Ten studies show the impact of reflexology on issues important to expectant mothers. Research shows that women given reflexology work during pregnancy or labor experienced shorter labor times and less analgesia use. In addition, reflexology work aided with the problems of retention of the placenta and primary inertia during labor, helping the women avoid surgery or medication.
Research demonstrated that reflexology given to women during labor showed a 90% effective rate as a pain killer during delivery. (3); Another study showed an effective analgesia rate of 94.4%. (4)
Women in the foot reflexology group of one study experienced an average birth process of 2.48 + 1.48 hours versus the control group (intravenous drip of 10% glucose plus a vitamin C injection) with an average birth process of 3.32 + 1.19 hours (4)
Reflexology was applied in two 30 minutes sessions to women diagnosed with primary inertia during labor during a research study. Assessment of dilatation of the cervix showed that 70% of them made progress when treated with reflexology. In the control group, 38% of women offered extra supportive midwifery care made progress. Under usual care, they would have been offered unpleasant and painful oxytocin augmentation to aid in labor. (5)
Research showed that, among women given reflexology work during labor, 11 of the 14 experiencing retention of the placenta after giving birth avoided an operation to correct the situation. (3)
Research showed that new mothers who received reflexology work initiated lactation in 43.47 hours (+12.39 hours) and in comparison to the control group average of 66.97 hours (+28.16 hours). At 72 hours satisfactory lactation was documented in 98% of the foot reflexology group and 67% of the control group. Reflexology work helped avoid use of drugs in lactation that may be harmful to the baby. (6)
In a controlled study of postpartum women experiencing anxiety and depression, six hours of reflexology work demonstrated a significant difference for foot reflexology with traditional Chinese medicine foot bath group when compared to control groups. (7)
In another study, postpartum women given six hours of foot reflexology work with traditional Chinese medicine foot bath showed a significant difference in: appetite; lactation; anxiety and depression scores when compared to the control group. (158)*+
Research showed that post partum women recovering from Cesarean section showed a significantly shorter first voiding time when receiving foot reflexology or machine (electric foot roller) foot reflexology as compared to the control group. (9)
Post partum women recovering from Cesarean section showed a significant difference in time to first defecation when receiving reflexology for three days as compared to the control group. (10)
(1) Dr. Gowri Motha and Dr. Jane McGrath, "The Effects of Reflexology on Labour Outcome," Forest Gate, London, England, Nursing Times , Oct. 11, 1989
(2) McNeill JA, Alderdice FA, McMurray F., "A retrospective cohort study exploring the relationship between antenatal reflexology and intranatal outcomes," Complementary Therapeutic Clinical Practice 2006; 12: 11925. (Queen's University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Belfast, Ireland) (PMID: 16648089)
(3) Sorrig, Kirsten, "Easier Births Using Reflexology," Danish Reflexologists Association, Research Committee Report, Feb., 1995
(4) Zhang Changlong, "The application of foot reflexology in relieving labor pains," China Reflexology, Centre du Documentation du Groupes d'Etudes et de Recherches en Acupuncture, Registre des essais comaratifs randomises en acupuncture publies en 2000-2001, March 1 2001
(5) Clausen J, Møller E. En randomiseret undersøgelse af zoneterapi ved inerti og retentio placentae (A randomised (blinded, controlled) trial of reflexology in inertia). Århus Kommunehospital Afd Y8, 1992.(6) Siu-lan, Li, "Galactagogue Effect of Foot Reflexology in 217 Parturient Women (milk secretion / lactation in new mothers)," (19)96 Beijing International Reflexology Conference (Report) , China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996 p. 14
(7) Peng Guizhi, Qiu snow-sheung, Meng Li-fang, Zhou Ying, Wei Dan He, "Post-natal care and intervention on anxiety, depression impact study," China's Health (medical research) 2007 14
(8) Peng Guizhi, Liao Tao, Meng Li-fang, Wang Yuan-, Wei Jihong, Qiu snow-sheung, Wei Dan He, Zhou Ying, "Study for the effect of recovery for puerperium women treated Chinese native medicine foot bath combined with full foot bottom massage," Nurse Education magazine, 2007 23
(9) Zhongcuifang, Huang Lihong, HE Miao East, Zhou, Wen-Cheng Peng Pai, Hsiao-Hui Lee, Bao Jinlian, paragraph Fortunately, Wen-Jie Li, "Foot Massage on postpartum urinary system rehabilitation research," Maternal and Child Health Care of China , 2003, No. 09
(10) "Foot after cesarean section on the recovery of gastrointestinal function; the Influence of Foot Soaking and Massage on the Recovery of Digestive System after Cesarean," Contemporary nurses (Academic Edition) Today Nurse 2004, Section 01
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