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REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY. Presented by Megan Reid. What is Reflexology?. Complimentary touch therapy that involves the application of pressure to specific points and areas Feet (most common) Hands Ears. Theory. Ten equal zones run the length of the body vertically

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REFLEXOLOGY

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  1. REFLEXOLOGY Presented by Megan Reid

  2. What is Reflexology? • Complimentary touch therapy that involves the application of pressure to specific points and areas • Feet (most common) • Hands • Ears

  3. Theory • Ten equal zones run the length of the body vertically • Application of pressure to these points Beneficial effect on corresponding organs, bones, and body systems Beneficial effect on general health • Congestion in any part effects entire zone • May manifest as calcium or acid deposits

  4. Foot Chart

  5. Hand Chart

  6. Ear Chart

  7. Reflexology vs. Massage • Similar to massage • Both therapeutic touch applied by hands • Key differences • Small muscle movements applied • More specific • Pressure is applied in order to stimulate targeted organs

  8. Purposes • Relaxation • Homeostasis • Stimulates proprioceptive reflexes • Endocrine, immune, neuropeptide systems

  9. In Current Practice • Emphasize benefits • Stress relief • Increased feelings of well being • Some argue that specific diagnosis and symptoms can be treated • Little evidence to support

  10. Evidence • Mixed Results • Nursing home residents with mild-to-moderate dementia • Decline in pain • Decline in physiological distress (salivary alpha-amylase) • Borderline improvements in sadness • Hospitalized cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy • Average decrease of 7.9 points on state-anxiety scale in treatment group; 0.8 points in control group • Systematic review of five studies • Only one study had significant treatment effect

  11. Indications/Contraindications • Improves: • Pain (acute and chronic), anxiety, BP, pulse, temp, hormone levels, circulation, breathing, elimination, relaxation, detoxification, healing, immune system, sleep, and wound healing • Caution in: • Fever, phlebitis, severe idiopathic pain, skin eruptions or rashes, enlarged varicose veins, burns, infections, recent sx, and acute conditions

  12. Incorporation into Advanced Nursing Practice • Not reimbursed • Most healthcare staff not qualified • Will require individual self-motivation • May provide piece of mind, relaxation, and pleasure  health related benefits • Currently, no specific medically indicated conditions

  13. Incorporation into Advanced Nursing Practice • Recommend to patients for same reason they seek it on their own • Conventional medicine lacking or ineffective • May only provide relaxation • Although not necessarily a proven science, but a way for individuals to empower themselves in the management of their illness • Final result desired may not be evidence of efficacy

  14. References • Dossey, B. M., & Keegan, L. (2009). Holistic nursing: A handbook for practice (5th ed.). Sadbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. • Hodgson, N., & Andersen, S. (2008). The clinical efficacy of reflexology in nursing home residents with dementia. Journal Of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 14(3), 269-275. doi:10.1089/acm.2007.0577 • Quattrin, R., Zanini, A., Buchini, S., Turello, D., Annunziata, M., Vidotti, C., Colombatti, A., & Brusaferro, S. (2006). Use of reflexology foot massage to reduce anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients in chemotherapy treatment: methodology and outcomes. Journal Of Nursing Management, 14(2), 96-105. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2934.2006.00557.x • Teagarden, K. (2011). Reflexology. Center for Spirituality & Healing and the Life Science Foundation, University of Minnesota. • Williams, A. M., Davies, A., & Griffiths, G. (2009). Facilitating comfort for hospitalized patients using non-pharmacological measures: Preliminary development of clinical practice guidelines. International Journal of Nursing Practice2009, 15, 145-155. doi:10.1111/j.1440-172X.2009.01739.x

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