Why is reflexology effective?

During a typical reflexology session, the therapist asks the client if he has any areas of pain, tightness or injury, and for new clients the therapist completes an intake form. The client remains clothed, except for shoes and socks, and either sits or lies down. The therapist then applies pressure to various spots on the feet, hands or ears, depending on the client’s needs, although foot reflexology is the modality employed most often.

The feet contain more than 7,000 nerve endings, according to many sources, including the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine’s overview of reflexology. “It is a rich area for accessing the body,” said Miller.

Proponents of reflexology say it is helpful for a range of conditions, including digestive issues, infertility, tension headaches, spinal problems and many others. Research studies indicate reflexology reduces anxiety in chemotherapy patients; improves sleep for postpartum women; and reduces symptoms of low-back pain, among many other benefits. (These studies and more on reflexology and other modalities can be accessed at massagemag.com/research-studies.)

Reflexology and PTSD

Perhaps one of the most promising uses of reflexology being explored is in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Miller described an encounter with a wounded military veteran she was seated next to on an airplane. In the course of normal conversation, she mentioned being a massage therapist; the man told her he had PTSD, and would never consider getting a massage.

“He said, ‘There’s no way I would take off all of my clothes and lay facedown with a stranger in the room,’” Miller said. She then explained to him how he could receive the relaxation benefit of reflexology while remaining face-up and fully clothed.

“Many people say that it is more relaxing than a full-body massage,” said Miller.

 Reflexology research

There is a growing body of research that supports the use of reflexology for people who have PTSD, including an Institute of Human Ecology study involving Israeli soldiers. This study, among others, is summarized on the Reflexology Research Project website, which is maintained by reflexology educators and authors Kevin and Barbara Kun

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Purpose

evaluate whether manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) or active exercise (AE) is associated with shoulder range of motion (ROM), wound complication and changes in the lymphatic parameters after breast cancer (BC) surgery and whether these parameters have an association with lymphedema formation in the long run.

Methods

Clinical trial with 106 women undergoing radical BC surgery, in the Women’s Integrated Healthcare Center—University of Campinas. Women were matched for staging, age and body mass index and were allocated to performed AE or MLD, 2 weekly sessions during one month after surgery. The wound was evaluated 2 months after surgery. ROM, upper limb circumference measurement and upper limb lymphoscintigraphy were performed before surgery, and 2 and 30 months after surgery.

Results

The incidence of seroma, dehiscence and infection did not differ between groups. Both groups showed ROM deficit of flexion and abduction in the second month postoperative and partial recovery after 30 months. Cumulative incidence of lymphedema was 23.8% and did not differ between groups (p = 0.29). Concerning the lymphoscintigraphy parameters, there was a significant convergent trend between baseline degree uptake (p = 0.003) and velocity visualization of axillary lymph nodes (p = 0.001) with lymphedema formation. A reduced marker uptake before or after surgery predicted lymphedema formation in the long run (>2 years). None of the lymphoscintigraphy parameters were shown to be associated with the study group. Age ≤39 years was the factor with the greatest association with lymphedema (p = 0.009). In women with age ≤39 years, BMI >24Kg/m2 was significantly associated with lymphedema (p = 0.017). In women over 39 years old, women treated with MLD were at a significantly higher risk of developing lymphedema (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Lymphatic abnormalities precede lymphedema formation in BC patients. In younger women, obesity seems to be the major player in lymphedema development and, in older women, improving muscle strength through AE can prevent lymphedema. In essence, MLD is as safe and effective as AE in rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery.