The pilot project Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology was conducted at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research in April and September 2023. Reflexology was applied by Kevin Kunz to the feet of healthy participants and stroke patients as their brains were scanned by fMRI. Analysis continues on the 80,000 brain images acquired during the scans.

Lead investigator Dr. Stefan Posse of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine termed the preliminary results as “unexpected.” Participating researcher Dr. Ann van de Winckel, University of Minnesota Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, noted “unanticipated” and “noteworthy” responses of stroke patient participants.

An fMRI brain scan measures blood flow in the brain. Our brains are always at work with blood flow continually carrying the nutrients of oxygen and glucose the brain needs to operate. Blood flow changes and travels to areas specifically related to what we’re thinking, doing, sensing, or feeling. Of interest to scientists during research are changes in blood flow as, for example, foot reflexology is applied. Research showed that foot reflexology created blood flow to areas of the brain related to the foot as well as physical and mental functions of the body.

The origins of the research were theories developed by Barbara and Kevin Kunz beginning in 1980 during hand and foot reflexology work with individuals paralyzed by spinal cord injury and patients paralyzed by stroke.

Techniques were applied to the specific reflex areas on the feet of study participants during the study. Selected were reflex areas of the feet found to create responses during the Kunzes’ work with these clients. Additional reflex areas were selected from previous fMRI reflexology studies.

Preliminary results for Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology were reported by Dr. Posse at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine in Singapore, May 6, 2024.

The preliminary findings confirm results from previous reflexology research projects using fMRI. Results from these studies show specific activation of areas of the brain in response to reflexology stimulation provided to specific reflex areas. (https://www.reflexology-

research.com/?page_id=107)

Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology is a pilot study with a limited number of participants: four healthy participants and four stroke patients. Analysis of the estimated 80,000 brain scans acquired during the study is ongoing, and areas of brain activation will be reported in a future paper.

Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology is conducted with unique private funding. Donations from 151 reflexology organizations, reflexologists, and interested Individuals have poured in from around the world. Reflexologists from 94 countries responded to reports of the research. Funds are administered by the non- profit unmfund.org (University of New Mexico Fund) page. Contributions can be donated at