FMRI Brain Scan Reflexology Study 2024

fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) Brain scans were done in 2024 as a pilot study to show specific brain response to specific reflex points on 4 health participants and 4 stroke patients. Preliminary findings for Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology were reported by Dr. Posse at the 2024 annual meeting of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine in Singapore, May 6, 2024.

The preliminary findings show activation of specific areas of the brain in response to reflexology stimulation of specific reflex areas. An estimated 80,00 brain scans were completed during the study, which is ongoing. Areas of brain activation will be reported in a future paper.

The brain scans during the study provided evidence of validity and proof of the concept of reflexology. When specific foot reflexes were stimulated, the brain images showed activation in areas of the brain not related to the foot.

This pilot study was conducted at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Minnesota, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research in April and September of 2023. Kevin Kunz applied reflexology as the subjects brains were being scanned. 

“Lead investigator Dr. Stefan Posse of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine termed the preliminary results as “unexpected.” Participating researcher Dr. Ann van de Winckel, University of Minnesota Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, noted “unanticipated” and “noteworthy” responses of stroke patient participants.”

Because an fMRI brain scan measures blood flow in the brain, and our brains are always at work with blood flow continually moving nutrients needed to function properly, it was found that reflexology created blood flow to areas of the brain related to the foot as well as physical and mental functions of the body.

Specific reflexes of the feet were selected for the study by Kevin and Barbara Kunz that were found to create responses during the Kunz’s work during hand and foot reflexology work with subjects paralyzed by spinal injuries (starting in 1980) and by stroke. Additional reflex areas were selected from previous fMRI reflexology studies.

Preliminary results for Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology were reported by Dr. Posse at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine in Singapore, May 6, 2024.

The preliminary findings confirm results from previous reflexology research projects using fMRI. Results from these studies show specific activation of areas of the brain in response to reflexology stimulation provided to specific reflex areas.

The information in this article is from the Kunz’ website https://www.reflexology-research.com/

Bottom of Form