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 12 of 68
The effects of reflexology on pain and sleep deprivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial
This study was intended to examine the effect of foot reflexology on RA patients' pain and sleep quality. This is a randomized controlled trial and was held at the "Rheumatology Follow-up Polyclinic" in Turkey between January-July 2015. A total of 60 patients were included in the research. A sociodemographic data form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used. Foot Reflexology was administered to the experimental group. The research found that the pain scores of the experimental group were statistically more significant than those of the control group (p < .01). The experimental group's average pain was reduced by the six weeks of foot reflexology. The total PSQI score of the experimental group was lowered. Foot reflexology is a non-pharmacological nursing intervention that may reduce the pain and sleep deprivation symptoms of RA patients.
strong evidence
Q2 JournalThe effects of reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients after abdominal hysterectomy: A randomised controlled trial
This study aimed at finding out the effects of reflexology on pain, anxiety levels after abdominal hysterectomy. The study was performed on women hospitalized in the intensive care unit and gynecology services of Ege University Hospital in İzmir after abdominal hysterectomy between September 2013 and September 2014. This study was designed and conducted as a randomized controlled trial. The study sample consisted of 63 female patients: 32 in the experimental group and 31 in the control group. The postoperative daily monitoring sheet, Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (SAI), was employed to collect research data and "visual analog scale" to evaluate pain levels. The female patients' average age was found to be 47.23 ± 4.71. The three-day monitoring showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of average pain levels and anxiety scores after reflexology (p < 0.05). Foot reflexology may serve as an effective nursing intervention to increase the well-being and decrease the pain of female patients after abdominal hysterectomy, and nurses should be aware of the benefits of reflexology.
Effects of foot massage applied in two different methods on symptom control in colorectal cancer patients: Randomised control trial
This randomized controlled clinical study aimed to determine the effect of 2 foot massage methods on symptom control in people with colorectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy. Data were collected between June 16, 2015, and February 10, 2016, in the Department of Radiation Oncology of an oncology training and research hospital. The sample comprised 60 participants. Data were collected using an introductory information form, common terminology criteria for adverse events and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires C30 and CR29. Participants were randomly allocated to 3 groups: classical foot massage, reflexology, and standard care control. The classical massage group received foot massage using classical massage techniques, and the reflexology group received foot reflexology focusing on symptom-oriented reflexes twice a week during a 5-week chemoradiotherapy treatment schedule. The control group received neither classical massage nor reflexology. All patients were provided with the same clinic routine care. The classical massage was effective in reducing pain level and distension incidence while foot reflexology was effective in reducing pain and fatigue level, lowering incidence of distension and urinary frequency and improving life quality.
Effect of reflexology on anxiety and sleep of informal cancer caregiver: Randomized controlled trial
The study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the short-term effect of foot reflexology on sleep and anxiety of informal caregivers. The study was a double-blind placebo-controlled study and conducted in an oncology unit of a university hospital. Participants were the informal caregivers of cancer patients. Reflexology and placebo intervention had applied for three consequent days. State Anxiety Inventory (SAI, 20-80 points) and Richard-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ, Visual Analog Scale) was used for data collection before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS v25 software. Participants (n = 66, 40.17 ± 13.36 years old, ten males) were caring for the patients for 7.66 ± 6.34 months. There weren't any significant differences between the groups for SAI and RCSQ scores before the interventions. The SAI scores were found 38.91 ± 5.63 in the reflexology group and 46.30 ± 11.29 in the placebo group and the RCSQ scores were found 409.55 ± 50.08 in the reflexology group and 441.82 ± 35.51 in the placebo group. There were significant differences between the groups for SAI (p = 0.004) and RCSQ (p = 0.001) scores after the intervention. It was found that reflexology has a large effect on Anxiety (f2 = 0.555) and a medium effect on sleep (f2 = 0.238). Foot reflexology was found as an effective intervention to reduce anxiety and improve the quality of sleep of informal cancer caregivers. The effect of placebo on reducing the anxiety of informal caregivers was found, but it wasn't as effective as reflexology.
Comparison of Single and Combined Effects of Nature Sounds and Foot Sole Reflexology Massage on the Level of Consciousness in Traumatic Comatose Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Consciousness disturbances are the most common posttraumatic complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the single and combined effects of nature sounds and foot sole reflexology massage on level of consciousness in traumatic comatose patients. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2 teaching hospitals in an urban area of Iran. Samples were 120 traumatic comatose patients who were randomly assigned into control, nature sounds, foot reflexology massage, and nature sounds plus foot sole reflexology massage groups. Patients in all groups received routine care. Interventions were performed twice a day for 2 weeks, each time for 30 minutes. The patients' level of consciousness was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale before, 1 week, and 2 weeks after the intervention. The groups had no significant differences in the mean scores of the consciousness level before, 1 week after, and the last day of the intervention. Also, there was a significant difference in the number of patients who regained full consciousness (P = .001) in the intervention groups compared with the control group. Significant differences in the number of days of consciousness were reported in at least one of the groups compared with other groups (P = .001). This difference was significant in the control group compared with the foot reflexology massage group (P = .032), as well as the nature sounds plus foot sole reflexology massage group (P = .001). Single or combined interventions can increase the level of consciousness in comatose patients and reduce the duration of coma.
The Effect of Foot Reflexology and Knee Massage With Black Cumin Seed Oil on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms
This study aimed to examine the effect of foot reflexology and knee massage with black cumin seed oil on pain and fatigue symptoms in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis and assess which of these 2 applications is more effective. Our randomized controlled trial was conducted with 150 participants. Study data were collected from participants over 65 years who received outpatient treatment in a university hospital's physical therapy and rehabilitation unit and were determined to have no perception problems based on the Mini-Mental Test. After randomization, the study sample was classified into 5 groups, each including 30 participants: (1) foot reflexology with black cumin seed oil, (2) foot reflexology with a placebo, (3) knee massage with black cumin oil, (4) knee massage with a placebo, and (5) control. Participants were administered a Patient Descriptive Information Form, the Lequesne Knee Osteoarthritis Index, the Pain-Visual Analog Scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Control group participants received standard of care, while participants in treatment groups received the studied interventions for 6 weeks. Data were collected by administering questionnaires to the participants in the first and sixth weeks and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences 22.0 software. The study showed that foot reflexology and knee massage administered using black cumin oil effectively reduced pain and fatigue severity in Osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and overall, foot reflexology administered using black cumin oil was the most effective treatment to reduce pain and fatigue.
The effect of foot reflexology on physiologic parameters and mechanical ventilation weaning time in patients undergoing open-heart surgery: A clinical trial study
The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of foot reflexology on physiological parameters and mechanical ventilation weaning time in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. This was a double blind three-group randomized controlled trial. Totally, 96 patients were recruited and randomly allocated to the experimental, placebo, and the control groups. Study groups respectively received foot reflexology, simple surface touching, and the routine care of the study setting. Physiological parameters (pulse rate, respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, mean arterial pressure, percutaneous oxygen saturation) and weaning time were measured. The study groups did not differ significantly in terms of physiological parameters (P value > 0.05). However, the length of weaning time in the experimental group was significantly shorter than the placebo and the control groups (P value < 0.05). The study findings demonstrated the efficiency of foot reflexology in shortening the length of weaning time.
The effects of foot reflexology massage on anxiety in patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a randomized controlled trial
To examine the effects of foot reflexology massage on anxiety in patients following CABG surgery. In this randomized controlled trial, 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria were conveniently sampled and randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups after they were matched on age and gender. On the days following surgery, the experimental group received foot reflexology massage on their left foot 20 min a day for 4 days, while the control group was given a gentle foot rub with oil for one minute. Anxiety was measured using the short-form of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Visual Analogue Scale-Anxiety. Both measurement instruments confirmed a significant decrease in anxiety following the foot reflexology massage. The significant decrease in anxiety in the experimental group following the foot reflexology massage supports the use of this complementary therapy technique for the relief of anxiety.
The impact of foot reflexology on postoperative pain and fear in children following circumcision: A randomized controlled trial
Postoperative pain and fear are common in children after surgical interventions and can negatively impact the healing process. Circumcision, as a common surgical procedure, often results in both physical pain and psychological fear in children. Foot reflexology, a non-pharmacological method, is effective in reducing pain and stress by applying pressure to specific points on the feet that correspond to various parts of the body. Reflexology, especially in children, stands out as an alternative approach to managing postoperative pain and fear. The integration of such complementary methods into post-surgical care can help accelerate the healing process in children. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of foot reflexology in managing postoperative pain and fear in children following circumcision. This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. The study included 84 children, aged 5-10 years, hospitalized for circumcision at a pediatric surgery clinic in a public hospital in eastern Turkey. Participants were randomized into experimental (n = 42) and control (n = 42) groups based on age. Reflexology was applied to the children in the experimental group after circumcision. Data were gathered using the Patient Descriptive Information Form, Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale, and Child Fear Scale. Number, percentage, mean, t test in independent groups and paired t test were used in the evaluation of the data. The primary source of postoperative pain in both groups was the incision site, while painful procedures were the leading cause of fear. Children who received reflexology postoperatively reported significantly lower pain and fear scores compared to those in the control group. Foot reflexology is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing pain and fear in children's post-circumcision. Pediatric nurses should consider incorporating reflexology into routine care to enhance pain management outcomes. Nursing education programs shou
Comparing the Efficacy of Acupressure and Foot Reflexology on Sleep Quality in Patients With Leukemia: A Comparative Clinical Trial
Among leukemia patients, sleep disruptions are prevalent and can profoundly affect their overall quality of life. Acupressure and foot reflexology, modalities rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have garnered attention for their potential to address sleep disturbances and mitigate associated symptoms. This research utilized a randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design involving 102 leukemia patients admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. Participants were randomly allocated to 3 groups: acupressure (n = 34), reflexology (n = 34), or control (n = 34). Prior to the intervention, patients completed a demographic survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for baseline assessments. Acupressure involved stimulation of the SP6 point twice daily for 10 minutes over 4 weeks, while reflexology entailed daily 10-minute sessions with sweet almond oil on the soles for the same duration. The control group received standard care without additional interventions. Following the 4-week intervention period, post-intervention evaluations were conducted using identical measurement tools. The findings underscored the efficacy of both acupressure and foot reflexology in significantly improving sleep quality within the intervention groups (P P > .05). Subsequently, pairwise comparisons adjusted with Bonferroni corrections revealed significant disparities in sleep quality between the acupressure and reflexology groups compared to the control group (P P < .05). This study demonstrates that acupressure and foot reflexology interventions can enhance sleep quality in individuals with leukemia. These findings support the effectiveness of these complementary modalities, offering targeted relief and relaxation. While these non-invasive therapies show promise in improving well-being, further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these results due to study
Comparing the Effects of Warm Footbath and Foot Reflexology on the Fatigue of Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Fatigue is a common side effect of radiotherapy. While warm footbath and foot reflexology can both reduce fatigue, it is still unclear which method is more effective in reducing fatigue. This study aimed to compare the effects of warm footbath and foot reflexology on the fatigue of patients undergoing radiotherapy. A randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 62 patients undergoing radiotherapy. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the 2 groups. Patients in the footbath group immersed their feet in 41°C water for 20 minutes every night for 2 weeks starting from the seventh day of radiotherapy. Patients in the reflexology group received 20 minutes of foot reflexology every night for 2 weeks starting from the seventh day of radiotherapy. Fatigue was measured by the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) once on the seventh day of radiotherapy and 3 more times on days 7, 14, and 28 after the start of the intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS20 and descriptive/inferential statistics. The total MFI score of both groups declined significantly over time (P < .001). The reflexology group indicated a significant reduction from 90.9 ± 3.2 in the pre-test to 56.0 ± 3.7 on the 28th day in, while the footbath group indicated it from 90 ± 2.6 in the pre-test to 71.4 ± 2.8 on the 28th day. Our results showed that foot reflexology and warm footbath reduced the fatigue of patients undergoing radiotherapy. However, foot reflexology was more effective in reducing the fatigue of patients undergoing radiotherapy than warm footbath. It is recommended that simple and low cost non-pharmacological interventions such as foot reflexology to decrease of side effect of radiotherapy among cancer patients should be widely performed.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20190625044009N1).
Effect of foot reflexology on chest pain and anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A double blind randomized clinical trial
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of foot reflexology on chest pain and anxiety in patients with AMI. This study was a double blind randomized clinical trial. Stratified random sampling was carried out on 90 patients with AMI in the three groups of treatment, placebo and control. Foot reflexology was done for three consecutive days, each time for 20 min. Chest pain and anxiety were evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale before, immediately and 20 min later. 20 min after the intervention, severity of chest pain in treatment group was significantly lower than control group (p < 0.001) and placebo group (p = 0.002). Severity of anxiety between groups and at different times was not significant. Foot reflexology was effective in attenuating chest pain, had the most effect in 20 min after intervention, and can be used to relieve chest pain in patients with AMI.
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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