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 11 of 68
Comparison of the Effects of Hand Reflexology versus Acupressure on Anxiety and Vital Signs in Female Patients with Coronary Artery Diseases
Hospitalization in the cardiac care unit can increase anxiety in patients. This study aimed to compare hand reflexology versus acupressure on anxiety and vital signs in female patients with coronary artery diseases. This double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial with a pre- and post-intervention design was conducted on 135 female patients with coronary artery diseases. Female patients hospitalized in a cardiac care unit were randomly divided into three groups of hand reflexology, acupressure and placebo (n = 45 patients in each group) using blocking and a table of random numbers. Data was collected using the Spielberger anxiety inventory. Also, their vital signs were measured before, immediately after and half an hour after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in anxiety levels between the groups (p > 0.05). Also, the effects of hand reflexology and acupressure immediately and half an hour later on the reduction of anxiety and vital signs were equal (p < 0.05). Implementation of hand reflexology and acupressure can have positive effects on anxiety and vital signs in patients with coronary artery diseases. They can reduce patients' anxiety with an equal effectiveness.
strong evidence
Q2 JournalPower Point Therapy: An Effective and Simple Treatment for Subacute Back Pain - A Randomized Controlled Trial
Subacute low back pain is a frequent problem with the danger of chronification. Conventional treatment options are not always effective. Power Point therapy (PPT) is a novel approach that uses reflexological insights and can be easily applied by practitioners and patients. Randomized, active controlled study comparing 10 units of PPT of 10 min each, with 10 units of standard physiotherapy of 30 min each. Outcomes were functional scores (Roland Morris Disability, Oswestry, McGill Pain Questionnaire, Linton-Halldén - primary outcome) and health-related quality of life (SF-36), as well as blinded assessments by clinicians (secondary outcome). Eighty patients consented and were randomized, 41 to PPT, 39 to physiotherapy. Measurements were taken at baseline, after the first and after the last treatment (approximately 5 weeks after enrolment). Multivariate linear models of covariance showed significant effects of time and group (p < 0.001) and for the quality of life variables also a significant interaction of time by group (p < 0.001). Clinician-documented variables showed significant differences at follow-up (p = 0.05 to p < 0.0001). Both physiotherapy and PPT improve subacute low back pain significantly. PPT is likely more effective and should be studied further. Hintergrund: Subakute Rückenschmerzen sind häufig und werden oft chronisch. Konventionelle Behandlungen sind nicht immer erfolgreich. Power Point Therapie (PPT) ist eine neue Therapieform, die auf Einsichten der Reflexzonentherapie beruht und durch Behandler und Patienten leicht anwendbar ist. Methode: Randomisierte, klinische, pragmatische Studie, in der 10 Einheiten PPT mit je 10 Min Dauer mit 10 Einheiten leitlinienbasierter Physiotherapie mit je 30 Minuten Dauer verglichen wurden. Zielkrietieren waren die Funktion (Roland Morris Disability, Oswestry, McGill Pain, Linton-Halldén/Orebrö als Hauptkriterien) und die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität (SF-36) und ve
Effects of Reflexology on the Pain Intensity among Patients with Depression after Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Introduction: High prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the high effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have made this treatment a useful intervention. Memory impairment, headache, and muscle pain are the most important complications after ECT. This research aimed to determine the effect of reflexology on the headache and muscle pain intensity of patients after receiving ECT. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in Razi teaching hospital of Urmia, Iran. A total of 56 patients with depression receiving ECT were randomly assigned into two equal groups of control (n=28) and intervention (n=28). In the intervention group, reflexology was performed for 20 minutes at reflex points and, in the control group, only the conventional measures were taken. Pain intensity was measured with visual analogue scale (VAS) before and 1, 6, and 24 hours after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 13. Furthermore, chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and repeated-measures tests were performed. Results: The mean difference in the severity of headache and muscle pain in the intervention group was significantly reduced compared to the control group. Moreover, the results demonstrated a significant difference between the mean headache and muscle pain in the two groups after the intervention. Conclusion: The results of this study showed the positive effect of reflexology on reducing the intensity of pain in patients receiving ECT. Thus, it is recommended that nurses, health care providers, and caregivers use reflexology to reduce pain in patients with depression receiving ECT.
Analgesic Effects of Reflexology in Patients Undergoing Surgical Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Inadequate treatment of pain in patients undergoing surgery is associated with unsatisfactory perioperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the role of reflexology in addition to standard analgesic treatment in postoperative pain management. This was a prospective, unblinded pragmatic controlled trial. Study participants included patients who were admitted to the general surgery department. Patients in the intervention group received reflexology while standard analgesic care was administered similarly in both groups. Pain intensity at rest and in motion was evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS [0-10]) at baseline, and 60-90 min after treatment. Pain reduction was clinically and statistically significant in the reflexology group, both for pain at rest (from mean VAS of 4.4 to 3.1, N = 77, p 4). Adding reflexology to standard analgesic care is effective in reducing postoperative pain at rest and in motion, especially for patients experiencing moderate to severe pain.
The effects of reflexology on anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with gynecological cancers with reference to Watson's theory of human caring
This study aimed to examine the effects of reflexology based on Watson's theory of human caring on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in gynecological cancer patients. The study was a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest and a control group. The clinical trial was conducted at a university hospital in the Aegean region between October 2016 and June 2018. It was completed with 62 women, of whom 31 were in the intervention group and 31 were in the control group. Data were collected by using a personal information form, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30-version 3.0. Anxiety and depression levels were lower in the intervention group than in the control group. Besides, the quality of life was higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Reflexology significantly reduced symptoms due to chemotherapy, such as fatigue, pain, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Although there was a decrease in symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation immediately after reflexology, an increase in symptoms was observed in the intervention group two weeks later. These results showed that reflexology based on Watson's theory of human caring is effective in reduction of anxiety and depression and improves the quality of life in gynecological cancer patients during chemotherapy. It can be suggested that offering reflexology at certain intervals during chemotherapy will increase the duration of its effect.
Effect of Reflexology on Decreasing Postoperative Pain and Anxiety After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
Surgical patients experience both postoperative pain and anxiety, as they try to cope with pain. Despite technological advances, pharmacological methods are inadequate for decreasing postoperative pain and anxiety. Reflexology has been implemented and considered effective in these areas in many countries. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology on decreasing postoperative pain and anxiety after a hysterectomy. The study was an intervention randomized study. The population of the investigation is all patients who had a hysterectomy between February 2012 and December 2014 in the Istanbul University Obstetrics and Gynecology service. The sample was 100 women chosen after a power analysis (minimum: 74) (experimental: 54, control: 46) within the population of the investigation who agreed to participate in the study. Using a table of random numbers, patients in the sample were divided into groups. Data was collected using the patient information and vital signs form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain and Anxiety Scales, and BRIEF pain inventory. All women in the groups had similar sociodemographic, obstetric, and pain characteristics, past experience of illness, and characteristics related to their hysterectomy. All of the patients in the reflexology group stated that reflexology helped them feel better. The reflexology group compared with the control group had lower than the average VAS pain and VAS and STAI anxiety at all assessment times. Reflexology is effective in reducing anxiety and pain.
The Effect of Reflexology on Lactation and Postpartum Comfort in Caesarean-Delivery Primiparous Mothers: A Randomized Controlled Study
This study aimed to investigate the effect of reflexology on lactation and postpartum comfort in primiparas giving births through caesarean section. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 100 women with first birth through caesarean section between May 2016 and May 2017. Expectant mothers were randomly included into an intervention and a control group. The intervention group consisted of mothers in whom reflexology was performed three times per day at every eight hours for 30 min for 3 days. The mean scores of the breastfeeding chart system and breastfeeding satisfaction scores of the mothers in the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the controls, and the first lactation period of the mothers in the intervention group was shorter than that of the controls. Mean breast-tension, breast-heat, and breast-pain scores were similar in both groups on day 1; however, a significant increase was seen the intervention group on days 2 and 3, compared to those in the controls. The mean scores of the Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire in the intervention group were significantly better than those of the controls. Reflexology starts lactation earlier in mothers giving birth via caesarean section, supports the breastfeeding period, and increases mothers' postpartum comfort.
Comparison of the effects of nature sounds and reflexology on hemodynamic indices among traumatic comatose patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Background Traumatic comatose patients may experience disturbances in hemodynamic indices due to the nature of their disorder. This study aimed to compare the effects of nature sounds and reflexology on hemodynamic indices in traumatic comatose patients. Methods This randomized clinical trial using a factorial design was conducted on 120 traumatic comatose patients in two teaching hospitals in two urban areas of Iran. The patients were selected using a sequential sampling method and assigned into randomized quadruple blocks as control, nature sounds, reflexology and nature sounds-reflexology (combined) groups. The interventions were performed twice daily in two consecutive days lasting 30 min each time. The hemodynamic indices were measured before, and immediately, 30 min, and 2 h after the intervention using calibrated monitors. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including one-way ANOVA, Scheffe ad hoc, repeated measure ANOVA, Bonferroni ad hoc Chi-square test and Fisher's exact tests were used for data analysis via the SPSS software V.16. Results Significant differences were reported in terms of the mean arterial pressure between the control and reflexology groups (p=0.002), and the combined group (p=0.008) immediately after the interventions. The combined group showed statistically differences in systolic blood pressure compared to the nature sounds (p=0.007) and control (p=0.015) groups 30 min after the interventions. The nature sounds group showed differences in the pulse rate from the reflexology (p=0.048) and control (p=0.015) groups 30 min after the interventions in the second day. Conclusions While the immediate effects of the interventions on induction of the feeling of relaxation and tranquility, and reduction of hemodynamic indices were reported, they diminished over time. Nature sounds and reflexology as low-cost and relaxing tranquilizing methods can be used for the reduction of tension and improvement of hemodyn
Complementary Therapies for Patients with Cancer: Reflexology and Relaxation in Integrative Palliative Care. A Randomized Controlled Comparative Study
Objectives: Comparison of the effects of reflexology and relaxation on pain, anxiety, and depression, and quality of life (QoL) of patients with cancer. Design: A stratified random sample was selected, using an experimental design. Location: An outpatient Palliative Care Unit in Attica, Greece. Subjects: 88 patients suffering with cancer. Interventions: The sample was randomly divided into two equal groups, a reflexology and a relaxation group. The number of interventions for both groups was six 30-min weekly sessions. Outcome measures: The Greek Brief Pain Inventory (G-BPI) was used to measure pain, the Greek Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for screening anxiety and depression, and finally the Short Form Health Survey was used to measure QoL. Measurements of the above tools were taken three times in both groups as follows: preintervention, at fourth and at sixth week of intervention. Results: Anxiety and depression for both groups exhibited a statistically significant decrease during the observation period (p 2 > 0.25) but at the sixth week, there was a more significant decrease in the reflexology group compared with the relaxation group (p = 0.062, η2 = 0.044 vs. p = 0.005, η2 = 0.096 for anxiety), (p = 0.006, η2 = 0.094 vs. p = 0.001, η2 = 0.138 for depression). QoL physical and mental component measurements were significantly greater for the reflexology group (p 2 = 0.168 and p = 0.017, η2 = 0.071, respectively). The baseline-to-sixth week G-BPI measurements were markedly decreased for the reflexology group (p = 0.207, η2 = 0.020). Conclusions: Both interventions, relaxation and reflexology, seemed to be effective in decreasing anxiety and depression in patients with cancer. However, reflexology was found to be more effective in
A randomized controlled trial of reflexology effect after abdominal surgery on patient satisfaction, pain and vital signs
In our study, we investigated the effect of reflexology on patient satisfaction, pain and vital signs after abdominal surgery. This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with the participation of 156 abdominal surgery patients hospitalized in the general surgery unit of a training and research hospital. Personal Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale and Newcastle Nursing Care Satisfaction Scale were used in data collection. We performed the data analysis with One-way analysis of variance, Chi-squared test, paired samples t-test, and independent samples t-test. When the pain, vital signs and satisfaction levels of the experimental and control groups were compared, the pain intensity of the experimental group was found to be lower and the level of satisfaction was higher after reflexology (p<0.01). After reflexology, the blood pressure was closer to 120/80 in the experimental group, the respiratory rate was between 16-22 (number/minute), the difference between the experimental and control groups were statistically significant (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the pulce oximetry values between the experimental and control groups. Surgical pain and non-optimal vital signs that are not well managed after surgery causes various complications and decrease patient satisfaction. The results of our study emphasize the power of reflexology in effective surgical pain management and normalizing vital signs and increasing patient satisfaction. We suggest that reflexology be performed to patients following abdominal surgery.
Reflexology: its effects on physiological anxiety signs and sedation needs
To investigate whether reflexology has an effect on the physiological signs of anxiety and level of sedation in patients receiving mechanically ventilated support, a single blinded, randomized controlled design with repeated measures was used in the intensive care unit of a university hospital in Turkey. Patients (n = 60) aged between 18 and 70 years and were hospitalized in the intensive care unit and receiving mechanically ventilated support. Participants were randomized to a control group or an intervention group. The latter received 30 minutes of reflexology therapy on their feet, hands, and ears for 5 days. Subjects had vital signs taken immediately before the intervention and at the 10th, 20th, and 30th minutes of the intervention. In the collection of the data, "American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Sedation Assessment Scale" was used. The reflexology therapy group had a significantly lower heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate than the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the averages of the scores that the patients included in the experimental and control groups received from the agitation, anxiety, sleep, and patient-ventilator synchrony subscales of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Sedation Assessment Scale. Reflexology can serve as an effective method of decreasing the physiological signs of anxiety and the required level of sedation in patients receiving mechanically ventilated support. Nurses who have appropriate training and certification may include reflexology in routine care to reduce the physiological signs of anxiety of patients receiving mechanical ventilation.
Comparison of two methods of complementary medicine on postoperative pain and anxiety: A randomized clinical trial
Postoperative pain and anxiety are unpleasant situations that are often experienced by women undergoing cesarean section. Since the routine methods of pain relief after surgery is still inadequate, the need for complementary treatments is felt. Foot Reflexology (FR) and Auricular Acupressure (AA) are two of the most popular and safe procedures of complementary and alternative medicine therapies. So, this study aimed to determine and compare the effectiveness of reflexology and AA on postoperative pain and anxiety. This three-group randomized clinical trial study was performed on 101 pregnant women, admitted to Mashhad Omolbanin hospital, for a cesarean section, in 2015. In the intervention groups, 2-3 h after the operation, AA or FR was performed for 20 min. Routine care was provided for the control group. Pain and anxiety were evaluated by VAS and Spielberger anxiety questionnaire before and 1 and 2 h after the intervention. The results showed that immediately after the intervention, pain intensity was significantly lower in both AA and FR groups (P P = 0.006). However, no significant differences were observed between the FR and the control groups (P = 0.095). In addition, 1 and 2 h after the intervention, anxiety was significantly different between the three groups (P = 0.033 and P = 0.018), respectively. The results of the Tukey test showed that this difference was only between FR and control groups (P = 0.025 and P = 0.017), respectively. AA is more effective in reducing post-cesarean pain while FR effectively reduces post-cesarean anxiety. Therefore, these complementary medicine treatments as easy and noninvasive methods are recommended to be used during labor for improving maternal outcomes.
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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