3 Reflexology Rituals We Use for Stress Relief

Stress has a funny way of creeping into everyday life. Sometimes you know you're stressed, but other times you only realise once your shoulders are up around your ears, your breathing has become shallow, or you finally get into bed, and your mind decides it's the perfect time to think about everything rather than actually switching off. When it comes to stress relief, creating yourself some rituals can be a really useful way to help alleviate some of the stress. Here are three of my favourite reflexology rituals I use and share with my clients too.

The solar plexus reflex for moments of stress

First off, the solar plexus. This is one of my favourite reflexes to work with when someone is feeling emotional, worried or overwhelmed. It's an area I often incorporate into treatments when someone needs to slow everything down and reconnect with their breathing. But it's also an area you can work on for yourself. The solar plexus sits in the centre of your palm, just below the mound of the middle and index fingers along the upper-middle area (where the diaphragm line crosses). You can use gentle, circular movements with your thumb to work the point while taking slow, deep breaths. Try not to rush it. Let your breathing become slower as your hand movement does too. It's a lovely little ritual to keep in your back pocket for those moments when you can feel stress building.

Make a foot soak part of your evening

If you've been around ABWR for a while, or visited the clinic, you'll have probably heard me speaking about how much I love a good foot soak. There's something wonderfully relaxing about coming home, putting your feet into warm water and taking ten or fifteen minutes where you're not expected to do anything else apart from sit there.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the feet are an important area of the body and warming them is often incorporated into traditional wellbeing rituals. A warm foot soak can also form part of a relaxing bedtime routine, helping you create that transition between the busyness of the day and getting ready for sleep.

This simple ritual is one that, yes, will help provide relief from stress and the emotions that come with stress. But also, nothing is saying you have to be stressed to do it either. Sometimes it's just nice to put your phone down, soak your feet and take some time to yourself.

Use your hands when stress catches you off guard

One of the benefits of hand reflexology is that you haven't got to be in the treatment room. If you suddenly feel anxious before a meeting, overwhelmed while you're out shopping or tense during a flight, you can take a few moments to work on two points on the hands. In addition to the solar plexus I shared with you above, the lung and diaphragm reflexes are both points you can work on yourself. The lung reflex point is found covering the upper third of the palm, sitting just beneath the base of the fingers down to the upper palm area. The diaphragm point runs in a horizontal line roughly one-third of the way down the palm, sitting just under the ball of the hand/lung area and often following the upper horizontal palm crease. Using gentle pressure and slow movements across these areas while concentrating on your breathing gives you something physical to focus on, rather than getting carried away by the anxious thoughts that might be going through your mind at the time.

And if you're at home, you can make the ritual feel even more special by lighting some incense, putting your diffuser on or using a hand cream with a calming essential oil in your hands while you work.

Creating your own stress-relief ritual

It's worth noting that the best reflexology rituals are the ones you'll actually use. So rather than commit to doing all the things, why not create a routine that works for you and that you know you'll do if stress comes up. You could try the rituals I've shared here with you and perhaps a few others to see what you enjoy and get the most benefit from. Once you've got a few things that work, that's your routine. And if you're looking for a little more support, reflexology treatments at AB Wellness & Reflexology in Chapelton offer dedicated time to slow down, switch off and give your body some attention. It would be my pleasure to show how reflexology can complement your routine. Discover the available reflexology appointments we have here.

Please note: reflexology is a complementary therapy and isn't intended to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions. If you're experiencing ongoing anxiety, stress or other concerning symptoms, it's important to seek appropriate support from a healthcare professional.