What is reflexology? Reflexology is a type of massage modality that is based on "the ancient Oriental theory that meridian lines or pathways carry energy throughout the body". This technique became very popular in the United States thanks to a physiotherapist named Eunice Inghram in the 1930s. It is a type of acupressure that is performed on the hands and feet and the idea is that the body is broken up into zones which can be stimulated by reflex points that are found in the foot. In other words, by touching these particular points, it stimulates the "natural energy of the related organ" and in return has a beneficial effect on the person's health.

https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology/what-does-research-say-about-refloxology

Kunz and Kunz (2008)

Kunz and kunz (2008) summarized 168 research studies and abstracts from different journals that can be found throughout the world (many of which occurred in China and Korea), which had information about not only the frequency but also the duration of the reflexology when applied to a person. They concluded that reflexology might be able to help with the following:

http://amta-wa.org/?page=massagemodalities#Reflexology

What are the effects?

In 2006, Choudhary, Kumar, and Singh (2006) used two groups for research in India to compare the effects of medicine versus reflexology treatment after surgery. Group I received foot reflexology for 15-20 minutes at transfer to the Recovery Room, 2 hours after surgery. Group II received conventional pain medication (NSAID and Opiods). Choudhary and Singh (n.d.) also used hand reflexology instead of medications for nausea and vomiting after surgery. They found a significant decrease in the symptoms of vomiting and nausea after surgery in the group who had reflexology treatment versus the group that only used conventional medication.

Reference:

Choudhary, S., Kumar, G., & Singh, K. (Spring 2006). Reflexology reduces the requirement and quantity of pain killers after general surgery. Reflexology Across America. Retrieved from Reflexology Association of America website: http://www.reflexology-usa.org/assets/dr_shweta_research_study.pdf

Hudson (2015) found that patients who used reflexology as treatment before having varicose vein surgery performed on them, “reported significantly lower intra-operative anxiety and shorter pain duration than participants receiving treatment as usual.”

-- Hudson, B.F., Ogden, J., Whiteley, M.S. A thematic analysis of experiences of varicose veins and minimally invasive surgery under local anaesthesia. J. Clin. Nurs. 2015;

Williamson et all (2002) studied about depression in postmenopausal women and discovered that both reflexology and foot massage actually lowered their level of anxiety as well as their level of depression.

— Williamson, J., White, A., Hart, A., & Ernst, E. (2002). Randomised controlled trial of reflexology for menopausal symptoms. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 109(9), 1050-1055.

According to a study done by Dalai et al in 2014, patients who were labeled as type 2 diabetes “showed more improvements in pain reduction, glycemic control, nerve conductivity, and thermal and vibration sensitivities than those of control subjects with statistical significance.”

— Dalal K, Maran VB, Pandey RM, Tripathi M. (2014). Determination of efficacy of reflexology in managing patients with diabetic neuropathy: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014:84303

Koc and Gozen in 2015 found a big difference between infants suffering from acute pain in comparison to the control groups when reflexology was used. Infants who received the massage experienced “lower heart rates, higher oxygen saturation, and shorter crying periods than the infants in the control group.”

— Koç T., Gözen D. (2015). The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Acute Pain in Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. Jul 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Research:

When performing reflexology, it is always important to keep in mind when working with a particular body part, to work on the whole area then return to then go over the “reflexology helper areas.”

The application of creams and oils are only used for the sole purpose of massage relaxation techniques because they cause the skin to be slippery which interferes with using the reflexology techniques properly. For this reason, the application of talcum / baby powder is best to use when working with patients since it makes it easier to move your fingers over the body

Always begin the session with the foot of the patient because you get quicker results that way. The idea is to get the patient hooked from the start and interested in the session. This helps set the mood for the rest of the massage.

The ears are a powerful pathway to a person’s senses throughout the body. If rubbed the right way, it can help reduce stress and even promote sleep.

Contra-indications: Even though reflexology is viewed by many an a very safe healing practice, there are some situations in which we should avoid using it. Here are some examples: foot injuries, pregnancy, blood clotting issues, and open wounds. Foot injuries are a major barrier to reflexology because the foot is already injured and by putting pressure on it, this is only lengthening the time for the foot to heal. Pregnant women (within the first 6 weeks of their pregnancy) may have contractions due to their bodies being stimulated by pressing on different parts of the foot or hand. As for blood clots, reflexology could be potentially harmful in the sense that even though it improves blood circulation, it could cause a clot that is already formed and move it toward the heart or brain. Finally, open wounds are things that we should always avoid when it comes to massaging. In order to not cause harm to themselves or others, massage therapists should wear gloves, which in return helps to stop the transmission of blood pathogens. People who are ill have the tendencies to experience lower pain tolerances which means that they can be very sensitive to touch. This is the body’s natural reaction to pain and its defense system. Typical sessions last about 45 minutes, however for the elderly and very young people, it is recommended to have a session that does not last longer than 30 minutes. The after effects of a massage include coughing, burps, passing gas, “unexpected spasms, and can happen anytime during the treatment.” Other short term reactions include feeling very tired, a fluctuation in increased or decreased energy, and even flu-like symptoms that last up to 24 hours. The general rule for most modalities of massage is to drink a lot water. When your body is receiving massage, it is essentially working.

www.how-to-do-reflexology.com/howtodorefexology.html