Foot Acupuncture in reflexology

Effects of foot acupuncture:
(1) Adjustment of Yin and Yang: Diseases may be cured by foot acupuncture through the adjustment of Yin and Yang deficiency to restore the normal physiological functions of the body.

(2) Improvement of body resistance and the discharge of pathogens.

(3) Release of stasis of meridians.
According to the mechanism of exchange between physiological and pathological processes in the meridians and internal organs, the acupuncture and moxibustion applied at acupoints may eliminate the pathogenic factors and cure the diseases.
   
Prindples for selecting acupoints:
(1) Selection of nearby acupoints: The local or nearby acupoints are usually selected to treat localized lesions with symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain and numbness from either acute or chronic diseases. For example, Shangqiu (SP 5), Qiuxu (GB40), Jiexi (ST 41) can be used to treat ankle joint pain.

(2) Selection of remote acupoints: The remote acupoints may be selected according to the theory of meridians and intemal organs. For example, Gongsun (SP4) can be used to treat stomachache, and Zhiyin (BL 67) can be selected to treat diseases of the head and face.

(3) Selection of acupoints according to the nature of the diseases and the specific function of the acupoints: Taichong (LR 3) can be used to treat stagnation of liver qi, and Jiexi (ST 41) can be used to relieve stomachache.
   
Foot acupuncture methods:
(1) Preparation before acupuncture: The quality of the needles should be checked before application of acupuncture. The handle of the needles should be firmly welded to the trunk, and the trunk should be straight, smooth, firm and elastic. The tip of the needle should be as sharp as a pine needle. Needles with defects should be discarded. Needles of different lengths and thicknesses are used according to the location of acupoints as well as the physique and physical condition of the patient.

(2) Posture selection: The patient's posture when receiving foot acupuncture is very important for the correct localization of the aeupoints, the proper insertion and manipulation of the needles, and the prevention of fainting and needle mishaps. In the proper posture, the patient may comfortably keep his body still for a long time and the practitioner can correctly locate the acupoints and conveniently apply acupuncture. The common postures for foot acupuncture are the following:
Supine lying posture: Convenient for application of acupuncture to the dorsal side of foot.
Lying on side posture: Convenient for application of acupuncture to lateral side of foot.
Prone lying posture: Convenient for application of acupuncture to plantar side of foot.

(3) Sterilization: The acupuncture instruments are sterilized in an autoclave or by boiling or soaking in alcohol. The needles used for patients with infectious diseases should be strictly sterilized and stored separately. The skin and hands of the practitioner may be sterilized with alcohol cotton bails.

(4) Insertion of needle: To insert the needle, the left thumb placed near the acupoint to press the skin, and the needle is held by the right hand and inserted into the acupoint along the nail of the left thumb. Strong stimulation may be applied to patients with excessive syndrome, and weak stimulation may be applied to patients with deficient syndrome. The needle may be retained in place for 10 to 20 minutes
and then removed, and a sterilized cotton ball is then placed over the puncture hole.

(5) Application of moxibustion: The burned end of a moxa roll is put 2 cm above the acupoint for 3 to 5 minutes until the local skin is flushed. Bum injuries to the skin must be carefully avoided.