Resuscitation and Reflexology

New research opens the door for new thoughts about the life saving role of CPR in resuscitation following cardiac arrest. With it comes new ideas about the use of reflexology.

Researchers explored biomarkers, physiological activity taking place while CPR was applied to hospitalized patients experiencing cardiac arrest. The most surprising: while the individuals in the study showed no outward signs of life, their brains showed signs of life for as long as 40 to 60 minutes into CPR. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2023.109903)

In addition, some survivors of the near death experience could recall the resuscitation efforts and/or thoughts they had. Furthermore, researchers hypothesize such biomarkers of periods of “lucidity” found during CPR could also be explored in people with dementia who sometime experience moments of clarity. Researchers will pursue further efforts to discover what happens to biomarkers during resuscitation and any relationship to individuals with dementia.

The tie to reflexology comes with what the researchers were measuring during resuscitation efforts: EEG brain waves and oxygen levels. Included in the published work were findings from a previous study reporting activity of gamma brain waves during CPR efforts.  

Results from reflexology research discovered increased gamma brain wave activity when technique was applied to the centers of the big toes. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29857878/) This area is commonly labeled pituitary reflex area. It is the traditional reflexology reflex area used for revival from fainting or in resuscitation efforts. Kevin Kunz has documented two case studies of positive resuscitation efforts. Other reflexologists have noted such experiences. A protrusion of this part of the big toe is also considered as a possible sign of Alzheimer’s by Kunz and Kunz.

Read more about resuscitation study:

•  https://nyulangone.org/news/patients-recall-death-experiences-after-cardiac-arrest#:~:text=Up%20to%20an%20hour%20after%20their%20hearts%20had%20stopped%2C%20some,linked%20to%20thought%20and%20memory

• https://nyulangone.org/news/new-studies-explore-end-life-cognitive-thought-improved-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-methods)

Read more about resuscitation study:( https://nyulangone.org/news/patients-recall-death-experiences-after-cardiac-arrest#:~:text=Up%20to%20an%20hour%20after%20their%20hearts%20had%20stopped%2C%20some,linked%20to%20thought%20and%20memory)

(https://nyulangone.org/news/new-studies-explore-end-life-cognitive-thought-improved-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-methods)