Hand Reflexology for the Waning Moon
Getty/Alice Vacca
The Waning Moon invites reflection and introspection. This slower pace is supported by activating hand reflexology points that release tension held in the sacrum, shoulders, and knees.
As we look towards the second half of the Moon’s Cycle, energy begins to wane and slow. The Moon now starts her descent into the slower, more introspective half of her cycle.
The hard work has paid off and it is time to take the foot off the gas, in order to reflect on the journey that we have had so far, taking time to rest and rejuvenate.
We may sense the slower pace of nature and the moon within ourselves so, be mindful of what your body and intuition are telling you. It’s ok to take things a little easier, in fact it is imperative for our health that you do.
From a mind/body perspective, we are going to work on the Lumbar and Sacral area of the spinal reflex. Pain in the lower back is connected to feelings of a lack of support.
We also worry that if we slow down and give ourselves some much needed time off, it will contribute to money problems and so we keep pushing through the fatigue from a place of lack and fear.
Hand Reflexology Points to Activate
Point 1: Lumbar and sacrum. With your left thumb, use little bites of pressure down the lumbar and sacral reflex on the right hand (see no. 1). Working the lower back will help to bring your energy down, and out of your head, helping you to relax and feel much more grounded to Earth and your circumstances.
Work this reflex a minimum of 3 times on each hand.
Point 2: Shoulder. Problematic shoulders can often be linked with feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, perhaps feeling weighed down with responsibilities.
You can hold a lot of tension around your neck and shoulders, and so it is important to ease the tension that regularly builds up here.
Guilt can often be associated with taking time for one’s self. You might feel that it is too self-indulgent or believe that others in your life should always come first, before you.
The Waning Moon demands that you start to pay attention to your own needs and working the shoulder reflex will help to release tension and any burdens that weigh heavy.
With your left thumb apply firm pressure at the joint underneath the little finger. You can massage in a circular motion around this joint and then use little bites of pressure to work your way across the shoulder/clavicle reflex (no.2). Consciously relax your shoulders as you do and take some deep, relaxing breaths.
With your forefinger and middle finger supporting the back of the hand, apply the same circular technique around the knuckle of the little finger and use little bites of pressure across the knuckles to the middle finger. This point represents the back of the shoulders and the scapula.
Point 3: Knee. Working the lower extremities, including the hips and lower back, from a mindful perspective, will support you as you slow your journey down a little. Plus, it really will help to ease any discomfort in your knees.
Massage the area as shown with your forefinger and middle finger, firmly on both hands, imagining that you are slowing your pace down as you travel along your path into the quieter half of the Moon Cycle.
Want more? Try this “Powerful Practice for the Waning Moon.”
Create a Waning Moon Aromatherapy Rollerball
The scents decoded.
During the Waning Moon, your body will want to take on a slower pace and this can often manifest as sluggishness and fatigue.
Sandalwood (Santalum album) will support your nervous system as it switches down a gear, while Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) will lend you a gentle boost of energy when needed.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) will do what it does best of course, and help keep your mind, body, and spirit balanced while promoting a deeper sense of peace as you head into the darker phase of the moon.
You will need:
Rollerball bottle
Sunflower Oil
Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album)
Cypress essential oil (Cupressus sempervirens)
Label
Add sunflower oil to half the bottle. Add 1 drop each of Lavender, Sandalwood, and Cypress. Top up with remaining sunflower oil, replace the rollerball and lid and shake to mix.
This blend of essential oils has properties that will help to keep your energy grounded and relaxed as life takes on a slower pace, easing you comfortably through the transition without worry or guilt.
Do not use if you have a bleeding disorder or in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Read more about creating a moon practice with aromatherapy and hand reflexology
“Hand Reflexology for the Full Moon”
