| Research Studies |
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Research on Reflexology
Premenstrual symptoms (PMS)
A study published in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reported that ear, hand and foot reflexology is effective in the treatment of PMS. In the study, 35 women who complained of their distress with PMS were randomly assigned to 2 groups. One group received reflexology treatment while the other was given "fake" reflexology sessions.The study reported that women who received reflexology from a trained therapist once a week, for 8 weeks in a 30 minutes session reported significant decrease in premenstrual symptoms compared to the other group that was given a "fake" reflexology sessions.
Headache and Migraine
Reflexology could ease migraine and headache. The study conducted by National Board of Health Council, Denmark (1995) put to test the effectiveness of reflexology on 220 patients who had headache as their primary health problem. 78 reflexologists were assigned to these patients for over three-month. After the period, 16% of the patients reported that they were cured, 65% said that reflexology had helped, and, 18% said their condition were unchanged.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Another benefit of reflexology may be in treating MS. In a study published in Hodder Arnold Journal, 71 MS patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups in a study to see if reflexology could help MS patients. One group received 11 weeks reflexology treatment while another received "fake" reflexology treatment. The study found that the improvement of patients in the reflexology group was significant compared to the one receiving "fake" sessions. After 3 months, these patients were once again examined and it was reported that the improvement "remained significant". As a result, the tudy concluded that reflexology treatment was of benefit in alleviating motor, sensory and urinary symptoms in MS patients.
Bedwetting
Studies have shown that reflexology may help if you or your kids have problem controlling the bladder while sleeping. An eample is in a 1990 ustralian study. In the trial, 70 % of patients who received a minimum of two reflexology sessions per week had either less urination in urine volume or less incidence of wetting. However, most patients said that the effect was only noticeable after the tenth session. |
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Research on Flower Essences
Environmental Stress
A study employed Yarrow Special Formula and Five-Flower Formula™ (a trade name of the emergency formula of Dr. Edward Bach, aka Rescue Remedy®) to systematically assess the effect of two flower essences on intense environmental stimulation. Using a scientifically based placebo control group design, the two flower essences were found to reduce physiological activation and stress on the human organism. This physiological homeostasis may be evidence of the ability of the flower essences to strengthen emotional equilibrium and equanimity in the face of stresses environmental impacts, thus reducing the typical "fight or flight" stress response.
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Research on Massage
Neck Pain
21 female patients suffering from chronic tension headache received 10 sessions of upper body massage consisting of deep tissue techniques in addition to softer techniques in the beginning. When found, trigger points were carefully and forcefully massaged. The range of cervical movements, and the incidence of neck pain during a two week period before and after the treatment, and at 3 and 6 months during the follow-up period together. The range of movement in all directions increased and the number of days with neck pain decreased significantly. There was a significant change in muscles. An improvement after the treatment was shown. This study confirmed clinical and physiological effects of massage.
The Touch Research Institute has conducted over 90 clinical studies on the beneficial effects of massage therapy on a variety of conditions. The following are summaries of some of the studies conducted on the effects of massage therapy on pain:
~Labor Pain
Massage therapy was given to pregnant women during labor and they demonstrated a decrease in anxiety and pain as well as had shorter hospital stays (Field et al, 1997).
~Fibromyalgia
Patients with fibromyalgia slept better and had less pain following a month of biweekly massages. (Field et al, 2002).
~Back Pain
Participants with low back pain were found to have a reduction in pain and an increase in their mobility after massage therapy
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Research on Inversion Table Therapy
Back Pain
A number of scientific studies have shown the effectiveness of this natural treatment. One study in particular, led by Frederick Sheffield, studied the results of gravity inversion therapy on 175 participants who suffered from back pain. The intensity of the participants' condition prevented them from working. After eight sessions of inversion therapy, 155 of these participants were able to return to work full time. The treatments greatly reduced their pain and allowed them to return to the daily activities of their lives as normal.
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