The Reflexology Minute: Mid-Back & Thoracic Spine

This reflexology minute is dedicated to the mid-back and thoracic spine. To address pain in your mid-back or issues related to this area you can thumbwalk down the medial aspect of your hand from the base of the thumb to the wrist. These are the reflexology points for the thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12).

This area is also good to work if you experience pain, discomfort, or lack of balance in the organs located within your thorax. Because there are nerves that branch out from your spine that innervate various organs and other areas of the body, a pain can originate in the spine or back but can also affect the organ or gland that nerve relates out to. If can also be the opposite. I have found that if my stomach is elevated due to an acidic gut that part of my mid-back will actually go out and I'll experience pain in the muscle just to the left (or right) of that vertebra. It's similar to reflexology in that way - inside out and outside in. 

Today use the reflexology points located in your hands to address your mid-back. You will do both hands as all areas of the body that are central (i.e. the spine) are reflected in both hands.

This technique doesn't have to be a replacement for massage or chiropractic work, if you find those methods are effective for your back pain. Reflexology is an excellent complementary practice that is great when used in conjunction with other physical therapies or medical care. This hand reflexology technique is a self-care technique that can assist and deepen your healing process. So rubs those paws and see what happens!

Photo Credit: Janette Paule