Positive Health Online

Abstract

MUR and colleagues, Universitaetsklinik fuer Innere Medizin, Innsbruck, Austria, investigated whether reflex zone foot massage therapy (FRZM) could bring about changes in intestinal blood flow .

Background

One possible mechanism of FRZM is an effect on organ-associated blood flow.

Methodology

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, [single-blind], clinical trial, 32 healthy adults (19 F, 13 M) received either foot massage on reflex zones assigned to the intestines (active treatment) or foot massage on zones unrelated to the intestines (placebo). Measures of blood flow velocity, and peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities in the superior mesenteric artery before, during and after foot massage were calculated. The resistive index, as a parameter of vascular resistance, was also calculated.

Results

During foot massage, subjects receiving active treatment showed a significant reduction i n the resistive index (p=0.021), suggesting an increase in blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery and the subordinate vascular system. No significant changes in the resistive index were seen in placebo subjects.

Conclusion

The results support the assumption that FRZM improves blood flow in the organs considered to be associated with specific foot zones, at least during the therapy process.

References

Mur E et al. (Influence of reflex zone therapy of the feet on intestinal blood flow measured by color Doppler sonography). Forschende Komplementaermedizin und Klassische Naturheilkunde 8 (2): 86-9. Apr 2001.