Reflexology: The Definitive Practitioner's Manual: Recommended by the International Therapy Examination Council for Students and Practitoners

The nerve line is along the palmar digital nerves, the median nerve, the radial nerve, the ulnar nerve, and the lateral and posterior cutaneous nerves of the forearm; then the branches of the supraclavicular and suprascapular nerves; then the sternocleidomastoid nerve; finally the facial and orbital nerves.

Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: all problems related to the head, face, ear (but note that a more powerful point is TB-1 and TB-2) and mouth, including toothache in upper and lower jaw; fevers, sore throats, laryngitis, pharyngitis, influenza; neuralgia of the shoulder and arm, especially the humerus and deltoid, pains to and from the fingers to the upper arm and shoulder; intestinal disorders, constipation and diarrhoea, abdominal pain (because of the calming and antispasmodic action it helps any pain and discomfort arising from any of these disorders); salpingitis; inflammation of the uterus, insufficient menstruation, amenorrhoea (see Note below).

Note. There is a vital point, LI-4, that is known as an empirical point to promote delivery during labour; hence it must not be used if the person is pregnant. There are many cautionary warnings on this point.

Figure 2.10 The Pericardium meridian (this communicates with all three areas of the body through its paired organ the Triple Burner)

The Pericardium meridian

The Pericardium meridian (figure 2.10 (#litres_trial_promo)) is a Yin channel with nine points. It originates in the thoracic area lateral to the nipple, where it connects with the relevant organ, the pericardium. It then passes through the costal region to the axillary area and runs along the medial aspect of the arm to the cubital fossa. It enters the palm to pass through the muscles, palmaris longus and the flexor carpi radialis to the tip of the middle finger and terminates at the medial side of the nail bed. This channel communicates with all three areas of the body through the paired organ, the Triple Burner.

The nerve line is along the fourth intercostal nerve, the medial and lateral pectoral nerves; then the median, interosseus and cutaneous nerves; it then connects with the palmar digital nerves of the median nerve.

Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: mouth disorders, tongue rigidity; spasms in the hand, wrist or elbow; angina, cardiac arrhythmia, tachycardia; chest disorders, costal neuralgia, pleuritis, mastitis; problems of the mind such as epilepsy, hysteria; heat stroke, fevers. Working it has a wonderful, calming action on the mind.

Figure 2.11 The Triple Burner meridian

The Triple Burner (also called the Triple Energizer or Triple Heater) meridian

The Triple Burner meridian (figure 2.11 (#litres_trial_promo)) is a Yang channel with 23 points. It commences on the ulnar side of the ring finger just below the nail bed. It ascends between the fourth and fifth metacarpals in the dorsal side of the arm, between the radius and ulna bone, to the shoulder region where it contacts the Gall Bladder channel, covering the chest. It communicates with the paired organ, the pericardium; then it descends through the diaphragm to connect with all the areas of the body. The point from the shoulder, which enters just above the clavicle, then goes to the neck and the auricle to terminate at the lateral side of the eyebrow. This channel connects directly to the Pericardium meridian.

The nerve line is along the palmar and dorsal digital nerves; then the ulnar and cutaneous nerves of the forearm, connecting with the radial nerve as the meridian ascends. It follows the supraclavicular, suprascapular and axillary nerves, also the first thoracic nerve. There are tributaries of the great auricular and the lesser occipital nerve; also many of the facial nerves, the zygomatic and trigeminal nerves.

Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: headaches and related problems; eye problems, conjunctivitis; ear pain and tinnitus; sore throats; facial problems and toothache; stiff neck and shoulders. The Triple Burner helps all levels of the body, including problems in the chest, upper and lower abdomen, all digestive problems, and intestinal disorders. As it connects with the ‘Lower Burner’ it also benefits liver, stomach and bladder problems.

As a speculative comment, Fitzgerald would raise the nail of the ring finger on the lateral side to stop unilateral tinnitus; that is the first point on this meridian for any ear problems.

The Heart meridian

The Heart meridian (figure 2.12 (#litres_trial_promo)) is a Yin channel with nine points. It originates at the heart to the medial side of the upper limbs near the axillary area and then descends to the paired organ, the small intestine. There is an offshoot from the heart to the oesophagus, which then ascends to just below the eye. The principal channel ascends from the heart to the lungs, to the axillary area, and follows a line down the ulnar side of the arm to the wrist between the carpals (capitate bone) between the fourth and fifth metacarpals on the palmar side to the little finger; here it terminates at the medial side of the nail bed of the little finger. This channel connects directly with the lung and the kidneys.

Figure 2.12 The Heart meridian (the dotted line shows how it communicates with its paired organ the small intestine)

The nerve line is along the intercostobrachial nerve, the radial, ulnar, and the median nerve and its branches, also the palmar digital nerve.

Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: headaches, hysteria, insomnia, mild psychiatric problems, disturbing dreams, depressions or anxiety; problems of the tongue such as glossitis, toothache; all arm and wrist pain; chest, respiratory and breast disorders, angina, mild heart problems, irregular heart beat, palpitations; uterine disorders, dysmenorrhoea.

Note. If you suspect any heart disorder, never treat yourself. Seek help first from your medical practitioner. If they are happy that you receive reflexology, this will have a wonderful calming action on the heart.

The Small Intestine meridian

The Small Intestine meridian (figure 2.13 (#litres_trial_promo)) is a Yang channel. It commences on the ulnar side of the little finger, on the lateral side of the arm to the shoulder, passes around the scapula and goes deep to the supraclavicular fossa connecting to the heart, the paired organ, then descends to join the small intestine. An offshoot passes up from supraclavicular fossa to the neck and then on to the cheek; from there it connects with the Gall Bladder and Triple Burner channels and then terminates at the front of the ear.

Figure 2.13 The Small Intestine meridian

The nerve line is along the dorsal digital and palmar nerves, the ulnar nerve, the cutaneous nerves, the radial nerve, the second intercostal nerve, the suprascapular nerve, the eighth cervical nerve, the first and second thoracic nerves, the great auricular nerve, the auriculotemporal nerve, the superior cervical ganglion, also five of the cranial nerves: the vagus (X), spinal accessory (XI), hypoglossal (XII), trigeminal (V) and facial (VII) nerves.

Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: headaches, febrile symptoms (work on this channel helps to clear the mind); stiff neck and torticollis; wrist, arm and shoulder problems; acute lumbar strain; colic and constipation.

As a speculative comment, Fitzgerald stated that the fourth and fifth zone merged in the head. Note that the three meridians on the third and fourth fingers all deal with head-related disorders: Triple Burner, Heart and Small Intestine. Also the three meridians on the feet, Gall Bladder, Bladder and Kidney, are all points for head-related problems. The first Kidney acupoint arises on the little toe to emerge on the plantar aspect of the foot. In reflexology we would use this point for stiff necks or shoulder problems; just pulling on this toe will help to relieve a stiff shoulder or neck. The spinal accessory nerve supplies the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the trapezius muscle, both of which are involved in neck and shoulder movements. (Seefigure 7.2 (#litres_trial_promo).)

The Spleen meridian

The Spleen meridian (figure 2.14 (#litres_trial_promo)) is a Yin channel with 21 points. It commences on the medial edge of the base of the nail bed of the great toe and ascends the leg on the medial side to enter the abdomen; there it communicates with the Conception Vessel (see figure 7.6 (#litres_trial_promo)) where it connects with its relevant organ, the spleen. From here it connects with some of the internal organs, the stomach – its paired organ, liver and gall bladder. The meridian continues up through to the diaphragm, one offshoot going directly to the heart and the other ascending into the throat and root of the tongue.

The nerve line is along the cutaneous medial dorsal nerves of the foot and plantar nerves, then along the saphenous, tibial and femoral nerves, which arise from L2-L4 of the spinal trunk; there it connects with the thoracic nerves, then it continues on up to the intercostal nerves and pectoral nerves.

Figure 2.14 The Spleen/Pancreas meridian

Figure 2.15 This tongue pressor was used on the posterior wall of the pharynx to give relief during menstruation. (Fitzgerald made a statement to the effect that while he had not heard of any miscarriages he cautioned its use in pregnancy.)

Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: anything concerned with the brain and central nervous system; spinal problems; all genitourinary problems; abdominal and intestinal disorders, such as flatulence, any abdominal pain, gastric pain, painful haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, constipation, irregular menstruation.

As a speculative comment, SP-3 is used for all lung problems. This point is on the lung area in reflexology. SP-4 is a point that is widely used for all excess problems of the stomach and the spleen; this area corresponds to the upper abdominal area in reflexology. Also the Spleen meridian ends in the root of the tongue; Fitzgerald use to apply a tongue pressor (figure 2.15 (#litres_trial_promo)) to reach as far back as possible on the root of the tongue for amenorrhoea, also for painful menstruation. This point is a good point to regulate menstruation, and the former helps in strengthening the spine.

The Liver meridian

The Liver meridian (figure 2.16 (#ulink_928bdc45-5d89-5a82-a78d-5845dedc46b7)) is a Yin channel with 14 points. It commences on the lateral edge at the base of the nail bed of the great toe and ascends the dorsal aspect of the foot to the medial malleolus; then it ascends the leg on the medial side following the line of the Spleen channel. It traverses around the pubis area and the genitals, where it meets the Conception Vessel, then moving onwards and up to its relevant organ, the liver, where it links with the gall bladder. It has branches that serve the lungs, the trachea, the larynx and the upper palate of the mouth, and an offshoot serves the lips. The meridian also distributes to the tissue around the eye, and also the forehead; it meets the Governing Vessel at the vertex of the head.

Figure 2.16 The Liver meridian

The nerve line is along the cutaneous medial dorsal nerves of the foot and the deep peroneal nerve, then the saphenous, and femoral nerves, which arise from L2-L4 of the spinal trunk; there it connects with the thoracic nerves, then continues on up to the intercostal nerves.

Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: headaches, vertigo and tinnitus; throat disorders, toothache; any colic or abdominal distension due to gastrointestinal disorders; lumbago; and problems in all four limbs; all problems relating to the genitourinary tract.

The Stomach meridian

The Stomach meridian (figure 2.17 (#litres_trial_promo)) is a Yang channel with 45 points. It originates on the cheek at the side of the nose, and passes through the roots of the teeth on to the lips, descending through the thorax to the abdomen, where it communicates with the spleen and connects directly with the heart. It passes down the thigh to just below the knee on the anterior part of the leg to terminate on the lateral edge of the second toe at the base of the nail bed.

Figure 2.17 The Stomach meridian

The nerve line is along the branches of the facial nerve, then the oculomotor, the trigeminal, and hypoglossal cranial nerves, and the auricular nerve, continuing along the cervical nerves that supply the clavicle, and the first thoracic nerves that supply the pectorals through to the first lumbar nerve, which supplies all the abdomen, and the femoral nerve, which splits into many cutaneous branches supplying the area from the inguinal ligament down to the toes.

Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: all mouth and facial problems; problems of the lower extremities. There is a distal empirical point that can be used for shoulder problems. (See ST-38, figure 5.41 (#litres_trial_promo).)

As a speculative comment, in reflexology we use the ST-45 and ST-44 for all mouth or facial problems, and these reflex areas are wonderful for toothache. ST-43 is used for all digestive disorders; this lies on the hypochondrium area according to the reflexology map of the body.

Figure 2.18 The Gall Bladder meridian

The Gall Bladder meridian

The Gall Bladder meridian (figure 2.18 (#litres_trial_promo)) is a Yang channel with 44 points. It originates on the lateral side of the eye at the point known as pupil crevice. The meridian contours the head and neck, with an offshoot passing to the inner ear; it then passes through the diaphragm with branches going to the breast, then it connects with the liver and gall bladder, and emerges in the groin area and runs along the lateral aspect of the thigh down to the lateral edge of the fourth toe at the base of the nail bed. There is also a connecting channel, which links the instep to the first toe, connecting the gall bladder and the liver, its paired organ.

The nerve line is along the branches of the fifth cranial nerve, the largest cranial nerve, whose offshoot the zygomaticotemporal nerve serves the facial area, then along the occipital, and auricular nerves, continuing along the supraclavicular nerve, connecting with many of the intercostal and many of the thoracic nerves, right down to the first lumbar nerve, where the femoral nerve lies, and branches of the peroneal nerve, connecting with many of the muscles of the calf, the dorsal surface of the ankle, the tarsus, the fourth metatarsal and the third, fourth and fifth toes.

Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: all head-related disorders, facial pain, eye, ear and mouth problems, mastitis or oedema of the axillary areas; any pain of the costal region, or neck, arm and shoulder problems.

Figure 2.19 The Bladder meridian