British physiologist B. S. M. Frankel of Leeds University found in a single-blind study with control group that there was enough difference before and after sessions on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia to postulate a neural influence of reflexology and foot massage practices. 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 examined 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."
Frankel, B. S. M., "The effect of reflexology on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia," Complementary Therapies in Medicine (England), Vol. 5, pp. 80-84, 1997
58 cases of coronary heart disease were treated with foot
reflexotherapy and 67 cases with pharmacotherapy. Four indexes were
examined before and after treatment for both groups: (1) clinical
symptoms, (2) blood pressure/heart rate, (3) blood fat and (4) ECG.
After 30-40 days of treatment, average results were:
1. symptoms, reflexotherapy group: chest distress and angina pectoris
disappeared symptoms, pharmacotherapy group: chest distress and
angina pectoris disappeare
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
/ 76-7
3. blood fat, reflexotherapy group (before): high in some and
(after): slightly changed blood fat, pharmacotherapy group (before):
high in some and (after): slightly changed
4. ECG, reflexotherapy group (before): slight change in T-wave and
(after): improved remarkably ECG, pharmacotherapy group (before):
change in ST-T wave and (after): certain improvement.
Zhongzheng, Li and Yuchun, Liu, "Clinical Observation on Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease with Foot Reflexotherapy," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 38 - 41
Heart Disorder Ebook Available
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.
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, pp. 21 - 25
Dr. Shouqing et. al. randomly assigned 186 cases of hyperlipimia to one of four treatment groups: (A) foot reflexology, (B) Kinesitherapy, (C) Ion-introduction therapy, and (D) Pharmacology-Lipunthyl. Except for (C) all reduced cholesterol remarkably.
Shou-qing, Gui; Xian-qing, Xiao; Yuna-zhong, Li; Chang Shengpeng and Gu Xuejuan, "Comparative Study on the Treatment of Hyperlipimia with Four Therapies (Foot Reflexology, Kinesitherapy, Ion-introduction Therapy and Lipunthyl)," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 34-37
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
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.
Yuru, Yang and Lingyun, Chao (Dept. of Nursing. of Tianjin Medical College); Guangling, Meng and Scuwe, Cao, (Teaching and Researching Group of Tianjin Branch of Reflexology Association), Jia-Mo, Hao (Academic Committee of Tianjin Hygiene and Health-care Society); Suhui, Zhang (Pediatric Dept. of the Hospital affiliated to the Tianjin Medical College), "Exploring the Application of Foot Reflexology to the Preventions and Treatment of Functional Constipation (with 20 Cases and 20 individuals as a control group)," 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, October 1994, pp. 62 - 65
Two groups of Dyspepsia cases were studied (upper abdominal; discomfort, bloating, satiety, belching, nausea, acid reflux, heartburn) with peptic ulcer, gastric carcinoma, gastritis reflux esophagitis 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.
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
Digestive System Ebook Available
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
Digestive System Ebook Available
"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, 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."
British Journal of General Practice (Reported December 31,
2001 at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_1723000/17232900.stm)
(p.a.tovey@leeds.ac.uk))
Digestive System Ebook Available
Chinese physician X. M. Wang of the First Teaching Hospital, Beijing Medical University conducted a double-blinded study of type II diabetes mellitus with foot reflexotherapy. "Thirty-two cases of type II diabetes mellitus were randomly divided into two groups. One group was treated with conventional Western medicine, a hypoglycemic agent, plus foot reflexotherapy (FR), the other group with the same medicine only. 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 FR group while no significant change was observed in the Western medical group." (Med-Line Abstract Article ID: 94154475)
Wang, X. M., "Treating type II diabetes mellitus with foot reflexotherapy," Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih (Journal of Traditional and Western Medicine), Sept.1993, Vol.13, Pages 536 - 538
In a double blind study with a control group, 22 cases with non-insulin dependent diabetes were 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."
Zhi-qin, Duan et. al.,"Foot Reflexology Therapy Applied On Patients with NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetic mellitus)," 1993 China Reflexology Symposium, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, October 1993, p. 24
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
"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 for Children Ebook Available
"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 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) (Published in Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001 Jul;125(1):44-8)
Leukopenia is a low white blood cell count. forty-seven cases of leukopenia were divided into a reflexotherapy group (29 cases) and a pharmacotherapy (18 cases) group. Cases were followed for one month to 10 years.
The curative effect between the reflexotherapy
group/pharmacoltherapy group was comparable for:
URTI (93%/94%)
Urinary infection: (94%/94%)
Insomnia (84%/71%)
Weakness (92%/80%)
The change of white cell count before and after treatment was an effective rate of 89.66% for the reflexotherapy group and 77.78% for the control group.
Xu Ya-zhen (Changfeng Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province_, "Treatment of Leukopenia with Reflexotherapy," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 32-33
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. 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.
Shouqing, Gui and 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
Among 158 cases, 66 cases were in the control group and received conventional massage and the 92 cases in the treatment group received foot reflexotherapy. The total effective rate was (A) 86.3% for the control group (24 of 66 cured, 33 of 66 effective and 9 of 66 ineffective) and (B) 95.6% for the treatment group (42 of 92 cured, 46 of 92 effective and 4 of 92 ineffective. "While for chronic cases, relapse is quite common. Foot reflexotherapy can be easily practised by the patients themselves, this is very important to consolidate the effect."
Pinyu, Xu, "Foot Reflexotherapy in Treating 158 Cases with Lumbago, 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 76 - 78
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,"(19)96 Beijing International Reflexology Conference (Report), China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p. 26
Characteristics of the feet of ninety-six children with an IQ ranging from 40 to 70 and ages of 8 to 14 were compared to the feet of a control group of 96 normal children of similar ages and sexes.
Color Comparison: Pale feet were more common in the experiment group (34%) than the control group (3%)
Big Toe Shapes: Sixty-five in the experiment group and thirty-one in the control group showed abnormal big toe shapes including deviated ball-center (30/5), flat ball (13/3), triangle shaped (9/0), valgus (6/3), overlapped with other toes (4/0), other (3/1).
Comparison of 2nd to 5th Toe: Fifty-three of the experiment group showed abnormal signs as compared to 5 of the control group: overlapped (9/0), curved (10/0), short proximal phalanges (11/0), protrusion of ball center (8/1), shortage of toes (13/2), other (2/0).
Comparison of Reflex Areas: Heart reflex area: tender, bubbled,
granules or nodes in 51% of experiment group and 11% of control
group.
Liver reflex area: tender, bubbled, grandules or node in 34% of
experiment group and 7% of control group.
Feng Gu, Zhao Lingyun, Yang Yuru, Hao Jiamo, Cao Shuwen, Zhang Xiulan, "Comparative Study of Abnormal Signs in the Feet of Feebleminded Children," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 9-13
80 children from a school for the mentally retarded were divided into two groups, a control group receiving educational training in the school and an experimental group combining foot reflexotherapy and school training. 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.
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
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 months. The other group received Flunarizin treatment (a selective calcium entry blocker with calmodulin binding properties and histamine blocking activity that has been effective 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 classified as an alternative non-pharmacological therapeutic treatment that would be particularly appropriate to those patients that were unable to follow pharmacological treatment."
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.
Testa, Gail W., "A Study on the Effects of Reflexology on Migraine Headaches" August 2000 (http://members.tripod.com/GTesta/Dissertationall.htm)
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 assess 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
Poole, H. M. Murphy, P. and Glenn S., "Reflexology and Relaxation in the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain," Proceedings of the British Psychological Society, Vol. 8 No. 2, p. 43, 2000
"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
A ten-minute foot massage significantly reduced the agony in post-surgical patients over patients on pain killers alone. Scientists studied sixty women admitted for surgery at the Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockton, England. Half of the women were given a pain-killing drug regime and half were given the drug regime and foot massage by "a skilled acute pain nurse." Researchers found that those receiving the foot massage reported 'significantly less' agony than those on painkillers alone. … "The massage is thought to work by relaxing the patients and thus raising their pain threshold."
"Foot Rubs Easing Pain (post-surgically)", Third Age.com, December 4, 1998
"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)
Six patients with different types of tumors were randomly assigned to a reflexology group and six to a placebo reflexology group.
The placebo group was given "gentle foot massage that does not stimulate reflexology points." Patients completed a visual analogue scale (VAS) 24 hours before commencement of the intervention and within 24 hours of completion. Placebo and reflexology groups received three 40 minute sessions, every other day over a five-day period. The VAS measured quality of life components: appearance, appetite, breathing, communication (doctors), communication (family), communication (nurses), concentration, constipation, diarrhoea, fear of future, isolation, micturition, mobility, mood, nausea, pain, sleep and tiredness.
"From the results it was concluded that all participants received some comfort from the intervention, be it reflexology or placebo reflexology. However, only 33% of the placebo group benefitted from an improvement in quality of life compared to 100% of the reflexology groups. 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. However, despite there being an improvement reported in 67% of the components, the frequency of improvement was greater in the reflexology group compared to 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
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
"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
"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," Int J Palliat Nurs. 2002 Oct;8(10):489-96 (Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, Scotland) PMID: 12419988
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
"Fifty-five women in the third trimester (of pregnancy) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a period of rest, 'relaxing' reflexology techniques or a specific "lymphatic' reflexology technique for 15 minute with pre and post-therapy ankle and foot circumference measurements and participant questionnaire. There was no statistically significant difference in the circumference measurements between the three groups; however, the lymphatic technique reflexology group mean circumference measurements were all decreased. … A 'perceived wellbeing' score revealed the lymphatic technique group significantly increased their wellbeing the most, followed closely by relaxing techniques and then the control rest group. (All groups) had a non-significant oedema-relieving effect. From the women's viewpoint, lymphatic reflexology was the preferred therapy with significant increase in symptom relief." (Mollart l., "Single Blind trial addressing the differential effects of two reflexology techniques versus rest, on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy," Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery, 2003 Nov;9(4):203-8) (Antenatal Services, Maternity Service, Central Coast Health, P. O. Box 361, 2251, Gosforth, NSW, Australia) PMID 14556770
"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
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 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.
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.
"The effective rate of the combined treatment group was 97.62% (41/42). That of the simple treatment group was 85% (34/40).
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
"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," British Journal Of Gynecology, 2002 Sep; 109(9):1050-5
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.
Siu-lan, Li and Cai-xia, Shu, "Galactogogue 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
"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, T. and Flocco, W., "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."
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
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.
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
"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)
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.
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
A group of 103 cases of childhood pneumonia and bronchitis were treated with foot massage therapy, a group of 40 cases were treated with antibiotics and a third group of 68 cases were treated with antibiotics and Chinese herbs. "It indicates the difference in effective rate between foot therapy and antibiotics is significant, while it is insignificant as comparing with the 3rd group. Concerning complete cure, foot therapy is better than either 2nd or 3rd group."
Hui-ming, We, "Perspectives of foot reflex based on foot massage for treatment of pneumonia and bronchitis in childhood," (19)96 Beijing International Reflexology Conference (Report), China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p. 42
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.
Liang-cai, Pei, "Observation on Treatment of 58 Infantile Pneumonia by Combined Method of Medication with Foot Massage," (19)96 Beijing International Reflexology Conference (Report), China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p. 34
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
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."
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-sonographie," Forsch Komplementarmed 1999, Jum;6(3):129-34 (PMID: 14060981, UI: 99392031)
Thirty patients were divided into three groups of ten each: one group received 10 minutes of reflexology stimulation to kidney and ureter reflex areas, one group of ten received 10 minutes of reflexology stimulation to the shoulder reflex area, and one group received on the lateral end of the clavicle, same side as pain. Members of the treatment group experienced reduced pain (5 of the 10 for four hours, 1 for three hours, and 3 for one hour.) In the control groups 1 of each group experienced pain relief for less than an hour. Medical doctors concluded that reflexology treatment of ureterolithiasis has a pain relieving effect. Compared to common analgesic, the effect of reflexology occurs more rapidly but has 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)
In a controlled trial, 46 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
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.
Yu-lian, Zao, "Clinical Observation on Treatment of Infection of Urinary Tract by Foot Massage (with a study group of 24)," (19)96 Beijing International Reflexology Conference (Report), China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p. 17
Foot reflex area massage was applied to 34 individuals diagnosed with stones in the urinary tract by ultrasonography, X-ray and routine urine examination. Three individuals were cured in 3 to 5 sessions of 45 minutes, 8 were cured in 6 to 8 sessions, 8 were cured in 10 to 12 sessions, 5 were cured in less than 20 sessions, and 2 were significantly effected. Overall cure rate: 71%, effective rate: 24%, no effect: 5%. It was concluded that the effect of foot massage on the elimination of calculi not larger than 1 cm. is "rather satisfactory."
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
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
Chinese physicians Shouqing, Changlong, Jixi, and Desheng conducted a blinded study to observe the effects of foot reflexo-massage (FRM) on free radicals. Both control and treated groups received treatment but the control group received less strength of technique application for a shorter time. Twenty medical students with normal health as well as thirty outpatients and fifty-six hospitalized patients with various disorders were studied. For both groups, 3 ml. of heparininzed venous blood was collected before and after the session. "In normal condition (health) the continuous production and elimination of free radicals (FR) maintains a balanced state, in which the concentration of FR is very low and unharmful to the body. In pathological states, the balance is disrupted, they overproduced FR's will damage the body. The associations between FR and diseases, such as radiation injury, cancer and aging, have been reported, and is further supported by our results. … "In generalization, Foot reflexo-massage can decrease the free radicals."
Shouqing, Gui and Changlong, Zhang of Xianning Prefecture People's Hospital, Xianning, Hubei Province; and Desheng, Luo, Xianning Medical College, Hubei Province, "A Preliminary Study on the Mechanism of Foot Reflexomassage &emdash; Its Effect on Free Radicals,"1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 128 - 135
"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
"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
"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
Reflexology for Children Ebook Available
"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
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."
White, J. Williamson, Hart A, Ernst E, "A blinded investigation into the accuracy of reflexology charts, Complementary Therapy Medicine, 8, 2000: 166-7
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 inn 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
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 (with a test group of 6 and a control group of 6)," 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, October 1994, pp. 98 - 99
"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)
Kesselring A., "Foot Reflexology massage: a clinical study." Forsch Komplementarmed 1999 Feb; 6 Suppl 1:38-40 (PMID: 10077716)
"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)
(http://www.askdrbob.com/archives/reference/sinus.htm) PMID: 11458213
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