Research
Contributions of Jesus Manzanares, M.D to the field of reflexology and medicine include the following from a body of research that spans three decades, giving rigor to many theories in reflexology's past as well as setting the stage for future studies:
Biopsies of Foot Deposits
The conclusive findings of the first-ever research of its kind - Biopsies of Foot Deposits - provides a significant breakthrough in the study of reflexology. To learn more about this research, download this PDF: Biopsy of Foot Deposits.
NeuroPhysiology Basis for Reflexology
Scientific validation of the specific pathways for the reflexology impulse, clarifying the role of the central nervous system (the neuro-biochemical basis). Read more.
Foot Reflexology Mapping
First medical-based mapping of the foot-to-body connection and corresponding reflex areas on the feet
EEG Research
EEG studies of brain wave changes, documenting Theta wave induction with foot reflexology application.
Other Manzanares Research Briefs
Mapping the Contra-Lateral Representation (crossed reflexes) on the foot. Precisions and corrections to the Ftizgerald Zone Theory. The objective of this study was to determine the human body parts with contra lateral and homolateral representation in the foot. Subjects included 59 patients: 30 male, 29 women, ages 25 to 65 using subcutaneous injection of saline solution in 12 different points throughout the body to produce a local inflammatory reaction for analysis. The study concludes those structures in the body with respective contra-lateral and homolateral representation in the feet.
Effects of Foot Reflexology for Hypertension. This study involved 54 subjects diagnosed with high blood pressure (HBP), 34 females, 20 males; aged 34 to 75. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the HBP medication they were receiving. Using several different treatment protocols, the conclusions reached in patients treated for high blood pressure had significant benefit from the specific HBP Reflexology Protocol #2 compared to patients who received the placebo Protocol #1. Reflexology Protocol #2 allowed the patients to lower their HBP medication intake while still maintaining normal blood pressure.
Peripheal Nerve Impulse Connection. To demonstrate that reflexology uses the sensitive peripheral nerves of the feet to convey the message generated during the reflexology process. Investigation was conducted by EEGs from 5 patients in different situations: during a basal state; during a specific foot reflexology procedure and during a massage of the top of the kneecap. Predominate waves that appear in the basal state are primarily Alpha waves with a frequency of 8Hz to 12Hz. With reflexology application to specific areas, EEG trace waves CHANGE to Theta waves with a frequency of 3.5 to 7.5 Hz. Standard massage applied to a body area does not show change in the EEG, rather continues in its Alpha wave state. When foot reflexology is performed there are brain structures that intervene in the "arc-reflex" process. Further data demonstrates that when performing foot reflexology a nerve impulse runs through the sensitive peripheral nerves to a brain structure where the "connection" takes place between the foot reflex and a concrete point of the body.
Further details and data from these and more studies by Dr. Manzanares will be featured in an upcoming publication. Contact us if you would like to receive notice of this publication's launch.