Isik, BunyaminAydin, DuyguArslan, MuzeyyenDane, Senol2025-10-242025-10-2420150147-958X1488-2353https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12899/4178Purpose: Reflexology activate all body systems physically, mentally and emotionally by relieving pain and relaxing the body, in a manner similar to acupuncture and cupping therapies. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of reflexological therapy on heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in a healthy population. Methods: Participants were twenty-six healthy subjects (8 women, 18 men, median age=32.77 years, SD=8.04). All reflexology procedures were applied by a reflexology practitioner. The reflexology practitioner used thumbs and fingers to apply appropriate pressure to reflexology points, especially the heart point in both feet. The recording ECG was applied 1 hour before and 1 hour after reflexological therapy. Subjects rested for 10 minutes without recording ECG in order to stabilize autonomic parameters. The digital signals were then transferred to a laptop and analyzed using LabChart (R) software (MLS310/7 HRV Module). Results: Almost all HRV parameters increased and heart (pulse) rate and LF/HF ratio decreased after reflexological therapy compared with before reflexological therapy in healthy persons. Conclusions: These results indicate for the first time in humans that reflexology might induce a state of balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems and might be helpful to prevent possible cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, reflexology may be accepted as a complementary therapy method for many cardiac problems, especially tachycardia and other cardiac arrhythmias.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessHeart-Rate-Variability; MortalityArticle384E244E2482-s2.0-84939176281Q2WOS:000359119100020Q4