What is reflexology?
Reflexologists work the feet
in a systematic way that stimulates corresponding organs and glands in the
body. This supports the body to restore health as best as it can. Nerves are
stimulated in such a way that they fire signals to the cells and organs they
are connected to.
Some primary effects of
reflexology
Kunz and Kunz (2008) identified the following primary effects that
Reflexology demonstrates and which can now be confirmed thanks to modern
technology:
1. fMRI readings show
that reflexology has an impact on specific organs. Reflexology,
applied to a specific part of the foot, activated the reflected area in the
brain. Specifically, technique stimulation applied to the inner lateral corner
of the left great toe activated the right temporal lobe, the part of the brain
related to the reflex area (Nakamaru et al. 2008)
2. An amelioration of symptoms such as an
improved kidney functioning with kidney dialysis patients. Using Doppler sonography, Sudmeier et al.
(1999) were able to show that blood flow through the kidneys increased during
reflexology treatments. This is highly beneficial as the renal blood flow helps
transport nutrients to cells and removes waste materials
3. A relaxation effect where EEG’s measure a drop in blood pressure
and a lowering in anxiety levels.
4. A reduction in pain was evident in
patients with a variety of illnesses such as AIDS, kidney stones, peripheral
neuropathy, cancer etc.
Cancer
Reflexology is beneficial as it
- Helps to relax
- Provides a coping
mechanism
- Helps patients to better
cope with stress and anxiety
- Relaxes the mind
- Helps to relieve
the side effects of the treatment through detoxification
- Helps to relieve
pain
- Helps to feel more
positive
- Gives a feeling of
well being
- Relieves nausea
The School of Nursing at the University of Canberra organized a ten-minute
reflexology treatment for 87 hospitalized cancer patients. The treatment produced
a significant and immediate effect
on the patients’ perceptions of pain, nausea and relaxation when measured with
a visual analogue scale (measurement instrument for subjective characteristics or
attitudes that cannot be directly measured) (Grealish,
L., Lomasney, A. & Whiteman, B., 2000).
A clinical experience with a client with mesothelioma and only months to
live: after three weekly treatments combining Reiki and reflexology, the pain
experienced had decreased to such a level that he was able to reduce the
morphine dosages taken in the morning and at night. At the same time, he was
also able to stop taking the quick release morphine during the day. The result
from the treatments was that his and his family’s quality of life had improved.
Research conducted by Stephenson et al. (2000) shows how reflexology
affects anxiety and pain. Twenty-three, mostly female, patients with breast or
lung cancer received a 30-minute reflexology treatment. It was found that both
groups experienced a significant decrease in anxiety and that one of three pain
measures showed that the breast cancer patients experienced a significant
decrease in pain.
Research
Teagarden & Morris (2013) suggest that there is no clear distinction between a reflexology and a medical treatment and this needs to be addressed to avoid potential problems. They also recognize the strong bond that exists between many providers and their patients. In their conclusion they encourage researchers to standardize the reporting of trials.
Teagarden & Morris (2013) suggest that there is no clear distinction between a reflexology and a medical treatment and this needs to be addressed to avoid potential problems. They also recognize the strong bond that exists between many providers and their patients. In their conclusion they encourage researchers to standardize the reporting of trials.
References
Grealish, L., Lomasney, A. & Whiteman, B.(2000). Foot
Massage: A nursing intervention to modify the distressing symptoms of pain and
nausea in patients hospitalized with cancer. Cancer Nurse, 23(3), 237-43.
(On-line review: "Reflexology Used for Cancer Patients," Internet
Health Library, October 11, 2000)
Kunz, B. & Kunz, K. (2008). Evidence-based reflexology for health
professionals and researchers: The evidenced-based reflexology series.
Nakamaru,
T., Miura, N., Fukushima, A. & Kawashima, R.. (2008). Somatotopical
relationships between cortical activity and reflex areas in reflexology: A
functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Neuroscience Letters 448(1),
6-9. Doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.10.022. Epub 2008 Oct 14
Sudmeier, I., et al. (1999). Anderund der nierendurchblutung durch
organassozilerte reflexzontherapie am fuss gemussen mit farbkodierter Doppler-sonograhpie.
Universitatsklinik fur Innere Medizin, Inssbruk, Austria. Forsch
Komplementarmed, 6(3), 129-34.
Stephenson, N.L.N., Weirich, S.P. & Tavakoli, A.S. (2000). The
effects of foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients with breast and
lung cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum. 27(1). Retrieved from http://www.anatomyfacts.com/Research/The%20Effects%20of%20Foot%20
reflexology%20on%20Anxiety%20and%20Pain.pdf
Teagarden, K. &
Morris, D. (2013). What does the research
say about reflexology? University of Minnosota. Retrieved from http://takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology/what-does-research-say-about-reflexology
