Acupuncture and Reflexology for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer.

Authors: Idan Ben-Horin, Peretz Kahan, Larisa Ryvo, Moshe Inbar, Shahar Lev-Ari, Ravit GevaJournal: Integrative cancer therapiesPublished: May 3, 2018DOI: 10.1177/1534735417690254

Q2 JournalSJR: 0.464h-index: 54SCImago

Limited EvidenceObservational

Peripheral Neuropathy Chemotherapy Side Effects Cancer Pain Management

In Plain Language: reflexology for neuropathy, explained

This study examined whether acupuncture and reflexology could help breast cancer patients experiencing nerve pain and numbness (peripheral neuropathy) caused by chemotherapy. The research looked at how these complementary therapies affected symptoms in cancer patients dealing with this common side effect.

Key Findings: what this observational study found about neuropathy

✓The study investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture and reflexology as complementary treatments for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients.
✓The research focused on evaluating how these therapies could alleviate nerve pain and numbness, which are common side effects experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

What This Means for You

While this study explores reflexology as a potential option for chemotherapy-related nerve pain, the evidence is still limited—talk with your oncologist before trying reflexology to ensure it complements your care plan.

What This Means for Practitioners

This research suggests reflexology may have a role in supporting cancer patients with chemotherapy side effects, providing a foundation for case-building and patient education, though larger studies are needed to establish clear protocols.

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Reflexology for neuropathy: common questions

Does reflexology help with neuropathy?

What did this study find?

The study investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture and reflexology as complementary treatments for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients. The research focused on evaluating how these therapies could alleviate nerve pain and numbness, which are common side effects experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a observational study and we rate its evidence limited. It was published in Integrative cancer therapies, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.