In honor of Pisces season, I would like to introduce the importance of incorporating reflexology into a regular self-care routine. If we can picture the zodiac wheel from beginning to end as a mirror for our body – Aries, being the first sign, rules the head and Pisces, as the last sign, rules the feet.
Just as the stars can represent macrocosms to the microcosms in our body, our bodies have their own micro-blueprints for treating the body systems holistically. As a subsection, the glands and organs that Pisces rules are the lymphatic system and pituitary gland.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is part of our body’s way of taking out the trash and helps aid in the strength of our immune system. Lymphatic fluid gets stagnant and stuck by our modern lifestyles of sitting for the majority of the day, lack of movement and poor diet. Incorporating practices such as dry brushing the skin early in the morning, doing castor oil packs, jumping on a trampoline or simply shaking our body can help aid to move out these toxic accumulations.
Metaphysically the lymphatic system represents the movement of your soul through the physical body. When it removes waste and toxins, it facilitates purification simultaneously in your body and soul which allows you let go of old patterns and beliefs that are no longer serving you.
The Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland, also known as the “Master Gland” or “Mother Gland,” is located in the center of the brain and plays a major role in regulating our endocrine system. It has both masculine and feminine characteristics, having both an anterior lobe and posterior lobe.
The masculine achievements of the anterior lobe secretes most of the pituitary hormones which activate growth, sperm and egg development, milk secretion. It also determines the hormonal secretions of the thyroid, adrenal and gonadal glands. Lastly, it affects the growth of long bones, internal organs and muscles.
Its feminine counterpart is the posterior lobe which stores and releases hormones from the hypothalamus that control its function. Uterine contraction, milk release and blood pressure are controlled by this department.
The posterior pituitary guides the mammary glands, stimulating the production of milk through the hormone prolactin and the kidneys by regulating the secretion of urine and body fluid levels. Lastly, it creates the profound bonding, love hormone in the body – oxytocin which most commonly occurs during childbirth.
The metaphysical symbology of the pituitary gland brings forth the spirit of the womb which contains the very essences of the creative process channelled down through higher levels of consciousness.
This principle is solely concerned with bringing forth the seeds of love through the cycles of conception, gestation, growth and development, and eventually birth into this 3D reality. It is one of the many powerful portal connections to the divine to help manifest heaven on earth.
Reflexology for Lymph and Pituitary Health
Now that we know a little bit about these special systems of the body, let’s learn how to give gratitude to them through the gentle, nurturing art of reflexology. Reflexology looks primarily at the feet representing a map to the entire body. As pictured above, you can study how things are laid out, and get a better idea of why we use the feet as an area to facilitate profound healing.
Traditionally, reflexology is done with little to no oil. I like to incorporate oils to enhance the effects of my treatments as our skin is our body’s biggest organ and acts like a sponge, absorbing whatever we put upon it. For this specific protocol I like to use a few drops of fractionated coconut oil with 2 drops of doTERRA’s Zendocrine essential oil.
Zendocrine is a specialized blend of oils that aid in the body in detoxification. We get so bombarded by chemicals, free radicals, pesticides, halogens, heavy metals, etc. that it is important to offset their deleterious negative effects with a powerful antidote such as this.
Zendocrine has rosemary, cilantro, and juniper berry; herbs that are known for their internal detoxifying properties and ability to support healthy liver and kidney function. Tangerine and Geranium have purifying effects against unhealthy substances.
Now For the Magic!
I recommend doing reflexology sessions in the evening, after tasks, things, family members have settled down for the day and you just have time to be alone and focus on you. Quiet all devices and let others in your household know that you are going to take some me time.
To begin, we will remove our socks and shoes and sit in a warm, quiet, comfortable space. You may wish to play some calming music of your liking to help enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. Combine the coconut oil with the Zendocrine as described above and begin massaging the oils into your left foot. You can use your thumbs, palms of your hand, knuckles or a tool to help you access the different reflex points on your foot.
After spending a good five minutes doing a general massage on this foot, move to your right foot and do this same. This helps set wake the body up to focus on
where we want the healing energy and intentions to go while getting the blood and circulation flowing.
Pituitary Gland
Moving back to the left foot, begin to focus on the pituitary gland reflex point, located in the center of the bottom of the big toe (it’s that little mountain peak looking part). Grab the big toe using your index finger on the toe nail and your thumb on the pituitary gland region. Pinch and move the toe forwards and backwards to activate this point. This is called the bee sting technique. Do this for a minute or two while taking slow, deep inhalations and exhalations, closing your eyes and visualizing the color purple.
Lymphatic System
Next we will move on to working areas that are involved with the health and function of the lymphatic system. We will start with the thymus area, which is on the medial side of the foot, just under the big toe. Utilize your thumb, using an inchworm technique to glide along this reflex area. Spend two minutes here giving it some good TLC.
From here we’re going to move to the * point which you can find pictured above on the lateral side of the left foot. Here you may use your thumb, knuckle or tool to get into this area to help activate this powerful area of the lymphatic system. Spend a good two minutes here taking deep breaths and visualize the lymphatic pathways opening and clearing.
Now move to your right foot and mirror the above techniques on the pituitary and thymus reflex areas. After about four minutes of treating these areas we will move to the large liver area of the right foot which is in the upper two thirds section pictured above. Here you can use your knuckles or massage tool to really get into this powerful detoxification organ. Spend 5 minutes here visualizing the color green while taking slow, deep breaths.
Clearing Out the Old
We will now wrap up the treatment by working the colon areas, using the inchworm technique: starting with the right foot, going along the appendix,illeocecal valve, ascending colon, across the transverse colon and then moving to the left foot to continue on the transverse colon, down the descending colon and finishing off at the sigmoid colon. Do 5-10 rounds going along this circuit from right to left foot.
Finish up by spending a few more minutes doing a general all over massage and giving thanks to your feet for all they do to support you in this beautiful body that you have. After this treatment use a cloth or tissue to help remove any excess oils and use caution if you’re going to walk along a smooth surfaced floor. Putting socks and slippers on would be preferable and using the bathroom if needed.
If you really want to pamper yourself from here I would highly recommend doing a 10-15 minute foot soak using a cup of epsom salts and half a cup of baking soda with 3 drops of Zendocrine oil.
This will further aid in the detoxification process, soak away any aches or soreness in your feet, aid in deeper relaxation and promote a rejuvenating night’s sleep. While soaking, take a few sips of your favorite non-caffeinated herbal tea. Dandelion root is a great aidin helping the liver to detox here but whatever tea you like is fine. Rinse off when done, towel dry your feet and doze off to bed.
Further Recommendations, Disclaimers & Precautions
The above recommended protocol can be incorporated anytime during the year but is best done during the end of Winter, into the Spring season. Once or twice a week would be good or monthly. It really depends on how deep you want to go into the detox and how congested your body is currently.
It should not be performed by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or by those who have allergies or sensitivities to the above listed ingredients. Women may wish to refrain from performing these techniques during their menstrual cycle as greater sensitivity can be felt during this time and the body is already going through enough detoxification on its own.
It is recommended that the reader do his or her due diligence in incorporating self care protocols using their best discernment and after consulting with a qualified holistically trained health care professional who can determine if there are any further contraindications to underlying conditions or undesirable drug/herb interactions that could possibly occur.
If you would like an individual consultation to determine the best course of action for your particular condition, you may book an herbal consultation with Mindy so she can better customize a self-care strategy for your individual constitution and circumstances.
Please note the above protocol is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and is for reference purposes only. The information contained above has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration, or by other government entities. It is not provided to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, illness or any injured condition of the body.
The author of this post is not liable for any misconception or misuse of the information provided and are not responsible or liable for any person or entity in regards to any damage, loss, or injury caused, or supposed to be caused, either directly or indirectly from the use of the contents of this post. This post is not intended to be a substitute for medical counseling. Anyone suffering from any illness, injury, or disease should consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Sending all my love and blessings to you as we wrap up this Pisces season and venture into the next cycle!
