Positive Health Online

Abstract

KESSELRING (No affiliation provided) conducted a study to investigate the possible usefulness of foot reflexology on recovery following surgical intervention .

Background

Methodology

130 patients who underwent abdominal surgery under full anaesthesia for different, but exclusively gynaecological reasons participated in this study. Foot reflexology was applied only for a few days for each patient. Measures recorded from the day prior to the operation and until day 10, were: subjective, self-assessed, general condition, pain intensity, bowel movement, micturition and sleep. Two other control treatments were a simple massage of the foot or a personal conversation.

Results

Whereas the simple massage was a relaxing positive experience, the foot reflexology had various effects, including some negative effects.

Conclusion

The author concludes that foot reflexology is not recommended for acute, abdominal postsurgical situations in gynaecology because it can occasionally trigger abdominal pain. Kesselring A. Foot reflexology massage: a clinical study Forschende Komplementarmedizin 6(1): 38-40 Feb 1999.

References

Comment

While it is encouraging to see more generalised clinical research being undertaken to assess the therapeutic efficacy of complementary therapies, and in fact medical students being trained to perform these therapies, I am concerned about the design of the last research project above, when an apparently standardised protocol of foot reflexology was applied to gynaecological patients postoperatively. I would be very interested in hearing comments from reflexologists regarding the above matter.