Reflexology in the Workplace

Research Studies of the Benefits of Employing Reflexology in the Workplace

1. STAFF STUDY SEEN WITHIN WORCESTER HOSPITALS.
   By Anne Jordan, First European Conference.
   Twenty-eight subjects (22 females & 6 males, aged 22 to 66 years) were reported on in this study. Subjects received one 40-minute reflexology session per week for six weeks. Response to reflexology was measured after each session on several parameters including: pain, mobility, lassitude and psychological stress.
   
   All subjects reported some improvement after six sessions, with significant improvement being reported by: 74% of the 23 subjects experiencing pain, 53% of subjects concerned about mobility, 62.5% of subjects concerned with lassitude, and, 55% of subjects concerned with psychological stress. It is concluded that reflexology is a cost effective treatment for companies and institutions concerned about absenteeism and sick leave.
   

2. MUNICIPAL REFLEXOLOGY
   By Leila Ericksen, The FDZ Research Council
   This paper reports that employment of a reflexologist by Ishoj Health Department to serve 57 home helpers resulted in 2,499 less sick hour leaves in a six month period - compared to the same period the prior year. This was calculated to correspond to a savings of DKK 214,914 (approximately U.S.,000). The number of reflexology treatments during this six-month period was 863. The reflexologist was subsequently permanently employed.
   

3. A CLOSE UP VIEW ON COMPANY REFLEXOLOGY! - AN ANONYMOUS USER SURVEY
   By Leila Ericksen, The FDZ Research Council
   Telecom Taastrup hired a reflexologist 3 days a week for it's 7-800 employees. In this survey 156 employees, who had received a total of 1025 reflexology treatments during a one-year period, were sent a questionnaire. The return rate was 75% or 116: 87 from women, 19 from men, 10 blank. Treatments had been for back pain, muscle tension, headache/migraine, and stomach/intestinal problems (60%) a further 20% for common problems related to movement. 56% responses indicated that the reflexology treatments helped. 29% indicated that the reflexology provided partial help. The remainder of respondents indicated that the reflexology treatments did not help (7.5%) ,or, that they did not know (7.5%). In addition, 40% indicated that the reflexology treatments received had reduced their number of sick days. It was concluded that there was a direct economical benefit as well as increased well being and productivity of the employees.
   

4. COMPANY REFLEXOLOGY
   By Jonna Nielsen, Danish Reflexologists Association.
   This paper summarized the reports from Ishoj Heath Department and Telecom Taastrup.
   

5. POSTAL REFLEXOLOGY - EXCERPT OF THE ODENSE REPORT NOVEMBER 1993
   By Synnove Madsen and Jette Andersen
   This report presents the effects during a 3 year period of employment of a reflexologist by the postal district of Odense which has 1450 employees. A total of 235 employees, 142 women and 93 men, received reflexology treatments. 72% (170) employees reported a good effect, 26% (60) employees reported some effect, and 2% (5) reported no effect.. During the 3-year period the average number of sick days per employee per year is shown to decrease from 11.4 days to 8.5 days. It is estimated that this decrease in sick days saved expenses of DKK 1 million (Approximately 110,000 pounds sterling).