Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1037165
SMALL INTESTINE ▲ In the body, the small intestine generally moves back and forth (laterally and medially) on the right side, and up and down (superior and inferior) on the left side. The small intestine reflex is located in the center area formed by the colon reflex at the plantar aponeurosis and flexor digitorum brevis muscle. Massage the left foot in proximal and distal directions (Image 11A), and massage the right foot in lateral and medial directions (Image 11B). Reflexology is a great tool to have at your disposal. Whether addressing specific issues or more global concerns, reflexology has something to offer both client and therapist. Marc Zollicoffer has practiced in the massage and spa industry for 27 years. He is an educator with 24 years experience teaching reflexology, ayurvedic philosophy, deep tissue, and body treatments. The transverse colon reflex stretches across the zones at the level of the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal to the inside arch of the foot. The transverse colon continues on the left foot at the inside arch and stretches across to the fourth zone at the level of the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal. In the fifth zone, the reflex is the splenic flexure of the colon and moves distally to the spleen reflex. The transverse colon reflex becomes the descending colon reflex and moves proximal in the fifth zone toward the calcaneus. The descending colon reflex becomes the sigmoid colon reflex just distal to the heel and moves medially to the first zone distal to the heel. The sigmoid colon reflex becomes the rectum reflex and ends in the first zone distal to the heel. Massage the colon reflex using effleurage motions. On the right foot, begin at the ascending colon reflex near the heel and move distally, then move medially along the transverse colon reflex. In other words, move up and over. On the left foot, begin at the transverse colon reflex, move laterally to the descending colon reflex, then proximal to the sigmoid colon reflex, then medially along the sigmoid colon reflex to the rectum reflex (Images 10B and 10C). Use circular friction motions on any tense areas. Spend extra time on the hepatic and splenic flexures, as these are often the most congested areas. 10B 11A 10C 11B If you're interested in learning more about reflexology or want to explore more reflex points, watch the author's two- part webinar series "Foot Reflexology" on demand in the ABMP education center at www.abmp.com/ce. 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 . 63