REFLEXOLOGY RESEARCH – DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

2023

QUALITY OF LIFE, CONSTIPATION, SENIORS

Improving Quality of Life in The Constipated Older Person: Reflexology or Abdominal Massage? A Two-Group, Randomized Comparative Trial. By Şefika Dilek Güven. Pub. by Gastroenterol Nurs. 2023 Aug 25. PMID: 37639563 DOI: 10.1097/SGA.0000000000000775

The effects of both reflexology and abdominal massage were similar in improving constipation and quality of life in older persons.

CONSTIPATION, SENIORS, AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE

Effectiveness of auricular acupressure on constipation and related quality of life among the older people in the residential care home: a randomized clinical trial. By Mahdi AminizadehBatool TirgariOmsalimeh Roudi RashtabadiYunes JahaniHaleh Tajadini. Pub. by BMC Geriatr. 2023 Mar 27;23(1):171. PMID: 36973676 PMCID: PMC10042113 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-03881-7.

The results showed the positive effect of auricular acupressure on reducing the severity of constipation symptoms and improving the quality of life in old patients living in the residential care home. This non-pharmaceutical practice can be used by nurses as an inexpensive, safe, acceptable, and non-invasive nursing care for older people with constipation in homes, medical centers, or nursing homes.

2022

WEIGHT LOSS, DIET PLAN

Breaking Barriers to Weight Loss Through Combined Programme of Reflexology and Diet Plan. By Raut, T. (2022). Pub. by Uluslararası Beden Eğitimi Spor ve Teknolojileri Dergisi , 3 (2) , 8-15 . Retrieved from https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/best/issue/74734/1185618

It was hypothesized that significant difference will be observed before and after the combined programme of reflexology and diet plan. It was found that the calculated value of ‘t’ of body weight, body mass index, thigh and upper arm girths are greater than the tabulated value of ‘t’ (18) in 0.05 level of significance, which shows there is significant difference between the pre and post-test of mentioned anthropometric variables. So, the researchers’ hypothesis is accepted.

NAUSEA-VOMITING, SLEEP QUALITY, LUNG CANCER, CHEMOTHERAPY

The Impact of Foot Reflexology on Nausea-Vomiting and Sleep Quality for Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy in Turkey. By Pekmezci H, Hintistan S. Pub. by Cyprus J Med Sci 2022;7(5):614-622

Foot reflexology was found to be an effective method in reducing sleep problems together with the experience, formation and distress of nausea and vomiting for those patients with lung cancer who were receiving chemotherapy

 

2021

NAUSEA, PAIN, CANCER

Foot Reflexology: An Intervention for Pain and Nausea Among Inpatients With Cancer. By Kristen D AndersonMarty Downey. Clin. J Oncol. Nurs.  2021 Oct 1; 25(5):539-545.  PMID: 34533507     DOI: 10.1188/21.CJON.539-545

Results show that foot reflexology significantly decreases pain for inpatients with cancer as compared to traditional nursing care alone. Although the effects on nausea are not statistically significant, they may be clinically relevant; the mean changes in pre- and post session nausea ratings indicate at least some decreased nausea among patients in the intervention group.

PAIN, GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY,

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Reflexology Massage and Rose Aromatherapy on Pain Severity in Patients Undergoing Gastric Bypass surgery in Amin Hospital of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 2021. By Arezoo Hassanpour Esfahani, Seyed ali Naji. Pub, by Avicenna J Nurs Midwifery Care 2022; 30 (1) :63-71. URL: http://nmj.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-2375-en.html

As evidenced by the results of the present study, reflexology massage was more effective than aromatherapy in the reduction of pain in women undergoing gastric bypass surgery. This treatment is recommended to all members of the treatment team.

NAUSEA, VOMITING, CONSTIPATION, DIARRHEA, TIREDNESS, CHEMOTHERAPY, AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE 

Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure in Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. By Lichan ChenXiaohong Wu,  Xisui ChenChunjiao Zhou . Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.  2021 Aug 3; 2021:8868720.    PMID: 34394394    PMCID: PMC8357499    DOI: 10.1155/2021/8868720

Auricular acupressure (AA) supplementation benefited delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CNIV) as well as constipation, diarrhea, and tiredness. AA alone or AA supplementation has little effect on acute nausea and acute vomiting. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of auricular acupressure alone in delayed CINV and anticipatory CINV. The results of this review provided the basis for further research with more rigorous study designs, adequate sample sizes, and standardized implementation to confirm the efficacy of auricular acupressure.

PAIN, COMFORT, BETA ENDORPHIN LEVELS, LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Pain, Comfort and Beta Endorphin Levels in Patients with Liver Transplantation: A randomized control trial. By Kapikiran, Gurkan & Ozkan, Meral. (2021). Pub. by European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 45. 101344. 10.1016/j.eujim.2021.101344.

Pain levels of the patients who underwent foot reflexology decreased more than the patients who did not undergo reflexology, and their beta endorphin and comfort levels increased more. Reflexology can be used as a non pharmacological treatment option offered in post-operative nursing care.

FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION, CHILDREN

Non-pharmacologic approach to pediatric constipation. By Neha R. Santucci, Ashish Chogle, Alycia Leiby, Maria Mascarenhas, Rachel E. Borlack, Amanda Lee, Maria Perez, Alexandra Russell, Ann Ming Yeh. Pub. by Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Volume 59, 2021, 102711, ISSN 0965-2299,

Movement and manipulative interventions such as abdominal massage, reflexology, acupuncture and transcutaneous nerve stimulation show promise in the field of pediatric constipation, and data is accumulating for efficacy. These modalities require further study to determine mechanisms of action and which populations may benefit the most from these therapies.

2020


FOOT & HAND MASSAGE, ANXIETY, PAIN, CHOLECYSTECTOMY (GALL BLADDER REMOVAL)

Efficacy of Hand and Foot Massage in Anxiety and Pain Management Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Controlled Randomized Study. By Kezban Koraş SözenNeziha Karabulut. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2020 Apr; 30(2):111-116. PMID: 31855924    DOI: 10.1097/SLE.0000000000000738.

Foot and hand massage are influential in decreasing pain and anxiety levels after surgeries for patients who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION

Foot reflexology in the management of functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. By Huang Yaqi, Jiang Nan, Chen Ying, Zhang Xiaojun, Zhang Lijuan, Wang Yulu, Wei Siqi, Chen Shixiang, Zhao Yue. Pub. by Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. Volume 40, August 2020, 101198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101198

Foot reflexology is an effective complementary therapy for treating functional constipation. However, because of the small number of included studies and their small sample sizes, the current evidence was insufficient to support the effectiveness of foot reflexology in reducing the recurrence rate, improving the constipation-related symptom, and compliance with toilet training, diet and motivation. Randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed for further investigation.

CHEMO-THERAPY INDUCED NAUSEA, VOMITTING, DIGESTIVE SYSTEM or LUNG CANCER

The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients with Digestive System or Lung Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. By Audrey Murat-Ringot, Pierre Jean Souquet, MD, Marion Chauvenet, MD, Charlotte Rentler, BA, Fabien Subtil, PhD, Anne-Marie Schott, PhD, MD, Marie Preau, PhD, and Vincent Piriou, PhD, MD. Pub. by JMIR Res Protoc. 2020 Jul; 9(7): e17232. doi: 10.2196/17232 PMCID: PMC7388046 PMID: 32449505.

The lack of knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of foot reflexology limits oncologists to recommend it for this use. This study will provide evidence of the benefits of foot reflexology. If efficacy is confirmed, foot reflexology may be a promising complement to conventional antiemetic drugs.

2018

PAIN, NAUSEA, VOMITING, VITAL SIGNS, CHOLECYSTECTOMY (GALL BLADDER REMOVAL).

Effect of Classic Foot Massage on Vital Signs, Pain, and Nausea/Vomiting Symptoms After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. By Askeri ÇankayaSerdar Saritaş. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2018 Dec; 28(6):359-365. PMID: 30312194    DOI: 10.1097/SLE.0000000000000586.

Classic foot massage may serve as an affordable and useful way to help improve pain, nausea, and blood circulation after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

2017

DIGESTIVE DISCOMFORT, PREMATURE BABIES

Foot reflexology to combat digestive discomfort in premature babies. By Valérie Loizeau. Pub. by Pedriatic Care/Childcare, Vol 38 - N° 299. P. 40-Nov. 2017. Doi : 10.1016/j.spp.2017.09.009 

No abstract available.

2016

CONSTIPATION

Foot Reflexology and Constipation - A Case Study. By Kelly Estapa, Certified Hand & Foot Reflexologist. Pub. by Academy of Ancient Reflexology. Jan. 2016 www.AcademyofAncientReflexology.com

During the study, the types of bowel movements on the Bristol Stool Chart show that the subject had fewer Type 1 bowel movements with hard lumps than she reported she had before the Reflexology sessions started. Three weeks after the study ended the subject reported that she was still having regular bowel movements. While one case study is not enough research to claim that Reflexology will help everyone with constipation, the results show that further study seems warranted.

2015

PAIN, VITAL SIGNS, SLEEP, FATIGUE, LIVER DISEASE/TRANSPLANT

Reflexology after End-Stage Liver Disease and Liver Transplant - A Case Study. By Cristina Posse, PHD, OTR/L Florida-licensed occupational therapist OT13544 Certified Hand & Foot Reflexologist. Pub. by the Academy of Ancient Reflexology. https://academyofancientreflexology.com/

The nature of this case study renders results that are only descriptive and subjective and no causality or correlation can be assumed. However, upon final interview, subject reported he felt very relaxed when getting home after sessions; he also said “it kind of helped my thinking” when referring to increased sharpness for playing chess in two opportunities – one with brother and one online match. Vital signs records and pain levels before and after sessions were mostly decreased. Sleep quality did not have noticeable changes, nor did fatigue or mood changes, but more studies are needed to determine statistical significance of the effects of reflexology on these variables for differ populations.

2013

BOWEL MOVEMENTS, SLEEP, APPETITE, ENERGY LEVELS, DIZZY SPELLS

Reflexology and the Affects on Marfan Syndrome - A Case Study. By Ken Cook Florida-licensed massage therapist MA69745, Certified Hand & Foot Reflexologist. Pub. by the Academy of Ancient Reflexology.

Reflexology helped improve several areas of concern for the client. While some improvements were immediate, others improved over various sessions. She experienced positive changes with bowel movements, sleeping habits, appetite, energy levels, and cessation of dizzy spells. The results of this study are promising but it’s not possible to say from one case study what the affects would be on a larger population of people with Marfan syndrome.

2008

PAIN, ANXIETY, DIGESTIVE CANCER

Effects of reflexotherapy on acute postoperative pain and anxiety among patients with digestive cancer. By Shiow-Luan Tsay,  Hsiao-Ling ChenSu-Chiu ChenHung-Ru LinKuan-Chia Lin. Cancer Nurs.  Mar-Apr 2008; 31(2):109-15. PMID: 18490886    DOI: 10.1097/01.NCC.0000305694.74754.7b

Results demonstrated that studied patients reported moderately high levels of pain and anxiety postoperatively while patients were managed with patient-controlled analgesia. Using generalized estimation equations and controlling for confounding variables, less pain (P < .05) and anxiety (P < .05) over time were reported by the intervention group compared with the control group. In addition, patients in the intervention group received significantly less opioid analgesics than the control group (P < .05). Findings from this study provide nurses with an additional treatment to offer postoperative digestive cancer patients.

2004

GALLSTONES, GALLBLADDER

Research on Reflexology and the Function of Gallbladder. By Zhaowei, Z., Chuntang, Y.,   2004 China Symposium Reflexology Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 1-3.

Successfully showed a measurable difference of the gallbladder at each of the six phases of the reflexology sessions.

 

LIVER DISEASES

Discussion on the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques for Liver Diseases. By Minxing, W., 2004 China Symposium Reflexology Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 17-18.

Stimulation of reflexes of the liver have an overall therapeutic effect on the body.

 

LIVER, PORTAL FLOW OF BLOOD

Preliminary Exploration on the Improvement of Portal Blood Flow by Reflexology in the Treatment of Moderate and Serious Fatty Liver. By Ying, M., 2004 China Symposium Reflexology Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 23-24.

Obvious increase in liver portal blood flow speed and blood flow speed to feet and liver portal all increased remarkably. The increase would help to improve the fat infiltration into liver cells; reduce the pressure of liver sinusoid; reduce the resistance, thus helping to bring about recovery. Reflexology might play a positive and complementary role in the prevention and treatment of fatty liver cases.

 

FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS, IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME, FUNCTIONAL INDIGESTION, TUI NA, TCM

Clinical Observation on 526 cases of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder Treated by Reflexotherapy combined with Tuina Manipulation. By Jun, P., 2004 China Symposium Reflexology Report, pages 40-42.

Therapeutic results after two courses of treatment showed a 95% effective rate overall. This research showed that foot reflexotherapy, with its remarkable therapeutic effect in treating functional gastrointestinal diseases, being economical, safe, and easy to manipulate, has very good prospect for development.

 

2002


ABDOMINAL PAIN, CONSTIPATION, DIARRHEA, ABDOMINAL DISTENTION

A single-blind trial of reflexology for irritable bowel syndrome. By Philip Tovey, Br J Gen Pract. 2002 Jan; 52(474):19-23. PMID: 11791811    PMCID: PMC1314196.

On none of the three symptoms monitored--abdominal pain, constipation/diarrhoea, and abdominal distention--was there a statistically or clinically significant difference between reflexology and control groups. Conclusion: On the basis of these results there is nothing to suggest that reflexology produces any specific benefit for patients with IBS. There is currently no evidence to support its use. However this was one (relatively) small scale study; further research that, for example, assesses the impact of therapist (professional and lay) versus therapy, is still needed.

 

RELIABILITY OF SMALL INTESTINE, HEART REFLEXES

Comparative Analysis Of 115 Cases Of Positive Signs Of Heart Reflex And Small Intestine Reflex In Comparison With ECG. By Hu, G., 2002 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing, China Reflexology Association, pages 10-11.

Among 115 cases that had positive signs on their Heart reflex and Small Intestine reflex, 92 cases had suffered from different types of heart diseases verified by ECG. While 23 cases had normal ECG results, further examination showed that 19 cases of those 23 had hypertension, and 4 cases had cerebral vascular disease, all of them closely related with the Heart. The result also indicated that the tenderness on the Small Intestine reflex increased in parallel with that of the Heart reflex.

 

GASTROPTOSIS, (SAGGING STOMACH), ACUPRESSURE, ACUPUNCTURE

Treatment of 2 cases of Gastroptosis with six-finger Techniques Reflexotherapy combined with Acupressure and Acupuncture. By Baoxin, A., 2002 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing, China Reflexology Association, pages 19-20.

Treating gastroptosis with six-finger technique reflexotherapy combined with acupressure and acupuncture produced ideal effect.

 

SLEEP, RESPIRATORY, DIGESTION, CHILDREN         

Analysis of the Effect of Reflexotherapy on Preserving Children’s Health. By Xiaoquan, W. 2002 China Reflexology Symposium Report, pages 43-44.

The results showed that reflexology health-care improved appetite and sleep to the children markedly. Growth of the children was accelerated both in terms of height and weight. Incidence of Upper Respiratory tract infection was lower in the Reflexology Group and the duration of the illness was shorter. The result also showed that the incidence of digestive problems was lower in the Reflexology Group compared to the Control Group and the duration of the illness was shorter.

 

2001

INTESTINAL BLOOD FLOW,

Influence of reflex zone therapy of the feet on intestinal blood flow measured by color Doppler sonography. [Article in German]. By E MurJ SchmidsederI EggerG BodnerG EiblF HartigK P PfeifferM Herold. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. 2001 Apr; 8(2):86-9.   PMID: 11340315    DOI: 10.1159/000057201

The reduction in the resistive index observed in the treatment group supports the assumption that FRZM improves blood flow in the organs considered to be associated with the specific foot zones, at least during the therapy process.

 

 

2000

INFANTILE HORDEOLUM (STYE), DIGESTIVE, CHILDREN

Comparison of Curative Effects Between Two Therapies in Treating Infantile Hordeolum. By Fengqiu, W. and Dejin, P.,   2000 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 42-43.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of Infantile Hordeolum when used in conjunction with chiropractic care.

 

SPINAL CORD, STOMACH AND NEUROMUSCULOSKELETAL DYSFUNCTIONS,

Management of Different Chronic Disorders Through Reflexology Therapy. By Dalal, K.,   2000 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 63-76.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of spinal cord, stomach, and neuro-musclo-skeletal disorders

 

1998

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME,

Treatment of 58 Cases of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Reflexotherapy. By Xin, W., and Gong, Z., 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, page 15.

Foot reflexology was found to be mostly effective for the relief of irritable bowel syndrome.

 

ABDOMINAL PAIN, VOMITING, NAUSEA, DIARRHEA

Observation on Therapeutic Effects of 25 Cases with Acute Abdominal Pain Treated with Foot Reflexotherapy. By Zhang, C., and Zhang, Z.    1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, page 16.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of acute abdominal pain.

 

INTUSSUSCEPTIONS (BOWEL TWISTING), PAIN, DIARRHEA, TUINA, INFANTS

Treating 22 Cases Infantile Intussusceptions with Reflexotherapy Combined with Tuina. By  Duanmu, H.,    1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, page 18.

Foot reflexology, in conjunction with tuina, was found to be mostly effective for the relief of infantile intussusceptions, or twisting of the bowel.

 

REFLUX ESOPHAGITIS (ESOPHAGUS INFLAMMATION)

Comparative Observation of Curative Effects of Reflexotherapy and Conventional Therapy in Treating Reflux Esophagitis. By Gao, W., Wu, Y., and Liu, H., 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing , China Reflexology Association, pages 19-20.

Foot reflexology was found to be more effective for the relief of reflux esophagitis than conventional drugs, dietary and lifestyle changes.

 

DIARRHEA, CHILDREN

Clinical Observation on Treatment of 50 Cases of Infantile Autumn Diarrhea with Hand and Foot Reflexotherapy. By Zhang, L., Zong, L., and Dong, W., 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 22-23

Foot and hand reflexology were found to be effective for the relief of infantile autumn diarrhea.

 

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME,

Observation of the Therapeutic Effect of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treated with Reflexotherapy and Abdominal Massage. By Zhong, W., Liu, G., Liu, F., and Wen, W., 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 24-25.

Foot reflexology, in conjunction with massage, was found to be effective for the relief of irritable bowel syndrome.

 

OBSTINATE HICCUPS,

Treatment of Obstinate Hiccup with Reflexotherapy. By Lin, C. 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, page 49.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of hiccups.

 

MOUTH CONDITIONS

Stomatopathy Treated with Reflexolotherapy. By Ma, R., and Meng, W., 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 82-83.

A report of different strategies for different conditions. It is implied that they were effective.

 

1996

CONSTIPATION, VOMITTING, INFANT

Neonatal Vomiting Cured with Foot Reflexo-therapy: A Case Report. By Liu, Z. 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 41-42.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of neonatal vomiting.

 

HIATUS HERNIA, PAIN, HICCUPS, POOR APPETITE

Foot Reflexo-therapy in Treating A Case with Hiatus Hernia Complicated by Antral Gastritis and Chronic Cholecystitis. By Tan, G. 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 43-44

Results: anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were achieved by improving circulation, normalizing metabolism, and making use of blood and lymphatic immune function. Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of hiatus hernia with complications of antral gastritis and chronic cholecystitis.

 

GASTRITIS, GALLBLADDER, WOMEN, SENIORS

Cases of Biliary Tract Disease. Jing, C., 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, page 45.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of colestatis and infection of the biliary tract which constitute a majority of cholecystitis or cholelithiasis.

 

CHRONIC SUPERFICIAL GASTRITIS

An Observation of 60 Cases with Chronic Superficial Gastritis Treated by Foot Reflexology Combined with Hand and Ear Reflexology.  By Hao, J. 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 46-49.

Foot, hand and ear reflexology were found to be effective for the relief of chronic superficial gastritis.

 

OBESITY, HYPOVENTILATION SYNDROME, CARDIOVASCULAR SYNDROME, ENDOCRINE, DIGESTIVE

Effects of Foot Reflexotherapy on Obesity - Related Syndromes. By Sun, J. 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 122-124.

Results: those with hypoventilation and cardiac problems (15 patients) were relieved 100%; those with endocrine problems (12 patients) 91%; those with digestive problems 100%. Foot reflexology combined with magnetic beads on ear reflexology points, was found to be effective for the relief of obesity-related syndromes.

 

DYSPEPSIA (INDIGESTION),

Foot Reflexology in the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia: A Clinical Analysis of 132 Cases. By Zhi-wen, Gong and Wei-song, Xin.   1996 Beijing International Reflexology Conference (Report), China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p. 37

The foot reflexology group was found to be: very effective (98 or 74.2%), effective (30 or 22.7%), failure (4 or 0.3%). The drug therapy group was found to be very effective (58 or 60.4%), effective (14 or 14.5%), failure (24 or 25%).

 

1994

CHRONIC SUPERFICIAL GASTRITIS, DUODENAL BULB INFLAMMATION, MEN                                            

Treatment of Chronic Superficial Gastritis and Duodenal Bulb Inflammation with Foot Reflexology: A Case Report. By Liu, M. 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, page 61.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of chronic superficial gastritis and duodenal bulb inflammation.

 

GALLSTONES, GALLBLADDER

Treatment of Cholelithiasis with Foot Reflexology Combined with Traditional Massage. By Zhou, P., Wu, R., and Zhang, Y.,   1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 66-67.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective in some cases of cholelithiasis, but less effective in the aged cases with sandy stones.

 

DIARRHEA, CHILDREN

Foot Reflex Zone Massage in the Treatment of Infantile Diarrhea. By  Wei, S., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, page 68.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for relief of infantile diarrhea.

 

DIARRHEA,

Clinical Experience of Foot Massage in the Treatment of Lientery Diarrhea: 47 Cases Report. Li, F., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, page 69.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for relief of lientery diarrhea.

 

GALLSTONES, WOMEN

Foot Massotherapy for Cholelithiasis. By Xiao, Z., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 73-75.

Foot reflexology with acupressure was found to be effective for the relief of cholelithiasis (gallstones).

 

TOOTHACHE, PAIN

Relieve Toothache with Foot Reflexotherapy. By Wang, X., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 132-135.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of toothache.

 

ORAL MUCOSAL ILLNESS,

Effect of Foot Reflexotherapy for 15 Cases of Oral Mucosal Illnesses.  By Cao, S., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 142-144.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of mucosal illness.

 

GALLBLADDER

Experience in Usage of the Reflex Zone for Gallbladder in the Lower Leg. By Bo, F.,   1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 148-149.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of gallbladder diseases.

 

CONSTIPATION, DIGESTIVE, SENIORS

The Observation of Gurgling Sound Before and After Foot Massotherapy. By Yang, Y., Zhao, L., Meng, G., Cao, S., Hao, J., and Zhang, S.,  1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 150-154.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of abdominal peristalsis and abdominal gurgling.

 

ANALYSIS OF LIVER CONDITIONS

Clinical Trial of the Checkup of Foot Reflex Zone for Liver--Analysis of 600 Cases. By Yang, G., Ma, D., and Ma, S.,  1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 160-162.

Reflexology was found to be effective for identification of liver conditions.

 

1993

ULCERATIVE COLITIS, WOMEN,

Foot Reflexology Cures a Nonspecific Ulcerative Colitis. Zhou, F.,   1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing , China Reflexology Association, page 29.

Foot reflexology has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of non-specific ulcerative colitis.

 

GASTRIC NEUROSIS, GASTRITIS

A Discussion on the Treatment of Gastric Neurosis by Foot Reflexotherapy. By Zhang, Y. 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report. Beijing, China Reflexology Association, page 30.

Foot reflexology has been shown to be effective for the relief of the symptoms of gastric neurosis.

 

GALLSTONES

A Case of Cholecithiasis Cured by Foot Reflex Zone Massage (Abstract). By Lu, X., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing, China Reflexology Association, page 31.

Foot reflexology has been shown to be effective for the relief of symptoms of gallstones and cholelithiasis.

 

ASCIARIASIS (ROUNDWORM INFESTATION), GALLBLADDER, MEN, SENIOR

Foot Reflexology Cures an Ascariasis of the Biliary Tract. By Duan, Z., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing, China Reflexology Association, pages 32-33.

Foot reflexology has been shown to be effective for the relief of ascariasis of the biliary tract.

 

GASTROSIA (STOMACH CONDITION)

Why is the Gastric Area in the Foot Affected if a Man Gets Gastrosia. By Han, F.,   1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 58-59.
There is a correlation between the stomach and the gastric reflex area of the feet.

 

LARGE INTESTINE

Clinical Trial to Testify the Relationship Between Large Intestine and Its Foot Reflex Zone. By Qi, H., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 60-61.

This study revealed that foot reflexology of the large bowel and rectum have an obvious relationship with disorders of corresponding anatomic structures.

 

GALLBLADDER

Observation of Constriction Effect on Normal Human Gallbladder Induced by Foot Reflex Zone Massage. By Duan, Z.,   1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 62-64.

Foot reflexology applied mainly on gallbladder reflex zones can induce constriction of the gallbladder. In some cases, the constriction effect is remarkable. Foot reflexology has special value for treating gall tract system diseases. Further study is recommended.