Next month will mark the 14th anniversary of the first randomized controlled study of reflexology published in a scientific journal in the United States.
And it’s one that should convince you of the benefit of reflexology for women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Over 90% of women claim to experience some of the symptoms of PMS, so it’s nice to know we can help. [1]
“Randomized Controlled Study of Premenstrual Symptoms Treated with Ear, Hand and Foot Reflexology” was conducted at the American Academy of Reflexology in California and led by Terry Oleson, Ph.D. and Bill Flocco, the director of the Academy. Academy grads participated to provide sessions over a 6-month period.
Fifteen physical and 15 psychological symptoms were tracked every day of the study’s duration. The control group, which received no reflexology, showed no change in their symptoms; the placebo group reported a 19% reduction in symptoms, and the group that received reflexology reported a 47% reduction of symptoms. That is a significant result!
The results of the study were published in Obstetrics and Gynecology in December 1993. You can read the full report here.
[1] https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome
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