Emma Dalton

Reflexology is an ancient technique of treating the wellbeing of the whole body by systematic pressure on reflex points on the foot or hand. At its simplest it is often viewed as a form of massage – many clients initially come for treatments because of the relaxing nature of the experience. It is certainly a simple way of maintaining good health and easing stress.

In fact the technique is very subtle and the effects are profound, often helping to ease long-standing chronic ailments and acute conditions. Its effectiveness may be due to the fact that it seems to simultaneously trigger several healing mechanisms: for example, in addition to providing a gentle physical massage, the therapist is also working with the “meridians” (lines of energy used in oriental medicine) and channeling healing “energy”.

Its popularity has grown dramatically in Britain and much of the world over the past thirty years – almost entirely by word of mouth from satisfied clients. As Reflexology develops new techniques are found and specialist approaches develop.

What evidence is there to validate Reflexology?

The following information is taken from the Association of Reflexologists’ booklet “Reflexology within Medical Practices”. No copyright infringement is intended in its use.

In common with most complementary therapies, there has only been limited research aimed at validating reflexology. This is slowly changing, however, and the following lists some recent reports:

1. A study in Denmark of 116 patients presenting with a range of 15 condidtions resulted in 75% of those treated with reflexology reporting primary benefits and 63% reporting secondary benefits.
2. A large Post Office in Denmark which has employed a full-time reflexologist since 1990 reports a saving of around £100,000 a year due to a reduction in sickness and absenteeism of 13.3%.
3. A doctor’s study of 64 pregnant women within a G.P’s practice showed a range of effects, including a significantly reduced labour time for all those receiving reflexology.
4. A study (published in Obstetrics & Gynaecology) of women suffering from severe PMT showed a significant reduction in symptoms amongst those treated with reflexology.
5. A study of patients in the Trauma Unit in the Prince of Wales Orthopaedic Hospital, Cardiff, showed that those who received reflexology went home on average 3-5 days earlier than others. A follow-up study of knee replacement patients is now underway.

Further indications of the effects produced by reflexology include the following, which, although not subject to scientific protocols, have nevertheless been confirmed by medical tests or monitoring:

• Normalising in high blood pressure
• Increase in white blood cell count
• Increase in hemoglobin levels
• Increased blood flow to the brain in a study of women with migraine
• Improvement in peak flow levels amongst asthmatics
• Improvement in blood sugar levels of diabetic patients
• Relief of chronic constipation and related problems
• Reduction of anxiety/depression amongst a group of patients in a geriatric unit
• Work in Mexico, the United States and South Africa with children suffering from mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, and perceptual and emotional problems, showed improvement across a range of parameters including hyperactivity, behavioral problems, concentration,  memory, socialisation, responsiveness, sensory integration, digestion and eating habits.

Emma is a Full Member of the Association of Reflexologists