Technique Videos
This is a list of all the technique video QR codes, along with their accompanying text and the chapter number in which they appear. They are intended for use when specific foot conditions are observed, but are often beneficial for more than one. Hence, links to some of the videos are found in multiple chapters. However, a specific condition doesn’t need to be present to use these techniques; they can be used on anyone.
However, if a client is uncomfortable with one for any reason, do not use it. Some of them may not be possible at times due to joint inflexibility resulting from past bone breaks, arthritis, bunions, etc. However, even then the feet often benefit significantly from the methods described; however, they should be implemented with gentleness and caution, and the pressure used should be within the client’s comfort zone.
Video 1. Inverted Ankle (chapter 5.)
This video demonstrates a technique for working on an inverting foot, whether it is flopping inwards due to muscle weakness or tension holding it in that position. The aim is to stretch and evert the ankle tendon, (i.e., the reflex to the abdominal and groin muscles), and then massage the muscles at the vertebrae of the mid-back reflex, which can be seen to be under pressure due to the inversion.
This mid-spine area connects the lower and upper body, and as such, has significant energetic implications. Physically, it is particularly important for the rotation of the diaphragm and pelvis and tension here will manifest in the body as stiffness and resistance to this movement. However, clients are often unaware of any problems with the mid back, as pain tends to manifest elsewhere, usually in the lower back. In Video 9, the technique for working the pelvic floor muscles is closely related to this one and is also beneficial for working with an inverted foot.
Video 2. Heels Rotating Too Laterally (chapter 5.)
The technique shown here is for when the feet are rotating too far laterally (the opposite of video 1, where they are inverting). It releases tension in zones 4 and 5, helping to alleviate problems in all the reflexes located in these zones. It also releases tension in the legs, including in the knees, hips, gluteal muscles, and pelvis. This technique can yield surprisingly quick results, and changes can be seen even during a single treatment.
Video 3. MTP Twist (chapter 6.)
The technique shown in this video works on the big toe, including the MTP joint, and loosens and relaxes the muscles of the transverse arch, thereby affecting the diaphragm in the body. The initial movement used is excellent for getting in under the ball of the big toe and so stimulating the stomach, bronchial tubes, and vagus nerve reflexes situated there. The fingers then slide up between the big toe and second toe, stretching and separating the metatarsals and zones 1 & 2 and relieving muscle tension between the spine and the shoulder blade in the body. Some people like the work on the ball of the foot but not the follow-through up the big toe, so always check with your client when doing this for the first time.
The subsequent pulling and twisting of the big toe joints loosens the neck vertebrae and cranium reflexes in one continuous flowing movement. While doing so, it also massages the organs located in the area, such as the heart and thyroid. Regarding emotions, it helps make a little more space for the client to breathe and open up to repressed emotions through physical and verbal expression. Do this very carefully initially. Note: The shape of the medial longitudinal arch can contribute to the tension involved in these kinds of presentations. This technique also stretches the upper section of this arch. The Diaphragm Rocking technique is demonstrated in video 12. It is very good for relaxing the muscles in and near the transverse arch.
Video 4. Medial Stretch - Big Toe (chapter 7.)
Finger-walking can be done up the lateral edge of the big toe when there is a misalignment. However, as with all musculoskeletal problems, it is beneficial to complement this with stretching and massaging techniques, as demonstrated in this video. As tilting involves lateral leaning, for balance, the emphasis should always be on stretching the toe medially as you finger-walk, just as you would do with the neck itself if it were leaning down to one side and had tension there. At times, the smaller toes lean to the side, either laterally or medially, and they can also be worked in the same way as the big toe, as shown in this video. It is rare to see a big toe with a medial lean, but it is not uncommon in a smaller toe. In these cases, work the toe laterally.
Video 5. Toe Dorsiflexion (chapter 7.)
To be clear, the toes of the model in this video aren’t particularly dorsiflexed, but from the demonstration, it should still be obvious how to work toes that are. As this technique pulls the diaphragm, chest and throat reflexes back and up, the client can be encouraged to do some deep breathing at the same time. The technique can still be used on the MTP joints when only they are dorsiflexing. If the middle and distal joints are plantarflexing, it probably won’t be possible to use it on them as they will likely be too stiff, but still try to straighten them out as much as possible. (Note: if this technique causes cramping, do not use, but do get the client to drink a glass of water.)
Video 6. Big Toe - Mid Joint Flex (chapter 8.)
The technique shown in this video is especially good for a big toe with a stress line across its mid-joint. It involves pulling the joint back plantar-wise and is equivalent to opening up the jaw in the face. This method provides greater access to the mid-face and jaw hinge reflexes, enabling deeper work to alleviate tension here caused by cranial misalignments. It is especially beneficial when there is chronic head flexing, as this stretches and massages the skull reflex posteriorly in the opposite direction.
Video 7. Achilles Stretch (chapter 9.)
This video shows a straightforward stretching back-and-forth technique recommended for tension in the Achilles and dorsal ankle tendons. Most reflexologists will already use it, but it is included as it clearly demonstrates the connection between tightness in pelvic posterior-anterior alignment and horizontal lines across the Achilles tendon. These lines become less visible as the foot and ankle are stretched, and the pressure on the uterus helper/abdominal reflexes is released. Once the stretching stops the lines will become evident again. Added potency is given here by separating the toes with the fingers whilst doing it, so be sure the client is comfortable with this. This technique involves stretching the medial arch, which is important because tightness contributes to the tension seen in these types of presentations.
Video 8. Metatarsal Opening (chapter 10.)
If there is redness over the lung reflex, the technique demonstrated in this video can enable extra-deep work on the metatarsals and stimulate the blood and lymph supply to the area, reducing inflammation. It is especially beneficial when yellowness is present over the lung area, as it helps encourage the expulsion of excess phlegm. However, it is useful for all problems in the chest, lungs, or upper lymph, as it simultaneously activates the dorsal and plantar muscles and stimulates the reflexes of all the local organs. Go very gently between the affected toes, especially if there is a history of breaks or arthritis, while paying close attention to the client’s response. Many people love this technique, but if your client doesn’t enjoy it, don’t force it on them.
Video 9. Joint Release for Toes (chapter 11.)
This video demonstrates a simple yet effective technique for stretching the big toe to relieve pressure on its middle joint or ‘knuckle’. This is the equivalent of stretching out and releasing the vertebrae, neck, head, and upper spine in the body. It is especially beneficial when hard skin is seen at the base of the toe pad and/or along its medial edge, but it can be used for everyone. (As always, be very careful if there are joint conditions.) It can also be used to stretch out the mid joints of the smaller toes. Again, this would be useful if there is hard skin or, more commonly in a smaller toe, swelling in the toe pad.
Video 10. Pelvic Floor Reflex (chapter 13.)
The technique in this video demonstrates how to work the reflex to the pelvic floor muscles and is especially good when the bladder reflex appears pronounced. However, due to the positioning and role of the pelvic floor muscles, this helps alleviate all problems in the area, including those affecting the uterus, groin, and lower back. There is often tightness in the foot muscles here, especially if the lumbar spine reflex is tense, and in these cases, clients tend to find this technique painful but describe it as ‘good pain’.
Video 11. Colon Pinch (chapter 14.)
Both the knee and colonic flexure reflexes sit over the 5th metatarsal protuberances, and there is a connection between them in the body. Tension in the knees passes through the front thighs (the ‘quad’ muscles) into the abdominal muscles, which then hinders the movement of waste through the ascending and descending colon. (Tension in the abdominal muscles is one way stress affects digestion and contributes to sluggish bowels and constipation.)
Therefore, the lateral aspect of the foot, containing the thigh and knee reflexes, should also be worked when swelling is observed in the colon. The following video demonstrates a straightforward yet effective method for achieving this by utilising a pinching or squeezing technique on the thigh and the ascending or descending colon reflexes simultaneously. Bizarrely, at times, it is possible to see that the waste (swelling) has moved along the colon as a result of your work.
Video 12. Diaphragm Rocking & Kidney Pump (chapter 15.)
This video demonstrates the diaphragm rocking technique, as first devised by Lynn Booth, I believe, which stimulates the superficial dorsal veins at the top of the venous flexor pump, and includes an additional method that targets the kidney reflex.
Video 13. Linking Freckles (chapter 16.)
This video shows a well-known reflexology technique known as ‘Linking’. I have found that when ‘linking’ is used on a freckle, it often results in a buzzing or tingling sensation up the client’s body (sometimes also felt in the reflexologist’s hands), followed by deep relaxation and calmness. The nature of these responses indicates that there may well be a connection between the siting of at least some freckles on a reflex and a problem with the nervous system in the corresponding part of the body. To use linking on a freckle, first, gently touch it with your middle finger for a minute or two. Then, with the thumb, or middle finger of the other hand if easier, simultaneously touch the same place on the opposite aspect of the foot.
Video 14. Cupping The Heels (chapter 18.)
Cupping is a well-known technique for sedation and balance, but essentially is more of a simple hold. Cupping both heels in the hands for a few minutes is a good way to feel differences in the overall energy flow between the two feet and help rebalance them. As this video explains, it can be used at the start, then at the end, or any point during the treatment to note shifts in the energy balance that may have occurred. It is straightforward but effective and very relaxing for the client.
Video 15. Plexus Linking (chapter 18.)
This video demonstrates how to utilise the linking technique to detect energy disturbances at one or both opposing plexuses or chakras. It may take a while to tune into the client’s energy, especially if you are new to this, but your fingers will become more sensitive with time and practice. Even if you don’t feel anything, simply holding the points together will help balance the two sides of the body. The video also shows how to link between the feet at different points, as well as dorsal/plantar linking for specific organs. Naturally, spend more time linking any affected reflexes and working on them individually using other methods, such as finger walking. (Reflexologists who wish to understand how to work on the chakras on the feet should look for Ayurvedic method training schools, which often teach a form of Ayurvedic foot massage.)
Video 16. Closed Ankles (chapter 21.)
This video demonstrates how to work with a client who presents with inverted ankles pulling inwards and feet that appear ‘closed off’. It can also be used if the client’s feet are held upright and/or the ankles are too close together, or in any other way that shows they are holding tension in them and, therefore, in the reproductive reflexes. In these cases, starting the treatment around the ankles and using the calming techniques shown here should always be a priority before beginning a standard reflexology sequence.
The video concludes with cupping the heels, a holding technique previously demonstrated in video 14. It is included here because it is particularly apt for fertility work, giving the client a sense of calmness and possibly a feeling of being held and cradled like a baby. It can even help them make peace on a deep, energetic level with issues relating to their childhood and parents. Video 1 for inverted ankles can be used after the client has been calmed. The enlivening technique in video 17 in the chapter on ‘Reading the Feet During Pregnancy’ can also be used during preconception.
Video 17. Ankle & Leg Rotation (chapter 22.)
The technique shown here enlivens and invigorates the pelvis and abdomen while still being relaxing. It is suitable for all clients, especially those in the various stages of reproduction, including postpartum, to help the area recover. (As with any technique, if it makes the client feel uncomfortable or there are any contraindications, such as arthritis in a joint, do not persist in using it.)
It uses the common reflexology technique of ankle rotation but takes it a step further by continuing the process up the leg joints. Not only does this loosen the ankles and improve circulation to the pelvis and uterus reflexes, but it also loosens the pelvis in the body. It is very easy for the client to do it by herself when relaxing before going to sleep or rising in the morning. During pregnancy, it is good to suggest anything, no matter how small, that empowers the woman by allowing her to take charge of her own body and connect positively with this part of it.