Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Epilepsy and Reflexoloogy

Seizure frequency was reduced for reflexology group participants in a study of its impact on epi- lepsy patients. The study was conducted by Dr. (Mrs.) Krishna Dalal of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Department of Biophysics at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India.

84 patients suffering from” intractable” epilepsy were randomly assigned to one of two groups reflexology or control.(“Intractable epilepsy was defined as the patients who had been suffered for a duration of more than 2 years, having seizure frequency at least 2 seizures per month and not responding to at least two anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) on adequate doses with good compliance”)

“Subjects of both arms received AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs) and study arm (reflexology group) patients received reflexology in addition. Amongst the types of epilepsy, the observed ones were complex partial seizures (CPS) with or without generalization, generalized tonic and clonic seizures (GTCS) and others which include partial seizure, general motor seizure and Lennox gastaut syndrome.

Over a 27-month period trained caregivers applied reflexology first three times a day for 4 months and then twice a day for 23 months. All study participants reported to the “laboratory once a week “to monitor the compliances of the samples as well as their responses.”

“The % of seizure frequency reduction in two groups was compared using Wilcoxon non-parametric test. Within the group, the parameters were compared by two sided Wilcoxon Sign test. The quality of life was assessed by using QOLIE-31 and data was statistically analyzed using paired sample T-test.”

Results: Seizure frequency was reduced for the reflexology group by 87.5%. Among the “group of GTCS seizure type, the excellent response was among 76.9% patients. The excellent responses were found to be 54.5% and 50% among the CPS and others type patients respectively.”

Quality of life pre-study and post study changed for the reflexology group from 43.6±8 to 65.4 ± For the control group scores were 41.05±7 and 49.07±6. It was observed “... that 86% of the study (reflexology) group patients suffered from lower limb pain with a p-value of 0.0004. Post- therapy data reveals that 84% patients responded with 81% reduction in pain severity (p-value 0.0007).”

Following the study and follow-up period, “... reflexology was advised to be applied to the patients up to the next 3 years 6 months once per day with the hypothesis of avoiding regeneration of the epileptic foci.”


Barbara and Kevin Kunz

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Cesarean Section and Reflexology

A non-pharmacological intervention, foot reflexology, was studied on “pain and physiological parameters after cesarean section” by nurses at Alzahra Hospital, Rasht City, in Iran. Noted by researchers: “Acute and unrelieved pain can cause physical and mental complications, delayed recovery and prolonged hospitalization. Although using analgesia is usual to relieve pain, its complication, unavailability, necessity of taking low drug, especially analgesia, and also ineffectiveness of using analgesia alone, to relieve pain has focused today's nursing system on complementary treatments and Non pharmacological Interventions.”

62 women were randomly assigned to a reflexology or control group. Members of the reflexology group received two 30-minute sessions with 24-hours interval between sessions. “In case group, severity of pain after first stage of foot reflexology was lower than control group. The severity of pain after second stage was significantly reduced in case group in compare with control group. ...”So according to effectiveness of foot reflexology in pain reduction and some physiologic parameters and by considering its advantages, we can conclude that the results introduce a pain relief method for surgical nurses.”

Barbara and Kevin Kunz

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Dysmenorrhea and Reflexology

Dysmenorrhea
Research was conducted on the effect of reflexology on dysmenorrhea at the Midwifery Department of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. 120 college students were divided into three groups: a reflexology group and two drug groups.

“Adverse effect of medical treatments and their failure rates of 20% to 25% in treating menstrual pain have lead many women to seek complementary and alternative treatment options for primary dysmenorrhea. So in order to identification of efficacy of methods with less complication and low cost, one of the manual methods (reflexology) and Iranian herbal medicine (menstrugol) for com- parison with standard treatment of dysmenorrhea (NSADS) were chosen.”Three consecutive menstrual cycles were observed. Reflexology was applied for 40 minutes on two days, 10 days before menses for two cycles and then not applied before a third. “Each subject in drug groups consumed menstrugol capsule (500 mg) and Ibuprofen tab (400 mg) as same orders (one cap or tab per 8 hours for two days during 3 continuous cycles).”

Reflexology was found to produce results “superior” to both menstrugol and Ibuprofen when its effects continued during the third menstrual cycle where no reflexology or drugs were administered.

Pain was assessed before and after interventions with the MacGill Pain Questionnaire. Data was analyzed by ANOVA.



Barbara and Kevin Kunz

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

MSU Has a Successful Outcome with Chemo and Reflexology

Hello Kevin,
We just created a page on Facebook for exposure with friends.
Please ‘like’ us...so we can all interact.

We have posted the results of the grant on our website!
Please take a look and tell others!

You will find us as ‘Branch Reflexology Institute’ on facebook.
or you can go to www.branchreflexology.com directly to view grant results!
          (More direct link is http://www.branchreflexology.com/NIH_GRANT.html )
The results are great news for Reflexology because stage 3 and 4
diseases rarely show an improvement of any kind.  Therefore, any
improvement is considered significant with an end of life patient.

This grant protocol was created for ‘quality of life’ for this fragile population
of women.  MSU was very happy with the outcome and NIH granted
Michigan State University a second grant of comparable size to begin
in a few months.

Nice talking with you Kevin, we’ve known the power of Reflexology
it’s nice to know now that it is being given the credibility through
the National Institutes of Health...our nations most prestigious
research institute.

After 30 years in a full time practice...it’s nice to see our work
validated and doors opening.  Because of this grant Branch Reflexology
Institute was invited to bring our training to Beaumont Hospital in Royal
Oak, Michigan and now St. John Hospital is joining in as well.

Nice to touch base with you,

Barb

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Observations on Double Thumbwalking

What is different about the double thumbwalking technique is that there is a lot more feeling on both sides of the fence. The client feels more contact and thus it feels really good. And the practitioner feels more in that the contact brings out more and therfore can make a better assessment of what is going on.

People love double thumbwalking in the upper back/ chest/ breast/ heart and lung area in particular. You can usually just see them relaxing, People have described the technique like an itch that was hard to reach but needed scratching.

This is like a remote control back rub. A lot of people have curled toes which is rooted in pain in the ball of the foot. The toes unsuccessfully curl in an attempt to protect these sensitive areas. The double thumb walking technique can help ease this contraction. Relaxation soon follows.



A great place to do the double thumbwalking technique is the ball of the foot.

I like to start just below the diaphragm and work up. It has an incredible relaxation effect. One client who is a big burly guy would fall asleep with seconds of making a few passes. Don't be stingy. Make several passes. And if they comment how good it feels do some more.

What is really surprising is all the spurs I have felt when using this technique. They are frequently all over the place such as infesting the metatarsal area. Then try to crush them just keep making passes until you smooth out the thorny area.

This technique to me is less working against the surface of the foot then working with the shape of the foot. It is a bit of an artform to work not only through the troughs but also working the sides of the troughs.

Feel the shapes of the bones!!!

The real interesting factor in using this technique is how much difference a slight change of direction can make. I will cover that next time pointing out some of my favorites. 


Kevin Kunz

Japan: "Reflexology in the "Relax Forest"

Japan: "Reflexology in the "Relax Forest"
“These days, ‘relaxation’ spots are as ubiquitous as Internet cafes and pachinko parlors. As people seek a quick fix for the stress of modern life, businesses offering anything remotely "therapeutic" or "healing" are springing up everywhere. Whether it's reflexology (foot massage) salons in office buildings, drop-in hand/body massage shops at train stations or aromatherapy practices handily located near hairdressers, you're never far away from a relaxing retreat amid the hustle and bustle of urban living.”

“‘Relax Forest’ is a part of a “sprawling indoor amusement park called Namja Town” in Tokyo  that includes “Gyoza Stadium, Ice Cream City and Tokyo Chou Cream Field, this new "forest" may be more of a small wood—but it is nonetheless an exciting new outgrowth of the firm's (Nmaco Ltd.) continuing endeavor to test the limits of entertainment. It's also ‘Japan's first healing park’—whatever that means.”

“‘Sure, commercial facilities featuring health and beauty already exist,’” Ikezawa (of Namco Ltd.) said…. “‘But they have merely been a strip of shops. We are trying to offer them as a form of entertainment.’” Consumers feel many salons are too expensive and want a quick charge sometimes rather than the lengthier services of “nationally licensed massurs, acupuncturists” and others.

“So what can people expect from Riraku? The theme park features what Namco succinctly calls "super therapists"—ranging from a Nanjing qi-gong specialist to an Indian head masseuse, to a Thai massage therapist. One of the unique features of Riraku is that it offers a really quick fix -- some shops offer a session as short as 10 minutes.

“For therapists trained to minister to a customer for at least half an hour, however, exchanging pleasantries and offering a truly relaxing service in such a short time could be a big challenge. But, in fact, therapist Sachiko Nemoto of reflexology salon Precious Foot did just that when this reporter tried a 15-minute course there .… “… when she found a pressure point on my sole that was particularly tender, she suggested my digestive system might be in trouble.

“And she stayed professional throughout, despite the occasional "meows" and buzzings from a haunted-house attraction on the other side of the wall.

“Ikezawa acknowledged that Riraku will not be the quietest space in town…But Japanese people are used to—and can even feel more at home with—a bit of hustle and bustle, he said.

“‘It depends on what kind of iyashi [healing] you are looking for," he said. “‘Luxury resorts can surely give you a sense of healing. But Japanese healing started from hot springs, which have always been packed solid. Sparsely populated iyashi spots are only for the affluent class. We are targeting the masses.’”
Tomoko Otake, “‘'Relas Forest,’ Taking it easy in the urban jungle,” Japan Times. Sunday, July 17, 2005 (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20050717x2.html)


Want to try this? Cobblestone Mat by ORI http://t.co/SsdQfp7 via @amazon
or look for our Reflexology Path Kit in Barnes and Noble Stores every where. 



Barbara and Kevin Kunz




Friday, June 10, 2011

Relax and Refresh: Reflexology Help with Stress and Anxiety eBook

Latest eBook
Relax and Refresh: Reflexology Help with Stress and Anxiety
Stress and Anxiety eBook
We have just issued our latest eBook on stress and anxiety. In it we have
  • Fully illustrated technique descriptions
  • How and where to apply technique
  • Fully descriptive basic reflexology technique
  • Insights from 24 studies about reducing stress and anxiety
  • Tips, hints and insights into using reflexology to combat stress

Most people who use reflexology are looking for stress relief. Whether you are using reflexology for yourself and/or your family or for your clientele this book is for you, 

Tip for practitioners: The researchers in China have found that frequency of technique application is critical for success. When dealing with a client with stress related issues print out* one of these eBooks and give it to them so they can do some "homework". You can instruct them how to complement what you do. 

The results are great. 

*We grant you a limited license to print out these eBooks for clientele, family and friends. How ever we would appreciate it if you would not charge for these eBooks or email them out. Thank you. 

Success with the double thumbwalking reflexology technique


Double Thumb Walking TechniqueDouble thumb Walking
Kevin, I used your double thumb technique and paid special attention to the middle cunieform both on two clients today and on myself. Wow! Got great results! Thank-you so much for the information! I especially liked how the double thumb(or finger) technique opened up the forefoot and toes resulting in a huge reduction of tension in the neck and shoulders! I used it on the lateral aspect of the foot to really work the arm and elbow with a resulting miracle (according to client). And working the cunieforms and metatarsal joints with a loosening technique and rotation on a point really helped the intestines return to normal action. Thank-you!!! Wendy Decker


Thanks Wendy. You would not believe how many of these have been downloaded due to your review. It does work so well I am planning a video class on it. Hopefully soon. 

Kevin Kunz

 

Monday, June 6, 2011

Nicely put on the benefit of Reflexology relaxation

From facebook
Hi Kevin,
Valerie Hartman commented on your post.
Valerie wrote: "I see relaxation as a shift into parasympathetic nervous system response, the body then is not functioning under the influence of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.. In my business, hospice and palliative care, relaxation (parasympathetic NS) vs. a stressed state (sympathetic NS / fight or flight), is the feeling of peace vs. lack of it. The sympathetic nervous system response is a key state of suffering that is to be the foundation for the reason why we bring holistic modalities into end of life care, why we bring them into healthcare practices. In advanced illness, stress responses are high and sustained, the body less able to absorb the response, or to act to change the circumstances of the fear.. I view relaxation as symptom relief.. decreased dyspnea, decreased nausea, decreased anxiety, improving sleep , improving digestion, relief. ..and the list goes on for the benefits of relaxation (too soft a term)..for our health and well being. ..specifically in healthcare paradigm, goal driven care. Reflexology is my bodywork therapy of choice for managing the stress component of a symptom in hospice care. Light pressure, avoid or hold tender points.. goal is comfort, relaxation, hands and feet are safe areas to touch and work.. distal, face to face contact in sessions often opens up meaningful dialogue as well." 

Valerie Hartman RN, CHPN, CTRN Complementary Therapy Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse / Coordinator Holy Redeemer Hospice Complementary Therapy Program Phila., Pa / NHPCO / NCHPP Allied Therapy Section Leader 2008 - 2013

Friday, June 3, 2011

Free Friday- Free Reflexology Stuff

Free Friday- Free Reflexology Stuff

Special for 48 hours only!!!
Free Shipping and Handling on all personalized orders (either charts or pamphlets, we will refund S&H to your account) 

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Featured eBooks
The Successful Reflexologist- 99¢
Kindle     EBook 
Medical Applications of Reflexology- 99¢

Kindle     EBook
Kindle      EBook
Evidence-Based Reflexology for Health Professionals and Researchers $4.99 
Kindle      EBook
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Freebies
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New Widgets and Apps

New app for your Iphone or Android- Definition, research, forums and more

Large Interactive Charts for your Website, blog or Facebook page.

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Tip 
To have even better results with your clients give them "homework" to do. Self help can help bloost your results. Research has shown that frquency is very important for results in reflexology.
Reflexologist's eBook collection. Print out these ebooks to give your clients the homework they need. 
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Freebees 
405px-Osmia_ribifloris_bee.jpg
dk_reflexology_foot_l.jpg
1. Free Iphone/ IPad/ ITouch Reflexology Chart App. Take your reflexology with you.This handy app goes on your IPhone, IPad and Itouch. 
2. Free Interactive Foot and Hand Charts
Done with a design team from Kunz&Kunz and DK these charts are wildly popular and a great teaching tool as well. 
3. Free Widgets
These interactive widgets are free to put on your web site, blog, Facebook page and other social networking sites. 
Foot reflexology widget
Hand Reflexology Widget 
Complete Reflexology for Life- Free Widget with contents of this blog
What Reflexology Research Shows. Free Widget with Reflexology Research Results. 
Yahoo Reflexology Community Forum- Free Reflexology Forum Widget with posts from the members
Nursing and Reflexology Research. Free Widget with Reflexology Research Performed with Nurses
Free Twitter Widget to Follow the Tweets on Kevin Kunz
6. Free Facebook Reflexology Forum- A causal forum on reflexology for anyone to join
 Kevin's Facebook page that might as well be a forum. Lively, fast paced and a real treasure trove of information
More Widgets- and more  and more coming soon. 
Have Fun
Kevin Kunz

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The New Reflexology: A Theoretical Summary Part 4

We wrote this orginally after our Paralysis Project in 1980. The percepts have really remained the same which is remarkable considering this was written 30 years ago. Editor


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© Eraxion. Image from BigStockPhoto.com.
Reflexology: A Communication Link

Reflexology provides the feet with continuing education and practice in the sensations the feet were meant to experience. Such sensations connect the feet to the rest of the body, as they provide the raw data to carry out its major functions. So it is the stride mechanism and the survival mechanism which serve to link foot reflexology to the body as a whole. There is no magic. Reflexology simply provides the body with practice in the nerve pathways of these mechanisms.

Keep in mind that we are not thinking of some nerve which runs, for example, from what we consider the kidney area on the foot to the kidneys themselves. We are thinking in terms of the body's intricate communication system which is functionally organized. The function of “fight or flight”, for example, requires participation of both the feet and kidneys. It is this functional communication which links the areas of the feet and hands to the body rather than any one single nerve or bit of magic.

Why is reflexology and the practice of sensation of such importance to the body? Its importance lies in the practice it provides to the nerve pathways and, thus practice in other modes of operation for the body. Hans Seyle, stress researcher, refers to this process as the general adaptation syndrome. The body has a finite energy to adapt to the environment. Selye tells us that the three stages of the adaptation syndrome are: (1) the alarm reaction, (2) the stage of resistance, (3) the stage of exhaustion. Inefficiency in the stride mechanism drains from the finite energy available and lessens the energy available for other functions. 


Reflexology breaks this cycle by creating a set of demands on the body apart from the everyday, mundane sensory input. Repeated exercise improves muscles and general circulation. Why shouldn't a structured system of repeated demands on our nervous system have a similar beneficial effect?


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Barbara and Kevin