Foot Reflexology with Caring Consciousness to Reduce Pain in Older Adults: An Integrative Review

Abstract

AIM: To analyze the evidence available on foot reflexology with application of caring consciousness to reduce pain in older adults METHODS: Integrative review carried out in Medline/PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCO Host, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases using the MESH terms “Aged,” “Pain,” “Musculoskeletal manipulations,” “Nursing,” and “Nursing theory.” in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French published between 2012 and 2022. The selected studies were exported to Rayyan software and evaluated by title and abstract; after reading the full text, were analyzed according to the PRISMA guide checklist. RESULTS: In this study, 497 articles were found, 4 were selected. 75% of the studies were based on the Ingham method of reflexology. The elements that demonstrate caring consciousness and enhance the healing effect of the therapy were foot grooming, use of essential oils, implementation of relaxation techniques, description of pressure points and combining other therapies. In 75% of the cases, foot reflexology was effective to reduce pain. CONCLUSION: Those authors who apply caring consciousness in the technique of reflexology obtained more significant results in the reduction of pain. The incorporation of external elements shows the intention of nursing to enhance the effects of the therapy, as well as the search for connection with the elderly.