangrene is present, inflamed and painful areas should be avoided.
⚠️ If contraceptive coils or prosthetics are being used, relevant pressure points need to be treated carefully.
⚠️ If a client has unstable blood pressure, hand reflexology can only be given once the condition has stabilised.
⚠️ In cases of hypertension, hand reflexology is indicated provided the client's blood pressure is monitored from the start of the initial treatment.
HOW CAN HAND REFLEXOLOGY HELP ME?
Hand reflexology may assist with the following conditions:
🤚🏾 Lapses in concentration, when poor memory is present or when you have a headache.
🤚🏾 Neuralgia, Bell's palsy, facial acne, conditions affecting the eyes, ears and the nose, mouth, gum and tooth disorders and issues with the jaw.
🤚🏾 Hormonal issues.
🤚🏾 Seasonal affective disorder.
🤚🏾 Neck conditions, vocal cord issues, tonsillitis and thyroid and parathyroid disorders.
🤚🏾 Sinusitis, hay fever, allergies, catarrh, sinus headaches and nasal polyps.
🤚🏾 Abscesses, painful toothache, sensitive, inflamed or infected gums.
🤚🏾 Weakened immune system.
🤚🏾 Earache or hearing issues, tinnitus, vertigo, eye conditions like conjunctivitis or glaucoma or when eyes are watery and sore.
🤚🏾 Backache, neck issues, arthritis, restricted mobility and disc issues.
🤚🏾 Coughs and colds, bronchitis, asthma, and panic attacks.
🤚🏾 Stress and tension.
🤚🏾 Respiratory conditions and breast disorders, like extreme tenderness resulting from PMT and mastitis.
🤚🏾 Stomach’s conditions like indigestion and ulcers, and general digestive disorders.
🤚🏾 Pain, bladder infections and fluid retention.
🤚🏾 Diarrhoea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhoids and diverticulitis.
🤚🏾 Joint and sciatica issues.
🤚🏾 Menstrual irregularities, fertility issues and prostate disorders.
🤚🏾 Fluid retention, issues with reproductive organs and toxic accumulation.
🤚🏾 Liver and gallbladder issues or when an overindulgence of food or drink has occurred, ulcers, indigestion and stomach cramps.
If you book (this does not include rescheduled appointments) with Hands for Health between 25 August 2025 - 21 September 2025, you will receive a FREE hand assessment and hand massage if you purchase a 1 hour or more Swedish or Deep Tissue massage. For an accurate hand assessment, your nails will have to be natural (e.g., no nail polish on them).
If you wish to book a hand reflexology session with me, you will need to give me at least two days notice prior to being treated as a plan will need to be formulated based on the information that you provide me with (e.g., what you intend to achieve from a hand reflexology session).
