The reflexology (Feet) and hands is a Japanese technique in which the therapist applies massage with his fingers on certain points of the feet, hands, ears and nose with the aim of Alleviate the symptoms of certain diseases.
It is based on the theory that the points that are stimulated are reflex areas of other parts of the body. Massaging these points properly, is favored The circulation of energies, releases toxins and as a consequence also improves the functioning of the organs corresponding to these reflex areas. It can be treated for sciatica, headaches, cervicals, ovarian pains, muscle contractures, for constipation, hemorrhoids, migraine, thyroid, abdominal pains, insomnia...
Some schools of reflexology have described very detailed"maps"of these reflex zones, indicating which regions of the foot or hand correspond With the organs of the respiratory, digestive system, etc.
In this way, by stimulating a certain point of the foot properly, it can improve the respiratory function of a person, or Relieve your headaches .
Saving the differences, one could say that reflexology is like Acupuncture , But instead of needles, the therapist simply applies pressure and Massage With your fingers at the points that correspond to the patient's condition.
History of Reflexology
Apparently, reflexology finds its origins in ancient China, also in Egypt and in certain tribes of the United States.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American physician, observed that the application of pressure in certain points of the feet of his Patients made them feel much more relaxed and even relieved their pain, and began to be interested in these issues.
Then, along with another doctor named Shelby Riley, he suggested a division of the human body into ten longitudinal regions, which later the masseur Eunice Ingham associated certain reflex areas in the feet and hands.
Since then several"maps"of the foot with its reflex zones have been developed, and different schools of reflexology have arisen.
Reflexology is popular in Denmark
Did you know that reflexology in Denmark is the most popular alternative therapy? In 1987, 9% of the Danish population had used this therapy in Some time, but in 2003, this percentage rose to an astounding 22.7%.
The Association of Reflexologists of that country is carrying out several studies on the effects of this therapy, with very preliminary results Positive. It has been shown that in workplaces where reflexology is offered to employees, sick leave is lower.
Surprising, is not it?
In what cases can reflexology be effective?
Although still considered by many as a pseudo-science, there are many scientific studies that have suggested or demonstrated the positive effects of Reflexotherapy in many conditions.
Please look at the following list:
Relieve premenstrual discomfort
A study carried out in 1993 showed that reflexology can be very useful in relieving premenstrual discomfort, especially pain.
In this research, eighty-three women with Premenstrual syndrome Were divided into two groups. The first one received a 30-minute session of Reflexology, once a week for 8 weeks, while the second group received massages in areas away from those advised Reflexology.
Participating women were unaware of whether they were receiving true or false therapy. After 8 weeks of treatment, a Questionnaire on their premenstrual discomfort.
The results showed that the group of women who received true reflexology therapy showed a significant reduction of symptoms, in Comparison with the placebo group.
Reflexology for headache
In 1990, a study was conducted to find out how effective reflexology is in relieving Headaches .
In the same participated 32 people who were divided in two groups. One of the groups received a placebo pill daily and Reflexology twice a week for a period of two to three months.
The second group received a daily dose of a drug called Flunarizine (Commonly used to prevent migraine), and a massage in an area not Twice a week during the same period as the first group.
When assessing the results, both groups of patients showed improvement in their headaches, so the researchers concluded that the Reflexology could be as effective as flunarizine in preventing migraines.
Although the number of people studied is quite small, these findings can be very important.
Imagine that instead of having to take a medication, now perhaps you can opt for a much more natural method, with practically no contraindications To avoid headaches, such as reflexology.
Relief of aches and muscle contractures
This research was also carried out in 1993. It involved 91 people with various low-intensity nonspecific pain.
One subgroup received neuro-reflexology sessions at the appropriate points, while a second subgroup received the same treatment but in areas Inappropriate or unspecific.
Both groups continued to take their usual medication and continued with their physiotherapy sessions as well.
After 30 days, patients who received appropriate neuro-reflexology treatment showed a significant improvement in their pain, Muscular contractures and mobility and were able to stop the medication, relieving their symptoms completely during the study period.
In conclusion, if you have pain or muscle contractures, sure reflexology is a very good option for you.
Helps control diabetes
Reflexology could also be useful for controlling the type 2 diabetes .
In the framework of scientific research, a group of patients with diabetes underwent a reflexology treatment, in addition to their medication Usual oral route.
After a certain time of treatment, the results showed that patients who received reflexology had lower levels of glucose in Fasting blood, compared to the control group, who only received oral medication.
Reflexology can reduce anxiety
A few years ago a study was performed on a small group of patients in a psychiatric hospital.
The first subgroup of patients received a one-hour reflexology session, daily.
The second subgroup spent this time chatting with hospital officials. And a third subgroup did not perform any specific activity.
Patients in the first and second subgroups showed a significant reduction in their anxiety levels, after the activity performed. The improvement Was more marked in the patients who received reflexology than in the group who only chatted with the staff.
But this is not the only study on the effectiveness of reflexology To reduce anxiety.
Research conducted in 2000 showed that this therapy was effective in reducing anxiety in patients with breast and lung cancer. It also showed that in many of these patients, reflexology was also able to recoup their pain.
To sleep better
It has also been shown that reflexology is useful for sleep better .
The scientists reviewed the results of several studies carried out on this topic and concluded that reflexology is capable of alleviating fatigue, Decrease pain and improve sleep quality.
Recent research on the effectiveness of reflexology
This discipline is becoming increasingly interesting for researchers, who are devoting themselves to studying more deeply the effects of Complementary therapies, due to its undeniable benefits.
In recent years the work in this direction has continued. These are the results of the most recent studies on the effectiveness of reflexology In various conditions.
A large review of research carried out in 2008 indicated that reflexology is capable of:
Have a major impact on the functioning of specific bodies . Magnetic resonance imaging showed increased blood flow to the kidney and intestines after a reflexology treatment.
Improve symptoms of various conditions , Including the renal insufficiency . Positive changes in renal function were observed in patients with insufficiency who had undergone To reflexotherapy sessions.
Have a relaxing effect. A electroencephalogram Showed changes in the waves, it was also noticed a reduction of anxiety, stress And blood pressure in the Patients who received this treatment.
Reduce pain. 27 scientific investigations showed positive effects of reflexology on the reduction of pain in patients with different conditions, Including AIDS, chest pain, peripheral neuropathy, renal lithiasis, osteoarthritis, etc.
More about reflexology and anxiety control
A group of researchers from the University of Surrey in Great Britain showed that reflexology was effective in reducing anxiety in one Group of patients who had to undergo a simple varicose vein operation.
Patients who received reflexology treatment on their hands, in addition to having less anxiety during and after the operation, also They had less pain.
This study was carried out very recently and its results were published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies In 2015, Being one of the most recent studies in this area.
Quality of life in patients with cancer
Recently, the positive effects of reflexology on quality of life Of cancer patients who are being Subjected to chemotherapy .
A study carried out in the year 2000 showed that this alternative therapy improved appetite, communication , Appearance and respiratory function And digestive symptoms of this type of patients in 100%, against 67.6% of the placebo group.
Another research done in 2002 showed that reflexology was able to alleviate physical and emotional symptoms in patients with cancer, Improving mood And quality of sleep, among others.
New discoveries in patients with diabetes
Due to the interesting benefits of reflexology, scientists continued to study its effects on patients with type 2 diabetes.
In the year 2014 an investigation was carried out that showed to the reflexology like a technique able to improve the levels of blood sugar, the Conductivity and sensitivity to various stimuli in this type of patient, among several other positive effects.
Reflexology in children
A study by the researchers Koc and Gozen this year observed a significant difference between the control group and the group that Received reflexology, both integrated by children with acute pain.
In addition, patients receiving this therapy also experienced lower heart rate, increased blood oxygenation and fewer crying crises.
In 2010 also investigated the effect of reflexology in children with chronic idiopathic constipation. The treatment lasted 12 weeks.
After this period, the children had a greater number of bowel movements and a significant reduction of the symptoms of Constipation, compared to the control group.
Reflexology to combat postoperative pain
An experiment was carried out in India in 2006, in which reflexology was applied to patients who had undergone surgery.
A group of these patients received 15 to 20 minutes of reflexology immediately after the completion of the operation, at the time of passing into the Recovery.
A second group received standard pain medication (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids).
The results showed that patients who received reflexology used lower doses of medication and felt less pain compared to The control group.
On the other hand, there is also research showing that reflexology is able to reduce nausea and vomiting in postoperative patients. Those who received this treatment in combination with the usual medicines obtained better results than those who received medication only.
While scientists generally feel that more research needs to be done to demonstrate these effects, many studies have already Showed the positive effects of reflexology in a variety of situations.