| Acknowledgements | viii |
| Introduction | ix |
| 01 | An explanation of hand reflexology | 1 |
| What is hand reflexology? | 2 |
| What are the benefits? | 2 |
| Hand versus foot reflexology | 5 |
| How does it work? | 5 |
| Brief history of reflexology | 6 |
| Principles of hand reflexology | 7 |
| 02 | All about the hands | 10 |
| The structure of the hands | 11 |
| Problems affecting the hands and wrists | 13 |
| Oriental diagnosis | 17 |
| 03 | Preparation for hand reflexology | 21 |
| General preparation | 22 |
| Personal preparation | 24 |
| Preparation of the receiver | 24 |
| Examining the hands | 25 |
| Contraindications to hand reflexology | 27 |
| 04 | The warm up | 29 |
| 05 | Reflexology techniques | 36 |
| Holding technique | 37 |
| Thumb walking/caterpillar movements | 38 |
| Finger walking | 40 |
| Pressure circles | 42 |
| Press and release | 43 |
| Rotation on a point | 43 |
| Hook in and back up/pinpointing technique | 44 |
| 06 | Step-by-step hand reflexology sequence | 46 |
| How long should a treatment take? | 47 |
| How many sessions will they need? | 47 |
| How much pressure should I use? | 47 |
| What reactions can I expect? | 48 |
| Possible reactions during hand reflexology | 48 |
| Beware of a strong reaction! | 49 |
| Possible reactions between treatments | 49 |
| Step-by-step sequence: right hand | 50 |
| Step-by-step sequence: left hand | 77 |
| 07 | Step-by-step self-treatment | 91 |
| Left hand | 92 |
| Right hand | 107 |
| 08 | Essential oils for the hands | 113 |
| Essential oils and hand reflexology | 114 |
| Using essential oils prior to a treatment | 114 |
| Using essential oils at the end of a treatment | 115 |
| Preparing an oil blend | 115 |
| Preparing a hand cream | 116 |
| Choosing your oils for the systems | 116 |
| Hand exercises | 124 |
| 09 | Hand reflexology for common ailments: an A-Z | 126 |
| Acne | 127 |
| Allergies | 127 |
| Anaemia | 128 |
| Arthritis | 128 |
| Asthma | 129 |
| Back problems | 130 |
| Bladder problems | 130 |
| Bronchitis | 131 |
| Colds/coughs | 131 |
| Constipation | 132 |
| Depression | 132 |
| Ear problems | 133 |
| Eye disorders | 133 |
| Flatulence | 133 |
| Haemorrhoids | 134 |
| Hay fever | 134 |
| Headaches | 135 |
| Heart problems | 135 |
| Indigestion/heartburn | 136 |
| Infertility | 136 |
| Insomnia | 137 |
| Irritable bowel syndrome | 137 |
| Liver/gallbladder problems | 138 |
| Male impotence | 138 |
| Menopause | 139 |
| Menstrual/ovarian disorders | 139 |
| Migraine | 140 |
| PMT | 140 |
| Prostate problems | 141 |
| Sinusitis | 142 |
| Skin problems | 142 |
| Tonsillitis | 143 |
| Taking it further | 144 |
| Useful addresses | 144 |
| Index | 145 |
| Charts | 149 |