Examinations, complementary therapies, clinical treatments.
The reflexology techniques and studies have been applied to several different kinds of health events. Reflexology has different kinds to work by reflex systems: relaxing, stimulating, connecting, etc.
The most diffused applications are: pains, stress, headache, pregnancy, menstrual disorders and pains, female/male sub-fertility, some babies and children disorders, some hormonal imbalances, some allergic conditions, cancer patients, persons that cannot assume drugs, sleeping difficulties, etc.
Owing to its low invasive impact, reflexology is very adapted to persons that have to avoid drugs assumptions (pregnancy, babies, children, temporary adolescent disorders, etc.) or to those who already assume hard drugs (cancer therapies). In the UK, USA and Canada, the most common use of reflexology is for cancer patients, pregnancy, pains and headache, stress, babies.
Women’s Health is one of the most common specializations in the field of Reflexology. Studies show that Reflexology helps to balance the body's systems through foot, hand and ear stimulation. Menstrual problems and pains may be reduced by reflexology applications, so as the premenopausal syndrome.
The Danish Reflexology Association explored the use of Reflexology for infertility in their project Has Reflexology an Effect on Infertility? Volunteers had been trying to conceive for over two years and were given 16 Reflexology sessions over an eight month period. Fifteen percent of the women became pregnant within six months of starting their Reflexology program.
Another study, this time in the United Kingdom [PMID: 18565520], sought to prove Reflexology’s effectiveness in inducing ovulation in patients with anovulation. Both the genuine Reflexology group and the sham Reflexology group saw an over 40% ovulation rate. Four women in the true Reflexology group and two women from the sham group became pregnant.
Reflexology treatments may help in several different disturbs or health problems as different studies are now demonstrating. Reflexology may usefully integrate standard medical therapies or may produce satisfactory results as an alternative to some different actions.
The most diffused applications are: pains, stress, headache, pregnancy, menstrual disorders and pains, female/male sub-fertility, some babies and children disorders, some hormonal imbalances, some allergic conditions, cancer patients, persons that cannot assume drugs, sleeping difficulties, etc.
Owing to its low invasive impact, reflexology is very adapted to persons that have to avoid drugs assumptions (pregnancy, babies, children, temporary adolescent disorders, etc.) or to those who already assume hard drugs (cancer therapies). In the UK, USA and Canada, the most common use of reflexology is for cancer patients, pregnancy, pains and headache, stress, babies.
Women’s Health is one of the most common specializations in the field of Reflexology. Studies show that Reflexology helps to balance the body's systems through foot, hand and ear stimulation. Menstrual problems and pains may be reduced by reflexology applications, so as the premenopausal syndrome.
The Danish Reflexology Association explored the use of Reflexology for infertility in their project Has Reflexology an Effect on Infertility? Volunteers had been trying to conceive for over two years and were given 16 Reflexology sessions over an eight month period. Fifteen percent of the women became pregnant within six months of starting their Reflexology program.
Another study, this time in the United Kingdom [PMID: 18565520], sought to prove Reflexology’s effectiveness in inducing ovulation in patients with anovulation. Both the genuine Reflexology group and the sham Reflexology group saw an over 40% ovulation rate. Four women in the true Reflexology group and two women from the sham group became pregnant.
Reflexology treatments may help in several different disturbs or health problems as different studies are now demonstrating. Reflexology may usefully integrate standard medical therapies or may produce satisfactory results as an alternative to some different actions.
Who uses reflexology?
According to national and international surveys, Reflexology is one of the most requested integrative treatments in many Countries. Even if users are a wide and very heterogeneous number, it is possible to say that: women request and prefer it more than men (stress, anxiety, menstrual syndrome and problems, headaches, pregnancy, pains, body wellness are the most common situations), higher level of education persons more than lower level of education persons, youthes request it for several kinds of events and disturbs related to their age, elders use it mainly for specific health problems (as cancer).
According to national and international surveys, Reflexology is one of the most requested integrative treatments in many Countries. Even if users are a wide and very heterogeneous number, it is possible to say that: women request and prefer it more than men (stress, anxiety, menstrual syndrome and problems, headaches, pregnancy, pains, body wellness are the most common situations), higher level of education persons more than lower level of education persons, youthes request it for several kinds of events and disturbs related to their age, elders use it mainly for specific health problems (as cancer).
Reflexology and cancer
Pilot Study Shows How Foot Reflexology Helped Women with Breast Cancer
Researchers from Michigan State University tested three types of
complimentary and alternative therapies - reflexology, guided imagery
and reminiscence therapy for women receiving chemotherapy during the
late stages of breast cancer. Though this was only a pilot study, foot
reflexology was shown to be the most effective complimentary and
alternative therapy. Patients experienced a decrease in depression and
anxiety, and an increase in quality of life. Foot reflexology helped
these women cope better. Instead of dreading each visit to the treatment
center, these women were comforted and given a foot reflexology
treatment during their chemotherapy. They were not only given emotional
support, but also were able to benefit from the physical benefits of
reflexology, namely to increase circulation, release pain, stress and
tension, and to boost the immune system. Reflexology simply helps to
bring the body back into balance.
Ten minute reflexology treatments can provide relief from pain, nausea and anxiety, according to a report from the School of Nursing, Division of Science and Design, University of Canberra, Australia. Nurses at the School conducted an empirical study on the use of foot massage as a nursing intervention in patients hospitalised with cancer. The study was developed from the earlier work of Ferrell-Torry and Glick (1992). 87 patients participated in the study and each received a 10-minute reflexology foot massage (5 minutes per foot) . The results revealed that the treatments produced a significant and immediate effect on the patients' perceptions of pain, nausea, and relaxation, when measured with a visual analog scale. The use of reflexology foot massage as a complementary method is recommended as a relatively simple nursing intervention for patients experiencing nausea or pain related to the cancer experience. The results were so positive that the researchers recommend that further research using larger numbers of patients in controlled clinical trials into its effectiveness of reflexology in alleviating pain, nausea and anxiety in the management of these symptoms by the family at home is warranted.
"Foot massage. A nursing intervention to modify the distressing symptoms of pain and nausea in patients hospitalized with cancer", Grealish L, Lomasney A, Whiteman B, in Cancer Nurs 2000 Jun;23(3): 237-43
Further data are available from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where reflexology is applied to improve persons well-being relieving some side effects of medical and surgical therapies.
Ten minute reflexology treatments can provide relief from pain, nausea and anxiety, according to a report from the School of Nursing, Division of Science and Design, University of Canberra, Australia. Nurses at the School conducted an empirical study on the use of foot massage as a nursing intervention in patients hospitalised with cancer. The study was developed from the earlier work of Ferrell-Torry and Glick (1992). 87 patients participated in the study and each received a 10-minute reflexology foot massage (5 minutes per foot) . The results revealed that the treatments produced a significant and immediate effect on the patients' perceptions of pain, nausea, and relaxation, when measured with a visual analog scale. The use of reflexology foot massage as a complementary method is recommended as a relatively simple nursing intervention for patients experiencing nausea or pain related to the cancer experience. The results were so positive that the researchers recommend that further research using larger numbers of patients in controlled clinical trials into its effectiveness of reflexology in alleviating pain, nausea and anxiety in the management of these symptoms by the family at home is warranted.
"Foot massage. A nursing intervention to modify the distressing symptoms of pain and nausea in patients hospitalized with cancer", Grealish L, Lomasney A, Whiteman B, in Cancer Nurs 2000 Jun;23(3): 237-43
Further data are available from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where reflexology is applied to improve persons well-being relieving some side effects of medical and surgical therapies.
Warning!
Distance consulting and information are NOT a substitute of any medical and/or specialistic supports.
In most countries, the diagnosis and treatment are allowed only to professional health personnel
(physicians, psychologists, specialised therapists, etc.) regularly belonging to professional
organizations. Reflexology works in harmony with these operators.
Distance consulting and information are NOT a substitute of any medical and/or specialistic supports.
In most countries, the diagnosis and treatment are allowed only to professional health personnel
(physicians, psychologists, specialised therapists, etc.) regularly belonging to professional
organizations. Reflexology works in harmony with these operators.
COPYRIGHT by Dr. A. Virgili - All rights reserved
