Foot Reflexology Chart
Reflexology Research Project Newsletter )
Journal of Reflexology Research Project February 2007
in this issue
  • Dementia and Reflexology
  • Reflexology Deck Released
  • Reflexology Paths Hit the United States
  • Greetings!

    New research has emerged on dementia and reflexology. The study suggests that reflexology may be an effective treatment for older adults with dementia, appearing to relieve pain and improve psychological well being. Of particular interest is the study's connection between reflexology and the stress mechanism including hormone release, blood pressure and heart rate.

    Reflexology Paths are starting to appear in the US following the lead of first Asia and then Europe. Reflexology Paths are being promoted and built by governments interested in helping their citizens get healthy.

    All the best, Barbara and Kevin Kunz Reflexology Research Project

    Kevin and Barbara Kunz
    Kevin Kunz

    Dementia and Reflexology
    Foot Reflexology Chart

    It has been said there are four geriatric giants- confusion, falls, incontinence and immobility. In a landmark study dementia has been shown to be helpful with nursing home residents with dementia. In addition, reflexology was shown to create change in measures of the hormones cortisol and DHEA, produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands.

    "Efficacy of Reflexology as a Palliative Treatment in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: A Pilot Study"

    INTRODUCTION: Alternative therapies may offer great promise in treating distress in older adults with dementia without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. A growing body of anecdotal literature suggests that reflexology may be an effective treatment for older adults with dementia, appearing to relieve pain and improve psychological well being.

    METHODS: This experimental repeated-measures study of 80 subjects (40 control and 40 experimental) with mild to moderate dementia randomized to experimental and control groups was designed to test the efficacy of reflexology as an alternative and complementary therapy in nursing home residents with mild to moderate dementia. The reflexology sessions and control group intervention was provided by a trained reflexology therapist once a week for 4 weeks, and lasted 30 minutes each. Physiologic stress was assessed using blood pressure, heart rate, and salivary measures of cortisol, alpha amyase and DHEA. Measures of pain, anxiety and depression were assessed using standardized indexes by trained data collectors blind to subject group assignment.

    RESULTS: Analysis of variance for repeated measures demonstrated a significantly greater decrease in symptoms of pain, depression and physiologic measures of stress for the residents given reflexology treatment than for those in the control group. CONCLUSION: These clinical findings support the use of reflexology in nursing home residents with mild/moderate dementia.

    Nancy A. Hodgson, RN, PhD, CS1, Susan Andersen, BS2, and Heather Felker2. (1) Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life, Polisher Research Institute, North Wales, PA, USA, (2) Research, Polisher Research Institute (formerly the Philadelphia Geriatric Center), Horsham, PA, USA

    Presented July 19, 2006, The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006) Learning Objective #1: Identify three biomarkers of physiologic stress in the physically and cognitively frail older population. Learning Objective #2: Describe the effects of a reflexology intervention in a nursing home population.

    Reflexology Deck Released
    Reflexology Deck

    Fall 2006 saw the release of the first full color Reflexology Deck. Adapted from Reflexology: Health at Your Fingertips by Barbara and Kevin Kunz, the Deck was a sell-out during the Amazon.com for 2006 holiday season.

    "Rebecca Review," Amazon.com, noted," 'Reflexology" is designed to be used as a healing session given to someone else to help to reduce pain and encourage relaxation. Most of the pictures show two people (Ok, just hands and feet), one giving massage, the other receiving. I found that you can use the cards even if you are giving yourself a relaxing massage or reflexology session. Small adaptations to the general ideas make this accessible and enjoyable to use."

    "What I love about this deck of cards is the inclusion of Reflexology Maps for the Sole of the Foot, Top of the Foot, Palm of the Hand and Top of the Hand. There is also a card of technique symbols. Each technique is taught and then cards for Foot and Hand Reflexology follow. The cards all have full-color pictures with additional information about the techniques printed on the back."

    "If you are just discovering Reflexology, this is a perfect place to start. If you want cards to remind you of a sequence of healing techniques these can be used alone or with a partner."

    Reflexology Paths Hit the United States

    Reflexology paths have spread throughout Asia and Europe for several years now. They are just beginning to hit American shores with the first reported one built at Basytr College in Washington state. Several have sprung up in Washington state. Two are created and maintained by King County Parks and Recreation and one on the grounds corporation that helped fund the paths.

    These paths have been spurred on by the groundbreaking studies by Oregon Research Institute. Their study found the walking on cobblestone mats helped senior citizens lower blood pressure, reduce pain and increase stability.

    Kunz & Kunz are in the planning stages for a Reflexology Path at Albuquerque's Hacienda Antigua Bed & Breakfast housed in an adobe building which dates back to the 1790's. Stay tuned.

    Quick Links...

    Email Marketing by