Reflexology is beneficial for restoring balance and harmony in the body and releasing tension. It can help facilitate a deep state of relaxation, calm the emotions, and produce a serene mind.

Many people describe a profound sense of relaxation and increased energy following their session. In addition, specific studies have shown that reflexology can reduce pain and anxiety, decrease premenstrual symptoms, and reduce fatigue and insomnia.

Many reflexology users are happy to talk about their healthy experiences with the therapy Below some people share their experiences with reflexology.

How reflexology helped Tom with chemotherapy-induced nausea

I was in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Despite taking anti-nausea drugs, I felt constantly on the verge of vomiting. In fact, when my hospital reflexology therapist showed up for my treatment, I was about to throw up. But after asking my permission, the practitioner calmly performed a complete reflexology treatment on my feet, focusing on areas that corresponded to my stomach, intestine and colon.

After 30 minutes, my nausea dropped from a 10 in severity to a 2, and I no longer needed to vomit. My nurse came in to give me nausea medication on time, but I told her I didn’t need it. Overall, I just felt more connected and at peace about being in the hospital, and I was no longer so afraid.

How reflexology helped Kali deal with post-operative pain

I was in the hospital recovering from abdominal surgery on my intestines. I was miserable, and actually shaking from the pain and my medicine’s inability to relieve it. At first, I refused a reflexology treatment because the pain was so intense, but my nurse convinced me that this was all they could do for me until the doctor arrived.

As the reflexologist began to work on my feet, I began to feel more calm, and my pain subsided. Fifteen minutes later, when the doctor arrived, I said to him, “this reflexologist is doing more for me than the medicine could.” He agreed and left me and my practitioner alone to continue the work.

How reflexology helped Mary deal with fibromyalgia

I had seen a reflexologist two to four times a month for almost ten years for relief of fibromyalgia symptoms. I found the frequent reflexology sessions helped me with the pain, enhanced my energy, improved my sleep, and increased my ability to stay connected to my body. My sessions lasted approximately one hour and included all of the reflexology points and areas.

Reflexology allowed me to grow in awareness of how it feels to be in and out of balance. I learned more what allowed balance in my life, and what caused or contributed to stress. I started walking in nature, riding my bike, and meditating. I took, and then even taught Qigong! Reflexology contributed to my taking responsibility for my health, and I very gently and subtly, felt better and better.

How reflexology helped Jessie with general health maintenance

I went to a reflexologist for 14 years, during three pregnancies. I always sought people who could help me heal the stress of my demanding job and life, and could contribute to my understanding of ways I could release stress and find balance in my own body. I used the 1- 1 1/2 hour treatments as meditations, and frequently felt so refreshed that a new awareness about my life and issues I was dealing with surfaced afterwards. I now come once a month for my “tune-up.”

References

Crane, B. (1997). Reflexology: The Definitive Practitioner’s Manual. MA: Element Books, Inc.

Lee, Y. M., & Sohng, K. Y. (2005). The effects of foot reflexology on fatigue and insomnia in patients suffering from coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 35(7), 1221-1228.

Norman, Laura. (1988). Feet First: A Guide to Foot Reflexology. NY: Simon & Schuster.

Oleson, T & Flocco, W. (1993). Randomized controlled study of premenstrual symptoms treated with ear, hand, and foot reflexology. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 82(6), 906-11.

Siev-Ner, I., Gamus, D., Lerner-Geva, L., & Achiron, A. (2003). Reflexology Treatment Relieves Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Study. Multiple Sclerosis, 9, 356-361.

Stephenson, N.L. et al. (2000). The effects of foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients with breast and lung cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 27(1), 67-72.

Stephenson, N. L. N., Swanson, M., Dalton, J., Keefe, F. J., & Engelke, M. (2007). Partner-Delivered Reflexology" Effects on Cancer Pain and Anxiety. Oncology Nursing Forum, 34(1), 127-132.

Expert Contributor: Karen Teagarden, BA, ARCB

Reviewed by: Donna LeBlanc Morris, DrPH, CNM, AHN-BC, LR

Date: June, 2007

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