General Information
What is research?
Research in Reflexology is a difficult subject, if you look in any text book on Reflexology you would no doubt be assured that there is plenty of research that has been carried out and that all of it is positive!
This could be the case if we look at a simple dictionary definition of research which is ‘a systematic search for facts’
This might well be valid information if you are looking for an insight into the therapy or perhaps for information a client. However, the market for which the research is aimed will determine the form the research needs to take. If we are aiming to take our research to GP’s, hospitals, clinics, complementary medicine practices and even for some knowledge hungry clients, this simple level of data collection is insufficient. This is where we need scientific research which can be defined as “A systematic investigation and collection of data using the most fitting methodology, with correct monitoring systems and statistical analysis, the results of which are then peer reviewed and published in a respected journal”
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Peer – review is an important concept- critical to the acceptance of CAM research. This is the criticism of the work in planning or publication stage by others of a same status. It automatically happens when a piece of research is published in a reputable journal. This is then called a ‘research paper’.
So who might be interested in research in Reflexology?
UK Government
- To help the medical profession and patients make informed decisions.
- Does it save money?
Medical profession
- Does it work?
Scientists
- What specific part makes it work?
Reflexologists
- What is the best way to treat certain illnesses?
- Are we safe?
Clients / Patients
- Have you treated my problem / condition before?
- Can Reflexology help my problem?
- Is it safe?
The correct type of research must be presented to the right people and for any medical group of people this can only be scientific research. This is what the AoR research area always promotes. Other more informal and anecdotal information can be obtained from elsewhere, but here we only have peer-reviewed and published information. The AoR have made the decision to make this list available to the general public as there is a generally misguided idea about Reflexology research.
Research papers can be ordered through the British Library at cost price or sometimes on the internet. This price can be anything up to £40 so it is a good idea to make sure the research is what you are really after. In the first instance read the abstract – a short (approximately 300 words) summary of the paper is often available on the internet, see listing for those that are available. If you still want the research paper then you can order it direct, or if you are member go through to the member’s area and read the AoR further summary there. You can also order the paper through the AoR at a cheaper cost.
Here is an up to date list of current published research available in the UK. We have collected them using the Science Direct and British Library search engines, there are plenty of other more medical search engines out there, but many do not have a key word for reflexology and so when searched, it turns up papers about massage and other complementary therapies.
