Reported treatment strategies for reflexology in cardiac patients and inconsistencies in the location of the heart reflex point: an online survey
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
Reflexology texts are inconsistent with regard to the location of the heart point and contradictory with regard to the correct reflexology approach to cardiac patients. We aimed to determine the impact of these inconsistencies on the practice of Association of Reflexologists (AoR) members. Online survey of AoR members. Respondents' beliefs and practises mirror the inconsistencies in reflexology teaching literature and marked inconsistencies exist in the heart reflex point placement. Professional clarification around the heart reflex point location and further clinical research is urgently needed to establish the appropriateness of reflexology techniques for cardiac patients.
Key Findings: what this cross-sectional study found
- ✓Reflexology teaching literature contains inconsistent guidance regarding the anatomical location of the heart reflex point.
- ✓Association of Reflexologists members' clinical practices and beliefs directly reflect the inconsistencies present in reflexology teaching materials.
- ✓Professional consensus on heart reflex point location and clinical research are urgently needed to determine whether reflexology techniques are appropriate for cardiac patients.
What This Means for You
If you're considering reflexology for heart-related concerns, be aware that practitioners may use different techniques and have varying training, so ask your reflexologist specifically how they were trained to treat cardiac patients.
What This Means for Practitioners
Your practice should be guided by standardized guidelines for cardiac patient treatment; seek out professional clarification and consensus on heart reflex point location rather than relying on inconsistent textbooks.
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
If you're considering reflexology for heart-related concerns, be aware that practitioners may use different techniques and have varying training, so ask your reflexologist specifically how they were trained to treat cardiac patients.
What did this study find?
Reflexology teaching literature contains inconsistent guidance regarding the anatomical location of the heart reflex point. Association of Reflexologists members' clinical practices and beliefs directly reflect the inconsistencies present in reflexology teaching materials. Professional consensus on heart reflex point location and clinical research are urgently needed to determine whether reflexology techniques are appropriate for cardiac patients.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a cross-sectional study and we rate its evidence limited. It was published in Complementary therapies in clinical practice, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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