Research to Begin: Neural Pathways in Applied Reflexology Underway

The research study Neural Pathways in Applied Reflexology is about to begin.

Money has been raised to conduct the first phase of the study. Thanks to all of those who so generously contributed following fund raising in spring 2021.

The research is lead by neuroscientist Dr. Stefan Posse at University of New Mexico (UNM) Medical School’s Human Brain Imaging Research Laboratory. (https://vivo.health.unm.edu/display/n302957944) Reflexology knowledge and application is provided by Barbara and Kevin Kunz. All three are volunteering their efforts. Our thanks to the non-profit UNM Foundation for administering the donations.

Studied in real time by fMRI will be what happens in the brains of research participants as reflexology is applied to a specific reflex area of their feet. Neuroscientists will then assess the resulting images to determine which parts of the participants’ brains respond to the stimulation of reflexology.

What has happened so far:

• Fund raising goals met

• The protocol drawn up

• The protocol has been approved by the IRB (Institutional Research Board) of the School of Medicine, University of New Mexico. A neurologist served as an expert adviser to the IRB.

• Pursuant to being included as authors of the study, Barbara and Kevin Kunz have completed training as Biomedical Research Investigators as well as in Conflict of Interest as required by the School of Medicine, University of New Mexico.

Recruiting of study participants is the next step.

In a second clinical phase of the research, brain imaging will be followed with study participants who experience a specific health concern.

Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology https://www.unmfund.org/fund/npar-fund/