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 32 of 68
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Acute Pain in Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study was a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology applied on infants on acute pain that may arise after vaccine injection. The sample consisted of 1- to 12-month-old infants registered in a family health center in Istanbul, Turkey, for healthcare follow-up. A total of 60 infants who met the criteria of the sample group were included in the study; 30 infants constituted the reflexology group and the other 30 constituted the control group. Although questionnaire forms were used to determine the descriptive characteristics of infant-mother pairs, the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) Pain Assessment Scale was used to evaluate pain level. Infants in the reflexology group received reflexology treatment for an average of 20-30 minutes before vaccination, depending on the physical size of the infant's foot. Pain, heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, and crying periods of infants in the reflexology and control groups were evaluated before and after vaccination. The FLACC pain score was observed to be statistically similar between groups. After reflexology was applied to infants in the reflexology group before vaccination, it was determined that the pain score was reduced to .50 ± 1.14. In the examination performed after vaccination, FLACC pain score was found to be 5.47 ± 2.11 in the reflexology group and 9.63 ± .85 in the control group. A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean FLACC pain scores of infants in the reflexology and control groups (p = .000). The infants in the reflexology group also had lower heart rates, higher oxygen saturation, and shorter crying periods than the infants in the control group (p <.001). Reflexology before vaccine reduced the pain level experienced after vaccination. Future research needs to explore different interventional practices.
strong evidenceThe effect of listening to music and foot reflexology on nausea, pain and anxiety in children during perioperative period: A randomized controlled study
The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of listening to music and foot reflexology during the perioperative period on nausea, pain and anxiety in children aged 7-12 years. The sample for the randomized controlled experimental study included children who underwent outpatient surgery in the Pediatric Surgery Clinic. Research data were collected. A total of 99 children were included in the study with 33 in the music group, 33 in the foot reflexology group, and 33 in the control group. In the preoperative and postoperative periods, Children's Perioperative Multidimensional Anxiety Scale (CPMAS) scores for the music listening and reflexology groups were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). In the postoperative period, the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale (CEMS) scores for the reflexology and music listening groups after the application were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). Postoperative Baxter Retching Faces (BARF) scores were found to be significantly lower in children who listened to music compared to the control group (p = 0.002). The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) scores for children in the control group were found to be significantly higher in the postoperative period than for children in the music and reflexology groups (p < 0.001). As a result, listening to music and reflexology during the perioperative period were effective in reducing anxiety, pain and nausea in children. In the perioperative period, listening to music and reflexology for children can be recommended as non-pharmacological nursing interventions with low cost and easy implementation.
Comparing the Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage, Foot Bath and Their Combination on Quality of Sleep in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Introduction: Many patients in coronary care unit (CCU) suffer from decreased sleep quality caused by environmental and mental factors. This study compared the efficacy of foot reflexology massage, foot bath, and a combination of them on the quality of sleep of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: This quasi-experimental study was implemented on ACS patients in Iran. Random sampling was used to divide the patients into four groups of 35 subjects. The groups were foot reflexology massage, foot bath, a combination of the two and the control group. Sleep quality was measured using the Veran Snyder-Halpern questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 13. Results: The mean age of the four groups was 61.22 (11.67) years. The mean sleep disturbance in intervention groups (foot reflexology massage and foot bath groups) during the second and third nights was significantly less than before intervention. The results also showed a greater reduction in sleep disturbance in the combined group than in the other groups when compared to the control group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the intervention of foot bath and massage are effective in reducing sleep disorders and there was a synergistic effect when used in combination. This complementary care method can be recommended to be implemented by CCU nurses.
moderate evidence
Q2 JournalEffect of foot reflexology on pain, anxiety, and physiological indices in leukemia patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration: A randomized clinical trial study
Patients with leukemia undergoing bone marrow aspiration (BMA) frequently experience considerable pain and anxiety, which may negatively impact physiological outcomes. Reflexology, a complementary therapeutic approach, has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain and anxiety across various medical procedures. This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the impact of foot reflexology on pain, anxiety, and physiological indices in leukemia patients undergoing BMA. This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Ayatollah Khansari Hospital in Arak between August 2021 and January 2023. Patients were randomly assigned to either a reflexology intervention group or a control group receiving routine care. The intervention group underwent a 30-min foot reflexology session. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and anxiety levels were measured via the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Physiological indices, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial oxygen saturation, were measured before and after the intervention. Of the 72 patients, 68 completed the study (intervention: n = 35, control: n = 33). Post-intervention, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in systolic (p = 0.017) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.028), while the control group experienced no significant changes. Heart rate significantly increased in the control group (p = 0.030), but no significant change was observed in the intervention group (p = 0.977). Anxiety levels significantly decreased in the intervention group (p < 0.001), with a notable between-group difference (p = 0.006). Pain intensity was also significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.034). Foot reflexology is an effective intervention for reducing pain and anxiety in leukemia patients undergoing BMA. Reflexology may be consid
Effect of Reflexology on the Constipation Status of Elderly People
The current literature shows that one of the alternative therapies used to control constipation is reflexology. This study was conducted to assess the effect of reflexology on the constipation status of elderly people. This study was randomized clinical trial conducted from at the private nursing home in the Ankara Province. At the nursing home, 60 eligible elderly people were randomly assigned into experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The experimental group received foot reflexology massage for 1 month three times per week for 30 min. Reflexology was initiated from the patient's right foot. The foot was relaxed primarily by applying effleurage followed by shaking, rotation, and stretching methods. The practice ended by applying solar plexus pressure on both feet. For elderly people in the control group foot surface massage without pressure was applied to simulate the interventions similar to the experimental group. The scale scores before and after reflexology were noted for the experimental group, and those for the control group, which did not receive any reflexology massage, were also determined. After the implementation of reflexology, the rate of emptying bowels on alternate days increased in the experimental group as opposed to that in the control group (P < 0.001). In this study, reflexology was found to improve the quality of life of the elderly and decrease the severity of constipation. Foot reflexology massage was found to be effective in relieving the constipation of elderly people. Therefore, reflexology is recommended as part of nursing care to reduce the constipation status of elderly people.
The effect of foot reflexology and back massage on hemodialysis patients' fatigue and sleep quality
The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of foot reflexology and back massage on optimizing the sleep quality and reducing the fatigue of hemodialysis patients. The study includes 105 volunteer patients who were registered at a private dialysis clinic and were receiving hemodialysis treatment. Foot reflexology and back massage were administered to the patients two times a week for four weeks. The Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index were used to collect data. The differences between the pretest and posttest score averages of the patients on the Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Foot reflexology and back massage were shown to improve the sleep quality and reduce the fatigue of hemodialysis patients. Compared to back massage, foot reflexology was determined to be more effective.
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Anxiety, Pain, and Outcomes of the Labor in Primigravida Women
Reflexology is a technique used widely as one of non-pharmacological pain management techniques. The present study aimed to review and determine the effect of foot reflexology on anxiety, pain and outcomes of the labor in primigravida women. This clinical trial study was conducted on 80 primigravida mothers who were divided randomly into an intervention group (Foot reflexology applied for 40 min, n=40) and control group (n=40). The pain intensity was scored immediately after the end of intervention and at 30,60 and 120 min after the intervention in both groups, based on McGill Questionnaire for Pain Rating Index (PRI). Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was completed before and after intervention in both groups. Duration of labor phases, the type of labor and Apgar scores of the infant at the first and fifth minute were recorded in both groups. Descriptive and inferential statistics methods (t-test and chi-square test) were applied in analyzing data. Application of reflexology technique decreased pain intensity (at 30, 60 and 120 min after intervention) and duration of labor as well as anxiety level significantly (P<0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of the frequency distribution of the type of labor and Apgar score (P<0.001). Results of this study show that reflexology reduces labor pain intensity, duration of labor, anxiety, frequency distribution of natural delivery and increases Apgar scores. Using this non-invasive technique, obstetricians can achieve, to some extent, to one of the most important goals of midwifery as pain relief and reducing anxiety during labor and encourage the mothers to have a vaginal delivery.
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Sleep Quality in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Under Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) frequently causes a range of physical and psychological symptoms, including disrupted sleep. Foot reflexology is thought to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. This study evaluated its effectiveness in patients with CLL undergoing chemotherapy. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 68 participants (n = 68), who were assigned either to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received daily 10-min foot reflexology sessions for 4 weeks using sweet almond oil, while the control group received standard routine care, including monitoring of vital signs, symptom management, medication administration, psychological support, and general patient education according to oncology ward protocols. Sleep quality was assessed at baseline and after the intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25, using chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, and t-tests. At baseline, there was no significant difference in PSQI scores between groups (Reflexology: 16.30 ± 1.29 vs. Control: 16.78 ± 1.38; p = 0.143). After the intervention, the reflexology group showed a marked improvement in sleep quality compared to the control group (11.78 ± 1.47 vs. 16.21 ± 1.40; p d = 3.08, 95% CI: 2.55-3.61). Within-group analysis confirmed significant improvement in the reflexology group (t = 6.161, p d = 3.50), whereas no significant change was observed in the control group (t = -1.559, p = 0.136). Foot reflexology appears to be a safe and effective complementary intervention to improve sleep quality in patients with CLL. However, the study's limitations, including the lack of a sham control, short-term follow-up, and a relatively small sample size, should be considered. Health
Efficacy of foot reflexology in reducing migraine pain: a randomized controlled trial
This study aimed to determine the effect of foot reflexology massage on the intensity, duration, and frequency of pain in patients with migraine headaches. A randomized controlled clinical trial study of three groups was conducted on patients with migraine headaches referred to the neurology department of a specialized clinic in Shiraz, Iran. The patients were randomly divided into three groups. The first, second, and third groups received, respectively: reflexology + drug therapy, sham + drug therapy, and only drug therapy. Changes in the headache daily form, after (T1) and 1 month after interventions (T2) were compared to the beginning of the study (T0). A total of 84 subjects were enrolled in the study. In the end, the study was completed with a study population of 75 subjects. At the end of the study, repeated measures of ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference between the reflexology group and the two groups in terms of mean duration (P = 0.024) and severity (P = 0.043) of migraine headaches. However, the frequency of migraine headaches was not significantly different between the three groups (P = 0.288). In total, this study indicated that reflexology could be effective in reducing the duration and severity of pain in the intervention group. Thus, further studies are suggested to assess the efficacy of this method.
Aromatherapy Massage vs. Foot Reflexology on the Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome in Female Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
This study aimed to compare the effects of reflexology and aromatherapy massage on the severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in 105 female patients undergoing hemodialysis. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in a hemodialysis center with 48 beds in a high turnover hospital in an urban area of Iran. Intervention groups received reflexology (n = 35) and aromatherapy massage using lavender essential oil (n = 35) for 24 sessions, and the placebo group (n = 35) received simple foot massage. The restless legs syndrome rating scale was used to assess RLS severity in the groups before the intervention and after 4 and 8 weeks of the interventions. Results obtained by the mixed model analysis 3 * 3 (3 groups * 3 times) revealed the significant effect of time, group, and the time-group interrelationship (p = 0.001). Aromatherapy massage reduced the RLS severity, but reflexology did not appear to cause any significant reduction in it. Therefore, we suggest that aromatherapy massage be incorporated into routine care for relieving the ailment and suffering of patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Improving Sleep Quality in Older Adults: Foot Reflexology or Warm Footbath? A Single-Blind, 6-Week Intervention, Two Group, Randomized Comparative Study
The current study aimed to compare the effects of foot reflexology and warm foot-bath on improving sleep quality in older adults. Participants were randomized to the foot reflexology group (n = 50) or warm footbath group (n = 50). Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Foot reflexology was applied 30 minutes twice per week for 6 weeks. Warm foot-bath was applied 1 hour before bedtime every evening for 6 weeks. Comparison of mean total scores from the PSQI before and after reflexology indicated that mean postintervention total scores decreased significantly compared to preintervention scores (p p p > 0.05). According to current findings, both interventions improved sleep quality in older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(3), 17-22.].
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on the Sexual Function of Lactating Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Sexual health is an essential part of women's lives at different ages. Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can affect women's sexual function by inducing biological, psychological, and social changes. Due to the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in lactating women and the effects of reflexology therapies on it, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on the sexual function of lactating women. This randomized clinical trial was conducted in selected health centers of Isfahan in 2022 on 64 lactating women (32 women in each group of intervention and control). The samples were selected using the convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into two groups with a random number table. Each participant in the intervention group received 10 sessions of foot reflexology, and each session lasted for 50 minutes (25 minutes for each foot) and was held every three days. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was completed before the intervention and four weeks after the end of it. The control group received routine care and completed the questionnaire before the intervention and 9 weeks later. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and independent/paired t-tests. Data analysis showed that the subjects of the two groups were homogeneous in demographic and fertility characteristics at the beginning of the study. The total mean score of sexual function in the intervention group was 20.36 ± 4.16 before the intervention and 28.05 ± 2.89 after the intervention. In the control group, this score was 20.51 ± 3.75 before the intervention and 20.54 ± 3.71 nine weeks after it. A comparison of the total mean score of sexual function and dimensions showed a significant difference between the two groups four weeks after the intervention (p 60;0.001). In the intervention group, significant changes were observed in the total mean score of sexual function and its dimensions four weeks after the intervention compare
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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