Reflexology Foot Massage for the Management of Diabetes

Diabetes reflexology includes massaging reflexes of endocrine glands and organs in-charge of glucose metabolism.

Firstly, start the reflexology treatment with massaging endocrine glands, which controls the entire bodily function. Secondly, massage the organs that might cause blood glucose rise. Finally, massage the organs that would be affected due to the high glucose level in the blood (diabetes complications).

Reflexology massage for Endocrine system

1. Pituitary gland - It is the master endocrine gland; its hormone controls other endocrine glands such as thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands. Endorphins secreted by the pituitary acts on the nervous system and reduces pain.

2. Pineal gland - It produces hormone melatonin in the night. Melatonin regulates circadian rhythm (daily bodily rhythms) of the body. The pineal gland is the "third eye."

3. Thyroid & Parathyroid gland - It produces the thyroid hormones that control metabolism. The thyroid hormone regulates vital body functions such as breathing, heart rate, central and peripheral nervous systems, body weight, muscle strength, menstrual cycles, body temperature, and cholesterol levels. Improper functioning thyroid affects normal protein breakdown as well as carbohydrates & vitamins usage. Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. Thumb-walk the thyroid area from lateral to medial; from the base of the big toe until reaching the diaphragm line.

4. Thymus gland - The thymus gland is part of the immune system. Hold the foot with one hand; press & rotate the thymus reflex, using another hand thumb. For more information, visit reflexology for the immune system.

5. Adrenal gland - Adrenal glands present on top of the kidney. It's hormones help to conserve sodium, increase blood glucose level, regulate sex hormones, and handles ‘fight or flight’ responses.

6. Pancreas gland - Pancreas secrets the hormones insulin and glucagon. These hormones help maintain ideal blood glucose level. Hold the foot with one hand, push & hook-up the reflex point for 6 seconds using another thumb.