Facilitating phenomenological interviewing by means of reflexology
Preliminary EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
The aim of this article is to show how reflexology could facilitate phenomenological interviewing by probing the life-world of individual participants. It presents a hybrid study of phenomenological interviewing and reflexology as a holistic method of health care. In this sense, it is an interparadigmatic study, since it rests on the interface of Western and Oriental thought. This article reports on seven cases which were included in the qualitative, empirical investigation. During the sessions, reflexological readings served as impetus for inquiry into the experiences of the participants, as congestions on reflex points and along meridians were interpreted in terms of physical organs and functions. These readings were related to corresponding emotions as accepted within the reflexology paradigm. It was, however, up to the participants to inform the researcher of events and/or circumstances that caused the emotions. Thus, nonverbal data communicated information that facilitated verbal exchange concerning the life-world of each individual participant.
Key Findings: what this qualitative study found
- ✓Reflexology readings of physical congestions on reflex points and meridians served as a practical impetus for deepening phenomenological inquiry into participants' lived experiences.
- ✓The hybrid integration of reflexology and phenomenological interviewing created a bridge between Western and Oriental paradigms to access both nonverbal and verbal dimensions of participants' life-worlds.
- ✓Physical reflexology findings were meaningfully connected to emotional states, with participants providing narrative explanations of the specific life events and circumstances that generated those emotions.
What This Means for You
This small exploratory study suggests reflexology sessions might help you access and discuss deeper emotional experiences, though the evidence is preliminary and more research is needed.
What This Means for Practitioners
Using reflexology findings as a conversation prompt during sessions may help clients articulate emotions and life experiences they might not otherwise verbalize.
Study Design: how this qualitative study was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
This small exploratory study suggests reflexology sessions might help you access and discuss deeper emotional experiences, though the evidence is preliminary and more research is needed.
What did this study find?
Reflexology readings of physical congestions on reflex points and meridians served as a practical impetus for deepening phenomenological inquiry into participants' lived experiences. The hybrid integration of reflexology and phenomenological interviewing created a bridge between Western and Oriental paradigms to access both nonverbal and verbal dimensions of participants' life-worlds. Physical reflexology findings were meaningfully connected to emotional states, with participants providing narrative explanations of the specific life events and circumstances that generated those emotions.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a qualitative study and we rate its evidence preliminary. It covers 7 participants. It was published in Curationis. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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