by Karen Ball
Cold mitten friction is a simple washing with cold water accompanied with friction from mitts, towels and/or a loofah.
You may be surprised to discover how much value (and virtually no cost) this simple modality adds to a reflexology session.
What It Does:
The application of cold initially sets vasoconstriction (constriction of the blood vessels) into play, quickly followed by vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels), which together increase the circulation and elimination of excess heat in the superficial tissues and blood vessels, resulting in a decrease in visceral (organ) congestion.
Rapid movement of stagnant blood allows fresh blood to flood the area, bringing along with it much-needed oxygen and red and white blood cells. Tissue tone is enhanced and metabolism is stimulated.
When to Consider Adding:
- as a way to finish a hot stone treatment or when the client exhibits and/or complains of feeling hot
- client complains of low energy
- poor circulation in the extremities, indicated by cold hands and/or feet
- diagnosis of anemia
- depression
- nervous exhaustion
Points to Consider First:
- warm the feet or hands first; this is easily accomplished by giving a reflexology session and/or hot soak
- watch for signs of chilling, such as shivering
- skin lesions; do not offer cold (or heat)
- contraindication for cold, such as Raynaud’s Disease
- aversion/intolerance to cold; never force a client to endure a cold or cool application if they don’t want it!
Application:
I like to add cold mitten friction therapy to my hand reflexology sessions.
Following a reflexology session, I will quickly submerge one hand in a basin of cold water and remove immediately. Holding the hand over the basin I will then briskly and quickly scrub the hand with a “scrubbie glove”. They can be purchased at dollar stores, drug stores, big box stores and of course, Amazon. I will have submerged my gloved hands into the water first to soften the glove fibers and get the glove wet. (Added bonus to these gloves, they can be re-used. Throw in the washing machine; air-dry. Simple)
You may choose to add in an exfoliation agent such as an essential oil-infused salt or sugar scrub. Just put a little on your wet, gloved hand and scrub away. Remember, that you are not doing massage. The action is quick and vigorous, not slow.
Once done (it only takes a few moments), quickly submerge the hand in water again, to cleanse off any scrub agent you may have used, and dry thoroughly with a thick, dry towel.
Repeat with the other hand and then massage some soothing lotion into the now smoothed exfoliated hands. Your client will love the feel of their new skin and soon afterwards experience warmth in their body as enlivened blood is coursing through their arteries and veins.
Try It Out!
We will be adding in a few hydrotherapy applications in the Reflexology for the Hands workshop at FSM on July 9 and 10. I hope you will join us and learn how to give one of the most relaxing and healing sessions available.
As a previous participant stated, “If you don’t mind turning into Jello, and learning how to do that for others – this workshop is for you! Learn how to massage the body from the palm of your hand. I’m amazed actually that I feel completely ready to do a session fully after just a weekend.”
