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 43 of 68
Effects of Counselling and Sole Reflexology on Fatigue in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Increase of fatigue may lead to problems during pregnancy, delivery and post delivery. Sole reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet. Reflexology is generally relaxing and may be an effective way to alleviate fatigue and stress. To investigate the effect of counselling and sole reflexology on fatigue in pregnant women, referred to the medical centers of Hamadan city, Iran. This study was a randomized clinical trial with three groups - Group A (counselling and reflexology), Group B (reflexology) and Group C (control) with pre and post intervention. A total of forty two pregnant women were selected for each group. Measurement tool was a 30 question standard checklist for fatigue assessment. For all three groups, an explanatory session was held to get their written consents and conduct a pretest. The intervention included five education sessions, twice a week about reflexology in the form of counselling and sole reflexology. The groups were assessed immediately after intervention. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0. To analyse the data, descriptive statistics, t test and ANOVA with repeated measures were used. In group A and group B, the mean score of fatigue severity after the intervention demonstrated a significant decrease (p<0.05); furthermore, after intervention, a significant difference was observed between the control and experimental groups in terms of fatigue severity (p<0.01). Based on the results of this study, counselling and sole reflexology significantly decreased fatigue in pregnant women. It is hoped that the results of this study can be used by all treatment groups and midwives for controlling and providing midwifery cares for pregnant women.
moderate evidenceComplementary therapy use by persons with multiple sclerosis: benefits and research priorities
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are commonly actively involved in self-care, with many accessing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to help in symptom management. To provide increased insight into benefits from CAM use and service user ideas over research priorities, a two-part study, involving a questionnaire and interactive workshop, was undertaken with attendees at a national Congress of the MS Trust in the UK. The six most used therapies were reflexology, massage, yoga, relaxation and meditation, acupuncture and aromatherapy. Each was rated by a quarter to two-fifths as 'extremely helpful'. Insight into the nature of the therapeutic benefit was provided in user comments. Despite the self-selected nature of the sample, the findings point to potential benefits of a set of CAM therapies in helping people with MS. More research on potential benefits of therapies was called for by participants and on the dynamics of the therapeutic effect.
limited evidence
Q2 JournalNasal irrigation for the alleviation of sinonasal symptoms
To determine the effect of nasal irrigation on sinonasal symptoms. A total of 150 adult subjects with chronic sinusitis symptoms were recruited from the community and assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: nasal irrigation with bulb syringe, nasal irrigation with nasal irrigation pot, or control treatment with reflexology massage. Groups 1 and 2 performed daily hypertonic saline irrigation with 1 device for 2 weeks and then with the other device for 2 weeks. Group 3 performed reflexology massage daily for 2 weeks. Prospective data collected included pretreatment Medical Outcomes Study Short Form, pretreatment and posttreatment Rhinosinusitis Outcomes Measure, daily medication use, subjective treatment efficacy, and preference of irrigation method. There was a significant and equivalent improvement in Rhinosinusitis Outcomes Measure 31 score after 2 weeks of intervention in each treatment group; 35% of subjects reported decreased use of sinus medication. Daily nasal irrigation using either a bulb syringe, nasal irrigation pot, and daily reflexology massage were equally efficacious and resulted in improvement in the symptoms of chronic sinusitis in over 70% of subjects. Medication usage was decreased in approximately one third of participants regardless of intervention.
The Effect of Hand Reflexology Massage on Pain and Anxiety After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Pain and anxiety are common postoperative problems that impair recovery and quality of life in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Reflexology is a nonpharmacologic method used to control pain and anxiety. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of reflexology hand massage and stroking massage on pain and anxiety in patients in the immediate postoperative period after CABG. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, we compared the effects of a 20-minute hand-reflexology massage to placebo stroking massage on pain and anxiety in newly extubated patients in the intensive care unit who had undergone CABG surgery. Pain was measured by visual analog scale and anxiety by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and at 5, 30, and 60 minutes post intervention. A total of 48 patients were enrolled: 24 in the intervention group and 24 in the placebo. Mean pain scores were significantly reduced in the group who received reflexology compared with the placebo group ( F = 36.569, P = .000). Mean anxiety scores were significantly reduced at 60 minutes for the reflexology group compared with the control group ( P = .000). We found that hand reflexology massage was effective in reducing pain and anxiety in patients during the immediate postoperative period after CABG.
[Zone therapy and asthma]
Many patients with asthma seek alternative or adjunctive therapies. One such modality is reflexology. Our aim was to examine the popular claim that reflexology treatment benefits bronchial asthma. Ten weeks of either active or simulated (placebo) reflexology were compared in an otherwise blind, controlled trial of 40 patients with asthma. Objective lung function tests did not change. Subjective scores and bronchial sensitivity to histamine improved on both regimens, but no differences were found in the groups receiving active or placebo reflexology. However, a trend in favour of reflexology became significant when a supplementary analysis of symptom diaries was carried out. At the same time a significant pattern compatible with subconscious un-blinding was found. We found no evidence that reflexology has a specific effect on asthma beyond a placebo influence.
Opinions and observations of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy about changes seen after reflexology: A qualitative study
The aim of this research was to examine the effect of reflexology on the problems of children with cerebral palsy from perspective of caregivers. Qualitative study was made after 24-session reflexology program. 12 caregivers who have 2-18 year-old children with spastic type cerebral palsy receiving special education and received reflexology. The thematic questions were determined and in-depth interviews were conducted. Themes of the study were determined as; the caregiver's views on reflexology, the effect of reflexology on health of children with CP and the caregivers' observations on child after reflexology therapy, positive and negative aspects and causes of reflexology treatment. As a results; the caregivers expressed that there were increases in self-confidence of children, improvement in walking, reduced spasticity, relaxation, decreases in constipation, and increases in communication, speech and perception after reflexology.
Complementary medicine for laboring women: a qualitative study of the effects of reflexology
Background Despite pharmacological interventions, labor pain and anxiety still remain a challenge, and can carry long-term psychological complications. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of reflexology on these symptoms and to explore the physical and psychological components of women's experience associated with this treatment. Methods This qualitative study was conducted in an Israeli university hospital that offers integrative medicine services. Reflexology was offered to laboring women in the hospital, by the medical staff. In-depth, open interviews were conducted with 36 women, still in hospital, who consented to be interviewed, within 48 h after delivery. Questions referred to their labor experience with reflexology treatment. Results Of the 36 participants, 34 (94%) described a positive and empowering experience. They reported reduced pain and anxiety, and an increased sense of self-efficacy brought about by the ability to become active and manage labor. Conclusions Using reflexology as one of the complementary medicine treatment available can contribute greatly to the entire labor experience as it empowers women and increases self-confidence and ability to self-manage labor and delivery.
[Efficacy of reflexology in the combination with neuroprotective treatment in hemiparetic form of children cerebral palsy]
Sixty patients with the diagnosis of cerebral palsy with hemiparesis at the age from 2 to 7 years were treated. All 60 patients had conventional treatment including massage and exercise therapy. Patients were divided into 2 randomized groups. The patients of the first group were given 3 sets of microcurrent reflexology sessions and 2 courses of treatment with cortexin. Patients of the second group were given reflexology treatments only. The microcurrent reflexology treatment included 15 sessions using the apparatus MAKS. Cortexin was introduced intramuscularly in dosage 10 mg. The bottle content was diluted in 2 ml of 0.5% novocaine. The treatment included 10 injections. This treatment showed the beneficial effects: 29 patients of the first group (97%) and 27 patients of the second group (90%) developed some ambulation skills. The progress in complicated manipulative activity of paralyzed upper extremities under microcurrent reflexology with cortexin was 2.2 times more visible in patients of the first group compared to the second one (11 patients (37%) versus 5 patients (17%), respectively). Positive changes in the encephalon functional status according to electroencephalography results were found in 21 patients (71%) of the first group and in 16 patients (53%) of the second group.
Reflexology and bronchial asthma
Many asthma patients seek alternative or adjunctive therapies. One such modality is reflexology, whereby finger pressure is applied to certain parts of the body. The aim of the study was to examine the popular claim that reflexology treatment benefits bronchial asthma. Ten weeks of active or simulated (placebo) reflexology given by an experienced reflexologist, were compared in an otherwise blind, controlled trial of 20+20 outpatients with asthma. Objective lung function tests (peak flow morning and evening, and weekly spirometry at the clinic) did not change. Subjective scores (describing symptoms, beta2-inhalations and quality of life) and also bronchial sensitivity to histamine improved on both regimens, but no differences were found between groups receiving active or placebo reflexology. However, a trend in favour of reflexology became significant when a supplementary analysis of symptom diaries was carried out. It was accompanied by a significant pattern compatible with subconscious unblinding, in that patients tended to guess which treatment they had been receiving. No evidence was found that reflexology has a specific effect on asthma beyond placebo influence.
The effect of guided imagery and reflexology on pain intensity, duration of labor and birth satisfaction in primiparas: randomized controlled trial
The aim of the researchers is to determine the effects of guided imagery and foot reflexology on pain intensity, duration of labor, and birth satisfaction. While cervical dilation was 4 cm, the guided imagery group has watched the guided imagery video; the reflexology group has received reflexology for both feet for 30 min. The mean VAS scores of the experimental groups were statistically lower than the mean score of the control group. The difference between the time averages of the groups was found to be significant. Birth satisfaction meanscores of the experimental groups was found to be higher than the control group.
Effect of Reflexology to Depressive Symptoms in Women With Overactive Bladder
This study is to determine the effect of foot reflexology on the level of depression in women with OAB. Study findings included in the study showed foot reflexology as a part of OAB treatment relieved urinary and depressive symptoms and had a positive effect on quality of life.
Comparison of Reflexology and Connective Tissue Manipulation in Participants with Primary Dysmenorrhea
The aim of this interventional correlational study is to compare the effects of foot reflexology (FR) and connective tissue manipulation (CTM) in subjects with primary dysmenorrhea. A total of 30 participants having primary dysmenorrhea completed the study. Data, including demographics (age, body-mass index), menstrual cycle (age at menarche, menstrual cycle duration, time since menarche, bleeding duration), and menstrual pain characteristics (intensity and duration of pain, type and amount of analgesics), were recorded. Effect of dysmenorrhea on participants' concentration in lessons and in sports and social activities was assessed by using the visual analog scale. Participants rated their menstruation-related symptom intensity through the Likert-type scale. FR was applied to 15 participants for 3 days a week and CTM was performed on 15 participants for 5 days a week. Treatments were performed during one cycle, which started at the third or fourth day of menstruation and continued till the onset of next menstruation. Assessments were performed before treatment (first menstruation), then after termination of the treatment because of the next menstruation's onset (second menstruation), and ∼1 month after at the consecutive menstrual period (third menstrual cycle). Time-dependent changes in duration and intensity of pain along with analgesic amount show that both treatments provided significant improvements (p 0.05). A similar result was obtained in terms of time-dependent changes in concentration in lessons and difficulty in sports and social activities due to dysmenorrhea. Menstruation-related symptoms were found to be decreased after treatment and in the following cycle with both treatments (p 0.05). Both FR and CTM can be used in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea and menstruation-related symptoms as these methods are free from the potentially adverse effects of analgesics, noninvasive, and easy to perform.
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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