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help fight inflammation, a characteristic of arthritis. Targeting the solar plexus reflex area can relieve tension, which is a contributory factor in arthritis. WORKING THE HANDS When working on someone with arthritic hands, be gentle and ensure that you work within the client's comfort zone. To encourage better flexibility, grasp the index finger and pull gently. Repeat on each digit on both hands (Image 12). Gently squeeze the base of the finger and repeat along the entire length of the finger. Repeat on each digit (Image 13). Apply the finger side-to-side movement to the joints of each finger and thumb, being careful not to use too much force (Image 14). For a calming effect, thumb- walk lightly throughout the solar plexus reflex area, making several successive passes (Image 15). From easing backache to Thumb-walk lightly between the heels of the hand—the impacted median nerve is in the area between the two heels of the hand (Image 10). Holding the hand as shown, press down with the fingers while pushing up with the thumb (Image 11). ARTHRITIS Arthritis is a painful condition involving inflammation of the joints. Since arthritis affects the whole body, aim to work the whole hand and encourage a better range of motion. Work the kidney reflex area to help eliminate waste products from the body, and the adrenal gland reflex areas to boosting low energy to easing the pain in arthritic hands, reflexology can be applied for a host of different conditions, both for client and therapist. is adapted from Hand Reflexology by Barbara and Kevin Kunz (New York: DK Publishing, 2006), reprinted with permission of DK Publishing. All rights reserved. This feature (and accompanying artwork) Boost your practice with ABMP's Website Builder—free for members on ABMP.com 51