RELAX the Back for Valentine’s Day

Give the gift of a soothing back massage this Valentine’s Day. With one day to go, here are some quick reflexology tips that will give your partner something to smile about.

Many people don’t realize the importance of the spine in the well-being of their entire body until something aches. However, pain in the back is not just a physical problem. It’s also a manifestation of anxiety and pressure, as emotional distress often surfaces in the body as chronic back pain. More specifically, emotional stress from relationships often manifests as pain in the middle back, which is directly opposite the Heart chakra. 

The good news is that reflexology can awaken chakra energy and provide relief from acute and chronic back pain. Using reflexology to loosen your spine will help improve circulation and blood flow to the sensitive nerves of the back. Pay special attention to the lower back, which is where many people hold their tension.

Where to press?

The reflex area to the spine is located on each foot, along the entire inside edge, from the base of the big toenail to the base of the heel. This reflex area corresponds to the spine’s vertebrae.

How to Relax the Back:

1. Take one foot in your hands and place your thumbs on the inside arch of the foot.  Alternating thumbs, press your thumbs up and down the inner soles of your feet, concentrating on the area of your back that needs it the most.
2. For lower back pain, spend more time on the area along the inner sole between the heel and the middle of the foot.
3. For middle back pain, work your thumbs along the middle section of the inner edge.
4. For upper back problems, including neck pain, work the area along the inner edge of the foot from the base of the big toe to the middle of the foot.
5. To stimulate the entire back, begin at the heel and thumb-walk up the inner edge of the foot all the way to the base of the big toe. Do this several times, spending extra time on any area that feels tender or “grainy.”
6. You can then move to another part of the foot, or repeat this on the other foot.

How can reflexology help?

The spine is often one of the most stressed areas of the body. Unfortunately, it is not an easy area to reach and people sometimes get more stressed when they try to twist their arms around to touch the exact spot where it hurts. Reflexology offers a way to affect parts of your spine that you could never reach yourself. By stimulating the corresponding reflex area on the inside of each foot, you can soothe specific areas along your spine and effectively relax your entire body.

Do this for your partner and for yourself!