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Reflexology Helps increase Renal Blood Flow

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Researchers in Austria studied the effects of reflexology upon renal blood flow. 32 healthy young adults (17 women, 15 men) participated in a placebo-controlled, double blind trial. The treatment group received reflexology at zones corresponding to the right kidney. The placebo group received treatment on other foot zones. The blood flow of 3 vessels of the right kidney was measured then monitored prior to, during and following reflexology. Systolic peak velocity and end diastolic peak velocity were measured and resistive index calculated.

The two groups showed significant differences; a highly significant decrease showed during and following reflexology. There were no differences between men and women nor smokers and non-smokers. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that reflexology is effective in influencing renal blood flow and confirms the results of  independent research that reflexology can significantly help kidney function. Sudmeier l et al. Changes of renal blood flow during organ-associated foot reflexology measured by colour Doppler sonography. Forschende Komplementaermedizin 6(3): 129-34 Jun 1999

Reflexology Research of Fatigue and Insomnia in (Coal Worker) Pneumoconiosis Patients

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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of foot reflexology on fatigue and insomnia in patients suffering from coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.

Method:This study was a quasi-experimental study of pre-test and post-test design in a non-equivalent control group. The subjects of this study consisted of both the experimental group of twenty-nine and the control group of thirty coal workers’ pneumoconiosis patients. Data was collected from December 10, 2002 to February 15, 2003.

Foot reflexology was performed for 60 minutes twice a week through five weeks in the experimental group, but none in the control group. To evaluate the effects of foot reflexology, the scores of fatigue and insomnia were measured before and after the experiment in both groups.

Fatigue was evaluated by Fatigue Symptoms Inventory. Insomnia was measured with the visual analogue scale (VAS). Data of this experiment was analyzed by Chi-square test, t-test, unpaired t-test and Repeated Measures ANOVA with the SAS Program.

“Results: The scores of fatigue and insomnia decreased in the experimental group but not in the control group. There was a significant difference of fatigue and insomnia between the two groups.

“Conclusion: It is suggested that foot reflexology might have beneficial effects on reducing fatigue and insomnia in patients suffering from coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, and can be recommended as a nursing intervention program for patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.”

Lee, YM, Sohmg, KY (Dept. of Nursing, Kangwom Tourism College, ymlee6505@hanmail.net),”The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Fatigue and Insomnia in Patients Suffering from Coal Workers’ Pneumoncomiosis,” Taehan Knaho Hakhoe Chi (Korean language), 2005, Dec;35(7):1221-8, PMID: 16418548

Reflexology back in vogue

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As young Shanghainese discover the health benefits of foot reflexology, this ancient traditional Chinese treatment is coming back into vogue in a big way, writes Xu Wei.

At the spacious room of Shu Ya liang Zi Foot Therapy, a professional healthcare chain, customers enjoy a 90-minute, 88-yuan (US$10.6) service which includes soaking the feet in a special bath steeped with 28 kinds of Chinese herbal medicines and a hand-and-foot massage. It’s a therapy that leaves customers in a state of utter relaxation, both physically and mentally.

“Foot therapy is an ideal treatment, advocated by the World Health Organization,” says Li Xueren, director of the chain. “With people’s rising awareness of the quality of their lives, we have witnessed a considerable increase in our customers, who are eager to gain the health benefits from the bottom of their feet.”

The majority of its 22,000 permanent customers, according to Li, are white-collar workers who are obsessed with the pressure of work and eager to find out an outlet for release. (Shanghai Daily News 5th April 2004)

Reflexology & Recovery

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According to a 1994 Swiss medical report, foot Reflexology is one of the most useful treatments for post operative gynaecological patients. The researchers demonstrated that reflexology enhances urination, stimulates bowel movements and so aids recovery. Patients who received reflexology treatment also showed a much less need for medication than patients in the control group.

– Kesselring A. (foot reflex zone massage) Fussreflexzonemassage. Schweiz med Wochenschr suppl (SWITZERLAND) 1994, 62 p88-93

For more reflexology information enjoy reading How did Today’s Health System Evolve? in the Research & Articles Section

Reflexology Relieves Symptoms of MS

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Reflexology significantly improved paresthesia, urinary symptoms and spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis, according to recent research.

“Reflexology treatment relieves symptoms of multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled study” was conducted by staff at the Department of Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Complementary Medicine Clinic and the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Sheba Medical Center in Tel-Hashomer, Israel; and the Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research.Read Full Article…

Reflexology & Angina

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Foot reflexology applied during an active onset of angina and observed with EKG showed disappearance of symptoms and a change to T-waves in V1.3 elevated from depressed T-waves and T-waves in V5 inverted upright from an inversion of T-waves. Following a 10-day course of daily 50 minute foot reflexology sessions, nocturnal attacks of premature beats were relieved though premature beats still occurred occasionally.

Bing-zhao, Zhang, “Effect of Foot Massage on a Patient with Angina Observing with EKG; A Case Report,” 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, p. 53 (Outpatient Dept., Senile Convalescent Hospital, Shenyang, China)