Scottish Institute of Reflexology

Reflexology - general

STUDY 1

Reflexology: recent research approaches.
Mackereth P, Dryden SL, Frankel B
Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 2000 Issue 2:May Vol.6 p.66-71

Abstract
The intention of this paper is to examine recent published research in the field of reflexology and healthcare and consider the way forward for research work in reflexology. It will explore the various research approaches and methods, which have and could be used in answering questions about reflexology practice and outcomes for patients. The recommendations of the Foundation for Integrated Medicine Report (FIM 1997) with regard to conducting research and audit will be included in the paper. These are proposed here as a framework for both reviewing past studies and as guidance for future reflexology investigations. The authors themselves have conducted small reflexology studies and they will reflect on their experiences in analysing the research process. This paper does not aim to give a concise review of the literature to date but uses examples of recently published work to illustrate the issues that might confront researchers.

STUDY 2

Foot reflexology massage: a clinical study
Kesselring A
Forsch Komplementarmed 1999 Feb Vol.6 Suppl 1:38-40

Abstract
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 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 were 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. This project is one of the few studies planned, conducted and performed by the nursing staff

STUDY 3

Which complementary and alternative therapies benefit which conditions? A survey of the opinions of 223 professional organizations.
Long L, Huntley A, Ernst E
Complement Ther Med 2001 Issue 3: Sep Vol.9:178-85
Abstract
With the increasing demand and usage of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) by the general public, it is vital that healthcare professionals can make informed decisions when advising or referring their patients who wish to use CAM. Therefore they might benefit from advice by CAM-providers as to which treatment can be recommended for which condition.
AIM: The primary aim of this survey was to determine which complementary therapies are believed by their respective representing professional organizations to be suited for which medical conditions.
METHOD: 223 questionnaires were sent out to CAM organizations representing a single CAM therapy. The respondents were asked to list the 15 conditions they felt benefited most from their CAM therapy, the 15 most important contra-indications, the typical costs of initial and any subsequent treatments and the average length of training required to become a fully qualified practitioner. The conditions and contra-indications quoted by responding CAM organizations were recorded and the top five of each were determined. Treatment costs and hours of training were expressed as ranges.
RESULTS: Of the 223 questionnaires sent out, 66 were completed and returned. Taking undelivered questionnaires into account, the response rate was 34%. Two or more responses were received from CAM organizations representing twelve therapies: aromatherapy, Bach flower remedies, Bowen technique, chiropractic, homoeopathy, hypnotherapy, magnet therapy, massage, nutrition, reflexology, Reiki and yoga. The top seven common conditions deemed to benefit by all twelve therapies, in order of frequency, were: stress/anxiety, headaches/migraine, back pain, respiratory problems (including asthma), insomnia, cardiovascular problems and musculoskeletal problems. Aromatherapy, Bach flower remedies, hypnotherapy, massage, nutrition, reflexology, Reiki and yoga were all recommended as suitable treatments for stress/anxiety. Aromatherapy, Bowen technique, chiropractic, hypnotherapy, massage, nutrition, reflexology, Reiki and yoga were all recommended for headache/migraine. Bowen technique, chiropractic, magnet therapy, massage, reflexology and yoga were recommended for back pain. None of the therapies cost more than l60 for an initial consultation and treatment. No obvious correlation between length of training and treatment cost was apparent. CONCLUSION: The recommendations by CAM organizations responding to this survey may provide guidance to health care professionals wishing to advise or refer patients interested in using CAM.

STUDY 4

Reflexology--its place in modern healthcare.
Sahai IC
Prof Nurse 1993 Issue 11 Aug Vol.8:722-5
Abstract
1. Reflexology is a safe treatment promoting homeostasis. 2. It is an ancient method of healing which is regaining popularity. 3. Reflexology has no side-effects, only so-called healing crises--stepping stones to better health. 4. Reflexology is now an established branch of paramedical medicine, and should be available to NHS patients.

A blinded investigation into the accuracy of reflexology charts.
White AR, Williamson J, Hart A, Ernst E
Complement Ther Med 2000 Issue 3:Sep Vol.8:166-72
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Reflexology is an increasingly popular complementary therapy in which parts of the body are deemed to be represented on the soles of the feet. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this representation can be used as a valid method of diagnosis.
METHODS: Three experienced reflexologists took part in this 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 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. Inter-rater reliability (kappa) scores were very low, providing no evidence of agreement between the examiners.
CONCLUSION: Despite certain limitations to the data provided by this study, the results do not suggest that reflexology techniques are a valid method of diagnosis.

STUDY 5

Facilitating phenomenological interviewing by means of reflexology.

Author: Ross E, Schulze S

Citation: Curationis 28(1):69-81, 2005 Feb 28(1):69-81, 2005 Feb

Year: 2005

Abstract:

The aim of this article is to show how reflexology could facilitate phenomenological interviewing by probing the life-world of individual participants. It presents a hybrid study of phenomenological interviewing and reflexology as a holistic method of health care. In this sense, it is an interparadigmatic study, since it rests on the interface of Western and Oriental thought. This article reports on seven cases which were included in the qualitative, empirical investigation. During the sessions, reflexological readings served as impetus for inquiry into the experiences of the participants, as congestions on reflex points and along meridians were interpreted in terms of physical organs and functions. These readings were related to corresponding emotions as accepted within the reflexology paradigm. It was, however, up to the participants to inform the researcher of events and/or circumstances that caused the emotions. Thus, nonverbal data communicated information that facilitated verbal exchange concerning the life-world of each individual participant.

Reflexology had a powerful anxiety-reduction effect (‘state’; P<0.001) but no significant effect on underlying anxiety (‘trait’). Cardiovascular parameters decreased (P<0.001). Baseline salivary cortisol and melatonin were not significantly correlated with STAI scores and did not change significantly following reflexology.

Reflexology reduced ‘state’ anxiety and cardiovascular activity within healthy individuals, consistent with stress-reduction. Considering the connection between stress/anxiety and well being, the effects of reflexology may have beneficial outcomes for patients. These findings will be transferred to a study involving breast cancer patients where effects may be more pronounced particularly since cancer patients display disregulation of cortisol and melatonin secretion.

STUDY 7

Effect of self-foot reflexology massage on depression, stress responses and immune functions of middle aged women
Author:   Lee YM
Citation:   Daehan Ganho Haghoeji 36(1):179-88, 2006 Feb 36(1):179-88, 2006 Feb
Year:   2006

Abstract:

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to identify the effects of a self-foot reflexology massage on depression, stress responses and functions of the immune system of middle-aged women.

METHOD: This study was a one group pretest-posttest experimental design and the data was collected from August 1st, 2004 to May 31st, 2005. The subjects consisted of 46 middle-aged women (40 - 64 years) who were recruited from the Community Health Centre in Busan city. Subjects were not treated for 4 weeks, subsequently they were trained in self foot reflexology massage for 2 weeks, and then they did their own daily for 6 weeks (2 days at the research centre, 5 days at home). The outcome variables were measured 4 times, at baseline, pre training, after training, and after the intervention. The collected data was analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA by the SPSS/WIN program.

RESULT: There was a statistically significant difference in depression, perceived stress, systolic blood pressure, natural-killer cells and Ig G. However, there was not a statistically significant difference in diastolic blood pressure, pulse or serum cortisol.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a self-foot reflexology massage could be utilized as an effective nursing intervention to reduce depression and stress responses, and to strengthen immune systems in middle-aged women.

STUDY 8

The future of reflexology

Ann Lett

It would have been difficult 30 years ago to foresee how great would be the grass roots response to reflexology. Over the past 5 years public and professional interest in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), its practice, future development and possible regulation have been of much concern in many quarters, not least among therapists themselves. The report of the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology into Complementary and Alternative Medicine published in November 2000 made a number of recommendations likely to influence the social framework in which CAM has been practiced. This paper offers an appraisal of the practice of reflexology, its historic development, legal issues, scope and limitations of practice.

SUMMARY

The huge and growing area of care for those whose needs are not to the forefront of medical priorities, but nevertheless are debilitated, and may benefit from reflexology, provides a wide scope for reflexology practice. When there is seen to be a genuine public need for a service, it is generally accompanied by a will to meet the need. Much voluntary effort at the grass roots is often harnessed in setting up such services in their early days, usually followed by regulation from local authority and central government. By participating in the evolving debate, and with enlightened legislation, reflexology therapists can work towards realizing the provision of a good service. Although the terms alternative, complementary, allopathic or conventional are in common usage, the outcome of treatment is influenced primarily by the appropriate choice of therapy. A sick person is restored by a healing stimulus and harmed by a noxious one, no matter whether it is complementary or conventional. Any suggestion of Reflexologists being afforded equal status with doctors is to be avoided. Doctors perform surgery, prescribe medicines, certificate illness and death, resuscitate the injured, give anaesthetics and much more after long training and examination, and hone their skill at the bedside, operating theatre or consulting rooms.
Any pretensions that Reflexologists can diagnose are just that. It is one thing to find a disordered reflex zone, quite another to decide whether this is a transient disorder, whether it is the primary cause of the patient’s illness, or secondary to physiological, chemical or traumatic insult elsewhere. Almost everyone coming for treatment has painful reflex zones to the kidneys – sometimes primary, often secondary to nutritional, hepatic, endocrine or cardiac insufficiency. Finding a disordered reflex zone tells nothing of the nature, duration, or severity of the pathology.
© 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Complementary Therapies in Nursing &Midwifery (2002) 8, 84-90 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

This pilot study sought to identify an appropriate methodology to investigate the impact of reflexology in healthcare settings. The study involved healthy volunteers to prevent unnecessary intervention to individuals who may already be experiencing health related trauma. Thirty participants underwent either reflexology or no treatment (control), in a cross-over experimental design. Self-reported anxiety (Spielberger STAI), cardiovascular parameters (BP and pulse rate) and salivary cortisol and melatonin concentrations were assessed before and after reflexology. Control data were obtained at the same time points in identical settings.

Summary

B Helen Rollason Cancer Care Laboratory, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1SQ, UK

A Institute of Health and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1SQ, UK

Evaluation of anxiety, salivary cortisol and melatonin secretion following reflexology treatment: A pilot study in healthy individuals

A.J. Mc Vicara, C.R. Greenwoodb, F. Fewella, V. D’Arcyb, S. Chandrasekharanb and L.C. Alldridgeb,

STUDY 6