Reflexology

Reflexology is a complementary therapy implemented for symptom management and to enhance patient well-being. In this practice, massage techniques are applied to specific areas of hands and feet that reflexology has identified to correspond to other parts of the entire body. Typically, the feet are easier to work with due to their larger surface area, which makes it simpler to find the required corresponding areas than when using the hands. Therefore, this chapter concerns feet reflexology. Holism, on which reflexology is based, has philosophical elements in common with nursing. This makes it a useful technique for nurses in assisting patients; plus there is evidence of its alleviation of some symptoms. The chapter also describes self-care techniques using reflexology. In a summary of the current practice of reflexology, it is argued that qualitative research may assist in understanding the impact of the context and process of reflexology intervention.