Reflexology Helps Women with Breast Cancer Cope

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Preliminary findings suggest that the ancient art of reflexology may help women with breast cancer cope in part by relieving anxiety and depression.

Women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer face a torrent of physical and emotional issues. Reflexology, performed by a certified reflexologist, may help them adjust better to their treatment, Gwen Wyatt, a registered nurse and professor in Michigan State University's College of Nursing told Reuters Health.

"Reflexology," she explained, "is a very specific type of foot massage that utilizes pressure to specific reflexes on the soles of the feet. These reflexes are hypothesized to reflect various areas of the body and to help balance the body and put it in the best harmony for natural healing or optimal health."

In a pilot study, 100 cancer patients at the West Michigan Cancer Center were given the option of participating in one of three different complementary therapies -- reflexology, guided imagery, or reminiscence therapy in which women recall times in their lives when they've met and overcome challenges.

"Of these 100 cancer patients, women with breast cancer were the most interested in participating in a complementary therapy along with their chemotherapy," Wyatt told Reuters Health, "and reflexology was the most popular and most effective."

Reflexology was associated with a decrease in anxiety and depression and an increase in spirituality and emotional and overall quality of life, she reported. "We are very encouraged by these very preliminary findings."

Wyatt and her colleagues have secured funding of 3.1 million dollars from the federal government to study reflexology in women with advanced stage breast cancer. They are now in a start-up phase of the study that will last 5 years and enroll 350 women.

"Our ultimate goal is to enhance their quality of life," Wyatt said. "Nurses don't cure cancer -- we are helping the women through this journey of breast cancer" to have the "highest quality of life possible," she said.