A Box for the Small Intestine Reflex
You have worked on the reflexes that deal with the large and small intestines, but now it's time to deal specifically with the small intestine reflex. These are the same on both sides of the body. Recognizing these reflexes lets you put a finishing touch on the digestive segment.
Building the Box
You have a built an odd-shaped box that reflects the large intestine. Within that box is an open area that serves as the small intestinal reflex. Starting at the inside edge of the foot, from just below the waistline, walk in slowly toward the outside edge of the foot. You are using your left thumb, taking small, deep bites across the foot. When you reach the descending colon reflex, bring the thumb back immediately to the inside edge.
Again thumb walk in, this time starting slightly lower, just under the line you just created. Continue to walk in with the left thumb, moving down each time until eventually you stop just above the sigmoid colon reflex. Generally you can make three or four lines before you reach the sigmoid reflex. Switch hands and with the right thumb walk back up and across the area you just worked.
You are creating a pattern across the foot on the small intestine reflex, like the lattice topping of a pie. Either or both thumbs may move around in this reflex, until you feel a softening of the skin. This softening is a signal that the foot has relaxed in this area.
Fact
The duodenum deals with the hydrochloric acid mixture that arrives from the stomach. The glands of the duodenum contain an alkaline juice that neutralizes the arriving acid. However, the high concentrate of acid is constantly burning out the cells of the duodenum. The body replaces duodenal cells every hour. Still, this is where most ulcers occur.
The Jejunum and Ileum
The reflex of the small intestine on the left side holds more of the latter two parts of the small intestine, the jejunum and the ileum. The duodenum digests, while the jejunum absorbs the useful nutrients and the ileum moves the remaining waste and liquid into the ileocecal valve. The jejunum actually allows the nourishment from the food to be absorbed into the blood. The food passes from the jejunum into the blood and is processed by the liver for reinstatement into the blood.
The ileum is the last stop before the colon. This is the largest part of the small intestine and its job is to drive out the remaining food. The ileum also contains a great concentration of lymphatic nodules.
