Ancient Chinese Technique Eases Breast Cancer Symptoms
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New York, NY;Washington, DC;Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA;Chicago, IL;Houston, TX (PRWEB) December 01, 2012
Doctors Health Press, a division of Lombardi Publishing Corporation, and publisher of various natural health newsletters, books, and reports, including the popular online Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, is reporting on a new study that may provide the strongest indication yet that reflexology, a therapy that focuses on the feet, can improve health, and just might allow cancer patients to manage their symptoms and improve their lives.
As Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin (http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-2/ancient-chinese-technique-eases-breast-cancer-symptoms) notes, the study was funded by the National Cancer Institute, and it represents the first wide-ranging look at reflexology used as a complementary therapy, along with standard cancer treatment.
As the article “Ancient Chinese Technique Eases Breast Cancer Symptoms” explains, there are points all over the feet and ankles that correspond to organs and specific parts of the body. Reflexology is a type of foot massage that targets these points in an effort to bring about specific health benefits.
The Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article reports that the study, performed at Michigan State University, included 385 women with advanced breast cancer (spread beyond the breast) who were undergoing chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. The women were split into three groups, with actual reflexology or foot massage that acted as placebo, or standard medical treatment with no foot therapy.
The article states that at five and 11 weeks into the study, the women receiving reflexology experienced significantly less shortness of breath—which is a common symptom in breast cancer patients. They also reported an improved ability to perform daily tasks, such as climbing a flight of stairs, getting dressed, or shopping for groceries. Researchers noted that this may have been a result of better breathing.
According to the article, the results were surprising, as the researchers were expecting more changes in emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression. Instead, the biggest changes were physical. Oddly, the placebo foot massage led to reduced fatigue among the women, which suggests that simple foot massages could help cancer patients.
As the Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article concludes, with this added credibility, reflexology is likely to get more attention, and it may prompt more clinical studies to help understand this ancient technique.
(SOURCE: You, M., et al., “Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes: A Reflexology Trial With Patients With Advanced-Stage Breast Cancer,” Oncology Nursing Forum 2012; 39(6): 568.)
Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin is a daily e-letter, providing natural health news with a focus on natural healing through foods, herbs, and other breakthrough health alternative treatments. For more information on Doctors Health Press, visit http://www.doctorshealthpress.com.
Doctors Health Press believes in the healing properties of various alternative remedies, including Traditional Chinese Medicine. To see a video outlining the Doctors Health Press’ views on Traditional Chinese Medicine, visit http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/chinesemedicine.