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 13 of 68
The effects of foot reflexology on agitation and extubation time in male patients following coronary artery bypass surgery: A randomized controlled clinical trial
This study examined the effects of foot reflexology on agitation and extubation time of male patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In this randomized three-arm controlled clinical trial, participants (n = 120) were randomly assigned to the intervention, placebo, or control groups. The intervention group received foot reflexology massage for 15 min. Agitation was assessed using the Richmond Agitation- Sedation Scale before the intervention (Time 1) and immediately (Time 2) and 10 min after the intervention (Time 3). Extubation time was measured as the time from gaining full consciousness to endotracheal extubation. Agitation reduced in all groups from Time 1 to Time 3 (p < 0.05); however, the intervention group showed a significantly higher reduction at Time 2 (p < 0.001) and Time 3 (p < 0.001). Also, extubation time was significantly shorter in the intervention group (p < 0.01). Foot reflexology may be introduced as a nursing intervention to facilitate the weaning process in the cardiac ICUs.
strong evidence
Q2 JournalComparison of the effect of foot reflexology and body massage on physiological indicators and bilirubin levels in neonates under phototherapy
Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common problems in infancy in the world. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of foot therapy and body massage on physiological indicators and bilirubin levels in infants under phototherapy. This study was a randomized clinical trial that conducted on 51 infants with jaundice at Imam Hussein Pediatrics' Medical Center, Goldis Hospital in Isfahan (Iran). The samples randomly assigned to first intervention (reflexology), second intervention (body massage) and control groups using the block randomization. In the reflexology group, the relevant area on each foot was massaged for 15 min in a relaxed position. In the massage body group, the limbs were massaged with circular motion. The massage was performed once a day for 15 min and the control group did not receive any intervention. Physiological indicators were monitored using vital sign monitoring tools, and blood bilirubin levels were measured photo metrically (intravenous blood samples from the wrist). Finally, the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and SPSS software version 18. The results showed that before the intervention there was no significant difference in the mean of physiological indicators and bilirubin level between the three groups (p > 0.05), but after the intervention the average percentage of arterial oxygen saturation and bilirubin levels were significantly improved in the intervention groups compared to the control group (p 0.05). The results showed that reflexology and massage therapy can be effective in improving the condition of physiological indicators and blood bilirubin levels.
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Amnesia in Patients Undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Introduction: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the oldest procedure among the early biological treatments introduced in psychiatry. However, the most debated and treatment-limiting adverse effect of ECT is amnesia. Therefore, due to the restriction of the use of drugs to manage amnesia in patients undergoing ECT, the present study investigated the effect of reflexology on amnesia. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 68 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received foot reflexology with olive oil 20 minutes a day for 3 days, while the control group was given a gentle foot rub with olive oil 20 minutes a day for 3 days. The amnesia rate of all patients was measured by the Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test (GOAT) 30 minutes after the end of ECT. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.5 and t-test, chi-squared test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The results showed that reflexology significantly increased recalling scores in the intervention group compared to the control group. Foot reflexology seems to be effective in managing amnesia in patients after ECT. Conclusion: Foot reflexology, as a relatively simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive technique with few side effects, can be used to manage amnesia in patients after ECT.
The effectiveness of foot reflexology in reducing anxiety and duration of labor in primiparas: An open-label randomized controlled trial
Reflexology alleviates anxiety and may shorten the duration of labor. We evaluated the effect of reflexology on anxiety level and duration of labor in primiparas with moderate-to-severe anxiety. In this open-label randomized-controlled trial, primiparas with moderate-to-severe anxiety were randomized into one of two groups: addition of reflexology to usual care, or usual care only. The primary outcome was a change in the level of anxiety during reflexology treatment. Ninety-nine women were assigned to reflexology treatment while ninety received usual care only. A larger alleviation of anxiety was observed immediately after reflexology treatment as compared to the control group during the 30 min following group assignment. Reflexology did not affect the length of delivery. Foot reflexology had a positive short-term anxiolytic effect during labor in primiparas with moderate-to-severe anxiety but did not affect the duration of labor.
The effects of foot reflexology on back pain after coronary angiography: A randomized controlled trial
Back pain is among the most common complaints of patients during the first hours after coronary angiography (CA), i.e. when they are restricted to complete bed rest. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology on back pain after CA. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2018-2019 on patients hospitalized in the post-angiography unit of Razi hospital, Birjand, Iran. Through convenience sampling, 120 patients were recruited and their demographic characteristics and baseline back pain intensity were assessed immediately after angiography using a demographic questionnaire and a visual analogue scale, respectively. Then, patients were randomly allocated to a control (n = 60) and a reflexology (n = 60) group through block randomization. Patients in the reflexology group received 8-min foot reflexology for each foot (16 min for both feet) while their counterparts in the control group solely received routine post-angiography care services. Back pain assessment was repeated for all participants immediately, two, four, and 6 h after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (v. 16.0). Back pain intensity significantly increased after angiography in both groups (P < 0.05). Yet, pain intensity in the reflexology group at all post-intervention measurement time points was significantly less than the control group (P < 0.001). Foot reflexology is effective in significantly reducing back pain after CA.
Effects of acupuncture and foot reflexology on sleep quality in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A clinical trial
Sleep disturbances are common among individuals with leukemia, and they can significantly impact their overall well-being. Acupuncture and foot reflexology, two alternative therapies rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have gained recognition for their potential to address sleep issues and alleviate associated symptoms. This single blinded, three-groups randomized controlled trial was navigated at Tohid Hospital, involving 132 leukemia patients divided into acupuncture (n = 44), foot reflexology (n = 44), and control (n = 44) groups via random card selection. All patients completed a demographic questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before the intervention. The acupuncture group received routine care along with twice-daily acupuncture at the SP6 point for four successive weeks. Reflexology group had daily ten-minute sittings for the same weeks using sweet almond oil on their feet. Control group continued by only routine cares. Post-intervention assessments were conducted using the same instruments after four weeks. The study analyzed patient demographics, finding no significant gender differences and a majority of high school graduates. All groups had similar proportions of singles, high employment rates, and urban residency. Average ages were comparable, with no significant pre-intervention sleep quality differences found. However, both acupuncture and reflexology groups showed significant improvements post-intervention, unlike the control group. While both interventions resulted in lower sleep quality scores compared to the control, no significant difference was observed between the acupuncture and reflexology groups. Trends indicated slight reductions in fatigue for the intervention groups, suggesting both therapies effectively improved sleep quality. Acupuncture and foot reflexology are suggested as simple and budget-friendly complementary methods that may improve sleep quality for those with leukemia. These therapies provide non-inv
Caregiver-Delivered Foot Reflexology: Effects on Patients and Caregivers
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of caregiver-delivered foot reflexology on patients with cancer and their caregivers. A 2-group pre- and posttest design was used in this study, and the study was conducted in an oncology hospital between January 2016 and February 2018. The study included 60 patients and 60 caregivers. Caregivers performed interventions once a day for 15 days. Patients in the experimental group received reflexology, and patients in the control group were included in the reading session. Mean pain, anxiety, and fatigue levels significantly decreased for the patients who received foot reflexology from their caregivers for 15 days compared with patients in the control group. The mean care burden score of the caregivers in both groups decreased. Clinicians should teach caregiving practices such as foot reflexology and know that these practices are a positive influence on both patients and caregivers.
The effect of foot reflexology on constipation and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial.
This study tested whether foot reflexology could help reduce constipation and improve quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis using a randomized controlled trial design. Researchers compared people who received foot reflexology to a control group to see if the treatment made a difference. The results suggested that foot reflexology may help ease constipation and improve overall well-being in MS patients.
Clinical effectiveness of osteopathic treatment in chronic migraine: 3-Armed randomized controlled trial.
Researchers tested whether osteopathic treatment (a hands-on therapy involving manipulation of muscles and joints) could help people with chronic migraines by comparing it to sham treatment and usual care in a 3-armed trial. The study found that osteopathic treatment showed promise in reducing migraine symptoms compared to the control groups.
Perineal massage and warm compresses - Randomised controlled trial for reduce perineal trauma during labor.
This study evaluated how perineal massage and warm compresses affect women's perineal integrity during the second stage of labor. Researchers found that women who received these treatments had significantly fewer tears and a higher rate of intact perineum compared to those who did not. These findings are important because they suggest that simple, low-cost techniques can help reduce childbirth injuries.
Antenatal perineal massage benefits in reducing perineal trauma and postpartum morbidities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
A study investigated whether antenatal perineal massage can reduce the chances of perineal trauma during childbirth. The results showed that this type of massage significantly lowers the risk of severe tears and complications after giving birth, making it an important practice for expectant mothers.
The effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on nurses' stress, anxiety, and burnout levels during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial.
This study explored how a brief online Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) session can help nurses dealing with emotional strain while treating COVID-19 patients. The findings showed that just one session significantly reduced stress, anxiety, and burnout among the nurses. This is important as it highlights an effective method to support the mental health of healthcare workers in high-pressure environments.
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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