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 39 of 68
Which complementary and alternative therapies benefit which conditions? A survey of the opinions of 223 professional organizations
With the increasing demand and usage of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) by the general public, it is vital that healthcare professionals can make informed decisions when advising or referring their patients who wish to use CAM. Therefore they might benefit from advice by CAM-providers as to which treatment can be recommended for which condition. The primary aim of this survey was to determine which complementary therapies are believed by their respective representing professional organizations to be suited for which medical conditions. 223 questionnaires were sent out to CAM organizations representing a single CAM therapy. The respondents were asked to list the 15 conditions they felt benefited most from their CAM therapy, the 15 most important contra-indications, the typical costs of initial and any subsequent treatments and the average length of training required to become a fully qualified practitioner. The conditions and contra-indications quoted by responding CAM organizations were recorded and the top five of each were determined. Treatment costs and hours of training were expressed as ranges. Of the 223 questionnaires sent out, 66 were completed and returned. Taking undelivered questionnaires into account, the response rate was 34%. Two or more responses were received from CAM organizations representing twelve therapies: aromatherapy, Bach flower remedies, Bowen technique, chiropractic, homoeopathy, hypnotherapy, magnet therapy, massage, nutrition, reflexology, Reiki and yoga. The top seven common conditions deemed to benefit by all twelve therapies, in order of frequency, were: stress/anxiety, headaches/migraine, back pain, respiratory problems (including asthma), insomnia, cardiovascular problems and musculoskeletal problems. Aromatherapy, Bach flower remedies, hypnotherapy, massage, nutrition, reflexology, Reiki and yoga were all recommended as suitable treatments for stress/anxiety. Aromatherapy, Bowen technique, chiropractic, hypnotherapy, ma
limited evidence
Q2 JournalUse of complementary and alternative medicine across the childbirth spectrum in China
Over the last decade, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been widely used in maternity practice all over the world. Women from different cultural backgrounds prefer the use of specific CAM modalities. The objectives of this study were to explore the use of CAM, the types of CAM practitioners consulted, and perceptions of the efficacy of CAM among a sample of Chinese postpartum women. The study's second objective was to investigate common patterns of CAM provided and the reasons for a CAM recommendation to childbearing women, from the perspective of obstetric staff. This cross-sectional survey was undertaken at a university-affiliated general hospital and a maternity and child health hospital in Guangzhou, China. Patients were approached from both the postnatal wards and the postnatal outpatient departments, and healthcare professionals were obstetric staff, including doctors, midwives and nurses who work in the department of obstetrics. A total of 306 patients and 225 obstetric staff completed the questionnaire. The mean age of these patients and obstetric staff was 29.28 (SD 4.31), and 31.01 (SD 6.97) years old, respectively. Questionnaire data revealed the prevalence of CAM use among patients was 42.8%. Common types of CAM used and provided by the studied hospitals include acupressure (43.5%), massage therapy (32.0%), reflexology (30.2%), acupuncture (23.5%), and herbal medicine (20.0%). Most Chinese women used CAM therapies during the postnatal period (30.9%). These women mainly used CAM for pain relief (22.2%) and relaxation (18.3%). The most common reasons for health professionals to recommend CAM to patients, were patient demand (81.3%) and CAM's proven efficacy (81.3%). In order to communicate effectively about CAM, health professionals should undertake continuing professional development on updated perspectives of CAM use in obstetrics, and equip themselves with updated knowledge about the evidence-base for CAM, in order to provide efficien
Investigation on Musculoskeletal Injury and Psychological Empowerment of Reflexologists in Taiwan: Analysis of the Recognition to Alternative Therapy
Many studies have proven that reflexology has been used as a complementary medical treatment. Therefore, the government has started to plan an examination system for reflexology personnel to ensure the quality of service. Reflexologists work long hours, have heavy workloads, and perform poses that do not conform to human factors, which often cause musculoskeletal fatigue. The purpose of this study is to understand the musculoskeletal pain conditions of reflexologists, the psychological empowerment status, and the perceptions of complementary medicine therapy. The data for this study were obtained in two ways: (1) 59 practitioners were surveyed by using a face-to-face questionnaire and (2) a semi-structured interview was carried out for 10 practitioners. This study discovered the following: (1) Reflexology practitioners have musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms in body parts, including the left shoulder (25.4%), left hand or wrist (25.4%), lower back (25.4%), right shoulder (23.7%), left elbow or forearm (22%). (2) Reflexology practitioners are highly psychologically empowered to work. (3) The practitioners of foot therapy hold a positive attitude towards foot therapy and believe that foot therapy is a natural therapy, which is self-serving and can help others. (4) Most reflexologists support the government's desire to promote the reflexology examination system and are willing to help develop the policy. (5) The height of most reflexologist work chairs does not match the height of the guest's seat and is not ergonomic.
Take me to a clinical reflexologist: an exploratory survey
This paper reports the results of a questionnaire exploring the role, training and experience of a 'clinical reflexologist'. The sample (n=105) was delegates at a clinical reflexology conference held at a major cancer treatment centre in the North West of England. The majority of participants had completed diploma level training (n=73) and were female (n=99). 62% (n=65) of the delegates had been practising for 6+ years and were practising in private practice, hospices and NHS settings amongst others. 40% (n=42) of participants actually worked across more than one of these settings. Respondents also reported working with a variety of healthcare concerns, including recovery from surgery, fertility, pain, smoking cessation and maternity and cancer care. Additional information was gathered related to training, referral rates from health professionals and access to professional and peer support. The questionnaire did not seek to explore what constitutes adequate training for clinical reflexology practice or respondents' view on whether being a registered nurse or allied health professional is a prerequisite for practising within a clinical environment. Additionally, caution must be taken with the reported findings as the respondents chose to attend the conference. This survey has provided, for the first time, some interesting information/views on what constitutes 'clinical reflexology' and how some practitioners are developing their roles in healthcare settings. Further research work is warranted.
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for pregnancy related low back and/ or pelvic girdle pain: An online survey
Low back and pelvic girdle pain (LBPGP) is a common complaint among pregnant women, which increases throughout pregnancy and women use various complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies to manage their pain. Using an online survey, CAM treatments used by pregnant women in the UK and their perceptions of these therapies to relieve LBPGP were investigated. 191 women completed the survey and 70% experienced LBPGP lasting more than one week. Over half of women who sought treatment from a GP or physiotherapist were dissatisfied. 25% of participants used CAM during pregnancy, the most popular being aromatherapy (21%), acupuncture (21%), and reflexology (15%). 81% of women used CAM to manage their LBPGP and 85% found it useful for pregnancy symptoms. Women experience high levels of pain during pregnancy with limited treatment options. Research into effective CAM treatments for LBPGP is required to allow women to make informed decisions regarding treatment options.
Reflexology and polysomnography: Changes in cerebral wave activity induced by reflexology promote N1 and N2 sleep stages
Several studies have shown the effectiveness of reflexology in different health problems as well as obtaining a high degree of relaxation during its application. A previous study suggested a possible relation between the relaxation obtained during the reflexology session and the sleep. However, the design of the study did not provide evidence for this hypothesis. In this study, we use a polysomnogram to investigate the effects during its application. Prospective experimental study conducted in a sleep laboratory. Twelve healthy adults were enrolled. Two groups were created based on whether or not they had knowledge of reflexology. Reflexology was applied for 35 min and their sleep effects were measured by means of polysomnography. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed. A bivariate analysis conducted through chi-square test or ANOVA was considered appropriate. After controlling for baseline data, nine of the participants did move toward N1 (p = 0.833) and N2 (p = 0.227) stages, remaining in these states between 4 min and 25.5 min. No significant differences were found between the two groups. The application of reflexology induces changes in the activity of brain waves in correspondence with the appearance of a high degree of sleepiness and sleep (N1 and N2 NREM sleep). There is a gradual transition and an orderly progression from wakefulness to sleep, which could explain the effects of relaxation and well being obtained with this method, as well as many other benefits.
Management of cancer pain with complementary therapies
Pain is one of the most feared consequences of cancer. Pain is a major symptom in 75% of hospitalized cancer patients. Poorly relieved pain contributes to the suffering of the patient and family, which may motivate them to seek additional complementary and alternative therapies. Evidence-based complementary therapies are being used for symptom control and to improve quality of life. There is recent research on several complementary therapies-acupuncture, mind-body therapies, massage, reflexology, and Reiki--that provides evidence for pain management. These therapies are not well utilized due to a lack of information on benefits, risks, and resources. There is a call for education to alert patients, families, nurses, and physicians to the benefits of evidence-based complementary therapies and to the dangers of "unproven" cancer therapies. Oncology nurses are ideally positioned to assess patients' pain, to educate patients, to determine with the patient and physician the most appropriate and safe complementary therapy for pain, to refer patients to appropriate resources, and in some cases to provide the therapy itself. This article will discuss specific complementary therapies for pain control and will arm nurses with the confidence to intervene with knowledge, referrals, and ideas for hands-on implementation.
moderate evidenceNon-pharmacological analgesia strategies in adult and elderly endovascular procedures: a scoping review
To identify the main non-pharmacological analgesia strategies used in clinical practice in adult and elderly endovascular procedures. scoping review, undertaken in July 2021, on 12 national and international data sources. The recommendations of the JBI and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist were followed. Thirteen studies were selected to compose the sample, with no time or language cut-off. the main non-pharmacological strategies found were cold compress, use of music, and reflexology. The most prevalent procedures were coronary angiography, peripheral venous catheterization, and femoral catheter removal. Pain measurement by Visual Numeric Scale and Visual Analog Scale described pain reduction in adults and elderly. the main non-pharmacological strategies found were cold compress, use of music, and reflexology, which reduce pain in adults and the elderly.
Exploring Manual Interventions for Infantile Colic: A Scoping Review of the Evidence
Background: Infantile colic affects up to 40% of otherwise healthy infants and can severely distress caregivers. Manual therapies are increasingly employed as non-pharmacological options, yet their effectiveness and safety remain uncertain. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported following PRISMA-ScR. Five databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Scopus, PEDro, Web of Science) were searched from December 2024 to May 2025 without restrictions at the search stage; however, only English-language randomised controlled trials published from 2012 onwards were included at the eligibility stage to ensure consistency and focus on the most recent body of evidence. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating hands-on interventions for infants ≤ 6 months with colic were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened records, charted data, and grouped outcomes narratively. Results: Seven RCTs investigated abdominal massage, paediatric Tuina, craniosacral therapy, chiropractic manipulation, osteopathic light touch, reflexology, and acupressure. Five trials reported statistically or clinically significant reductions in daily crying (0.6-6.6 h) compared with usual care or sham. Three studies also documented meaningful gains in sleep duration (1.1-2.8 h). Parent-reported satisfaction improved in most interventions. No serious adverse events were recorded, although safety monitoring was inconsistently reported. Substantial heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria, outcome measures, and intervention dose precluded meta-analysis. Conclusions: Low-force manual therapies may offer modest short-term relief for colicky infants and improve parental experience, with an apparently favourable safety profile. However, methodological variability and small sample sizes limit certainty. Standardised protocols, objective outcome measures, and robust adverse-event surveillance are priorities for future research.
Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine in children constipation: a systematic review
This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative medicine methods for constipation in the pediatric population. Medical literature search was performed in several databases for a variety of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in childhood constipation. Databases included Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google scholar and a number of Persian databases including IranDoc, Magiran and SID. No time limitation was determined. Clinical trials or case series that had evaluated the effectiveness of CAM therapies in functional constipation of 1-18 year old children were included. Papers not in English or Persian language were excluded. Related articles were screened independently by two reviewers according to their titles and abstracts. A data extraction form was filled in for each eligible paper. Quality assessment of eligible documents was also performed. 30 studies were included, comprising 27 clinical trials and 3 case series. Ten documents were on herbal medicine, nine on traditional medicine, ten on manual therapies and one on homeopathy. Except for two herbal and one reflexology interventions, all studies reported positive effects on childhood constipation, with the majority being statistically significant. As the number of studies in each method was limited, we could not perform a meta-analysis. The scarcity of research on the efficacy and safety of different types of complementary and alternative medicine methods in children with constipation necessitates conducting more studies in each field. Graphical abstract.
Can reflexology maintain or improve the well-being of people with Parkinson's Disease?
This study explored whether reflexology could improve or sustain the wellbeing of people with Parkinosn's Disease [PD] using the PDQ39 wellbeing tool designed specifically for use with people with PD. The treatmnt protocal involved giving 8 therapy sessions to 16 people with varying derees of PD in a cross-over design to enable a longitudinal survey of impact. Whilst the results reflected the progressive nature of PD deterioration over time there was an improvement in wellbeing over the active therapy phase. These results suggest that continuous two- three weekly reflexology may limit further deteroration or maintain improvement of wellbeing. A further study is indicated to study this hypothesis.
Exploratory study on the efficacy of reflexology for pain threshold and tolerance using an ice-pain experiment and sham TENS control
To explore the efficacy of reflexology on acute pain induced in healthy human subjects using a sham TENS control. An ice-pain experiment was undertaken in which the volunteers (n = 15; 11 female and 4 male with a mean ± SEM age of 37.7 ± 2.6 years) were required to immerse their non-dominant hand in a container of ice-slurry whilst two indices of pain, i.e. threshold, (the time taken for subjects to experience the first pain sensation) and tolerance, (the time when the subject is unable to tolerate any further pain), were measured. Compared to control data, reflexology increased acute pain threshold (F(1,14) = 4.5958, p < 0.05) and tolerance (F(1,14) = 5.1095, p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that reflexology produces antinociceptive effects in a controlled experiment and suggest the possibility that reflexology may be useful on its own or as an adjunct to medication in the treatment of pain conditions in man.
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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