Brief Descriptions:
Reflexology Research & Case Studies
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*Cardio-vascular system (baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia)
*Milk secretion in new mothers
Prostate (hypertrophy - enlarged)
*Uroschesis (retention of urine)
*
Reflexology work saved a Danish employer US$3,300 a month in fewer
sick days for employees in addition to improving the work
environment. "… Reflexology had been used to help the staff of
the Scandinavian Airline's Cargo Department. They employ
approximately 60 people and handle 2.4 million documents a year. Here
is a statement made by the employees: " 'Our work is done through
computers and people spending many hours in a chair doing their work,
resulting in aching shoulders and back. Since we employed our
reflexologist … we have experienced a substantial decrease of
people being ill and away from work. The approximate amount is 20,000
Danish kroner a month (US$3,300). It has not only a physical effect,
but also a psychological effect. There is a much better atmosphere in
the department, because the employees feel there is something being
done about their problems... Before we used to stay at home when ill,
now we see the staff go to work anyway because they know they can get
a treatment and feel better.'" Eriksen, Leila, Reflexology: Research
and Effect Evaluation in Denmark, Danish Reflexologists Association,
Denmark, August 1995, pp. 15 - 16 •
"Over a 2 year period a reflexologist employed by the Telecom firm of
Taastrup, Denmark treated 156 employees who expeienced postive
effects on back pains, the musculo-skeltal sustem, headache,
migraine, stomache/intestinal sufferings. Sickness leave was
reduced." (http://www.fdz-intranet.dk/english/research/results.htm)
Eriksen, Leila, "A Close-up View on Company Reflexology," Danish
Reflexologists Association Research Committee Report, Feb.,
1995 •
"Three reflexologissts employed by the municipality treated 143
patients over a 6 month period. 79% were either cured or helped with
their primary health problem. 57% were helped with secondary
problems. 30% became more satified with their jobs and 92% wanted to
continue reflexology."
(http://www.fdz-intranet.dk/english/research/results.htm) Kristensen, Karin, Rasmussen,
Inge, and Møller, Elsebeth, "Take Good Care of Your Fellow
Employees, Reflexology as personnel care in the Århus District
Corporation," Danish Reflexologists Association Research Committee
Report, Feb., 1995 (Originally published in Zonetherapeuten, (The
FDZ Journal), No. 1, 1996) •
"Staff of the municipality of Ishoj was treated by a reflexologist.
During 6 month the municipality saved DKK 215,00 as absenteeism was
reduced with 2,500 hours as compared to the provious year."
(http://www.fdz-intranet.dk/english/research/results.htm) Eriksen,
Leila, "Municipal Reflexology," Danish Reflexologists Association
Research Committee Report, Feb., 1995 •
"In a three year peiod 235 employees were treated for a variety of
health problems. 170 reported a good effect. 60 had some effect
whereas 5 had no effect. Absenteeism was reduced from 11.4 to 8.5
days per person per year, implying savings of more than 1 million
Danish kroner."
(http://www.fdz-intranet.dk/english/research/results.htm) Madsen,
Synnøve and Andersen, Jette, "Postal Reflexology," Danish
Reflexologists Association Research Committee Report, Feb.,
1995 • "A
report on Company Reflexology as appled in the Danish municipality of
Svendborg. Involves 52 female employees. 97.5% had positive effects
on their primary ailments. 77.5% on secondary problems. Meidince
intake was reduce with 27.5% and absenteeism with 65.9%"
(http://www.fdz-intranet.dk/english/research/results.htm) Terp,
Hanne, "Municipal Reflexology in Svendborg, A study of the effect of
reflexology treatment in the eastern district of the
municipality. Thirty
eight cases of acne were ages 18 to 29. All were treated with a daily
reflexology session for 10 days as a course of treatment. All were
successfully cured by foot reflexotherapy work: 5 after 3 courses, 26
after 4 courses, 4 after 5 courses and 3 after 6
courses. Dong
Dahai, Xiang Xiangdong, Shi Yanling, Kong Zhifeng, Dong Congjun,
"Treatment of 38 Cases of Acne with Foot Reflexotherapy," 1998
China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology
Association, Beijing, pp. 62-6 Alzheimer's
patients saw a reduction in body stiffness and arthritis as well as
alleviation of the illness's symptoms of restlessness and wandering
following reflexology work. "Old
age converts to the New Age," Daily Mail (England), September
14, 1995 *
Ninety-five cases of amenorrhea were divided into two groups, a foot
reflex therapy treatment group of 50 and a control group of 45 with
participants using traditional Chinese medicine tablets. The
effective rate of the foot reflex therapy group was 96% compared to
the control group rate of 33%. Xiu-hua,
Xu, "Analysis of 50 Cases of Amenorrhea Treated by Foot Reflex
Therapy," (19)96 Beijing International Reflexology Conference
(Report), China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese
Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p. 36 A
forty-six year-old woman with megaloblastic anemia was treated with
foot reflexology. At the start of foot reflexology treatment her
WBC/mm measured 4200 and hemoplobin 5.5. After three months of foot
reflexology treatment she could walk. WBC/mm measured 8200 and
hemoglobin measured 11.0. Foot
reflexology applied during an active onset of angina and observed
with EKG showed disappearance of symptoms and a change to T-waves in
V1.3 elevated from depressed T-waves and T-waves in V5 inverted
upright from an inversion of T-waves. Following a 10-day course of
daily 50 minute foot reflexology sessions, nocturnal attacks of
premature beats were relieved though premature beats still occurred
occasionally. "To evaluate the effects of
hand massage on patient anxiety during cataract surgery. SETTING:
Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea. METHODS: This study
comprised 59 patients having cataract surgery from December 11, 1996,
to February 12, 1997. The patients were divided into those having a
hand massage 5 minutes before surgery (experimental group, n = 29)
and those not receiving a hand massage (control group, n = 30).
Patients' anxiety levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale
and by assessing the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood
pressure, and pulse rate before and after the hand massage and 5
minutes before the end of surgery. Epinephrine, norepinephrine,
cortisol, blood sugar levels, neutrophil, and lymphocyte percentages
in white blood cells were also measured. RESULTS: After the hand
massage, the psychological anxiety levels, systolic and diastolic
blood pressures, and pulse rate were significantly lower than before
the massage. The hand massage significantly decreased epinephrine and
norepinephrine levels in the experimental group. Epinephrine,
norepinephrine, and cortisol levels increased in the control group.
The differences between groups were significant. There were no
significant between-group differences in blood sugar levels or
neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages in white blood cells.
CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that hand massage decreases the
psychological and physiological anxiety levels in patients having
cataract surgery under local anesthesia." Kim MS, Cho KS, Woo H, Kim JH,
"Effects of hand massage on anxiety in cataract surgery using local
anesthesia," J Cataract Refract Surg. 2001 Jun;27(6):884-90
(Department of Ophthalmology, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Medical
College, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea) PMID:
11408136 See Hyperlipimia,
Shou-qing, Gui; Yuna-zhong, Li; Xian-qing, Xiao; Chen Shengping and
Gu Xuejauna (The People's Hospital, Xianning District, Hubei
Province), Zhu Shanhan, Liao Enguang (The People's Hospital of Hubei
Province) and Luo Desheng (Xianning College of Medicine, Hubei
Province), "Impact of the Massotherapy Applied to Foot Reflexes on
Blood Fat of Human Body," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium
Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp.
34-37 Forty-two
cases of acromioclaviclar (shoulder) arthritis received thirty minute
sessions of foot reflexology once a day for 15 days. At the finish, 8
were "cured," 20 were "distinctly effective" and 14 cases were
"improved." *
"Ten weeks of either active or simulated (placebo) reflexology were
compared in an otherwise blind, controlled trial of 40 patients with
asthma. Results: Objective lung function tests did not change.
Subjective scores and bronchial sensitivity to histamine improved on
both regimens but no differences were found in the groups receiving
active or placebo reflexology. However, a trend in favour of
reflexology became significant when a supplementary analysis of
symptom diaries was carried out. At the same time a significant
pattern compatible with subconscious un-blinding was found.
Discussion: We found no evidence that reflexology has a specific
effect on asthma beyond a placebo influence." (Brygge T, Heinig JH,
Collins P, Ronborg SM, Gehrchen PM, Hilden J, Heegaard S, Poulsen LK
"Zone Therapy and Asthma," Ugeskr Laeger, 2002, Apr. 29;
164(18):2405-10- Danish language)(PMID: 12024846) •
Following the daily application of foot reflexology for 40 to 50
minutes over a period of two to twelve weeks, all 45 patients with
infantile bronchial asthma (ages 1 to 7) experienced a disappearance
of symptoms. "Proactive
health-care services emphasize health promotion and the prevention of
disabling conditions, Currently in Thai society, the number of
elderly with deteriorating health has increased. Therefore, self-care
health promotion activities have become essential in order for the
elderly to maintain their well-being. The purpose of this study was
to investigate the effects of foot massage with biofeedback. Foot
massage, a Thai primary self-care custom, has been found to enhance
blood circulation, relaxation, and one's own healing power. In
addition, touch has been found to stimulate secretion of endorphins
and reduce pain and anxiety. It appears therefore that foot massage,
or reflexology, promotes a healthy lifestyle for all age groups. An
experimental study, utilizing a pilot project in elderly health care,
was employed to investigate the effects of biofeedback using foot
massage A pretest/post-test quasi-experimental design was used. The
sample consisted of four mean and 16 women (age group 61-69). Four
trained researchers massaged the feet of the subjects and measured
vital-sign changes. Biofeedback was also investigated before and
after the foot massages. Results showed that the average biofeedback
and temperature were lower before than after the foot massage
(P<0.01). The average pulse rate, respiratory rate and blood
pressure, however, were found to be higher before rather than after
the foot massage (P<0.01). It was concluded that the foot massage
provided good circulation, relaxation and comfort. All subjects
expressed positive feelings when they received the foot massage (i.
e. "It is very nice that foot massage can relieve my joint pain, I an
happy and comfortable.") These findings appear to indicate that foot
massage is beneficial both for physical and mental conditions. Foot
massage, however, is just one key to achieving a full range of
primary health-care services. It needs to no only be performed by
nurses. Families also, can provide foot massage for the elderly,
anywhere and anytime." Jirayingmongkol
P, Chantein S, Phengchomjan N, Bhanggananda N, "The effect of foot
massage (reflexology) with biofeedback: a pilot study to enhance
health promotion," Nurs Health Sci, 2002 Aug;4(Suppl):A4
(PMID: 12153420) •
Of 593 women who gave birth at Gentofte County Hospital (Great
Britain) in 1988, 103 chose reflexology as an alternative to both
pain killing drugs and to labor stimulating and inducing drugs. Of
sixty-eight women who chose reflexology with no analgesic drugs,
sixty one (89.71%) stated that reflexology had helped reduce pain.,
six (8.82%) felt no effect, and, one had increased pain in spite of
reflexology treatment. Four of the sixty-one women who were helped by
reflexology also required pain medication. Of forty-nine women who
chose reflexology to stimulate labor, twenty-four gave birth without
additional drug treatment. Fourteen women who were candidates for
surgical delivery, received reflexology treatment between 30 and 60
minutes of birth. Eleven (78.57%) were then able to discharge the
placenta. The other three had it surgically removed. All
participants, except one, found the reflexology treatments extremely
pleasant. "Easier
Births Using Reflexology." by Gabriella Bering Liisberg, "Tidsskrift
for Jordemodre," No. 3, 1989. •
Thirty-seven of 64 pregnant women, who were offered free reflexology,
completed the set course of ten treatments. The effects of
reflexology on labor outcomes were perceived as outstanding. Some had
labor times of only 2 hours, some 3 hours. The 20 - 25 year olds had
an average time of First stage labor of 5 or 6 hours. The 26 - 30
year olds seemed to have the longest labors. In total, the average
first stage was 5 hours, second stage 16 minutes, and third stage 7
minutes. This is compared to textbook figures of 16 to 24 hours'
first stage, and, 1 to 2 hour's second stage. "The
Effects of Reflexology on Labour Outcome," Dr. Gowri Motha and Dr.
Jane McGrath, Forest Gate, London, England, Nursing Times,
Oct. 11, 1989 •
Midwives of the Central Coast of New South Wales in Australia "are
conducting a randomized single-blind controlled trial on the effect
of reflexology on foot and ankle edema in late pregnancy (over 32
weeks). A total of 80 women are randomized into" one of three groups:
normal pregnancy visit (control), relaxation reflexology (placebo) or
lymphatic drainage reflexology (treatment.). The sessions are 15-20
minutes at least once a week. The information gathered are pre- and
post-treatment measurement of the ankle and instep, and blood
pressure. The women answer a questionnaire at each session about
comfort, changes in mood/feelings, and changes in relationship with
midwife." One
quarter of the midwifery staff at the hospital are trained in
reflexology, a 40-hour certificate course on reflexology and uses in
midwifery practice endorsed by the national midwifery board. The
staff trained with Susanne Enzer, author of Maternity Reflexology
(1997) and Reflexology; A Tool for Midwives (2000). ("Midwifery
around the World, Midwives of the Central Coast of New South Wales,
Australia, Midwifery Today E-News, Vol. 3, Issue 7, February, 14,
2001) •
"90% of 68 women had a positive effect of reflexology as a pain
killer during delivery. 11 out of 14 with retention of the placentea
avoided operation."
(http://www.fdz-intranet.dk/english/research/results.htm) Sorrig,
Kirsten, "Easier Births Using Reflexology, "Danish Reflexologists
Association, Research Committee Report, Feb., 1995 (Originally
published in the Danish daily newspaper "Berlingske Tidende," July
15, 1988) Three
different methods were used to work with pneumonia and bronchitis in
children. Foot reflexology was utilized in 103 cases, antibiotics in
40 cases and antibiotica with Chinese herbs in 68 cases. Foot
reflexology was found to be more effective than either of the
others. *
Results of study: Reflexology modifies the distressing symptoms of
pain and nausea in patients hospitalized with cancer. "87 patients
participated in the study and each received a 10-minute reflexology
foot massage (5 minutes per foot). The results revealed that the
treatments produced a significant and immediate effect on the
patients' perceptions of pain, nausea and relaxation when measured
with a visual analog scale. The use of reflexology foot massage as a
complementary method is recommended as a relatively simpler nursing
intervention for patients experiencing nausea or pain related to the
cancer experience. The results were so positive that the researchers
recommend that further research using larger numbers of patients in
controlled clinical trials into its effectiveness of reflexology in
alleviating pain, nausea and anxiety in the management of these
symptoms by the family at home is warranted." Grealish,
L. Lomasney, A., Whiteman, B., "Foot Massage: A nursing intervention
to modify the distressing symptoms of pain and nausea in patients
hospitalized with cancer," Cancer Nurse 2000, June;23(3):237-43
(On-line review: "Reflexology Used for Cancer Patients," Internet
Health Library, October 11, 2000) *
Results of study: 100% of the reflexology group benefited from an
improvement in quality of life: appearance, appetite, breathing,
communication (doctors), communication (family), communication
(nurses), concentration, constipation, diarrhoea, fear of future,
isolation, micturition, mobility, mood, nausea, pain, sleep and
tiredness. Within the reflexology group, the participants reported an
improvement in all components of the quality of life scale compared
to 67. 5 in the placebo group. Nevertheless, this study would suggest
that the provision of reflexology for palliative patients within the
general setting could be beneficial. Not only did the patients in
this study enjoy the intervention, they were also 'relaxed,'
'comforted' and achieved relief from some of their
symptoms. Hodgson,
H. "Does reflexology impact on cancer patients' quality of life?,"
Apr. 2000, Nursing Standard, 14, 31, pp. 33-38 *
Results of study: Foot reflexology alleviated anxiety and pain for
twenty-three patients with breast and lung cancer. Researchers noted
a significant decrease in anxiety for patients diagnosed with breast
or lung cancer and a significant decrease in pain for patients with
breast cancer. "This has important implications for nursing practice
as both professionals and lay people can be taught reflexology.
Reflexology is a simple technique for human touch which can be
performed anywhere, requires no special equipment, is non-invasive
and does not interfere with patients' privacy." Stephenson,
N. L., Weinrich, S. P. and Tavakoli, A. S., "The effects of foot
reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients with breast and lung
cancer," OncolNursForum 2000,
Jan.-Feb.;27(1):67-72 •
"In Switzerland, many new nurses are taught this approach. When
applied skillfully, a reflexology massage is pleasantly relaxing and
able to diminish painful sensations in the body. Given the number of
uncontrollable variables involved in the decrease of pain and the
establishment of a feeling of relaxation, our small study has no
scientific value. It was only intended to motivate nurses to look for
ways to integrate aspects of alternative care in the management of
terminal patients. ... "Our purpose for using reflexology with these
patients was to decrease their pain but we soon realized the
beneficial effect of reflexology on the morale of patients and
families. Something was being done for them. Patients expressed
feelings of being less abandoned and the families expressed
satisfaction at seeing that something painless existed that could aid
their relative. In three situations we taught a relative how to use
reflexology and the benefit seemed to have been as important for the
relative as for the patient. ... "Patients' comments about
reflexology seem to show that it could be one way for them to feel
this support and to have a helping presence near them in their last
days."(Dobbs, Barbara Zeller, "Alternative health approaches,"
Nursing Mirror (England), Vol. 160, No. 9, Feb. 27, 1985)(Can Nurse
82: 39-41 (1986)\Reflexology\Dobbs-Zeller B\MeSH Terms:\ * Aged\ *
English Abstract\ * Female\ * Foot\ * Human\ * Male\ * Middle Age\ *
Neoplasms/physiopathology*\ * Pain, Intractable/therapy*\ *
Reflexotherapy/methods*\ * Terminal Care\ PMID: 3634658, MUID:
86189470) * B.
S. M. Frankel of the Department of Physiology, University of Leeds,
England has conducted a pilot study "to identify if reflexology and
foot massage affect the physiology of the body by measuring
baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure, and sinus
arrhythmia." Ten recipients of reflexology work and ten recipients of
foot massage work were compared to a control group of four
individuals in a single blind study. Frankel
found that "The reflexology and foot massage groups showed
significantly greater reductions in baroreceptor reflex sensitivity
compared to the control group. This study found no significant
difference in blood pressure after intervention. The frequency of
sinus arrhythmia after reflexology and foot massage increased by
43.9% and 34.1% respectively." The
study examines the link between pressure to the feet and
baroreceptors of the heart. The baroreceptor reflex "maintains blood
pressure and homeostasis by changes in the autonomic outflow." It
effects behavior such as "sleep, mental arithmetic and exercise" and
"physiological processes and reflexes such as aging and the defense
reflex." It also interacts with certain diseases such as heart
failure. The implication of the study is that pressure to the feet
impacts these behaviors and processes. Frankel's conclusion is that a
neuro theory of reflexology should be considered. He states that
"foot massage and reflexology could alter the baroreceptor
sensitivity by stimulating the sensory nervous system in the feet."
He suggests a mechanism in the nervous system by which reflexology
and touch itself may be "therapeutic." The pressure sensors in the
feet are linked to the same part of the brain as the baroreceptor
reflex. He hypothesizes that this could be the point of
influence. For more
information. * 16
cases of cerebral palsy ages 3 months to 3 years with Gessel growth
rate scores of 41 to 55 were divided into two groups. The treatment
group received foot massage for 30 days. In the treated group and
there was an increase in growth quotient of 30-35 in those 3 to 9
months old and 10-15 with those form 1.5 to 3 years. In the control
group the increase in growth quotient was 10-16 for 3-9 months and
9-15 for 1.5 to 3 years. It was suggested that the younger the
patient, the better the effect. Rong-zhi,
Wang, "An Approach to Treatment of Cerebral Palsy of Children by Foot
Massage," A Clinical Analysis of 132 Cases," (19)96 Beijing
International Reflexology Conference (Report), China Preventive
Medical Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing,
1996, p. 26 * A
total of 80 cases diagnosed with nerve root type or vertebral artery
type of cervical spondylopathy were divided into a control group of
28 and a treatment group to 52. The control group was treated with
traction while in a seated position "with the neck flexed anteriorly
of 20-30 degrees in a traction frame with the occipus and maxilla
fixed with bandage" for twenty minutes once a day. The treatment
group received a 30 - 40 minute session of foot reflexology once a
day for twelve days (except Sunday). Results: There was no
significant difference between the control (92.1% effectiveness) and
treatment (98.1% effectiveness) groups for clinical effectiveness but
the clinical cure rate was higher in the treatment group (48.1%) than
the control group (28.95%). A difference was also found in free
radicals in the two groups. Before the study the two groups showed no
significant difference in blood SOD, GHtal antioxidation activities
and MDA content. After treatment the parameters related to free
radicals showed significant or quite significant in comparison of the
treatment group to the control group. Of the 52 in the treatment
group, 25 were cured of their cervical problem, 19 were significantly
effected, 7 were effected and 1 experienced no effect. Margaret
Berker, a qualified reflexologist and member of the British
Reflexology Association conducted an interesting small-scale study at
the Cardiac Unit of the Queen Elizabeth hospital, Birmingham, UK,
into the effects of reflexology on a group of four patients suffering
from chest pain. The
patients were obtained from a consultant; all had all experienced
pain for periods ranging between 18 months and 13 years and, cardiac
catheterizations revealed that none of the patients had any
identifiable disease of the cardiac arteries. Furthermore, none of
the patients had had reflexology treatment prior to the study, nor
were they encouraged to believe that the treatment would 'cure' their
condition. Reflexology
treatments were given weekly over a period of eight weeks and the
patients were asked to keep a diary to record their chest pain before
and after treatments which specified (a) the number of episodes, (b)
the intensity of the pain and (c) the duration of the
pain. Analysis
of the data revealed that all of the patients recorded positive
results; three of the four experienced a complete relief from their
original symptoms after nine months and the remaining patient
reported a reduction in pain. *
Forty residents of a "lodging house of the aged people" were studied
for effects of foot reflexology on digestive processes. 20 were
diagnosed as constipated and 20 were not. Five days before the foot
reflexology treatment all were given a carbon tablet and observed for
the length of time required to begin and end black stool. All
received 10 days of foot reflexology treatment. The carbon tablet was
administered again and a comparison was made between the elimination
times before the treatment and after. After treatment, the interval
between taking the carbon tablet and first black stool for the
constipation group changed from an average of 45 hours to an average
of 34 hours. The interval until last black stool changed from 77
hours to 51.5 hours. The non-constipation group remained unchanged in
average times for first black stool and changed from 57.5 hours to 46
for last black stool after hours after treatment. * 58
cases of coronary heart disease were treated with foot reflexotherapy
and 67 cases with pharmacotherapy. Four indexes were examined before
and after treatment for both groups: (1) clinical symptoms, (2) blood
pressure/heart rate, (3) blood fat and (4) ECG. After 30-40 days of
treatment, average results were: (1)
symptoms, reflexotherapy group: chest distress and angina pectoris
disappeared symptoms,
pharmacotherapy group: chest distress and angina pectoris
disappeared (2)
blood pressure/heart rate, reflexotherapy group (before): +185/80 /
86-74 and (after): +160/75 / 72-70 blood pressure/heart rate,
pharmacotherapy group (before): +180/80 / 78-72 and (after): +160/80
/ 76-70 (3)
blood fat, reflexotherapy group (before): high in some and (after):
slightly changed blood
fat, pharmacotherapy group (before): high in some and (after):
slightly changed (4)
ECG, reflexotherapy group (before): slight change in T-wave and
(after): improved remarkably ECG, pharmacotherapy group (before):
change in ST-T wave and (after): certain improvement Zhongzheng,
Li and Yuchun, Liu, "Clinical observation on Treatment of Coronary
Heart Disease with Foot Reflexotherapy," 1998 China Reflexology
Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 38
- 41 * 32
cases of type II diabetes mellitus were randomly divided into two
groups. One group was treated with conventional Western medicine
hypoglycemic agent plus foot reflexotherapy (FR), the other group
with the same medicine only (WM). After 30 days' treatment, fasting
blood glucose levels, platelet aggregation, length and wet weight of
the thrombus, senility symptom scores and serum lipid peroxide (LPO)
were greatly reduced in the FR group (P,0.05-0.01), while no
significant change was observed in the WM group. The study suggested
that foot reflexotherapy was an effective treatment for type II
diabetes mellitus. Wang,
X. M., "Type II diabetes mellitus with foot reflexotherapy,"
Chuang Koh Chuang Hsi I Chief Ho Teas Chi, Beijing, Vol. 13,
Sept. 1993, pp 536-538 (First Teaching Hospital, Beijing) (PMID:
8111210) *
Double blind study with a control group. 22 cases with non-insulin
dependent diabetes split into two groups. The patients of both groups
had taken hypoglycemic agents for a long time. Foot reflexotherapy
was applied once a day for thirty days. Results: Indexes of the scores
of senility, thrombocyte aggregation rates (TAR), the length and wet
weights of thrombosis in vitro, and the serum oxidative lipids were
measured to judge curative effect. The foot reflexotherapy group
showed a "marked improvement" with a 66.7% "effective rate" in the
measured indices. It is termed a "satisfactory curative effect." The
non-foot reflexolotherapy showed no significant change 20% effective
rate. The study demonstrates that
"FRT (foot reflex therapy) can lessen the abnormal hemorrheology,
symptoms of senility, concentration of serum oxidative lipids and
number of nodes in the main reflex zones. In addition, FRT can
enhance the effects of hypolglycemic agents on blood sugar …
"Systematic application seems necessary to achieve an effect. The
exact mechanism to describe this effect is "waiting further
exploration" * 20
cases of type II diabetes mellitus formed a treatment group and 15
individuals with normal health formed a control group. All were
provided with foot reflexotherapy. "Before and after treatment, the
blood flow rate, time and acceleration were tested by HP850GP Doppler
ultrasonic equipment." Results: The blood flow rate of the 20 cases
was improved. Ying,
Ma, "Clinical Observation on Influence upon Arterial Blood Flow in
the Lower Limbs of 20 Cases with Type II Diabetes Mellitus Treated by
Foot Reflexology," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report,
China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 97 - 99 •
A study at the Department of Complementary Medicine, School of
Postgraduate Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Exeter in
England has resulted in a conclusion that "diagnosis based on
reflexology examination is no better than chance." The objective
stated: "Reflexologists believe that disease of different organs of
the body cause tenderness in corresponding areas of the soles of the
feet. We undertook to determine whether reflexology is a valid
diagnostic tool.... "Three reflexologists chose six medical
conditions which could be detected most easily and reliably. Eighteen
adults with one or two of these conditions were examined by two
reflexologists, blinded to the patients' condition(s). ... "Results:
There were 72 opportunities to make a correct positive diagnosis. The
reflexologists made a definitive diagnosis 9 times. Of these, 3 were
correct." (Fact: Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
1998; 3(4), Fifth Annual Symposium on Complementary Health
Care) •
"Three reflexologists took part in the study. Eighteen adults with
one or more of six specified conditions were identified from primary
care records. Two reflexologists, who were blinded to the patients'
conditions and monitored, then examined each patient's feet and rated
the probability that each of the of the six conditions was present.
Results: There is little evidence that the distribution of ratings
vary with the status of the condition. Receiver operating curves
suggest that this diagnostic method is very poor at distinguishing
between the presence and absence of conditions. Interrater
reliability (kappa) scores were very low, providing no agreement
between the examiners. Conclusion: Despite certain limitations to the
data provided by this study, the results do not suggest that
reflexology are a valid method of diagnosis." A.
White, J. Williamson, Hart A, Ernst E, "A blinded investigation into
the accuracy of reflexology charts, Complementary Therapy
Medicine, 8, 2000: 166-7 "We
wanted to test the specific theory behind foot reflexology. Three
reflexotherapists examined 76 patients of whom they had no previous
knowledge. They were to localize the patients' problems and
complaints by examination of the foot soles only; they had no other
informtion about the patients. Each patient and the therapist graded
problems related to 13 different parts of the body. Interrater
agreement, measured by weighted Kappa, ranged from 0.04 to 0.22, and
was significantly better than chance (p<0.05) for six parts of the
body. The overall Kappa was 0.11 (95% CI: 0.08-o.14). A score based
on a detailed examination of the 'colon zone' showed no significant
difference between patients with many or few data; intestinal
complaints. Generally the therapists tended to score higher than the
patients thus overdiagnosing problems. The statistical agreement may
be better than pure chance, but is too low to be of any clinical
significance." Baerheim A, Algroy R, Skogedal
KR, Stephansen R, Sandvik H, "Feet - a diagnostic too?" Tidsskr Nor
Laegeforen 1998 Feb 20;118(5):753-5 (PMID: 9528375)
(Norwegian) For more
information. •
Thirty six cases of dysmenorrhea showing abdominal pain during
menstruation were treated with foot reflexology. Following treatment,
those who were cured (showed disappearance of all conceal sometimes
with no relapse in 3 months) included (a) 3 of the 4 cases
experiencing dysmenorrhea under 1 year (average: 9.4 sessions), (b)
14 of the 22 cases experiencing dysmenorrhea from 1 to 10 years
(average 13.1 sessions), (c), 7 of the 11 over 10 years (average:
17.3 sessions). Those who showed marked effectiveness (showed
improvement of clinical symptoms, most of which disappear) included
(a) 1 under 1 year, (b) 5 from 1 to 10 years and (c) 3 over 10 years.
Those who shoed effectiveness (amelioration of symptoms, some pain)
included (a) 3 from 1 to 10 years and (b) 1 over ten years. All cases
showed effect (change after treatment). Wang
Jixizng, "Clinical Observation on the Treatment for 36 Cases with
Dysmenorrhea by Foot Reflexotherapy," 1998 China Reflexology
Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp.
56-57 •
Foot reflexology was applied to 17 teenagers, 14-17 years old with a
history of amenorrhea for 1 to 4 years. Foot reflexology was applied
twice for thirty to forty minutes. Application to the 17 during the
first menstrual cycle showed a cured rate of 3, a significant rate of
13 and an effective rate of 1. Application to the 14 during the
second menstrual cycle, showed a cured rate of 6, a significant rate
of 7 and an effective rate of a. Application to the 8 during a third
cycle showed 8 cured, 2 significantly effected and 1 effected. *
Two groups of Dyspepsia cases were studied (upper abdominal;
discomfort, bloating, satiety, belching, nausea, acid reflux,
heartburn) with peptic ulcer, gastric carcinoma, gastritis reflux
esophagatitis and hiatal hernia ruled out by barium studies and
gastroscopy. Hepatobiliary disease and pancreatic disease were ruled
out by ultrasonography. One group of 132 individuals received foot
reflexology for 30 minutes once or twice a day for two weeks. One
group of 98 individuals received drug therapy for two weeks. The foot
reflexology group was found to be: very effective (98 or 74.2%),
effective (30 o 22.7%), failure (4 or 0.3%). The drug therapy group
was found to be very effective (58 or 60.4%), effective (14 or
14.5%), failure (24 or 25%). Foot reflexology was seen to be
effective, simple, and economical. "The aim of the study was to describe
similarities and differences in health, quality of life, and
diagnosed morbidity in 0-6 year-old children whose parents contact
either a reflexologist or a general practitioner (GP) due to their
child's ear disorder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 98 children
who received reflexology treatment and 57 children who received
treatment by a GP were included. Reflexologists and GPs described the
child's symptoms, the parents completed a questionnaire about health
status and ear disorders and a specialist examined and diagnosed the
child. RESULTS: The most prevalent symptoms were colds and troubled
sleep and the least prevalent were inflammation of the throat and
poor spoken language. Parents in the reflexology group considered
their children to be more ill than parents in the GP group (measured
by number of ear disorders, number of antibiotic treatments, number
of sickness days during the past year and the duration of the acute
ear disorder). Furthermore, parents in the reflexology group reported
that their children had more physical discomfort, more activity
limitations and more emotional problems than children treated by GPs
and the parents themselves were also more troubled by the ear
disorder. The specialist examination showed no differences between
the two groups of children, neither according to tympanometry nor
according to diagnosis. DISCUSSION: According to a medical evaluation
there was no difference in morbidity between children treated by a
reflexologist and a GP. According to the parents' evaluation,
children in reflexology treatment were more ill and their
health-related quality of life was more affected by the ear disorder
than that of children treated by a GP." Kjoller M, "Children with
ear disorders who are treated by reflexologists or general
practitioners" [Article in Danish] Ugeskr Laeger. 2003 May
5;165(19):1994-9 (Statens Institut for Folkesundhed, Svanemollevej
25, DK-2100 Kobenhavn o. mk@si-folkesundhed.dk) PMID:
12795075 Reflexology
was applied to the feet of 32 cases of eczema daily. 28 cases fully
recovered, 2 got better and 2 showed no improvement. "Fifty-five women in the third trimester
(of pregnancy) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a
period of rest, 'relaxing' reflexology techniques or a specific
"lymphatic' reflexology technique for 15 minute with pre and
post-therapy ankle and foot circumference measurements and
participant questionnaire. There was no statistically significant
difference in the circumference measurements between the three
groups; however, the lymphatic technique reflexology group mean
circumference measurements were all decreased. … A 'perceived
wellbeing' score revealed the lymphatic technique group significantly
increased their wellbeing the most, followed closely by relaxing
techniques and then the control rest group. (All groups) had a
non-significant oedema-relieving effect. From the women's viewpoint,
lymphatic reflexology was the preferred therapy with significant
increase in symptom relief." (Mollart l., "Single Blind trial
addressing the differential effects of two reflexology techniques
versus rest, on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy," Complement
Ther Nurs Midwifery, 2003 Nov;9(4):203-8) (Antenatal Services,
M A
recent British study found reflexology to provide beneficial effects
on "women experiencing a need for emotional support." Fifteen women
received 30-minute reflexology sessions for eight weeks. The findings
included: physical improvements, emotional improvements, self-esteem
and confidence, motivation, touch, increase in relaxation levels,
being heard and taken seriously, concentration improvements.
(Trousdale, Peta, "Reflexology meets emotional needs,"
International Journal of Alternative and Complementary
Medicine, November, 1996, p. 9) Nurses at Ayshire & Arran Acute
Hosptials Trust (six hospitals in the National Health System in
Scotland) found that reflexology successfully treated children the
condtion of encopresis or fecal incontinence, secondary to
constipation / stool withholding. Encopresis is an "entremely
distressing condition." Children are subject to ridicule from other
children and misery is caused to the whole family. Typical treatment
includes enemas and laxatives. "An observational study was carried
out of 50 children between three and 14 years of age who had a
diagnosis of encopresis/chronic constipation. The children received
six sessions of 30-minutes of reflexology to their feet. With the
help of their parents they completed questionnaires on bowel motions
and soiling patterns before, during and after the
treatment." Methods "Detailed histories of frequency of bowel
motions and soiling were obtained from each participant on entering
the study to establish a baseline. Existing medications were
unaltered. The questionnaires were designed to record the number of
bowel motions and incidence(s) of soiling in each seven-day period
before, during and after the six-week period of treatment sessions.
Parents were surveyed regarding their attitude towards the use of
reflexology before and after the course of treatment." Results The incidence of soiling decreased and
bowel motions increased following the application of
reflexology: Soiling before: 78% once daily; 16% once
to three times a week; 6 % none in a seven day period Bowel motions before: 36% none in a seven
day period; 46% 1-4 motions per week; 18% daily "In the last two years (following the
study conducted from June 1998 to July 1999) the community nurses
have ceased giving enemas to children at home. Reflexology for
childhood encopresis and chronic constipation is now an established
service with five paediatricians and two staff grade doctors
referring children of all ages for treatment" "Reflexology in the management of
encopresis and chronic constripation, Pedeatric Nursing, April 2003,
Vol 15 No. 3 http://216.239.53.100/search?q=cache:ZbjisK7w7igJ:www.nursing-standard.co.uk/archives/pn_pdfs/pnvol15n3/pnv15n3p2021.pdf+reflexology+research+%2Bnursing&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 *
The purpose of the study was to clarify whether reflexology is a
relevant treatment for enuresis nocturna, and to test a research
design applicable to controlled experiments with reflexology. An
unblinded method was used comparing a treatment group (1) receiving
reflexology to a non-treatment group (2) keeping the same record of
symptoms. At the start of the study, the volumes of night urine in
the two groups were comparable. By the end of the study, there was no
significant decrease in the volume of night urine in either of the
groups. Two children in the treatment group and one in the
non-treatment group became dry during the night in the course of the
study. In conclusion, reflexology given as 14 treatment sessions over
a period of four months did not result in a significant fall in
enuresis nocturna in children aged seven to eleven years old. It must
be concluded that the treatment result can not be distinguished from
the conditions in the non-treatment group even though the average
night diuresis in group one showed a slightly decreasing tendency
while morning diuresis increased, in contrast to group two which
exhibited a slight increase in night diuresis. As the total diuresis
remained constant, this could be interpreted as an increased urinary
bladder capacity, but in both cases the changes were far from
significant. Comment
in: Ugeskr Laeger 1999 Apr 12;161(15):2224 Sietam KS, Eriksen L
Forenede Danske Zoneterapeuter, Kolding. Nine
cases of epilepsy were treated with foot reflexology in a daily
regime ranging from two to three months. Of the 7 males and 2
females, eight "responded well" with one reported as ineffective. The
work with a 28 year-old male was detailed. His attacked occurred
roughly every 20 days and he was on medication. Reflex areas were
very sensitive initially and light pressure was applied.After two
weeks of reflexology application, his medication was halved. Two
attacks recurred three weeks into treatment. After forty-six days,
his reflexology treatments ended. He was advised to apply self-help
techniques. He was off medicating. Four years after treatment, no
attacks had occurred. *
Twelve athletes were divided into two groups: a foot reflexology
group and a control group. The test group received daily reflexology
sessions. Both groups underwent the same athletic training and were
observed for sleeping, appetite and reactions to training. The
reflexology group showed better qualities of sleep, better appetite
and quicker recovery from fatigue and muscle soreness. Jianguo,
Liu and Jingshun, Zhang, "Foot Reflex Zone Massage in Recovery of
Fatigue in Athletes," 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report,
China Reflexology Association, Beijing, p. 98 (Xian City, Shan'xi,
China) * To
consider the mechanism at work, Chinese researchers conducted a
controlled study on the impact of foot reflexo-massage on "human
antioxidation ability" The control group consisted of twenty medical
students with normal health, 10 males and 10 females, ages 20 +1
years (M+SD). The treated group consisted of 56 patients with various
disorders, 30 males and 26 females, ages 30 to 70
years. The
control group received a 30 to 40 minute session each day for 10
days. The treated groups received the same treatment but "symptomatic
reflexes and related reflexes" were worked for a longer time and with
more strength. For both groups, 3 ml. of heparininzed venous blood
was collected before and after the session. Tests were conducted for
measures of antioxidation: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione
peroxidase (GP) and malonyl (MDA). The
FRM increased the serum antioxidative enzymes and activities in both
control and treated groups. The decrease of MDA, an end product of
lipid peroxide, may be the result of physical stimulation of FRM on
the nerve fibres and receptors, which relax the local tissue, improve
the systemic blood circulation and metabolism, decrease the
production of FRs, increase the production of antioxidative enzymes
(SOD and GP) and achieve the therapeutic effect. On the other hand,
the reduction in FRs can prevent the therapeutic effect on biological
membranes, therefore decrease lipid peroxides, and the serum MDA as
well. The decrease on FR production and increase in antioxidative
enzymatic activity enhance the total antioxidative system (enzymatic
and nonenzymatic), this mechanism underlies the increased TSAOA in
our subjects."In generalization, Foot reflexo-massage can decrease
the free radicals." A
male patient had been bed-ridden for several months due to the impact
of gout and pain experienced in the knees ankles and big toes for
five years. Foot reflexology was applied in twelve-day courses. After
4 courses of treatment the patient could move on his own. After 6
courses of treatment the patient could walk well with occasional
return of symptoms. Following two more courses of treatment, the
patient returned to work. Results
of study: 19% of headache sufferers ceased taking medication
following reflexology work. According to a large nationwide research
study undertaken in Denmark, reflexology treatment has a beneficial
effect on patients suffering from migraine and tension headaches. The
study was conducted at the Department of Social Pharmacy, The Royal
Danish School of Pharmacy in co-operation with five reflexology
associations. 220 patients participated with treatment being given by
78 fully trained reflexologist across the country. in cooperation
with five different reflexology societies FDZ (Danish Reflexologists
Association), LNF (National Forum for Natural Healing), SFFF,
(Association of Scandinavian Reflexologists), SAB (Union of
Complementary Therapists) and OZ (Union of Reflexologists). The
project description was approved by the National Board of Health's
Council concerning complementary treatment and the project was
financed by the Ministry of Health, Director and Mrs. E. Danielsens's
Fund together with Pool and Lottery Funds distributed by the Ministry
of Education." Headaches
remain the most common health problem amongst the adult population
and it has been estimated that they are the reason for the loss of
three million working days every year. Reflexology is renowned for
its ability to help relax and calm patients and for this reason it
was considered an interesting therapy to study for the treatment of
tension headaches and migraine. Of
all the patients who took part in the study, 90 percent said that
they had taken prescribed medication for their headaches within the
month prior to the commencement of the study and, of them, 36 percent
had experienced side effects from the medicines. 81 percent of the
prescribed medicine in the acetvlsalicyclic acid and paracetamol
group was taken at least twice a week and 72% of the stronger
migraine medicines were taken at least once a fortnight which
indicates that the majority of the patients were suffering from
moderate to severe symptoms. 34 percent had taken medications for
ailments other than headaches. Three
months after a completed series of reflexology treatments, 81 percent
of patients confirmed that reflexology had either cured (16%) or
helped (65%) their symptoms. 19 percent of the patients re-ported
that they had been able to completely dispense with the medications
they had been taking before the study. The
reflexologists also found that there was a strong link between
headaches and the gall bladder, stomach, bladder, and endocrine
hormone meridians. At the end of the study the patients who benefited
from the treatment showed less stress on the reflex points for the
ovaries, small intestine, bladder, stomach, liver and kidneys than
they had experienced on their first treatment. The likelihood of
successful cure was found to be greatest for: a) those patients whom
the reflexologist found no stress on the reflex zones of the uterus
or gall bladder, and b) younger patients who had suffered from
headaches for a short period of time. Brendstrup,
Eva and Launsø, Laila, "Headache and Reflexological
Treatment," The Council Concerning Alternative Treatment, The
National Board of Health, Denmark, 1997 See
Cancer: Hodgson, H. "Does reflexology impact on cancer patients'
quality of life?," Nursing Standard, 14, 31, pp.
33-38 See Cancer: Dobbs,
Barbara Zeller, "Alternative health approaches," Nursing
Mirror (England), Vol. 160, No. 9, Feb. 27, 1985 •
A recent study found that reflexology as applied to palliative care
cancer patients did not warrant the hiring of a reflexologist to
provide services. "While patients greatly enjoyed the treatments,
there was no discernible defiance in outcome between those receiving
reflexology and those receiving standard foot massage.... "Both
treatments were administered weekly for six weeks by any one of three
therapist, who had agreed standardised methods." Cornbleet, Michael A.M
"Research in complementary medicine is essential (Letter to the
Editor), British Medical Journal, March 24,
2001 •
"Complementary therapies are being accessed increasingly by cancer
patients. The aims of this audit were to investigate the impact of
reflexology on the qulaity of life of 20 cancer patients, to
determine their satisfaction with the service provided and to
investigate the availability of this therapy within Scottish
hospices. The audit findings suggest that the clients were staisfied
with the service received. Respondents noted that their quality of
life was improved through a reduction in pahysical and emotional
symptoms. It was found that the provision of reflexology within
Scottish hospices varied, with less than half providing this service.
The results of this audit suggest that reflexology may be a
worthwhile tratment for othwer cancer patients and requires further
research to evaluate the benefits." Milligan M, Fanning M, Hunter
S, Tadjali M, Stevens E, Int J Oalliat Nurs 2002
Oct;8(10):489-96 (PMID: 12419988) "Complementary therapies are being
increasingly used in palliative care in the drive to improve
patients' emotional, psychological and spiritual health, and enhance
the quality of their lives. The importance of seeking the 'user'
perspective when evaluating such services is becoming increasingly
acknowledged. However, it is also extremely important that we elicit
such perspectives in an ethically sensitive manner. This study used a
simple semi-structured questionnaire to elicit the views of a
convenience sample of 34 patients receiving palliative care at a
specialist palliative core unit in the north of England who had
completed a course of 4-6 sessions of reflexology. Patients' comments
about the therapy and the service as a whole were overwhelmingly
positive. They identified relaxation, relief from tension and
anxiety, feelings of comfort and improved well-being as beneficial
effects of their course of reflexology. Patients also spontaneously
evaluated the experience holistically in terms of the wider
therapeutic environment - the centre, the staff and the therapist as
well as the therapy itself. The increasing demand for evidence based
practice now challenges researchers to provide a relevant holistic
assessment of complementary therapies using approaches that are both
ethical and sensitive to the needs of this vulnerable patient
population. Gambles M, Crooke M, Wilkinson S,
"Evaluation of a hospice based reflexology service: a qualitative
audit of patient perceptions," Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2002 Mar;6(1):37-44.
(Marie Curie Cancer Care, Marie Curie Centre Liverpool, Speke Road,
Woolton, Liverpool, L25 8QA, UK) PMID: 12849608 "Complementary therapies are being
accessed increasingly by cancer patients. The aims of this audit were
to investigate the impact of reflexology on the quality of life of 20
cancer patients, to determine their satisfaction with the service
provided and to investigate the availability of this therapy within
Scottish hospices. The audit findings suggest that the clients were
satisfied with the service received. Respondents noted that their
quality of life was improved through a reduction in physical and
emotional symptoms. It was found that the provision of reflexology
within Scottish hospices varied, with less than half providing this
service. The results of this audit suggest that reflexology may be a
worthwhile treatment for other cancer patients and requires further
research to evaluate the benefits." Milligan M, Fanning M, Hunter
S, Tadjali M, Stevens E. "Reflexology audit: patient satisfaction,
impact on quality of life and availability in Scottish hospices,"
In *
Doctors Shou-qing, Xian-qing, Yuna-zhong, and Wan-yan, conducted a
study of 72 cases of hyperlipemia with a treated group of 41 and a
control group of 31. Before and after the treatment session, 4 ml of
"empty stomach blood" was collected. One group received a series of
reflexo-therapy sessions of more strength and lasting 30 to 40
minutes. The control group received a 20 minute session with a
forehead pillow application of iodineiontophoresis. The
reflexo-therapy group showed an improvement of symptoms of 78% as
opposed to 32% for the second group. The treatment group showed a
reduction in cholesterol and monoglyceride with a marked statistical
difference. *
186 cases of hyperlipemia were randomly divided into four groups: (A)
foot reflexology, (B) kinesitherapy, (C) ion-introduction therapy,
and (D) pharmacology (the drug lipunthyl). Groups A, C and D showed
remarkable reduction in cholesterol. Group A and D had strong effect
on triglyceride. "If one can insist on proper physical exercises
and/reflexotherapy plus a balanced diet (low fat, low calorie), it is
possible to prevent and treat arteriosclerosis, coronary
atherosclerotic cardiopathy, cerebral thrombosis and cerebral
apoplexy efficiently." *
Thirty-seven patients with sexual dysfunction (15: impotence, 9:
premature ejaculation, 6: emission, and 7: ejaculation deficiens)
were randomly assigned to two groups: 19 individuals were treated
with foot reflexology and 18 with traditional Chinese medicine. No
statistical difference was found between the two groups on age,
occupation, education, degree of disease, spirit status, affection
between the couple, sexual desire, and sexual intercourse for marital
cases. In addition to foot reflex areas, massage was applied to
specific acupuncture points of the body in the foot reflexology
group. The effective rate of the foot reflexology treatment group was
found to be 87.5% for impotence and 100% for the others. The
effective rate of the traditional Chinese medicine group was found to
be 85.7% for impotence and 100% for the others. The
four women had unsuccessfully tried to become pregnant for 1 to 3
years and were between the ages of 26 and 30. Each received a thirty
to forty minute session daily for ten days, one course of treatment.
One woman became pregnant after 6 courses of treatment, two after
seven course and one after nine courses. Dong
Dahai, Xu Ping, Dong Congjun, Wei Lihua, "Treatment of 4 Cases of
Infertility with Foot Reflexotherapy," 1998 China Reflexology
Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp.
58-59 *
"Reflexology does not help patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(IBS), a study has found. the complementary therapy, in which points
in the feet are massaged in a particular way to ease discomfort in
other parts of the body, was assessed in a study published in the
British Journal of General Practice." "Thirty-four
patients with IBS were recruited from four GP practices. The study
was approved and carried out in consultation with reflexologists.
Half the patients received six 30 minute reflexology treatment
sessions. The other half saw heath care staff for the same amount of
time but received no reflexology treatment. Patients were asked to
record symptoms for two weeks before their first session, two weeks
after and for a fortnight three months after their treatment had
ended. Severity of abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea and
bloating were measured but the Leeds team, led by Dr. Philip Tovey,
said none showed reflexology made no positive
difference." Dr.
Tovey of the School for Healthcare Studies at the University of Leeds
(p.a.tovey@leeds.ac.uk), noted that "While due caution would be
exercised in generalising from a single study, the nature of the data
is such that clear conclusions can be drawn. However, more research
is needed, not only to test these initial findings but also to extend
the range of participants to, for instance, those newly diagnosed
with IBS Reflexology in particular remains not just under-researched
but almost un-researched - something that is quite startling given
the extent of its use." (Reported December 31, 2001 at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_1723000/17232900.stm) *
Results of study: Kidney function improves after the application of
reflexology work. "Using colour (sic) Doppler sonography blood flow
changes of the right kidney during foot reflexology were determine in
a placebo-controlled, double blind, randomised (sic) study. 32
healthy young adults (17 women, 15 men) were randomly assigned to the
verum or placebo group. The verum group received foot reflexology at
zones corresponding to the right kidney, the placebo group was
treated on other foot zones. Before, during and after foot
reflexology, the blood flow of three vessels of the right kidney was
measured using colour Doppler sonography. Systolic peak velocity and
end diastolic peak velocity was measured in cm/s, and the resistive
index a parameter of the vascular resistance, was calculated. The
resistive index in the verum group showed a highly significant
decrease (p</=0.001) during and an increase (p=0.001) after foot
reflexology. There was no difference between men and women and no
difference between smokers and non-smokers. Verum and placebo groups
significantly differed concerning alterations of the restive index,
both between the measuring points before versus during foot
reflexology (p=0.002) and those during versus after reflexology
(p=0.031). The significant decrease of the resistive index during
foot reflexology in the verum (treatment) group indicates a decrease
of flow resistance in the renal vessels and an increase of renal
blood flow. These findings support the hypothesis that
organ-associate foot reflexology is effective in changing renal blood
flow during therapy." (PMID:
14060981, UI: 99392031)Sudmeier, I., Bodner, G., Egger, I., Mur, E.,
Ulmer, H. and Herold, M. (Universitatsklinik fur Innere Medizin,
Inssbruk, Austria) "Anderung der nierendurchblutung durch
organassoziierte reflexzontherapie am fuss gemussen mit farbkodierter
doppler-sonograhpie," Forsch Komplementarmed 1999, Jum;6(3):129-34
(PMID: 14060981, UI: 99392031) * In
a controlled trial, 96 individuals were followed after receiving
lithotrity (externally crushing kidney or ureter stones). 46 cases
receiving foot reflexology were compared to 50 cases not receiving
foot reflexology. A comparison was made between the beginning time to
excrete the fragmented calculus (stones) between the treatment group
and untreated group. Results: Members of the treated group
experienced less pain, began excretion earlier, and completed the
excretion process earlier. (1) 39 of 46 treated cases began excretion
in less than 10 days compared to 13 of the 50 in the control group,
(2) All members of the treated group completed the excretion process
at 20 days, compared to 38 of the 50 in the untreated
group. Xiaojian,
Ying, "Foot Reflexology as an Accessory Treatment after External
Lithotrity a Clinical Observation of 46 Cases," 1996 China
Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association,
Beijing, pp. 58 - 59 * A
few years ago, researchers at Glostrop hospital, Copenhagen,
demonstrated that reflexology can help relieve the acute pain
suffered by patients with kidney stones. 30 patients participated in
the study and were divided equally into three groups: one group
received reflexology treatment, one group received placebo treatment
and the remaining groups were used as controls. If
no pain relief was experienced within 5 minutes, the treatment would
end for analgesic medications, but those who experienced a benefit
within 5 minutes, treatment was continued for a further 10 minutes.
The results showed that 9 out of the 10 patients in the reflexology
group experienced complete pain relief after the treatment which
lasted for over an hour and in 5 of the patients pain was relieved
for 4 hours. Medical
doctors Niels Baekgaard and Vibe Hansen, who conducted the study,
concluded that "Reflexology treatment of acute ureterolithiasis has a
pain relieving effect" and when compared to Baralgin (a commonly
administered analgesic), the findings revealed that reflexology
actually works faster at alleviating pain although the effects last
for a shorter duration. Eriksen,
Leila, "Reflexology use in (Pain Caused by) Ureter and Kidney Stone
Attacks, Danish Reflexologists Association Research Committee
Report, Feb. 1995 (Originally published in Zonetherapeuten, No.
6, 1993 *
Results of study: Foot reflexology work was found to be more
effective than medication in effecting leukopenia, low white blood
cell count. (A pathological level of white blood cell count) Ya-zhen,
Xu, "Treatment of Leukopenia with Reflexotherapy," 1998 China
Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association,
Beijing, pp. 32-37 *
"Seventy-six women between 45 and 60 years, reporting menopausal
symptoms. Methods: Women were randomised to receive nine sessions of
either reflexology or nonspecific foot massage (control) by four
qualified reflexologists over a period of 19 weeks. Main outcome
measures: The Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ), the primary measure
s being the subscores for anxiety and depression. Severity (visual
analog scale (VAS) a n frequency of flushes and night sweats.
Results: Mean (SD) scores for anxiety fell from 0.43 (0.29) to 0.22
(0.25) in the reflexology group and from 0.37 (0.27) to 0.27 (0.29)
in the control group over the course of treatment. Mean (SD) scores
for depression fell from 0.37 (0.25) to 0.20 (0.24) in the
reflexology group and from 0.36 (.023) to 0.20 (0.21) in the control
(foot massage) group over the same period. For both scores there was
strong evidence of a time effect (P<0.001) but no evidence of a
time-group interaction (P>0.2). Similar changes were found for
severity of hot flashes and night sweats. In the control group, 14/37
believed they had not received reflexology. Conclusion: Foot
reflexology was not shown to be more effective than non-specific foot
massage in the treatment of psychological symptoms occurring during
menopause." (Williamson
J, White A, Hart A, Ernst E., "Randomised controlled trial of
reflexology for menopausal symptoms," BJOG, 2002 Sep;
109(9):1050-5) *
Eighty-two women diagnosed with menopause were randomly divided into
two groups. Forty-two women received foot reflexology and forty
received foot reflexology with auricular point magnet adhesion.
Thirty minute session were provided daily for 60 days. Among
women provided with foot reflexology and auricular magnet adhesion at
the conclusion of the study, 9 (22.5%) of the women had fully
recovered, 16 (40%) had significantly recovered, 9 (22.50) had
effective results and 6 (15%) had ineffective results. Sun
Jianhua, "Observation on the Therapeutic Effect of 82 Cases of
Climacterium Syndrome (menopause) Treated with Reflexotherapy,"
1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology
Association, Beijing, pp. 60-61 "It
is clear by the end of the research period that a significant number
of participants had experienced many positive effects from the
reflexology treatments." The findings of a study of "those in need of
emotional support" were reported by Mind Affiliated Local Association
Worthing in a publication titled "Making Connections, User Perception
of the Effects of Reflexology & Counselling: an evaluation of a
complementary health care project at Worthing Mind." Mind Worthing is
an affiliate of national charity Mind. The
study was conducted at a day centre or a drop-in centre. "The people
included in the study were all in need of emotional support." They
ranged in age from 18 to 65. Forty-nine individuals participated in
the reflexology project and twenty-five in the counselling project
between May 1996 and August 1997. "Most of the reflexology sample
received reflexology once a week for eight weeks, and each treatment
lasted thirty minutes. Qualitative data collection included
"Confidential profiles" (individual responses to questions) and
"Focus group questions" (responses gathered in groups of four to
eight individuals). Findings
from participant responses included: Improvement in physical aspects,
significant improvement in emotional state, improvement in ability to
concentrate, increase in motivation for a significant number of
participants, significant increase in confidence and self-esteem
levels, improvement in communication and ability to articulate ideas
more effectively and readily, "importance of being touched during
treatment in a safe non-intrusive / abusive manner," and reduction of
medication by several. Reports
of benefits by the centre's staffs were noted: "Both services
(reflexology and counselling), it was reported, have in addition (to
positive feedback from members) helped to alleviate pressure on staff
and avert crises because some members becoming more relaxed and at
ease as a result of having had reflexology and/or
counselling." Assessment
of cost-effectiveness included questions related to the cost of not
providing reflexology and/or counselling services. At issue were
expenses related to the cost of typical interventions such as
psychotropic medications or consultation with a GP or Psychiatrist.
Adverse outcomes for individual were noted to potentially include
"psychiatric breakdown, attempted suicide, physical / sexual abuse of
children, and inappropriate health care seeking
behaviors." Trousdale,
Peta and Uphoff-Chmielnik, Andrea, Making Connections, User
Perception of the Effects of Reflexology & Counselling: an
evaluation of a complementary health care project at Worthing
Mind, September 1997 *
Results of study: The feet of mentally retarded children were found
to be of abnormal color and to show abnormal toe shapes as opposed to
other children. Feng,
Gu; Zhao, Lingyun; Yuru, Yang; Jiamo, Hao; Shuwen, Cao and Xiulan,
Zhang, "Comparative Study of Abnormal Signs in the Feet of
Feebleminded Children," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium
Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 9 -
13 *
Results of study: Mentally retarded children were shown to improve
significantly in height, weight, health states, social living
abilities, and intellectual development when receiving foot
reflexology as opposed to those not receiving treatment.
(G) Lingyun, Yuru,
Zhao; Yang Yuru, Feng gu; Jiamo, Hao; Shuwen, Cao and Xiulan, Zhang,
"Observation on Improvement of Feeble-Minded Children's Social
Abilities by Foot Reflexo-Therapy," 1998 China Reflexology
Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 24
- 28 "Foot
reflexology is defined as massage of zones on the feet which
correspond to different parts of the body. A medline-search yielded
no literature in the field of foot reflexology. Indications for and
results of foot reflexology have been extrapolated from
case-descriptions and two pilot studies with small samples. One study
(Lafuente et al.) found foot reflexology to be as helpful to patients
with headaches as medication (flunarizine), yet foot reflexology was
fraught with less side-effects than medication. In a second study
(Eichelberger et al.) foot reflexology was used postoperatively on
gynecological patients. The intervention group showed a lesser need
for medication to enhance bladder tonus than did the control group.
The literature describes foot reflexology as enhancing urination,
bowel movements and relaxation." Foot reflex zone massage (Kesselring
A, Institut fur Pflegeforschung, Bern.) In a blind random trial,
(Lafuente) "examined 32 patients between the ages of 15 and 57. There
were 25 women and 7 men randomly assigned to two groups. One group
was given a placebo and received reflexology treatments two times a
week for two or three monthes, The other group received Flunarizin
traterment ( a slecetive calcium entry blocker with calmodulin
binding properties and histamine blocking activity that has been
efective in preventing migraines) and massage of a non -specific area
twice a week for 12 sessions. patients were evaluated at the end of
the study and again three months after the study. It was concluded
that the reflexology treatment was at least as effective as the
Flunarizin treatment and may be clasifed as an alternative
non-pharmacological therapeutic treatment that would be particularly
appropriate to thsoe patiet\nts that were unable to follow
pharmacological treatment." (Testa, Gail W., "A Study on the Effects
of Reflexology on Migraine Headaches" August 2000
(http://members.tripod.com/GTesta/Dissertationall.htm) Lafuente A et al (1990). Effekt
der Reflex zonenbehandlung am FuB bezuglich der prophylaktischen
Behandlung mit Flunarizin bei an Cephalea-Kopfschmerzen leidenden
Patieten.Erfahrungsheilkunde. 39, 713-715. Heydenreich
A., Institution: Abteilung Neurologie, Wilhelm-Pieck-Universitat,
Rostock, "Treatment of migraine with controlled reflex methods and
stimulation therapy," Schweiz Med Wochenschr Suppl, 62: 88-93 (1994)
Authors:. [Review] [0 refs] [German]
Zeitschrift fur Arztliche Fortbildung. 82(24):1247-9,
1988. MeSH
Terms: English Abstract; Female; Flunarizine/therapeutic use; Foot*;
Genital Diseases, Female/surgery; Headache/therapy; Headache/drug
therapy; Human; Massage/methods*; Postoperative
Complications/therapy; Reflexotherapy/methods*; Urination
Disorders/therapy *
Two groups of new mothers were followed for satisfactory lactation. A
treated group of 100 was given foot massage within 30 hours after
delivery and 17 were given foot massage from 30 to 120 hours after
for 10 to 15 minutes a day. No treatment was given to a group of 100
women. In the treatment group, lactation was initiated in 43.47 hours
(+12.39 hours). In the control group it was 66.97 hours (+28.16
hours). In 72 hours satisfactory lactation was documented in 98% and
67% respectively in the two groups. Foot massage was found help avoid
use of drugs in lactation that may be harmful to the baby. Following a number of
reports by reflexologists of MS patients benefiting from reflexology
treatment, a small scale study was initiated backed by the Grampian
branch of the Charity Action and Research for Multiple Sclerosis
(GARMS) and the Scottish Institute of Reflexology. GARMS
provides regular hyperbaric oxygen therapy and physiotherapy for
people with MS, and volunteers were asked to participate in
reflexology study. Fourteen were assigned to a treatment group to
receive a one hour reflexology treatment every week, and 13 patients
were selected to act as a control group (one member dropped out
leaving twelve who completed the study in the control
group) At
the commencement of the study, participants were asked to asses
nineteen of the most common symptoms as either minor, major or not
applicable. The assessment was repeated after 6 weeks and 12 weeks
when the participants also noted whether their symptoms had improved,
worsened or not changed. The control were assessed using the same
form at the same intervals as the treatment group, and both the
treatment and control groups were asked at the time of the assessment
whether on not their medication or diet had changed to assess
possible external factors. After
6 weeks, a significant number of people in the treatment group showed
an improvement in their symptoms, and most of these improvements were
maintained. During the second 6 week period, however, many of the
participants had lost some of the improvements they had gained in the
first 6 weeks; but after 18 weeks, the results revealed that those
patients in the treatment group experienced some improvements in 45%
of the symptoms compared to a much lower rate of 13% in the control
group. The
results indicate that reflexology does offer some therapeutic benefit
to MS patients especially in the first 6 weeks of treatment, although
the treatment sessions need to be regular, and the benefits seem to
diminish after twelve weeks. Joyce
M, Richardson R., "Reflexology helps multiple sclerosis." JACM July
1997 10-12 (www.internethealthlibrary) (MS Centre (Glasgow), Unit 16,
Chapel Hill Industrial Estate, Maryhill, Glasgow G20 9BD, Tel: 0141
945 3344) "To evaluate the effect of reflexology on
symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a randomized, sham-controlled
clinical trial. METHODS: Seventy-one MS patients were randomized to
either study or control group, to receive an 11-week treatment.
Reflexology treatment included manual pressure on specific points in
the feet and massage of the calf area. The control group received
nonspecific massage of the calf area. The intensity of paresthesias,
urinary symptoms, muscle strength and spasticity was assessed in a
masked fashion at the beginning of the study, after 1.5 months of
treatment, end of study and at three months of follow-up. RESULTS:
Fifty-three patients compl
Absenteeism/Employee
morale/Specific health benefits/General health
benefits
Acne
Alzheimer's
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Yong-gui, Yang, "A Case Report on Treatment of Megaloblastic Anemia
with Paraplegia by Foot Reflexology," 1994 China Reflexology
Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, p. 48
(Worker's Hospital of Zhuhai Chentang Enterprise, Tianjin,
China)
Angina
Bing-zhao, Zhang, "Effect of Foot Massage on a Patient with Angina
Observing with EKG; A Case Report," 1994 China Reflexology
Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, p. 53
(Outpatient Dept., Senile Convalescent Hospital, Shenyang,
China)* Anxiety in cataract surgery
(Hand Massage)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Zhi-xian, Ma and Jin-li, Zhang, "Foot Reflexology in the Treatment of
Acromioclavicular Arthritis, (19)96 Beijing International
Reflexology Conference (Report), China Preventive Medical
Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p.
55
Asthma
Hui-xian, Duanmu, "A Clinical Analysis of Foot Reflexomassage for
Treatment of 45 Cases with Infantile Asthma, 1994 China
Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association,
Beijing, October 1994, pp. 41 - 43 (Health Center for Women and
Children, Haimen, Jiangsu Province, China)
Biofeedback
assessment
Birthing
Bronchitis
Hui-ming, Wu, "Perspectives of foot reflex based on foot massage for
treatment of pneumonia and bronchitis in childhood," (19)96
Beijing International Reflexology Conference (Report), the China
Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of
Reflexology, Beijing, p. 42
Cancer
Cardio-vascular
system
Frankel, B. S. M., "The effect of reflexology on baroreceptor reflex
sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia," Complementary
Therapies in Medicine, Churchill, London, 1997, Vol. 5, pp.
80-84
Cerebral
palsy
Cervical
spondylosis
Shouqing, Gui; Changlong, Zhang and Desheng, Luo, "A Controlled
Clinical Observation on Foot Reflexology Treatment for Cervical
Spondylopathy," 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China
Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 99-103
Chest
pain
Constipation
Yuru, Yang; Lingyun, Chao; Guangling, Meng; Scuwe, Cao; Jia-Mo, Hao
and Suhui, Zhang, "Exploring the Application of Foot Reflexology to
the Preventions and Treatment of Functional Constipation," 1994
China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology
Association, Beijing, p. 62
Coronary
heart disease
Diabetes
Zhi-qin, Duan et. al., "Foot Reflexology Therapy Applied On Patients
with NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetic mellitus)," 1993 China
Reflexology Symposium, p. 24
Diagnosis
Dysmenorrhea
(See also Amenorrhea)
Wang Lan-xian, "Treatment of Amenorrhea by Foot Reflex Therapy during
Menstruation," (19)96 Beijing International Reflexology Conference
(Report), China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese
Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p. 36
Dyspepsia
Zhi-wen, Gong and Wei-song, Xin, "Foot Reflexology in the Treatment
of Functional Dyspepsia: A Clinical Analysis of 132 Cases," (19)96
Beijing International Reflexology Conference (Report), China
Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of
Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p. 37
Ear
disorders in children
Eczema
Gu Hanqing, Xu Yazhen, "Treatment of Eczema with Reflexology - Report
of 32 Cases," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China
Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 66-68
* Edema
in Pregnancy
Emotional
Needs (See also Mental Health)
Encopresis
Soiling after: 20% once daily; 30% once to three times a week; 48%
none in a seven day period; 2% (missing data)
Bowel motions after: 2% none in a seven day period; 72% more than 1-4
motions per week; 24% daily.Enuresis
Epilepsy
Ji-ming, Lu, "Therapeutic Recording of a Case of Epilepsy Treated
with Reflexology," 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report,
China Reflexology Association, Beijing, p. 25 (Ningxia Reflexology
Association)
Fatigue
Free
radicals
Shouqing, Gui; Changlong, Zhang; Jixai, Dong and Desheng, Luoof, "A
Preliminary Study on the Mechanisms of Foot Reflexo-Massage; Its
Effect on Free Radicals," 1996 China Reflexology Symposium
Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp.
128-135
Gout
Wen-ying, Xuan, "Treatment of Gout with Foot Reflexomassage," 1994
China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology
Association, Beijing, pp. 114 - 6 (Yichang Jinguo Foot Massage Clinic
of Hubei Province, China)
Headache
Hospice
/ Palliative care
Hospice
Hyperlipimia
Shou-qing, Gui; Xian-qing, Xiao; Yuna-zhong, Li; and Wan-yan, Fu,
"Impact of the Massotherapy Applied to Foot Reflexes on Blood Fat of
Human Body," 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China
Reflexology Association, Beijing, p. 21
Shou-qing, Gui; Yuna-zhong, Li; Xian-qing, Xiao; Chen Shengping and
Gu Xuejauna (The People's Hospital, Xianning District, Hubei
Province), Zhu Shanhan, Liao Enguang (The People's Hospital of Hubei
Province) and Luo Desheng (Xianning College of Medicine, Hubei
Province), "Impact of the Massotherapy Applied to Foot Reflexes on
Blood Fat of Human Body," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium
Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp.
34-37
Impotence
Jianhua, Sun, "The Comparison of Curative Effects Between Foot
Reflexology and Chinese Traditional Medicine in Treating 37 Cases
with Male's Sexual Dysfunction," 1996 China Reflexology Symposium
Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, p.
75
Infertility
Irritable
Bowel Syndrome
Kidney
function
Kidney
and Ureter Stones (Recovery from Lithotrity)
Kidney
stones
Leukopenia
*Menopause
Among women provided with foot reflexology at the conclusion of the
study, 17 (40.48%) of the women had fully recovered, 20 (47.62%) had
significantly recovered, 4 (9.25%) had effective results and 1 had
ineffective results.
Mental
Health (See also Emotional Needs)
Mentally
retardation
Migraine
headache
Milk
secretion in new mothers
Siu-lan, Li, "Galactagogue Effect of Foot Reflexology in 217
Parturient Women," (19)96 Beijing International Reflexology
Conference (Report), China Preventive Medical Association and the
Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996 p. 14
Multiple
sclerosis
Multiple
sclerosis