Anxiety levels, sleep and quality of life of people undergoing haemodialysis are all positively impacted by reflexology says a new trial.
Haemodialysis is a medical procedure used to treat kidney failure by filtering waste, toxins and excess fluids from the blood. It means regular sessions – about three times a week, each for up to five hours – so can be stressful due to the physical strain, frequent treatment sessions and the emotional burden of dependency on a machine. The process often disrupts daily life, leading to fatigue, anxiety and social isolation, though many people gradually find ways to cope.
Reflexology could become one such coping strategy in the light of the new research published in a leading academic journal.
In the study, reflexology foot massage was compared to regular foot massage in patients having haemodialysis. The participants had treatment for three weeks, three times a week, 15 minutes on each foot (ie a total of nine treatments).
Key findings
Average sleep scores of the reflexology group were higher than in the standard massage group;
Anxiety levels were lower in the reflexology group;
And quality of life improved more in the reflexology group.
‘The findings of this study may offer nurses greater awareness of the potential benefits of reflexology,’ the study authors conclude. ‘In this way, more healthcare professionals can be encouraged to use reflexology in addition to other cares.’
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