8 Body Sense 8 Body Sense
Several other studies have shown reflexology to be
beneficial for pain reduction, including research out of
the Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at
the University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK. This study
found that participants receiving reflexology were able to
stand pain for about 45 percent longer and felt about 40
percent less pain overall. Researchers said it is likely that
reflexology works similarly to acupuncture "by causing
the brain to release chemicals that lessen pain signals."
THOSE WHO'VE TRIED IT
Reflexology clients don't need scientific proof to
establish the benefits of this therapy. They know it
works. "Ruth," a retired nurse, suffered from frequent
back pain for years. She tried different painkillers,
which provided temporary relief, and endured several
surgeries, only to have her pain return. She tried
reflexology after a friend of hers recommended it, and
now she has been virtually pain-free ever since.
"After numerous surgeries in the past for my
wrist, back, and shoulder, I decided I'd had enough
surgeries and wanted to give reflexology a try. I'm so
glad I did! From the very beginning, I started to feel
better. I would go several days without any pain, and
the more sessions I had, the longer I went without
pain. Now, I rarely, if ever, have any back pain at all.
If I do, I schedule another reflexology session, and
one session usually takes care of the pain. I always
feel so much better after a reflexology session."
"Barbara" underwent back surgery in April 2012.
After surgery, Barbara experienced excruciating
pain (a 15 on a pain scale of 1–10, she said). Typical
painkillers were administered to her, but after receiving
the maximum prescribed doses, she had little to
no relief from her pain. Her niece, a reflexologist,
applied reflexology and within 15–20 minutes, her
pain had decreased from a 15 to a 5. Although her
pain was not totally eliminated, at least it was now
manageable. "What a relief that was. I was so grateful
for my niece and reflexology. I scheduled several more
sessions with her once I got out of the hospital."
While reflexology and massage share some of the
same benefits, they differ on multiple levels. Interested
in giving it a try? See if your therapist is certified in
reflexology or if they can refer you to someone who is.
You can also visit www.massagetherapy.com to find a
reflexologist near you.
Adrianne Fahey is nationally board certified in reflexology
through the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB). She
has served in many roles, including ARCB's administrative assistant;
secretary and president of the Associated Reflexologists of Colorado
(ARC); and board secretary for the Reflexology Association of America
(RAA). For more information, visit https://reflexology-usa.org.
