Reflexology for irritable bowel syndrome

Fisher DG, Berker M

British Reflexology Association, Monks Orchard, Whitbourne, Worcester, WR6 5RB, UK

Objective

The data collected is used to demonstrate the extent to which (a) symptoms mentioned in the Manning Criteria and those associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are presented by the client; (b) reflexology ameliorated these symptoms; (c) clients benefited from the course of treatment; (d) client response to reflexology was related to certain factors.

Materials and methods

Clients (28) were asked to assess subjectively on six-point scales, the extent to which they were suffering from ten IBS-related symptoms before and after a course of reflexology (mean of six treatments) and again after 1 month without treatment. Clients were also asked other questions relevant to IBS and about their diet and medication. Practitioners also filled in corresponding confirmatory questionnaires.

Results

(a) All symptoms were presented – most frequent in severe form were abdominal pain, stomach distension and feelings of incomplete evacuation. (b) The means for each symptom before and after treatment were calculated from the aggregated scores. Reflexology had little effect on mild symptoms but the effect on severe symptoms was significant. The reduction in means varied from 72% to 29%. These differences were reduced by less than 10% after a further month. (c) Clients lost 61% of their severe symptoms with a 6% deterioration after 1 month. Some (39%) lost all their severe symptoms, others (21%) lost none. (d) The variation in the effectiveness of treatment on clients’ severe symptoms was related to their age, temperament and length of time with IBS.

Conclusion

Reflexology has a significant beneficial effect on clients suffering from IBS, maintained for at least 1 month.

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