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B. S. M. Frankel of the Department of Physiology, University of Leeds, England has conducted a pilot study "to identify if reflexology and foot massage affect the physiology of the body by measuring baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure, and sinus arrhythmia." Ten recipients of reflexology work and ten recipients of foot massage work were compared to a control group of four individuals in a single blind study.
Frankel found that "The reflexology and foot massage groups showed significantly greater reductions in baroreceptor reflex sensitivity compared to the control group.
This study found no significant difference in blood pressure after intervention. The frequency of sinus arrhythmia after reflexology and foot massage increased by 43.9% and 34.1% respectively."
The study examines the link between pressure to the feet and baroreceptors of the heart. The baroreceptor reflex "maintains blood pressure and homeostasis by changes in the autonomic outflow." It effects behavior such as "sleep, mental arithmetic and exercise" and "physiological processes and reflexes such as aging and the defense reflex." It also interacts with certain diseases such as heart failure.
The implication of the study is that pressure to the feet impacts these behaviors and processes.
Frankel's conclusion is that a neuro theory of reflexology should be considered. He states that "foot massage and reflexology could alter the baroreceptor sensitivity by stimulating the sensory nervous system in the feet." He suggests a mechanism in the nervous system by which reflexology and touch itself may be "therapeutic." The pressure sensors in the feet are linked to the same part of the brain as the baroreceptor reflex. He hypothesizes that this could be the point of influence.
Frankel, B. S. M., "The effect of reflexology on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia,"
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Churchill, London, 1997, Vol. 5, pp. 80-84
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