The Whole World Is Watching an fMRI Reflexology Study

An idea that spans the globe.

A research project that speaks all languages.

No one knew about the global reach of reflexology until reports of an fMRI reflexology study ignited reflexologists from more than 40 countries. The universality and geographic spread of responses speak of a world united by an idea and practice.

A positive result and successful proof of concept for reflexology was achieved by the fMRI research. 

The effects of reflexology work long observed by reflexologists has been shown to have merit.

Early April 2023 was the time and the School of Medicine at the University of Minnesota was the place for the research. 

Reflexologists Barbara and Kevin Kunz worked with University of New Mexico’s Dr. Stefan Posse and University of Minnesota’s Dr. Essa Yacoub to see what would happen as reflexology technique was applied to specific reflex areas of the feet of individuals whose brains were being scanned by fMRI.

Lead investigator Dr. Posse notes “unanticipated” observations. The application of reflexology technique to the feet of study participants created change in brain scan images beyond what would be expected by the touch of a foot. Proof of concept for reflexology was achieved. 

The privately funded $25,000 study was two years in the making. Left over funds will be used during summer 2023 for a fMRI study of reflexology application to stroke patients.

The $10 Challenge

The full meaning of the study will be discovered with the in-depth analysis of the the 2,000 to 3,000 scanned images. Fund raising for the anticipated $70,000 to $100,000 cost of analysis is underway. 

A $10 challenge, individuals contributing a small amount to move forward a big idea, is being supported by reflexologists worldwide, members of 10 national reflexology associations, 2 Canadian provincial associations and 8 state associations representing 10 American states. 

Notable for their activity is the Irish Reflexologist’s Institute whose 600 members have raised over $11,000 (US) so far. This great group has achieved 2/3 of their goal of 3000 Irish pounds. https://gofund.me/fb4def7f

Donations are administered by a non-profit at University of New Mexico https:// www.unmfund.org/fund/npar-fund/.

  

 Come along on the adventure.

Join the search for discovery with reflexologists and associations from:

USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Croatia, Slovakia, Greece, Malta, Cypress, Turkey, Israel, Cuba, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Tunisia, Togo, Ghana, Kenya, Benin, Congo, South Africa, Sudan, Mozambique, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, India.