Gwen Wyatt on Reflexology Treatment for Breast Cancer

Gwen Wyatt, PhD, RN, Professor, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, describes reflexology treatment for patients with breast cancer.

Reflexology is not massage, it is a specific pressure most commonly applied to the foot. The thumb-walking motion across the reflexes located on the foot provides a "good hurt" with firm pressure, Wyatt says.

The deep pressure from reflexology should not be painful and does not cause tissue damage. If done correctly, a patient should help to monitor pain, as they should be receiving benefit on reflexes without pain.