Several prominent, acupuncture meridians start or end with points in the toes. The Meridian Toe Hold works to balance mind, body and spirit through a gentle technique.
In Reflexology the toes represent reflex points for the head and neck – sinuses, brain, eyes, ears, mouth, and so forth. However, in Acupuncture, there are several main meridians that end in the toes. These include the stomach, gall bladder, bladder, spleen and liver. The Meridian Toe Hold has been adapted by Reflexologists and bodyworkers around the world to invoke deep relaxation and add depth to a Reflexology session.
The Meridians
Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches the meridians connecting them with not only the physical aspect but the mental and spiritual aspects of the body.
- Beginning on the medial, or inside, edge of the great toe’s nail bed is the Spleen meridian. This meridian is responsible for digestion and is also related to the mind, or thoughts.
- The Liver meridian starts on the lateral, or outside, edge of the great toe’s nail bed. It is responsible for blood supply and the creative and spiritual aspects.
- On the lateral, or outside, edge of the second toe the Stomach meridian begins. Representing the stomach and digestion this meridian is also useful for spiritual indigestion, or a feeling of being overloaded with responsibilities and thoughts.
- The third toe doesn’t actually have a meridian starting or ending on this toe. However, the Kidney meridian starts between the long bones of the second and third toes, basically where the Solar Plexus reflex point is located on the planter surface, or sole, of the foot. Nonetheless, we hold this toe anyway and consider it balancing the Kidney meridian. This meridian governs the kidneys and can be beneficial to the lower back, regulating qi and reproductive disorders.
- Gall Bladder meridian is found ending in the fourth toe on the lateral, or outside, edge. This meridian is co-responsible for decision making, is partnered with the liver and is considered responsible for muscles and joints.
- Lastly, the Bladder meridian is located on the lateral, or outside, corner of the fifth toe's nail bed. This point is most commonly known for its use in acupuncture to start labor or turn a breech baby in utero. The meridian can also clear the mind and alleviate pain.
The Toe Hold
You can try the Meridian Toe Hold at home by following these steps. Have your friend or loved one lay on a bed with her knees slightly propped with a pillow under them and her feet at the end of the bed. Sit comfortably on a chair at the end of the bed – if need be you can also prop up the feet so you are not putting strain on your lower back.
- Start by briskly rubbing your hands together to warm them. Tell your friend to relax and take a few deep breaths.
- You will gently hold the second toes between your middle fingers and thumbs – the middle finger should rest on the nail bed and the thumb should gently press the toe pad beneath. Hold both of the second toes for 30 to 60 seconds; you can eventually hold the toes up to three minutes. At the end of the half to full minute slowly release your hold on the toes.
- Now move to the third toes and repeat the hold before moving to the fourth and fifth toes.
- When you have finished holding toes two through five, move to the great toe but this time hold your index finger on the inside edge of the toenail and the middle finger on the outside edge of the toenail. The thumb will hold the pad of the great toe as in the other toes.
Some common sensations your friend may experience while you are holding her toes are: tingling or twitching sensations in the toes or feet, a zing of energy running up the leg(s), deep relaxation or the inability to keep her eyes open, or warming or cooling sensations in the feet or legs. She should not try to rise quickly after the toe hold in case she may feel light headed from the relaxation. You can offer her a glass of water when she is sitting up.
If you’re looking to experience this technique yourself ask your Reflexologist if he or she offers it. You can forward this article to him or her, or print it out and bring it to your next session. Other toe holds include: the Brazilian Toe Hold presented by Peter Eedy and the Toe Balance developed by Moss Arnold of the Australian College of Chi Reflexology.
