Research and Links
Below are some useful links and examples of study outcomes which show reflexology to be an effective complimentary therapy:
Managing Fatigue, stress, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and pain, and also improved sleep and quality of life in individuals with MS: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10930811/
Benefits of reflexology on patients with Dementia:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18370580/
Reflexology and Arthritis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705475/
Effect of reflexology on Anxiety
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6715326/
Reflexology and Insomnia
Menopause
British Menopause Society
Specialist authority for menopause and post reproductive health.
What is the Menopause? definition British Menopause Society
https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/17-BMS-TfC-What-is-the-menopause-AUGUST2023-A.pdf
Studies to show effects of reflexology applied to women aged between 40 and 60 on vasomotor (hot flushes) complaints and quality of life. Results showed that reflexology could be effective in decreasing vasomotor problems and increasing quality of life in women in the menopausal period.
The effects of reflexology on depression during menopause: A randomized controlled clinical trial showed that foot reflexology was effective on reducing women’s depression in menopause.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31780002/
The effects of reflexology on sleep disorder in menopausal women. The results showed a significant reduction sleep disorder after intervention.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042811029788
Newson Health: Common Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause
Hot flushes: This is one of the most common menopause symptoms, characterised by sudden feelings of warmth across the body, particularly the face, neck and chest. Hot flashes can vary in frequency and intensity from person to person
Night sweats: These are intense hot flashes the occur at night. Night sweats can disrupt sleep which can lead to fatigue during the day
Mood changes: Many women report feelings of sadness, irritability, or anxiety. These can be due to hormonal fluctuations but can also be influenced by sleep disruptions from other symptoms
Vaginal dryness: Reduced oestrogen levels can lead to discomfort, itching, or pain, particularly during intercourse
Decreased libido: Oestrogen and testosterone are both important hormones for libido, so you may find your sex drive declines during the perimenopause and menopause
Sleep disorders: Apart from night sweats, you may experience insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns, which can in turn lead to fatigue
Memory and concentration issues: Some women may experience ‘brain fog’ including challenges with focus, recalling information, or completing tasks
Joint aches and pains: Hormonal changes can cause inflammation in joints, leading to discomfort and pain.
Information about Menopause from the National Institute for Health & Care
https://menopausecare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/NICE-Menopause-Information.pdf
Useful information on the Menopause. Perimenopause and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
https://www.balance-menopause.com/
How does menopause affect women at work
https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/how-does-menopause-affect-women-at-work/
Calculate your menopause symptoms : Menoscale Symptom Calculator
Zoe Science & Nutrition
https://zoe.com/learn/menoscale-calculator-menopause-research
Reflexology in the Workplace
Using Reflexology to manage stress in the workplace: a preliminary study (2008)
RC Atkins, Harris P. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2008 Nov;14(4):280-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2008.05.005. Epub 2008 Sep 25.
Staff study seen within Worcester hospitals
By Anne Jordan, First European Conference
Twenty-eight subjects (22 females & 6 males, aged 22 to 66 years) were reported on in this study. Subjects received one 40-minute reflexology session per week for six weeks. Response to reflexology was measured after each session on several parameters including: pain, mobility, lassitude and psychological stress. All subjects reported some improvement after six sessions, with significant improvement being reported by: 74% of the 23 subjects experiencing pain, 53% of subjects concerned about mobility, 62.5% of subjects concerned with lassitude, and 55% of subjects concerned with psychological stress. It is concluded that reflexology is a cost-effective treatment for companies and institutions concerned about absenteeism and sick leave.
The FDZ Research Council in Denmark has carried out research into the effects of workplace reflexology
Companies that participated in the research included Telecom Taastrup, SAS Cargo and Denmark Odense Post Office.
Telecom Taastrup, for example, hired a reflexologist 3 days a week for it's 7-800 employees. In this survey 156 employees, who had received a total of 1025 reflexology treatments during a one-year period, were sent a questionnaire. The return rate was 75% or 116: 87 from women, 19 from men, 10 blank. Treatments had been for back pain, muscle tension, headache/migraine, and stomach/intestinal problems (60%) a further 20% for common problems related to movement. 56% responses indicated that the reflexology treatments helped. 29% indicated that the reflexology provided partial help. The remainder of respondents indicated that the reflexology treatments did not help (7.5%), or, that they did not know (7.5%). In addition, 40% indicated that the reflexology treatments received had reduced their number of sick days.
It was concluded that there was a direct economic benefit as well as increased wellbeing and productivity of the employees.
Maternity & Pregnancy Studies
Study on the effect of reflexology on pain and outcomes of labour
Valiani M. et al (2010) Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research 15(Dec) p.301-310.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3208928/
Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve quality of sleep amongst post partum women
Li C-Y et al (2011) Midwifery 27. P. 181-186
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388117303614
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Reduction of Labour Pain Among Primigravida Mothers
Manju Mohan, and Linda Varghese (2021) *.* Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2021 Mar; 14(1): 21–29. Published online 2021 Mar 1st.
Migraines
National Migraine Centre.
Migraine Trust website
British association for the Study of Headaches
Organisation for Understanding of Cluster headaches