2013 Holly Tse, www.chinesefootreflexology.com
Hello, I m Holly!
What We ll Cover Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Reflexology 101 How to Use a Reflexology Stick Excretory System: Overview and Points Command Centers: Heart, Mind, Solar Plexus What s Next
Before We Begin The information in this workshop is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for proper medical advice or treatment. Use common sense. These are your eyes. If you have issues, go see your eye doctor.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND CHINESE REFLEXOLOGY 101
Yin and Yang Yin and Yang are cornerstone of TCM theory and diagnosis Way to explain universe Yin: female, cold, dark, earth, substance Yang: male, warm/hot, light, heaven, function
Relationship of Yin and Yang When one ends, the other begins In a state of dynamic balance Nothing is exclusively Yin or Yang Can not exist without the other Relative relationship
Vital Substances Qi Blood Jing (Essence) Body Fluids Shen (Mind/Spirit)
Energy Meridians Body is comprised of energy pathways Energy flows smoothly = wellness Energy disruption can lead to physical symptoms
TCM Meridian System 12 primary meridians: 1. Lung 2. Large Intestine 3. Stomach 4. Spleen 5. Heart 6. Small Intestine 7. Bladder 8. Kidney 9. Pericardium 10. San Jiao (Triple Burner) 11. Gall Bladder 12. Liver
Chinese Reflexology 101 Master Control points for harmonizing energy flow Reflexology points map to areas of the body Sensitive points = energy imbalances Massage to balance energy
Chinese Reflexology Stick At the heart of this style is a reflexology stick Stronger targeted stimulation. It hurts, but it works! Teach gentle method for workshops
Congratulations! You re learning the REAL Chinese Reflexology! Woohoo!
Before Beginning Chinese Reflexology Reflexology is very safe; complementary with other treatments Do one hour before or after eating Drink lots of water No alcohol; eat lighter and healthier Always start with excretory system
Before Beginning Chinese Reflexology Don t practice while pregnant, especially first trimester During period, go light on reproductive points; avoid if heavy bleeding CAUTION for acute heart condition, diabetes or compromised immune system
Before Beginning Chinese Reflexology If you re not sure, ask your doctor whether it is safe for you to practice reflexology
Possible Side Effects Sore points in feet Temporary protruding veins Symptoms of detoxing Minor short-term pain in corresponding area Swelling if blocked lymphatic system Bruising if too much massage and diabetic Skin irritation if too much massage
HOW TO USE A REFLEXOLOGY STICK
Picket Sign Grip Hold a picket sign in air Grab a stick Hold a shovel Extend thumb to rest on stick Watch video
Pen Click Grip Like holding a pen in your hand and clicking the top Try at home
Technique Checklist Check: 1. Hand holding the stick 2. Position of stick 3. Opposite hand
1. Hand holding the stick q Thumb supports stick q Grip is firm, but relaxed q Arm and shoulders are loose q Lean in with body
2. Position of stick q ALWAYS at 45 angle to surface you are massaging (unless otherwise specified)
3. Opposite hand q Fingers wrap around foot or toes to provide support
Technique Checklist Pop Quiz 1. Hand holding the stick: What supports the stick? Firm or relaxed grip? Force comes from hand, thumb or body? 2. Position of stick is at what angle? 3. Fingers on opposite hand have what role?
Applying Lubricant Reduces friction that can cause skin irritation Lets you feel small crystals under skin Use Vaseline or equivalent Place quarter-sized amount onto paper towel (about 1 diameter) Dab stick into blob and apply a very thin layer to sole of foot(under ball and above heel)
Applying Lubricant When applying more, dip into blob on paper towel as opposed to Vaseline container (no double-dipping)
When Done Use paper towels to wipe off excess Vaseline from foot to prevent sliding on floors or leaving residue Can put on socks
Caring for Your Stick Clean stick with cotton ball or paper towel square soaked in rubbing alcohol Over time, patina will form; can use fine sandpaper to remove Easy to misplace, store somewhere where you won t lose it
EXCRETORY SYSTEM
Excretory System Kidneys, Bladder, Ureter Tubes and Urethra Eliminate waste from body through urine Important for Chinese Reflexology to build up excretory system to efficiently eliminate toxins Always massage first
KIDNEY POINT
Kidneys Anatomy Bean-shaped organs Located on either side of spine, below rib cage
Kidneys Functions Filter toxins from blood Produce urine to excrete waste and toxins Regulate retention of minerals and water Help control blood pressure Produce EPO to stimulate production of red blood cells
Kidneys TCM Functions Root of life and mother of all Qi Stores essence or Jing Governs birth, growth and reproduction Regulates water metabolism Associated with ears and hearing; controls bones, teeth, hair and nervous system Related emotion is fear
What Weakens the Kidneys? Kidney Qi is depleted by overwork, stress, pushing yourself too hard Excessive exercise, over-training For men excessive sexual activity Poor nutrition, lack of quality rest Chronic illness Old age
Kidneys Associated Disorders Toxin accumulation Softening of bones, weak knees, soreness in lower back Premature aging, memory loss, hearing loss Infertility, impotence, sexual dysfunction Fatigue, depression Poor growth and development in children
What Supports the Kidneys? Live a balanced life Nurture yourself Get rest, sleep, good food and moderate exercise Massage Chinese Reflexology point for the Kidney to strengthen Kidney Qi and Jing, help clear toxins, support healing for diseases that involve kidneys
Kidney Point Location Soles of both feet Imagine horizontal line dividing foot in half horizontally From tip of big toe to base of heel Imagine vertical line dividing foot in half vertically
Kidney Point Location Left foot: Kidney point in top left quadrant Right foot: Kidney point in top right quadrant Imagine another horizontal line following bottom of ball of foot Kidney point is below this line (red) and above halfway line
Kidney Point Location About as wide as your thumb Place thumb on vertical line, with two thirds of the thumb in top left quadrant and one third in top right quadrant of left sole
Kidney Point Video Massage technique
Kidney Point Let s Try It Locate on sole of left foot
Kidney Point Let s Try It Picket fence grip Opposite fingers wrap around to support foot Stick at 45 degree angle Opposite thumb placed for leverage Massage up and down
Kidney Point Let s Try It Then your right foot Top right quadrant for right foot
BLADDER POINT
Bladder Anatomy Sack-like organ in lower abdominal area
Bladder Functions Collects and stores urine until you pee
Bladder TCM Functions Similar to Western perspective In order to function, needs Qi and heat provided by Kidneys Other organs support bladder: Small Intestine, San Jiao, Liver, Lungs and Heart Bladder imbalance can affect emotions: jealousy, suspicion and holding of grudges
What Affects the Bladder? Deficiency in Kidneys, weak Kidney Qi Energy disharmonies in other supporting organs Fear (e.g. children and bedwetting) Exposure to excessive cold and damp weather Heavy toxic load in body Ignoring urge to pee and holding it
Bladder Associated Disorders Frequent urination and/or excessive amount of pale urine Burning feeling when urinating Difficulty urinating Incontinence
What Supports the Bladder? Same things that support the Kidneys: balance, nourishment, rest, nurturing yourself Reducing exposure to toxins (e.g. chemicals in food and personal care products) Avoid excessive exposure to cold, damp conditions PEE as soon as you feel the need to go!!! Massage Bladder reflexology point
Bladder Point Location Thumb-width circle on inner edge just above heel Center of bladder is intersection of line where skin and sole meet AND line formed by curve of heel Half on sole and half on side
Bladder Point Location: Side View Diagram of inside edge of left foot
Bladder Point Video Massage technique
Bladder Point Let s Try It Locate line where sole and skin meet Follow line until you reach curve of heel Place thumb on intersection for approximate diameter
Bladder Point Let s Try It Use pen clicker grip Opposite fingers wrap around to support foot Stick at 45 degree angle Opposite thumb placed for leverage Massage up and down
Bladder Point Let s Try It Then your right foot