Neuroendocrinoimmunology

Neuro-endocrino-immunology

Modern psychosomatic medicine has expanded rapidly and today it involves a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. The ground-breaking conclusions of neuroscience, physics, molecular biology, genetics and medical technology have proven many of the hypotheses and notions put forward by representatives of psychosomatic medical community many years ago. The notion that all our feelings are experienced and psycho-neuro-endocrino-immunologically expressed in the body has been scientifically proven during the last decade. More so: all our physical functions have their psychological antecedent. Soma and psyche are two aspects of human life and there is a constant interplay between the two. This interplay is transmitted via biochemical signals which can thus be considered to be messengers between the different peripheral parts of the body and its central nervous system, the brain, which represents the superior and overall control unit. The environment in which man finds himself - psychosocial as well as physical - has a profound influence on his inner psychobiological reality. This inner reality in turn reflects the relationship between his psychic and physical processes. Furthermore, each individual influences his surroundings through actions that are preceded by his own thoughts and feelings

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) represents more than 150 different symptoms a woman may experience in the weeks between ovulation and bleeding in a menstrual cycle. PMS affects approximately 85% of women according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and 5-10% suffer from severe PMS according to a study by the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine
In 1993 Terry Oleson, PhD, and William Flocco published a study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1993;82(6): 906-11] titled “Randomized Controlled Study Of Premenstrual Symptoms Treated with Ear, Hand, and Foot Reflexology.” The participants that received the Foot Hand Ear Reflexology reported a 46% decrease in symptoms while only 19% of the placebo group reported a decrease in symptoms. In 2002 the Department of Nursing at Sun Cheon Cheong Am College in Korea did a study [J Women Health Nurs. 2002 Jun;8(2):212-221] where participants were given one hour foot reflexology sessions, six times in 60 days. A mean score before the reflexology was 8.35. After the course of reflexology it dropped to a 4.16 score at the first menstruation and then to 3.25 at the second menstruation.

From 2 to 10 percent of women of reproductive age have severe distress and dysfunction caused by premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. Current research implicates mechanisms of serotonin as relevant to etiology and treatment. Patients with mild to moderate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome may benefit from nonpharmacologic interventions such as education about the disorder, complementary therapies, lifestyle changes, and nutritional adjustments.

The graphic suggests how reflexology may "interfere" in the chain: Central Nervous System - Organs - Autonomic Nervous System. Further studies and researches have to test the other systemic relations and potential effects.

Irregular blood circulation

According to some studies and researches, reflexology and acupressure (mainly at feet) may improve the blood circulation.