Reported treatment strategies for reflexology in cardiac patients and inconsistencies in the location of the heart reflex point: an online survey.
BACKGROUND
Reflexology texts are inconsistent with regard to the location of the heart point and contradictory with regard to the correct reflexology approach to cardiac patients. We aimed to determine the impact of these inconsistencies on the practice of Association of Reflexologists (AoR) members.


METHODS
Online survey of AoR members.


RESULTS
Respondents' beliefs and practises mirror the inconsistencies in reflexology teaching literature and marked inconsistencies exist in the heart reflex point placement.


CONCLUSIONS
Professional clarification around the heart reflex point location and further clinical research is urgently needed to establish the appropriateness of reflexology techniques for cardiac patients.
School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health, University of Stirling, Highland Campus, Old Perth Road, Inverness IV2 3JH, UK. jenny.jones@stir.ac.uk
Jenny
J
Jones
Patricia
P
Thomson
William
W
Lauder
Stephen J
SJ
Leslie
D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006321:Heart; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008405:Massage / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D011361:Professional Competence; D012018:Reflex; D013663:Teaching