Credibility for Reflexology
Credibility for reflexology comes from research. Credibility also comes from explaining to others what the research means. Then there’s credibility gained by describing why results happen.
Consider the study results described in Reflexology Research and Mechanical Ventilation by Barbara Kunz. Five of five studies found that patients were able to leave ventilator support in a shorter amount of time compared to patients who did not receive reflexology work.
What do these results mean? There are implications for both critically ill post surgical patients as well as hospitalized patients who experience breathing difficulties. Patients supported by mechanical ventilation are unable to breathe on their own. The longer they remain on ventilator support, the greater the possibilities of complications. Allowing patients to leave behind ventilator support more quickly illustrate potential medical uses for reflexology,.
A further extension of the research is why this would happen, why would reflexology help critically ill patients with breathing difficulties? Theories vary and more research is needed but consider one explanation: the sensory stimulation of reflexology’s pressure techniques to the feet communicates with parts of the brain that regulate breathing. How does that work?
To consider this idea, first consider the breathing problems of premature infant Emma. She was born weighing 1 pound 3 ounces with an undeveloped heart. The first time her breathing stopped nurses sprang into action, tickling her postage-stamp-sized feet. Her breathing started again. Over 8 weeks her mother sat by her side tickling her feet dozens of times a day. At 15 weeks Emma overcame the problem of interrupted breathing.
In discussing his research with premature infants and the sensation of vibration applied to their feet UCLA (University of California, Los Angles) researcher Dr. Ron Harper notes that doctors commonly rub preemies’ feet to restart their breathing. Why would this work? Dr. Harper states rubbing the feet of preemies is “ ‘… a simple device that tricks babies’ brains into thinking they are running, which prompts them to breathe.’ ”*
Dr. Harper describes the process of such stimulation of sensors in the feet which prompt an automatic, unconscious response of breathing reflexes in the brain. Such a process “ ‘… help(s) us when we start running and suddenly need more oxygen. … “ ‘When our feet hit the ground running, we flex muscles and joints that have nerve fibers leading to the brain which signal that the body is running,’ ” he said. “ ‘This message is coupled with another set of fibers to parts of the brain that regulate breathing and sends a signal that those parts need to increase breathing. Fortunately, that coupling exists even in extremely young infants.’ ”*
The potential for credibility is not just in researched results but in why results happen and how this contributes to acceptance of reflexology as a medical adjunct.
Research shows reflexology helps patients more quickly leave the support of mechanical ventilation and breathe on their own. The theory noted here: this happens because the feet are a part of the body’s walking / running mechanism. The pressure sensory application of reflexology tricks the brain into thinking the person is running and needs more oxygen.
For more information, see Reflexology Research and Mechanical Ventilation. For a fuller explanation about how reflexology works through pressure sensors in the feet, see The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology (Third Edition).
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