| Theory: Reflexology is founded on the theory that there exist points on
the feet which correspond to areas or organ systems of the body. These
points are said to correspond with the acupuncture points of Traditional Chinese Medicine
and, thus, affect the body's energy meridian system. Massage of these
points is believed to relieve the ailments of these body areas. How: Ailments in these meridians are thought to have physical manifestations in the
feet. For example, the skin can be thickened, spongy, or hard, and these
are indicators to the reflexologist of body stress. Another indication of
body illness is tenderness in the feet.
What: The pressure induced through massage is believed to have three
effects in remedying the body. First, it is believed that circulation is
increased in this area. This brings more oxygen, nutrients, and energy to
this area and essentially revitalizes the tissues. Second, massage is
thought to help eliminate toxins and other waste materials. Lastly,
massage releases the bodies natural endorphins.
Evidence: A Danish study done over 1993-1994 was done
with 220 patients seeking reflexologists for migraine headaches. These
patients were followed over a maximum treatment period of six months and then
were re-evaluated three months after the last treatment. Patients were
evaluated by an allopathic physician and there specific headache type was noted.
To simplify, approximately 1/3 had tension headaches, 1/3 had some variant of
migraine, and 1/3 was undetermined.
- At the end of treatment, the majority of patients decreased their
medication use for their headaches.
- 61% experienced relief and even more felt an improvement in health.
- 1/3 wanted to continue to see a reflexologist
Problems:
- Requirements to be in the study included being willing to pay for the
treatment. This at least expresses a open mind to an alternative treatment
modality and that
they have the money to cover the treatments.
- In addition, most patients in the study had already sought alternative
therapy for some other health problem.
- This Danish study was one of the best studies and, yet, it did not have a
control group of patients for comparison.
- Most (nearly 3/4) of the patients were taking strictly aspirin or
ibuprofen derivatives for their migraines.
Conclusions:
According to the above study, there appears to be at least some
benefit to treatment. These benefits can be seen in the decreased
medication use by the majority of the patients alone; this is probably not
only better for the body, but also a financial savings to the patient over the
long term. In addition, many patients became empowered in their own
healthcare and showed changes within their lifestyle after treatment. Most
importantly, there are no ill side effects and no harm was done to the
patients. All this information points to at least a trial of reflexology
is warranted in a patient refractory to traditional pharmacologic management or
increasing use of medication. |
