A pilot study exploring the effects of reflexology on cold intolerance

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies
Wenping ZhangTorao Ishida

Abstract

Cold intolerance is an inability to tolerate cold temperatures and is accompanied by symptoms including headache, shoulder discomfort, dizziness and palpitations. The current study was performed to examine whether reflexology therapy affected cold intolerance in human subjects and whether the treatment was systemically effective. Ten female volunteer examinees with subjective feelings of cold were examined. After a 5-minute foot bath, 10 minutes of reflexology therapy was performed on their left foot. Skin temperature and blood flow were estimated before and after treatment, together with an interview concerning their feelings of cold and daily habits. In addition, how the recovery rate was affected by the application of a chilled-water load was also estimated. Along with significant increases in skin temperature and blood flow compared with pre-treatment at the bilateral points of KI-1, LR-3, and BL-60, a faster recovery after the application of the chilled-water load was also seen in the lower limbs on both sides. From these results, we conclude that reflexology has systemic effects and is an alternative method for treating cold intolerance.

Citations

Oct 18, 2012·The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine : Research on Paradigm, Practice, and Policy·Jenny JonesStephen J Leslie
Jul 28, 2016·The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine : Research on Paradigm, Practice, and Policy·Andrew McVicarChantelle LeForis
Dec 29, 2012·Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery·Chao ChenXu Zhang
Mar 14, 2020·PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation·Andy ChienYueh-Ling Hsieh
Mar 4, 2017·Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies·Wen-Ping ZhangTakahiko Fujikawa

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