Zone Therapy
This ancient therapy can be traced to the Egyptians. It is the origin of hand and foot reflexology. The zones also have a relationship to the acupressure circuitry. Zone therapy is a simple therapy. Anyone can do it. With zone therapy, the body is divided by vertical lines into five zones on the left side and five zones on the right side. These zones relate to all parts of the body within each zone. The fingers and toes affect corresponding parts of the body and are the primary areas of treatment. Zone therapy works
more directly on nerve endings that are connected with organs along the zones. This therapy is a very effective technique for pain release.
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Primary emphasis is on the hands and feet, with a focus being being on the fingers and toes. These parts of the body have the least depth to them. Nerve endings in these areas are near the surface and thus more accessible. The procedure is to press down using a circular, rolling motion. Look for the tender spots, using a constant kind of pressure. Begin with a light probe.
If no tenderness is found, gently and slowly pressing deeper until the tenderness is found. Key on sensitivity. Apply pressure on the upper and lower surfaces as well as the sides of the fingers and toes. Do one area at a time, massaging all tender spots. When starting, pinpoint massage an area only for a few seconds, then let the area rest while you massage another spot. Keep coming back for a few seconds each time until the sensitivity is gone. Do not over-massage at the beginning; proceed slowly. Stimulate each tender spot at first for a maximum of 30 seconds. Increase pressure when tolerance has been established. Be persistent. For maximum effect, apply pressure for 30 seconds to four minutes, depending on the severity of the tenderness. Any tenderness is an indication of some degree of congestion in the associated zone. There is little written information on Zone Therapy. This is an opportunity to experiment, using your sensitivity and intuition.
Pinching the thumb and index finger together are the best instruments for fine in-depth stimulation. Pressure may also be applied with a blunt point applicator like a pencil with a rubber eraser. Clothespins may be used to apply strong, steady pressure. Pocket combs can be used along a wide area, clenching the fist to press the teeth of the comb against the inner surfaces of the fingers.
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When massaging, cover all possible zones for a specific organ. Strong pressure on the tip of the thumb or big toe affects the whole first zone. Similar pressure on the tips of the other fingers and toes will affect corresponding zones. For example, an organ like the liver lies in all five zones on the right side and the eyes correspond with the three middle fingers and toes. The eyes relate to zones 3, 4, and 5. Pain anywhere in a particular zone will be lessened through pressure on the corresponding finger and toe. Pressure applied on the outside of the fingers and toes will be felt on the front of the body. Pressure on the inside of the fingers and the bottom of the toes will be expressed in the back.
Zoneline–Organ Relationship
