Soothe Your Allergies this Spring by Massaging these 6 Points

Come spring, my seasonal allergies flare up and each year I look for a natural alternative to allergy pills. While I've tried my hand at a couple of natural remedies, one method has truly worked wonders on me: Chinese Reflexology. By applying the following six pressure points to the soles of my feet, I have found Chinese reflexology to harmonize and strengthen my body's flow of energy, Qi, as it is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Consequently, it brought on relief from my symptoms.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, allergies are believed to arise as a result of weak Qi, which typically occurs in the following areas:

Weak Lung Qi: Considered to be the first defense against invasion from outside sources, such as dust and pollen, when the lung channel is weak and allergens can enter the body.

Weak Spleen Qi: When the spleen channel is weak, this body organ is unable to carry out one of its most basic functions, transforming fluid in the body (clearing out mucous).

Weak Kidney Qi: Kidney Qi is often considered to deplete by long-term use of medications, including allergy pills, antihistamines and cortisone shots.

One ideal way to strengthen your Qi throughout your body is with Chinese Reflexology.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational and educational purposes, and should not be used as a substitute for professional, medical advice. Reflexology should be practiced with care if you are pregnant, have an acute heart condition or do not practice reflexology.

1. The Lungs: Massage for 60 seconds

Position: Rather than a point, the lungs within reflexology can be depicted as a large area, based on the soles of your feet. It is located on the ball of your foot, just under the three middle toes.

Here's How: Press the area deeply with your thumbs, until the skin becomes tender to touch. Then, press more deeply, massaging the area in a circular method. Be sure to move slowly across the lung point. Massage the area for a total of 60 seconds on each foot.  

2. The Sinuses: Massage for 60 seconds

Position: The main location point for sinuses (there are actually five) is located at the tip of your big toe, on the pad of the toe. Massaging this point can sooth a stuffy nose and clear congestion.

Here's How: To massage this point, hold your toe with your forefinger and rub the area with your thumb, working the sinus point thoroughly. Massage the area for 60 seconds on each foot.

3. The Nose: Massage for 30 seconds

Position: The nose reflexology point is located right on the edge of the big toe, beside your toenail, and just above the toe knuckle. The left toe corresponds to your right nostril, while the right toe corresponds to the left nostril.

Here's How: To massage this point apply pressure to your left toe with your right hand, and to your right toe with your left hand. Support the toe with your index finger and rub from side to side with your thumb. Do so for 30 seconds on each foot.

4. The Throat: Massage for 20 to 30 seconds

Position: The throat reflexology point is very easy to find, located at the tip of the webbing between your big toe and second toe.

Here's How: Massage this point using the knuckle of your index finger, pressing into this point with a digging and twisting motion. As you maintain this position, press and rotate at your wrist, as though you are twisting a door knob back and forth. Finding the right amount of pressure is essential, as pressing too hard may cause bruising and negatively affect your Qi in the throat area. Twist in both directions for about 20 to 30 seconds and repeat on the other foot.

5. The Eyes: Massage for 30 to 60 seconds

Position: Located on the undersides of your second and third toes, the energy meridians for the eye point cross over at the neck. Thus your left eye point can be found on your right foot and your right eye point is located on your left foot.

Here's How: Use your thumbs to press and massage this area in an up and down motion, from anywhere between 30 to 60 seconds on both feet.

6. The Lymph Drainage System: Massage for 30 strokes

Position: The lymphatic system plays an important role in the proper functioning of the immune system. It filters out organisms that cause disease, it produces white blood cells and generates disease-fighting antibodies. This reflexology point is located in the webbing, between the bones of your big toe and second toe.

Here's How: Massage this point using the knuckle of your index finger, pressing and stroking downwards from the base of your toes, towards the bottom of the V that forms where the bones meet. Once you reach the bottom of the V, release your knuckle, placing it back at the base of your toes, stroking downwards once again. Repeat for a total of 30 strokes, being careful not to apply too much pressure.

Source: Chinesefootreflexology.com