The effect of reflexology on the perceived health and well-being of patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

A substantial proportion of the symptoms of ill health presented in primary care settings are medically unexplained. Low level physical and mental suboptimal functioning, such as tiredness and nagging psychological discomfort are common features of workload and are rarely amenable to immediate and straightforward treatment and cure. Complementary and alternatives medicines (CAMs), with their frequent focus on overcoming an apparently restrictive mind/body dualism, are being increasingly drawn on to manage such symptoms. reflexology is a CAM that, it is claimed, is able to induce improved physical and mental health and overall well-being. To date, there has been little research which addresses this claim. A single blind trial was conducted to test the effectiveness of reflexology in improving levels of tiredness, overall health and perceived well-being in a sample of 34 patients with chronic irritable bowel syndrome currently under the care of a general practitioner, following diagnosis by a gastroenterologist. Both reflexology and nonreflexology (control) groups were found to produce a moderate improvement in symptoms, but there was no statistically or clinically significant difference in outcome between the groups. Thus, no specific benefit of using reflexology was found. On the basis of this study, there is no evidence for the use of reflexology as a means of enhancing patient well-being in primary care. However, the research was conducted with one quite specific patient group. Considerably more research is needed with a range of patient groups and outcome measures before definitive conclusions can be reached.