A Pilot Study Exploring the Effects of Reflexology on Cold Intolerance

Photographs of footbath, reflexology therapy and blood flow measurement. (A) A water bath maintained at 4°C. (B) Reflexology therapy administered to the plantar reflection wards of the left foot using a finger joint. (C) Measurement of blood flow with a fixed sensor placed on the back of the third toe.

Experimental process for the measurement of skin temperature and blood flow over time.

Blood flow changes induced by reflexology. *Significantly different from that at Pre-t (p<0.05); ^†significantly different from that at Pre-t (p<0.01). Pre-t = before the reflexology treatment; Post-t = after the reflexology treatment; Post-l = measurement taken after chilled-water load.

Analysis of the rate of change in blood flow. Post-t = after the reflexology treatment; Post-l = measurement taken after chilled-water load.

Recovery rate changes after the application of a chilled-water load (post-l).