Reflexology and bronchial asthma
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for asthma, explained
Many asthma patients seek alternative or adjunctive therapies. One such modality is reflexology, whereby finger pressure is applied to certain parts of the body. The aim of the study was to examine the popular claim that reflexology treatment benefits bronchial asthma. Ten weeks of active or simulated (placebo) reflexology given by an experienced reflexologist, were compared in an otherwise blind, controlled trial of 20+20 outpatients with asthma. Objective lung function tests (peak flow morning and evening, and weekly spirometry at the clinic) did not change. Subjective scores (describing symptoms, beta2-inhalations and quality of life) and also bronchial sensitivity to histamine improved on both regimens, but no differences were found between groups receiving active or placebo reflexology. However, a trend in favour of reflexology became significant when a supplementary analysis of symptom diaries was carried out. It was accompanied by a significant pattern compatible with subconscious unblinding, in that patients tended to guess which treatment they had been receiving. No evidence was found that reflexology has a specific effect on asthma beyond placebo influence.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about asthma
- ✓Objective lung function measurements (peak flow and spirometry) showed no improvement with reflexology treatment compared to placebo over the 10-week study period.
- ✓Both active reflexology and placebo reflexology produced similar improvements in subjective symptoms, beta2-inhalation use, and quality of life, with no significant difference between groups.
- ✓A supplementary analysis of symptom diaries revealed a significant trend favoring active reflexology over placebo, suggesting potential psychological or subconscious mechanisms of benefit.
What This Means for You
If you're considering reflexology for asthma, be aware that research shows any improvement you experience is likely due to placebo effect rather than the treatment itself, so it should not replace conventional asthma medicine.
What This Means for Practitioners
This study suggests reflexology's effects on asthma are not specific to the technique and appear driven by placebo mechanisms, so practitioners should set realistic expectations and encourage clients to maintain standard medical care.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Reflexology for asthma: common questions
Does reflexology help with asthma?
If you're considering reflexology for asthma, be aware that research shows any improvement you experience is likely due to placebo effect rather than the treatment itself, so it should not replace conventional asthma medicine.
What did this study find?
Objective lung function measurements (peak flow and spirometry) showed no improvement with reflexology treatment compared to placebo over the 10-week study period. Both active reflexology and placebo reflexology produced similar improvements in subjective symptoms, beta2-inhalation use, and quality of life, with no significant difference between groups. A supplementary analysis of symptom diaries revealed a significant trend favoring active reflexology over placebo, suggesting potential psychological or subconscious mechanisms of benefit.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 40 participants. It was published in Respiratory medicine. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Related Research
Evaluating the effect on asthma quality of life of added reflexology or homeopathy to conventional asthma management - an investigator-blinded, randomised, controlled parallel group study
The impact of reflexology and homeopathy added to conventional asthma treatment on markers of airway inflammation - a randomised study
[Zone therapy and asthma]
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