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RESEARCH:
REFLEXOLOGY AND CANCER
- The use of reflexology improved the quality of life for
twelve British hospitalized cancer patients. Six patients with
different types of tumours were randomly assigned to a reflexology
group and six to a placebo reflexology group during research
conducted for the Master's dissertation of nurse H. Hodgson.
The placebo
group was given "gentle foot massage that does not stimulate
reflexology points." Patients completed a visual analogue
scale (VAS) 24 hours before commencement of the intervention and
within 24 hours of completion. Placebo and reflexology groups received
three 40 minute sessions, every other day over a five-day period.
The VAS measured quality of life components: appearance, appetite,
breathing, communication (doctors), communication (family), communication
(nurses), concentration, constipation, diarrhoea, fear of future,
isolation, micturition, mobility, mood, nausea, pain, sleep and
tiredness. "From the results it was concluded that all participants
received some comfort from the intervention, be it reflexology
or placebo reflexology. However, only 33% of the placebo group
benefited from an improvement in quality of life compared to 100%
of the reflexology group. Within the reflexology group, the participants
reported an improvement in all components of the quality of life
scale compared to 67 5 in the placebo group. However, despite there
being an improvement reported in 67% of the components, the frequency
of improvement was greater in the reflexology group compared to
the placebo group." "Should reflexology be available
for palliative care patients within a general hospital setting?
The researcher recognized that this was indeed a small-scale study
with limitations. Nevertheless, this study would suggest that the
provision of reflexology for palliative patients within the general
setting could be beneficial. Not only did the patients in this
study enjoy the intervention, they were also 'relaxed,' 'comforted'
and achieved relief from some of their symptoms. Furthermore they
demonstrated an improvement in their quality of life."Hodgson,
H., "Does reflexology impact on cancer patients' quality of
life?", Nursing Standard (England). 14, 31, 33-38.
- Reflexology and cancer patient care is included in on-going studies
at the University of Liverpool, Departments of Allied Health
Professionals and Medical Imaging.
- British reflexologist Mary Martin reports that reflexology is included
at complementary therapy centres within cancer units at Charing
Cross Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital, Harley Street Clinic,
and Lister Hospital. The cancer support group Cancer BACUP Cancer Support
Service and the Hampshire County Council Cancer Care Society
provide reflexology services, information and/or referral to reflexologists
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Reflexology modifies the distressing symptoms of pain and nausea
in patients hospitalized with cancer. "87 patients participated
in the study and each received a 10-minute reflexology foot massage
(5 minutes per foot). The results revealed that the treatments
produced a significant and immediate effect on the patients' perceptions
of pain, nausea and relaxation when measured with a visual analog
scale. The use of reflexology foot massage as a complementary method
is recommended as a relatively simpler nursing intervention for
patients experiencing nausea or pain related to the cancer experience.
The results were so positive that the researchers recommend that
further research using larger numbers of patients in controlled
clinical trials into its effectiveness of reflexology in alleviating
pain, nausea and anxiety in the management of these symptoms by
the family at home is warranted." Grealish, L. Lomasney, A.,
Whiteman, B., "Foot Massage: A nursing intervention to modify
the distressing symptoms of pain and nausea in patients hospitalized
with cancer," Cancer Nurse 2000, June;23(3):237-43 (On-line
review: "Reflexology Used for Cancer Patients," Internet
Health Library, October 11, 2000)
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100% of a reflexology group benefited from an improvement in quality
of life: appearance, appetite, breathing, communication (doctors),
communication (family), communication (nurses), concentration,
constipation, diarrhoea, fear of future, isolation, micturition,
mobility, mood, nausea, pain, sleep and tiredness. Within the reflexology
group, the participants reported an improvement in all components
of the quality of life scale compared to 67. 5 in the placebo group.
Nevertheless, this study would suggest that the provision of reflexology
for palliative patients within the general setting could be beneficial.
Not only did the patients in this study enjoy the intervention,
they were also 'relaxed,' 'comforted' and achieved relief from
some of their symptoms. Hodgson, H. "Does reflexology impact
on cancer patients' quality of life?," Apr. 2000, Nursing
Standard, 14, 31, pp. 33-38
-
Foot reflexology alleviated anxiety and pain for twenty-three patients
with breast and lung cancer. Researchers noted a significant decrease
in anxiety for patients diagnosed with breast or lung cancer and
a significant decrease in pain for patients with breast cancer. "This
has important implications for nursing practice as both professionals
and lay people can be taught reflexology. Reflexology is a simple
technique for human touch which can be performed anywhere, requires
no special equipment, is non-invasive and does not interfere with
patients' privacy." Stephenson, N. L., Weinrich, S. P. and
Tavakoli, A. S., "The effects of foot reflexology on anxiety
and pain in patients with breast and lung cancer," OncolNursForum
2000, Jan.-Feb.;27(1):67-72
- "In Switzerland, many new nurses are taught this approach. When
applied skillfully, a reflexology massage is pleasantly relaxing
and able to diminish painful sensations in the body. Given the number
of uncontrollable variables involved in the decrease of pain and
the establishment of a feeling of relaxation, our small study has
no scientific value. It was only intended to motivate nurses to look
for ways to integrate aspects of alternative care in the management
of terminal patients. ... "Our purpose for using reflexology
with these patients was to decrease their pain but we soon realized
the beneficial effect of reflexology on the morale of patients and
families. Something was being done for them. Patients expressed feelings
of being less abandoned and the families expressed satisfaction at
seeing that something painless existed that could aid their relative.
In three situations we taught a relative how to use reflexology and
the benefit seemed to have been as important for the relative as
for the patient. ... "Patients' comments about reflexology seem
to show that it could be one way for them to feel this support and
to have a helping presence near them in their last days."(Dobbs,
Barbara Zeller, "Alternative health approaches," Nursing
Mirror (England), Vol. 160, No. 9, Feb. 27, 1985)(Can Nurse 82:
39-41 (1986)\Reflexology\Dobbs-Zeller B\MeSH Terms:\ * Aged\
* English
Abstract\ * Female\ * Foot\ * Human\ * Male\ * Middle Age\ *
Neoplasms/physiopathology*\ * Pain, Intractable/therapy*\ * Reflexotherapy/methods*\
* Terminal
Care\ PMID: 3634658, MUID: 86189470)
- Ten minute reflexology treatments can provide relief from pain,
nausea and anxiety, according to a report from the School of
Nursing, Division of Science and Design, University of Canberra, Australia.
Nurses at the School conducted an empirical study on the use
of foot massage as a nursing intervention in patients hospitalised
with cancer. The study was developed from the earlier work
of Ferrell-Torry and Glick (1992). 87 patients participated in the study and
each
received a 10-minute reflexology foot massage (5 minutes per
foot). The results revealed that the treatments produced a significant
and immediate effect on the patients' perceptions of pain,
nausea, and relaxation, when measured with a visual analog scale. The use
of reflexology foot massage as a complementary method is recommended
as a relatively simple nursing intervention for patients experiencing
nausea or pain related to the cancer experience. The results
were so positive that the researchers recommend that further research
using larger numbers of patients in controlled clinical trials
into its effectiveness of reflexology in alleviating pain,
nausea and anxiety in the management of these symptoms by the family at
home is warranted.
- Foot massage. A nursing intervention to modify the distressing
symptoms of pain and nausea in patients hospitalized with cancer.
Grealish L, Lomasney A, Whiteman B Cancer Nurse 2000 Jun;23(3):237-43
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