Reflexology

      Reflexology is a system of massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head linked to every part of the body. During a session, the practitioner may choose to work only on one or more parts of the body, depending on the specific health issue, though the foot area is the most commonly treated. Techniques applied include effleurage, shaking, and rotation and stretching, as well as a method in which one of the therapist’s hands supports the recipient’s target foot while the fingers and thumb of the other hand apply gentle pressure on points associated with certain body organs as indicated by the patient’s conditions.

     Foot reflexology has been found to be effective in reducing fatigue, pain, and anxiety and improving quality of life in MS, as well as combatting associated constipation. Reflexology can reduce involuntary nervous system activity, thus promoting deep relaxation, release of pressure, and body balance, and ultimately reducing symptoms. Two 30-40-minute sessions a week for at least four weeks was associated with less fatigue, and anxiety compared to general foot massage, though results have also been demonstrated with a single 60-minute treatment (30 minutes for each foot), as indicated by decreased severity of fatigue and anxiety. A more intensive program of three sessions a week for 12 weeks was associated with less pain and fatigue and greater overall quality of life in MS patients ³.

References

1. Ozdelikara A, Agcadiken Alkan S. The Effects of Reflexology on Fatigue and Anxiety in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. Altern Ther Health Med. Jul 2018;24(4):8-13.

2. Deenadayalan B, Venugopal V, Poornima R, et al. Effect of Foot Reflexology on Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence. Int J MS Care. Mar-Apr 2024;26(2):43-48. doi:10.7224/1537-2073.2022-093

3. Dilek Dogan H, Tan M. Effects of Reflexology on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Clinical Study. Altern Ther Health Med. Sep 2021;27(5):14-22.

4. Heidari Z, Shahrbanian S, Chiu C. Massage therapy as a complementary and alternative approach for people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil. Aug 1 2021:1-12. doi:10.1080/09638288.2021.1949051

5. Ebrahimi N, Juripour, M., Sayadi, A., Ardakani, A.M., Sayadi, A.R. Effect of Foot Reflexology on Fatigue, Stress and Serum Cortisol Levels in Women with Multiple Sclerosis. J Evolution Med Dent Sci. 2020;9(35):2497-2501.

6. Sajadi M, Davodabady F, Naseri-Salahshour V, Harorani M, Ebrahimi-Monfared M. The effect of foot reflexology on constipation and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. Jan 2020;48:102270. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102270

7. Dikmen HA, Terzioglu F. Effects of Reflexology and Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life during Chemotherapy in Gynecologic Cancer Patients. Pain Manag Nurs. Feb 2019;20(1):47-53. doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2018.03.001

8. Ozturk R, Sevil U, Sargin A, Yucebilgin MS. The effects of reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients after abdominal hysterectomy: A randomised controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. Feb 2018;36:107-112. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2017.12.005

9. Nazari F, Shahreza MS, Shaygannejad V, Valiani M. Comparing the effects of reflexology and relaxation on fatigue in women with multiple sclerosis. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. Mar-Apr 2015;20(2):200-4.

10. Nazari F, Soheili M, Hosseini S, Shaygannejad V. A comparison of the effects of reflexology and relaxation on pain in women with multiple sclerosis. J Complement Integr Med. Mar 2016;13(1):65-71. doi:10.1515/jcim-2015-0046

11. Sajadi M, Davodabady, F., Ebrahimi-Monfared, M. The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Fatigue, Sleep Quality and Anxiety in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of Neuroscience. 2020:e102591.