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 33 of 68
Comparing the Effect of Foot and Hand Reflexology on Pain Severity after Appendectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Appendicitis is one of the main causes of acute pain. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of foot and hand reflexology on pain severity following appendectomy. This clinical trial was conducted on 38 patients undergoing appendectomy in Alimoradian Hospital of Nahavand, Iran, in 2016. The samples were selected using convenience sampling, and then, randomly assigned to hand and foot reflexology groups via simple random sampling. In the foot reflexology group, the dorsal and plantar surfaces of the feet were lubricated using natural olive oil for five minutes. Next, reflexology was done by applying pressure to the appendix reflex area for 20 minutes. The same intervention was applied in the hand reflexology group. The severity of pain was measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before the intervention and one, three, and 24 hours after the intervention. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, One-way Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA), and repeated measures ANOVA. The results of one-way ANOVA showed no significant difference in the mean pain severity between the two groups (p = 0.771), whereas pain severity in the foot reflexology group was significantly lower than that of the hand reflexology group after the intervention (t = 1.63, p = 0.001). The results of this study showed that foot reflexology was more effective than hand reflexology in pain alleviation.
limited evidence
Q1 JournalThe Effect of Foot Reflexology on the Anxiety Levels of Women in Labor
This research was conducted to analyze the effect of foot reflexology on the anxiety levels of women during labor. The study was conducted as a semiexperimental study. It was conducted with 154 nulliparous pregnant women who applied to a maternity unit of a state hospital in the north-western part of Turkey to give birth. Foot reflexology was applied once to the pregnant women in the experimental group when cervical dilation was 3-4 cm. The treatment was applied to the right foot and left foot reflex points for 15 min, for a total of 30 min. The data in the study were collected using the "Pregnant Women Introductory Information Form" and the "Spielberger State-trait Anxiety Inventory" (STAI TX-1). In evaluating the data, number, percentage, Chi-square, independent samples t-test, and repeated measure analysis of variance test were used. The mean scores of the STAI TX-1 were used to analyze the results. The mean STAI TX-1 scores were measured before reflexology, in the latent and active phases of labor and early in postpartum period (four times in total). The mean STAI TX-1 scores were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean STAI TX-1 scores postreflexology application (when cervical dilation was 3-4 cm) and during the active phase of the labor (when cervical dilation was 6-8 cm) of the pregnant women in the experimental group were lower than those of the control group (respectively p = 0.010, p < 0.001). In the experimental group, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean STAI TX-1 scores pre- and postreflexology (p = 0.820). The mean STAI TX-1 scores in the early postpartum period were similar in the experimental and control groups (p = 0.080). Foot reflexology was found to have a positive effect in lowering the total anxiety scores of the pregnant women. Reflexology is a noninvasive and econ
moderate evidenceThe effect of foot reflexology on the volume and composition of breast milk in mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit: a randomized controlled trial
One of the important problems for mothers after the birth of a premature infant is a decrease in milk production. This study aimed to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on the volume and composition of breast milk in mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 76 primiparous mothers whose premature infants up to 34 weeks were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital from February 2023 to November 2023. Mothers in the intervention group received foot reflexology for 20 min on both feet (ten minutes per foot) for seven consecutive days every morning. On the first and seventh days of the study, both groups were compared in terms of milk volume (ml), triglycerides, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, and calcium (mg/dl). The mean difference in breast milk characteristics before and after the intervention in the control and intervention groups were as follows: in terms of breast milk volume 12.43 and 23.51 ml, triglyceride 418.37 and 406.21, cholesterol 5.48 and 3.67, albumin 1.02 and 0.35, total protein 1.89 and 4.59, calcium was -3.54 and -1.83 mg/dL; the net difference in breast milk volume in the intervention group compared to the control group increased, which was not statistically significant but was significant in terms of value. No significant difference was observed in other components of breast milk. In this single-center study, foot reflexology massage showed a trend towards increasing the volume of breast milk, total protein and calcium, although it was not statistically significant. Therefore, it needs further investigation. IRCT, IRCT20221220056872N1. Registered 22 January 2023- prospective registered, https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/67512 .
strong evidenceEffect of Foot Reflexology and Benson Relaxation on Pain, Breastfeeding and Weight of Neonates of Women Undergoing a Cesarean Section
Given the negative effect of postoperative pharmacological pain control on breastfeeding, the present study aimed to compare the effects of reflexology and Benson relaxation methods on pain, breastfeeding, and infant weight gain in women undergoing a cesarean section (C/S). This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 135 women undergoing a C/S in the Gynecology Ward of Bushehr Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital in Bushehr, Iran, in 2020. The participants were selected using convenience sampling, and randomly divided into three groups of foot reflexology, Benson relaxation, and control. The interventions were performed two hours post-operation and six hours after the first intervention. The pain score was measured and recorded immediately, and 30 and 60 minutes after each intervention. Breastfeeding frequency and duration were also assessed in the first 18 hours of birth. The infants' weight was assessed at birth and 10 days later. Data analysis was performed using inferential statistics, chi-square or Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U or one-way ANOVA, Wilcoxon test and logistic regression analysis. There was a larger decrease in the pain score of the reflexology and Benson relaxation (PPPP<0.05) than the control group. Both the reflexology and the Benson relaxation methods effectively decreased pain and increased breastfeeding frequency and the infant's weight gain.
Comparing the Efficacy of Foot Reflexology and Benson's Relaxation on Anxiety and Physiologic Parameters After Cesarean Surgery
To compare the efficacy of foot reflexology and Benson's relaxation on anxiety and physiologic parameters after cesarean surgery. Randomized controlled trial with three parallel arms. Gynecologic ward of the Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital in Bushehr, Iran, in 2020. Women undergoing cesarean surgery (n = 135) were selected by convenience sampling and divided via block randomization into three groups of foot reflexology, Benson's relaxation interventions, and control group (n = 45 in each group). Interventions were performed 2 hours after cesarean surgery. Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, mercury sphygmomanometer, and pulse oximeter were used to collect the data. Anxiety was measured before and 30 minutes after the intervention. Physiologic parameters were measured before the intervention and immediately, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes after the intervention. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics. The mean score of situational anxiety after the intervention was significantly lower than before the intervention in the reflexology (t = 6.171; 95% confidence interval [CI] [5.66, 11.14]) and Benson's relaxation groups (t = 7.362; 95% CI [5.91, 9.85]). However, changes in the control group were not significant (t = 1.674; 95% CI [-0.24, 2.55]). Decreases in anxiety scores were similar in the two intervention groups. After intervention, in most measurement times, respiratory rate and pulse rate decreased in the two intervention groups compared to the control group, and arterial oxygen saturation and systolic blood pressure increased. Considering the effect of both interventions on decreasing anxiety and improving most physiologic parameters, it seems that foot reflexology and Benson's relaxation can be recommended after cesarean surgery.
Impact of Foot Reflexology Versus Simple Massage on Vital Signs, Anxiety, and Pain During Blood Transfusion Among Children With Thalassemia
Introduction Children with thalassemia often require repeated invasive treatments and frequent hospitalizations, resulting in pain, anxiety, and altered vital signs. Implementing non-invasive, non-pharmacological, and inexpensive complementary practices can benefit both the child and their family. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the impact of foot reflexology versus simple massage on vital signs, anxiety, and pain induced by blood transfusions in children with thalassemia. Materials and methods An experimental study was conducted on 60 children with thalassemia; children aged 2-13 years were selected by systematic random sampling. The participants were separated into two groups: 30 children received foot reflexology and 30 children received a simple massage. Data were collected using a self-structured demographic profile, vital signs record sheet, standard Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised (OSBD-R) scale, and visual analog scale (VAS). Paired and unpaired t-tests were used to evaluate the effects of the interventions. The chi-square test was utilized to evaluate the relationship between demographic and dependent variables. Result Foot reflexology showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and a highly significant difference (P < 0.0001) in anxiety and pain. The simple massage group showed a significant effect on temperature, anxiety, and pain. Both groups demonstrated a significant impact (P < 0.05) on systolic blood pressure and pain after the intervention. Conclusion Most children were diagnosed with thalassemia during infancy, had a history of both parent's thalassemia minor, and were Rh+ve. Foot reflexology was more effective in reducing anxiety and pain than simple massage. Additionally, foot reflexology had a significant effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while simple massage significantly affected temperature in children with thalassemia.
The effect of foot reflexology massage on pruritus in hemodialysis patients
Pruritus is a common skin manifestation in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Pruritus has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients receiving hemodialysis. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of foot reflexology massage on pruritus in hemodialysis patients. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 90 hemodialysis patients referred to Khatam-al-Anbiya and Ali-Ebne Abi-Taleb hospitals affiliated to Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2019. Patients with moderate-to-severe pruritus scores obtained from the Pruritus Severity Scale (PSS) were included in the study. They were randomly divided into intervention and control groups using shuffling cards or envelopes. The intervention group received nine sessions of foot reflexology massage 3 days a week for 20 min (10 min on each foot) with an emphasis on the solar plexus point. The participants in both groups again completed the PSS 48 h after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 24, independent t-test, Chi-square test, and paired t-test. The results of this study demonstrated that foot reflexology massage significantly reduced itching or pruritus in hemodialysis patients (P P P = 0.59). Our findings showed that the foot reflexology massage could relieve itching or pruritus in hemodialysis patients. It is, therefore, recommended that it can be used as an effective intervention technique to alleviate itching in hemodialysis patients.
The Effect Of Foot Reflexology On Nausea, Vomiting And Fatigue Of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy.
| Thirty-four patients (18 in the experimental group and 16 in the control group) were given pretests and posttests to measure nausea, vomiting and fatigue. The experimental group received four phases of foot reflexology for 40 minutes. There was a statistically significant decrease in nausea, vomiting and fatigue in the experimental group. Conclusion: | Foot reflexology can be used as an intervention for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy who experience nausea, vomiting or fatigue
Determination of efficacy of reflexology in managing patients with diabetic neuropathy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
Researchers tested whether reflexology—a massage technique applied to specific points on the feet—could help people with diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain caused by diabetes). They compared people who received reflexology treatment to those who didn't and measured improvements in their symptoms and nerve function.
A comparison the effects of reflexology and relaxation on the psychological symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis.
Researchers compared reflexology and relaxation techniques to see which was better at reducing psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression in women with multiple sclerosis. Both treatments appeared to help improve mood and psychological well-being, though the study would benefit from larger numbers of participants to confirm the results.
The effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate: A randomized clinical trial in stage-2 hypertensive patients.
Researchers tested whether foot reflexology could help lower blood pressure and heart rate in people with stage-2 high blood pressure. They randomly assigned patients to receive reflexology or a control treatment and measured their vital signs before and after.
Acupressure in insomnia and other sleep disorders in elderly institutionalized patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers studied whether acupressure (pressing specific points on the body) could help elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease who had trouble sleeping. The study looked at how this technique affected sleep quality and other sleep problems in people living in care facilities.
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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