Reflexology for PMS: Easing Emotional Swings and Pain

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is characterized by a variety of physical and emotional symptoms that appear 7 to 15 days before menstruation and typically ease once the period begins. It affects up to 90% of women, and for about 1 in 5, the intensity of the symptoms can be strong enough to interfere with daily life.
PMS is a complex psycho-neuroendocrine condition that can cause recurring disruptions in the personal and professional lives of many women throughout their reproductive years (Reid & Yen, 1981a).

Main Symptoms

The physical symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) may include changes in appetite, bloating, weight gain, abdominal and lower back pain, breast tenderness, acne, headaches or migraines, dizziness, hot flashes, and general fatigue.
The psychological symptoms of PMS may include irritability, restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, mood swings ranging from depression to euphoria, hyperactivity, tension, and episodes of crying.

Contributing Factors

The exact cause of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) remains unclear. Symptoms tend to occur after ovulation and are believed to be linked to progesterone — a hormone produced during this phase — particularly in women who are more sensitive to its effects.
Clinical research indicates that serotonin precursors rise notably between days 7–11 and 17–19 of the menstrual cycle. The fluctuating estrogen levels during the luteal phase are thought to influence women’s mood changes. This suggests a close relationship between estrogen and serotonin regulation and the emotional variations experienced during this time.

During the eight weeks of reflexology sessions, the intensity of symptoms was reduced by 46%, and a further 41% reduction was maintained over the next two months even without continued treatment.

The Impact of Reflexology on Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Dr. Therry Oleson and William Flocco carried out a clinical study involving women who experienced premenstrual symptoms.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study was to determine whether reflexology, in comparison to a placebo treatment, could help reduce the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Sample Size

The study involved 35 women who reported pain and emotional changes before menstruation.

Research Method

The women were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received true reflexology on the ears, feet, and hands, while the other received placebo reflexology applied to the same areas. Each participant kept a journal tracking 38 PMS-related symptoms on a four-point scale, covering both emotional and physical aspects of pain.

Participants completed their journals for two months before the treatment, throughout the two-month treatment period, and for two additional months afterward. Each woman recorded 19 physical symptoms — including sensations like breast tenderness, bloating, and abdominal cramps — and 19 psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, and low mood.

Intervention and Control Groups

Each session, either genuine or placebo reflexology, was administered by a qualified reflexologist once a week for eight weeks, with a duration of 30 minutes.

Results

Analysis of the data revealed a significantly greater decrease in the severity of symptoms in the women who received genuine reflexology compared with those in the placebo group.
During the eight weeks of reflexology sessions, symptom intensity was reduced by 46%, with a 41% reduction maintained over the following two months even without continued treatment. By comparison, previous studies using gonadotropin hormones or psychotropic drugs showed improvement in either physical or psychological symptoms only — often accompanied by side effects...

Conclusion

The clinical results support the effectiveness of reflexology as a complementary approach in alleviating the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

References