We all use touch for therapy – when we think, we put our chin on our fist, and when we’re uncomfortable, we rub our hands together as if we’re cold. Even babies suck on their thumbs when they go to sleep. We don’t do all of these things for nothing, as each part of our body is connected to a whole system. If we know where to apply pressure in the system, we can overcome various physical and mental symptoms.



Finger Touch Therapy originates from an ancient Chinese technique, in which every finger relates to different organs and emotions. In a study conducted by the Mercy Cancer Center in the U.S., all of the participants experienced beneficial sensations, including reduced stress and nausea during chemotherapy. Additionally, many patients that reported difficulties sleeping found that by holding their thumb and taking deep breaths, they were able to fall asleep much faster. It is assumed that thumb holding is related to the way babies suck on their thumbs, but either way, both patients and doctors strongly recommend this method.

To use this technique, all you have to do is make a fist around the finger that’s connected to the sensation or body-part you wish to soothe, and slowly apply pressure to it for 3-5 minutes while breathing deeply. If you want to balance your whole body, simply do it for each finger on both hands.

Thumb

    Sensations: Anxiety, worry, and depression
    Organs: Stomach and spleen
    Physical Symptoms: Stomachaches, headaches, skin problems, and stress

Index Finger

    Sensations: Fear, frustration, uncertainty, and confusion
    Organs: Kidneys and bladder
    Physical Symptoms: Indigestion, discomfort in the arms, elbows and wrists, muscle pains, backaches, teeth related problems, and any type of addiction.

Middle Finger

    Sensations: Anger, restlessness, and indecisiveness
    Organs: Liver and gallbladder
    Physical Symptoms: Eye and vision problems, lethargy, migraines, frontal headaches, period pains, and circulatory system issues.

Ring Finger

    Sensations: Sadness, grief, fear of abandonment and rejection, negativity
    Organs: Lungs and large intestine
    Physical Symptoms: Indigestion, respiratory problems, tinnitus, deep-layer skin problems

Pinky

    Sensations: Low self-esteem, judgmental behavior, and stress
    Organs: Heart and small intestine
    Physical Symptoms: Stomachaches, headaches, skin problems, and stress