The future of reflexology
Preliminary EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
It would have been difficult 30 years ago to foresee how great would be the grass roots response to reflexology. Over the past 5 years public and professional interest in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), its practice, future development and possible regulation have been of much concern in many quarters, not least among therapists themselves. The report of the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology into Complementary and Alternative Medicine published in November 2000 made a number of recommendations likely to influence the social framework in which CAM has been practiced. This paper offers an appraisal of the practice of reflexology, its historic development, legal issues, scope and limitations of practice.
Key Findings: what this qualitative study found
- ✓Reflexology has experienced significant grass roots growth over the past 30 years, far exceeding earlier expectations.
- ✓Public and professional interest in complementary and alternative medicine has substantially increased over the past 5 years, prompting concerns about practice regulation.
- ✓The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology report from November 2000 provided recommendations that are likely to influence the regulatory and social framework for CAM practice.
What This Means for You
This paper provides context about reflexology's professional development and regulation, but does not provide clinical evidence about whether reflexology is effective for specific health conditions.
What This Means for Practitioners
Understanding the regulatory landscape and scope of reflexology practice outlined in this paper can help practitioners clarify their professional boundaries and anticipate future changes in how CAM is regulated.
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
This paper provides context about reflexology's professional development and regulation, but does not provide clinical evidence about whether reflexology is effective for specific health conditions.
What did this study find?
Reflexology has experienced significant grass roots growth over the past 30 years, far exceeding earlier expectations. Public and professional interest in complementary and alternative medicine has substantially increased over the past 5 years, prompting concerns about practice regulation. The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology report from November 2000 provided recommendations that are likely to influence the regulatory and social framework for CAM practice.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a qualitative study and we rate its evidence preliminary. It was published in Complementary therapies in nursing & midwifery, a Q1 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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