The Heel in Transition
You have worked the reflexes of digestion, absorption, and elimination on the right foot. You will now begin to work on the finishing touches, which will complete the main portion of the session on the right foot. Either hand can be used as the working hand, with the other hand holding the foot for support and leverage. First, you want to work the sciatic line, as this is one of the areas of reflection for the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, and the extensions from that nerve are found in the feet. The medial calcaneal nerve supplies the heel, as does the lateral plantar nerve. These nerves serve the muscles and skin of the heel. Two dermatomes are also part of this area. Remember, dermatomes are the sensory areas of the skin that are connected to the nervous system.
Alert
Learning reflexology is a new function for your hands. The techniques employed require new and different uses of the muscles in the hands. At times the hands may feel tired as the muscles are strengthening. If a working hand is tired, transitions are a great time to give the hand a rest.
Heel Press
Holding the working hand in a fist, press into the heel, as though kneading dough. Press over the entire heel area, back and forth and up and down. This area may be tough and have hardened skin. As you press on the heel, you can feel the toughness beginning to relax, responding to the work. Continue to press on the heel until the response is felt on the entire area.
Thumb Walk the Sciatic Line
The sciatic line has been relaxed with the heel press, ready for a deeper technique. Using either the right or left thumb, walk across the line, starting from either edge. Thumb walk slowly, feeling the area respond. When the thumb reaches the end of the imaginary line, either switch hands and walk back or bring the thumb back to the beginning edge and walk across again.
Reflexologists often thumb walk and heel press, using both techniques interchangeably here. Allow yourself to see what works for you. Try doing each separately and then switch off.
Moving On
As you complete this section, flutter off in transition. Let the hands rest for a moment on the entire foot, cupping both sides. With soft movements, allow your hands to gently stroke or flutter off, giving the signal to rest. In a complete session, you would continue on with this foot. However, this is a learning session, so cover the right foot, and get ready to go over to the other side.
