In a pilot study, researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) have been testing three different complementary therapies - reflexology, guided imagery and reminiscence therapy - on women who are receiving chemotherapy while in the late stages of breast cancer. They found, that of the three therapies, reflexology proved to be the most effective at helping the women cope. Women receiving chemotherapy for late-stage breast cancer face a number of physical and emotional issues. Reflexology - which is a specialized foot therapy that applies pressure to certain parts of the sole of the foot - was found to help women better cope with their treatment. "Reflexology is the one people stuck with the most during the eight-week protocol," said Gwen Wyatt, a professor at MSU who headed the project.
Wyatt said reflexology delivered a number of benefits. "We see things like a decrease in depression and anxiety, and improvements in spirituality and emotional quality of life," she said. "Overall, they have an improved quality of life."
Reflexology isn't mainstream medicine as the mechanisms by which it might work aren't documented. "We don't really have a Western, scientific way of testing how this works. But for us, we just measure the patient's perception of change. Currently, there are no physiological measures," she said. She stressed that reflexology is strictly complementary and should only be used in conjunction with conventional health care.
"These supportive measures are intended to create a less stressful link for the patient to the treatment center," Wyatt said. "Instead of dreading the next cancer treatment, patients are able to focus on the comfort measure that will be provided during treatment." Wyatt and colleagues are now embarking on a more detailed investigation into the value of reflexology in treating late-stage breast cancer patients. Using a National Institutes of Health grant of more than $3 million, they will more closely examine the benefits of reflexology in a controlled study.
"Breast cancer can be a very difficult experience and advanced-stage disease even more so. This study will make the treatment journey more manageable and women may want to continue it after cancer treatment to maintain a sense of well-being," she concluded.
Source: Michigan State University
