Monday, November 23, 2009

Turkey And Reflexology

Had a delightful phone call from the President of the Turkish Reflexology Association. Dr. Suat Esad has 15 centers throughout Turkey. He has invited us to Turkey next summer to attend an international conference in Istanbul. And he is looking into having us speak to the university there in which reflexology has become part of the courses of study.

We have agreed to cooperate on many issues including the exchanging of information. Stay tuned for details.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Friday, November 20, 2009

Clogged Arteries: “Maybe mummy should have laid off the salt”


Clogged Arteries: “Maybe mummy should have laid off the salt”


Researchers using CT scanners found signs of heart disease, long thought to be a modern malady, in centuries old mummies…” A Wall Street Journal article notes that a cardiac physician was intrigued to see arteriosclerosis listed as the cause of death for a mummy on exhibit in Egypt. With the help of a CT scan and twenty-two mummies, “They (researchers) were able to identify the hearts, arteries or both in 16 of the mummies, nine of whom had deposits of calcification.” —indicating artherosclerosis. Eating meat was common to upper-class Egyptians which may have contributed to the condition. In addition, since the meat was preserved in salt,“the possibility (is) that some of these Egyptians had high blood pressure.” “On the scans, ‘atherosclerosis looks just like it does in our modern day patients…,’ ” reported one researcher, a cardiologist. The study, reported at the scientific meeting of the American Heart Association, speculates that clogged arteries may, thus, be a “human condition” rather than a modern malady as long thought.


Too bad the former pharaohs whose bodies are current mummies didn’t avail themselves of reflexology—at least on a more consistent basis. After all, it’s entirely possible that some of them had access. A pictograph showing reflexology work is found in the tomb of Ankh-mahor, physician to the pharaoh in approximately 2350 B. C. E. (more)


OK, we’re being tongue-in-cheek here but for those of us today with high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides, research shows that reflexology can create remarkable improvement in such human conditions. Reflexology work improves cholesterol and triclycerides levels when applied sufficiently—30-40 minutes five or six times a week for 20 sessions. While a less frequent application does not have this effect, research shows that reflexology application in virtually any amount can impact blood pressure levels. From real time measurements to a single session to weekly sessions, ten studies show blood pressure to be lowered significantly. Also effective in lowering blood pressure was the self-help technque of walking on a reflexology mat three times a week for 8 weeks.


Barbara and Kevin Kunz


Twitter us @footreflexology


Join us on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz



Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Latest Newsletter


  • Reflexology Research and Quality of Life
  • What Impact Can Reflexology Have on Our Lives?
  • The Reflexology Expert and The Reflexology Lifestyle
  • This is an interesting time for the reflexology professional.
  • The Reflexology Party


Enjoy!!!

Kevin Kunz

Friday, November 13, 2009

Reflexology | Alternative Treatments for Mesothelioma

Reflexology | Alternative Treatments for Mesothelioma: "... reflexology has also proven successful for the relief of post-operative pain for the many mesothelioma patients who undergo various surgical treatments for their disease and in palliative care for those in end stage cancer. The American College of Physicians encourages care givers to learn and use reflexology in their publication entitled 'A Home Care Guide for Advanced Cancer' and a study that appeared in England's Nursing Standard journal indicated that advanced cancer patients 'relaxed, were comforted, and achieved relief from some of their symptoms' when reflexology was administered to them."

Mesothelioma.com

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

[Effects of self-foot reflexology on stress, fatig... [J Korean Acad Nurs. 2009] - PubMed result

[Effects of self-foot reflexology on stress, fatig... [J Korean Acad Nurs. 2009] - PubMed result

PURPOSE: This study was to examine the effects of self-foot reflexology on stress, fatigue and blood circulation in premenopausal middle-aged women. METHODS: A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group, pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were 59 premenopausal, middle-aged women in their 40s and 60s living in G city: 30 in the experiment group and 29 in the control group. Data were collected from May to August 2008. Self-foot reflexology was performed three times a week for 6 weeks for 40 min at each session. RESULTS: The results showed that self-foot reflexology was effective in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and helped blood circulation in premenopausal middle-aged women. CONCLUSION: Self-foot reflexology may be an effective nursing intervention in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and in improving blood circulation.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Self Reliance and Reflexology Part 2

This is a continuing debate with Mark's China Blog. We agree that we like Mark because he is an open minded skeptic.
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Thanks for your reply, Mark. You note that in addition to reflexology and reflexology paths, the Chinese also believe that their health is impacted by walking backwards, avoiding cold drinks and air conditioning. Certainly whole realms of sociology are devoted to the study of cultural beliefs. A lay viewpoint (mine) sees the list of Chinese health beliefs as ranging from superstition to tradition to proven fact. (Perhaps you can guess where I’m about to place uses of reflexology and the reflexology path on this continuum.)

First let me digress to note the recent work of T. R. Reid. In his book Healing in America, as well in presentations on PBS and in many magazines, the author writes and speaks of his conclusions from a journey around the world to seek treatment for an old shoulder injury. In the US, he was advised to have expensive surgery, In the UK, he was advised to go home. In both France and Germany, physical therapy was recommended. In India, he received massage, herbs and meditation. It would be the Indian solution that helped alleviate (at least for a while) his shoulder pain. His conclusion: The traditions and expectations of a culture help determine the health services offered.

Just as the application of reflexology technique is a tradition embedded in cultures throughout Asia so too is walking the reflexology path. Among Western countries, reflexology practice is, perhaps most embedded in Germany. While not commonly know yet (except in Germany and Austria where some 60“barefoot paths’ find popular use), walking the reflexology path is, for example, a “fashionable fitness activity” in parks across China.

Research elevates both reflexology and walking the reflexology path beyond belief and into fact. Belief and tradition do come into play, however. In countries where the tradition is established, it would seem that science and scientists have been more willing to step in and conduct research. Perhaps it becomes a circular problem: scientific fact does not exist without research yet research is not conducted without a basis in belief that there's something worth testing. (See below.) Thus, your statement that "…there seems to be a large segment of the world's population who think that reflexology is a complete sham" should—to my mind—read "In point of fact much of the world's population believes that reflexology impacts health. Western and other cultures who don't have yet to give it a fair chance."

I note that I am hardly a casual observer in such a debate. Aside from following reflexology research since first reports in 1993, I spent a year researching research resulting in a 214-page document (Evidence-Based Reflexology for Health Professionals and Researchers by Kunz and Kunz, 2008). What I found surprised me—and I had been observing closely.

Put most simply, research shows that reflexology impacts the physiological process of the body— even from the moment technique application begins. Effects are shown real-time in studies using EEG (4 studies), Doppler sonongram (2 studies), and fMRI's (4 studies) among other measurements. Real time results include pain reduction and relaxation. Results also show improved circulation to the kidneys and intestines as well as pinpoint effects on areas of the brain as predicted by a reflexology chart. Just to give real-people meaning to such results, further application of reflexology over time shows improvements in kidney and intestine function for kidney dialysis patients and individuals of all ages experiencing constipation respectively. Individuals with phantom limb pain were shown to experience a decrease or complete cessation of pain. Pain reduction was experienced by women giving birth and cancer patients. Research also demonstrates potential mechanisms of action at work to explain the workings of reflexology, for example, improved circulation and impact on /exercise of the nervous system.

I could go on but I'll cut to the chase on research for walking the reflexology path. A landmark study at Oregon Research Institute (quoted frequently in China) found such walking resulted in health improvements for seniors such as decrease in blood pressure and lessened fear of falling. Other research has documented improved blood and nerve circulation . The Chinese speculate that such improvements lessen susceptibility to illness as well as forestall or improve other health problems.

In conclusion I note that it would seem that belief is a highly human and malleable thing. One culture's belief is another's unfounded superstition. Is there a middle ground? Can anyone know / investigate everything (such as reflexology)? I have no real answers to these questions but, in the case of reflexology, I hope expanded knowledge will lessen the cultural divide that exists between those who successfully utilize reflexology to improve health and those who don't.

I note the following from Kunz and Kunz, Evidence-Based Reflexology for Health Professionals and Researchers , RRP Press, 2008, pages 26-27

Cultural and historic factors (in reflexology research)
Results can vary depending on the country where the research was conducted. As noted above, Tovey raises the issue of impact on research due to bias in the medical system. In a similar vein, there is an impact on research varying with societies where reflexology use is a traditional part of the culture and those where it is not. While it is difficult to weigh possible ramifications, it does add interest to a review of research.

To some extent the sheer number of reflexology studies by country makes a statement. More studies are reported in Denmark - fourteen - than the United States - thirteen. Considering the populations of each, the inequity is apparent. The pattern of reflexology in each country makes a statement. In Denmark, surveys have shown that reflexology is the most popular complementary and alternative medical practice with some 25% of the citizens using it regularly. In the US, chiropractics is the most used followed by massage therapy.

Interesting to note also is who conducts the research. In this report, China leads the way in numbers of studies with more than 50 studies followed by Korea with 20 studies. In China, research is conducted by medical doctors and in Korea by nurses. And, the studies reported here are likely to be the tip of the iceberg. Research from China and Korea lacks broader circulation due to language differences and communication gaps. This is demonstrated by a report from Korea. Younghae Chung, PhD of Dongshin University in Korea notes: "There were 59 master's and doctoral theses and peer reviewed articles on foot reflexology published in Korea from January 1990 to December 2006" (as compared to the 20 Korean studies reported here).

Few studies are reported in Austria, Germany and the Netherlands, countries with deeply entrenched reflexology use. It is almost as if there is no need to prove with research something so widely believed and so much a part of the culture.

Numbers of negative studies also make a statement. Some one-third of studies in Denmark result in negative outcomes. By contrast, a report from China reports a 6% "not effective" rate in a review of 8,096 cases and 63 disorders. In Chinese research, reflexology work is commonly applied in a series of ten daily sessions followed by an evaluation. Work proceeds for another ten day cycle if needed to achieve desired goals. There are several ways to consider this pattern. Long time reflexologists nod in agreement. They understand that frequency of technique application is a key component of reflexology work. That there is no time limit to reflexology's application during Chinese research makes good sense. After all how else could you discover how much reflexology work is needed to impact a particular disorder? The issue is, thus of impact on research due to bias in the medical system. In a similar vein, there is an impact on research varying with societies where reflexology use is a traditional part of the culture and those where it is not. While it is difficult to weigh possible ramifications, it does add interest to a review of research. To some extent the sheer number of reflexology studies by country makes a statement. More studies are reported in Denmark - fourteen - than the United States - thirteen. Considering the populations of each, the inequity is apparent. The pattern of reflexology in each country makes a statement. In Denmark, surveys have shown that reflexology is the most popular complementary and alternative medical practice with some 25% of the citizens using it regularly. In the US, chiropractics is the most used followed by massage therapy. Interesting to note also is who conducts the research. In this report, China leads the way in numbers of studies with more than 50 studies followed by Korea with 20 studies. In China, research is conducted by medical doctors and in Korea by nurses. And, the studies reported here are likely to be the tip of the iceberg. Research from China and Korea lacks broader circulation due to language differences and communication gaps. This is demonstrated by a report from Korea. Younghae Chung, PhD of Dongshin University in Korea notes: "There were 59 master's and doctoral theses and peer reviewed articles on foot reflexology published in Korea from January 1990 to December 2006" (as compared to the 20 Korean studies reported here). Few studies are reported in Austria, Germany and the Netherlands, countries with deeply entrenched reflexology use. It is almost as if there is no need to prove with research something so widely believed and so much a part of the culture. Numbers of negative studies also make a statement. Some one-third of studies in Denmark result in negative outcomes. By contrast, a report from China reports a 6% "not effective" rate in a review of 8,096 cases and 63 disorders. In Chinese research, reflexology work is commonly applied in a series of ten daily sessions followed by an evaluation. Work proceeds for another ten day cycle if needed to achieve desired goals. There are several ways to consider this pattern. Long time reflexologists nod in agreement. They understand that frequency of technique application is a key component of reflexology work. That there is no time limit to reflexology's application during Chinese research makes good sense. After all how else could you discover how much reflexology work is needed to impact a particular disorder? The issue is, thus, not Will reflexology impact the disorder? but How long will it take? and What will be the efficacy? (how many of the study's participants will be significantly effected, effected or not effected). Such a statement speaks volumes about the entrenchment of reflexology in the Chinese culture.

With experience comes knowledge. The Chinese researchers have demonstrated that with sufficient conditioning through reflexology application, the body can be prompted to behave in a better manner. The change can be so dramatic as to eradicate illness. The Chinese study of urination in men over 55 found that some were "cured" with reflexology "Significantly effective (cure") in 48.68% of all cases." For 44.95% of study participants, reflexology was shown to be "Effective or improvement," thus, offering a way to effectively ameliorate their frequent urination.(109)+

Monday, November 9, 2009

Can reflexology maintain or improve the well-being of people with Parkinson's Disease?

Abstract
This study explored whether reflexology could improve or sustain the wellbeing of people with Parkinosn's Disease [PD] using the PDQ39 wellbeing tool designed specifically for use with people with PD. The treatmnt protocal involved giving 8 therapy sessions to 16 people with varying derees of PD in a cross-over design to enable a longitudinal survey of impact. Whilst the results reflected the progressive nature of PD deterioration over time there was an improvement in wellbeing over the active therapy phase. These results suggest that continuous two- three weekly reflexology may limit further deteroration or maintain improvement of wellbeing. A further study is indicated to study this hypothesis.

To order the whole article- click here. 

We will be doing a review of this study shortly. 


Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

http://www.dk.com/reflexology

Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology

Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Lifeis here- Order yours today.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Ultimate Reflexology Party Tip

We talked earlier on tips to make your reflexology party a success. But Barbara rightly pointed out I missed a big tip.

What really drew people's attention was my ability to pick out stress cues or as it is commonly referred to as reading the feet. I never tell people what is wrong with them that would be one diagnosis and two potentially wrong. Stress cues are a clue to what is under stress but without a careful method of questioning they can actually can be misleading.

But with some skill people respond to them very well. When we did the party people felt we had insight to them. They knew it wasn't medical diagnosis but rather a way of looking at what was stressing them.
Loved it. Hit of the party.


Kevin Kunz

Monday, November 2, 2009

Tips for a Reflexology Party

© Vojtech Vlk . Image from BigStockPhoto.com

We just had a wonderful time in LA doing a Reflexology Party. We learn a few things we wanted to share to make a successful Reflexology Party with you. 

1. Organization is important. Although we strayed somewhat from our schedule everyone felt they received attention. If you can get a list before the event it helps to organize it in your head. Arrive early. Get your chairs set up and any other material like literature should be well displayed. 

2. Know a little about the people coming. Occupation is always helpful without being to prying. But if your party is hosted how the hosts know the attendees. 
 
3. But also be prepared to be surprised. We worked on  someone who knew a dear friend of ours, who had been a long time reflexologist in the LA area.

4. Pass out charts. People love charts and they serve to add value to your event. Charts can be ordered in bulk. And charts can be personalized which really works well. 

5. If it is a high class crowd pass out books. It is an investment in gaining new clientele but it is classy. You can also bring post-it notes to mark out self help or techniques pertinent to them. Amazon offers discounts on larger orders. 

6. Food is also a nice touch as it gives people something to entertain themselves while waiting. Make sure it is in a separate area.  

7. Don't forget the business cards, brochures and any show and tell that will liven the occasion. We brought some of our Total Reflexology kit and our Reflexology Path kit. It was a real conversation starter. 

We did a slideshow on our laptop of reflexology paths. People could watch it while waiting. It was quite a success. 

Finally relax and have a good time. It is after all a party. 

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

http://www.dk.com/reflexology

Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology

Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Life is here- Order yours today.