Analysis of Cancer Studies

A review of thirteen studies conducted in six countries (US, Korea, UK, Italy, Japan, Switzerland) showed that cancer patients experienced significant improvements and changes in each category researched. Common complaints (pain, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue) for those undergoing chemotherapy were ameliorated. In addition, improvements were seen in vital signs, mood, and foot fatigue. Results were immediate following a ten-minute session in one study and a thirtyminute session in another.

Those undergoing palliative care reported results from reflexology work: feeling "relaxed," "comforted" and achieving relief from some of their symptoms. All of those in the study recounted improvements 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.