Hand Reflex Therapy - Theory & Method
Hand Reflex Therapy is one of the "micro-systems" in acupuncture practice. From years of acupuncture and Chinese massage experience, it has been found that stimulation of certain sensitive points or areas on the hands helps in alleviating some physical and mental discomforts. Some soft tissue changes in the hands could also be related to certain physical bodily disorders. Treatment of the hands' corresponding points can help, if not eliminate, the physical symptoms such as headaches and joint pains. By gathering and recording all these data from various practitioners in different fields, we have developed some charts to demonstrate the body image corresponding to the surface of the hands. Due to all kinds of theories and experiences from different fields, the body image is placed or arranged in various positions. The main diversities regarding the body image are based on acupuncture meridian concepts, clinical experimental effects, reflex responses and Korean Hand Therapy.
A Micro-system on the Hand
Body Image on the Hand
Organ Locations on the Hand:
Hand Reflex Therapy Stimulation Methods
Various forms of stimulation are used in Hand Reflex Therapy. For instance, the hand may be massaged without the use of tools, or with tools such as massage rollers. Other techniques that employ the use of materials/tools include acupressure, moxibustion and application of stimulators.
Please see the following photographs for examples.
Massage: |
 Massaging the hand can affect the whole body |
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Acupressure:
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 Acupressure with tongue depressor |
Moxibustion: |
 Burning moxa stick held above the skin |
 Small moxa pads placed on the palm |
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Different forms of moxa: |
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Other Stimulators |
 Aluminum and Magnetic stimulators |
 Aluminum Stimulators adhered to the hand |
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Application of heat or cold to areas of the hand. (See "Wonderful Egg.") |
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Corresponding Points |
Round objects (e.g. pens) can be slowly run over surfaces of the fingers and hands to find small bumps underneath the skin. These rough patches correlate to areas of injury or abnormalities in the body (see body image). Any of the hand reflex therapy techniques may be applied to these areas to promote healing. |  Smooth roller to find "bumpy" or "rough" areas |
