Stimulating The Feet
Cobblestones And Health by Jane Thurnell-Read
Early findings from a recently completed study by scientists at the Oregon Research Institute (ORI) in the USA throw an interesting light on reflexology.
The researchers found that walking on a cobblestone mat surface resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure, and improvements in balance and physical performance among adults aged 60 and over. The researchers used manufactured cobblestone mats. Participants were divided into an experimental group -- the cobblestone mat walkers -- and a control group which took part in conventional walking activities. Both groups walked for one hour, three times per week for 16 weeks.
At the end of the study, mat walkers were found to have better scores on measures of balance, physical function, and blood pressure than those in the conventional walking group.
The idea for this study came from seeing people in China walking on rough surfaces for their health. There was already anecdotal evidence of its health benefits (e.g. pain relief, sleep enhancement, improved physical and mental well-being), but this is the first scientific study to assess the benefits.
The principles of reflexology can easily explain what is happening - points on the feet that relate to various organs are being stimulated by walking on uneven surfaces.
The Oregon Research Institute has made the mats available to the US public to use in the comfort and privacy of their own homes (telephone 541-484-2123 or visit the web site).
