Skin Conditions and Reflexology

Evidence Suggests This Complementary Modality Can be Helpful

Sep 8, 2009

Research studies in Reflexology have taken a look at multiple skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and forms of hair loss. Can a Reflexologist help?

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is part of the integumentary system. Skin covers the bones, muscles, and internal organs and acts as a protection from the elements.

Skin conditions are plentiful and can be caused from an environmental issue, such as sunburn and skin cancer, to internal issues such as psoriasis which is an autoimmune disorder. Any new changes to skin should be shown to a primary care doctor or dermatologist for a diagnosis and advice on treatment.

Reflexology and Acne

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services describes acne as a “disorder that causes outbreaks of skin lesions commonly called pimples.” This condition can be caused by an overproduction of sebum which clogs the skin pores. It can also be caused by a form of bacteria.

A study published by the China Reflexology Association in 1998 looked at 38 people with acne ranging in age from 18 to 29. Participants received Foot Reflexology sessions every day for ten days; all participants were “cured by foot reflexotherapy work.” Five of the participants required three courses, twenty-six participants required four courses, four required five courses and three participants required six courses. [Dong Dahai, Xiang Xiangdong, Shi Yanling, Kong Zhifeng, Dong Congjun, "Treatment of 38 Cases of Acne with Foot Reflexotherapy," 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 62-6]

Reflexology and Eczema

Eczema is also referred to as dermatitis and describes inflammatory skin conditions. Flare ups can be triggered from food allergies, allergens, heat, emotional stress and irritants.

A 1998 Chinese study reported giving daily Foot Reflexology for ten days to 32 participants, both male and female. Twenty-eight of the participants fully recovered at the end of the treatment, two showed improvements and two had no results for their eczema. [Gu, H. and Xu, Y., "Treatment of Eczema with Reflexology." 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 66-68.]

Reflexology and Hair Loss

Alopecia Areata occurs when the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, leaving behind bald patches on the scalp. It can progress to a complete loss of hair on the scalp, or the loss of hair on the entire body.

One case of Alopecia Areata was reported in 2002 by the China Reflexology Association, a 47 year old female received Foot and Hand Reflexology for ten sessions and the hair loss slowed. After twenty sessions the hair loss stopped and after the third course (of ten sessions in each course) the lesions were covered with new hair growth. [Guangxuan, H., "Treatment of One Case of Alopecia Areata with Reflexotherapy." 2002 China Reflexology Symposium Report, pages 39-40]

Reflexology and Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease that is caused by the rapid rise of skin cells to the surface of the skin. It is an immune system disorder that causes patches of skin to become thick with scales and red skin; it is either itchy or sore.

In a 1994 study by the China Reflexology Association a 21 year old received weekly Foot Reflexology treatments. After fifteen courses all lesions disappeared. [Xi-guang, Xu and De-zhao, Liu, "Treatment of Psoriasis with Foot Reflexology," 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp. 91-92 (Tianjin, China)]

A 2002 study treated 25 out-patients with Reflexology as well as encouraging drinking water and a diet of steamed fish and sophora flower. 92% of the participants were cured and 100% of the treatment group found the therapy to be effective. [Schijian, F., "Treatment of 25 cases of Psoriasis with Reflexotherapy combined with Dietetic Therapy." 2002 China Reflexology Symposium Report, pages 41-42]

Another study gave a nine year old female daily Foot Reflexology for a total of 100 sessions. Improvement was noticed after forty treatments and at the end of the course the psoriasis had completely disappeared. [Zhang, J., "Psoriasis was Cured by Foot Reflexotherapy, Case Report (Abstract)." 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report. Beijing , China Reflexology Association, page 40.]

Reflexology at Home

Since many of the studies required frequent treatments it is worth considering a combination of sessions with a professional Reflexologist and self-help techniques performed at home. Introductory Reflexology workshops are conducted around the world so it may be worth attending the classes if a local one can be found. Another option is to combine tips from the Reflexologist with a good book on the topic.

The copyright of the article Skin Conditions and Reflexology in Reflexology is owned by Amy Kreydin. Permission to republish Skin Conditions and Reflexology in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.