Some interesting research
Reflexology used for cancer patients
(Barbara and Kevin Kunz are acknowledged as providing some of the information in this section )
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 Cancer Nurs 2000 Jun;23(3):237-43
England
The use of reflexology improved the quality of life for twelve British hospitalized cancer patients. Six patients with different types of tumors were randomly assigned to a reflexology group and six to a placebo reflexology group during research conducted for the Master's dissertation of nurse H. Hodgson.
The placebo group was given "gentle foot massage that does not stimulate reflexology points." Patients completed a visual analogue scale (VAS) 24 hours before commencement of the intervention and within 24 hours of completion. Placebo and reflexology groups received three 40 minute sessions, every other day over a five-day period. The VAS measured quality of life components: appearance, appetite, breathing, communication (doctors), communication (family), communication (nurses), concentration, constipation, diarrhoea, fear of future, isolation, micturition, mobility, mood, nausea, pain, sleep and tiredness.
"From the results it was concluded that all participants received some comfort from the intervention, be it reflexology or placebo reflexology. However, only 33% of the placebo group benefited from an improvement in quality of life compared to 100% of the reflexology group. Within the reflexology group, the participants reported an improvement in all components of the quality of life scale compared to 67 5 in the placebo group. However, despite there being an improvement reported in 67% of the components, the frequency of improvement was greater in the reflexology group compared to the placebo group."
"Should reflexology be available for palliative care patients within a general hospital setting? The researcher recognized that this was indeed a small-scale study with limitations. Nevertheless, this study would suggest that the provision of reflexology for palliative patients within the general setting could be beneficial. Not only did the patients in this study enjoy the intervention, they were also 'relaxed,' 'comforted' and achieved relief from some of their symptoms. Furthermore they demonstrated an improvement in their quality of life."(Hodgson, H., "Does reflexology impact on cancer patients' quality of life?", Nursing Standard (England). 14, 31, 33-38)
• Reflexology and cancer patient care is included in on-going studies at the University of Liverpool, Departments of Allied Health Professionals and Medical Imaging.
• British reflexologist Mary Martin reports that reflexology is included at complementary therapy centers within cancer units at Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital, Harley Street Clinic, and Lister Hospital. The cancer support group Cancer BACUP Cancer Support Service and the Hampshire County Council Cancer Care Society provide reflexology services, information and/or referral to reflexologists.
Reflexology Lymph Drainage
The newly developed RLD technique by Sally Kay and the work done as part of a research project with lympheodema patients has now been published. An abstract is shown in the link below
www.ctcpjournal.com/article/S1744-3881(16)30002-0/abstract
A pragmatic case series of clients living with medically diagnosed migraines
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 41 (2020) 101230
Tracey A Smith,Sarah L. Thurgood
Abstract
Background and purpose: Migraine affects approximately 2% of the population of the UK with around 190,000 people experiencing a migraine daily. This study investigated the effectiveness of reflexology on migraine symptoms provided under pragmatic, personally funded conditions.
Materials and methods: Data was gathered on a case series of 20 reflexology clients with medically diagnosed migraine. All participants self-referred to a member of the Association of Reflexologists (AoR). The Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) was completed at each appointment. All participants received six reflexology sessions.
Results: In terms of an improvement in the overall MYMOP profile, 75% (n = 15) of clients had an improvement of two or more points. The minimal clinically important difference for the MYMOP change score is 1.0; this was achieved by 90% (n = 18) of participants. The mean difference in scores for each of the MYMOP aspects was calculated and the greatest improvement was found with symptom 1, their chosen primary symptom, which changed an average of 3.40 points (95% CI: 2.35, 4.45.)
Conclusion: The results indicate the potential for reflexology to relieve the symptoms of migraine.
United States
Researchers at the School of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina found that foot reflexology alleviates anxiety and pain for twenty-three patients with breast and lung cancer. Researchers noted a significant decrease in anxiety for patients diagnosed with breast or lung cancer and a significant decrease in pain for patients with breast cancer. "This has important implications for nursing practice as both professionals and lay people can be taught reflexology. Reflexology is a simple technique for human touch which can be performed anywhere, requires no special equipment, is non-invasive and does not interfere with patients' privacy. The patients were given a 30 minute session by a certified reflexologist. (Stephenson, NL, Weinrich, SP and Tavakoli, AS, "The effects of foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients with breast and lung cancer," Oncol Nurs Forum 2000, Jan-Feb;27(1):67-72)
• The American Cancer Society Journal of August 15, 1998 found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as an alternative medical approach.
• The American College of Physicians and American Society of Internal Medicine Web page currently advocates the learning and use of reflexology in a Home Care Guide for Advanced Cancer.
China
China Yun, Li Long and Associates, "Foot Reflex Zone Massage Alleviates Symptoms Induced by Chemotherapy in Pulmonary Malignant Tumour Patients," 1993 China Reflexology Symposium
"Complementary Role of Reflexotherapy in the Course of Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients"
"Effects of Reflexotherapy on Toxic Reactions of Cancer Patients Induced by Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy"
Australia
"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 simpler 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." ("Reflexology Used for Cancer Patients," Internet Health Library, October 11, 2000; Review of "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., Cancer Nurse 2000, June;23(3):237-43)
Switzerland
"In Switzerland, many new nurses are taught this approach. When applied skillfully, a reflexology massage is pleasantly relaxing and able to diminish painful sensations in the body. Given the number of uncontollable variables involved in the decrease of pain and the establishment of a feeling of relaxation, our small study has no scientific value. It was only intended to motivate nurses to look for ways to integrate aspects of alternative care in the management of terminal patients. … "Our purpose for using reflexology with these patients was to decrease their pain but we soon realized the beneficial effect of reflexology on the morale of patients and families. Something was being done for them. Patients expressed feelings of being less abandoned and the families expressed satisfaction at seeing that something painless existed that could aid their relative. In three situations we taught a relative how to use reflexology and the benefit seemed to have been as important for the relative as for the patient. … "Patients' comments about reflexology seem to show that it could be one way for them to feel this support and to have a helping presence near them in their last days."(Dobbs, Barbara Zeller, "Alternative health approaches," Nursing Mirror (England), Vol. 160, No. 9, Feb. 27, 1985)
A pragmatic case series of clients living with medically diagnosed migraines
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 41 (2020) 101230
Tracey A Smith,Sarah L. Thurgood
Abstract
Background and purpose: Migraine affects approximately 2% of the population of the UK with around 190,000 people experiencing a migraine daily. This study investigated the effectiveness of reflexology on migraine symptoms provided under pragmatic, personally funded conditions.
Materials and methods: Data was gathered on a case series of 20 reflexology clients with medically diagnosed migraine. All participants self-referred to a member of the Association of Reflexologists (AoR). The Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) was completed at each appointment. All participants received six reflexology sessions.
Results: In terms of an improvement in the overall MYMOP profile, 75% (n = 15) of clients had an improvement of two or more points. The minimal clinically important difference for the MYMOP change score is 1.0; this was achieved by 90% (n = 18) of participants. The mean difference in scores for each of the MYMOP aspects was calculated and the greatest improvement was found with symptom 1, their chosen primary symptom, which changed an average of 3.40 points (95% CI: 2.35, 4.45.)
Conclusion: The results indicate the potential for reflexology to relieve the symptoms of migraine.
(Barbara and Kevin Kunz are acknowledged as providing some of the information in this section )
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 Cancer Nurs 2000 Jun;23(3):237-43
England
The use of reflexology improved the quality of life for twelve British hospitalized cancer patients. Six patients with different types of tumors were randomly assigned to a reflexology group and six to a placebo reflexology group during research conducted for the Master's dissertation of nurse H. Hodgson.
The placebo group was given "gentle foot massage that does not stimulate reflexology points." Patients completed a visual analogue scale (VAS) 24 hours before commencement of the intervention and within 24 hours of completion. Placebo and reflexology groups received three 40 minute sessions, every other day over a five-day period. The VAS measured quality of life components: appearance, appetite, breathing, communication (doctors), communication (family), communication (nurses), concentration, constipation, diarrhoea, fear of future, isolation, micturition, mobility, mood, nausea, pain, sleep and tiredness.
"From the results it was concluded that all participants received some comfort from the intervention, be it reflexology or placebo reflexology. However, only 33% of the placebo group benefited from an improvement in quality of life compared to 100% of the reflexology group. Within the reflexology group, the participants reported an improvement in all components of the quality of life scale compared to 67 5 in the placebo group. However, despite there being an improvement reported in 67% of the components, the frequency of improvement was greater in the reflexology group compared to the placebo group."
"Should reflexology be available for palliative care patients within a general hospital setting? The researcher recognized that this was indeed a small-scale study with limitations. Nevertheless, this study would suggest that the provision of reflexology for palliative patients within the general setting could be beneficial. Not only did the patients in this study enjoy the intervention, they were also 'relaxed,' 'comforted' and achieved relief from some of their symptoms. Furthermore they demonstrated an improvement in their quality of life."(Hodgson, H., "Does reflexology impact on cancer patients' quality of life?", Nursing Standard (England). 14, 31, 33-38)
• Reflexology and cancer patient care is included in on-going studies at the University of Liverpool, Departments of Allied Health Professionals and Medical Imaging.
• British reflexologist Mary Martin reports that reflexology is included at complementary therapy centers within cancer units at Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital, Harley Street Clinic, and Lister Hospital. The cancer support group Cancer BACUP Cancer Support Service and the Hampshire County Council Cancer Care Society provide reflexology services, information and/or referral to reflexologists.
Reflexology Lymph Drainage
The newly developed RLD technique by Sally Kay and the work done as part of a research project with lympheodema patients has now been published. An abstract is shown in the link below
www.ctcpjournal.com/article/S1744-3881(16)30002-0/abstract
A pragmatic case series of clients living with medically diagnosed migraines
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 41 (2020) 101230
Tracey A Smith,Sarah L. Thurgood
Abstract
Background and purpose: Migraine affects approximately 2% of the population of the UK with around 190,000 people experiencing a migraine daily. This study investigated the effectiveness of reflexology on migraine symptoms provided under pragmatic, personally funded conditions.
Materials and methods: Data was gathered on a case series of 20 reflexology clients with medically diagnosed migraine. All participants self-referred to a member of the Association of Reflexologists (AoR). The Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) was completed at each appointment. All participants received six reflexology sessions.
Results: In terms of an improvement in the overall MYMOP profile, 75% (n = 15) of clients had an improvement of two or more points. The minimal clinically important difference for the MYMOP change score is 1.0; this was achieved by 90% (n = 18) of participants. The mean difference in scores for each of the MYMOP aspects was calculated and the greatest improvement was found with symptom 1, their chosen primary symptom, which changed an average of 3.40 points (95% CI: 2.35, 4.45.)
Conclusion: The results indicate the potential for reflexology to relieve the symptoms of migraine.
United States
Researchers at the School of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina found that foot reflexology alleviates anxiety and pain for twenty-three patients with breast and lung cancer. Researchers noted a significant decrease in anxiety for patients diagnosed with breast or lung cancer and a significant decrease in pain for patients with breast cancer. "This has important implications for nursing practice as both professionals and lay people can be taught reflexology. Reflexology is a simple technique for human touch which can be performed anywhere, requires no special equipment, is non-invasive and does not interfere with patients' privacy. The patients were given a 30 minute session by a certified reflexologist. (Stephenson, NL, Weinrich, SP and Tavakoli, AS, "The effects of foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients with breast and lung cancer," Oncol Nurs Forum 2000, Jan-Feb;27(1):67-72)
• The American Cancer Society Journal of August 15, 1998 found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as an alternative medical approach.
• The American College of Physicians and American Society of Internal Medicine Web page currently advocates the learning and use of reflexology in a Home Care Guide for Advanced Cancer.
China
China Yun, Li Long and Associates, "Foot Reflex Zone Massage Alleviates Symptoms Induced by Chemotherapy in Pulmonary Malignant Tumour Patients," 1993 China Reflexology Symposium
"Complementary Role of Reflexotherapy in the Course of Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients"
"Effects of Reflexotherapy on Toxic Reactions of Cancer Patients Induced by Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy"
Australia
"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 simpler 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." ("Reflexology Used for Cancer Patients," Internet Health Library, October 11, 2000; Review of "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., Cancer Nurse 2000, June;23(3):237-43)
Switzerland
"In Switzerland, many new nurses are taught this approach. When applied skillfully, a reflexology massage is pleasantly relaxing and able to diminish painful sensations in the body. Given the number of uncontollable variables involved in the decrease of pain and the establishment of a feeling of relaxation, our small study has no scientific value. It was only intended to motivate nurses to look for ways to integrate aspects of alternative care in the management of terminal patients. … "Our purpose for using reflexology with these patients was to decrease their pain but we soon realized the beneficial effect of reflexology on the morale of patients and families. Something was being done for them. Patients expressed feelings of being less abandoned and the families expressed satisfaction at seeing that something painless existed that could aid their relative. In three situations we taught a relative how to use reflexology and the benefit seemed to have been as important for the relative as for the patient. … "Patients' comments about reflexology seem to show that it could be one way for them to feel this support and to have a helping presence near them in their last days."(Dobbs, Barbara Zeller, "Alternative health approaches," Nursing Mirror (England), Vol. 160, No. 9, Feb. 27, 1985)
A pragmatic case series of clients living with medically diagnosed migraines
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 41 (2020) 101230
Tracey A Smith,Sarah L. Thurgood
Abstract
Background and purpose: Migraine affects approximately 2% of the population of the UK with around 190,000 people experiencing a migraine daily. This study investigated the effectiveness of reflexology on migraine symptoms provided under pragmatic, personally funded conditions.
Materials and methods: Data was gathered on a case series of 20 reflexology clients with medically diagnosed migraine. All participants self-referred to a member of the Association of Reflexologists (AoR). The Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) was completed at each appointment. All participants received six reflexology sessions.
Results: In terms of an improvement in the overall MYMOP profile, 75% (n = 15) of clients had an improvement of two or more points. The minimal clinically important difference for the MYMOP change score is 1.0; this was achieved by 90% (n = 18) of participants. The mean difference in scores for each of the MYMOP aspects was calculated and the greatest improvement was found with symptom 1, their chosen primary symptom, which changed an average of 3.40 points (95% CI: 2.35, 4.45.)
Conclusion: The results indicate the potential for reflexology to relieve the symptoms of migraine.
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