Foot reflexology · zone 4, 5
Ileocecal valve and appendix — Right hand
Placement
Location: A small point on the palm of the right hand at the outer, lower corner of the palm, below the start of the ascending colon area.
Longitudinal zone(s): 4, 5 of 5
Side: right hand
Tradition: Shared across schools
Traditional use
Traditionally located as a single point and worked with a short, firm press at the start of the colon sequence.
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
Sudden or severe pain low on the right side of the abdomen is a medical emergency; conventional practice is to stop and refer rather than work the area. Do not use hand work to assess or delay assessment of abdominal pain.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the ileocecal valve and appendix reflex area on the hand?
A small point on the palm of the right hand at the outer, lower corner of the palm, below the start of the ascending colon area.
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?
Sudden or severe pain low on the right side of the abdomen is a medical emergency; conventional practice is to stop and refer rather than work the area. Do not use hand work to assess or delay assessment of abdominal pain.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- Dwight C. Byers, "Better Health with Foot Reflexology: The Original Ingham Method" International Institute of Reflexology charts, hand reflex chart section
- Barbara and Kevin Kunz, "Complete Reflexology for Life" Hand reflex charts, palmar and dorsal views
- Ann Gillanders, "The Family Guide to Reflexology" Hand reflex chart
- Chinese hand reflex-zone charts (手部反射区) as taught in the Chinese hand-massage tradition Standard Chinese palmar and dorsal hand reflex-zone chart