"By far 'Reflexology: Health at your fingertips' is the best selling title of all DK titles." DK Managing Editor
Seven year old book- not bad!!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
China Invests in Reflexology
What’s the return when an entire country invests in reflexology? China may provide some answers to such a question.
Banking on traditions, reflexology has attained a value in China. Educated and informed consumers have expectations from reflexology services, products and self-health activities. The net result is a diverse and widespread availability of reflexology.
Take reflexology paths, for example. They are found in city parks, the gardens of newly built homes and the common areas of themed housing developments.
Other industries have entered the business. Companies which provide stone for construction target market specific stone products to build reflexology paths. One company’s Web page shows 17 different path designs. Want an “intelligent” or “smart” path? Buy tourmaline and germanium stone as a raw material.
When it rains, the Chinese stay home and walk on a cobblestoned mat. Originally produced as on the side at blanket manufacturers with felt as a base into which plastic “cobblestones” were embedded, mat products have evolved and become specialized. Want a mat with a reflexology chart? More environmentally friendly and more durable? They’ve been developed.
Visit a pharmacy and you’ll find sandals with cobblestone-like soles for sale.
Reflexology services are available in a range of prices with decor styles. From mom-and-pop corner shops to sanitary white to opulent luxury salons, Chinese clients know their price range and anticipated services.
The government actively encourages reflexology. A Class-One license is given those who attain the highest mastery of skills, offered at medical facilities. The government recently noted a shortage of 1 million reflexologists and is encouraging filling this number with a more educated reflexologist. Reflexology is part of China’s 10-Year Fitness Plan. Funding for reflexology paths is included in monies given to cities to develop parks that encourage physical activities. The reflexology path is seen as a perfect, moderate exercise for the older Chinese with soccer fields and badminton courts for the younger.
Then there’s the research. When information about reflexology research first filtered out of China twenty years ago, it was presented at conferences held by the China Reflexology Association, an organization of 5,000 physicians. Since that time literally thousands of studies have been conducted meeting standards of randomized and controlled groups.
Barbara and Kevin Kunz
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
What Is A Reflexologist Worth?
ROI A form of cost-benefit analysis that measures the costs of a program (i.e., the investment) versus the financial return realized by that program. CDC
What is the real value of a reflexologist’s services? And what’s an individual’s return on investment (ROI) for reflexology?
Anyone who is calling up to ask about reflexology and it's effcacy is trying to make an ROI decision. Should they invest in reflexology and will they get a return on that investment.
The stories we are about to recount have return on investments some of which are knowable. Others are not so easy to tally and are really priceless.
Let’s start with a known situation here. A friend whose immune system had failed due to a rare disorder received a monthly shot to keep his kidneys functioning. The cost? $10,000 per shot, per month. When his kidneys returned to functioning and he no longer needed the shot, he credited Kevin’s reflexology work. Calculating the return on the friend’s investment in reflexology shows a savings of some $500,000 in the four years since the shots stopped. And, that clock is still ticking away, saving money every month.
The priceless example? A client with post-polio syndrome was concerned about a return of symptoms and her continuing ability to walk. It’s impossible to tell what might have happened or the dollar cost of an non-ambulatory lifestyle. We can tell you she credits Kevin’s reflexology work with the cessation of symptoms. She finds her life without crutches or a wheelchair to be priceless. But to be hard nosed about this what would the cost be to lose her mobility and independence?
Another priceless example is the businessman who credited Kevin’s work with keeping him “on his game.” Reflexology was essential to him, helping him keep up with the demands of the job and the growth of his company. After all, he traveled internationally frequently and had built a billion-dollar company. His take on reflexology? "When I see the doctor’s, I leave not knowing if I will feel better. When I see you (the reflexologist), I know I will feel better afterwards."
His other comment to a business colleage made me proud. He said, "Kevin is the man who keeps me on my feet." Again to be hard nosed about this what would have cost his company to have him incapacitated?
After a friend experienced a stroke recently, she left rehabilitation to live in an assisted living facility. She credits her life there instead of at a nursing home to our reflexology work. The difference in cost? Some $3,000 per month more would have been required at the nursing home—for the rest of her life.
So what is a good reflexologist really worth? Has a reflexologist been a good investment for you? Have you been able to avoid needless drugs and surgery?
Are you a reflexologist who can tell similar stories of your own reflexology work?
If you are a reflexologist think about the value of your service and feel proud of its accomplishments.
Kevin Kunz
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
What’s the return on your investment in reflexology?
What’s the return on your investment in reflexology?
This is a serious question for those considering the business of reflexology. ROI is an acronym for “Return on Investment,” a term commonly used in business to reflect the return realized from the money spent.
In other words if you invest in a single reflexology session or a series of reflexology what is your return on the amount of money you spent. Is investing in a staff reflexologist worth it? Is it worth building a reflexology path for your employees? Would a reflexology gym make sense economically?
When it comes to reflexology, the ROI includes monetary and non-monetary results. First, let’s consider monetary return. Reflexology as an employee benefit has been demonstrated to have a high rate of return on investment.
When Shisiedo built a reflexology path they also measured the return on their investment. They found there was greater employee productivity. Other studies have backed this up.
But there are less tangible returns that also impact the bottom line.
For individuals the results include:
Less time off work for "malaise" or undefined illness
Less stress
Better sense of satisfaction with the work.
Less sick time.
For businesses,
Better employee morale
Less absenteeism
Better productivity
Better work environment
For the health care system,
Cut costs
Less demand on the system
Better satisfaction with the services offered
Opportunties to offer citizens low cost but very effective services
Cut down on the amount of money spent on needless drugs and surgery
Opportunities for Businesses: Reflexology in the Workplace
Numerous studies have found the availability of reflexology in the workplace to be economically advantageous to a business. Six Danish studies document the financial and health benefits when employees are offered reflexology services.
Four of the studies found that absenteeism was reduced with companies experiencing: savings of $35,000 over a 6-month period; from 11.4 to 8.5 days per person per year, with a savings of more than $US162,000; 66% less absenteeism; and a savings of US$3,300 a month in fewer sick days.
Four studies noted improvement in physical ailments: “97.5% (of the employees) had positive effects on their primary ailments. 77.5% on secondary problems. Medicine intake was reduced with 27.5%;” “235 employees were treated for a variety of health problems. 170 reported a good effect;” “79% (of 143 employees over 6 months) were either cured or helped with their primary health problem. 57% were helped with secondary problems. 30% became more satisfied with their jobs and 92% wanted to continue reflexology;” “156 employees (over a two-year period) who experienced positive effects on back pains, th
Opportunities for Government: Reflexology Public Works
As government and the economic times create interest in employment opportunities and health seeking potential, reflexology provides some answers. To cut costs of health care and to address employment for the unemployed, under-employed and the blind, reflexology training is a part of jobs programs in Malaysia, the Philippines and China. Then there’s the idea of reflexology paths in parks. Walking the reflexology path has long been a part of self health care in both in China and Germany. The Chinese government is encouraging the activity as a form of moderate exercise. Called Tap Shek (stepping stone), reflexology path walking is made easy by the presence of the cobblestoned paths in parks throughout China. In Germany, “barfusspad” (barefoot path) enthusiasts write instructions about how to get one’s municipality to fund the construction of paths in parks. A landmark study from Oregon Research Institute validates the activity as health producing, cost-cutting, quality of life improvement. In addition, those who participate find it to be a likeable experience and a unique exercising opportunity that they enjoy and, thus, will do.
A psychological effect is noted when reflexology services are available in the workplace. “There is a much better atmosphere in the department, because the employees feel there is something being done about their problems... Before we used to stay at home when ill, now we see the staff go to work anyway because they know they can get a treatment and feel better.”
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
How Useful Is Reflexology? Part 7
Multiple Sclerosis
“Reflexology for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomised sham-controlled clinical trial” (Northern Ireland)
“Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in pain and other symptoms which may be modified by conventional treatment, however, MS is still not curable. Several studies have reported positive effects of reflexology in the treatment of pain, however, no randomised controlled clinical trials for the treatment of pain have been conducted within this population. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology on pain in and MS population. We randomly allocated 73 participants to receive either precision or sham reflexology weekly for 10 weeks. Outcome measures were taken pre-and post-treatment with follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks by a researcher blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome measure recorded pain using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A significant (p < 0.0001) and clinically important decrease in pain intensity was observed in both groups compared with baseline. Median VAS scores were reduced by 50% following treatment, and maintained for up to 12 weeks. Significant decreases were also observed for fatigue, depression, disability, spasm and quality of life. In conclusion, precision reflexology was not superior to sham, however, both treatments offer clinically significant improvements for MS symptoms via a possible placebo effect or stimulation of reflex points in the feet using non-specific massage.”
http://msj.sagepub.com/content/15/11/1329.abstract
End of Series
“Reflexology for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomised sham-controlled clinical trial” (Northern Ireland)
“Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in pain and other symptoms which may be modified by conventional treatment, however, MS is still not curable. Several studies have reported positive effects of reflexology in the treatment of pain, however, no randomised controlled clinical trials for the treatment of pain have been conducted within this population. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology on pain in and MS population. We randomly allocated 73 participants to receive either precision or sham reflexology weekly for 10 weeks. Outcome measures were taken pre-and post-treatment with follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks by a researcher blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome measure recorded pain using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A significant (p < 0.0001) and clinically important decrease in pain intensity was observed in both groups compared with baseline. Median VAS scores were reduced by 50% following treatment, and maintained for up to 12 weeks. Significant decreases were also observed for fatigue, depression, disability, spasm and quality of life. In conclusion, precision reflexology was not superior to sham, however, both treatments offer clinically significant improvements for MS symptoms via a possible placebo effect or stimulation of reflex points in the feet using non-specific massage.”
http://msj.sagepub.com/content/15/11/1329.abstract
End of Series
How Useful Is Reflexology? Part 7
Multiple Sclerosis
“Reflexology for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomised sham-controlled clinical trial” (Northern Ireland)
“Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in pain and other symptoms which may be modified by conventional treatment, however, MS is still not curable. Several studies have reported positive effects of reflexology in the treatment of pain, however, no randomised controlled clinical trials for the treatment of pain have been conducted within this population. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology on pain in and MS population. We randomly allocated 73 participants to receive either precision or sham reflexology weekly for 10 weeks. Outcome measures were taken pre-and post-treatment with follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks by a researcher blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome measure recorded pain using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A significant (p < 0.0001) and clinically important decrease in pain intensity was observed in both groups compared with baseline. Median VAS scores were reduced by 50% following treatment, and maintained for up to 12 weeks. Significant decreases were also observed for fatigue, depression, disability, spasm and quality of life. In conclusion, precision reflexology was not superior to sham, however, both treatments offer clinically significant improvements for MS symptoms via a possible placebo effect or stimulation of reflex points in the feet using non-specific massage.”
http://msj.sagepub.com/content/15/11/1329.abstract
End of Series
“Reflexology for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomised sham-controlled clinical trial” (Northern Ireland)
“Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in pain and other symptoms which may be modified by conventional treatment, however, MS is still not curable. Several studies have reported positive effects of reflexology in the treatment of pain, however, no randomised controlled clinical trials for the treatment of pain have been conducted within this population. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology on pain in and MS population. We randomly allocated 73 participants to receive either precision or sham reflexology weekly for 10 weeks. Outcome measures were taken pre-and post-treatment with follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks by a researcher blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome measure recorded pain using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A significant (p < 0.0001) and clinically important decrease in pain intensity was observed in both groups compared with baseline. Median VAS scores were reduced by 50% following treatment, and maintained for up to 12 weeks. Significant decreases were also observed for fatigue, depression, disability, spasm and quality of life. In conclusion, precision reflexology was not superior to sham, however, both treatments offer clinically significant improvements for MS symptoms via a possible placebo effect or stimulation of reflex points in the feet using non-specific massage.”
http://msj.sagepub.com/content/15/11/1329.abstract
End of Series
Monday, March 14, 2011
How Useful Is Reflexology? Part 6
Complementary Health Practice Review
“Influence of an Experiential Education Session on Nursing Students’ Confidence Levels in Performing Selected Complementary Therapy Skills” (US)
Study of confidence boost provided by a University of Minnesota, Nursing School program: “hands-on learning experiences affect confidence in applying selected CAT skills in beginning nursing practice. This article highlights efforts at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing to integrate practice and experience in selected CAT skills (music, hand massage, imagery, breathing/ mindfulness, reflexology) into an existing senior undergraduate clinical skills laboratory course”.
http://chp.sagepub.com/content/10/3/189.short
• Journal of Research in Nursing
“Complementary and alternative medicine and rheumatology nurses: A survey of current use and perceptions” (UK)
“A questionnaire-based survey of rheumatology nurses was undertaken to investigate the use, and perceptions, of the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in the management of patients with rheumatic diseases (RD). A total of 192 rheumatology nurses (response rate 76.2%) completed the questionnaire, which included sections on qualifications and clinical experience, perceptions of, training in, and use of CAM in the management of RD patients. CAM was provided by 8.3% of respondents, principally aromatherapy, massage and reflexology. Furthermore, over half of respondents (51.6%) provided advice to patients about CAM, primarily to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Perceptions of the benefits of CAM are overwhelmingly positive: 89.8% of respondents considered it to have a role in the NHS. Current barriers to wider use of CAM include budgetary constraints in the health service, limited availability of published evidence, and the current lack of a clear and adequate regulatory framework for its practice.”
http://jrn.sagepub.com/content/9/2/110.abstract
Part 7- Multiple Sclerosis
“Influence of an Experiential Education Session on Nursing Students’ Confidence Levels in Performing Selected Complementary Therapy Skills” (US)
Study of confidence boost provided by a University of Minnesota, Nursing School program: “hands-on learning experiences affect confidence in applying selected CAT skills in beginning nursing practice. This article highlights efforts at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing to integrate practice and experience in selected CAT skills (music, hand massage, imagery, breathing/ mindfulness, reflexology) into an existing senior undergraduate clinical skills laboratory course”.
http://chp.sagepub.com/content/10/3/189.short
• Journal of Research in Nursing
“Complementary and alternative medicine and rheumatology nurses: A survey of current use and perceptions” (UK)
“A questionnaire-based survey of rheumatology nurses was undertaken to investigate the use, and perceptions, of the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in the management of patients with rheumatic diseases (RD). A total of 192 rheumatology nurses (response rate 76.2%) completed the questionnaire, which included sections on qualifications and clinical experience, perceptions of, training in, and use of CAM in the management of RD patients. CAM was provided by 8.3% of respondents, principally aromatherapy, massage and reflexology. Furthermore, over half of respondents (51.6%) provided advice to patients about CAM, primarily to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Perceptions of the benefits of CAM are overwhelmingly positive: 89.8% of respondents considered it to have a role in the NHS. Current barriers to wider use of CAM include budgetary constraints in the health service, limited availability of published evidence, and the current lack of a clear and adequate regulatory framework for its practice.”
http://jrn.sagepub.com/content/9/2/110.abstract
Part 7- Multiple Sclerosis
Sunday, March 13, 2011
How Useful Is Reflexology? Part 5
Chronic Illness
“Coping with Ménière’s disease: experience and benefits from the use of complementary and alternative medicine” (UK and in Victoria, Australia)
“Objectives: To identify the significant events and persons prompting search for non-biomedical/complementary and alternative (CAM) ways to cope with the impact of Ménière’s syndrome, the CAM therapies used and perceived benefits.
“Methods: A narrative-based approach, with participants recruited from web sites and newsletters of two Ménière’s Societies (in the UK and in Victoria, Australia) and searches of a monthly newsletter, Spin, for letters related to the use of CAM therapies. A thematic approach to data analysis was undertaken.
“Results: Twenty personal, written stories were obtained and 23 letters. Commonly, critical events or changes in the condition provided the catalyst to seek alternative treatment, and sometimes significant others (a GP, CAM practitioner, friends, family). The accounts illustrate a range and variety of journeys that participants travelled in locating satisfactory ways to manage the condition, and the essential ‘personal’ nature of the experience and perceived benefits. No single CAM solution or pathway was evident.
“Discussion: The findings suggest the importance of ‘finding your own way,’ having a positive outlook and being proactive in regaining control over one’s health, and the value of early recommendations to ‘perhaps try alternative/ CAM treatments’.
“.relief was worth it.' She had used reflexology and reiki before for depression...chosen from her own research: reflexology (`which was great for about one...severity) and returned to a weekly reflexology session.”
http://chi.sagepub.com/content/5/3/219.abstract
Part 6- Complementary Health Practice Review
“Coping with Ménière’s disease: experience and benefits from the use of complementary and alternative medicine” (UK and in Victoria, Australia)
“Objectives: To identify the significant events and persons prompting search for non-biomedical/complementary and alternative (CAM) ways to cope with the impact of Ménière’s syndrome, the CAM therapies used and perceived benefits.
“Methods: A narrative-based approach, with participants recruited from web sites and newsletters of two Ménière’s Societies (in the UK and in Victoria, Australia) and searches of a monthly newsletter, Spin, for letters related to the use of CAM therapies. A thematic approach to data analysis was undertaken.
“Results: Twenty personal, written stories were obtained and 23 letters. Commonly, critical events or changes in the condition provided the catalyst to seek alternative treatment, and sometimes significant others (a GP, CAM practitioner, friends, family). The accounts illustrate a range and variety of journeys that participants travelled in locating satisfactory ways to manage the condition, and the essential ‘personal’ nature of the experience and perceived benefits. No single CAM solution or pathway was evident.
“Discussion: The findings suggest the importance of ‘finding your own way,’ having a positive outlook and being proactive in regaining control over one’s health, and the value of early recommendations to ‘perhaps try alternative/ CAM treatments’.
“.relief was worth it.' She had used reflexology and reiki before for depression...chosen from her own research: reflexology (`which was great for about one...severity) and returned to a weekly reflexology session.”
http://chi.sagepub.com/content/5/3/219.abstract
Part 6- Complementary Health Practice Review
Saturday, March 12, 2011
How Useful Is Reflexology? Part 4
Dementia
“Alzheimer's Society Derby branch: A comprehensive programme of support for people with dementia and their carers” (UK)
“Trained therapists working in the neighbourhood offer treatments such as aromatherapy, reflexology, acumassage, body massage, manicures, and make-up. Many of them do not charge for their services…”
http://online.sagepub.com/search/results
Part 5-Chronic Illness
“Alzheimer's Society Derby branch: A comprehensive programme of support for people with dementia and their carers” (UK)
“Trained therapists working in the neighbourhood offer treatments such as aromatherapy, reflexology, acumassage, body massage, manicures, and make-up. Many of them do not charge for their services…”
http://online.sagepub.com/search/results
Part 5-Chronic Illness
Friday, March 11, 2011
How Useful Is Reflexology? Part 3
Palliative Medicine
“Heart failure and palliative care services working in partnership: report of a new model of care” (UK)
“…It is widely acknowledged that people with advanced heart failure have at least as great a need for supportive and palliative care as those with malignant disease. However, specialist palliative care services are seldom involved in their care in the UK. We describe a three-year collaboration between community-based heart failure nurse specialists and existing specialist palliative care services. In the model of care that has evolved, the heart failure nurses remain key workers throughout the illness. They run a regular support group for patients and carers in the setting of a hospice day therapy unit, referring patients for other palliative care involvement as necessary. Activity data and the results of patient interviews are presented. These suggest that the model is a cost effective, sustainable way of providing high quality care for people with heart failure.…
“...medication, nutrition, psychological wellbeing, benefits advice and how to exercise. Complementary therapies including reflexology and acupuncture. Regular group relaxation session led by the psychologist.”
http://pmj.sagepub.com/content/20/6/593.abstract
• American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
“Assessing complementary therapy services in a hospice program…” (US)
“To assess the use of complementary and alternative medicine in hospice care in the state of Washington.…” Hospices offering inpatient and outpatient care in Washington State were surveyed by phone interview. Results. Response rate was 100%. Results indicated that 86% of Washington State hospices offered complementary and alternative services to their patients, most frequently massage (87%), music therapy (74%), energy healing (65%), aromatherapy (45%), guided imagery (45%), compassionate touch (42%), acupuncture (32%), pet therapy (32%), meditation (29%), art therapy (22%), reflexology (19%), and hypnotherapy (16%). Most hospices relied on volunteers with or without small donations to offer such services.”
http://ajh.sagepub.com/content/25/6/463.abstract
• American Journal of Hospice Palliative Care
“Music Therapy in an Integrated Pediatric Palliative Care Program” (US)
“The conjoint use of music therapy and reflexology with hospitalized advanced stage cancer patients and …“National experts have recommended that children with life-limiting illnesses receive integrated palliative and medical care. These programs offer a variety of services, including music therapy. Using survey data from parents whose were enrolled in Florida’s Partners in Care: Together for Kids (PIC:TFK) program, this study investigates parents’ experiences with music therapy. About 44% of children with life-limiting illnesses and 17% of their siblings used music therapy. For children who used music therapy, multivariate results suggest that their parents were 23 times as likely to report satisfaction with the overall PIC:TFK program (P <.05) versus parents whose children did not use music therapy. Pediatric palliative care programs should include music therapy, although recruiting licensed music therapists may be challenging.”
http://ajh.sagepub.com/content/26/6/449.abstract
Part 4- Dementia
“Heart failure and palliative care services working in partnership: report of a new model of care” (UK)
“…It is widely acknowledged that people with advanced heart failure have at least as great a need for supportive and palliative care as those with malignant disease. However, specialist palliative care services are seldom involved in their care in the UK. We describe a three-year collaboration between community-based heart failure nurse specialists and existing specialist palliative care services. In the model of care that has evolved, the heart failure nurses remain key workers throughout the illness. They run a regular support group for patients and carers in the setting of a hospice day therapy unit, referring patients for other palliative care involvement as necessary. Activity data and the results of patient interviews are presented. These suggest that the model is a cost effective, sustainable way of providing high quality care for people with heart failure.…
“...medication, nutrition, psychological wellbeing, benefits advice and how to exercise. Complementary therapies including reflexology and acupuncture. Regular group relaxation session led by the psychologist.”
http://pmj.sagepub.com/content/20/6/593.abstract
• American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
“Assessing complementary therapy services in a hospice program…” (US)
“To assess the use of complementary and alternative medicine in hospice care in the state of Washington.…” Hospices offering inpatient and outpatient care in Washington State were surveyed by phone interview. Results. Response rate was 100%. Results indicated that 86% of Washington State hospices offered complementary and alternative services to their patients, most frequently massage (87%), music therapy (74%), energy healing (65%), aromatherapy (45%), guided imagery (45%), compassionate touch (42%), acupuncture (32%), pet therapy (32%), meditation (29%), art therapy (22%), reflexology (19%), and hypnotherapy (16%). Most hospices relied on volunteers with or without small donations to offer such services.”
http://ajh.sagepub.com/content/25/6/463.abstract
• American Journal of Hospice Palliative Care
“Music Therapy in an Integrated Pediatric Palliative Care Program” (US)
“The conjoint use of music therapy and reflexology with hospitalized advanced stage cancer patients and …“National experts have recommended that children with life-limiting illnesses receive integrated palliative and medical care. These programs offer a variety of services, including music therapy. Using survey data from parents whose were enrolled in Florida’s Partners in Care: Together for Kids (PIC:TFK) program, this study investigates parents’ experiences with music therapy. About 44% of children with life-limiting illnesses and 17% of their siblings used music therapy. For children who used music therapy, multivariate results suggest that their parents were 23 times as likely to report satisfaction with the overall PIC:TFK program (P <.05) versus parents whose children did not use music therapy. Pediatric palliative care programs should include music therapy, although recruiting licensed music therapists may be challenging.”
http://ajh.sagepub.com/content/26/6/449.abstract
Part 4- Dementia
Thursday, March 10, 2011
How Useful Is Reflexology? Part 2
Integrative Cancer Therapies
“Pediatric Integrative Oncology,” “As illustrated in this case, the use of nutritional interventions, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, reflexology, and massage helped to improve the quality of life for this child during his conventional treatment.”
• Palliative Medicine
“Attitudes of patients and staff to research in a specialist palliative care unit” “Many randomized trials in specialist palliative care (SPC) have failed to recruit sufficient numbers of patients.” A discussion of willingness to participate in studies by palliative nurses and patients found that some 77% were positively disposed to inclusion in a reflexology study. “The most invasive study involving venepuncture and random drug allocation had the least favourable response (46% of patients and 54% of nurses’quite happy or ’very happy”
http://pmj.sagepub.com/content/17/6/491.abstract
Part 3 Palliative Medicine
“Pediatric Integrative Oncology,” “As illustrated in this case, the use of nutritional interventions, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, reflexology, and massage helped to improve the quality of life for this child during his conventional treatment.”
• Palliative Medicine
“Attitudes of patients and staff to research in a specialist palliative care unit” “Many randomized trials in specialist palliative care (SPC) have failed to recruit sufficient numbers of patients.” A discussion of willingness to participate in studies by palliative nurses and patients found that some 77% were positively disposed to inclusion in a reflexology study. “The most invasive study involving venepuncture and random drug allocation had the least favourable response (46% of patients and 54% of nurses’quite happy or ’very happy”
http://pmj.sagepub.com/content/17/6/491.abstract
Part 3 Palliative Medicine
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
How Usable is Reflexology? Part 1
So how usable is reflexology? Very usable—especially by nurses—would seem to be the answer when considering studies reported in peer-reviewed journals.
A sampling of studies reported on Sage Journals Online notes the use of reflexology in integrative and compelementary programs as well as by individuals:
• for cardiac patients post surgically
• during pediatric cancer care
• during palliative care for individuals experiencing heart failure,
• with inpatient and outpatient hospice patients
• for people with learning disabilities
• as support for individuals with dementia as well as their carers
• for those coping with Ménière’s disease
• to counter pain by those with multiple sclerosis
Many of the abstracts noted below demonstrate use by or attitudes toward reflexology by nurses. Of interest is the extension of reflexology services into palliative care for not only cancer patients but also heart failure patients. Use in hospice and palliative care units for children is also seen. Attitudes toward reflexology use by rheumatology nurses and as a subject for palliative care studies by patients and nurses were positive shown to be positive in two separate abstracts. A study showed that nursing students’ confidence about complementary therapies increased when they received hands-on education.
A survey of those with Ménière’s disease provides a glimpse, useful for reflexologists, into the thoughts of those using complementary and alternative treatments: “The findings suggest the importance of ‘finding your own way,’ having a positive outlook and being proactive in regaining control over one’s health, and the value of early recommendations to ‘perhaps try alternative/ CAM treatments’.”
Abstracts
• Journal of Holistic Nursing
“Reflection of a 7-Year Patient Care Program, Implementing and Sustaining an Integrative Hospital Program (for cardiac surgery patients and patients diagnosed with cancer at Saint Barnabas Health Care System, Livingston, New Jersey)”
“The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program is led by two Certified Advanced Practice Holistic Nurses who are specially trained to care for cardiac patients using complementary medicine and therapies. Their goal is to empower patients to heal themselves by treating their integrated “whole” selves—mind, body and spirit.” Included in the program are: reflexology, Breathing Meditation, Reiki, Guided Imagery and Pet Therapy. In addition to patients who have undergone cardiac surgery, the program also serves patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.
http://jhn.sagepub.com/content/27/4/276.abstract
A sampling of studies reported on Sage Journals Online notes the use of reflexology in integrative and compelementary programs as well as by individuals:
• for cardiac patients post surgically
• during pediatric cancer care
• during palliative care for individuals experiencing heart failure,
• with inpatient and outpatient hospice patients
• for people with learning disabilities
• as support for individuals with dementia as well as their carers
• for those coping with Ménière’s disease
• to counter pain by those with multiple sclerosis
Many of the abstracts noted below demonstrate use by or attitudes toward reflexology by nurses. Of interest is the extension of reflexology services into palliative care for not only cancer patients but also heart failure patients. Use in hospice and palliative care units for children is also seen. Attitudes toward reflexology use by rheumatology nurses and as a subject for palliative care studies by patients and nurses were positive shown to be positive in two separate abstracts. A study showed that nursing students’ confidence about complementary therapies increased when they received hands-on education.
A survey of those with Ménière’s disease provides a glimpse, useful for reflexologists, into the thoughts of those using complementary and alternative treatments: “The findings suggest the importance of ‘finding your own way,’ having a positive outlook and being proactive in regaining control over one’s health, and the value of early recommendations to ‘perhaps try alternative/ CAM treatments’.”
Abstracts
• Journal of Holistic Nursing
“Reflection of a 7-Year Patient Care Program, Implementing and Sustaining an Integrative Hospital Program (for cardiac surgery patients and patients diagnosed with cancer at Saint Barnabas Health Care System, Livingston, New Jersey)”
“The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program is led by two Certified Advanced Practice Holistic Nurses who are specially trained to care for cardiac patients using complementary medicine and therapies. Their goal is to empower patients to heal themselves by treating their integrated “whole” selves—mind, body and spirit.” Included in the program are: reflexology, Breathing Meditation, Reiki, Guided Imagery and Pet Therapy. In addition to patients who have undergone cardiac surgery, the program also serves patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.
http://jhn.sagepub.com/content/27/4/276.abstract
Part 2 - Integrative Cancer Therapies
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