Making a point
A recent study by the University of Portsmouth may change that perception.
Researchers say it may be as effective as painkillers. Based on ancient Chinese practices, reflexology involves applying pressure to body points — mainly the feet, hands and ears — to treat health complaints elsewhere. The principle is that these pressure points relate to other parts, or functions, of the body.
Reflexology treats ailments such as headaches, aches and pains and depression, and is relaxing.
For the small study, 15 people submerged their hands in ice-cold water. In one session, they were given reflexology before, and in another they believed they were receiving pain relief from a TENS machine, but it wasn’t switched on. Those who had reflexology first kept their hand in the water for longer before it felt painful (40%), and tolerated the pain longer (45%).
Dr Carol Samuel, a reflexologist and co-author of the study, says: “As we predicted, reflexology decreased pain sensations. It’s likely that reflexology works in a similar manner to acupuncture, by causing the brain to release chemicals that lessen pain signals.”
More studies are needed, but she says: “It looks like it may be used to complement conventional drug therapy in the treatment of conditions that are associated with pain, such as osteoarthritis, backache and cancers.”
The authors say this is the first time reflexology has been scientifically tested as a treatment for acute pain. Other, less rigorous studies have had similar findings, including Iranian research in 2010, which found reflexology was more effective than Ibuprofen in reducing period pain and duration.
So how does it work? Many reflexologists say the therapy is similar to acupuncture: it stimulates meridians (energy lines) in the body by applying pressure to specific points. This releases blockages in energy.
Some say internal organs adjust to the sensory input of a therapeutic touch, and another theory is that reflexology releases endorphins and encephalins — the body’s natural painkillers.
Japanese research from 2008, using MRI scans, showed a link between foot reflexology points and a brain reaction, suggesting the link from pressure points to organs occurs through a blood-flow reaction in the brain. Recently, researchers from Michigan State University showed that reflexology can help people with cancer manage their symptoms and perform daily tasks more easily.
* To find a local reflexologist see: www.nationalreflexology.ie
