Research Shows Reflexology Influences Physiological Measures

The physiological functions of the body are many. They include all of the ways the organs, glands, and cells work to keep our bodies functioning in a state of homeostasis, or balance. Research has shown that reflexology work can influence the following functions of the body:

Alpha amylase (a salivary enzyme sensitive to psycho-social stress)

Statistically significant reduction (Dementia)

Blood pressure, systolic blood pressure and pulse rate are lowered

Blood uric acid level normalized (Gout)

Carbon dioxide (exhaled) Increased

Cholesterol remarkable reduction

Cortisol

Significant decrease (dementia)

Statistically significant difference (menopausal women)

Difference (MS patients)

Doppler sonogram

Improvement in blood flow rate, time, and acceleration in lower limbs (diabetes)

Increase in real time blood flow (intestines and kidneys)

ECG (measurement of heart’s activity)

Improved remarkably (coronary heart disease patients)

Relaxation real time

Disappearance of angina symptoms

EEG (measurement of brain waves)

Results showed that there was a clear difference in characteristics of EEG signals with and without reflexology. Results show relaxation effect of reflexology.

fMRI

Reflexology stimulus shows activation in parts of brain

Hemoglobin increase

Immune System increased

Oxygen density and saturation increased

Pancreas function positively affected (diabetics)

Serotonin levels higher

Respiratory rate lowered

Triglycerides

Decreased in (hypertension)

Strong effect (high cholesterol)

White blood cell count improved (Leukopenia)

Information from: Evidence-Based Reflexology Research for Health Professionals & Researchers by Barbara & Kevin Kunz