Happy Hands: Making aging hands feel better

By Evan-Amos (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

  

How do your hands feel right now? Stiff? Hurting? Do you have trouble buttoning buttons? Are your finger joints enlarged or crooked? If so you’re not alone. 

What can be done about aging or arthritic hands? If you are a reflexologist, you, like me, may hear this question frequently. Or, maybe you’re just wondering what to do about hands that no longer work the way you want. Or, for some, you’re concern is aesthetic—you’re not happy with the way your hands look.

Here’s some good news: there’s a simple, inexpensive and easy thing you can do to make your hands feel and work better.

It’s using a paraffin wax machine with benefit  that results from exposing your hands to the warmth and moisture of melted wax.

Why do this? You’ll want to do this because of what research has found. “Paraffin bath therapy seemed to be effective both in reducing pain and tenderness and maintaining muscle strength in hand osteoarthritis.”

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or you’re feeling the years or you’re feeling the need, your hands can benefit. Research shows this treatment results in significant improvements including:

• hand pain and stiffness
• pain during activities of daily living
• range of motion
• hand grip and pinch strength
• the number of painful and tender joints
• maintaining muscle strength.

In other words, “Those who used the paraffin wax experienced more pain relief and stronger hands compared to those who did not use the paraffin wax. Overall, the group using the hot wax treatments seemed to have a little easier time doing all those mundane daily activities like buttoning shirts and tying shoelaces. “ (http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/240381/160434/treatments-arthritic/)

Treating Chronic Pain with Complementary Health Approaches: Where’s Reflexology?

Where’s the reflexology? was my first thought when they introduced the story: Complementary health approaches and what they can do for those with chronic pain on the Sept 1, 2016, edition of NBC Nightly News. On closer examination, the study’s focus was limited to what was judged to be  the “most popular complementary health approaches” and “the five painful conditions.”

Research into the impact of reflexology spans a broader range of pain experiences. (See “Reflexology and Pain Reduction.”) 

The study dovetails with “New guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (that) urge doctors to take it easy in prescribing the potentially killer drugs (opioids), making it clear that overprescribing is driving an epidemic of opioid addiction.”

The study looked at 50 years of research into the most commonly reported forms of chronic pain and the “most popular complementary health approaches.”

“The review focused on U.S.-based trial results on seven approaches used for one or more of five painful conditions — back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, fibromyalgia, and severe headaches and migraine — and found promise in the following for safety and effectiveness in treating pain:
• Acupuncture and yoga for back pain
• Acupuncture and tai chi for osteoarthritis of the knee
• Massage therapy for neck pain with adequate doses and for short-term benefit
• Relaxation techniques for severe headaches and migraine.”

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/yoga-acupuncture-can-help-some-pain-studies-find-n641361

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/new-cdc-painkiller-guidelines-go-low-use-less-n538986

fMRI Research Foot Reflexology

fMRI Research Foot Reflexology

by Barbara & Kevin Kunz

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies provide illustration of some of reflexology’s basic tenets. In three separate studies, Hong Kong researchers explored with fMRI what happens in the brain when pressure or technique is applied to specifc reflex areas of the left foot. Their finding: the specific parts of the brain activated by such work correlates with reflexology’s theory and intended use.

In one study, reflexology applied to a specific part of the foot activated the reflected area. Specifically technique stimulation applied to the inner lateral corner of the left great toe activated the right temporal lobe, the part of the brain related to the reflex area to see if this would activate the part of the brain reflected by this reflex area, the right temporal lobe.

In another study, 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.

In a third study, reflexology pressure work was compared to electro-acupuncutre work. This study is discussed in detail in below. The above-mentioned studies will be detailed in the future.

The studies were presented at the NeuroImage Meeting, the Annual Meeting of the Organization of Human Brain Mapping, 2005 and 2006. The researchers found that the“fMRI is a useful to investigate the central neural pathway of reflexology” The researchers, Annie M. Tang, Geng Li, Chan C.C., Edward Yang, K.K.K. Wong and R. Li are with the University of Hong Kong.

During the study“Comparison of Foot Reflexology and Electro-Acupuncture: An fMRI study,” the researchers used fMRI to compare what happens in the brain when pressure is applied to foot reflexology’s adrenal gland reflex area and what happens when electrical stimulation is applied to acupuncture’s K1 point, both located in approximately the same area of the foot. What they found was that the areas of the brain activated by both “were mostly localized at insula region....The stimulated reflex zone and acupoint is the treatment point for psychological anxiety, inflammation and asthma according to Reflexology and Chinese medicine. The activation in insula demonstrated that massage (reflexology) or acupuncture stimuli at the point may probably regulate emotional and pain effects. Our results are consistent with the results in psychological asthma. Also, our results indicate that massage (reflexology) has the same function as acupuncture....” Annie M. Tang, Geng Li, Edward S. Yang, “Comparison of Foot Reflexology and Electro-Acupuncture: An fMRI study,” The Jockey Club MRI Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 474 TH-PM; Presented at Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping; NeuroImage 31 (2006) 237

The insula is associated with emotions, pain and visceral functions as well as integration of homeostatic information. According to Dr. Martin Paulus, a psychiatrist at the University of California, San Diego, the mind and body are integrated in the insula.”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.” (Blakeslee, Sandra, “A Small Part of the Brain, and its Profound Effects,” New York Times.com February 6, 2007)

The fMRI study showed that reflexology stimuli activates other areas of the brain, one of which receives information about sensory information such as pressure to the feet. This area is the somatosensory cortex, the homunculus or the “little man,” a representation of the body projected onto the brain. Reflexologists view the reflexology chart as a representation of the body projected onto the foot. The fMRI study thus shows that stimuli applied to the representation of the body on the foot communicates with the representation of the body in the brain. (Kunz and Kunz have long contended that the foot reflexology chart is one of several “homunculi” of the body. At least five parts of the brain are organized as a homunulus.)

The implications of the fMRI study are many. Among them is an understanding of other recent studies. For one, reflexology work was found to improve pain tolerance and pain threshold. (Carol Samuel “The effects on reflexology on pain threshold and tolerance in an ice-pain experiment on healthy human subject,” May 13, 2007, International Congress on Complementary Medical Research (Conference)) 

The fMRI study has found a direct correlation between pressure to a single reflex area of the foot and one of the brain’s processing areas for pain, the insula. This same area of the brain helps integrate homeostatic responses and may help explain results obtained in other research studies that link reflexology to changes in the body’s viscera. 

Austrian researchers, for example, found improved blood flow to the kidneys after reflexology technique was applied to the kidney reflex area. In another study, Austrian researchers found the same results with an intestine reflex areas and blood flow to the intestines. Further research has demonstrated a change in blood sugar level (pancreas function) as well as functions of the heart.

Such results support a contention by Barbara and Kevin Kunz that reflexology’s stimulation of pressure to the feet, by definition, communicates with and creates change in the body’s homostasis. The rationale is that in order to walk the body must see itself and fuel itself. The fMRI study demonstrates an actual mechanism with the body to explain such a theory.

Tang Annie M., Li Geng., Chan C.C., Wong K.K.K., Li R. and Edward Yang Brain Activation at Temporal Lobe Induced by Foot Reflexology: an fMRI Study, 11th Annual NeuroImage Meeting. 2005, 1445. (Publication No. :102229) www.humanbrainmapping.org
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)

Annie M. Tang, Geng Li, Edward S. Yang, “Comparison of Foot Reflexology and Electro- Acupuncture: An fMRI study,” The Jockey Club MRI Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 474 TH-PM; Presented at Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping www.humanbrainmapping.org; NeuroImage 31 (2006) 237

Scientists Use Functional MRI to Validate Reflexology Tenets

This is a bit dated but it is good info. -Editor

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies are about to change reflexology, providing illustration of some of reflexology's basic tenets. In three separate studies, Hong Kong researchers explored with fMRI what happens in the brain when pressure or technique is applied to specifc reflex areas of the left foot. Their finding: the specific parts of the brain activated by such work correlates with reflexology's theory and intended use.

Albuquerque, NM (PRWEB) February 11, 2008 -- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies are about to change reflexology, providing illustration of some of reflexology's basic tenets. In three separate studies, Hong Kong researchers explored with fMRI what happens in the brain when pressure or technique is applied to specifc reflex areas of the left foot. 

Their finding: the specific parts of the brain activated by such work correlates with reflexology's theory and intended use.

In one study, reflexology applied to a specific part of the foot activated the reflected area. Specifically technique stimulation applied to the inner lateral corner of the left great toe activated the right temporal lobe, the part of the brain related to the reflex area. of the brain inner lateral corner of the left great toe to see if this would activate the part of the brain reflected by this reflex area, the right temporal lobe.

In another study, 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.

In a third study, reflexology pressure work was compared to electro-acupuncture work. This study is discussed in detail in below. The above-mentioned studies will be detailed in the future.

The studies were presented at the NeuroImage Meeting, the Annual Meeting of the Organization of Human Brain Mapping, 2005 and 2006. The researchers found that the"fMRI is a useful to investigate the central neural pathway of reflexology" The researchers, Annie M. Tang, Geng Li, Chan C.C., Edward Yang, K.K.K. Wong and R. Li are with the University of Hong Kong.
During the study "Comparison of Foot Reflexology and Electro-Acupuncture: An fMRI study," the researchers used fMRI to compare what happens in the brain when pressure is applied to foot reflexology's adrenal gland reflex area and what happens when electrical stimulation is applied to acupuncture's K1 point, both located in approximately the same area of the foot. 

What they found was that the areas of the brain activated by both "were mostly localized at insula region. The stimulated reflex zone and acupoint is the treatment point for psychological anxiety, inflammation and asthma according to Reflexology and Chinese medicine. The activation in insula demonstrated that massage (reflexology) or acupuncture stimuli at the point may probably regulate emotional and pain effects. Our results are consistent with the results in psychological asthma. Also, our results indicate that massage (reflexology) has the same function as acupuncture." Annie M. Tang, Geng Li, Edward S. Yang, "Comparison of Foot Reflexology and Electro-Acupuncture: An fMRI study," The Jockey Club MRI Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 474 TH-PM; Presented at Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping; NeuroImage 31 (2006) 237

The insula is associated with emotions, pain and visceral functions as well as integration of homeostatic information. According to Dr. Martin Paulus, a psychiatrist at the University of California, San Diego, the mind and body are integrated in the insula. "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." (Blakeslee, Sandra, "A Small Part of the Brain, and its Profound Effects," New York Times.com February 6, 2007)

The fMRI study showed that reflexology stimuli activates other areas of the brain, one of which receives information about sensory information such as pressure to the feet. This area is the somatosensory cortex, the homunculus or the "little man," a representation of the body projected onto the brain. Reflexologists view the reflexology chart as a representation of the body projected onto the foot. The fMRI study thus shows that stimuli applied to the representation of the body on the foot communicates with the representation of the body in the brain. (Kunz and Kunz have long contended that the foot reflexology chart is one of several "homunculi" of the body. At least five parts of the brain are organized as a homunulus.)

The implications of the fMRI study are many. Among them is an understanding of other recent studies. For one, reflexology work was found to improve pain tolerance and pain threshold. (Carol Samuel "The effects on reflexology on pain threshold and tolerance in an ice-pain experiment on healthy human subject," May 13, 2007, International Congress on Complementary Medical Research (Conference)) The fMRI study has found a direct correlation between pressure to a single reflex area of the foot and one of the brain's processing areas for pain, the insula. 

This same area of the brain helps integrate homeostatic responses and may help explain results obtained in other research studies that link reflexology to changes in the body's viscera. Austrian researchers, For example, found improved blood flow to the kidneys after reflexology technique was applied to the kidney reflex area. In another study, Austrian researchers found the same results with an intestine reflex areas and blood flow to the intestines. Further research has demonstrated a change in blood sugar level (pancreas function) as well as functions of the heart.

Such results support a contention by Kunz and Kunz that reflexology's stimulation of pressure to the feet, by definition, communicates with and creates change in the body's homeostasis. The rationale is that in order to walk the body must see itself and fuel itself. The fMRI study demonstrates an actual mechanism with the body to explain such a theory.

Tang Annie M., Li Geng., Chan C.C., Wong K.K.K., Li R. and Edward Yang Brain Activation at Temporal Lobe Induced by Foot Reflexology: an fMRI Study, 11th Annual NeuroImage Meeting. 2005, 1445. (Publication No. :102229) www.humanbrainmapping.org
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)
Annie M. Tang, Geng Li, Edward S. Yang, "Comparison of Foot Reflexology and Electro-Acupuncture: An fMRI study," The Jockey Club MRI Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 474 TH-PM; Presented at Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping www.humanbrainmapping.org; NeuroImage 31 (2006) 237

Author: Barbara Kunz- Reflexology Research Project http://www.reflexology-research.com (Reflexology Research Project)

A Christmas Stocking Filled with Foot Pain Relief

A Christmas Stocking Filled with Foot Pain Relief -- Bunion Splints that Relieve Bunion Pain -- An Unexpected but Thoughtful Gift  

We just got this from SF Gate, the online site for the San Francisco Chronicle. The link goes to our What is Reflexology? page. It is holiday gifts for foot pain relief.


4.  "Off the charts" foot reflexology session! Do you ever treat yourself to foot reflexology? It reduces stress which, of course, can adversely affect various parts of the human body. Because feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body, reflexology is an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset the body's equilibrium.

Sound familiar?


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/11/15/prweb4780074.DTL#ixzz15TzO4J3G


Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

Tweet me @twitter.com/footreflexology

Facebook www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz

Why Hospitals Should Include Reflexology As Part of Their Services

© Penalope Roses. Image from BigStockPhoto.com.

We just did a newsletter in which there were two articles. The first article talked about Integrative Medicine and the fact that these services showed over a 50% decrease in pain among over 1800 patients. The study did include reflexology among the integrative medicine being used.The second article talked about about the hospitals that included reflexology for such things as palliative and cardiac care.

This is the most response we have seen from a newsletter in quite awhile. People wrote in with much enthusiasm. It hit a note with people.

So let's look at the upside of including reflexology in hospital programs. Reflexology is less risky as far as potential side effects. When a drug is administered there is the risk of a catastrophic reaction. Even if the side effect isn't catastrophic it can be harmful and slow or reverse a patient's recovery.

Reflexology has no know adverse side effects. Using reflexology to address issues such as pain, anxiety or depression can improve patient safety without some of the toxic side effects pharmacological agents can produce. And reflexology does not need to be administered in such a manner that precludes other treatments.

Probably the biggest issue is efficacy. Many studies are showing that in fact the efficacy is quite good for issues like nausea and vomiting which are major issues involving patient comfort.

And while we are talking about patient comfort reflexology can be very effective in reducing stress. The stresses in a hospital are many. From having a roommate to the noises that permeate this environment and even the stress of being bedridden. Even the skeptics do not dispute the relaxing qualities of reflexology.

And then there the issue of coping with the changes in their health and wellness that a patient faces. It can be a very tough situation for a lot of patients and particularly bewildering when they have be health up to this point.

There is the cost associated with all this. It is staggering. Hopefully with the new methodology the hospitals are using to track patients cost effectiveness can be demonstrated. From my own experience I have had clients who have recovered in much faster time than the predicted average shaving days off their allotted time. What type of savings can be reflected in this outcome?

Also there is patient contact as a potential upside. Reflexologists often spot changes because the amount of time they have contact with their clients. Changes that could be significant can be reported thus saving the patient from further hardships. And to be quite mercenary the hospitals could be saving money by early intervention.

There is another issue here beyond the patient's experience. It is the staff's experience. If an individual is in intractable pain and all the conventional solutions have played out then the nurses and other staff face stresses as well. With reflexology there is a way to break up the patterns of stress that contribute to the pain experience. Rather than the staff trying to react to the situation reflexology could offer a way to proactively address the problem.

What is the downside of reflexology being used in hospitals? I am not quite sure that I have the answer on this. It might not work on certain individuals but this would be quickly shown. No harm, no foul. the hospitals could always decide it wasn't all that effective. This is not much of a risk.

And the benefits could be enormous in patient safety, comfort, and quality of care. There are side benefits as well. The patient contact could be a very important part of effective medical care. And the staff being able to be effective in addressing the patient's needs is very important not only for the patients but the staff as well. .

So I would like to hear your pros and cons of reflexology being included in hospital services? What do you think? Please read our newsletter to get some further insight.


Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

Tweet me @twitter.com/footreflexology

Facebook www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz 

What’s New in Reflexology Research

What’s new in reflexology research? It’s what’s being researched. The following new studies were conducted in China. Considering these studies one is struck by:

(1) possible reflexology uses in medical care

(2) ever-expanding uses and results sought by a Chinese medical system that has conducted reflexology research for at least 30 years

(3) possible future uses of reflexology in medical systems all over the world

(4) the future job of a reflexologist / hospitalist, a reflexologist who is on call as needed to provide reflexology services to multiple categories of hospital patients, e. g. pre-operative, post operative, cancer care, hemodialysis, birthing, post natal.

New Studies

• While pain and anxiety are subjects of many reflexology studies, 27 and 24 respectively, the new wave of reflexology research tests for pain and anxiety during the colonoscopy procedure; with mechanical ventilation insertion and following post operative after pacemaker installation.

• Reflexology application to those with constipation concerns has been researched previously for individuals in all age ranges: children, college students, middle aged women and the elderly. Recent research has investigated the effect of reflexology on constipation in individuals who have experienced a stroke in one study, coronary heart disease in another, cancer in a third study and dementia in a fourth.

• Easier child birthing has been documented through research and now new research is showing amelioration for the post natal period: reduction in pain after Cesarean section, improved sleep, improved recovery of urination and defecation; lessened depression and anxiety.

• Studies of diabetics has previously shown improved peripheral circulation following reflexology work through testing by tactile response and intensity of symptoms. New studies show peripheral circulation improvements through measurement of motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity.

• Research about the impact of reflexology on the elderly has demonstrated improvements in blood pressure, control over falls, and sleep. New studies show that the application of reflexology positively impacts the hospitalized elderly: vitality in one study and in another study, sleep, fatigue, vital signs and blood sugar levels in the elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• Physiologic measures: A study of uterine fibroids showed changes in prolactin, testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. 

Barbara Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

Tweet me @twitter.com/footreflexology

Facebook www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz 

No Pain- No gain

YouTube - 绍甫脚底按摩

You won't believe this footwork. It is real torture. Notice the bamboo held between the teeth.

Not recommend technique. It is almost funny if it wasn't so painful to watch

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

No pain, no gain

YouTube - foot reflexology

"Taiwan set a World Record by arranging for 1,008 people to have a foot massage simultaneously."

The above is a video of this Guinness book of record attempt at the largest foot reflexology session ever held. The event took place in Taiwan.

The interesting part of this video is the expressions on the participant's faces. They are expressions of pain. The Asian view of reflexology in general is "no pain, no gain."

This video took me back to our trip to Japan in 1990. We attended the Rwo Shr conference. Our host, a Japanese company that marketed foot rollers, paid our whole way and entertained us in lavish style.

I had given a speech for several thousand people which was indeed intimidating but I got through it. I felt it was all downhill from there.

Then they asked me to give a speech to their consultants. They were reflexologists who worked in a type of product show room that featured reflexology and massage products for the home. It sounded like a piece of cake since it was only for 60 people.

But at the last second they asked me to explain the difference between the Rwo Shr method and our method. Having been worked on by a Rwo Shr practitioner I was a bit panicked. The pain was incredible. I begged off the second foot. And I have a high tolerance to pain.

Father Josef, a Swiss priest brought back some of the ancient techniques. The Rwo Shr method (meaning Josef in Mandarian Chinese) was named for him. He explained to us that he is really pretty tough with his technique application but he got results.

What was quite awkward was that Father Josef was sitting in the first row with the other dignitaries of the Rwo Shr method. Then it struck me. My old martial arts background was the ticket.

While we were waiting to be taken to the conference earlier that day I had been fooling around with one of those travel kiosks that tells you about sites of note. Having practiced Judo in my younger years I looked up the Kodokan. The Kodokan is the home of judo in Japan.

The kiosk information talked about judo being "the gentle way". That was it. When I gave my speech I explained that in Juijitsu, the forerunner of judo there were two schools- the soft school and the hard school. We were the soft school of reflexology like judo was to juijitsu. Around the room there was a nodding of heads as this seemed agreeable. The front row seemed very pleased as well.

The only downside of this was my nickname from then on. I was "software" from then on among my Japanese friends.

Seeing those faces grimacing in the Guinness record video brought all that back.

Kevin Kunz