Foot Reflexology and Acupressure on Gastrointestinal Symptoms

This research was planned to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology and acupressure applications on gastrointestinal symptoms in women going through menopause. Menopause is a period in which a woman experiences profound changes in her physiological, psychological, and social life due to the decrease in estrogen and progesterone hormones. Changes in digestive system functions are particularly common during this period; gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, and abdominal pain significantly reduce the quality of life.

The scope of the study focuses on investigating the manageability of these symptoms that occur during menopause with reflexology and acupressure, which are complementary and alternative medicine methods. Reflexology is a method based on the assumption that specific points on the soles of the feet are connected to the relevant organs in the body, aiming to increase blood circulation and regulate organ functions. Acupressure, based on Chinese medicine, aims to regulate energy flow and reduce symptoms by applying finger pressure to specific acupuncture points. Both methods are increasingly recommended for symptom management during menopause due to their non-invasive nature, low side effects, and ease of application.

This research will be conducted at Osmaniye State Hospital and will be limited to menopausal women who apply to this institution. Participants' demographic characteristics, duration of menopause, health history, and gastrointestinal symptom levels will be assessed using a Demographic Information Form and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). The application process will be carried out in accordance with standard reflexology and acupressure protocols, and changes in symptoms will be analyzed using pre-test and post-test measurements. The study also aims to reveal the effects of gastrointestinal symptoms experienced during menopause on women's quality of life; This study aims to provide evidence-based data on complementary methods that can be integrated into nursing care, in addition to pharmacological treatments. The limited number of studies in the literature addressing the effects of complementary medicine practices during menopause makes this research unique from both a clinical and academic perspective.