Foot reflexology · zone 1, 2, 3, 4

Upper lymph and thoracic drainage — Left foot

Upper lymph and thoracic drainage on the left foot · 4 areas · ringed markers are placed differently by different schools

Placement

Location: On the dorsum of the left foot in the grooves between the bases of the toes, worked back along the spaces between the metatarsals.

Longitudinal zone(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 of 5

Side: left foot

Tradition: Shared across schools

Traditional use

Traditionally stroked toward the ankle with light pressure as a closing move.

Reflexology is a traditional practice, not an evidence-based medical treatment. Systematic reviews have not shown it to be effective for any medical condition. These maps document what practitioners traditionally use — they are not claims about how the body works.

Care and caution

Thin-skinned area; conventional practice is light pressure only, and deep work is avoided over swelling, bruising or prominent veins.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the upper lymph and thoracic drainage reflex area on the foot?

On the dorsum of the left foot in the grooves between the bases of the toes, worked back along the spaces between the metatarsals.

Which tradition does this placement come from?

Shared across schools. The major schools broadly agree on this placement.

Does pressing this area treat the organ it is named after?

No. Reflexology maps are traditional diagrams, not descriptions of anatomy or physiology. Systematic reviews have not found reflexology to be an effective treatment for any medical condition.

Is there anything to be careful about?

Thin-skinned area; conventional practice is light pressure only, and deep work is avoided over swelling, bruising or prominent veins.

Sources

References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.

  1. Barbara and Kevin Kunz, "Complete Reflexology for Life" Foot reflex charts, plantar and dorsal views
  2. Ann Gillanders, "The Family Guide to Reflexology" Foot reflex chart
  3. Hanne Marquardt, "Reflexotherapy of the Feet" Foot reflex-zone chart, Marquardt lineage