Korean Reflexology Research
Seventeen of the nineteen studies were controlled
studies, with results from individuals receiving reflexology work compared to
those in a control group who did not....
Reflexology Studies in
Korea (2000-2007)
Nineteen reflexology studies
from Korea shed further light on the uses of reflexology. The research was
primarily conducted at nursing departments of Korean universities. Research
results were published in 5 different nursing journal from 2000 to 2007.
Seventeen of the nineteen studies were controlled studies, with results from
individuals receiving reflexology work compared to those in a control group who
did not.
Of particular note is a
controlled study of 43 hemodialysis patients. The study indicates that
reflexology work offers hope and health benefits for those undergoing dialysis.
Patients in the experimental group received 10-minute hand reflexology sessions,
five days a week for five weeks. Results indicated that these individuals showed
significant differences representing important changes for dialysis patients.
The study found that waste products decreased, hemoglobin (red blood cell)
levels increased and lymphocyte levels (responsible for immune responses)
increased as well. In addition, those in the reflexology group experienced
"significant increases in vigor, mood, uplifts and self care agency
scores."
The importance of such
results is found in understanding the challenges faced by dialysis patients.
Dialysis provides life supporting replacement for those with a loss of kidney
function. It replaces the important kidney function of waste removal. Without
such help, waste products can build to harmful levels. Anemia (blood low in red
blood cells) is common in people with kidney disease. A defective immune
response leading to an increased susceptibility to infections is common in
hemodialysis patients as well. The results show across the board improvements to
individuals facing the rigors of life-long dialysis treatment.
The eighteen other studies
showed that the application of reflexology work creates significant changes in
health for individuals of all ages and health status. Positive results were
obtained following reflexology work for: college students (premenstrual syndrome
/ dysmenorrhea; constipation/anxiety/depression); postpartum women; working
women (fatigue and sleep); menopausal women; middle-aged women (incontinence,
osteoarthritis) and the elderly (hypertension, sleep.) Significant results were
reached for patients undergoing treatments for: cancer and chemotherapy,
diabetes, hypertension, pneumoconiosis, and stroke.
Studies
include:
Cancer
&
chemotherapyCancer
&
chemotherapyDiabetes
mellitus (type
2)Peripheral blood
circulation, Peripheral
neuropathyDiabetes
mellitus (noninsulin dependent)
/li>Fatigue and
sleep states of female
nursesHemodialysisHypertension
in the
elderlyHypertensionIncontinence
in middle-aged
womenMenopausal
womenMiddle-aged
womenOsteoarthritisPneumoconiosis
(coal
workers')Pneumoconiosis
(coal
workers')Postpartum
WomenPremenstrual
syndrome/
DysmenorrheaSleep
(elderly
women)StrokeStrokeStudents:
Constipation, anxiety, depression
Posted: Mon - August 6, 2007 at 12:42 PM