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 45 of 68
[Foot reflexology massage: a clinical study]
The aim of the study was to investigate the possible usefulness of foot reflexology on the recovery after a surgical intervention. 130 patients participated in the study. They underwent abdominal surgery under full anesthesia for different, but exclusively gynecological reasons. Foot reflexology investigated in this study was applied only for a few days for each patient. The following parameters were recorded: the subjective, self-assessed, general condition, pain intensity, movement of the bowels, micturition and sleep, beginning on the day before operation until day 10. Two other treatments served as controls, a simple massage of the foot or a personal conversation. The simple massage turned out to be a relaxing, positive experience, whereas foot reflexology had various effects, some of them were even negative. The conclusion was that foot reflexology is not recommended for acute, abdominal postsurgical situations in gynecology because it can occasionally trigger abdominal pain. This project is one of the few studies planned, conducted and performed by the nursing staff.
moderate evidenceThe Effect of Foot Reflexology on Pain and Kinesiophobia in Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study
Nonpharmacological methods are used in the management of pain and kinesiophobia following total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this double-blind randomized controlled trial was to examine the effect of foot reflexology on pain and kinesiophobia in patients following total knee arthroplasty. A total of 40 patients (20 in the control group and 20 in the intervention group) were randomly assigned to either of two groups for the study. The intervention group was exposed to foot reflexology. Postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores decreased faster in the intervention group compared to the control group (F = 80.417; p < .001; η2 = 0.685). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores decreased in the intervention group over time, while they increased in the control group (p < .05). While a gradual increase was observed in the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia scores in the control group, there was a decrease in the intervention group (F = 84.860; p < .001; η2 = 0.696). The amount of analgesics used was lower in the intervention group (p < .05). Foot reflexology can be applied as an effective and safe method to manage pain and kinesiophobia in total knee arthroplasty patients.
Comparing the impact of foot and hand reflexology on anxiety and physiological indices in colonoscopy candidates: A randomized clinical trial
Colonoscopy is a standard diagnostic procedure, yet pre-procedural anxiety remains a prevalent concern. While pharmacological interventions are available, non-pharmacological approaches such as reflexology offer a promising alternative. Despite its therapeutic potential, comparative evidence on foot and hand reflexology in this setting is limited. This study aimed to evaluate their effects on pre-colonoscopy anxiety and physiological parameters. This randomized clinical study was conducted from November 2022 to August 2023 at the Amir al-Momenin Educational and Therapeutic Center in Arak, Iran. A total of 105 patients were randomly assigned to three equal-sized groups (n = 35) using block randomization: foot reflexology, hand reflexology, and a control group. Patients in the intervention groups received a 30-min reflexology session. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y1), a validated tool for measuring situational anxiety. Physiological indices, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), were measured immediately before and after the intervention. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes among the groups at baseline (p > 0.05). However, following the intervention, the mean anxiety scores in both reflexology groups (foot reflexology: 44.39 ± 5.21; hand reflexology: 45.6 ± 4.49) were significantly lower than that of the control group (48.05 ± 4.81) (p = 0.008), as determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The anxiety reduction was more pronounced in the foot reflexology group than the hand reflexology group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Additionally, post-intervention assessments revealed significant differences in systolic blood pressure (foot reflexology: 123.48 ± 16.40 mmHg;
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients With Digestive or Lung Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial
Cancer is a chronic disease with an incidence of 24.5 million and 9.6 million deaths worldwide in 2017. Lung and colorectal cancer are the most common cancers for both sexes and, according to national and international recommendations, platinum-based chemotherapy is the reference adjuvant treatment. This chemotherapy can be moderately to highly emetogenic. Despite antiemetic therapy, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) may persist. Moreover, cancer patients are increasingly interested in alternative and complementary medicines and have expressed the desire that nonpharmacological treatments be used in hospitals. Among alternative and complementary medicines, foot reflexology significantly decreases the severity of CINV in patients with breast cancer. The primary aim of this study was to assess the benefits of foot reflexology as a complement therapy to conventional treatments regarding the severity of acute CINV in patients with digestive or lung cancer. The secondary objectives assessed were the frequency and severity of delayed CINV, quality of life, anxiety, and self-esteem. This study was conducted between April 2018 and April 2020 in the Hospices Civils de Lyon, France. This was an open-label randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized into two groups: the intervention group (ie, conventional care with foot reflexology; n=40) and the control group (ie, conventional care without foot reflexology; n=40). Foot reflexology sessions (30 minutes each) were performed on outpatients or inpatients. Eligible participants were patients with lung or digestive cancer with an indication for platinum-based chemotherapy. The severity of acute nausea and vomiting was assessed with a visual analog scale during the second cycle of chemotherapy. A significant increase of at least 2 points was observed for the control group (7/34, 21%; P=.001). Across all cycles, the foot reflexology group showed a trend toward less frequent delayed nausea (P=.28), a si
The effects of foot reflexology on pain and physiological indicators in children with leukemia under chemotherapy: a clinical trial study
Foot reflexology is a popular complementary medicine method; however, previous studies have shown conflicting results. This study aimed to investigate the impact of foot reflexology on pain and physiological responses caused by intrathecal injection of chemotherapy drugs in children with leukemia. This clinical trial included 80 children with leukemia. The participants received 20 min foot reflexology (10 min each foot). The primary measured outcomes included pain and physiological indicators (blood pressure and heart rate). The results showed that foot reflexology had a significant effect on reducing pain (p = 0.002) and improving physiological indicators [blood pressure (p = 0.002) and heart rate (p = 0.003)]. Based on the results of the present study, which shows the positive effect of foot reflexology on the improvement of pain and physiological indicators, foot reflexology can be used as a complementary treatment along with conventional therapies.
The Effect of Massage and Foot Reflexology on Sleep in Newborns
Objective: This study was conducted to examine the effects of massage and foot reflexology on the sleep of premature infants. Materials and Methods: The research was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study. The study population consisted of premature infants born at 30-37 weeks of gestation who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a hospital in the Central Anatolia Region. The sample included 108 premature infants divided into three groups: Massage group (n = 36), Foot reflexology group (n = 36), and Control group (n = 36). Data were collected using a neonatal follow-up form and actigraphy. Massage and foot reflexology interventions were administered to the respective groups twice daily (Morning: 07:00-09:00 and Evening: 19:00-21:00) for 15 minutes each session over two consecutive days, making up a total of four sessions. The control group received routine nursing care without any additional intervention. Pre-test (once) and post-test (once) measurements of 24-h sleep durations were assessed using actigraphy for all groups. Results: Sleep duration in the massage group increased compared to pre-intervention (251 minutes) and the control group (272 minutes), while the sleep duration in the foot reflexology group similarly increased compared to pre-intervention (268 minutes) and the control group (266 minutes) (p .001). Sleep efficiency also showed a significant increase post-intervention, rising to 73% in the massage group and 71.8% in the foot reflexology group compared to the control group (p .001). Furthermore, the number of awakenings and wakefulness duration significantly decreased in the massage and foot reflexology groups compared to the control group (p .05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that massage and foot reflexology are effective non-pharmacological methods for improving sleep duration and sleep efficiency while reducing wakefulness duration and the number of awakenings in premature infants.
Effects of Foot Reflexology Education Program on Constipation, Anxiety and Depression in Nursing Students.
| 61 nursing students, with constipation, anxiety and depression were divided into two groups. Thirty-one students were place into an experimental group and 30 into a control group. The experimental group took a foot reflexology education program made to suit their needs for six weeks. It included 2 weeks of theory and 4 weeks of practical skill. A Bowel Function Assessment Form was done to measure constipation, along with a State Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. After the sessions, their bowel function scores and their anxiety and depression states were greatly decreased in the experimental group versus the control group. Conclusion: | Foot reflexology educational program was shown to be effective in improving constipation, anxiety and depression for the nursing students who had these symptoms.
The Effect of Reflexology on Baroreceptor Reflex Sensitivity, Blood Pressure and Sinus Arrhythmia.
| A study was done to measure the physiological changes in the body when foot reflexology and foot massage were given. It was found that reflexology stimulated the sensory nervous system in the feet from the reduction in Baroreceptor Reflex Sensitivity (BRS) and a measurable increase in Sinus Arrhythmia (SA) Conclusion: | Foot reflexology, in conjunction with massage, was found to be effective for eliciting measurable Baroreceptor changes in the body as an explanation for how reflexology works.
limited evidence
Q2 JournalThe Effect Of Foot Reflexology On Pain In Patients With Metastatic Cancer.
| This study looked at the effects of foot reflexology on cancer patients immediately after a reflexology session, three hours later and 24 hours after the intervention. Patients reported lower pain scores immediately after a reflexology session. There was no statistically significant effect three hours after the intervention. Pain scores were lower 24 hours after the intervention, but there were more opioid analgesics taken than before the first intervention. Conclusion: | Although the sample was small, there is an indication that there is an immediate positive effect of foot reflexology for patients with metastatic cancer who report pain.
Clinical Observation on Treatment of Migraine with Reflexology.
| 60 cases, both male and female, ages 16-60, with migraines from 6 months to 10 years, were divided into 2 groups: A treatment group and a control group each with 30 patients. The treatment group was given 20-30 minutes of foot reflexology daily for 2 weeks; and after 2 sessions, 3 cases were healed, 22 cases were relieved, and 5 cases had no results with a total success rate of 83.33%. The control group were given only conventional medicine and 2 cases were healed, 18 cases were relieved, and 10 cases had no results with a total success rate of 66.67% including fatigue in all cases, insomnia in 5 cases, dry mouth and nausea in 3 cases. Results: foot reflexology was more successful. Conclusion: | Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of migraines.
The effect of foot reflexology applied to women aged between 40 and 60 on vasomotor complaints and quality of life.
Researchers studied whether foot reflexology could help women aged 40-60 who experience hot flashes and night sweats (vasomotor complaints) during menopause. The study measured how reflexology affected these symptoms and the women's overall quality of life.
[Foot reflexology for caregivers in palliative care].
This study examined how foot reflexology might help caregivers working in palliative care settings manage stress and improve wellbeing. The research explored the experiences and potential benefits of reflexology for healthcare workers supporting patients at end of life.
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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