The efficacy of reflexology: systematic review
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
This paper is a report of a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of reflexology in any condition. Anecdotal evidence has shown potential benefits of reflexology in a variety of health conditions. However, the efficacy of reflexology has yet to be determined. Cochrane library, PubMed, MEDLINE, EBM review, ProQuest Medical Bundle and SCOPUS databases were searched using the following medical subject headings or key words: reflexology, foot reflexotherapy, reflexological treatment, foot massage and zone therapy. Chinese articles were searched through the Chinese electronic periodical services and Wangfane database. The publication date was limited from 1996 to 2007. Studies were selected if they were written in English or Chinese, used a controlled clinical trial design, used reflexology as a stand-alone modality, and reported such outcomes as symptoms relief, quality of life and patients' perceptions of reflexology. Study quality was reviewed based on the evidence rating system of the United States Preventive Services Task Force, and studies with the evidence rating of II-2 fair or above were included in this review. Among the five studies suitable for review, there was only one report of a statistically significant treatment effect. Among the 12 outcome variables examined, the treatment effect size for urinary symptoms was large, whereas the effect size for other conditions was negligible. There is no evidence for any specific effect of reflexology in any conditions, with the exception of urinary symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. Routine provision of reflexology is therefore not recommended.
Key Findings: what this systematic review found
- ✓This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of reflexology across multiple health conditions by searching six major medical databases and Chinese sources for controlled clinical trials published between 1996 and 2007.
- ✓The review included only studies where reflexology was used as a stand-alone treatment modality and assessed outcomes including symptom relief, quality of life, and patient perceptions.
- ✓Despite anecdotal evidence suggesting potential benefits of reflexology for various health conditions, the efficacy of reflexology had not yet been definitively established at the time of this review.
What This Means for You
Current evidence does not support reflexology as an effective treatment for most health conditions, with the possible exception of urinary symptoms, so it should not be relied upon as a primary treatment.
What This Means for Practitioners
Be transparent with clients that scientific evidence for reflexology's efficacy is lacking across most conditions, and avoid making claims beyond what the research supports.
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
Current evidence does not support reflexology as an effective treatment for most health conditions, with the possible exception of urinary symptoms, so it should not be relied upon as a primary treatment.
What did this study find?
This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of reflexology across multiple health conditions by searching six major medical databases and Chinese sources for controlled clinical trials published between 1996 and 2007. The review included only studies where reflexology was used as a stand-alone treatment modality and assessed outcomes including symptom relief, quality of life, and patient perceptions. Despite anecdotal evidence suggesting potential benefits of reflexology for various health conditions, the efficacy of reflexology had not yet been definitively established at the time of this review.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a systematic review and we rate its evidence strong. It was published in Journal of advanced nursing, a Q1 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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