Reflexology Research & Science
Does reflexology work? The honest answer from 808 peer-reviewed studies: the evidence is mixed and mostly early-stage. 245 are randomized controlled trials and 221 are systematic reviews or meta-analyses. The strongest signals are for relaxation, anxiety, and pain, not for curing disease. Every study is below, graded by evidence strength and pulled from PubMed.
808 studies · page 10 of 68
The effectiveness of manual therapy on pain, physical function, and nerve conduction studies in carpal tunnel syndrome patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Researchers reviewed multiple studies on manual therapy treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome and combined the results to see what works best. They found that manual therapy can help reduce pain and improve hand function in carpal tunnel patients, though the evidence quality varies across different treatment approaches.
strong evidence
Q2 JournalReflexology in oncological treatment - a systematic review.
Researchers reviewed all available studies on reflexology as a treatment to help cancer patients manage symptoms and side effects. They examined the quality and results of existing research to determine whether reflexology has proven benefits for people undergoing cancer treatment.
The efficacy of manual therapy and exercise for treating non-specific neck pain: A systematic review.
This systematic review examined research studies on manual therapy and exercise for treating neck pain without a specific diagnosed cause. The researchers found that both manual therapy and exercise are effective treatments, with combined approaches showing the best results for reducing pain and improving function.
The effectiveness of aromatherapy, massage and reflexology in people with palliative care needs: A systematic review.
Researchers reviewed all available high-quality studies on aromatherapy, massage, and reflexology for people receiving palliative (end-of-life) care. They found that these therapies may help reduce anxiety and improve quality of life, though the evidence is still developing and more research is needed.
Physiotherapy treatment of lateral epicondylitis: A systematic review.
This study reviewed all the available research on physiotherapy treatments for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). The researchers analyzed multiple studies to determine which treatments work best and what the evidence shows about their effectiveness.
Lifestyle and integrative oncology interventions for cancer-related fatigue and sleep disturbances.
A review study explored various lifestyle interventions, including exercise, yoga, and acupuncture, to help cancer survivors deal with fatigue and sleep issues. The findings showed strong evidence that aerobic and strength exercises can significantly reduce fatigue, while the impact of other therapies on sleep disturbances was less clear. This research highlights the importance of integrative approaches to improve quality of life for cancer survivors.
Benefits of Infant Massage for Infants and Parents in the NICU.
This study reviews the effects of infant massage on preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The findings suggest that infant massage can lead to shorter hospital stays, less pain, as well as enhanced weight gain and feeding tolerance. These benefits support the practice as a valuable intervention for improving the well-being of vulnerable infants and their parents.
Benefits of Complementary Therapies During Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum Period: A Systematic Review.
The study investigated the effects of complementary therapies, including reflexology, to manage pain, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. It found that these therapies significantly reduced pain during labor and improved mental health outcomes. This is important as it highlights non-medical options that can enhance maternal health and wellbeing during critical periods.
Quality of life among advanced breast cancer patients with and without distant metastasis
This study presents the results of a secondary analysis of data collected during a trial of reflexology that aimed to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among women with advanced breast cancer in treatment. A comparison of HRQOL (functioning, symptoms, spirituality) of those with (n = 298) and without (n = 87) distant metastasis is presented. Following the intake interview, 385 women were randomised to reflexology, lay foot manipulation or conventional care control, and were interviewed again at weeks 5 and 11. Those with distant metastasis were older, had fewer comorbid conditions, and a smaller proportion were employed. Longitudinal analysis of HRQOL at intake, 5 and 11 weeks revealed that those with distant metastasis had lower functioning and more pain; however, no differences were found on fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, sleep quality, anxiety, depressive symptoms or spirituality. Despite advanced disease, 56% of all women in this study were below the clinical screening cut-off for depressive symptoms. These findings may indicate that patients with advanced breast cancer have adapted emotionally and spiritually; however, the management of physical symptoms remains a priority.
Effect of aromatherapy massage on anxiety, depression, and physiologic parameters in older patients with the acute coronary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial
This study aimed to investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage on anxiety, depression, and physiologic parameters in older patients with acute coronary syndrome. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 90 older women with acute coronary syndrome. The participants were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups (n = 45). The intervention group received reflexology with lavender essential oil, but the control group only received routine care. Physiologic parameters, the levels of anxiety and depression in the hospital were evaluated using a checklist and the Hospital's Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively, before and immediately after the intervention. Significant differences in the levels of anxiety and depression were reported between the groups after the intervention. The analysis of physiological parameters revealed a statistically significant reduction (P < .05) in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate. However, no significant difference was observed in the respiratory rate. Aromatherapy massage can be considered by clinical nurses an efficient therapy for alleviating psychological and physiological responses among older women suffering from acute coronary syndrome.
The effect of hand reflexology on anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography: A single-blind randomized controlled trial
This study aimed to evaluate effects of hand reflexology on anxiety level in coronary angiography patients. This clinical trial recruited 80 eligible patients >6 months. The patients were randomly assigned to receive routine care plus either hand reflexology or a simple hand massage. Data were collected using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Both groups' anxiety levels were measured before (T0) and 30 min (T1) and 1 h after the intervention (T2). The mean anxiety level in the intervention group decreased from 57.54 at baseline to 55.47 after the intervention (P = 0.0001). The values in the control group were 54.27 and 51.4, respectively. The two groups had statistically significant differences in the mean scores of anxiety at T0 and T1 (P = 0.003), T1 and T2, and T0 and T2 (P = 0.0001). Hand reflexology could effectively decrease anxiety in coronary angiography patients.
Reflexology as an adjunctive nursing intervention for management of nausea in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial
Nausea is common side effect of hemodialysis. Nonpharmacological methods such as reflexology or other branches of integrative medicine can be used to control nausea. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology on nausea in hemodialysis patients. This study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted from March 2018 to June 2018 at the Arak Dialysis Center, Iran, in which 72 eligible hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned into intervention (n = 36) and control (n = 36) groups. Reflexology was performed on the solar plexus and soles of the feet once (30 min per session) per day for twelve days, one hour after the onset of hemodialysis in the area of nausea on the solar plexus and on the soles of the feet. The results showed there was no significant difference in severity of nausea (P = 0.28) between the two groups before intervention. However, after intervention the severity of nausea in the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th days in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group. The results showed that reflexology had a positive effect on reducing the severity of nausea in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, reflexology is recommended as part of nursing care to reduce patient suffering. Universities can train students in reflexology and managers can use the protocols to apply this method to reduce patient discomfort during hemodialysis.
Does reflexology work? Common questions
Is reflexology scientifically proven?
No. The most careful reviews conclude reflexology isn't a proven treatment for any specific medical condition. What the research more consistently supports is relaxation and short-term relief of anxiety and pain. We track 808 studies here, graded by evidence strength, so you can judge for yourself.
Does reflexology actually work?
It depends what you mean. For curing or treating a disease, the evidence doesn't support it. For helping people relax and feel less anxious or in less pain during a session, a number of small studies are positive, including 245 randomized controlled trials and 221 systematic reviews or meta-analyses in this library.
Is reflexology a pseudoscience?
Reflexology's core idea, that specific points on the feet map to distant organs, isn't backed by anatomy or physiology, and that's why critics call it pseudoscience. The relaxation and comfort people feel during a session are real, though. It's best understood as a complementary relaxation practice, not a medical treatment.
What is reflexology best supported for?
The strongest and most consistent evidence is for relaxation and short-term reduction in anxiety and pain, plus some cancer-care symptoms like nausea and fatigue. Evidence for treating specific diseases is weak. Use the evidence-strength filter to sort studies by how solid they are.
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