Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, commonly known as AIDS, is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, also known as human immunodeficiency virus. Scientific research has yet to find a cure for this fatal illness, but a number of alternative treatments outside the realm of traditional medicine are being used in treating AIDS. One of these is reflexology, a form of massage therapy in which pressure is applied to specific points on the feet and hands.
Understanding Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of massage therapy in which the practitioner manipulates pressure points on the hands and feet according to the belief that these points are directly related to the body’s various organs and systems. A reflexologist will manipulate these points to clear energy blockages that are interfering with proper function of the body and are purportedly responsible for causing a variety of different maladies. Proponents of reflexology claim that a reflexologist is able to diagnose abnormalities within the body by examining a patient’s feet, and subsequently heal these conditions by stimulating points that will stimulate the flow of energy, similar to the concept of chi in acupuncture and other variants of Eastern medicine. However, Dr. Stephen Barrett writes on his Quackwatch website, reflexology is “based on an absurd theory” and there is no proof this type of massage therapy can influence what course an illness will take.
Pain and Fatigue
Some research indicates that reflexology may have some therapeutic value for patients suffering from AIDS. During the 2004 International Conference on AIDS held in Bangkok, Thailand, the results of a study on the effects of reflexology in treating AIDS patients’ fatigue and pain were presented. The results showed that pain was reduced — albeit not significantly — and also enhanced the relationship between nurse and patient through human touch.
Relaxation
An earlier study, presented at the 1994 International Conference on AIDS, examined the effectiveness of reflexology as a relaxation exercise for AIDS patients in remote villages in Uganda, where medical care is usually not available. This study found that 85 percent of subjects — some of whom were in the final stages of the disease — reported feeling some pain relief, increased relaxation and found they could sleep soundly after undergoing reflexology treatments.
Primary Medical Care
In April 2005, a federal grant was given to the Northeast Holistic Center in Belleville, New Jersey, to fund reflexology as part of primary medical care to assist with “treatment adherence” for health care for those suffering from AIDS/HIV. According to the website of the Reflexology Research Project, patients were treated with reflexology to reduce stress, assist with pain management and improve immune function. The project is viewed as a success, and reflexology was reportedly also effective in helping patients' neuropathy, knee problems, circulation problems and reducing overall stress.
References
- Reflexology Research Project: Reflexology Has Been Accepted As a Part of Primary Medical Care in a Federally Funded HIV/AIDS Grant
- International Conference on AIDS; Reflexology - A Relaxation Exercise for AIDS Patients-Rakai District; M. Naluyange, et al; August 1994
- International Conference on AIDS; Effect of Foot Reflexology on Pain and Fatigue in HIV/AIDS; L.A. Ounprasertpong; July 2004
- AltMD: What is Reflexology?
- The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals: Manipulative and Body-Based Practices
- Quackwatch; Reflexology - A Close Look; Stephen Barrett
- MedicinePlus: HIV/AIDS
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