Reflexology Therapy Research Articles

Penerapan Terapi Pijat Refleksi Untuk Menurunkan Tekanan Darah pada Lansia dengan Hipertensi di RSUD dr. Soeratno Gemolong

Hypertension is a cardiovascular disease, in general, it has no known complaints, so it is known as the silent killer, characterized by an increase in systolic blood pressure of ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic ≥90 mmHg. One of the factors in the occurrence of hypertension is the age factor, hypertension in the elderly is more important to be treated because of the pathogenesis, course of the disease, and its management. Non-pharmacological treatment can overcome hypertension and is useful for improving the quality of life of patients and preventing complications, one of the non-pharmacological actions is massage therapy (reflexology). To find out the results of the implementation regarding giving reflexology therapy to reduce blood pressure in the elderly with hypertension. using a case study design, subjects in 2elderly with hypertension who were treated at RSUD dr. Soeratno Gemolong, using a tensimeter to measure blood pressure before and after therapy. obtained an average decrease in systolic blood pressure of 5.2 mmHg and an average decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mmHg after being given reflexology massage therapy.

PEMBERIAN REFLEKSI PIJAT KAKI PADA PENDERITA HIPERTENSI DI DESA DAWUHAN PURBALINGGA

Hypertension is a disease whose prevalence increases every year and is the cause of universal increases in morbidity and mortality. Families can reduce hypertension through non-pharmaceutical management. A non-pharmacological approach that can reduce hypertension is foot reflexology massage. Reflexology is the practice of manipulating specific receptors of the hands and feet. The health benefits of reflexology massage are no longer in question. Its ability to relieve bodily discomfort is one of its most popular qualities. Another benefit is the prevention of various diseases. Nugroho updated the findings of this study, which showed that foot reflexology massage was more effective than hypnotherapy in lowering blood pressure. This research uses a case study of nursing process, stages of assessment to evaluation and implementation of foot reflexology massage for 30 minutes, and blood pressure measurements using an analogue blood pressure monitor at the beginning and end of implementation. The implementation tool was administered once and respondents' consent was obtained first as an ethical guideline. A comparison of blood pressure readings before and after foot reflexology treatment was performed. Foot reflexology therapy reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients by 20 points, from 170/110 mmHg to 150/90 mmHg. This shows that reflexology reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Based on the findings of a case study conducted from 1 - 4 November 2022 on Mr. M with hypertension nursing problems, the application of reflexology massage therapy was found to be effective in controlling and lowering the patient's blood pressure.

The Effect of Feet Reflection Massage on Blood Pressure in Hypertension Patients at Community Health Centers II Petang

Complications of hypertension cause various health problems such as kidney damage, heart attack, stroke, glaucoma, erectile dysfunction, dementia and alzheimer's. One of the non-pharmacological treatments to avoid the long-term effects of hypertension is foot reflexology therapy. Foot reflexology therapy is a therapy that suppresses the zones and nerve points on the right and left soles of the feet. This study aims to determine the effect of foot reflexology on blood pressure in patients with hypertension. This type of research is a Quasi Experiment with a Non-Equivalent Control Group Design. The population in this study were all 102 people with hypertension in Pelaga village. The sample selection used was purposive sampling with a total of 36 people. Foot reflexology intervention is given 3 times a week for 20 minutes. The average difference in blood pressure before and after the foot reflexology intervention in the treatment group was 10.39 mmHg and the average difference in the control group was 0.94 mmHg. The results of the analysis used was Mann-Whitney analysis that is p-value of 0.000 (p <0.05), so it can be concluded that there is an effect of foot reflexology on blood pressure in hypertension sufferers in Community Health Center II Petang. Foot reflexology can be used as an alternative to non-pharmacological treatment programs for patients to prevent further complications from uncontrolled hypertension.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of reflexology for people with multiple sclerosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Research on reflexology therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) is limited, and the evaluation is mixed. Our aim is to confirm the efficacy of reflexology therapy for MS. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines were followed. The search strategy was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Science Citation Index. The quality of the included trials was assessed by the Cochrane Handbook. The main results were summarized and analyzed in RevMan 5.4. A total of 11 studies were included in the final analysis. There were significant differences [mean difference (MD) -0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.37 to -0.43, heterogeneity I2 = 0%] between the Precision Reflexology and Sham Reflexology groups in visual analogue scale pain. There was a significant difference (MD -1.00, 95% CI -1.42 to -0.58, heterogeneity I2 = 93%) between the Precision Reflexology and Sham Reflexology groups on the fatigue severity scale. There was no difference between the Precision Reflexology and Sham Reflexology groups in physical function (MD 6.88, 95% CI -3.36 to 17.13, heterogeneity I2 = 31%), role disorder due to physical problems (MD 10.20, 95% CI -4.91 to 25.30, heterogeneity I2 = 0%), physical pain (MD 7.68, 95% CI -0.09 to 15.45, heterogeneity I2 = 0%), role disorder due to emotional problems (MD 3.41, 95% CI -11.55 to 18.37, heterogeneity I2 = 0%), energy (MD 3.27, 95% CI -4.32 to 10.87, heterogeneity I2 = 0%), emotional well-being (MD 1.79, 95% CI -4.76 to 8.34, heterogeneity I2 = 0%), social function (MD 5.72, 95% CI -3.48 to 14.91, heterogeneity I2 = 0%), or general health (MD 2.63, 95% CI -4.36 to 9.62, heterogeneity I2 = 0%). Reflexology therapy can be used as an effective intervention for the pain and fatigue of MS patients while improving the quality of life.

Spiritual Healing: A Study of Modern Sufi Reflexology Therapy in Indonesia

There have been advances achieved in modern medicine but traditional treatment methods using certain spiritual approached have become increasingly popular in many parts of the world. Certain Sufi practices, among others, is used in medical treatment to support the healing process. Based on a case study on the practice of Sufi therapy conducted by Akang Syamsudin in the Limbangan Garut area, West Java, Indonesia this article attempts to explore the conversion process and dynamics of the development of Sufi healing. Employing a qualitative approach and Miles and Huberman landscape approach, and supported with interviews, observations, and documentation the research finds that Syamsudin’s Sufi therapy method combines physical and spiritual principles. Syamsudin’s therapeutic approach is based on the following seven factors, are: 1) belief that every disease has a cure; 2) balance and moderation are directly proportional to physical health; 3) spiritual factors dominate over physical factors; 4) the importance of blood circulation; 5) the efficacy of positive suggestion; 6) belief and submission to God’s will; 7) the effectiveness of patience and consistency. The research implications open a new paradigm in the field of non-invasive treatments. This article suggests that modern medical treatment should be complemented with spiritual therapy in order to achieve more positive healing outcomes for patients.

Effect of foot reflexology on neonates’ clinical outcomes with hyperbilirubinemia undergoing phototherapy: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundNeonatal hyperbilirubinemia is the most common reason for neonatal admissions to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that can progress to critical levels. Foot reflexology therapy is one of the complementary alternative therapies that can help to upgrade neonatal clinical outcomes with hyperbilirubinemia. AimThis study aimed to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on neonates’ clinical outcomes with hyperbilirubinemia undergoing phototherapy. DesignA Quasi-experimental two groups research design was used to accomplish this study. MethodsThis study was conducted at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Alexandria University Children's Hospital at Smouha, Alexandria on 60 full-term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia undergoing phototherapy, were randomly assigned to two groups Neonates of the control group were received only phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia, While foot reflexology neonates received intervention on the gastrointestinal system zone for 20 min in the morning before feeding once daily for consecutive five days beside phototherapy. Resultsfoot reflexology neonates exhibited a decrease in total bilirubin level to 7.9000 ± 1.81545 on the fifth day compared to 10.1633 ± 1.77054 for the control group neonates. A decline in the mean duration of undergoing phototherapy for neonates in the foot reflexology group to 4.30 ± 0.466 on the contrary with 5.00 ± 1.017 days for the control group. ConclusionApplication of foot reflexology is effective in improving the full-term neonates’ clinical outcomes with hyperbilirubinemia undergoing phototherapy. Thus, this non-pharmacological method is recommended as a supplement treatment for neonates with hyperbilirubinemia beside phototherapy.

PENGARUH TERAPI REFLEKSI KAKI TERHADAP PENURUNAN TEKANAN DARAH PADA LANSIA HIPERTENSI DI KECAMATAN CAMPURDARAT KABUPATEN TULUNGAGUNG

Hypertension is a contributor to death from non-communicable diseases by 60%. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving foot reflexology therapy on blood pressure in the elderly in Campurdarat District. The research design used a quasi-experimental approach with a pre-post test design approach. The number of research samples was 116 respondents who were selected using purposive sampling. The results showed that the difference in mean blood pressure before and after foot reflexology therapy was 14 mmHg for systolic and 11 mmHg for diastolic. Based on the statistical paired T Test where the level of significance or p (0.05) obtained a P value of 0.001 so that the P value < value, therefore there is the Effect of Foot Reflexology Therapy on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Elderly in Campurdarat District, Tulungagung Regency in 2022. The results of This study proves that reflection therapy can reduce blood pressure in the elderly with hypertension. The provision of foot reflexology therapy must be balanced with regular exercise, control of diet, and consumption of drugs according to indications to get optimal results.

Effect of reflexology on anxiety level among patients undergoing coronary angiography

Background Angiography is a highly effective invasive method for diagnosing coronary artery diseases but can lead to certain psychological problems such as anxiety. Aim To investigate the effect of foot reflexology therapy on anxiety level among patients undergoing coronary angiography. Research hypothesis H: patients undergoing coronary angiography who will receive the foot reflexology therapy will reveal lesser mean anxiety scores than before the intervention. Design A quasi-experimental research design was used. Setting This study was conducted at two selected critical care units affiliated to Cairo University Hospitals. Sample A purposive sample of 40 adult patients undergoing coronary angiography was recruited throughout 8 months. Tools Two tools were utilized to collect data: first, demographic characteristics and medical data, and second, state-trait anxiety inventory. Results There were significant statistical differences in mean anxiety scores in the reflexology study group before intervention, immediately, and 30 min after intervention (f=13.32/P=0.00). So, there was a significant decrease in anxiety scores immediately after intervention. Moreover, significant differences were detected among the studied patients’ anxiety mean scores according to their age 30 min after intervention (0.00); the age categories between 40 and 49 years showed less anxiety at this point of time. Finally, no significant statistical correlations whatsoever were found between selected demographic variables and mean anxiety scores at all time series of intervention. Conclusion It can be concluded that, foot reflexology was an effective method to decrease anxiety among patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Efektivitas Pijat Refleksi dalam Mengurangi Fatigue Pasien Kanker: A Systematic Review

Fatigue is a common symptom associated with cancer and its treatment. It is also that can affect daily activities and quality of life of the sufferer. Reflexology is a complementary therapy that is increasingly being used as adjunct therapy alongside conventional and pharmacological treatments in cancer patients.Objective: to evaluate the effect of reflexology on fatigue in cancer patients. Methods: A systematic review was performed using an electronic database and a manual search of all studies reporting the effects of reflexology on the fatigue of cancer patients. A total of 10 studies were eligible for review, including 7 randomized control trial (RCT) designs and 3 experimental study designs. Results: A total of 1093 participants from 10 studies were analyzed in this systematic review. The included studies consisted of seven RCT trials and three quasi-experiments. We found a positive effect of reflexology in reducing fatigue in cancer patients. Conclusion: This review provides strong evidence regarding the ability of reflexology therapy to relieve fatigue in cancer patients. The results of this review provide nurses with an even better understanding of the effects of reflexology and have a better decision-making process for this intervention

LEGAL DIMENSION OF TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE PRACTICES IN TURKEY

Context and Aim: The World Health Organization defines traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) practices as “the sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness”. This study aims to analyse the main legal regulations on TCM practices in Turkey.
 Methodology: The study is based on a systematic review and analysis of desk research and data in the literature. TCM practices were analysed by reviewing the literature screening in particular data of the Ministry of Health, the CAMbrella study which had been conducted by the European Union and the WHO Global Report On Traditional And Complementary Medicine 2019. The literature review was carried out in “Ulakbim Turkish Academic Network and Information Center”, “Google Scholar“. The research was made between September 2021 and October 2021, and 5 keywords were used: “traditional medicine”, “complementary medicine”, "integrative medicine", "alternative medicine" and "functional medicine".
 Findings: TCM practices in Turkey are based on the Supplementary Article 13 of the Law No. 1219 on the Practice of Medicine and Medical Arts, Article 9/c and Annex 11 of the Health Services Basic Law No. 3359, and the Presidential Decree No. 1. Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices Regulation (“Regulation”), dated 2014, stipulates the TCM practices in 15 areas, including acupuncture, apitherapy, phytotherapy, hypnosis, leech, homeopathy, chiropractic, cupping, larva, mesotherapy, prolotherapy, osteopathy, ozone, reflexology and music therapy. Although the regulation basically specified the qualifications of TCM practitioners, the minimum requirements of the practice centres, and in which cases TCM practice can be imply or not, the issues such as the obligation to informed consent regarding TCM practices, medical malpractice regarding TCM practices is not fully regulated. In this respect, it is required to make comprehensive and detailed regulations on these issues.
 Conclusion: TCM practices fill an important gap in terms of human health in areas that modern medicine cannot deal with. It is important to make the necessary legal regulations, especially to regulate informed consent; to define the care standards for medical malpractices regarding TCM practices, to strengthen the evidence base of TCM practices just like the conventional medicine practices.

Effect of brief advice plus foot reflexology therapy for smoking cessation in Thailand

Effect of brief advice plus foot reflexology therapy for smoking cessation in Thailand

Efektifitas Terapi Pijat Refleksi Kaki Terhadap Pengendalian Glukosa Darah Pada Penderita Diabetes Melitus

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by damaged insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, resulting in an increase in blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). The impact of chronic hyperglycemia and metabolic disorders with diabetes mellitus, which causes damage to tissues and organs such as the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessel systems.Purpose: This literature study aims to analyze the effectiveness of foot reflexology therapy in controlling blood glucose in diabetic patients.Methods: the database in making this literature review is pubmed and google scholar. The articles found were in the 2015-2021 timeframe with full text and were selected according to the appropriate literature study topic.Results: Based on the results of literature search, 331 articles were found, and there were 5 articles that met the criteria regarding the effectiveness of foot reflexology therapy in controlling blood glucose in diabetic patients.Conclusion: The results of research from several articles in this literature review indicate that foot reflexology therapy is effective in controlling blood glucose in diabetic patients.Keywords: Blood Glucose, Diabetes, Massage Therapy, Foot Reflexology

Effect of Reflexology Therapy On Decreased Intensity of Menstrual Pain

Pharmacological treatment of menstrual pain relief and non-pharmacological treatment such as reflexology, reflexology massage can be done on the feet and hands so that these points provide a spontaneous relaxation stimulation when massaged so that pain is not felt. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving reflexology therapy on reducing the intensity of menstrual pain in undergraduate nursing study program students at Panrita Husada College of Health Sciences, Bulukumba. Methods This study used a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest design approach. The sample of this study was 41 respondents who were taken using the non-probability sampling method with the consecutive sampling technique. The experimental group received reflexology therapy once with a duration of 20 minutes. Analysis of the data in this study using the Wilcoxon test statistic. The results of the analysis used the Wilcoxon test statistical test with a level of confidence (α = 0.05). Based on the results of this test, the value of ρ = 0,000 was obtained, thus ρ <α (0,000 <0.05), so there was an effect of giving reflexology therapy on reducing the intensity of menstrual pain in undergraduate nursing study program students at Stikes Panrita Husada Bulukumba. The conclusion of this study is a Researchers suggest that the results of this study can provide information for people in the surrounding environment, families, and young women about how to deal with menstrual pain without consuming pharmacological drugs but in a non-pharmacological way, namely by using reflexology techniques.

C7 Innovative Pain Management Techniques: Reflexology and Massage Therapy for Nurses

C7 Innovative Pain Management Techniques: Reflexology and Massage Therapy for Nurses

The Effect of Foot Reflection Massage on Hypertension in Elderly Batam City

The results of the report on the health recording system for the elderly in Batam City in 2018 with the most hypertension sufferers are in the Sei Langkai Health Center area with a total of 4,863 people. This study was to determine whether there was an effect of foot reflexology therapy in the elderly with The type of design in this study was the Quasi Experimental method using the Onegroup Pretest-Postest Design. The sample used in this study amounted to 15 elderly people who have hypertension. The sampling technique used purposive sampling. This research was conducted on 20 June August 2020 in the Sei Langkai Community Health Center, Batam City. The research results were analyzed using paired t-test. The result showed that the systolic and diastolic blood pressure pre test and post test obtained a value of 0.000 (<0,05) based on this it can be concluded that there is a significant effect on Foot Reflexology on reducing blood pressure in the elderly. It is hoped that the elderly can maintain a healthy lifestyle and do light exercise to avoid an increase in blood pressure.

Effects of aroma self-foot reflexology on peripheral neuropathy, peripheral skin temperature, anxiety, and depression in gynaecologic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A randomised controlled trial.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can interfere with activities of daily living and can negatively affect symptoms. Thus, this study aimed to develop and implement an aroma self-foot reflexology regimen based on Cox's Interaction Model of Client Health Behaviour (IMCHB) as an intervention that can be self-performed at home and at any time. The effects of aroma self-foot reflexology on peripheral neuropathy, peripheral skin temperature, anxiety, and depression were examined in patients with gynaecologic cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy. This randomized controlled trial included 32 experimental and 31 control patients with CIPN. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires (CIPN assessment tool, HADS). In the experimental group, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral skin temperature, anxiety, and depression were measured before and after aroma self-foot reflexology therapy for 6 weeks. The control group was provided with identical aroma self-foot reflexology training 6 weeks later and underwent the intervention at that time. The intervention resulted in lower levels of symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, less interference with activities (p < .001), and higher peripheral skin temperature level (p < .001). Anxiety and depression decreased in the experimental group (p < .001). The ratio of borderline and definite cases of anxiety and depression did not differ between groups. An aroma self-foot reflexology intervention can reduce CIPN, anxiety, and depression in gynaecologic cancer patients. Further research is required to assess the effects of differences in the content of the intervention and the effects of various numbers of applications and durations of applications based on each individual patient's condition.

Reflexology: A Modality in Manipulative and body based Method

Reflexology is an ancient therapeutic treatment which activates the innate healing powers of the body by applying some pressure to the specific reflex points which are located on all part of the feet, hands, or ears. The popularity of reflexology therapy has increased in recent years as the public seek more holistic ways to maintain good health and well-being. This paper reviews and summarizes the existing literature on reflexology focusing on principle, concept, current issues and scientific evidence. Databases of Pub Med, Scopus, Science Direct, Google scholar as well as Pro Quest were the sources used for findings the articles. Collectively, these reviews suggest a number of areas where reflexology may well be beneficial. Recent evidence suggests that reflexology is a simple, less expensive and non-invasive method that effective to regulate the autonomic nervous system activities, coordinates physiological responses, alleviates anxiety, and induces body relaxation.

Opinions and observations of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy about changes seen after reflexology: A qualitative study

The aim of this research was to examine the effect of reflexology on the problems of children with cerebral palsy from perspective of caregivers. Qualitative study was made after 24-session reflexology program. 12 caregivers who have 2-18 year-old children with spastic type cerebral palsy receiving special education and received reflexology. The thematic questions were determined and in-depth interviews were conducted. Themes of the study were determined as; the caregiver's views on reflexology, the effect of reflexology on health of children with CP and the caregivers’ observations on child after reflexology therapy, positive and negative aspects and causes of reflexology treatment. As a results; the caregivers expressed that there were increases in self-confidence of children, improvement in walking, reduced spasticity, relaxation, decreases in constipation, and increases in communication, speech and perception after reflexology.

Evaluation of Reflexology by "BIOCERAMIC Resonance" Operation producing Weak Force Field during Simultaneous Acupoint Stimulation of Urinary Bladder Point on Subject's Ear Resulting in Electric Current Change on Urinary Bladder reflex Point on Subject's Hands, and Related New Research Finding.

It was postulated in our previous publications that the meridian channels as conceived in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are various standing waves arising from harmonic rhythmic sound frequencies originating from the human heart beat. BIOCERAMIC is an artificial material able to produce a weak force field causing different biophysical and systemic health benefits, with the key characteristics of hydrogen bonds weakening and microcirculation enhancement. Since discovering that the effects of a BIOCERAMIC field can be transmitted via sound waves propagation, we then also developed a BIOCERAMIC Resonance device to produce weak force field throughout the body, and achieve resonance with the body's meridian channels to reinforce microcirculation. Since our previous research proved BIOCERAMIC can produces changes in ectodermal current levels, the present evaluation on reflexology is done by the application of Electric Current Detection (ECD) to the palmar surface of the hands matching correlative organs and glands loci to reflex points according to standard reflexology. The procedure will compare changes in the electrical current observed before and after a session of BIOCERAMIC Resonance treatment on the soles of the subjects' feet. We also conducted a procedure using corona discharge (Kirlian) photography of the hands to examine whether the coronal intensities could be affected by application of the BIOCERAMIC patch. Intensities are shown on the screen of a computer using special software that categorizes intensities into five zones. Under the continuous treatment of BIOCERAMIC Resonance on soles of the feet and simultaneous stimulation on the specific point on the surface of the ear representing the urinary bladder. The electrical current (Aji ampere) on the areas in the hands are decreased from the beginning of the experiment, but only the specific area on the surface of the ear representing the urinary bladder was exhibited increased of the electrical current (Aji ampere), with statistically significant difference (p<0.05). To the other study we evaluated the validity of reflexology and corona discharge (Kirlian) photography by applying BIOCERAMIC Resonance and small adhesive patches made from the BIOCERAMIC material. Significant differences were evident on four out of five different zones of the computerized images. Our findings suggest the existence of presupposed virtual channels or reflex points on the skin surface of the feet, hands, and ears that connect or somehow reflect back to specific internal organs, as mapped out on standard charts found in reflexology. Furthermore, the depicted corona intensities from five zones shown on a computer screen of corona discharge photography seem to indicate that the volunteer subjects are affected by the BIOCERAMIC patches. This study demonstrates the operation of the BIOCERAMIC Resonance device is able to produce weak force field through the body, which is objectively measurable and thereby scientifically integrating the concepts of reflexology, meridian channels and biofield therapy.

Complementary therapy for treating depressive symptoms: A systematic review

Depression is a mental state characterized by feelings of sadness, loneliness, despair, low self-esteem, and self-reproach; accompanying signs include psychomotor retardation. Complementary therapies span a broad range of treatments for depression. The aim of this review was to determine whether the use of complementary & alternative therapy (CAT) for treatment of depression is supported by evidence of effectiveness from rigorous clinical trials. Database literature searches were performed in a pre-defined manner. Thirteen RCTs were located that investigated Complementary & alternative therapy and depression: Reflexology (1), Cognitively Behavioural Therapy (3), Yoga (1), Mindfulness therapy (1), Reiki intervention (1), Aromatherapy massage (1), Essential oils (1), Creative arts therapy (1), Herbal medicine (1), Music therapy (1) and Massage (1). The evidence is not compelling for any of these therapies, with many trials suffering from significant methodological flaws. There is evidence to suggest some benefit of mindfulness therapy, yoga, creative art, massage and music therapy on reduction of depressive symptoms. Cognitive Behaviour therapy and aromatherapy massage have a short-term beneficial effect on depression. There is no difference in using herbal, reflexology, essential oil and Reiki therapy in depression but Reiki therapy within the bounds of the conventional care setting may be more effective. In all the CATs examined further investigations are needed in the form of rigorous large-scale trials.