Randomised controlled trial of reflexology for menopausal symptoms

Abstract

Objective Clinical experience suggests that reflexology may have beneficial effects on the symptoms occurring in menopausal women, particularly psychological symptoms. This study aims to examine that effect rigorously. Design Randomised controlled trial with two parallel arms.Setting School of Complementary Health in Exeter, Devon, UK.Sample Seventy-six women, aged between 45 and 60 years, reporting menopausal symptoms.Methods Women were randomised to receive nine sessions of either reflexology or nonspecific foot massage (control) by four qualified reflexologists given over a period of 19 weeks. Main outcome measures The Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ), the primary measures being the subscores for anxiety and depression. Severity (visual analogue scale, VAS) and frequency of flushes and night sweats. Results Mean (SD) scores for anxiety fell from 0.43 (0.29) to 0.22 (0.25) in the reflexology group and from 0.37 (0.27) to 0.27 (0.29) in the control group over the course of treatment. Mean (SD) scores for depression fell from 0.37 (0.25) to 0.20(0.24) in the reflexology group and from 0.36 (0.23) to 0.20 (0.21) in the control (foot massage) group over the same period. For both scores there was strong evidence of a time effect ( P < 0.001) but no evidence of a time -group interaction ( P > 0.2). Similar changes were found for severity of hot flushes and night sweats. In the control group, 14/37 believed they had not received true reflexology. Conclusion Foot reflexology was not shown to be more effective than non-specific foot massage in the treatment of psychological symptoms occurring during the menopause.

The use of complementary and alternative medications by menopausal women in South East Queensland

“…Yet few studies have been conducted on the use of CAMs among menopausal women, Particularly the types, prevalence, and factors associated with CAM use. CAMs can be broadly grouped into CAM medications (ingestible) or therapies (non-ingestible) and include nutritional supplements, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as well as yoga, meditation, naturopathy, exercise, relaxation, and deep breathing (Chopin Lucks, 2003;Gorton, 1988;Ivarsson, Spetz, & Hammar, 1998;Wijma et al, 1997;Williamson et al, 2002;Younus et al, 2003). Studies indicate that the use of CAMs in the general population has been increasing although the types of CAMs measured vary widely between studies.…”

Effect of Reflexology Foot Massage on Leg Cramps for Patients on Hemodialysis.

“…This may be due to application of reflexology massage, according to reflexologist local finger pressure can influence the functions of organs encouraging homeostasis, promoting deep relaxation and the healing response, which may help to improve sleep and ease tension (39) . Moreover improvement in sleeping pattern was a reflection to decreasing nocturnal leg cramps frequency, duration and intensity secondary to application of reflexology massage.…”

The Significance of Somatosensory Stimulation to the Hand: Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

“…Although the autonomic pathways in the hand have not been fully studied, sensory stimulation to specific areas of the hands has been reported to have effects on specific organ systems, such as renal blood flow (Sudmeier et al, 1999), symptoms of menopause (Williamson, White, Hart, & Ernst, 2002), intestinal activity (Bonder et al, 2001), and increases in blood flow and neuronal activity in the brain (Cho et al, 1998;Cho, Oleson, Alimi, & Niemtzow, 2002). In respect to therapeutic use of self, hand stimulation has been shown to encourage face-to-face eye contact and better communication (Harris & Richards, 2010;Kim, Cho, Woo, & Kim, 2001).…”