Massage & Bodywork

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2018

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PITUITARY GLAND ▲ The pituitary gland is the master gland of the endocrine system. It sends messages to the other glands of the body to regulate hormone production. The pituitary gland reflex is located on the distal phalange of the big toe (Image 3). To find this reflex, find the widest part of the big toe, move to the center, and massage it using circular friction motions. PINEAL GLAND ▲ The pineal gland is associated with the intuitive faculties of the brain. It produces melatonin and helps the body adjust to the circadian rhythm. The pineal gland reflex is located distal to the pituitary gland reflex on the distal phalange of the big toe (Image 4). Massage this reflex at a 45-degree angle using circular friction motions. LIVER ▲ The liver produces bile; stores glycogen, minerals, and vitamins; and converts one nutrient into another. It is the largest internal organ in the body, therefore, the liver reflex stretches across a large area. Because the liver is located on the right side of the body, the liver reflex is located on the right foot only. Specifically, the liver reflex is located in the fifth zone proximal to the diaphragm reflex and distal to the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal along the lateral plantar fascia and abductor digiti minimi muscle. To find this reflex, find the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal, and move into the fifth zone. The reflex continues distally to the diaphragm reflex in the fifth zone and then medially to the fourth zone. Massage the liver reflex using deep effleurage motions, moving from the fifth zone toward the fourth zone (Images 5A and 5B). Use circular friction motions on any tense areas. GALL BLADDER ▲ The gall bladder reflex is located on the right foot in the fourth zone proximal to the head of the fourth metatarsal and proximal to the area where the liver reflex crosses into the fourth zone at the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle and lateral plantar fascia (Image 6). The gall bladder releases bile into the digestive tract in a medial inferior direction; therefore, when stimulating this reflex, massage in the direction of the medial inferior arch. 5A 5B 6 3 4 Yo u r M & B i s w o r t h 2 C E s ! G o t o w w w. a b m p . c o m / c e t o l e a r n m o r e . 61

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