Scottish Institute of Reflexology

Asthma

Brygge T, Heinig JH, Collins P, Ronborg S, Gehrchen PM, Hilden J, Heegaard S, Poulsen LK
Respir Med 2001 Issue3:Mar Vol.95:173-9
Abstract
Many asthma patients seek alternative or adjunctive therapies. One such modality is reflexology, whereby finger pressure is applied to certain parts of the body. The aim of the study was to examine the popular claim that reflexology treatment benefits bronchial asthma. Ten weeks of active or simulated (placebo) reflexology given by an experienced reflexologist, were compared in an otherwise blind, controlled trial of 20+20 outpatients with asthma. Objective lung function tests (peak flow morning and evening, and weekly spirometry at the clinic) did not change. Subjective scores (describing symptoms, beta2-inhalations and quality of life) and also bronchial sensitivity to histamine improved on both regimens, but no differences were found between 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. It was accompanied by a significant pattern compatible with subconscious unblinding, in that patients tended to guess which treatment they had been receiving. No evidence was found that reflexology has a specific effect on asthma beyond placebo influence.

Zone therapy and asthma
Brygge T, Heinig JH, Collins P, Rønborg SM, Gehrchen PM, Hilden J, Heegaard S, Poulsen LK
Ugeskr Laeger 2002 Issue18;Apr Vol.164:2405-10
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Many patients with asthma seek alternative or adjunctive therapies. One such modality is reflexology. Our aim was to examine the popular claim that reflexology treatment benefits bronchial asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 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.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine by asthma patients.
Ng TP, Wong ML, Hong CY, Koh KT, Goh LG
QJM 2003 Issue10:Oct Vol.96:747-54
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) by asthmatic patients is increasing. Data on the prevalence of CAM use in asthma are limited, and the motivation for patients to seek CAM therapy is uncertain. AIM: To determine the prevalence and pattern of use of complementary therapies in adults treated for asthma in primary care in Singapore, and the demographic and clinical factors associated with their use. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Five primary care clinics in Singapore.
METHODS: Adult patients with asthma (n = 802) received a structured questionnaire interview and clinical assessment that included demographic and clinical variables (clinical status, patient's knowledge, self-care and healthcare-seeking behaviour, and spirometric measurements) and detailed information on CAM use in the past one year.
RESULTS: CAM use in the past year was reported by 27.2%, including animal food products (12.3%), herbs (10.3%), herbal-based proprietary medicines (3.2%), and acupuncture or reflexology (1%). The use of CAM was significantly associated with Chinese ethnicity, longer disease duration, moderate and severe persistent asthma, FEV(1)/FVC < 80%, lack of positive response to treatment in the past year, higher patient knowledge score, and multiple sources of care providers.
DISCUSSION: The use of CAM is highly prevalent in Asian patients treated for asthma in primary care, and is associated with cultural and clinical factors reflecting a need to improve care.

Alternative therapies among adults with a reported diagnosis of asthma or rhinosinusitis : data from a population-based survey.
Blanc PD, Trupin L, Earnest G, Katz PP, Yelin EH, Eisner MD
Chest 2001 Issue5:Nov Vol.120:1461-7
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Asthma and rhinosinusitis are common medical conditions among adults. Alternative treatments could have important impacts on health status among those individuals with these conditions, but specific prevalence data for these treatments are limited.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of specific alternative treatment modalities, including herbal agents, ingestion of caffeinated beverages, homeopathy, acupuncture, and massage therapies. DESIGN: Random population telephone sample. SETTING: Northern California. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred adults aged 18 to 50 years with self-report of a physician diagnosis of asthma (n = 125) or rhinosinusitis without concomitant asthma (n = 175). MEASUREMENTS: Structured telephone interviews covering demographics and clinical variables, including the following alternative treatments used in the previous 12 months: herbal agents; caffeine-containing products; homeopathy; acupuncture; aromatherapy; reflexology; and massage.
RESULTS: Any alternative practice was reported by 127 subjects (42%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 36 to 48%). Of these, 33 subjects (26%; 95% CI, 21 to 31%) were not current prescription medication users. Herbal use was reported by 72 subjects (24%), caffeine treatment by 54 subjects (18%), and other alternative treatments by 66 subjects (22%). Taking into account demographic variables, subjects with asthma were more likely than those with rhinitis alone to report caffeine self-treatment for their condition (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.8%), but herbal use and other alternative treatments did not differ significantly by condition group. CONCLUSION: Alternative treatments are frequent among adults with asthma or rhinosinusitis and should be taken into account by health-care providers and public health and policy analysts.