REFLEXOLOGY RESEARCH – HEADACHES
2020
MIGRAINE HEADACHES,
A pragmatic case series of clients living with medically diagnosed migraines self-referred to reflexology. By Tracey A.Smith, Sarah L.Thurgood. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. Volume 41, November 2020, 101230 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101230
In terms of an improvement in the overall Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) profile, 75% (n = 15) of clients had an improvement of two or more points. The minimal clinically important difference for the MYMOP change score is 1.0; this was achieved by 90% (n = 18) of participants. The mean difference in scores for each of the MYMOP aspects was calculated and the greatest improvement was found with symptom 1, their chosen primary symptom, which changed an average of 3.40 points (95% CI: 2.35, 4.45.) Conclusion The results indicate the potential for reflexology to relieve the symptoms of migraine.
CHRONIC MIGRAINE HEADACHES, MANUAL THERAPY, STUDY PROTOCOL
Manual therapy for chronic migraine: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial study protocol. By Odell J, Clark C, Hunnisett A, Ahmed OH, Branney J. Pub by Chiropr Man Therap. 2019 Mar 27;27:11. doi: 10.1186/s12998-019-0232-4. PMID: 30962877; PMCID: PMC6436233.
Current pharmacological approaches have limited effects in the management of chronic migraine and there is a requirement to improve treatment options and reduce the health and economic burden of the condition. Manual therapy has been shown to be effective in other chronic pain conditions as well as other primary headaches. This study will explore the effectiveness of manual therapy as an adjunctive approach to the management of chronic migraine.
2018
NITROGLYCERIN-INDUCED MIGRAINE HEADACHE
Effect of applying reflexology massage on nitroglycerin-induced migraine-type headache: A placebo-controlled clinical trial. By Nima Imani, Shams Aldin Shams, Moloud Radfar, Haleh Ghavami, Hamid Reza Khalkhali. Agri. 2018 Jul;30(3):116-122. PMID: 30028477 DOI: 10.5505/agri.2018.43815
No baseline differences existed among the three groups for the mean pain scale score (p=0.66) before the study; but the difference between the groups after the application was statistically significant (p=0.000). Conclusion: Reflexology massage can reduce the intensity of Nitroglycerin-induced headache.
2017
MIGRAINE HEADACHE,
Analysis of the efficacy of reflexology in the complex treatment of chronic migraine.[Article in Russian] By M.I. SAFONOV, M.V. NAPRIENKO. Pub. by Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2017;117(5):22-25. doi: 10.17116/jnevro20171175122-25.
Su -Jok Reflexotherapy is a method of choice in the complex treatment of patients with chronic migraine. Taking into account complex diagnosis, the individually oriented approach in prescribing of different reflexology techniques for successful treatment and subsequent rehabilitation of patients with chronic migraine is required.
PAIN, MIGRAINE, WOMEN
Effects of feet reflexology versus segmental massage in reducing pain and its intensity, frequency and duration of the attacks in females with migraine: a pilot study. By Kobza Wojciech, Lizis Pawel, Romualda, Zięba Halina. J Tradit Chin Med. 2017 Apr; 37(2):214-9. PMID: 29960294 DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(17)30047-x .
All variables decreased within the reflexology group and the segmental massage group 3 months after the treatment in compare with the baseline values, and the differences were statistically significant. The differences between groups were also statistically significant. Conclusion: Feet reflexology and segmental massage provide a safe alternative for the pharmacological treatment of migraine. The patients with migraine obtain significant health benefits with feet reflexology.
2016
MIGRAINE HEADACHES, SLEEP, MENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS, QUALITY OF LIFE
Reflexology for Migraine Headaches - A Case Study. By Julie Wesling Certified Hand & Foot Reflexologist. Pub. by Academy of Ancient Reflexology. Jan. 2016 www.AcademyofAncientReflexology.com
Weekly reflexology sessions were successful in reducing pain levels for this migraine sufferer. The case study subject went from missing 1+ days of work per month to missing zero days of work. The subject also reported increased duration and quality of sleep, an improved outlook (decreased irritability), and decreased severity in menstrual symptoms. The positive outcomes noted in this case study support further research into the use of reflexology to help migraine sufferers reduce symptoms, cope with symptoms, reduce time lost at work, and improve quality of life
2000
MIGRAINE HEADACHES
A Study of the Effects of Reflexology on Migraine Headaches. By Gail W. Testa. Dissertation, August, 2000
This researcher believes that the findings confirm the hypothesis that one alternative therapy, reflexology, does have a positive effect on the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine headaches. As a result, I believe that physicians need to become more educated in the research that currently exists showing that alternative methods such as reflexology can and do make a difference in controlling and preventing the pain of migraine headaches, and they should encourage their patients to use reflexology as a form of treatment for this debilitating disease.
MIGRAINE HEADACHES
Clinical Observation on Treatment of Migraine with Reflexology. By Song, S., and Song, Q., 2000 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 1-2.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of migraines.
1998
NEURASTHENIA, HEADACHE
30 Cases of Neurasthenia Treated with Reflexology. Wang, S., 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 5-6.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of symptoms associated with neurasthenia, sleep disorders and headaches with no organic disease.
NEURASTHENIA, TENSION HEADACHES
Two Cases of Stubborn Headache Treated with Reflexotherapy. By Liang, L., and Jia, C., 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 7-8.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of neurasthenia and tension headaches.
CONCUSSION, HEADACHES, INSOMNIA
Exploration of Diagnosis and Treatment for Sequelae of Brain Concussion with Foot Reflexology. By Wang, X., 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 29-31.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of headaches, which were primary symptoms causing the patients to seek help.
1996
ANGIONEUROTIC HEADACHE
Foot Reflex Zone Massage in Treating Agioneurotic Headache Report of 26 Cases. By Qui, J., 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 1-2.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of agioneurotic headache.
NASAL NERVE BLOCK, CONCUSSION, HEADACHE, MENOPAUSE, WOMEN
One Case Report on Curing Nasal Nerve-Block with Foot Reflexology. By Zhong, Z., and Xie, Q., 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 115-116.
Foot and hand reflexology were found to be effective for the relief of nasal nerve block, concussion, menopause.
HEADACHES
Treatment for Headache with Faradotherapy Applied to Foot Reflexes of the Adrenal Gland and Cerebrum. By Gong, X., 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 144-145.
Headaches were treated satisfactorily with the electrical stimulation of the cerebrum reflex points located on the foot. This was not a true foot reflexology study.
1995
TENSION HEADACHES, MIGRAINES
Reflexology Is An Effective Treatment for Headaches. By Brendstrup, D., Eriksen, L., and Launso, L., Zoneterapeuten (Journal of the Danish Reflexologists Association, FDZ), Number 8, 1995
The study indicates that treatment with reflexology is able to cure or help both tension headaches and migraines.
1994
RHINITUS, HEADACHE
Observation on the Treatment of Rhinitis with Foot Reflexology. By Ma, X., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report. Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 139-141.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of rhinitis and its associated headache.
HEADACHES, POST OPERATIVE GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY, WOMEN
Fussreflexzonenmassaage. By Kesselring, A., Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1994, 124 (62), pages 88-93.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of headaches and post operative gynecological surgeries, thereby reducing need for medication.
1993
NEUROSISM (NERVOUS EXHAUSTION), INSOMNIA, HEADACHES
Foot reflexology in neurosism: Clinical Observation of 20 cases. By Duan Shuang-Feng. 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing, China Reflexology Association.
The results were quite remarkable: 40% experienced complete ‘cure’, further 35% had greatly improved, and a further 15% had mildly improved. Only 10% showed no change at all to the treatment.
HEADACHE, WOMEN
Headache as a Headache Problem, Treated by Foot Reflexology. By Wang, H., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing, China Reflexology Association, pages 7-8.
Reflexology has been shown to be effective for the relief of headaches.
ACUTE HEADACHES
The Treatment of Seven Cases of Acute Headache with FRZ Massage. By Fu, B. and Tan, C., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing, China Reflexology Association, page 9.
Reflexology has been shown to be effective for the relief of acute headaches
FRONTAL HEADACHE, WOMEN
A Case Report of Severe Headache Treated with Magnetic Therapy on Foot Reflex Area. By Chen, G., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, page 44.
Foot reflexology has been shown to be effective in relieving headaches by using magnetic therapy on foot reflex points.
1990
HEADACHES,
Effekt der Reflex zonenbehandlung am FuB bezuglich der prophylaktischen Behandlung mit Flunarizin bei an Cephalea-Kopfschmerzen leidenden Patieten. By Lafuente A et al (1990). Erfahrungsheilkunde. 39, 713-715.)
Reflexology was found to be as effective in the treatment of headaches as is medication (flunarizine), without its side-effects. It was concluded that the reflexology treatment may be classified as an alternative non-pharmacological therapeutic treatment that would be particularly appropriate to those patients that were unable to follow pharmacological treatment.