March 17, 2017, 8:48 p.m
A group of scientists from the British University of Portsmouth, led by Dr. Carol Samuel, pioneered reflexology as a way to treat acute pain. The basis of modern reflexology was laid by the American physician William Fitzgerald at the beginning of the 20th century, after analyzing the ancient methods and comparing them with his own experience.
Fitzgerald developed a technique that, by pressing and massaging certain points on the surface of the human body, made it possible to reduce pain and influence the state of internal organs.
British scientists divided 15 volunteers into 2 groups: the first group was treated with reflexology, and the second group was told that they were allegedly being treated with an innovative device (in fact, the device was turned off). Then the doctors assessed the pain tolerance threshold and the pain threshold of the subjects. The results forced scientists to take a closer look at reflexology as a technique, since the first group of volunteers had a pain tolerance threshold lower by 45%, and the pain level was reduced by 40%.
Scientists suggest that reflexology causes the brain to release pain-relieving chemicals. And this means that it can be used for chronic pain in the spine, for example, instead of chemicals.
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