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