The Solar Plexus Reflex

Within the body, the solar plexus is a network of nerves that is situated directly behind the stomach and is the largest autonomic nerve centre in the abdominal cavity. Nerves branch out from here to all parts of the abdomen and controls many vital functions such as adrenal secretion and intestinal contraction. It is often termed as the “abdominal brain.”

The Solar Plexus is also a point at which one of the main chakras is found and is called the solar plexus chakra or manipura. This chakra is associated with the colour yellow and represents the “self”, individuality, ego, personality, confidence, and self-esteem. It is a personal power centre.

According to Theron Q. Dumont, author of The Solar Plexus or Abdominal Brain,

“its name, “solar”, was bestowed upon it by reason of (1) its central position; (2) the fact that its filaments extend in all directions to the important abdominal organs, like the rays of the sun; and (3) the fact it is recognised as being the power-house, and great reservoir of ”life-force”, just as the sun is the great power-house and reservoir of material energy of our solar system.”

In Reflexology, the Solar Plexus reflex is located on the diaphragm line between zones 2 and 3. To non-reflexologists, this point can be found at the apex of the arch that runs across the base of the ball of the foot. To help locate this reflex, squeeze the sides of your foot together to find the hollow. This hollow is where the solar plexus is.

Working on this reflex can relieve stress and nervousness, aid relaxation and deep regular breathing, and restore a feeling of calm making it beneficial for people suffering from anxiety, depression, stress-related conditions, nervous disorders, asthma, and hyperventilation to name a few. As this reflex helps calm and relax the entire nervous system it should be worked in cases of migraine, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinsons’s disease, and any other nervous system disorder.

The Solar Plexus is one of the most important reflexes used in Reflexology and is worked at the beginning and the end of a Reflexology treatment. It allows the therapist time to attune to the client and also allows energies to flow freely between client and therapist. It also prepares the client for the treatment, inducing a state of relaxation and encouraging deep relaxed breathing. According to Valerie Voner, author of Everything Reflexology, when this point is worked it can reduce the congestion felt in other reflexes. So if a reflex is painful, the solar plexus can be worked to help reduce or eliminate this pain response.

The Solar Plexus or the “Bubbling Spring” point, as it is known in acupressure and acupuncture, is the first point on the kidney meridian (K1) and is believed to help with fatigue and lethargy. In the Indian tradition, this point is the Earth chakra which helps balance the whole body, and as in acupressure/acupuncture, it is an important point for grounding and connecting with the earth.

An effective way to work with the Solar Plexus reflex is to place your thumb on the point as pictured and apply pressure for a few seconds then release. Continue to do this for 30 seconds to a minute. You might like to inhale as you press and exhale as you release. You can also press firmly on this point with your thumb and rotate in a clockwise direction – both methods are effective. Repeat this technique on the other foot. If you are not supple enough to reach down to work on your feet, you can also access the solar plexus reflex on the hand.

References:
Reflexology and Acupressureby Janet Wright
True and Useful Blog post - Acupressure Point: Bubbling Spring Point (K 1)
Footworks Blog post - The Solar Plexus - The Abdominal Brain

Natural Remedies for Bunions

This post outlines several natural remedies to help alleviate the inflammation and pain of bunions.

Epsom Salts Foot Bath. Soak your feet in a bowl of hot water with a couple tablespoons of Epsom Salts and soak for 10-15 minutes. It will soothe the pain, reduce inflammation, and reduce any stiffness in the joint. As a bonus, Epsom Salts help eliminate odours! More information on Epsom Salts can be found in The Wonder of Epsom Salts Baths post. You could also try taking alternating hot and cold foot baths (with or without the Epsom salts) as the contrasting temperatures can help relieve pain and speed up healing.

Iodine. I read in several books and websites that Iodine can be beneficial for bunions. I’ve never tried this but will definitely be giving it a go. I believe you can get an iodine cream which can be applied, or normal iodine can be combined with castor oil and massaged over the toe joint. Edgar Cayce, a renowned healer in his time, always advocated the use of castor oil packs in relieving pain and discomfort in the body. Castor oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Massage and Reflexology. Both Massage and Reflexology can be very beneficial if you are suffering from bunions. They can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the area.

Homeopathy. This is one complementary therapy which I know very little about, but I have heard that the Sulphur homeopathic remedy can be beneficial for bunions.

Acupuncture. As mentioned in another post, Bunions can be indicative of an imbalance along the spleen/pancreas meridian. Acupuncture points are situated along the meridian lines throughout the body and are stimulated using Acupuncture needles to help remove any blockages and restore the normal flow of chi around these energy channels. Apart from treating with needles, there are two other techniques in Acupuncture to help with bunions – the first is Zheng gu shui which is an ointment which warms the joint and helps to break up calcium deposits like which are found in bunions; and the second is Moxa. I do not know much about these remedies so if this sounds like something you would be interested in trying, please consult with a qualified Acupuncturist.

Essential Oils. Chamomile, eucalyptus, cajuput, peppermint, ginger, cypress and juniper essential oils are recommended for helping various joint problems due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Plai is also extremely good for joint pain.

Arnica and Calendula. Arnica and Calendula have been used medicinally for centuries. They both have anti-inflammatory properties so may help reduce the pain and inflammation around the toe joint. They can be purchased in cream form, as a salve or tincture, and as carrier oils.

Tiger Balm. Tiger Balm contains menthol, camphor, cajuput, clove, demontholised mint, and cassia – all of which are excellent for pain relief and inflammation. I’d recommend using the red version for bunions as it is a stronger pain reliever than the white version. More information on Tiger Balm can be found in The Wonder of Tiger Balm post.

More information about bunions can be found in the Bunions from a Reflexology Point of View post.