 Reflexology
Comforts Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy
Patients with late stage breast cancer may experience a myriad of
emotional and physical issues in response to illness and treatment.
A recent study by Michigan State University determined reflexology to
be an effective treatment for individuals undergoing chemotherapy for
breast cancer. Subjects were treated with guided imagery and reminiscence
therapy, but reflexology proved to be most effective in comforting patients
dealing with cancer therapy.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works on the feet or hands
enabling the body to heal itself. Reflexology can be used to restore
and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing. Reflexology
is an ecologically sustainable healing modality that can effectively
reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve the spiritual
and emotional quality of life. The use of reflexology in conjunction
with biomedical treatments allows the patient to focus on the comfort
measure provided during treatment that reduces the anxiety around the
next chemotherapy session.
Gene Wyatt, the principle investigator of the study explains, “We’re
not curing the cancer, we’re really on the human side of it trying
to help them deal with emotions and hopefully fewer symptoms or decreased
severity of symptoms.” Wyatt and his research team were granted
$3.1 million from the National Institute of Health for a future study
that will examine the full benefits of reflexology for breast cancer
patients undergoing chemotherapy in a controlled setting.
To view the original news report visit Michigan State University at http://newsroom.msu.edu
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