Your feet carry you day after day. However, they not only have an important function for your progress and balance - they also reflect your entire organism. Certain areas of the foot are connected to individual sections of your back and therefore also your spine via nerve pathways and energy lines. Using targeted massage techniques, you can gently activate these zones and thus receive soothing support for back pain. We will show you exactly where to find the reflex zones on your spine and how you can easily stimulate them yourself from home.
The most important thing for you:
- Certain foot reflex zones are said to be connected to the spine, so activating these points can alleviate back pain
- Aims: The activation of certain foot reflex zones is intended to alleviate back pain, tension, etc.
- Practical techniques: Massages using circular movements and gentle pressure can activate the reflex zones, acupuncture, acupressure
- Most important reflex zones: below the big toe for the cervical spine, middle arch of the foot for the thoracic spine, lower part of the arch of the foot for the lumbar spine, heel for the lower back
- Benefits: can counteract pain and tension in the back, promotes relaxation in the feet and back area
Content
1. how are the foot reflex zones and the back connected?
2. these are the most important zones on the foot for the spine
3. massage of the foot reflex zones against back pain: how it works
4. acupressure to activate the foot reflex zones on the spine
How are foot reflex zones and the back connected?
According to the idea of reflex zone therapy, energetic guidelines run through your body, each of which establishes a connection between the feet and certain areas of the body. The spine also has its own points on the foot in this system. Targeted stimuli on these pressure points address the zones of the nervous system and transmit regulating impulses to the back. Gentle pressure or a circular massage promotes blood circulation and relieves tension. Activating the foot reflex zones can also have a beneficial effect on the spine and back pain.
For which complaints can foot reflex zones for the back provide relief?
The back and spine are among the areas of the body that are particularly susceptible to complaints. Many people spend their working day sitting down, move little and eat unhealthily. This results in typical complaints such as tension and pain along the spine. It is often precisely these strains that literally "make our backs twist".
Working with the foot reflex zones can provide gentle support for the spine. Many people feel noticeable relief after a massage of the pressure points:
- Back pain in the lower back
- sensitive or tense lumbar spine
- Tension in the neck and shoulder area
- Muscular complaints after prolonged sitting or one-sided strain
- Immobility or stiffness in the back
- Stress-related tension in the entire spinal column area
Massage of the foot reflex zones for spinal complaints is of course no substitute for medical treatment. However, it can help to relax the back and spine and provide noticeable relief in everyday life.
These are the most important zones on the foot for the spine
The foot reflex zones, which are assigned to the spine, mainly run along the inside of the foot. The spine can be mapped there in miniature from top to bottom - almost like a small map of the back. The line starts below the big toe and then runs along the arch of the foot towards the heel and down to the bottom of the heel. Each of these sections is connected to specific muscle groups, ligaments and nerves in the back. If this "miniature spine" on the foot is specifically stimulated, this can have a positive effect on the individual areas of the back.
Foot reflex zones cervical spine: They start below the big toe
The cervical spine is exposed to particular strain in everyday life due to long periods of sitting, an awkward posture at the PC or constantly looking at the smartphone. This causes tension in the cervical spine, especially in the neck, shoulders and upper back.
The foot reflex zones of the cervical spine are located directly below the big toe on the inside of the foot. In reflexology, these pressure points are associated with the upper vertebrae of the spine, which support the head, neck and shoulders. This area is particularly sensitive for people who sit at a desk for long periods of time or often tilt their head forwards and reacts noticeably to even slight pressure.
How to find this foot reflex zone of the spine in the upper back: To locate the point, feel with your thumb just below the ball of the big toe until you reach the narrow area on the inside of the foot.
Foot reflex zones thoracic spine: They run along the middle arch of the foot
The thoracic spine is the stable link between the cervical and lumbar spine. It therefore makes an important contribution to an upright posture. At the same time, the thoracic spine is also connected to the ribs, making it less mobile but much more stable. Poor posture in the thoracic spine can cause tension to spread to the middle back or the ribcage. This becomes noticeable through dull back pain, a feeling of tightness in the chest or restricted mobility.
The foot reflex zones of the thoracic spine run along the middle section of the inside of the foot - between the zones for the cervical spine and the lumbar spine. In reflexology, these points are associated with the central vertebrae, which are responsible for the stability and mobility of the upper torso. Tension in this area can manifest itself as dull back pain, a feeling of tightness in the chest or restricted mobility.
How to find this foot reflex zone of the spine: Press from the ball of the foot towards the arch of the foot until you reach the middle section of the inside of the foot. You can work there with gentle pressure or circular movements to specifically stimulate the zone.
Lumbar spine foot reflex zones: They are located in the lower area of the arch of the foot
The lumbar spine carries the majority of the body's weight and is therefore particularly susceptible to overloading. Discomfort in this area manifests itself as a dull pressure in the lower back, which sometimes radiates down to the buttocks or legs.
The foot reflex zones of the lumbar spine are located in the lower section of the inside of the foot, just above the heel. In reflex zone therapy, these points are connected to the lower vertebrae of the spine.
To find this foot reflex zone of the spine: feel from the middle arch of the foot further down towards the heel until you can feel the transition to the base of the heel.
Foot reflex zone lower back: Located at the heel
Physical strain is particularly noticeable in the lower back, which includes the sacrum and the transition to the lumbar spine. If you stand for long periods or lift heavy weights, this can cause muscular tension in the back, which can lead to blockages or an unpleasant feeling of pressure.
The foot reflex zone of the spine for the lower back is located directly on the heel, particularly on its inner edge. In reflexology, it is associated with the sacrum and the lower vertebral segments, which play an important role in stability and steadiness.
The foot reflex zone of the spine for the lower back is located directly on the heel, particularly on its inner edge. In reflexology, it is associated with the sacrum and the lower vertebral segments, which play an important role in stability and steadiness.
How to find this foot reflex zone of the spine: Feel the inner heel area and concentrate on the transition between the heel and the arch of the foot.
Foot reflexology massage for back pain: how it works
Once you have found the various foot reflex zones on the spine, apply gentle pressure to them using circular movements. The technique can be used without any previous knowledge - just take time for your body and pay attention to how it reacts.
Reflexology back massage: how to proceed
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Assume a comfortable position
Sit down so that you can comfortably reach your foot. Make sure that your leg rests loosely so that you do not create any additional pressure in your back. -
Locate the foot reflex zone of the spine
Use your thumb or index finger to feel the respective foot reflex zone of the spine until you can clearly feel the correct pressure points on the foot to relieve back pain. -
Gently massage pressure points
Apply light pressure to the foot reflex zones of the spine and work in small, circular movements. If you notice that the point reacts sensitively, stay there for a few seconds and then slowly release the pressure. Repeat this process several times until a noticeable relaxation occurs.
You can easily massage the foot reflex zones against spinal complaints on a regular basis in your everyday life. Just a few minutes are usually enough to gently relieve the muscles in the back area and create a pleasant feeling of warmth.
Tip: In addition to the reflex zones of the spine along the inside of the foot, there are also acupuncture points on the outside of the foot that can help with back pain. They are usually located in the area between the little toe and the heel, along the lateral edge of the foot.
Acupressure to activate the foot reflex zones on the spine
In addition to the classic massage of the pressure points, you can also stimulate the foot reflex zones using acupressure. Instead of just working on individual points with your fingers, you can activate the entire sole of the foot evenly. In addition to classic acupressure mats, Shakti Mat has developed the Shakti foot mat especially for the feet, which evenly addresses all acupressure points for back pain.
The small acupressure points are evenly distributed over the entire mat. By standing on this mat, the relevant zones are addressed simultaneously - many people immediately experience a pleasant feeling of warmth and deep relaxation in the feet and the entire back area. Just a few minutes of daily use can complement the effect of a manual massage and contribute to a noticeably relaxed back.