Foot Reflexology with Caring Consciousness to Reduce Pain in Older Adults: An Integrative Review
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
To analyze the evidence available on foot reflexology with application of caring consciousness to reduce pain in older adults Integrative review carried out in Medline/PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCO Host, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases using the MESH terms "Aged," "Pain," "Musculoskeletal manipulations," "Nursing," and "Nursing theory." in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French published between 2012 and 2022. The selected studies were exported to Rayyan software and evaluated by title and abstract; after reading the full text, were analyzed according to the PRISMA guide checklist. In this study, 497 articles were found, 4 were selected. 75% of the studies were based on the Ingham method of reflexology. The elements that demonstrate caring consciousness and enhance the healing effect of the therapy were foot grooming, use of essential oils, implementation of relaxation techniques, description of pressure points and combining other therapies. In 75% of the cases, foot reflexology was effective to reduce pain. Those authors who apply caring consciousness in the technique of reflexology obtained more significant results in the reduction of pain. The incorporation of external elements shows the intention of nursing to enhance the effects of the therapy, as well as the search for connection with the elderly.
Key Findings: what this systematic review found
- ✓Foot reflexology based on the Ingham method was used in 75% of the studies reviewed for pain reduction in older adults.
- ✓Caring consciousness elements that enhance reflexology's healing effects include foot grooming, essential oils, relaxation techniques, pressure point description, and combination with other therapies.
- ✓The integrative review identified only 4 relevant studies from 497 articles meeting criteria for foot reflexology with caring consciousness to reduce pain in older adults between 2012 and 2022.
What This Means for You
Foot reflexology may help reduce pain in older adults, particularly when the practitioner combines the technique with caring attention and relaxation methods, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.
What This Means for Practitioners
Incorporating caring consciousness elements—such as foot grooming, essential oils, relaxation techniques, and personalized attention—can enhance reflexology's pain-relief effectiveness with older clients.
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
Foot reflexology may help reduce pain in older adults, particularly when the practitioner combines the technique with caring attention and relaxation methods, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.
What did this study find?
Foot reflexology based on the Ingham method was used in 75% of the studies reviewed for pain reduction in older adults. Caring consciousness elements that enhance reflexology's healing effects include foot grooming, essential oils, relaxation techniques, pressure point description, and combination with other therapies. The integrative review identified only 4 relevant studies from 497 articles meeting criteria for foot reflexology with caring consciousness to reduce pain in older adults between 2012 and 2022.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a systematic review and we rate its evidence limited. It was published in Florence Nightingale journal of nursing. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Looking for a reflexologist?
Find practitioners who can help with the conditions studied in this research.
Find a Reflexologist