Reflexology is a variant of massage therapy in which the practitioner applies pressure to specific points located on the feet and hands that correspond to various organs and body systems. Adherents of reflexology claim this practice can heal a number of maladies by unblocking the body's constricted energy flow — also known as chi — although there is no scientific evidence suggesting that manipulating a pressure point on the foot will have any affect on your organs. Some studies, however, have found that reflexology may actually be beneficial in treating sleep difficulties.
Reflexology
Reflexologists believe the human foot contains four distinct sections, each corresponding with an element: earth, water, fire and air, with each element corresponding to a different component of a patient's well-being. The ball of the foot, for example, corresponds with fire, and manipulating pressure points in this area will affect issues related to anger and fear. Manipulation of these points will then allow the free flow of energy throughout the body, thus relieving ailments in the corresponding body system or organ. According to Dr. Stephen Barrett on the Quackwatch website, proponents of reflexology claim this practice offers an array of health benefits, ranging from cleansing toxins from the body to improving the health of vital organs. However, Barrett points out that reflexology is based on an "absurd theory," and claims that this practice can neither diagnose or cure disease and should be ignored.
Reflexology and Insomnia
Despite doubts of its disease-fighting capabilities, reflexology has proven beneficial in regard to treating patients suffering from insomnia. A study published in a 2009 edition of "Acupuncture in Medicine: Journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society" concluded that two out of three test subjects who participated in acupuncture and reflexology treatments to combat insomnia demonstrated a "clinically relevant improvement." The researchers called for undertaking a more rigorous study to further examine the effectiveness of these forms of alternative medicine in treating insomnia.
Pneumoconiosis
A 2005 study published in the Korean medical journal "Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi" researched the effects of reflexology on sleep difficulties found in patients suffering from pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of coal dust that is common to those who work in coal mines. The study concluded that reflexology may have beneficial effects at helping pneumoconiosis patients treat insomnia, and recommended reflexology as a nurses' intervention program in treating these patients.
Reflexologists' Views
In 2008, "Complementary Theories in Medicine" published the results of a study that compiled the results of more than 500 reflexologists who answered a questionnaire regarding their views on an array of reflexology-related topics. Among these were reflexologists' views on the specific benefits of reflexology, including its effectiveness in treating lower back pain and improving sleep patterns. According to this study, reflexologists who responded to the questionnaire reported that other health-care practitioners — including general practitioners — referred patients to reflexologists to treat conditions such as insomnia.
References
- "Acupuncture in Medicine;" Accupuncture and Reflexology for Insomnia - A Feasibility Study; C.M. Hughes, et al; December 2009
- "Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi;" The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Fatigue and Insomnia in Patients Suffering From Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis; Y.M. Lee, et al; December 2005
- "Complementary Therapies in Medicine;" F. Quinn, et al; February 2008
- The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals: Manipulative and Body-Based Practices
- Quackwatch: Reflexology - A Closer Look; Stephen Barrett
