Acupressure & Reflexology for Dummies

Many people are searching for other ways to attain better health other than what our mainstream health care system has to offer. They are going beyond the norm and choosing a more holistic or organic approach to healing. The holistic approach is a more comprehensive way of allowing our bodies to get back into balance and lead a more balanced lifestyle. How does our body get out of balance and what healing modalities can help us get rebalanced?

If we are ill or have pain, it’s because our body’s energy system, our qi (chee) is out of balance. Qi can be described as a vital force that sustains all life. If your qi energy is not flowing smoothing throughout the body, we will become ill. Are there ways to increase and improve this energy flow? Yes! We can do yoga, tai chi, qigong and meditate to name a few. Or you can try using pressure point therapies like acupressure or reflexology.

Thankfully there are books like Acupressure and Reflexology for Dummies that completely uncomplicates these modalities. Acupressure and reflexology are alike but different.

Acupressure uses hands and arms to stimulate acupoints on the body with the intent of relieving pain or discomfort. Acupoints are located on meridians. Reflexology balances energy by stimulating areas in the feet and hands that correlate to various organs, glands and other parts of the body.

The book is divided into 5 parts:
Part 1: Touching on the Basics of Acupressure and Reflexology
Part 2: Promoting Emotional and Physical Wellness
Part 3: Where Does it Hurt? Treating Common Aches and Ailments
Part 4: Addressing Specific Needs and Concerns
Part 5: The Parts of Ten

Each of these parts has numerous chapters that focus on a specific point. You will learn how to use the basic techniques in both healing therapies and then you can decide which you prefer. They delve into your anatomy, meridians, and reflex zones so you know where to apply pressure. It also shares how stretching, a positive attitude, and a balanced diet are also key to having optimal health. Even your thinking can affect your qi energy so relaxation and stress release rescues are shared as well.

I think this book is fabulous. It’s very well written in layman’s terms to get you on your way quickly. I did not realize how in-depth both of these pressure point therapies connect with the wisdom of your body. Everything in our bodies is connected. If you have a toothache, it could be your having an issue with one of your organs. The problem could be clear across your body.

Do you have digestive issues? There is a whole chapter on Time for a Gut Check, that will help you get to the root cause of this issue. It goes into age-related problems and shares how we can boost our immune system. Our bodies know what is needed but we aren’t usually aware of this. As a result, we get pain or become ill. Both acupressure and reflexology can help the body morph back into its natural healthy state.

Disclaimer: I received product to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own, yours may differ.