REFLEXOLOGY
Presented by
Megan Reid
What is Reflexology?
• Complimentary touch therapy that
involves the application of
pressure to specific points and
areas
– Feet (most common)
– Hands
– Ears
Theory
• Ten equal zones run the length of the body
vertically
• Application of pressure to these points
Beneficial effect on corresponding organs,
bones, and body systems
Beneficial effect on general health
• Congestion in any part effects entire zone
• May manifest as calcium or acid deposits
Foot Chart
Hand Chart
Ear Chart
Reflexology vs. Massage
• Similar to massage
– Both therapeutic touch applied by hands
• Key differences
– Small muscle movements applied
– More specific
– Pressure is applied in order to stimulate targeted
organs
Purposes
• Relaxation
– Homeostasis
• Stimulates proprioceptive reflexes
– Endocrine, immune, neuropeptide
systems
In Current Practice
• Emphasize benefits
– Stress relief
– Increased feelings of well being
• Some argue that specific diagnosis and
symptoms can be treated
– Little evidence to support
Evidence
• Mixed Results
– Nursing home residents with mild-to-moderate
dementia
• Decline in pain
• Decline in physiological distress (salivary alpha-amylase)
• Borderline improvements in sadness
– Hospitalized cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
• Average decrease of 7.9 points on state-anxiety scale in
treatment group; 0.8 points in control group
– Systematic review of five studies
• Only one study had significant treatment effect
Indications/Contraindicati
ons
• Improves:
– Pain (acute and chronic), anxiety, BP,
pulse, temp, hormone levels, circulation,
breathing, elimination, relaxation,
detoxification, healing, immune system,
sleep, and wound healing
• Caution in:
– Fever, phlebitis, severe idiopathic pain,
skin eruptions or rashes, enlarged
varicose veins, burns, infections, recent
sx, and acute conditions
Incorporation into Advanced
Nursing Practice
•
•
•
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Not reimbursed
Most healthcare staff not qualified
Will require individual self-motivation
May provide piece of mind, relaxation, and
pleasure  health related benefits
• Currently, no specific medically indicated
conditions
Incorporation into Advanced
Nursing Practice
• Recommend to patients for same reason they seek
it on their own
– Conventional medicine lacking or ineffective
• May only provide relaxation
• Although not necessarily a proven science, but a
way for individuals to empower themselves in the
management of their illness
• Final result desired may not be evidence of
efficacy
References
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Dossey, B. M., & Keegan, L. (2009). Holistic nursing: A handbook for practice
(5th ed.). Sadbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Hodgson, N., & Andersen, S. (2008). The clinical efficacy of reflexology in
nursing home residents with dementia. Journal Of Alternative &
Complementary Medicine, 14(3), 269-275. doi:10.1089/acm.2007.0577
Quattrin, R., Zanini, A., Buchini, S., Turello, D., Annunziata, M., Vidotti, C.,
Colombatti, A., & Brusaferro, S. (2006). Use of reflexology foot massage to
reduce anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients in chemotherapy treatment:
methodology and outcomes. Journal Of Nursing Management, 14(2), 96-105.
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2934.2006.00557.x
Teagarden, K. (2011). Reflexology. Center for Spirituality & Healing and the Life
Science Foundation, University of Minnesota.
Williams, A. M., Davies, A., & Griffiths, G. (2009). Facilitating comfort for
hospitalized patients using non-pharmacological measures: Preliminary
development of clinical practice guidelines. International Journal of Nursing
Practice 2009, 15, 145-155. doi:10.1111/j.1440-172X.2009.01739.x