Agitated elderly (Hand massage and calming music)
Biofeedback assessment (Pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure for senior citizens)
Birthing (Pain killing during delivery)
Birthing (Pain killing, alternative to labor stimulating and inducing drugs)
Birthing* (Milk secretion in new mothers)
Blood pressure, pain, control over falls in senior citizens*
Bronchitis (Children)
Cardio-vascular system* (Baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia)
Falls, Control over in senior citizens
Fetal activity during gestation* (Foot and hand massage)
Free radicals* (Mechanism of action)
Kidney function* (Mechanism of action)
Milk secretion in new mothers*
Post surgical care* (foot massage)
Post surgical nausea and vomiting (Hand acupressure)
Post surgical nausea and vomiting, Children (Hand acupressure)
Prostate (hypertrophy - enlarged)
Smoking cessation (Hand and ear massage)
Surgery, anxiety during* (Hand Massage)
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
reflexologists 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 savcings 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
municipa 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 BACKGROUND: Agitated behavior is a widespread
problem that adversely affects the health of nursing home residents
and increases the cost of their care. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether
modifying environmental stimuli by the use of calming music and hand
massage affects agitated behavior in persons with dementia. PMID: 12352780 [PubMed] Remington R.
,"Calming music and hand massage with agitated elderly," Nurs
Res. 2002 Sep-Oct;51(5):317-23, University of Massachusetts,
Lowell 01854, USA. rem@rem.ultranet.com 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. 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) * "Thirty patients with proved
bronchial asthma receiving treatment with inhaled steroid in dosages
of less than 1,000 micrograms daily were subdivided at random into
two groups of 15 patients. One group received foot zone therapy and
the other merely uniform clinical care but without "placebo foot zone
therapy". The "active" group received a total of ten foot zone
therapy sessions of one hour at intervals of one week. The asthmatic
symptoms, consumption of medicine and the objective pulmonary
function parameters were followed-up during the subsequent six
months. Decrease in consumption of beta-2-agonists and increase in
peak-flow levels were observed in the group which had received foot
zone therapy, but the same changes were observed in the control
group. The authors do not find that this investigation demonstrates
that foot zone therapy is of effect on the disease bronchial asthma.
They conclude, however, that the favourable effect in both of the
groups are due to increased care and control which occurred in both
patient groups." Petersen LN, Faurschou P, Olsen
OT, Svendsen UG. Ugeskr Laeger. 1992 Jul 20;154(30):2065-8. Ugeskr
Laeger. 1993 Feb 1;155(5):329-31. Lungemedicinsk/allergologisk
afdeling Y, Kobenhavns Amts Sygehus i Gentofte. PMID: 1509577 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 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) The tradition of stone stepping
first came to the attention of Oregon Research Institute (ORI)
researchers when researcher Fuzhong Li, a native of China, visited
Shangha and saw people walking along cobblestone paths in bare or
stocking feet. When he was told they did it for health reasons, he
saw the potential for studying its impact on the aging. A radomized, controlled study of
48 individuals was conducted at non-profit ORI in Eugene, Oregon. It
tested the results of cobblestone-mat walking three times a week with
45 minute sessions over 8 weeks. Made of a synthetic material, the
mats are 6 feet long and 1.5 feet wide. The study "indicated that older
adults experienced significant improvements in mental and physical
well-being, including reductions in blood pressure and pain levels.
… Elderly participants in the study experienced considerable
improvements in their ability to perform 'activities of daily
living,' increased psychosocial well-being, and significantly reduced
daytime sleepiness and pain. Participants also reported greatly
improved perceptions of control over falls and had reductions in
resting diastolic blood pressure."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-01/ori-cmw010704.php) Perhaps most importantly for those
who work with the elderly, the cobblestone-mat walking meets a need
"to develop simple, convenient, and readily accessible exercise
programs that will reduce health problems and improve the quality of
life of the aging population." Exit interviews indicated that
participants "enjoyed the activity (90%), … "would continue the
activity if it were available (75%)… and "(90%) would recommend
the activity to friends or relatives." 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 "Thirty-six oncology inpatients
participated in this third pilot study investigating the effects of
foot reflexology in which equianalgesic dosing was calculated. Foot
reflexology was found to have a positive immediate effect for
patients with metastatic cancer who report pain, although there was
no statistically significant effect at 3 hours after intervention or
at 24 hours after intervention. Further study is suggested for foot
reflexology delivered by family in the homes for management of cancer
pain." Stephenson N, Dalton JA, Carlson
J, "The effect of foot reflexology on pain in patients with
metastatic cancer," Appl Nurs Res. 2003 Nov;16(4):284-6 PMID:
14608562 "The purpose of study was to
determine the effects of hand massage on nausea, vomiting and anxiety
in acute lymphocytic leukemia children with high dose chemotherapy.
The subjects of this study consist of 15 in experimental group and 15
in control group. All subjects were diagnosed as acute lymphocytic
leukemia and admitted for high dose chemotherapy at the C University
Medical Center in Seoul, Korea. The hand massage was performed for 10
minutes twice a day through three days in the experimental group, not
in the control group. To evaluate the effects of hand massage, the
Index of Nausea, Vomiting by Rhodes et al and State-Trait Anxiety
Inventory for children by Spielberger were measured before and after
the experiment in both groups. Also, the level of anxiety as measured
by blood pressure, pulse rate were measured before and after hand
massage therapy. "Result of the study were as
follows;1. The score of nausea, vomiting decreased in the
experimental group, not in the control group. There was a significant
difference of nausea, vomiting between the two groups. 2. The score
of state anxiety decreased in the experimental group and increased in
the control group. After hand massage, the state anxiety of the
experimental group was significantly more positive than the control
group at the 2nd measurement 3. There was no significant difference
of pulse rate between the two groups. 4. systolic blood pressure
decreased in the experimental group and some increased in the control
group. There was a significant difference of systolic blood pressure
between the two groups. 5. The level of diastolic blood pressure in
the two groups was significantly decreased over time. "In conclusion, hand massage could
be effective in decreasing nausea, vomiting, state anxiety, pulse
rate and blood pressure of acute leukemia children receiving high
dose chemotherapy." Ji-Eun Han, Master, RN, Young-Im
Moon, PhD, and Ho-Ran Park, PhD. College of Nursing, Catholic
University of Korea, Seoul, none, South Korea, "Effect of Hand
Massage on Nausea, Vomiting and Anxiety of Childhood Acute
Lymphocytic Leukemia with High Dose Chemotherapy," Presented at Back
to Evidence-Based Nursing: Strategies for Improving Practice, Sigma
Theta Tau International, July 21, 2004 "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. * 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. Why would stepping on a bumpy
surface impact health? A study by Mr. Tauro Nakamura of Japanmay
holds some answers. Mr. Nakamura measured the results of stepping on
the Nii-Ichi wooden bead mat, measuring the participants' foot
surface temperature, the speed of circulation and electrical
potential before and after stepping on the mat. The test participants
stepped on the bead mat for 5 minutes followed by a fifteen minute
wait before testing. Testing was conducted in a room at 20 degrees
Centigrade with a humidity of 60%. The surface temperature of the
foot was tested with thermography. The results of the test showed
that the sure temperature of the foot improved. The thermograph
measurement following the stimulus of the bead mat showed a more even
distributin of temperature over the entire foot when compared to the
measurement before the stimulus. The speed of blood circulation was
tested using ultra-sonic meaurements before and after exposure to the
mat. Improvement was seen with an average "before" meaurement of 12.5
centimeters per second followed by an "after measurement of 29.0 cm.
per second. Electric potential was measured as
a change in performance of electrical resistance at twelve vital
meridian points on the feet and hands. Because cutaneal nerve
response represents sympathetic nerve response, the test was taken to
show the response to stimulus by the autonomic nervous system. After
the stimulation of stepping on the mat, the neasuremet of electrical
current showed improvement in the form of fewer deviations from the
mean established before the stimulus. Nakamura, Teuro, "Using Technical
Measuring Machine," Rwo-Shr Health '90 Worldwide Conference Tokyo,
Book of Theses, Tokyo, 1990, pp. 45-54) *"INTRODUCTION: The aim of the
study was to investigate and treat infants with colic by conventional
medicine followed by an investigation of the effect of reflexological
treatment. "MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
investigation was prospective, followed by a randomised,
single-blind, double-controlled, prospective study of reflexological
treatment with an interview and diary. Sixty-three infants aged 1-3
months referred by general practitioners with crying for > 90
minutes a day were given a paediatric examination and intervention.
The cause of crying was discovered in 33 infants: Vitamin D (5),
elimination of cow's milk protein (3), and anal stenosis (3);
counselling on feeding, sleep, reduction of stimulation, and
avoidance of passive smoking (22). Thirty infants without the benefit
of paediatric consultation were randomised to three groups for a
duration of two weeks: A: Presumed non-effective reflexological
treatment vs B: Presumed effective reflexological treatment vs C: No
treatment--only observation. The most important parameter was the
number of crying hours over 24 hours. Cure was defined as crying for
less than or equal to 30 minutes. "RESULTS: Examination by the
paediatrician: Thirty-three of 63 infants benefited with a reduction
in crying of less than 90 minutes and 13 of these infants were cured.
The randomised study: In group C (control), none of the patients was
cured. In groups A and B (presumed non-effective reflexological
treatment and presumed effective treatment), half the patients were
cured, which was significantly better than in group C. There was no
significant difference between groups A and B, but B seemed better
than group A. B was significantly better than C. "DISCUSSION: Infantile colic
had a significant cure rate at paediatric consultation and the
children who did not benefit from this intervention had a
significantly better outcome after reflexological treatment than had
the observation group. Further investigations in reflexological
treatment in infants are recommended." Författare: Bennedbaek O,
Viktor J, Carlsen KS, Roed H, Vinding H, Lundbye-Christensen S.,
"Originalets titel: Infants with colic. A heterogeneous group
possible to cure? Treatment by pediatric consultation followed by a
study of the effect of zone therapy on incurable colic," Publicerad:
Ugeskr Laeger 2001 Jul 2;163(27):3773-8). Article published in
Danish.(Institution: Aalborg Universitet, Institut for Matematiske
Fag * 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 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 "Critical care can be considered to be a
stressful environment at both physiological and psychological levels
for patients. In this article, a research study in which a
five-minute foot massage was offered to 25 patients (68 sessions in
total) as a stress-reduction intervention is described. A
quasi-experimental repeated measures design was used to collect data
before, during and after the intervention. Physiological data (heart
rate, mean arterial blood pressure, respirations and peripheral
oxygen saturation) were obtained from the patient bedside monitoring
system. Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated there was no
significant effect from the intervention on peripheral oxygen
saturation. However, a significant decrease in heart rate, blood
pressure and respirations was observed during the foot massage
intervention. Results indicated foot massage had the potential effect
of increasing relaxation as evidenced by physiological changes during
the brief intervention administered to critically ill patients in
intensive care." Hayes J, Cox C, "Immediate effects
of a five-minute foot massage on patients in critical care,"
Intensive Crit Care Nurs. 1999 Apr;15(2):77-82. (University of
Hertfordshire, Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care,
Hatfield, UK) PMID: 10595045 * 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 tool?" Tidsskr Nor
Laegeforen 1998 Feb 20;118(5):753-5 (PMID: 9528375)
(Norwegian) The reliability and validity of
the "reflexological diagnosis method" was tested. "Eighty patients
from various clinics and departments of the Hillel Yaffe Medical
Center, Hadera, were examined twice by two different reflexologists.
The diagnostics were compared with the conventional medical diagnosis
of the same patients. In addition, the level of correlation between
the two reflexological examinations was tested. Results: Out of 18
body systems in 6 a statistically significant correlation was found
between the conventional medical diagnosis and the two reflexological
examinations. In body systems, there was a statistically significant
correlation between the conventional medical diagnosis and one of the
two reflexological examinations. The systems in which correlation was
found are characterized by having a defined anatomic region. The
examination of the significance of the diagnoses regarding the
components of the body systems resulted in statistical significance
in only 4 out of the 32 components. Between the two reflexological
examinations, a statistically significant correlation was found in 14
out of the 18 body systems and in only 15 out of the 32 system
components. Conclusion: the reflexology method
has the ability to diagnose (reliable and valid) at a systematic
level only, and this is applicable only to those body systems that
represent organs and regions with an exact anatomic location.
Raz I, Rosengarten Y, Carasso R,
"Correlation study between conventional medical diagnosis and the
diagnosis by reflexology (non conventional," (Article in Hebrew),
Harefuah, 2003 Sep;142(8-9):600-5, 646) PMID: 14518162 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 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) * "Fetal activity during
midgestation (M age=19.8 weeks) was studied in response to vibratory
stimulation of the mother's abdomen (at the height of the fetal
head), foot massage, hand massage, or control condition (no
stimulation). Consistent with previous research conducted during
midgestation, the fetuses of mothers who received two trials of
3-sec, 60-Hz vibratory stimulation did not show changes in movement.
In contrast, the fetuses of mothers who received a 3-min foot massage
showed greater movement than the control fetuses. However,
stimulating the mother's hand (another highly innervated area) did
not increase fetal activity. By late gestation (M age=35.4 weeks),
vibratory stimulation resulted in increased fetal activity. These
findings replicate previous research indicating that vibratory
stimulation to the mother's abdomen does not elicit fetal activity
until later in gestation. Furthermore, our findings indicate that
stimulating the mothers' feet, but not the hands, can evoke fetal
activity in midgestation. Diego MA, Dieter JN, Field T,
Lecanuet JP, Hernandez-Reif M, Beutler J, Largie S, Redzepi M, Salman
FA., "Fetal activity following stimulation of the mother's abdomen,
feet, and hands," Dev Psychobiol. 2002 Dec;41(4):396-406
(Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami School of Medicine,
Miami, FL 33101, USA.) Copyright 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com).
DOI 10.1002/dev.10071PMID: 12430163 * 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." "Fetal activity during
midgestation (M age=19.8 weeks) was studied in response to vibratory
stimulation of the mother's abdomen (at the height of the fetal
head), foot massage, hand massage, or control condition (no
stimulation). Consistent with previous research conducted during
midgestation, the fetuses of mothers who received two trials of
3-sec, 60-Hz vibratory stimulation did not show changes in movement.
In contrast, the fetuses of mothers who received a 3-min foot massage
showed greater movement than the control fetuses. However,
stimulating the mother's hand (another highly innervated area) did
not increase fetal activity. By late gestation (M age=35.4 weeks),
vibratory stimulation resulted in increased fetal activity. These
findings replicate previous research indicating that vibratory
stimulation to the mother's abdomen does not elicit fetal activity
until later in gestation. Furthermore, our findings indicate that
stimulating the mothers' feet, but not the hands, can evoke fetal
activity in midgestation. Diego MA, Dieter JN, Field T,
Lecanuet JP, Hernandez-Reif M, Beutler J, Largie S, Redzepi M, Salman
FA., "Fetal activity following stimulation of the mother's abdomen,
feet, and hands," Dev Psychobiol. 2002 Dec;41(4):396-406
(Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami School of Medicine,
Miami, FL 33101, USA.) Copyright 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com).
DOI 10.1002/dev.10071PMID: 12430163 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 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 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
bnefits." 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 * Austrian researchers
previously documented that blood flow to the kidneys improved with
reflexology technique application. Now, the members of the same group
have shown improvement of blood flow to the intestines following
reflexology technique application. Once again a controlled,
randomized study has demonstrated that application of reflexology
technique to reflex areas of the feet has an influence on a reflected
body part. Moreover, the researchers are hypothesizing that the
mechanism of action at work in reflexology is improved blood
flow. "An influence on
organ-associated blood flow is considered as a possible mechanism of
action of reflex zone massage of the feet (FRZM) therapy. In the
present study we investigated whether changes in intestinal blood
flow can be achieved by FRZM. Material and Methods: 32 healthy adults
(19 women and 13 men) were randomly assigned to the treatment or the
placebo group. Subjects of the treatment group received foot massage
on the zones assigned to the intestines and those of the placebo
group received massage on zones unrelated to the intestines. Before,
during and after FRZM, the blood flow velocity, the peak systolic and
the end diastolic velocities in the superior mesenteric artery as
well as the resistive index as a parameter of vascular resistance
were calculated. Results: During FRZM, in the subjects of the
treatment group there was a significant reduction in the resistive
index (p = 0.021), suggesting an increase in the blood flow in the
superior mesenteric artery and the subordinate vascular system. In
contrast, there were no significant changes in the resistive index in
the subjects of the placebo group. Conclusion: The reduction in the
resistive index observed in the treatment group supports the
assumption that FRZM improves blood flow in the organs considered to
be associated with the specific foot zones, at least during the
therapy process." J, Egger I, Bodner G, Eibl G,
Hartig F, Pfeiffer KP, Herold M., "Influence of reflex zone therapy
of the feet on intestinal blood flow measured by color Doppler
sonography," [Article in German] Forsch Komplementarmed Klass
Naturheilkd. 2001 Apr;8(2):86-9. (Universitatsklinik fur Innere
Medizin, Innsbruck, Austria) (Copyright 2001 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg
(Mur E, Schmidseder) PMID: 11340315 *
"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 completed this study. Significant improvement in
the differences in mean scores of paresthesias (P = 0.01), urinary
symptoms (P = 0.03) and spasticity (P = 0.03) was detected in the
reflexology group. Improvement with borderline significance was
observed in the differences in mean scores of muscle strength between
the reflexology group and the controls (P = 0.06). The improvement in
the intensity of paresthesias remained significant at three months of
follow-up (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Specific reflexology treatment was
of benefit in alleviating motor; sensory and urinary symptoms in MS
patients." Siev-Ner I, Gamus D, Lerner-Geva
L, Achiron A."Reflexology treatment relieves symptoms of multiple
sclerosis: a randomized controlled study," Mult Scler. 2003
Aug;9(4):356-61(Complementary Medicine Clinic, Department of
Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer,
Israel) PMID: 12926840 *Thirty
cases of neurodermatitis were divided into two groups of 15 with the
treated group receiving foot massage for 10 to 30 days and the other
group receiving drug therapy. The effective rate for the treated
group was 46.7% very effective and 53.3% effective. In the control
group, 33.3% were very effective, 40% were effective and 26.7 were
ineffective. Foot massage was seen as simple, effective, economical
and lacking the side effects of drugs given the control group
(fatigue, sleeplessness, gastrointestinal symptoms, with hormonal
dermatitis resulting from long-term use). Zhi-ming, Liu and Song, Fang,
"Treatment of Neurodermatitis by Foot Reflex Area Massage (with a
test group of 15 and a control group of 15)," (19)96 Beijing
International Reflexology Conference (Report), China Preventive
Medical Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing,
1996, p. 16 Recent
research from China suggest that reflexology may be particularly
helpful for patients suffering from nervous exhaustion.Twenty
patients with a history of neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion) which
had lasted between 1 & 8 years were given a course of reflexology
at the department of physiotherapy, 52884 Military
Hospital. The
patients' chief symptoms were dizziness, insomnia, memory loss,
indigestion and headaches. All had previously received long term
medical treatment none of which had helped them.The reflexology
treatments focused on the areas of the feet relating to the adrenal
gland, kidneys, bladder, sinus, brain and heart. Those patients who
suffered from associated digestive problems were also treated to the
areas of the feet relating to spleen, stomach, duodenum and celiac,
while those patients who suffered from headaches had the areas of the
feet relating to the cerebellum and trigeminal nerves
treated. The
reflexology treatments were given daily over a period of seven days
and the results were quite remarkable:40% experienced complete
'cure', further 35% had greatly improved, and a further 15% had
mildly improved. Only 10% showed no change at all to the
treatment. Duan
Shuang-Feng. Foot reflexology in neurosism: Clinical Observation of
20 cases. Presented at the China Reflexology Symposium in Beijing
(July 1993). Reflexology research reports (Association of
Reflexologists) 2nd edition Reflexology
was applied to 60 individuals from ages 1 to 73 who were experiencing
pain. Sessions lasted 20 minutes to 40 minutes. the pain resulted
from Toothache (6), headache (8), sore throat (50), stiff neck (40),
shoulder pain/old wound (2), breast pain (2), chest & rib pain
(2), dysmenorrhea (3), abdominal pain (5), wrist and leg pain (19),
and joint pain in limbs. Following one session 18 of the 60 were
healed. 11 were healed following 2 or 3 sessions, 22 were effectively
treated after 2 or 3 sessions. Reflexology was ineffective for 9
cases after 1 to 3 sessions. Jin
Hui, "Reflexology Applied as a Pain-Killer - Observation of 60
Cases," 1998 Beijing International Reflexology Conference
Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, p,
86-88 "Nurses have used complementary therapies for
many years to relieve anxiety, promote comfort, and reduce or
alleviate pain. The therapies described in this article are examples
of the many therapies available for nurses to consider when planning
care for patients with chronic pain. The increasing body of
scientific knowledge is providing more guidance about the efficacy of
specific therapies. As with all interventions, ongoing evaluation
about the effectiveness of a therapy for each patient is an important
component of quality nursing care. Complementary therapies provide an
avenue for nurses to be autonomous in furthering the relief of
chronic pain, as many of these therapies fall within the domain of
nursing. Incorporating selected therapies into the plan of care
provides multiple opportunities for nurses to demonstrate caring, a
premier characteristic of nursing. A number of the complementary
therapies, such as journaling, hand massage, and imagery, can be
taught to patients and their families, thus promoting self-care.
Anecdotal evidence and findings from numerous smaller studies provide
some support for the use of many complementary therapies to manage
chronic pain or their use as adjuncts in the treatment regimen.
Still, the nurse must weigh the risks and benefits before suggesting
a therapy to a patient. Evaluating the effectiveness of the
complementary therapy to promote comfort in patients with chronic
pain is essential. Obtaining this information is not only critical to
the care of a particular patient, but these data will assist nurses
in learning more about specific therapies. Most importantly, nurses
need to pursue research to further the scientific basis for many of
the complementary therapies." PMID: 14567205 Snyder M, Wieland J.
"Complementary and alternative therapies: what is their place in the
management of chronic pain?" Nurs Clin North Am. 2003
Sep;38(3):495-508. School of Nursing and Center for Spirituality
and Healing, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, 6-101
Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN
55455-0342, USA. snyde002@umn.edu *
Results of study: Reflexology work reduces the pain of those with
kidney and ureter stones. 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, "Clinical Trials of Acute Uretic Colic and Reflexology,"
Reflexology: Research and Effect Evaluation in Denmark, Danish
Reflexologists Association, Kolding, Denmark, 1993, p. 10 "Foot reflexology is both a diagnostic
technique and therapy. It is an alternative therapy which is
considered useful in pain management. Its effectiveness as a therapy
has been studied at the Mestre hospital where a clinical study has
been undertaken to determine the effectiveness of reflexology in the
reduction of pain. A group of 40 persons suffering almost exclusively
from a lumbar-sacral disc hernia received three treatments of
reflexology massage for a week. The results found that 25 persons
(62.5%) reported a reduction in pain, (rating at 0.75 on a scale of
0-4). These results however did not take into consideration the
relationship between the effectiveness of foot reflexology and
variables such as the persons physicality (Body Mass Index), or their
psychological or social status." Degan M, Fabris F, Vanin F,
Bevilacqua M, Genova V, Mazzucco M, Negrisolo A, "The effectiveness
of foot reflexotherapy on chronic pain associated with a herniated
disk," Prof Inferm. 2000 Apr-Jun;53(2):80-7 [Article in
Italian] ULSS 12 Veneziana. (mardeg@libero.it )PMID:
11272089 *
Results of study: Post surgical patients who receive foot massage and
medication report "significantly less" agony than those on
painkillers alone. The 39
cases of shoulder pain ranged in age from 49 to 58 years old. At the
completion of reflexology treatment, 32 had been cured (pain
disappeared, the arm and shoulder could move freely) and 17 had
received an effect (pain reduced, the movement of the arm and
shoulder obviously improved). Yu
Baofu, Han Houngling, Yang Huaiqing, Li Caixia, "Treatment of
Shoulder-Joint Pain with Foot Reflexology," 1998 Beijing
International Reflexology Conference Report, China Reflexology
Association, Beijing, pp. 69-70 A pilot study of the effects
of foot and hand reflexology applied to paralyzed clients began in
1980. Foot and hand reflexology techniques were applied to a
quadriplegic client and two paraplegic clients. The work consisted of
220 hours of sessions, 338 hours of sessions and 358 hours of
sessions applied over a time period of three to five
years. From
this work it was concluded: (1) A possible mechanism within the
existing nervous system explains the workings of reflexology: the
integration of autonomic-somatic information by the body. Such a
mechanism allows the body to coordinate the involuntary internal
reactions of the autonomic nervous system with the actions of the
musculo-skeletal system for the purposes of survival. (2) The
application of pressure, stretch and movement technique to the feet
can effect a physical change within the body. (3) An interruption of
the body's imaging process occurs in paralysis. The imaging can be
changed by the exercise of locomotive components, pressure, stretch
and movement. A major
observation was that pressure techniques applied to the feet elicited
(1) what we came to recognize as a segment of the stride mechanism
and (2) a direct response of the autonomic nervous system.
Specifically, the spasming of paralyzed limbs in response to pressure
applied to the feet of the paraplegic clients came to be conditioned
into a series of sophisticated movements consistent with the
positioning of hips, legs, ankles, and feet for walking. Pressure
technique applied to one foot elicited movement of both limbs, each
appropriate for a segment of stride in opposition to the
other. The
response of the quadriplegic client differed from that of the
paraplegic clients. Pressure technique applied to the sole of the
foot, base of the toes of the left foot elicited movement of
particular digits of the right hand, as if the client was playing a
guitar. Responses were elicited from left foot to right foot and vice
versa but paled in contrast to the left foot/right hand
response. Secondly,
a stereotypical internal organ response was elicited in all three
clients from general work on feet. The response varied from client to
client but seemed to be internal body adjustments. One client
shivered and her teeth chattered, yet when asked, she would report no
sensation of being cold. One client perspired on one side of the
head. One client perspired below the level of spinal cord injury and
experienced intestinal tract grumbling. The responses developed over
time and were extinguished over time. Aside
from immediate responses to reflexology work, none of the three
clients experienced a bladder or kidney infection, a common
occurrence, during the course of the work. In addition, the
quadriplegic client experienced a gradual return of the ability to
sense pain, heat, cold, light touch, and deep pressure. This ability
varied over his body seemingly from dermatome to dermatome. The pain
sensation developed into discrete localization of pain. He reported
the ability to sense fullness in the stomach next followed by
sensation of the need to empty the bladder. Pneumonia
(Infantile) * 122 cases of infantile
pneumonia were divided into two groups: 58 cases received medication
and foot massage and 64 cases were treated with medication only. The
results showed that those treatment group required 7.8 days average
time of treatment with a course of the disease as 10.2 days. The
crative rate was 96.5% with improvement in the other 2 cases. Those
in the control group required an average treatment time of 9.7 days
with the total course of the disease at 12.3 days. The curative rate
was 92% with 5 cases improved. It was concluded that the treatment
course is shorter and effect better in combined medication and foot
massage group. Pneumonia
(infantile) 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: Post surgical patients who receive foot massage and
medication report "significantly less" agony than those on
painkillers alone. "This randomized-controlled study examined
the effects of foot massage on patients' perception of care received
following surgery. The sample of 59 women who underwent laparoscopic
sterilization as day case patients were randomly allocated into two
groups. The experimental group received a foot massage and analgesia
post-operatively, whilst the control group received only analgesia
post-operatively. Each participant was asked to complete a
questionnaire on the day following surgery. This examined
satisfaction, memory and analgesia taken. The 76% response rate was
comparable with other patient satisfaction studies following day-case
surgery. Statistical analysis showed no overall significant
difference in the pain experienced by the two groups; however, the
mean pain scores recorded following surgery showed a significantly
different pattern over time, such that the experimental group
consistently reported less pain following a foot massage than the
control group. This study has attempted to explore the use of foot
massage in a systematic way and is therefore a basis for further
study." Hulme J, Waterman H, Hillier VF, "The effect
of foot massage on patients' perception of care following
laparoscopic sterilization as day case patients," J Adv Nurs.
1999 Aug;30(2):460-8 (Stockport Acute Services NHS Trust, Anaesthetic
Department, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, England) PMID:
10457249 "Because of the widely presumed association
between heart disease and psychological wellbeing, the use of
so-called 'complementary' therapies as adjuncts to conventional
treatment modalities have been the subject of considerable debate.
The present study arose from an attempt to identify a safe and
effective therapeutic intervention to promote wellbeing, which could
be practicably delivered by nurses to patients in the postoperative
recovery period following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
surgery. Aim. To investigate the impact of foot massage and guided
relaxation on the wellbeing of patients who had undergone CABG
surgery. METHOD: Twenty-five subjects were randomly assigned to
either a control or one of two intervention groups. Psychological and
physical variables were measured immediately before and after the
intervention. A discharge questionnaire was also administered.
RESULTS: No significant differences between physiological parameters
were found. There was a significant effect of the intervention on the
calm scores (ANOVA, P=0.014). Dunnett's multiple comparison showed
that this was attributable to increased calm among the massage group.
Although not significant the guided relaxation group also reported
substantially higher levels of calm than control. There was a clear
(nonsignificant) trend across all psychological variables for both
foot massage and, to a lesser extent, guided relaxation to improve
psychological wellbeing. Both interventions were well received by the
subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These interventions appear to be effective,
noninvasive techniques for promoting psychological wellbeing in this
patient group. Further investigation is indicated." Hattan J, King L, Griffiths P, "The impact of
foot massage and guided relaxation following cardiac surgery: a
randomized controlled trial," J Adv Nurs. 2002
Jan;37(2):199-207 (Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, University of
Brighton, East Sussex, UK. jenniehattan@netscapeonline.co.uk) PMID:
11851788 To investigate the effectiveness of
prophylactic Korean hand acupressure in the prevention of
postoperative vomiting in women scheduled for minor gynecological
laparoscopic surgery, we conducted a double-blinded, randomized,
placebo-controlled study. In one group (n = 40), acupressure was
performed 30 min before the induction of anesthesia by using special
acupressure seeds, which were fixed onto the Korean hand acupuncture
point K-K9 and remained there for at least 24 h. The second group (n
= 40) functioned as the Placebo group. The treatment groups did not
differ with regard to demographics, surgical procedure, or anesthetic
administered. In the Acupressure group, the incidence of nausea and
vomiting was significantly less (40% and 22.5%) than in the Placebo
group (70% and 50%). We conclude that Korean hand acupressure of the
acupuncture point K-K9 is an effective method for reducing
postoperative nausea and vomiting in women after minor gynecological
laparoscopic surgery. IMPLICATIONS: This randomized study was
performed to investigate the antiemetic effect of the Korean hand
acupuncture point K-K9. Acupressure of K-K9 reduces the incidence of
postoperative nausea and vomiting in female patients after minor
gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Boehler M, Mitterschiffthaler G, Schlager A.
"Korean hand acupressure reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting
after gynecological laparoscopic surgery," Anesth Analg. 2002
Apr;94(4):872-5, University Department of Anesthesiology and
Critical Care Medicine, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck,
Austria. PMID: 11916788 [PubMed] A double-blind, randomized,
placebo-controlled study was conducted to investigate the
effectiveness of Korean hand acupuncture in preventing postoperative
vomiting in children scheduled for strabismus surgery. In one group,
acupressure was performed 30 min before induction of anaesthesia by
applying an acupressure disc onto the Korean hand acupuncture point
K-K9; the disc remained in situ for at least 24 h. The second group
functioned as placebo group. The treatment groups did not differ with
regard to patient characteristics, surgical procedure and anaesthetic
administered. In the acupressure group, the incidence of vomiting was
significantly lower (20%) than in the placebo group (68%). We
conclude that Korean hand acupressure of the acupuncture point K-K9
is an effective method for reducing postoperative vomiting in
children after strabismus repair. Schlager A, Boehler M, Puhringer F., "Korean
hand acupressure reduces postoperative vomiting in children after
strabismus surgery," Br J Anaesth. 2000
Aug;85(2):267-70. Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
Medicine, Leopold-Franzens-University of Innsbruck,
Austria. PMID: 10992837 [PubMed] •
Reports that Eichelberger et. al. demonstrated that reflexology
enhances urination, stimulates bowel movements and so aids recovery.
Patients who received reflexology also showed a much less need for
medication than patients in the control group. (Eichelberger G (1993)
Study of foot reflex zone massage. Alternatives to tablets.
Krankenpfiege - Soins Infirmiers. 86, 61-63) Kesselring, A.
Fussrelszonemassage. Schweiz med Won\chenschr suppi (Switzerland)
1994, 62, pp. 88-93 * The
study's goal was to test if foot reflexology (FR) affects the
well-being, voiding, bowel movements, pain, and/or sleep in women who
underwent an abdominal operation. 130 subjects were randomised into
three groups. For five days they were exposed to fifteen minutes of
FR, foot/leg massage (FM) or talking respectively. Results show that
the women in the FR group were more able to void without problems,
after the indwelling catheter had been removed than did women in the
comparison groups. There was also a tendency in the FR-group for the
indwelling catheter to be removed earlier than in the other groups.
In comparison the FR-subjects slept worse than the others. FM showed
significant results in the subjective measures of well-being, pain
and sleep." Kesselring A., Spichiger E.,
Muller M, "Foot Reflexology: an intervention study, Pflege 1998, Aug;
11(4):213-8 (PMID: 9775925) * "The
aim of the study was to investigate the possible usefulness of foot
reflexology on the recovery after a surgical intervention. 130
patients participated in the study. They underwent abdominal surgery
under full anesthesia for different, but exclusively gynecological
reasons. Foot reflexology investigated in this study was applied only
for a few days for each patient. The following parameters were
recorded: the subjective, self-assessed, general condition, pain
intensity, movement of the bowels, micturition and sleep beginning on
the day before the operation until day 10. Two other treatments
served as controls, a simple massage of the foot or a personal
conversation. The simple massage turned out to be a relaxing,
positive experience, whereas foot reflexology had various effects,
some of them even negative. The conclusion was that foot reflexology
is not recommended for acute, abdominal postsurgical situations in
gynecology because it can occasionally trigger abdominal
pain." Kesselring A., "Foot Reflexology
massage: a clinical study." Forsch Komplementarmed 1999 Feb; 6 Suppl
1:38-40 (PMID: 10077716) *
Results of study: Reflexology improves the symptoms of 46% of those
suffering from PMS. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether
reflexology therapy--the application of manual pressure to reflex
points on the ears, hands, and feet that somatotopically correspond
to specific areas of the body--can significantly reduce premenstrual
symptoms compared to placebo treatment. METHODS: Thirty-five women who
complained of previous distress with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were
randomly assigned to be treated by ear, hand, and foot reflexology or
to receive placebo reflexology. All subjects completed a daily diary,
which monitored 38 premenstrual symptoms on a four-point scale.
Somatic and psychological indicators of premenstrual distress were
recorded each day for 2 months before treatment, for 2 months during
reflexology, and for 2 months afterward. The reflexology sessions for
both groups were provided by a trained reflexology therapist once a
week for 8 weeks, and lasted 30 minutes each. RESULTS: Analysis of
variance for repeated measures demonstrated a significantly greater
decrease in premenstrual symptoms for the women given true
reflexology treatment than for the women in the placebo group.
CONCLUSION: These clinical
findings support the use of ear, hand, and foot reflexology for the
treatment of PMS. Oleson, Terry and Flocco, William,
"Randomized Controlled Study of Premenstrual Symptoms Treated with
Ear, Hand, and Foot Reflexology," Obstetrics and Gynecology,
1993;82(6): 906-11 * 90
cases of hyperplasia of the prostate were divided into 3 groups: in
30 cases foot reflex area was used, in 30 cases drug therapy was
used, in 30 cases massage foot massage was combined with drug.
"Ultrasonographic examinations were performed pre and post first
course of treatment. Comparison is summation of sizes in three
dimensions pre and after treatment. Criteria for effectiveness:
significant effect - the differences >1.5cm., effective
-difference=1-1.4cm. It is indicated that foot reflex area health
promoting method may be used as a useful method in treatment for
hyperplasia especially when combined with drug therapy." 50 cases were treated with foot
reflexology. All were above 55 years old and experienced frequent,
urgent, difficult and nocturnal urination. Thirty minute sessions
were applied once or twice a day. Among the 50 cases: (1) 10 were
cured, all symptoms disappeared,(2) 5 showed markedly effective, main
symptoms disappeared, (3) 30 were effective, symptoms alleviated and
(4) 5 were ineffective, no improvement. Effectiveness was achieved
within ten to 21 days. Zhou Xin, Zhou Gengye, "Treatment
of Prostatic Hypertrophy with Reflexotherapy," 1998 China
Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association,
Beijing, pp. 50-5 A 21
year-old college student had experienced a widely spreading skin
lesions over 14 years. Numerous Western and traditional Chinese
medicines had failed to effect the psoriasis. One to two treatments a
week were applied for 50 minutes. After 14 treatments change was
evident in the four largest lesions. After 15 courses of treatment
all lesions disappeared. Accuracy of the widely used organ
representation areas, currently used in different schools of foot and
hand reflexology was evaluated using Bi-Digital O-Ring test resonance
phenomenon. Our previous study indicated that mapping organ
representation areas of the tongue using Bi-Digital O-Ring Test
resonance phenomenon between 2 identical substances often provided
more reliable clinical information for both diagnosis and treatment
than the 2 widely used, but crude, traditional schools of Chinese
tongue diagnosis. This same method was applied for the mapping of the
organ representation areas on the feet and hands. We succeeded in mapping the following areas
on human feet: 1) Middle (3rd) toe on the sole side represents the
following starting from the tip: A) Head, B) Face with eye, ear,
nose, and mouth (1st Digit) C) Neck and organs within the neck
(narrow band of space between 1st crease after the 1st digit and
crease at the junction of the beginning of the sole); 2) 2nd and 4th
toe represent upper extremities, the beginning tip being fingers and
hands. The crease at the base of these toes represents the shoulder.
The 2nd toe represents right upper extremity, and the 4th toe
represents left upper extremity; 3) 1st and 5th toes in both the
right and left feet represent lower extremities with the tip being
the toes and soles of feet. The crease at the base of these toes
represents the inguinal area. The 1st toe of each foot represents
right lower extremity, and 5th toe represents left lower extremity.
The sole of the foot is divided into the following 3 distinctive
sections. 1) Upper (1st) section represents organs in the chest
cavity including 2 thymus glands, trachea, 2 lungs, with the heart
between them, and with the esophagus appearing as a narrow band
outside of the lung near and below the 1st and 2nd toe depending upon
the individual. Chest section occupies the first 1/3 to 1/5 (on a
relatively long foot) of the entire sole. The boundary between the
chest and G.I. system can be approximately estimated by extending the
length of the entire toe or up to 25% longer to the sole, but it can
be accurately determined using a diaphragm tissue microscope slide as
a reference control substance. 2) Middle (2nd) section represents
Gastro-Intestinal system, including lower end of the esophagus,
liver, stomach, spleen, gall bladder, pancreas, duodenum, jejunum,
ileum, appendix, colon, and anus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400
WORDS) Omura Y. , Acupunct Electrother Res.
1994 Jun-Sep;19(2-3):153-90. "Accurate localization of organ
representation areas on the feet & hands using the bi-digital
O-ring test resonance phenomenon: its clinical implication in
diagnosis & treatment--Part I." Heart Disease Research
Foundation, New York. PMID: 7863839 [PubMed]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=7863839 Foot
reflexology was applied daily to three cases of rhinitis for 30
minutes. After three sessions symptoms had subsided even for a
patient experiencing rhinitis for 20 years. A course of 10 sessions
was applies to "consolidate the effect. Symptoms had not returned two
years later for this patient. *
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. "Reflexology
massage" was found to be as effective as nasal irrigation for
alleviation of chronic sinusitis in a University of Wisconsin School
of Medicine study. Dr. Andrew Weil's Self Healing reports that "After
two weeks of daily treatment, more than 70 percent of those who
practiced either form of nasal douching reported improved symptoms.
But surprisingly, the group that practiced reflexology massage -
where pressure is applied to the feet or hands but may produce
changes elsewhere in the body - appeared to fare equally well. The
unexpected results for this technique may prompt further research."
("The Saline Solution?," Self Healing, January 2002, page
2) ·
"Reflexology massage" was utilized as a control in the testing of two
nasal irrigation study groups, nasal irrigation with a bulb syringe
and nasal irrigation with a nasal irrigation pot. One hundred fifty
individuals were randomly assigned to one of the three groups.
"Groups one and two performed daily hypertonic saline irrigation for
two weeks with one method (bulb syringe or nasal irrigation pot) and
then switched to the other method for the following two weeks.
Irrigation devices were collected and cultured after two weeks of
use. Group three (the control) performed reflexology massage daily
for two weeks. Data was collected prospectively including
pre-treatment Medical Outcomes Study Short Form, pre and
post-treatment Rhinosinusitis." ·
"Overall, 36 percent of subjects reported decreased use of sinus
medication (decongestants, antihistamines, pain relievers, and nasal
sprays) during the study with no measurable difference between the
three groups. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that daily nasal
irrigation with hypertonic saline offers patients an inexpensive
treatment protocol that improves chronic sinusitis symptoms. During
the study, a number of patients decreased or eliminated
medication.The choice of preferred irrigation protocol was likely
linked to the randomization among patient subjects. It is unclear
whether the improvement found in patients in the reflexology massage
group reflects a therapeutic, placebo, or combination of effects. All
the findings highlight the complex interactions of managing chronic
sinusitis symptoms." Diane
G. Heatley MD, Glen E. Leverson PhD, Kari E. McConnell RN, and Tony
L. Kille (the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison,
WI) "Nasal Irrigation for the Alleviation of Sinonasal Symptoms,"
presented Monday, September 25, 2000, at the American Academy of
Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting/Oto
Expo, being held September 24-27, 2000, at the Washington, DC
Convention Center (http://www.askdrbob.com/archives/reference/sinus.htm)
(Published in Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001
Jul;125(1):44-8) "BACKGROUND: Attempts at smoking cessation
have been correlated with severe withdrawal symptoms, including
intense cigarette cravings, anxiety, and depressed mood. Massage
therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress hormones and
improve mood. "METHOD: Twenty adult smokers (M age = 32.6)
were randomly assigned to a self-massage treatment or a control
group. The treatment group was taught to conduct a hand or ear
self-massage during three cravings a day for 1 month. RESULTS:
Self-reports revealed lower anxiety scores, improved mood, and fewer
withdrawal symptoms. In addition, the self-massage group smoked fewer
cigarettes per day by the last week of the study. "CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest
that self-massage may be an effective adjunct treatment for adults
attempting smoking cessation to alleviate smoking-related anxiety,
reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, improve mood, and reduce the
number of cigarettes smoked." Hernandez-Reif M, Field T, Hart S. "Smoking
cravings are reduced by self-massage." Prev Med. 1999
Jan;28(1):28-32. Touch Research Institute, University of
Miami, School of Medicine, Florida 33101, USA. PMID: 9973585 Foot reflexology was applied
once a day for ten days, every other day for ten days, and once or
twice a week for ten days. A review of 38 cases of cerebrovascular
accident patients showed a 95% effectiveness rate. Results were
evaluated as (1) effective if the "functions of palsy lower limbs got
recovered to enable the patient to walk independently in the room
and" and (2) remarkably effective if the "function of lower limbs got
recovered, digital meticulous action partially recovered, Babinski's
sign turned negative" Results: among the 28 patients of the cerebral
thrombosis groups (a) 9 cases showed effect in the first course of
treatment and 15 in the second course and (b) 3 cases showed
remarkably effective in the second course of treatment and 3 cases in
the third course. Among the cerebral infarction group (a) 2 cases
showed effective in the first course of treatment and 2 cases in the
second and (b) 2 cases showed remarkably effective in the third
course of treatment. See
also 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 "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 *
Results of study: Reflexology reduced the pain of 66% toothache
patients and eliminated the symptoms of 26%. Xue-xiang,
Wang, "Relieve (150 Cases of) Toothache with Foot Reflexotherapy,"
1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology
Association, Beijing, October 1994, p. 132 - 135 * Foot
reflexology was applied to 46 cases of lithotrity and compared to the
results of 50 cases not treated with foot reflexology. The process of
excreting the calculi broken by external lithotrity begins within one
week of the procedure and finishes approximately after a month of
pain experienced by the patient. Reflexology was applied to the
treatment group daily for 30 minutes. Thirty cases in the reflexology
group had begun excretion of fragmented calculus in seven days or
less compared to 5 of the untreated group. Forty-three had begun in
fifteen days or less compared to 22 in the untreated group. All
forty-six of the untreated group had completed excretion in less than
20 days compared to 38 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 •
"Foot reflex area massage" was applied to 34 individuals with a
diagnosis of calculi of the urinary tract. A cure rate of 71% was
achieved. Results were achieved by application of 3-5 times for three
individuals, 6-8 times for eight individuals, 10-12 times for eight
individuals and more than 20 times for 5 individuals. Yue-jin, Zhang; Jing-Fang, Chung
and Bao-rong, Ju, "Observation of the Effect of Foot Reflex Area
Massage on 34 Cases of Calouli of Urinary Tract," (19)96 Beijing
International Reflexology Conference (Report), 1996, China
Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of
Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p. 46 * 24
cases of urinary tract infection were divided into two groups. In the
treated group norfloxin and foot massage were used. In the control
group only norfloxin was used. Of the treated group, 5 showed
immediate amelioration of disappearance of symptoms with 7 showing
amelioration or disappearance on the second day. Of the control group
4 showed amelioration or disappearance on the second day and 8 showed
amelioration or disappearance on the third day. Foot massage was
found to be effective in treating urinary tract infection. * Forty
cases were divided into two groups randomly. Of the forty, 34 could
not urinate 3 to 4 hours after surgery on the cranium or brain and 6
could not urinate in 5 hours. Those of the control group listened to
the sound of flowing water, massage was applied to the urinary
bladder and other conditional reflexes were applied. Foot
Reflexotherapy was applied for thirty minutes to those in the
observation group. Results of study: 65% of the control group could
excrete urine within 10 minutes of treatment as opposed to 30% of the
control group. 25% of those in the observation group could excrete
urine but not completely within 10 to 30 minutes of treatment as
opposed to 45% of the control group. 10 of the observation group were
unable to urinate 30 minutes after treatment as opposed to 25% of the
control group. Cailian,
Lin, "Clinical Observation on Treatment of 40 Cases of Uroschesis
with Reflexology," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report,
China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 52 - 53 • Teruo, Nakamura, "Using Technical
Measuring Machine," RWO-SHR Health '90 Worldwide Conference
Tokyo, Best Care, Tokyo, pp. 45 - 54 • Cho, Z. H., Chung, S. C., Jones, J.
P., Park, J. B., Park, H. J., Lee, H. J., Wong, E. K., and Min, B.
I., "New findings of the correlation between acupoints and
corresponding brain cortices using functional MRI," Proceedings of
the National Academy of Sciences USA, Vol. 95, pp. 2670-2673, March
1998, Physiology • Oz, Mehmet C., Whitworth,
Gerard C., and Liu, Eric C., "Complementary Medicine in the Surgical
Wards (at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City),"
Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 279, pp.
710-711, March 4, 1998 ŠKunz and Kunz 2009
Absenteeism/Employee
morale/Specific health benefits/General health benefits
Absenteeism/Employee
morale/Specific health benefits/General health benefits
Absenteeism/Employee
morale/Specific health benefits/General health benefits
Absenteeism/Employee
morale/Specific health benefits/General health benefits
Absenteeism/Employee
morale/Specific health benefits/General health benefits
Absenteeism/Employee
morale/Specific health benefits/General health benefits
Absenteeism/Employee
morale/Specific health benefits/General health benefits
Acne
Agitated elderly (Hand massage and calming
music)
METHOD: A four group, repeated measures experimental design was used
to test the effect of a 10-minute exposure to either calming music,
hand massage, or calming music and hand massage simultaneously, or no
intervention (control) on the frequency and type of agitated
behaviors in nursing home residents with dementia (N = 68). A
modified version of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory was used
to record agitated behaviors.
RESULTS: Each of the experimental interventions reduced agitation
more than no intervention. The benefit was sustained and increased up
to one hour following the intervention (F = 6.47, p<.01). The
increase in benefit over time was similar for each intervention
group. When types of agitated behaviors were examined separately,
none of the interventions significantly reduced physically aggressive
behaviors (F = 1.93, p=.09), while physically nonaggressive behaviors
decreased during each of the interventions (F = 3.78, p< 01). No
additive benefit resulted from simultaneous exposure to calming music
and hand massage. At one hour following any intervention, verbally
agitated behavior decreased more than no intervention. CONCLUSION:
Calming music and hand massage alter the immediate environment of
agitated nursing home residents to a calm structured surrounding,
offsetting disturbing stimuli, but no additive benefit was found by
combining interventions simultaneously.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)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
Asthma
Asthma
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 (Pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure for senior
citizens)
Birthing
Birthing, Pain killing;
Alternative to labor stimulating and inducing drugs
Birthing, Labor
outcomes
Use by Midwives
Birthing,
Delivery; Retention of placenta
* Blood pressure, pain, control
over falls in senior citizens
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
*
Cancer, Pain and nausea
*
Cancer, Quailty of life
*
Cancer, Pain and anxiety
Cancer, Pain
* Cancer (Hand massage) Vomiting,
nausea, anxiety in children underoging chemotherapy
•
Cancer, End of life care
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
Circulation
Colic
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
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 improvementCritical care (Foot massage)
Diabetes
Diabetes
Diabetes
Zhi-qin, Duan et. al., "Foot Reflexology Therapy Applied On Patients
with NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetic mellitus)," 1993 China
Reflexology Symposium, p. 24Diabetes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Dysmenorrhea
(See also Amenorrhea)
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea
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%dailyEnuresis
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
Fetal activity during
gestation (Foot and hand massage)
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
Gestation (Foot and hand
massage)
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
Hospice
Hospice
Hospice
Hyperlipimia
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. 21Hyperlipimia
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
Intestinal Function*
Irritable
Bowel Syndrome
Kidney
function
Kidney
and Ureter Stones (Recovery from Lithotrity)
Kidney
stones
Leukopenia
*Menopause
Menopause
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)
Mental
retardation
Mental
retardation
Mental 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
Multiple sclerosis
Neurodermatitis
Nervous
exhaustion
Pain
Pain, Chronic (Hand massage)
Pain
of kidney and ureter stones (See also Kidney
stones)
Pain of herniated disc
Pain
(Post surgical)
Pain
(Shoulder)
Paralysis
Kunz K, Kunz B, "The Paralysis Project," Reflexions, Vol. 8,
No. 1, J/F/M 1987
Pneumonia
(Infantile)
Liang-cai, Pei, "Observation of 58 Infantile Pneumonia by Combined
Method of Medication with 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. 34
· 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
Post
surgical pain
* Post surgical care (Foot
massage)
* Post surgical care (Foot
massage)
*Post surgical nausea and vomiting (Hand
acupressure)
*Post surgical nausea and vomiting (Hand
acupressure)
Post
surgical recovery
Post surgical
recovery
Post surgical
recovery
Post surgical
recovery
Pre-menstrual
syndrome
Prostate
(Hyperplasia)
Xiao-li, Chen, "Hyperplasia of Prostate Gland Treated by Foot Reflex
Area Health Promoting Method (with a group of 90 study
participants)," 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China
Reflexology Association, Beijing, October 1996, pp. 32 - 33
Prostate
(Hypertrophy)
Psoriasis
Xi-guang, Xu and De-zhao, Liu, "Treatment of Psoriasis with Foot
Reflexology," 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China
Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 91-92 (Tianjin,
China)
Reflexology chart
Rhinitis
Xiu, Ma, "Observation on the Treatment of Rhinitis with Foot
Reflexology," 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China
Reflexology Association, Beijing, p. 139 (Tianjin, China)
(Male)
Sexual dysfunction
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
Sinusitis
Smoking cessation (Hand and ear massage)
Stroke
Wu Zhen-sheng, Li Xue-zhen, "Treatment of 38 Cases of Ischemic
Apoplexy," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China
Reflexology Association, Beijing, p. 1
* Surgery: anxiety during(Hand
massage)
Toothache
Urinary
tract stones
Urinary tract
stones
Urinary tract stones
Urinary
tract infection
Yu-lian, Zao, "Clinical Observation on Treatment of Infection of
Urinary Tract by Foot Massage," (19)96 Beijing International
Reflexology Conference (Report), China Preventive Medical
Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p.
17
Uroschesis
(retention of urine)
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