The Flexure and Transverse Colon Reflexes
The reflex for the colon is broken up into parts. The next part is started at the outside edge of the waistline as you begin to thumb walk across this line to the inside edge.
Let the thumb work at the outside edge first, with rotation and circling on the area. This is the hepatic flexure reflex. Thumb walk on the point in three directions, after the rotation and circling is completed. The thumb will take one or two tiny bites up, across, and down on the area of the flexure reflex.
Thumb walk across the bottom of the foot, along the waistline guide. This is the transverse colon reflex. At the inside edge of the foot, turn the thumb down, just a bit. The area where the thumb has stopped will pop out slightly. Use the right thumb to circle gently on the part of the skin that has pushed out. This is the top of the bladder reflex. You will be working on the entire reflex later.
Fact
In the body the ascending colon ends, becoming the hepatic flexure, which is a curve in the large intestine. The flexures are pockets formed by a sharp bend in the colon, where waste material may become caught. During a reflexology session, extra attention is directed to the reflexes of these areas.
The transverse colon reflex is on both feet, as the piece of the colon it represents moves across the body near the stomach and the spleen. As part of the large intestine, the transverse colon is involved with all its functions.
Essential
Peristalsis is a function controlled by muscles. It is an involuntary movement of contraction and relaxation that pushes food through the gastrointestinal tract during the various stages of digestion. The movement is in a wavelike motion that is either slow and controlled or very fast, like a tidal wave.
One major function of the large intestine is to absorb vitamins. The mucus also helps to balance the water level and the sodium and electrolyte levels.
A movement specific to the transverse colon is known as mass peristalsis. This occurs in the transverse colon as a great wave sending the contents of the colon into the rectum. This reflex occurs three or four times a day. Mass peristalsis generally takes place following a meal.
