Showing posts with label CAM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CAM. Show all posts

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Below, you will find an English selection of our articles, also sorted by theme under "Recommended reading" on our side-bar.

Please visit  www.barcelonareflexologia.com our Spanish website for a complete list of all our articles in English and in Spanish (translation tool provided).

Thank you.


Mechanisms and Outcomes of Reflexology: Most Recent Studies and Evidences of Benefits


Deeper investigation into reflexology as well as evolving imaging techniques allow to better understand how Reflexology works as a complex - if not complete therapy - or as diverse “Therapeutic Modalities” depending on the nature of reflexology applied (Foot Reflexology types vary in their choice of : reflex points protocol, pressure intensity, patterns of movements, frequency/duration of treatment,  and other factors or a combination of factors.)


Mechanisms. Reflexology and how it works is explained through:

  • The Reflex Zone Theory
  • The highly sensitive nature of the human foot: it is one of the body´s most sensitive area to sensory stimulation, rich in mechanoreceptors innervation.
  • The mechanotransduction effect of reflexology stimuli (or the ability of a cell to actively sense, integrate, and convert mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals that result in intracellular changes, such as ion concentrations, activation of signaling pathways and transcriptional regulation.)
  • The piezoelectric effect of reflexology stimuli and its impact on the autonomic nervous system and neural transmission.
  • The changes and balancing effects of reflexology on the fascial system (Fascia is a system that surrounds, interweaves between, and interpenetrates all organs, muscles, bones and nerve fibres, endowing the body with a functional structure, and providing an environment that enables all body systems to operate in an integrated manner), molecular and muscoskeletal systems. (“The plantar fascia on the sole of the foot manipulated during reflexology, links to the Achilles tendon which sits within the superficial back line of fascia, tracing up the back of the leg, onwards to the spine and then over the back and top of the head to the brow. The myofascial transition of plantar fascia-gastrocnemius; gastrocnemius-hamstrings; hamstrings-lumbar fascia/erector spinae/occipito-frontalis is of particular interest for the reflexologist. Working the reflexes on and around the plantar fascia may have an effect on those body parts, as adjustment and release occurs all the way up from foot to head.”)
  • Therapeutic relationship : psychological benefits of therapist/patient interconnection, rapport and empathy
  • Therapeutic touch: beneficial nature of human touch
  • Hawthorne effect (change of patient´s reaction and behaviour when allowing/receiving increased attention )
  • Placebo effect
  • Encouraging, diagnose-free, natural healing environment

Outcome and Benefits:

  • Stress and techno-stress modulator
  • Hormonal balance
  • Haemodynamic effects (or improvement of blood flow)
  • Improved propioception  (the body's ability to sense movement, action, and location), stability and balance. (“Studies have shown that the retinacula of the ankle and foot are rich in nerve fibres and proprioceptors...which, through stimuli...deliver signals to the brain about spatial positioning and effective movement in space.”
  • Induces sleep-state brainwaves leading to
    • Better sleep and rest
    • Improvement of inmune system
    • Improvement of anxiety and depression
    • Heightened cognitive functions
    • Improved digestive functions
    • Reduced pain perception (threshold, tolerance, duration)
    • Improved inflammatory conditions
    • Release of muscular tension
    • Facilitates adaptation to circadian movements
    • Urinary bladder control

Reflexology: Exploring the mechanism of action. JudithWhatley, JoannePerkins, CarolSamuel. Elsevier Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice - Volume 48, August 2022, 101606 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388122000743

Principios de Reflexologia Dr. Jesus Manzanares Corominas, Paidos Iberica Ediciones, Sp

Improve Your Balance, Blood Pressure, and Mood with Reflexology and... Walking on Cobblestone


Several scientific studies confirm the benefits reaped by people of all ages in Asian countries by walking barefoot on cobblestones, 30 minutes daily. The stimulating effect results from the activation of certain reflex points (nerve endings which are numerous in the feet) such as in foot reflexology. 



The studies carried out underline positive results in: 

  • Sleep quality 
  • Pain relief 
  • Dialostic blood pressure 
  • Balance 
  • Control over possible falls 
  • Mood improvement 

Among a multitude of other benefits, Foot Reflexology also confers the above, and acts more specifically on reflex points determined according to the conditions sought to be improved. For people who do not have a garden or outdoor path, there are cobblestone rugs on the market, as well as reflexology insoles. 

Visit:  www.reflexologybarcelona.com for your next clinical reflexology session.

Study confirms benefits of cobblestone walking for older adults – News dical Life Sciences Oregon Research Institute 2005 https://www.news-medical.net/news/2005/06/29/11422.aspx 

Health Benefits of cobblestone mat walking - Human Kinetics Journal 2022 https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/japa/11/4/article-p487.xml

Reflexology in Hospitals Throughout Europe

In many European countries (see below), the use of foot reflexology in hospitals

It offers the patient an alternative to relieve pain and reduce the tensions created, sometimes generated by heavy treatments.

It also makes it possible to accompany the patient during long stays in the hospital, who, in fact, may find himself morally and psychologically tired. This is where reflexology plays its calming role.

“The wonderful thing about the integration of reflexology in the hospital setting is the birth of the collaboration between the reflexologist, the doctor and the healthcare team. This simple collaborative approach allows patients to be entitled to a new kind of care, a new opportunity to alleviate their suffering.” In a crisis situation, reflexology can sometimes calm as effectively as medication." Says Dr. Martine Faure-Alderson. He carried out research at the Marie Curie Institute in Paris that has made it possible to classify the practice of reflexology among non-invasive psycho-corporal therapies for fighting pain (and which includes tactile massage, hypnosis and relaxation techniques... .)

Reflexology is used as a holistic, preventive and/or complementary therapy in, for example: cancerology, diagnostic imaging, gerontological, perinatal, pediatric care, angiology, psychology, addictions...

Reflexology allows deep relaxation, and acts against pain. Improves blood circulation. Normalizes organic and glandular function.

Here are some of the many western countries where reflexology is present in hospitals and medical centers:

Switzerland: https://www.la-tour.ch/en/care-services/perinatal-reflexology-consultation

France: https://www.proformed.fr/actualites/la-reflexologie-dans-les-services-hospitaliers/

Spain :

ICO, Cataluña https://ico.gencat.cat/web/.content/minisite/ico/ciutadans/documents/arxius/2017-05-Cast.CALENDARIO-DE-EDUCACION-PARA-LA-SALUD.pdf

San Joan de Deu, Barcelona https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcDFBOIV1VY

Teknon, Barcelona https://www.teknon.es/es/especialidades/riambau-alonso-vicente/reflexologia-podal

U:K: https://www.healthysoul.co.uk/resources/therapies-a-z/nhs-provision-complementary-therapies/

Denmanrk, Norway: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21244655/

2019: Growing scientific and medical interest in Reflexology



2019: Reflexology is more present than ever in the medical and scientific media. 





The growing interest in this natural and complementary therapy has boosted scientific investigation and lead to many new relevant medical articles that underline: 

  • The physical, mental, and emotional health benefits to be gained from Reflexology, 
  • and how it generally improves Quality of Life.

Here are a few articles: 

Effects of reflexology on premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Source:  PubMed - 24 October 2019 - Publisher: BioPsychoSocial medicine 
Results of the present study indicated that the reflexology could relieve PMS symptoms, so that overall scores, somatic and psychological symptoms of PMS decreased by applying the reflexology intervention.  

A systematic review association of reflexology in managing symptoms and side effects of breast cancer treatment. Source:  PubMed - 25 November 2019 - Publisher: Complementary therapies in clinical practice  
The results showed that reflexology is associated with benefits for both psychological and physical aspects. Reflexology was reported to improve quality of life  

The effectiveness of aromatherapy, massage and reflexology in people with palliative care needs: A systematic review. Source:  PubMed - 29 October 2019 - Publisher: Palliative medicine 
There was some evidence  that compared to an active control, reflexology reduced pain.  

Multiple Sclerosis and complementary health approaches. 19 November 2019 - Publisher: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health 
The American Academy of Neurology issued evidence-based guidelines on complementary and alternative medicine use for MS and concluded that evidence was available to develop practice recommendations for use of reflexology  

Could complementary health approaches improve the symptom experience and outcomes of critically ill adults? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.Source:  PubMed - 07 September 2019 - Publisher: Complementary therapies in medicine 
No study-related adverse events or safety-related concerns were reported. There were statistically significant improvements in pain, anxiety, sleep, level of arousal, and duration of mechanical ventilation with reflexology. Evidence suggests CHAs including reflexolgy may reduce the symptom burden of critically ill adults.

Complementary Therapies Evidence-based information to help you self-manage your cancer experience Source:  Penny Brohn Cancer Care - 01 August 2019 
There is growing evidence to support reflexology as being effective in reducing cancer related pain and anxiety. Reflexology may also lead to reduction of fatigue and improved mood and quality of life

A systematic review of complementary and alternative medicine in oncology: Psychological and physical effects of manipulative and body-based practices.Source:  PubMed - 17 October 2019 - Publisher: PloS one 
Most results showed positive and significant effects on symptom outcomes especially pain and fatigue. Reflexology may also improve quality of life and mood. 

Coping with your feelings Source:  Marie Curie - 01 April 2019 
Complementary therapies are given alongside your regular medical treatment. They focus on your wellbeing and may help you to feel more relaxed or to sleep better. They can also be used to relieve pain and tension in the body. Reflexology is a complementary therapy.