The Effect of Reflexology on Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms, Pain and Quality of Life

The menstrual cycle is defined as a periodic preparation period for fertilization and pregnancy that begins after puberty and continues until menopause. Women may experience some symptoms commonly in the premenstrual and menstrual periods during the menstrual cycle, which is a physiological process.

Premenstrual syndrome is a condition that is seen in the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, recurs in most cycles, rapidly improves with menstruation, and is not seen for at least one week in the follicular phase, and in which cognitive, physical, somatic and emotional behavioral changes are observed. PMS symptoms typically begin after the 13th day of the menstrual cycle. It is suggested that it is difficult to determine the true prevalence due to the variety of PMS symptoms. International studies report that the prevalence of PMS varies between 7.1% and 99.5%. Similarly, studies conducted in Turkey report that the prevalence of PMS is between 33-92.3%.

The severity and occurrence of PMS symptoms vary from woman to woman. Physical symptoms seen in PMS are appetite changes, weight gain, nausea, abdominal distension, diarrhea, constipation, breast tenderness, fullness, hot flushes, acne, muscle and joint pain, and headache. Behavioral symptoms are changes in sexual desire, changes in work habits, social withdrawal, avoidance of human relations, crying spells, tendency to fight, apathy, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disorders. Psychological symptoms are forgetfulness, decreased self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, guilt, paranoia, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, hypersensitivity to sound and light, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, confusion, variable and depressive mood, decreased concentration, and a feeling of losing control. PMS also has a very negative effect on women's quality of life. Premenstrual symptoms can lead to increased accident potential and economic losses. It can also negatively affect young girls' emotional well-being, self-confidence, academic success, attendance at classes, work quality, daily activities, social activities, social relations, family relations and quality of life.

Reflexology is a holistic and complementary treatment method. Unlike regular massage, a special pressure technique is used to apply rubbing, patting and squeezing movements to reflex points. The thumb and index finger are mostly used to apply pressure. The International Reflexology Institute defines reflexology as "a technique that is applied manually to reflex points on the hands, feet and ears, which are associated with all glands, organs and body parts, and helps normalize body functions." Reflexology has been used since ancient times to balance the energy in the body, provide healing and increase relaxation.

In recent years, it has been reported that reflexology reduces fatigue, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, dyspnea, migraine pain, rheumatic muscle pain and spasm, supports general rehabilitation practices in neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, reduces nausea, vomiting and constipation, alleviates some urinary system problems, cancer pain and side effects of chemotherapy, facilitates birth, reduces pain during birth, after birth and after surgery, premenstural syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea complaints, vasomotor problems in menopause, infantile colic and pain in babies, regulates the sedation level and vital signs of patients. The top five issues are pain (28.1%), fatigue (21.9%), anxiety (18.8%), quality of life (15.6%) and sleep quality (12.5%).

Nurses are health professionals who support women with PMS from the first stage of symptom management. Health education is very important in coping with PMS. Education should raise awareness that menstruation is a normal process, PMS is a problem, and that a specialist should be consulted when necessary. In addition, women should be supported and educated about healthy living and the necessary interventions to alleviate premenstrual symptoms before using analgesics, which is the first method used to cope with premenstrual symptoms. Nurses can also benefit from non-pharmacological methods to reduce the effects of premenstrual symptoms, support women in continuing their daily activities, increase their quality of life, and also provide pain and stress management. They can recommend non-pharmacological methods such as reflexology, meditation, yoga, distraction, imagination, massage, showering, hot and cold application, and relaxation techniques such as adequate sleep and rest.