HAND REFLEXOLOGY MAPS:
Hand, Foot & Ear Reflexology Map Tips!
Key elements in a reflexology hand map,
including: reflex zones, meridians & dermatomes!
The general purpose of 'reflex zone therapy' (a.k.a. reflexology) is to 'balance' the nervous system. Reflexologists usually use an approach where the body is divided into ten equal vertical zones: five zones on the right side of the body + five zones on the left side of the body (e.g. the first zone corresponds with the thumb in the hand and the big toe in the foot). This vertical approach goes parallel to Chinese philosophy of the meridians & the medical so-called 'dermatomes' (= areas of skin that are mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve); However, there is no direct connection between the 10 vertical reflex zones and 12 meridians, nor do these concepts directly relate to the physical nerve system. This implicates that in general hand reflexology & foot reflexology can be recognized to represent massage techniques that are quite similar to the reflex points & techniques used in acupressure (and the philosophy behind acupuncture).
The word reflexology is derived from the so-called 'reflex arc', which refers to a neural pathway that controls an action reflex. Formally, there are two types of reflex arc: 'autonomic reflex arc' (affecting inner organs) and 'somatic reflex arc' (affecting muscles); reflexology can be associated with the first type. This implicates that (hand) reflexology should not be associated with casual uses of the terms: 'reflex', 'hand reflex' and 'primitive reflexes'.
Unfortunately, there is no consensus among hand reflexologists about how reflexology exactly is supposed to work. For example: in many hand reflexology maps the heart is located at the radial side of the hand card (sometimes it gets associated with the 2nd phalange of the thumb) - which sort of represents the opposite of the principle described by the meridian philosophy.
Some reflexologists even claim that the zones in reflexology charts represent only approximates and may vary from person to person. Hand reflexology experts generally work with maps that propose sort of a likewise model for various internal organs & body parts. However, most individual reflexology hand maps do show some significant differences compared to other maps.
Many reflexology hand maps are available on the internet; maps are being presented in various formats, and many printable reflexology hand maps are available. However, for people who are not familiar with the basics of hand reflexology might get confused by the fact that many hand charts display unique characteristics - which often reflect the personal view of the hand chart designer. Authors dispute the representative locations in the hand that may get associated with the eyes and the heart, so these aspects belong to the key-elements of disagreement in hand reflexology.
In general, in most maps the eyes get associated with one or more sections of the index finger and/or middle finger. In some Western hands reflexology maps the eyes are associated with the 2nd phalange of the index finger (see map 1) or the middle finger (see map 2). But in the Korean 'Koryo hand therapy' maps the eyes are placed on the tip of the middle finger (see map 3). The fundamentals of hand reflexology are described & discussed inside the section hand reflexology.
NOTICE: likewise principles (+ disputes) are found for the feet in foot reflexology, and for the ears in ear reflexology!
- Reflexology hand chart 1: -
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- Reflexology hand chart 2: -
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- Reflexology hand chart 3: - |
- Reflexology hand chart 4: -
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Acupressure Points in a Hand/Foot Reflexology Map:
what are the Major Differences between Hand Reflexology Maps?
How come that various maps present different locations for body parts? It is quite hard to answer this question, because usually it is a bit of a mystery how the experts have developed their reflexology models. A hand reflexologist usually claim that hand reflexology represent a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the hands, with the premise that hand reflexology effects a physical change to the body.
Hand/foot reflexology map: discover the best acupressure points in the various hand maps. The high resolution examples below represent various reflexology hand cards.
Reflexology hand map 1 - Western map:
A striking characteristic of this Western hand map concerns the assocation for the fingertips with the upper part of the head! (Upper head part includes: brains, sinus, ears & eyes)
NOTICE: the eyes are located more radial than the ears, which makes sense in the following perspective: radial side = inner world, ulnar side = outer world).
Source: Dominic Blackmore
Reflexology hand map 2 - Aculife map (Aculife Book):
A stricking characteristic of this Aculife map concerns the complexity, especially involving the heart:
The heart gets associated with 5 zones of the hand, on the inner palm side:
twice in the quadrangel (1) between heart- and head line + (2) below index finger,
(3) thenar zone (mount of venus), (4) distal phalange of the pinky finger; and on the dorsal side:
(5) radial side of distal phalange in pinky finger is associated with the heart meridian.
Source: AcuLife Book
Reflexology hand map 3 - Indian map (= acupressure therapy):
A stricking characteristic of this India map concerns the association for the heart with
the left palmar zone below the pinky finger, where the heart meridian & the heart line cross each other;
just like in the CMax Acupalm map & the Breo iPalm520 map, both are displayed in the tips-section below!
(NOTICE: Just like in the first map the eyes are located more radial than the ears,
with the difference that here the eyes are associated with the palmar zone below the index- and middle finger,
and the ears with the palmar zone below the ring- and pinky finger - which again makes sense
in the following perspective: radial side = inner world, ulnar side = outer world)
Source: Divya acupressure therapy
Reflexology hand map 4 - Korean map (= Koryo hand therapy):
A striking characteristic of the Korean hand map concerns the fact that the spine is located in
the dorsal central axis of the hand (in the other 3 maps the spine is located at the radial side of the thumb).
Source: Korean Hand Therapy
TIPS: More tips & guidelines for hand reflexology maps!
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A fascinating application of reflexology is found in some massage technologies such as the C|Max AcuPalm and the iPalm520 Hand Massager (see video on the right): both products are featured with a unique hand reflexology map - see the maps above! Did you know that the terms hand reflex therapy, hand acupressure, hand massage, shiatsu for the hands & palm therapy represent synonym-like terms for hand reflexology? Various options are available if you are interested to participate in hand reflexology home study courses or classes. |
TIP: Combining hand reflexology points acupressure with aromatherapy (or some other additional relaxation massage therapy) will likely add additional value to the well-being & pleasure or your client!
- MORE MAPS FOR THE HANDS -
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EXPLORE MORE MAPS FOR THE FEET AND EARS -
HANDS REFLEXOLOGY MAPS
- Reflexology used to be known as reflex zone therapy -
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Reflexology hand map by a reflexologist: Learn how reflexologists combine reflex points in hand reflexology maps with aromatherapy, acupressure & acupuncture. Reflexology map hands glove. |
Reflexology hand maps & benefits: Find a hand reflexology map for free: reflexology of the hand. An acupressure chart & acupuncture points. Reflexology map for the feet & ear reflexology chart. |