Jane Knight Reflexologist

16/06/2026

Breaking news! Brain Scan Research Confirms Reflexology Affects Multiple Areas of the Brain.
Recent research is building scientific evidence that reflexology creates specific, measurable responses in the brain — and may play a meaningful role in stroke rehabilitation.
Dr. Stefan Posse, a researcher at the University of New Mexico, presented groundbreaking functional MRI (fMRI) findings on the “Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology” at the International Society for Medical Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) Annual Meeting in Cape Town on May 12, 2026.

The research maps brain activity during foot reflexology to understand what happens in the brain in real time while reflexology was being applied and neurological impact in patients with stroke. Advanced MRI technology was used.

What They Found in Healthy People

Scans revealed distinctly different activation patterns for different reflex areas. Importantly, the brain responses weren’t limited to just the foot area of the brain — multiple regions were activated. One area that consistently responded was the supramarginal gyrus, a part of the brain packed with “mirror neurons,” which are linked to empathy, learning, and body awareness.

For the first time showed reflexology technique applied to different reflexology reflex areas activates different areas and networks of the brain in healthy controls and stroke patients.

What They Found in Stroke Patients

In people who had suffered a stroke, the brain activation looked different — more one-sided — and varied depending on whether the left or right foot was worked. Following the application of reflex stimuli, patients demonstrated increased two-point discrimination and improved sensorimotor function in their hemiplegic hands.

Who Is Behind the Research

The team is led by Dr. Posse and includes well-known reflexology educators Barbara and Kevin Kunz, graduate student Arthur Schoen, and researchers from the University of Minnesota.

What Comes Next

The team is now expanding the study to better understand the timing of brain responses during reflexology and to identify exactly which brain networks are involved in stroke recovery.

03/06/2026

20/04/2026

It’s easy to forget about our feet … but don’t forget they support our body , movement and are the link to our whole body .
I often hear after working on one foot ‘wow that side of my body now feels so light ‘ .
Reflexology is amazing … try it .
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13/04/2026

We often think of blood pressure support in terms of medication, diet, and exercise, and rightly so. But this study looked at something a little different: foot reflexology as an add-on.

In a randomized clinical trial led by Kotruchin et al., adults with stage 2 hypertension received a short, targeted reflexology treatment alongside their usual care.

What they found?
👉 A measurable reduction in blood pressure
👉 A decrease in heart rate
👉 Effects seen within just 30 minutes

This wasn’t a replacement for medical treatment, but it does point to reflexology as a useful complementary approach in managing hypertension.

It’s a reminder that small, non-invasive interventions can still have meaningful physiological effects.

📚 Source:
“The effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate: A randomized clinical trial in stage 2 hypertensive patients” (Kotruchin et al.)

13/04/2026

28/03/2026

Thank you Elizabeth.
It’s a pleasure treating you and amazing to see how far you have come from when we first met .
Upwards and onwards on the Reflexology and Reiki journey.

23/03/2026

Reflexology supports chronic pain relief
by calming the nervous system, easing muscular tension, and improving circulation.

Chronic pain is not only physical—it is closely linked to the nervous system.

When the body remains in a heightened stress state, pain can become more intense and persistent. Reflexology involves the application of gentle pressure to specific points on the feet, which correspond to different areas of the body. This can help encourage a shift into a more relaxed, parasympathetic (“rest and repair”) state.

📖 What research suggests:
Studies indicate that reflexology may help reduce pain in conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, and migraines. Proposed mechanisms include:
• Stimulation of nerve pathways that may help modulate pain signals
• Improved circulation, supporting tissue health
• Promotion of deep relaxation, which can reduce pain perception

While not a cure, reflexology is increasingly used as a complementary approach to support the management of chronic pain.

Pain relief does not always require intensity—consistent, calming support can play an important role.

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11/03/2026

REFLEXOLOGY PILOT STUDY

In 1989-1990, I was involved in a pilot study to determine the efficacy of reflexology in treating dysmenorrhea. 
The results were very positive, as evidenced by the quote. It was during this time that I realised the value of being able to locate and interpret the various types of reflex textures. It was through this study that the techniques of A.R.T. originated.
Some interesting factors were noted, including an increase in endometrial circulation.

‘In the management of chronic pelvic pain, reflexology is an invaluable and often essential tool.

The evidence would suggest that for the treatment of common menstrual pain, reflexology is the best, non-invasive, drug-free treatment.

LIndsay McMillan F.R.C.O.G.
Consultant Gynaecologist

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