logo-large-purehealth

Reflexology Research

footchart2What does reflexology research show?

Research has shown reflexology to be effective and beneficial in impacting a variety of physical and psychological concerns. Just as the right amount of exercise is beneficial, the right amount of reflexology has been proven to be beneficial as well.
Research confirms the benefits noted above. A survey of 168 reflexology studies from 21 countries shows that reflexology is 93% effective and its effect on a variety of physical and psychological concerns:
– Real-time EEG testing of brain waves shows that reflexology has an immediate impact, creating a relaxation effect as soon as hands-on work begins.
– Twenty-four studies demonstrate reflexology’s positive impact on relaxation.
– A single foot reflexology session makes a difference. Austrian research demonstrated that blood flow to the kidney improves in a single session. The researchers further showed the same for blood flow to the intestines.
– State-of-the-art brain imaging technology by fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) shows that specific reflexology work increases blood flow and impacts specific parts of the brain.
– Pain reduction is documented in 27 studies including research showing impact on individuals of all ages and health states: birthing mothers, menstruating women, phantom limb pain sufferers, lower back pain sufferers, kidney stone patients, senior citizens and individuals with pain resulting from surgery.
– Reflexology helps where nothing else can for phantom limb pain sufferers, postpartum women, and hemodialysis patients to name a few.
– Reflexology serves as a complement to cancer care. Thirteen studies from seven countries shown improvements in: pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety for chemotherapy patients following reflexology work. In two studies results were immediate, easing symptoms following a ten-minute session in one study and a thirty- minute session in another.
– Reflexology results in easier birthing, delivery, and/or postpartum recovery as found in nine studies.
– Reflexology can serve as an adjunct to mental health care for those with depression, anxiety, or Post traumatic stress disorder.
– Self-help foot rolling creates change. A 20-minute electric foot roller workout changed three parameters of cardiac function in study participants. (Singapore)
Self-foot reflexology can produce results. Applied for 30 minutes, three times a week for 4 weeks, it was shown to be an effective method for reducing urinary incontinence symptoms and daily life discomfort. (Korea)
– Also, daily self-help foot reflexology for 6 weeks reduced depression and stress responses, as well as strengthened the immune system in middle-aged women. (Korea)

Evidence-Based Reflexology Research for Health Professionals and Researchers (Kunz and Kunz, 2008, RRP Press, ebook, 224 pages)

Here you can learn more about Reflexology Research

Reflexology for pregnancy

How is reflexology helpful to women trying for a baby?maternity2
Reflexology is a natural, non-invasive healing art that uses pressure points on the feet and hands to balance out other parts of the body. It aims to alleviate tensions and promote relaxation and can be beneficial for pregnancy or indeed, couples trying for a baby.

The Association of Reflexologists gathers feedback from their members, and it indicates that over 50% of clients seeking reflexology in connection with conception find themselves pregnant within six months. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule and very difficult to quantify, but many benefits have been reported and my own experience is good. The advantage of a reflexology treatment is that fertility issues won’t be treated in isolation. Instead, the overall health of the whole person is addressed during the treatment, which allows for hormones to be balanced and stress levels to be tackled too. For maximum effect, a reflexologist might recommend that the dad-to-be receive treatment too – after all, there’s two people involved with making a baby!