Precautions for Practicing Reflexology on Children

Reflexology for children consists of applying pressure to certain points on their hands and feet. The pressure stimulates certain organs in the body that correspond with each of these points. There are many benefits to reflexology, including an overall improved health. Reflexology is generally safe for adults and, while it may also be safe to practice on most children, there are a few precautions you should take when stimulating pressure points on their feet and hands.

Follow these tips for safe reflexology sessions with children.

1. Keep it short and sweet. Since children have such a short attention span and often would rather be bouncing off the walls, keep the sessions short. Fifteen minutes should be adequate. Try doing shorter, more frequent sessions for better results in children.

2. Apply gentle pressure to the feet and hands. Naturally, you want to be careful to avoid hurting them. Children are also very ticklish, and they do not like things that feel funny, so do not use such light pressure that it is going to make them skittish.

3. Avoid the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, which helps to regulate the body. Since reflexology releases toxins into the hands and feet, you will want to avoid releasing them into a child’s bloodstream and hindering the production of hormones.

4. Avoid open sores and inflammation. Practicing reflexology on areas with open sores is just a bad idea — it can cause infections and worse. Stimulating and massaging an area that is inflamed for any reason is also not a good idea, because that will just make the problem worse.

5. Refrain during a serious illness. Again, toxins tend to pool in the stimulated areas, which can affect any organs with pressure points in these areas. Reflexology should be avoided during times of serious illness, or when the child has some type of disorder, unless it has been approved by a doctor.

While reflexology is typically safe for most children, there are some situations when you may need to take precautions or to avoid it altogether. When performed properly, though, it can provide many benefits to your child, including some extra bonding time with you.

**Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only, and is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Please visit with your child’s pediatrician before beginning reflexology sessions.


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