Reflexology Research with Ventilator-Dependent Patients: Methods for Positive Results

Brian Hall / Public domain

How to get results. This is always a topic of interest to reflexologists. The discussion centers around where to apply technique, how frequently and for how long a period of time to apply technique. 

The same issue is important for researchers working with patients in a hospital setting. Setting such parameters is a part of establishing Method for a study. Defining Method in a study is critical to ascertain a potential future protocol that will create results. This is a part of evidence-based medicine. Here we consider the reflex areas and amount of time utilized in research with ventilator-dependent patients.

Following are synopses of research with ventilator-dependent patients. Some studies found positive results, others did not. As common with research, researchers cite and consider methods in similar studies seeking to understand reported results. Study (1), for example was criticized for using different reflexologists. As you look through the synopsis, consider the Method and positive or negative results.

Multiple studies show that reflexology helps in the treatment of patients on mechanical ventilators. Patients experience: Improved physiological parameters (positive results in (2) and (5), negative results in (1) and (3)); Lessened anxiety and agitation (positive results as well as better sleep and patient-ventilator synchrony (5), negative results (4); less use of drugs for sedation (5); shorter length of time on the ventilator (weaning time) (Positive results for all three studies1, 2, 3) and increased level of consciousness for those in a coma (6). Five of the six studies, noted  use of reflexology as “an effective nursing intervention,” recommended training in and use of foot reflexology for patients on mechanical ventilators. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6,7)

(1) Researched: Physiological parameters (Pulse rate, respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, mean arterial pressure, percutaneous oxygen saturation); Weaning time

Researchers Abbas Ebadi et al noted the method implemented in their research: Following open heart surgery (OHS), transfer to an OHS-ICU and placement on a mechanical ventilator (MV), 31 patients who had been randomly assigned to the study’s reflexology group received on each foot 7 to 10 minutes of reflexology work applied to the lung and heart reflex areas. Work was applied by same-gender nurses. Measured were pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and oxygen saturation. 

Results were reported as: “Study findings also showed that although reflexology had no significant effect on physiological parameters, it significantly reduced the length of MV weaning time. The mean of weaning time in the reflexology group was 39.11 min shorter than the control group.…

“Conclusion: Study findings indicate that foot reflexology is an effective nursing intervention for facilitating MV weaning after OHS. Given the simplicity, safety, and cost-effectiveness of foot reflexology, we recommend the development and implementation of reflexology training programs for both nursing and practicing nurses.”

(1) Abbas Ebadi, Parasoo Kavei, Seyyed Tayyeb Moradian, Yaser Saeid, “The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Physiologic Parameters and Mechanical Ventilation Weaning Time in Patients Undergoing Open-Heart Surgery: A Clinical Trial Study” Complement Ther Clin Pract 2015 Aug;21(3):188-92. PMID: 26256138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.07.001

(2) Researched: Physiological parameters (Heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation), Weaning time, Sedation and analgesic drug use

Researchers Amira Elsayed et al noted the method implemented in their research. Monitored six times were: (a) heart rate, (b) respiratory rate, (c) systolic and (d) diastolic blood pressure, (e) mean arterial pressure and (f) oxygen saturation. Following open heart surgery and within 60 minutes of being admitted to the cardio-thoracic ICU, 40 patients who had been randomly assigned to the study’s reflexology group received on each foot 15 to 30 minutes of reflexology work applied to the lung and heart reflex areas. 

Results demonstrated reflexology work positively affects stabilization of physiological parameters. were reported. Compared to the patients in the control group patients in the reflexology group experienced a: (a) statistically significant decrease in heart rate,  (b) significantly lower respiratory rate, (c) statistical significant reduction in the systolic blood pressure, (d) statistically significant lower diastolic blood pressure, (e) statistically significant drop in mean arterial pressure and (f) statistical significant elevation in the oxygen saturation level. Weaning time from the mechanical ventilator for those in the reflexology group was 270 minutes while in the control group it was 435 minutes. 

“Based on the results of our study, we conclude that foot reflexology massage can significantly enhance the physiological indicators, and shorten MV weaning time in patients undergone OHS (Open Heart Surgery). Therefore, foot reflexology massage can be incorporated into daily patient care in cardiothoracic ICU. Training programs on applying foot reflexology for critical care nurses are needed. Future large scale studies on different patient population are also required in order to obtain a strong evidence to support this approach and enrich the body of knowledge in this area. … 

“Conclusion: Foot reflexology is an effective method for stabilizing physiological indicators and decreasing ventilator dependence among patients undergoing OHS. Therefore, it can be introduced as an adjunct to daily care of OHS patients in ICU.” 

(2) Elsayed, Amira, Kandeel, Nahed, El-Aziz, Wafaa, “The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Physiological Indicators and Mechanical Ventilation Weaning Time among Open-Heart Surgery Patients” American Journal of Nursing Research. 2019, 7(4), 412-419 DOI: 10.12691/ajnr-7-4-2

(Full study http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajnr/7/4/2/index.html)

(3) Researched: Heart rate, oxygen saturation; Weaning time

Researcher Kandmire noted the method of the study: a twenty-thirty-minute foot reflexology session was applied post operatively to 42 non-randomly selected open heart surgery patients.

Results: “(As compared to those in the control group) Reflexology did not have a significant effect on physiological parameters in patients receiving mechanical ventilation support. Shortening the weaning time from mechanical ventilation suggests that it might be applied effectively in patients receiving mechanical ventilation support in intensive care unit.”

(3) Didem Kandemir, “How Effective Is Reflexology on Physiological Parameters and Weaning Time from Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery?,” European Journal of Integrative Medicine 26 · February 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2019.01.008

(4) Researched: Anxiety, Agitation

Researchers Kavei et al describe a double blind three group randomized study. Following open heart surgery: “Foot reflexology massage for 20 minutes was provided to patients in the experimental group on the reflection points in the heart and lungs. The rate of anxiety and agitation based on Faces of Anxiety Scale (FAS) and the Richmond Agitation Scale (RSAS) were recorded in 6 stages.”

“Conclusion: Foot reflexology massage in reflection points of the heart and lung in patients after surgery did not reduce anxiety and agitation in patients.”

(4) Kavei, P, Ebadi, A, Saeed Y, Moradian S. T., Sedigh Rahimabadi M, “Effect of Reflexology on Anxiety and Agitation in patients Under Mechanical Ventilation after Open Heart Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study,”  Journal of Clinical Nursing and Midwifery, Spring 2015, Volume 4, Number 1; Pages 16-26

(5) Physiological anxiety signs (Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate) and Sedation Needs

Researchers Akin Korhan et al note their method: “… a single blinded, randomized controlled design with repeated measures was used in the intensive care unit of a university hospital in Turkey. Patients (n = 60) aged between 18 and 70 years and were hospitalized in the intensive care unit and receiving mechanically ventilated support. Participants were randomized to a control group or an intervention group. The latter received 30 minutes of reflexology therapy on their feet, hands, and ears for 5 days. …”

Results: “The reflexology therapy group had a significantly lower heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate than the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the averages of the scores that the patients included in the experimental and control groups received from the agitation, anxiety, sleep, and patient-ventilator synchrony subscales of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Sedation Assessment Scale. … “Reflexology can serve as an effective method of decreasing the physiological signs of anxiety and the required level of sedation in patients receiving mechanically ventilated support. Nurses who have appropriate training and certification may include reflexology in routine care to reduce the physiological signs of anxiety of patients receiving mechanical ventilation.”

(5) Akin Korhan, Esra PhD; Khorshid, Leyla PhD; Uyar, Mehmet MD, “Reflexology: Its Effects on Physiological Anxiety Signs and Sedation Needs (in patients receiving mechanically ventilated support/ICU),” Holistic Nursing Practice: January/February 2014 - Volume 28 - Issue 1 - p 6–23 doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000007

(6) Researched: Conscious level

“Methodology: The study group constituted (50) patient (adult mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in ICU), who was received two reflexology session on feet and the control group constituted (50) patient who was received the routine care, GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) measured before session, immediate after, post 2 hours and post 4 hours.” A 30-45 minute session was applied including “a mild massage will be done to the all feet and then pressure will be applied once to specified reflex points related to brain, heart, renal and respiratory systems.”

Result: No statistical difference was found in time on mechanical ventilator or days in ICU.  “The findings of the study revealed that there was effect of foot reflexology on the conscious level after the second session … “There was significant increase in GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale). So, because of the positive results of the intervention, the nurse practitioners may be trained about the technique of foot massage and reflexology.”

Maha Salah Abdullah Ismail, Manal S. Ismail, Amir M. Saleh “Effect of Foot Reflexology Treatment on Glasgow Coma Scoring Among Mechanically Ventilated Patients,”IJBPAS International Journal of Biology, Pharmacy and Allied Science), July, 2017, 6(7): 1384-1394, ISSN: 2277–4998; (Full Study available: https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2017/July/1498792891MS%20IJBPAS%202017%204209.pdf)

(7) Researched: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, percutaneous oxygen saturation, and anxiety

“Results showed a statistically significant difference between intervention and control groups in terms of the level of anxiety (p < 0.05). Also, results showed a statistically significant effect on all physiological parameters except heart rate (p < 0.05).”

“Today,  it  seems  that  non-pharmaceutical therapies such as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may be used to reduce anxiety [21,37e 40], prevent physiological reactions caused by anxiety [37, 40, 41], stabilize vital signs [42], and manage pain [43]. Since nurses play a key role in predicting psychological and physiological needs of patients and reducing their level of anxiety and stress [25], it seems that nurses can practice some CAMs to reduce stress, pain, and improve the health conditions of patients [44]. As a result, in addition to helping patients relax, nurses can lower the chance of complications by actively reducing the anxiety levels of their patients.””

Kavei, P, Ebadi, A, Saeed Y, Moradian S. T., Sedigh Rahimabadi M,, “Effects of Foot Reflexology on Anxiety and Physiological Parameters in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Clinical Trial,” Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May;31:220-228. PMID: 29705459 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.02.018.

Books by Kunz and Kunz

Research Books

Medical Applications of Reflexology: Findings in Research About Post-operative care, Maternity Care and Cancer Care
Evidenced Based Reflexology Research: For Health Professionals and Researchers
Medical applications of Reflexology:: Findings in Research about Cancer Care

Bestselling Books

 Reflexology: Hands-on Treatment for Vitality and Well-being
Complete Reflexology for Life: Your Definitive Photographic Reference to the Best Techniques and Treatments  
 

Intermittent Moving Books

Intermittent Moving: How I Lost My Pants and Mastered My Weight
Un-Sit Your Life: The Reflex "Diet" Solution

“Getting Well: It’s About Time.”

© PhotoShopAustralia. Image from BigStockPhoto.com

This is Barbara's reaction to a Wall Street Journal article, “Getting Well: It’s About Time.”. The premise of the article is about the staggering costs of seeking medical care for illnesses which will just take time to recover from rather than meriting what are unnecessary tests, treatments and doctor visits.

The headache hit me on Christmas Day, 1974. It was a bad headache. I was particularly attuned to headaches at that time. You see, my sister had died in May at the age of twenty-five from an aneurysm of the brain. Her last words were I have a bad headache. So, it was off to the doctor for me. Here I was told I was suffering from a sinus headache. I was relieved but little was I to know that I was embarking on an occasional but lifelong quest: life without a sinus headache.

I soon tired of prescription medicine. In addition to the inconvenience and expense of seeing the doctor every time I needed a refill, I felt I was having side effects—a buzz in the back of my head.

I moved on—to over-the-counter remedies. I soon tired of them. Why you ask? It was simple: I didn’t want to be dependent on the little pills and dependent I was. I needed my pill every four hours or the headache was truly excruciating.

I moved on—to reflexology. My husband Kevin had become interested in the idea and I was his test subject. Much to my relief, it worked. I could be headache free with reflexology.

I moved on—to self-help reflexology. It was obvious I had a chronic problem that needed on-going attention and I wanted to be self sufficient, taking responsibility for my own health concern. Yes, it has worked. Now, I do work at it—some years and some seasons of the year more than others—and at the moment I am in a more-work-needed cycle.

Why do I bore you with my sinus headache story? It’s because I’ve discovered that my headache and I are trendy. Yes, we’re at the forefront of the health care debate sweeping the country and being pursued around the world.

What’s so special about me? Well, to put it bluntly, I’ve been self reliant. I haven’t depended on anyone or anything other than myself (and OK, Kevin) to solve my health concern. Over the years I’ve considered in personal terms what it’s saved me in time and money not to visit doctors or to buy prescription drugs or over-the-counter remedies. I’ve been proud and self- satisfied for being in control of my health destiny, out from under the tyranny of a little pill and avoiding the potential side effects no matter how benign the medication. But I’ve never thought before what a big favor I’ve done for my country. (OK, I am kidding here.) Frankly, I was doing what was self-serving for me and I succeeded.

I really don’t expect any accolades for my exemplary efforts (OK if you want to send some though). What I do expect, however, is your consideration of an idea many seem to think is far out on a limb.

You see I am a professional reflexologist and the author of 13 reflexology books published in 19 languages and 57 foreign editions. In certain circles, my name would be well known and I would be acknowledged as a leading authority—for one, the Chinese Reflexology Association considers Kevin and I to be the leading experts in “Western reflexology.” I won’t go into details here about the practice of reflexology since ancient times or the millions around the world who rely on reflexology for healthful benefits or the hundreds of studies that show the impact of reflexology work on the human body.

I would like you, however, to see what I saw when I read a recent Wall Street Journal article (September 22, 2009) and I quote: “An estimated one-third to one-half of the $2.2 trillion Americans spend annually on health care in the U. S. is spent on unnecessary tests, treatments and doctor visits.” Author Melinda Beck notes that our doctors do not want to see us for an array of maladies that the passing of time can solve. These include; “colds, flu, sore throats, sore muscles, headaches, stomach aches, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, hangovers, back pain, jaw pain, tennis elbow, blisters, acne and colic.”

What I saw in my mind’s eye were the people I have known who have sought and received reflexology’s help to ease symptoms for health concerns including many of those listed. For example, Ms. Beck notes that colic passes in four months time. I think of the parents’ four months of nerves frayed by the sound of a crying baby, sleepless nights, and work productivity reduced. By the way, a Danish study shows that reflexology reduced crying time for half of colic infants, eliminated the problem for one fourth, and created improvements for the rest that were significantly better than those of the control group.

You can see where I’m going with this. Yes, some of the maladies I have personally tackled may have passed with time. I can tell you, however, that thanks to reflexology I have by-passed unpleasant effects of discomfort and pain as well as improved my quality of life, missing fewer days of work and fewer family events. I’m pleased and proud and hopeful that those who have read our reflexology books or used reflexology have been able to impact their own health, the health of their family and friends and/or professional clients.

I can’t tell you that either research or my personal and professional reflexology experiences make me think reflexology can solve all problems for all people. I can tell you, however, that ideas such as reflexology and efforts such as mine and those of many others—and possibly yours too depending on what you’ve done for yourself—can help solve a national problem.

I ask that when you think of the national debate on health care now underway, you realize that solutions are out here, just beyond what may be considered conventional but which—if you’re smart— may be an answer to your personal health pursuit and, yes, the nation’s problem.

Debating prevention's place in healthcare bill

As Congress struggles to decide how America should take care of its sick, another controversy is simmering over whether the healthcare legislation should include billions of dollars aimed at keeping people well.

A draft Senate bill would provide up to $10 billion annually for a "prevention and public health investment fund" -- a portion of which could be used for infrastructure projects, such as bike paths and farmers markets meant to curb chronic and costly conditions like obesity. Debating prevention's place in healthcare bill
Some lawmakers deride such measures as wasteful.
By Kristina Sherry August 3, 2009 Los Angeles Times

I am amused by this debate. It is the Sickness industry versus the Wellness Industry. I am not even arguing that the government should step in and invest in wellness. What I am really amused at is the idea that healthcare should not include prevention.

In fact, many of us do not want to join the Sickness Industry. We are working on preventative programs without anyone's support other than our own. We believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

But the idea that 10 billion dollars is massive pork barrel spending when compared to the trillion dollars that go into health care is just ludicrous. The waste really occurs after illness has taken a hold.

I once had a client that I really liked. But I hated his attitude. Why do something now to combat his problems was his attitude. He would just go out and get "one of those by-pass things" when he need it. No thought of the cost nor what state his body would be put in ever crossed his mind.

I once worked in a sheltered workshop which proved to me that work is quite therapeutic. And the best part was that it was very cost effective. People became taxpayers rather than warehoused in state institutions. And the best part we were raising our own money by the products we manufactured. We were supported by industry. We did have some government money from people that they sent to be train by us. It simply worked.

So I think it time to move ahead without government support. The one really interesting thing about a new study that I shall talk about is that the money spent on complementary and alternative health rose to 34 billion. The most interesting part is that CAM out of pocket bypassed the out of pocket for conventional medical.

Deride prevention as being wasteful if you like Congressman but we know it works. And we know what is healthy.

Kevin Kunz


http://www.reflexology-research.com

http://www.dk.com/reflexology

Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology

Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Life is coming out in August- Order yours today.

How to Reform Health Care and Energy: Use Less

We thought this was an interesting article from Time magazine. When the gas prices spiked we simply drove less like the article said. Saved gas, right.

If you have a gas guzzler you can actually do better holding onto the beast and driving less than buying a new more efficient model. it is cost effective and pollutes less without the expensive purchase of a new car. 

Could we use a similar approach on healthcare? There have been numerous studies on how reflexology has been able to save employers money by helping with absenteeism and employee morale. Could applying reflexology and other stress reducing methods save us healthcare dollars?

Since most illness is stress related would applying a consistent program of reflexology help lower the amount of stress related complaints and in the long run stress related diseases. Less trips to the doctor and less time at the emergency room would effectively lower healthcare costs both in the short run and even more important in the long run. and all this without new expensive technologies.

 

So my advice is simple: drive your car less and rub your feet more. 

What do you think? 

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

http://www.dk.com/reflexology

Twitter me @footreflexology

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz  

Reflexology is Exploding!!!!!!!

In the past 48 hours we have seen evidence that reflexology is just exploding. We are experiencing out of stock situations on both Reflexology: Health at Your Fingertips and Complete Reflexology for Life across the country. We have even seen record prices for Complete Reflexology for Life through Amazon.com for new and used editions. 

Prices are soaring up to $186.00 for a new edition of Complete Reflexology for Life.  The same thing is happening in the UK with a $166.00 for first edition. But the kicker is a used edition that is going for $376.00 for a used edition in the US. 

We could blame the publisher but our other publisher Barnes and Noble is out of both books and the Total Reflexology kit that they produce. It is out not only through Barnes and Noble.com but also throughout the Barnes and Noble chain. (Try their store locator to see if any are available in your area.) 

Do we think this is because we are really good writers? We would like to think so but not really. We think because of the current economic times people are seeking out reflexology for what it is, a truly low cost healthcare system. We are just feeling the surge from what must be the coming of age for reflexology. 

It is time to rev up the reflexologists!!! It is your time to build your clientele despite the gloomy news. People seem to be looking for reflexology. Go get them!!! 

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

Pulse - Homeopathy and acupuncture backed for NHS funding

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Pulse - Homeopathy and acupuncture backed for NHS funding

This is a really exciting study. Here are some bits from it. Read the whole thing and pass it on.

Homeopathy, acupuncture and reflexology are among a range of complementary and alternative therapies a new trial concludes should be provided on the NHS.

The major new Government-funded study found there would be a range of benefits to patients in providing access to complementary and alternative medicine, and that the treatments could even save the health service money.

• 81% of patients reported improvement in their physical health, 79% in their mental health.

• 84% of patients directly linked improvements in their health and wellbeing to the complementary treatment.

• 62% of patients were suffering less pain, with 55% said they had been able to reduce their use of painkillers.

• 64% of patients in employment said they took less time off work after treatment.

• Half of GPs reported prescribing less medication for chronic or acute patients during the trial.

• In 65% of cases, GPs reported a health improvement.

Source: Evaluation of Government-funded pilot project in Northern Ireland, carried out by Social & Market Research (SMR)"

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology

Vote For Reflexology

I'm not sure if you've heard, but there's a movement of citizens inspired by the presidential campaign who are now submitting ideas for how they think the Obama Administration should change America. It's called "Ideas for Change in America."

One idea is titled: Preventive medical care : Reflexology. I thought you might be interested in getting involved and recommend you check it out. You can read more and vote for the idea by clicking the following link:

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/preventive_medical_care_reflexology

The top 10 ideas are going to be presented to the Obama Administration on Inauguration Day and will be supported by a national lobbying campaign run by Change.org, MySpace, and more than a dozen leading nonprofits after the Inauguration. So each idea has a real chance at becoming policy.

I look forward to hearing what you think,

Kevin

Haven't blogged for awhile

I haven't blogged for awhile both because of the holidays and the avalanche of interest on our new Evidence Based Reflexology Series has kept us busy.

But I am back and there is a lot to comment on. Lot of worries out there over the economic times exist and yet I have a real feeling of hope. It is only in times of great stress that big changes tend to take place.

We now have an opportunity to make dramatic changes to our approach to health care approaches. So I thought I would fantasize a bit in the next few blogs about ways reflexology could be integrated into the "new" health care system. It would not be a replacement but rather a complement to standard care. In fact, people who have fought so hard against reflexology might have a change of heart after one of the longest recessions since the Great Depression.

We will see.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology

Balance problems? Step into the iShoe

Really cool! I have been invited to a focus group for the new IShoe. The focus group will brainstorm on ideas for the IShoe.

The IShoe is a device designed to prevent falls with seniors It is a shoe bed like insert with a lot of sensors. It will signal the user as to their proper attitude.

It is also being to design to work with astronauts who have terrible problems with balance due to zero gravity.

Falls are one of the 4 "geriatric giants". The other three are memory loss, urinary incontinence and depression. But falls if they aren't deadly are very expensive. It is estimated that hip fractures are a 5 billion dollar a year cost in the US.

It will be interesting to see where the IShoe goes. It could save lives and have an impact on the costs of this problem.

Here's hoping.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Why reflexology grows during economic tough times

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A Right to New Health Care

Consumers are now seeking to make up for what they’ve lost in the faltering economy: their health care safety net. The loss of a job means loss of health care benefits. A tighter budget translates into consumers who are cutting back on expenses including prescription medication, especially the elderly and retired. Yet, in spite of economic set backs, health continues to be an issue for all. And, reflexology can help meet those needs.

A September 22, 2008 Wall Street Journal article noted the cut back in purchase of prescription medicine. Once thought to be an ever growing market, sales of medicine have declined as consumers cut back to save money. One example was a Florida retiree who can no longer afford her medication for acid reflux and asthma. While one’s heart certainly goes out to anyone in such a position, this author’s immediate thought was: Hey! Reflexology’s helped me out with (and taken care of) both those problems. It’s too bad this woman doesn’t know about reflexology.

Loss or limited access to medical care doesn’t mean that the consumer has to abandon hope in taking care of health needs. The anxiety of facing health concerns is perhaps the most stressful part of the situation. By fully investigating what one can do to meet his or her needs as well as that of the family, one can take control and lessen the stress of the situation. And, reflexology provides such an opportunity.

Take for example an e-mail correspondent. She had written a glowing review of our newly published book (Reflexology, Health at your fingertips, DK) and we began an e-mail correspondence. She wrote about how she took care of her health care problems and those of her family’s with reflexology learned from our book. When we wrote another book and volunteered to send her one, she declined. While she appreciated the offer, her original book served her needs. It was totally personalized and customized with Post-Its and notes in the margins to easily find the information she needed to meet her family’s health concerns.

This is not to suggest that reflexology is a replacement for conventional medicine. It is still complementary in nature. But when times are tough people need something to keep going. Doing nothing isn't really an option.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

How Much for Better Health? $10

© Christopherh. Image from BigStockPhoto.com
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Report: Invest $10 a person for better health
July 17, 2008 By LAURAN NEERGAARD

WASHINGTON, Jul. 17, 2008 (AP Online delivered by Newstex) -- Investing just $10 per person -- roughly the price of a six-pack of beer and some chips -- could greatly fuel community programs that get couch potatoes moving, prevent smoking and improve nutrition, researchers say.

How much health does $10 a person buy? Invest that every year, and within five years the nation could cut health care costs by more than $16 billion annually, concludes a new analysis by the nonprofit Trust for America's Health and a team of public-health research groups.
*********************************************************************

When I read this I immediately thought what impact reflexology could have if it was looked at in a similar vein. I know from personal experience that our own health care costs remain very low.

My first success story with reflexology was Barbara, my wife, whose sinus headaches required expensive medication. That was 32 years ago. How much would that medication cost over 32 years? 

We have a friend who contracted a rare disease which require a shot which cost $10,000 a shot. These shots were given monthly. With reflexology he no longer needed this shot. Savings? Over 5 years that is a savings of $600,000.

Or consider the printer we knew who left the hospital two days earlier than expected after recovering from serious side effects of a gastric by-pass surgery. Then there was the aids patient who instead of being in the hospital for an additional 4 to 5 days was out that afternoon.

But what might be the hardest to measure are the little things. What does a $10 book on reflexology do? We have had people walk up to us at book signing to tell us how one of our books has changed their life. 

Or what can simple $10 foot rollers do for relaxing tension and improving circulation thus avoiding the more serious consequences of tension and loss of circulation. Or what is the impact of free information off an Internet site?

The AP article talked about bigger projects that still cost little or nothing to prevent problems. It talked about low cost programs like after school programs that cost about $40,000. Yet these programs are very effective in helping prevent health care problems and yes, even greater costs in the future.

Reflexology has an incredible potential for cutting health care costs. What about the reflexology paths being built around the world? Now much can they save for a relatively cheap construction cost?

Or what about reflexologists would donate their time to senior citizens and children? What about all those sessions either given away or at a very low cost to those in need. 

Over the years I have heard from people working with farm workers, indigenous people and a variety of needy populations. How much would these people without health insurance cost when their illness became full blown and thrust upon the system if not for reflexology?

What are your thoughts on how reflexology has saved costs for you or others? And how do you think reflexology could be used to keep costs down?

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

How to reduce America’s $14 billion allergy bill: Reflexology

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How to reduce America’s $14 billion allergy bill: Reflexology

Our good friend and fellow reflexologist, Larry Clemmons is mentioned in this article. The reporter mentioned, Bob Condor once did an article on our book. We had a very interesting conversation about proprioception. 

So if the costs of sinus problems is 14 billon dollars and reflexology can at least help with the symptoms what are the cost savings compared to reflexology sessions? 

My first reflexology success story was with my wife, Barbara, , who had sinus problems that required medication. Not only was the medication expensive but she didn't like the side effects.

She also felt the medication didn't work very well either. It was not doing the job.

That was over 30 years ago.  A lot of money and misery were avoided over the years. And for Barbara it has been a life saver. 

Kevin Kunz

See Complete Reflexology For Life for complete details on how to work on the sinuses.