FAMILY REFLEXOLOGY: PRE AND POST-FLIGHT RELIEF

Symptoms like muscular pain from inactivity and headaches from changes in altitude and pressure are quite common among travelers. Reflexology can be a maintenance tool to help manage these symptoms and set a positive mood for your trip. The good thing about reflexology is that it is easily applicable and can be used on the whole family, from adults to toddlers and even a few months-old babies.

Uncover Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the idea that certain areas of your body are directly linked to specific points on your feet, hands, and ears. It consists of applying certain levels of pressure to these key points to reduce various symptoms such as pain, sleep troubles, anxiety, and digestive issues. For example, working on the extension of your fingers, from the base until the tips, can help you elicit many health benefits and achieve deep relief and relaxation. The tip of your finger is associated with your head and brain, which can reduce headache symptoms, while the base can affect a stiff neck and tired eyes.
Make sure to prepare for a few routines during your flight, mainly on the hands and ears, since the feet might be quite complicated to reach due to the lack of space on the plane. Exchange this moment of relaxation with your loved ones. Despite its healing power, practicing reflexology with your family brings a more positive attitude to traveling, entertains youngsters and kids, and creates quality family time.

Reflexology Key Points on the Hands

As we all know, traveling can be a little challenging sometimes. All the preparations from finding a hotel, arranging your luggage, going through check-in, and security, and possibly facing delays on the flight can raise considerably your stress and anxiety levels, and the last thing we want is to ruin our family holiday even before it starts. If you face any of these situations, bring simple reflexology techniques to your family. Stimulating your hand’s Solar Plexus might help you rejuvenate and reduce anxiety and stress symptoms.

The Solar Plexus is located in the center of your palm, below your middle fingers so you might notice a natural little “hole” in that area. Take deep, long, and steady breaths while pressuring this point with your thumbs and gently circling it. Do it on both hands for as long as you need.

Another common issue during long flights is facing heavy legs, caused by the lack of movement, leading to an issue with your leg’s blood circulation, causing swelling to your legs and feet. Of course, walking up on the aisle is a good option to alleviate the issues; however, you can work on it by gently squeezing and pumping the area in between your finger joints, of each of your fingers and thumb. Again, you can use it as many times as necessary, interchanging between your right and left hands in a prone position with your palm facing down.

One great option for toddlers who suffer from blocked ears due to pressure and motion sickness is to gently massage this point on your fourth and little fingers on the palm of your hand. This area resonates with your ears. Work on both fingers, squeezing from the tip until the base, passing through the joints, and moving to the tip of your next finger. This little technique will help to alleviate your kid’s ear pressure and could considerably reduce their nausea.

Foot Reflexology Techniques

As mentioned before, due to the lack of space in the plane, practicing foot reflexology with your family might be challenging. Even if you manage to squeeze yourself and do it, your seat neighbors might not be comfortable with the procedure. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t work on your feet at all! We’re here to provide you with some basic advice on how to do it without looking weird or bothering your co-travelers.

First step: carry with you a tennis ball! This is the most important part of the guide. Keep one ball in your carry-on baggage in an easily accessible place where you can pick it up whenever needed. Place it under your foot, and roll it the entire length of your foot.

This can be a lifesaver in heavy leg instances and also helps with ankle, knee, and hamstring tightness issues. It is important to take into consideration that your body is like a building, and your legs are the pillars. Frequently, difficulties with this area can cause soreness throughout your body, particularly in the lower back, neck, and traps.

When you first start, you can place the ball under your upper foot and your heel on the ground. Start by adding pressure to the ball with your body weight, and keep “pumping it” for a few seconds. Then, roll the ball out across your foot, repeat it a few times, and then make circles around it. Repeat this process on both feet as many times as needed; the alleviation will be felt nearly instantly. Check out our Instagram for more routines!

Ear Reflexology Routine

A less commercialized option is the ear massage routine, which is especially effective for headache and stress relief. This is a go-to option for kids, and they will enjoy it!

You can start by positioning your thumb on top of the ears and your point finger behind them. Press it while doing round movements, circling three times each spot, starting at the top, and going to the lobule. You can repeat this routine three times. Return to the top of the ear pressing and holding it for five seconds, repeat in all your ear extensions. Once again, repeat the same technique three times. Occasionally press your inner ear, being careful in this area, the idea is to bring relief and not cause tension.

By incorporating these simple reflexology techniques, you can reduce discomfort and enhance relaxation during your flight. Whether through hand, foot, or ear, these methods are easy to apply and can benefit the whole family, on the go.