Instruments used in Reflexology

In Acupressure therapy, pressure-points on the entire body are used for diagnosing and treating a disease. Reflexology is very much a branch of Acupressure therapy. The only difference is that in Reflexology the pressure-points on the palms and soles are used for diagnosis and treatment. Reflexology is also known as ‘Zone therapy’.

1. Benefits of using
specific instruments in Reflexology

Instead of applying pressure to the pressure-points on the hands and feet with the fingers, pressing them with specific wooden instruments is beneficial to a greater extent; however, these instruments should not be used on any part of the body other than the palms and soles. The skin on the body is not as thick and special as that on the palms and soles and hence, these instruments can cause injuries.

2. Usage of wooden
instruments rather than plastic ones

Today, many instruments are available in the market to use for Acupressure therapy. Plastic instruments are easily available;however, wood being nature’s creation, using wooden instruments is appropriate.

3. Important wooden instruments

After using a whole lot of instruments, Mr. Vinayak Chandrakant Mahajan(Senior Acupressure Consultant, Goa) realized that the treatment is most effective through the four instruments mentioned ahead. Of these,‘Jimmy’ and ‘Roller’ are available in the market. The ‘Magic square’is made to order by carpenters – 1, 2 or 3 rollers in a square frame. Mr. Mahajan has himself devised a ‘Magic strip’. Besides treatment, all these instruments can be used for diagnosis as well.

A. Jimmy

As shown in the figure, this instrument is in the shape of a writing pen. It has two sections – one with circular rings and the other with pyramid-shaped spikes. Those who cannot sustain the pressure of the spiked portion should be treated with the ring section. If an individual point has to be pressed, use the small or the big end of the Jimmy. To treat the fingers and toes, use the spiked section of the Jimmy.

B. Magic strip

This strip is an alternative to the Jimmy. It can be manufactured from a wooden flat-bar. As shown in the figure, the magic strip is pointed in front, rounded at the back and has pyramid-shaped spikes. This strip can also be used like a Jimmy.Its spikes can be used for applying pressure better than a Jimmy,and this helps obtain good results in a short duration.

C. Roller

As shown in the figure below, a roller is spiked, 6 to 8 inches long, has a diameter of about 1 inch. This is helpful in pressing many pressure-points at the same time. It is easy to use the roller on the palms and soles.

D. Magic square

This instrument is shown in the figure below. The rollers fitted in the square should be fixed and not rotating. Magic squares with 1, 2 and 3 rollers are helpful for children,middle aged and aged individuals respectively.One has to merely stand on these squares and apply pressure forcefully.This square has simplified Acupressure to a great extent. As per Mr. Mahajan’s experience, benefits obtained by walking(in one place) on this square for 10 minutes are the same as walking 10 kilometers.

4. Method of using the instruments

The above mentioned instruments have to be used on different locations on the palms and soles as given ahead.

A. Fingers

As shown in figure, hold the spiked section of the instrument (Jimmy, Magic strip or Roller) between the thumb of one hand and finger of the other hand, and apply pressure on each other. Use the same technique for the toes.

C. Specific points on the palms

Using the tip of the Jimmy or the Magic strip, apply pressure to the points on the palm repeatedly or hold the Jimmy or the Magic strip pressed and move it back and forth.

D. Specific portion of the sole

Apply pressure using the Jimmy or Roller in the same way as the fingers. To apply pressure to the specific part of the sole, keep the sole of one foot on the Roller as shown in figure below, and whenever possible, apply pressure to that foot with the other foot.

E. Entire palm/sole

To apply pressure on the entire palm,hold the Roller in the palm and press. To apply pressure on the entire sole, place the palm on the roller and move the Roller back and forth with the foot.

5. Instruments that can be used as
substitutes if wooden instruments are not available

If wooden instruments are not available, Acupressure can be affected by using objects such as fingers, pen, comb, ruler, a roller with ridges used for making papaḍs. Pressure can also be exerted by inserting objects such as grills of windows, horizontal strips of the table or chair, edges of steps in the web between the fingers or toes. Walking bare feet on stones in rivers or normal stones or a rough floor also automatically effect Acupressure.

Reference : Sanatan’s Holy Text – “Reflexology (Acupressure points on the hands and feet)”