Thursday, June 30, 2016

Reflexology Makes Vaccination Day Happier for Infants


Nobody likes to see a little one cry but, when it’s time for vaccination shots, it’s inevitable. Things can be made better for baby. Reflexology applied before the inoculation reduced crying time and pain afterwards as shown by research.

Before the inoculations, researchers evaluated the pain levels of two groups of 1 to 12 month old infants using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) Pain Assessment Scale. Scores were similar for both babies in the group who would receive reflexology and those in the control group who would not. 

Reflexology was applied for 20 to 30 minutes before the inoculations with time depending on the size of the infant’s foot. After the vaccinations, a statistically significant difference was found between the pain scores of infants in the reflexology groups and those in the control group. 

The FLACC pain score was found to be 5.47 (± 2.11) in the reflexology group and 9.63 (± .85) in the control group. The infants in the reflexology group also had lower heart rates, higher oxygen saturation, and shorter crying periods than the infants in the control group.

To try this, gently press on the sole of your baby’s bare or socked foot. As described in Reflexology for Children, “The feet and hands ar natural candidates for playing with an infant. Saying ‘This little piggy went to market’ while pulling or squeezing toes is a staple activity to get an infant’s attention. A few presses here and there and some movements and you have a reflexology session that is an extension of a childhood game.”

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Evidenced Based Reflexology Research: For Health Professionals and Researchers


Reflexology research makes it possible to create evidence-based predictions about reflexology and outcomes. Research shows that reflexology with its systematic patterns of pressure technique application creates specific changes in the body and its health. Evidence found in research provides answers about two issues: what results can be obtained through reflexology work and dosing, the amount of reflexology work needed to achieve a specific outcome. The major goal of this work is to assess reflexology research to determine (1) parameters for success (or failure) with reflexology technique application and (2) dosing information. Results from some 168 reflexology studies are reported here. The studies were selected because

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Vision Deficits” Reflex Area Work Linked to Visions Centers of the Brain


“Vision Deficits” Reflex Area Work Linked to Visions Centers of the Brain
by Barbara & Kevin Kunz


In an fMRI study by Hong Kong researchers, reflexology technique stimulation of the eye reflex area activated a region of the brain matching acupupoint stimulation of stroke patients with vision defects but not the visual part of the brain. The researchers worked under the hypothesis that the the corresponding (visual) cortex would be activated. (Tang M.Y., Li G., Chan C.C., Wong K.K.K., Li R. and Yang E.S., Vision Related Reflex Zone at the Feet: An fMRI Study, 11th Annual NeuroImage Meeting. 2005, 1431. (Publication No. : 102226)
Researchers applied reflexology technique to the eye reflex area of the left foot at bases of second and third toes of the left foot of ten healthy volunteers. They found that the visual cerebral cortex was not activated. Areas activated included: left frontal lobe (strongest activation), cerebellum, left insula, and temporal lobe. Reflex area stimulation was consistent with results from an fMRI study of acupuncture. When the eye acupoint was stimulated in stroke patients with vision deficits areas of the brain areas activated were the frontal lobe and insula. Another fMRI study of acupuncture showed that stimulation of the eye acupoint of healthy individuals activated the visual cortex.
Speculation about this result for reflexology work begins with the observation that the locations of the eye and ear reflex areas are anomalies among reflex areas. The foot and reflexology charts technique reflect the body, except for these two areas. Their location at the bases of the toes reflects a direct reflection of the tops of the shoulders reflex area. Reflexologists achieve results for eye-related problems when working this area. Strictly speaking, however, an eye reflex area exists in the toes themselves, matching other reflex areas as a direct reflection of the body. Charts by Anne Lett, British, reflexology educator and author, (Reflex Zone Therapy for Health Professionals, p. 143) show an eye reflex area on the tops of the second and third toes just below the nail. She also shows a visual cortex reflex area on the sole of the foot in the second and third toes at the distal joint. These match the eye reflex areas and visual centers of Hanne Marquardt (Reflexotherapy of the Feet, p.p. 44-45) If the fMRI study were conducted testing these areas would the visual cortex by activated?
The fMRI study showed activation of areas of the brain with reflexology work: Left frontal lobe (strongest activation) (movement planning, polysensory, premotor area, language related movement (writing)); Cerebellum (conducts impulses to cerebral cortex; posture, balance, and coordination of movements); Left insula (pain, emotion, homeostasis); Temporal lobe (bilateral superior gyrus, Brodmann’s Area 22) (sensory pathways, memory, auditory or language functions).
The strongest activation following reflexology technique application to the eye reflex area of the left foot was in the left frontal lobe. Researchers state that “This area may be related to the cross-modal transfer of the massage (reflexology) stimuli and the visual information as a part of the polysensory areas.” Other sources includes functions of the frontal lobe as: “Body's orientation in space” and “fine movements and strength of the arms, hands and fingers.” (http://www.neurosk- ills.com/tbi/bfrontal.shtml)
Activation of the cerebellum occurred during two fMRI studies, reflexology work applied to the inner corner of the big toe and the eye reflex area. We have speculated about the role of the big toe in walking and the role of the cerebellum in coordinating such activites. We now an unsual response resulted from technique applied to the eye and ear reflex areas (bases of second thirrd and fourth toes) during our work with paralysis. Such work prompted movement of the fingers of the quadriplegic’s opposite hand as if playing a guitar. For the two paraplegics, such work prompted a spasming of the opposite foot. Over time, the spasming become movement into the position of dorsiflexion or plantarflexion. During dorsiflexion the foot ia flexed into a 90 ̊ ready for the heel strike phase of a foot step. Plantarflexion is a toe-point of the foot, the toe-off postion of a foot step. This observation has been repeated during one-time work with a variety of paralyzed individuals.)

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

The Very Popular Reflexology Deck Is Back



52 handy healing techniques in a portable, easy-to-access format, now refreshed with a new design.
This step-by-step photographic guide shows how reflexology works: by applying pressure to "reflex" points on the hands and feet, you can help to stimulate the body's natural powers of self-healing.
With the 52 techniques in the Reflexology Deck, you can relieve common ailments, from back pain to constipation and arthritis to high blood pressure. "Quick fix" routines can be used for relief in the office or even while on the go.
Let two of the most recognized authorities on this holistic therapy guide you through the healing process with Reflexology Deck.

Benefits of Reflexology Use in Cancer Care: What Research Shows

For the 28 million people fighting cancer worldwide and the 1.3 million diagnosed each year in the US alone, findings from the reflexology research offer potential, potential for improved quality of life and easing of their symptoms. 
Speaking to such potential are the results realized by the total of 1,173 cancer patients who participated in the 24 studies from ten countries:
• In eleven studies totaling 697 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, reflexology was found to be effective at in easing symptoms such as nausea vomiting, fatigue and anxiety. 
• For those under cancer care with concerns about management of symptoms, six studies of reflexology which included a total of 255 patients demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing pain and anxiety
• Two studies of post operative cancer patients including a total of 89 cancer patients noted results of lessened pain and anxiety reported by patients to whom reflexology was applied as well as significantly less use of analgesics. 
  • Five studies of reflexology applied to a total of 69 cancer patients in palliative care found that reflexology helped with alleviation of fatigue, improvements in quality of life, and decrease in pain as well as being comforted. 
Achieving Results for Cancer Care with Reflexology
How much and how often reflexology is applied to achieve such results is detailed in Medical Applications of Reflexology 2, Findings in Research about Post-operative Care, Maternity Care, and Cancer Care. 

Benefits of Reflexology Use in Post Operative Care: What Research Shows

Research demonstrates that post surgical patients who receive reflexology work experience significant improvements adding to medical interventions to meet common concerns: pain, recovery time; anxiety and quality of life. And, as one researcher noted, use of reflexology post surgically had the benefits of “… reductions in total hospitalization costs, medication use and adverse events.” 
The value of reflexology as an adjunct for patients post-surgically is demonstrated by fifteen studies conducted conducted in eight countries.
Easing Pain
The benefits of reflexology use post surgically as reported from research includes lessening pain, specifically:
  • easing pain while avoiding adverse effects of medications 
  • adding to pain-killing efforts when medication alone is not enough.
Researcher in one study noted that: patients in the reflexology intervention group less pain and anxiety as well as receiving “significantly less opioid analgesics than the control group”
Researchers in another study found: “…patients who received foot reflexology treatment required 25 to 35 percent less standard pain medication compared to the control group.”
Anxiety and Mood
Reflexology use was found to ease anxiety, common in post-surgical patients, as well as improve patients’ moods.
Findings from one study showed that “… anxiety decreased significantly...” for those in the reflexology intervention group compared to those in the control group.
Results from another study showed use of reflexology “… improve(d) the mood (anxiety and depression) in patients with gastrointestinal function and had a positive significance.”
Recovery
Reflexology use was found to speed recovery, in particular urinary and gastrointestinal functions. Such improvements have financial consequences with earlier discharge from the hospital as bowel and bladder functions return earlier. 
One study found use of reflexology “… reduce(d) postoperative wound pain and improve(d) sleep, prevent(ed) constipation…”
As noted in results of another study “...reflexology enhances urination, stimulates bowel movements and so aids recovery post surgically for gynecological patients. ... a lesser need for medication to enhance bladder tonus .... a much less need for medication ...”

Less Pain for Post-operative Patients: Benefits of Reflexology Use in a Hospital Setting


Less pain is the result for post-operative patients who receive reflexology and other integrative therapies. At least that’s the finding from one Minneapolis hospital.
Use of reflexology meets the needs of medical facilities. Such benefits are noted in a study of post-operative pain and integrative therapies including reflexology applied to “1,837 cardiovascular, medical, surgical, orthopedics, spine, rehabilitation, oncology, and women’s health patients” by the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing at Abbott Northwestern Hospital (Minneapolis, MN). (17) 
The study found the various therapies reduced patients’ pain by as much as 50% “in an environment where pain management continues to be a major challenge, and traditional medications can have negative consequences.... “‘Roughly 80 percent of patients report moderate to severe pain levels after surgery,’ says Gregory Plotnikoff, M.D., one of the study’s authors .... “‘We struggle to provide effective pain control while trying to avoid the adverse effects of opioid medications, such as respiratory depression, nausea, constipation, dizziness and falls.’” 
“‘Our real-world study broadly shows that these therapies ... can be clinically implemented in real time, across, and under the operational and financial constraints within an acute care hospi- tal.’”... “‘I think we will find that integrative approaches to pain management during the hospital stay will improve patient satisfaction and outcomes, and we will see cost savings from patients using fewer drugs and experiencing fewer adverse events,” said Lori Knutson, RN, BSN, HN-BC, executive director of the George Institute.” (http://www.abbottnorthwestern.com/ahs/news.nsf/newspage/Non-drugPainRelief

Why Reflexology Improves Cancer Care



Research demonstrates the benefits of reflexology use with cancer care: lessening pain, decreasing anxiety, reduced nausea and vomiting as well as providing comforting touch. Explanation for such benefits is found in the impact on the nervous system by reflexology pressure technique application to the hands and feet.
Possible mechanisms of action at work 
Lessening of pain
The lessening of pain in response to reflexology work is documented in eleven cancer care studies. Similar results have been demonstrated in twenty-five studies with reflexology applied in areas such as birthing, phantom limb and the elderly. Such results find explanation is what researcher Dr. Nancy Stephenson of Eastern North Carolina University considers as affect on the neuromatrix of the brain, an expansion of the Gate Control Theory of Pain. According to Wikipedia: “Gate control theory asserts that activation of nerves which do not transmit pain signals, called non-nociceptive fibers, can interfere with signals from pain fibers, thereby inhibiting pain.” Stimulating nerves that sense touch, heat, cold and pressure overcomes the action of the pain nerves. 
Decrease in anxiety
Decrease in anxiety for cancer patients in response to reflexology work is demonstrated in nine studies. Explanation is found in some twenty broader studies with individuals ranging from healthy individuals to senior citizens to menopausal women using a variety of measurements show that reflexology relaxes the body. The stimulation of reflexology’s pressure techniques creates change in the body’s basic level of tension as demonstrated by research using measurement of: brain waves (EEG), blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and anxiety. 
Reduced nausea and vomiting
Results of research with cancer patients show reduced nausea (6 studies) and vomiting (4 studies). Such symptoms are not the subject of other reflexology research. The thesis of nursing student Alberto Zangini, University of Verona raises some possible avenues of thought for the responses of cancer patients. He notes that vomiting results from stimulation of the vagus nerve involving many neurotransmitters, not only the receptors but their combined association—”Most important are the 5-HT3 receptor (or receptors serotonin), dopamine receptors and neurokinin receptors (NK-1).” (30) Drug treatment for nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy include classes of drugs that counteract such neurotransmitters and/or combinations of neurotransmitters. 
Does impact on the vagus nerve and such neurotransmitters produce the response to reflexology work on nausea and vomiting by cancer patients? One previous study measured serotonin (“the happiness hormone”) levels with the reflexology group showing higher levels than control group when 12 sessions of 30 minutes each were applied to elderly women. (31) Further research is needed to identify the potential mechanism of action. 
Comforting touch
Finally, the comforting touch of a concerned care giver or professional cannot be over-looked in the responses of cancer patients to reflexology work. Study after study notes the response of the reflexology’s human to human non-invasive touch. 
Achieving Results for Cancer Care with Reflexology
How much and how often reflexology is applied to achieve such results is detailed in Medical Applications of Reflexology 2, Findings in Research about Post-operative Care, Maternity Care, and Cancer Care.

Why Reflexology Improves Post-Operative Care


                                        Medical Applications for Reflexology Part 2

Research demonstrates the benefits of reflexology use with post operative patients: lessening pain, decreasing anxiety, speeding recovery as well as providing comforting touch. Explanation for such benefits is found in the impact on the nervous system by reflexology pressure technique application to the hands and feet.
Lessening of pain
The lessening of pain in response to reflexology work is documented in six post operative care studies. Similar results have been demonstrated in twenty-five studies with reflexology applied in areas such as birthing, phantom limb and the elderly. 
Such results find explanation in what researcher Dr. Nancy Stephenson of Eastern North Carolina University considers as affect on the neuromatrix of the brain, an expansion of the Gate Control Theory of Pain. According to Wikipedia: “Gate control theory asserts that activation of nerves which do not transmit pain signals, called non-nociceptive fibers, can interfere with signals from pain fibers, thereby inhibiting pain.” Stimulating nerves that sense touch, heat, and cold as well as pressure such as pressure sensors of the feet and hands affected by reflexology use overcomes the action of the pain nerves.
Decrease in anxiety
Decrease in anxiety for post surgical patients in response to reflexology work is demonstrated in two studies. Explanation is found in some twenty studies with individuals ranging from healthy individuals to senior citizens to menopausal women using a variety of measurements show that reflexology relaxes the body. The stimulation of reflexology’s pressure techniques creates change in the body’s basic level of tension as demonstrated by research using measurement of: brain waves (EEG), blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and anxiety. 
Speeding recovery
Speedier recovery of gastrointestinal and urinary functions is noted in five studies of post operative recovery as well as six studies in post-partum women. Explanation may be found in improved blood circulation to the kidneys and intestines due to reflexology work as found in previous research using Doppler sonogram measurement. 
Additional studies have found reflexology to impact functions of the digestive system and the kidneys. Improvements in bowel movement and constipation was found in multiple studies with a variety of individuals: the elderly, healthy individuals, children (2 studies), cancer patients, hospice care (2 studies), cerebral hemorrhage patients, coronary heart disease patients, women (3 studies), and college students. In two studies hand reflexology applied to hemodialysis patients found reflexology work improved multiple function of the kidneys. 
Comforting touchFinally, the comforting touch of a concerned care giver or professional cannot be over-looked in the responses of patients to reflexology work. Study after study notes the response of the reflexology’s human to human non-invasive touch. 

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Monday, June 13, 2016

5 Reasons the Cerebellum Is Key to Thriving in a Digital Age | Psychology Today

5 Reasons the Cerebellum Is Key to Thriving in a Digital Age | Psychology Today



"The cerebellum is only 10% of brain volume but holds almost 80% of your brain's total neurons. Conversely, the cerebrum is 90% of brain volume but only holds approximately 20% of your brain's total neurons. Whatever the cerebellum is doing, it's doing a lot of it."

Christopher Bergland

Reflexology Help for Hiccups Reported in 1944

“To a Camp Pendleton man, B. S. Shope, PhM2C, should go the credit of curing that Los Angeles hiccough victim after 13 days of suffering. Shope turned the trick by what is known as Zone Therapy (now known as reflexology) after electric shock treatment failed. …

“The victim, Lawrence Schone, 31, an aircraft worker, went to sleep for the first time without anesthesia since his hiccoughs started, after Shope massaged the man’s feet for an hour. The nerves in the feet are associated with the stomach and the diaphragm, Shope explained, and massaging the nerve reflexes is soothing and relaxing. The same cure was used by Shope here several months ago when a marine feel victim to hiccoughs. Shope effected this cure after the victim hiccoughed 2 days and 2 nights.”
Nov. 1944, U. S. Hospital Corps Quarterly, Vol. 17, No. 6, p. 201 

Saturday, June 11, 2016

What Does the Research Say about Reflexology? | Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing

What do summaries of the research say?
One large review by Kunz and Kunz (2008) summarized 168 research studies and abstracts from journals and meetings from around the world. Many of these studies originated in peer-reviewed journals in China and Korea. All of the studies had information about the frequency and duration of the reflexology application. Based on the studies they reviewed, Kunz and Kunz concluded that reflexology may:
  1. Have an impact on specific organs (e.g., fMRI readings demonstrated an increase in blood flow to kidneys and to the intestines)
  2. Be associated with an amelioration of symptoms (e.g., positive changes were noted in kidney functioning with kidney dialysis patients)
  3. Create a relaxation effect (e.g., EEGs measure alpha and theta waves, blood pressure was decreased, and anxiety was lowered)
  4. Aid in pain reduction (27 studies demonstrated a positive outcome for reduction in pain; e.g., AIDS, chest pain, peripheral neuropathy of diabetes mellitus, kidney stones, and osteoarthritis)
University of Minnesota



Osteoarthritis and Reflexology


PURPOSE: This study was to examine the effects of foot reflexology on pain and depression of middle-aged women with Osteoarthritis. METHOD: The subjects were 41 osteoarthritis patients resided in the Jinju city from March to May, 2005. The foot reflexology was applied to the experimental group 3 times a week for 4 weeks, 30 minutes eachs. For the data analysis, chi-square-test was conducted to verify the homogeneity of general characteristics, and t-test was done to verify the homogeneity of pain and depression. To examine the relative efficacy of the intervention, t-test, paired t-test and repeated measures ANOVA were conducted. RESULTS: After foot reflexology, the subjects in experimental group showed significant improvement in pain (F=155.77, p=.000) and depression (F=20.00, p=.000). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the foot reflexology is effective in relieving of pain and depression. Therefore, it is necessary to develop foot reflexology as an independent nursing intervention.
Oh HS, Ahn SA., “The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Pain and Depression of Middle-aged Women with Osteoarthritis,” Korean J Rehabil Nurs. 2006 Jun;9(1):25-33. Korean.
College of Nursing, Gyeong-Sang National University, JinJu, Gyeongnam, Korea. nhsoh@gshp,gsnu.ac.kr Department of Beauty Design, JinJu International University, JinJu, Gyeongnam, Korea.

Osteoarthritis joint pain
In the U.S., 1 of every 3 people is affected by painful arthritis (CDC and Prevention, 2002). Arthritic medications have caused adverse reactions e.g. Vioxx recall (U.S. FDA, 2005) and others may have adverse effects when used long-term. These effects may be minimized by adjuvant nonpharmacological modalities, such as reflexology, a complementary therapy. Reflexology is a noninvasive technique of applying topical pressure to specific points on the feet thought to represent somatic organs. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of foot reflexology on self-reported osteoarthritis joint pain. The hypothesis was that participants with joint pain who received reflexology would have less pain after treatment than those receiving a placebo massage or control condition. The effect may be explained by the gate control theory. A power analysis was calculated using G*Power® software computer program (Faul & Erdfelder, 1992) with .99 Ρ lower for the parameters of alpha = .05, with a large ES of 1.0408. A convenience sample (N = 119) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 41 treatment-foot reflexology, n = 39 placebo-foot massage, and n = 39 control-arthritis information) for the experimental pretest-posttest controlled clinical trial. 
Pain was measured before and after the 15-minute intervention with the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. A limitation was the researcher administering all interventions and questionnaires. Multiple regression was used to analyze the hypothesis. The groups receiving either reflexology or massage had significantly less posttest pain than those receiving arthritis information. 

Reflexology, however, did not statistically result in less pain than massage. Clinical effect was found in the reflexology group who had 8 to 18% improvement (less pain on all pain scales), compared with those in the massage group. The results generated knowledge for research, education, and practice regarding adjuncts for joint pain relief. Laree J Schoolmeesters PhD, RN, "The Effect of Reflexology on Self-Reported Joint Pain," Southern Nursing Research Society Proceedings: 2007 Annual Conference , Feb 22, 2007 (9 Melrose Court Columbia, SC 29229 USA Email: bestrnteacher@yahoo.com  University of South Carolina) 

http://www.reflexology-research.com/?page_id=537

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Can Reflexology Help Addiction?


A reflexology technique and addiction have something in common— both “light up” the same part of the brain, the insula. 

When pressure is applied to a particular part of the foot or when people crave drugs, brain scans show the insula “lights up” indicating increased blood flow and, thus, increased brain activity.

There are forty deaths a day in America due to opioid addition. There are further deaths due to other forms of addiction. Then there are those seeking help with addition. It’s a problem crying for a solution—and reflexology may provide some help.

The Insula


The insula is a date-sized region of the brain located deep in the cerebral cortex. According to Wikipedia, “The insulae (there are 2 insula each located on one side of the brain) are believed to be involved in consciousness and play a role in diverse functions usually linked to emotion or the regulation of the body's homeostasis. These functions include perception, motor control, self-awareness, cognitive functioning, and interpersonal experience. In relation to these, it is involved in psychopathology.”

The relationship of the insula to opioid addiction probably lies in its integration of mind and body. “The insula itself is a sort of receiving zone that reads the physiological state of the entire body and then generates subjective feelings that can bring about actions, like eating, that keep the body in a state of internal balance.

Further, “… the insula “lights up” in brain scans when people crave drugs, feel pain, anticipate pain, empathize with others, listen to jokes, see disgust on someone’s face, are shunned in a social settings, listen to music, decide not to buy an item, see someone cheat and decide to punish them, and determine degrees of preference while eating chocolate. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/06/health/psychology/06brain.html?_r=0

Reflexology and the Insula

Two separate fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) studies show that the insula “lights up” when reflexology work is applied to specific areas of the foot. fMRI imaging measures blood flow in and functioning of the brain. 

Responses “were mostly localized at insula region” of the brain when reflexology technique was applied to the adrenal gland reflex area of the foot as shown by one study from Hong Kong using fMRI.

Reflexology techniques applied to the eye reflex area of the left foot at base of second and third toe created response in the insula. Areas activated included: left frontal lobe (strongest activation), cerebellum, left insula, and temporal lobe.

Reflexology and Opioid Addiction


It is difficult to know if reflexology can be effective with addiction. There are anecdotal stories of success. But with the growing crisis with opioid addiction along with over forms of addiction it is worth researching.