Reflexology may be as effective as painkillers for conditions such as back ache and arthritis

• People felt 40% less discomfort and could stand discomfort for around 45% longer once they had the therapy
• Scientists have to say is the very first time reflexology continues to be scientifically examined like a strategy to acute discomfort

By Anna Hodgekiss

Released: 11:55 GMT, 9 April 2013

Reflexology might be competitive with pain relievers for common conditions for example osteo arthritis, new information indicates.

Individuals who'd the therapy felt about 40 percent less discomfort, and could stand discomfort for around 45 percent longer once they used the complementary therapy as a technique of discomfort relief.

The scientists, in the College of Portsmouth, stated it had been the very first time this therapy have been scientifically examined like a strategy to acute discomfort.

Reflexology reduced discomfort by 40 percent and those that had the treatment could stand discomfort for 45 percent longer, scientists found

Dr Carol Samuel, an experienced reflexologist who completed the experimental methods included in her PhD studies, stated the outcomes recommended reflexology could be employed to along with drugs to deal with conditions for example osteo arthritis and back discomfort.

Participants attended two periods, by which these were requested to submerge their submit cold water.

Within the periods these were given reflexology before they immersed their hands, as well as in another session they thought these were receiving discomfort respite from a Hundreds machine, that was not really started up.

The scientists discovered that once the participants received reflexology just before the session, they could maintain their submit the cold water for extended before they believed discomfort, which they might also tolerate the discomfort a bit longer of your time.

Dr Samuel stated: 'As we predicted, reflexology decreased discomfort sensations.

'It is probably that reflexology works in the same way to acupuncture by leading to the mind to produce chemicals that lessen discomfort signals.'

Dr Ivor Ebenezer, co-author from the study, stated: 'We are content using these results. Even though this is a little study, hopefully it will likely be the foundation for future research into using reflexology.'

The findings suggest reflexology may help with conditions for example back pain and osteo arthritis

Reflexology involves using pressure to the body area but is generally utilized on either the ft, because it was at this research.

The scientists used a little study of 15 individuals to see whether reflexology could be more efficient than no discomfort relief whatsoever.

Dr Ebenezer stated: 'Complementary and alternative treatments are available in for several critique, and lots of haven't been correctly examined scientifically.

'One from the common criticisms through the scientific community is the fact that these treatments are frequently not examined under correctly controlled conditions.

'When a brand new drug is examined, its effects are in comparison having a sugar pill.

'If the drug creates a similar reaction to the sugar pill, then it's likely the drug's impact on the medical problem is because of a 'placebo effect'.

'In to avoid such critique within this study, we in comparison the results of reflexology to some sham Hundreds control the participants thought created discomfort relief.

'This is something like a sugar pill in drug tests.'

Dr Samuel added: 'This is definitely an early study, and much more work will have to be completed to discover concerning the way reflexology works.

'However, it appears as though it might be accustomed to complement conventional drug therapy in treating problems that are connected with discomfort, for example osteo arthritis, back pain and cancer.'

The research continues to be released within the Journal of Complementary Treatments in Clinical Practice.