Effect of applying reflexology massage on nitroglycerin-induced migraine-type headache: A placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Authors: Nima Imani, Shams Aldin Shams, Moloud Radfar, Haleh Ghavami, Hamid Reza KhalkhaliJournal: Agri : Agri (Algoloji) Dernegi'nin Yayin organidir = The journal of the Turkish Society of AlgologyPublished: January 28, 2019DOI: 10.5505/agri.2018.43815

Moderate EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trial

Migraines Tension Headaches

In Plain Language: reflexology for migraines, explained

Researchers tested whether reflexology massage could reduce migraine-type headaches triggered by nitroglycerin in a controlled trial with a placebo group. The study compared reflexology treatment to a placebo control to see if the massage technique had real effects on this specific type of headache.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about migraines

✓Reflexology massage was tested as a potential treatment for nitroglycerin-induced migraine-type headaches in a placebo-controlled clinical trial.
✓The study compared reflexology massage treatment against a placebo control group to determine if the massage technique had genuine therapeutic effects on migraine symptoms.

What This Means for You

This placebo-controlled trial suggests reflexology may help with nitroglycerin-induced migraines, but the evidence is still developing and you should discuss it with your doctor before relying on it as a primary treatment.

What This Means for Practitioners

This controlled trial provides promising evidence that reflexology may be effective for migraine management, supporting its use as a complementary approach in clinical practice.

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Reflexology for migraines: common questions

Does reflexology help with migraines?

What did this study find?

Reflexology massage was tested as a potential treatment for nitroglycerin-induced migraine-type headaches in a placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study compared reflexology massage treatment against a placebo control group to determine if the massage technique had genuine therapeutic effects on migraine symptoms.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It was published in Agri : Agri (Algoloji) Dernegi'nin Yayin organidir = The journal of the Turkish Society of Algology. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.