Determination of efficacy of reflexology in managing patients with diabetic neuropathy: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Krishna Dalal, V Bharathi Maran, Ravindra M Pandey, Manjari Tripathi, Krishna Dalal, V Bharathi Maran, Ravindra M Pandey, Manjari Tripathi

Abstract

Background. The restricted usage of existing pharmacological methods which do not seem to provide the treatment of diabetic neuropathy may lead to exploring the efficacy of a complementary therapy. In this context, this paper was devoted to evaluate the efficacy of foot reflexology. This health science works on the hypothesis that the dysfunctional states of body parts could be identified by observing certain skin features and be rectified by stimulating certain specific areas mapped on feet. Method. Subjects (N = 58) with diagnosed diabetic neuropathy were randomly distributed into reflexology and control groups in which both group patients were treated with ongoing pharmacological drugs. Reflexology group patients were additionally treated holistically with the hypothesis that this therapy would bring homeostasis among body organ functions. This was a caregiver-based study with a follow-up period of 6 months. The outcome measures were pain reduction, glycemic control, nerve conductivity, and thermal and vibration sensitivities. The skin features leading to the detection of the abnormal functional states of body parts were also recorded and analyzed. Results. Reflexology group showed more improvements in all outcome measures than those of control subjects with statistical significance. Conclusion. This study exhibited the efficient utility of reflexology therapy integrated with conventional medicines in managing diabetic neuropathy.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Consort diagram for subjects' recruitment and followup.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Abnormal skin features of the reflexology areas (RAs) of urinary bladder (UB), solar plexus, pituitary gland, pancreas, lumbar vertebrae, and sciatic nerve. (a)–(c) convex UB RAs; (a) 66M; (b) 73M; (c) 53F convex and reddish UB RA; (d) 65F: reddish brown and concave solar plexus RAs; (e) 56F: dark brown and concave solar plexus RAs (e1) and dark brown pituitary gland RAs (e2); (f) 58M: reddish brown pancreas RA (f1) and reddish brown lumbar vertebrae RA (f2); (g1)-(g2) 30F: concave and brown sciatic nerve RAs.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Observations on pancreas (63M) and adrenal gland (58M) reflexology areas at the pre- and post-reflexology therapy sessions. (a) pretherapy session: reddish brown skin colour of pancreas RA; (b) posttherapy session: pancreas RA with normal skin colour; (c) pretherapy session: reddish brown adrenal gland RA and (d) posttherapy session: adrenal gland RA with normal skin colour.
Figure 4
Figure 4
A few examples of the subcutaneous features (up to 1.75 mm) of urinary bladder reflexology areas. (a) A normal structure (without the presence of any abnormal skin characteristics); (b) the onset of an abnormal condition (tender RA); (c) an abnormal condition (tender and swollen RA); (d) an advanced stage of abnormality (tender, swollen and hard skin).

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Source: PubMed

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