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 49 of 68
'Reflexology techniques are not an effective tool for symptom recognition or the diagnosis of medical conditions'
We are pleased to introduce a new series of debates addressing topical issues currently under scrutiny in the field of complementary medicine. In selected issues, two people are invited to argue the case for or against a specific statement. In certain instances the position taken may not necessarily reflect the personal views of the authors. They have been asked to take a specific stance in order to stimulate debate and reflection about particular aspects of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
preliminary evidence
Q1 JournalIdentifying ethicolegal and professional principles in reflexology
Although few reflexologists are likely to be sued in the course of their professional practice, all practitioners owe their patients a duty of care and must work within the law. Ethical and legal responsibilities are integral to safe and effective practice. This paper will outline the major ethical and legal responsibilities owed by reflexologists to their patients.
The future of reflexology
It would have been difficult 30 years ago to foresee how great would be the grass roots response to reflexology. Over the past 5 years public and professional interest in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), its practice, future development and possible regulation have been of much concern in many quarters, not least among therapists themselves. The report of the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology into Complementary and Alternative Medicine published in November 2000 made a number of recommendations likely to influence the social framework in which CAM has been practiced. This paper offers an appraisal of the practice of reflexology, its historic development, legal issues, scope and limitations of practice.
The scope and limitations of treatment. An interview with Ann Lett, Principle, British School--Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet
Ann Lett was born in Johannesburg South Africa and trained as a nurse in 1953, and subsequently as a midwife in London. In 1977 she was treated with reflex zone therapy following a road traffic accident, and subsequently pursued a career in reflex zone therapy by undertaking training with many European practitioners. In 1979 she trained with Hanne Marquardt in Germany, and in 1981 was asked to develop the British School of Reflex Zone Therapy at the National Hospital for Nervous Diseases in London. Shortly after this, she and Ms. Marquardt established schools of reflex zone therapy in Israel and Barcelona. Her book Reflex Zone Therapy for Health Professionals, published in 2000 by Churchill Livingstone (ISBN 0 443 060150), is the culmination of 23 years of expertise in reflex zone therapy, and 47 years of nursing experience. She is presently Principle, British School Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet, Wembley Park, UK. In this interview, Ann discusses the scope and limitations of reflexology and how she sees this profession developing in the future.
An introduction to catharsis and the healing crisis in reflexology
This paper explores the concept of healing through catharsis in relation to the practice of reflexology. The literature will be reviewed to inform a critical analysis of the role of the reflexologist and specifically the therapeutic relationship. This area was chosen as I have had experiences of reflexology clients reporting feeling 'emotional', 'being tearful', and 'thinking more about their lives' past and present'. These observations have been illuminated by a recent study that suggests reflexology can be helpful for people with emotional needs (Trousdall 1997). Emotional and physical responses to reflexology are traditionally attributed to 'detoxification' and the signs of it occurring known as a 'healing crisis' (Sahai 1993, Griffiths 1995). Consideration will be given to the practitioner's skills and support, issues of boundaries to practice, and the effective management of patient's emotional and physical responses. The safety and potency of the therapeutic work will be key elements to the discussions.
The Effect of Reflexology Applied to Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Dyspnea and Fatigue
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology on reducing dyspnea and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study was conducted as a pretest-posttest experimental design. The population of the study consisted of 60 patients (30 in experimental group and 30 in control group). Patient Description Form, Baseline Dyspnea Index (BDI) and Visual Analogue Scale-Fatigue (VAS-F) were used to collect the data. The difference between pretest-posttest dyspnea and fatigue mean scores of patients in the experimental group was statistically significant (p .05). It was determined that the reflexology reduced dyspnea and fatigue in patients with COPD. Complementary methods such as reflexology should be used with pharmacological methods to reduce dyspnea and fatigue of COPD patients.
moderate evidenceThe use of complementary therapies in midwifery practice: a focus on reflexology
This paper introduces the use of complementary therapies within midwifery practice, and particularly focuses on reflexology. Case reports illustrate instances in which reflexology has been successful for childbearing women. Some of the issues pertinent to midwives are explored.
A concept analysis: the effect of reflexology on homeostasis to establish and maintain lactation
The focus of this paper is to consider whether reflexology can have an effect on homeostasis to establish and maintain lactation. This complementary therapy encompasses the theory of holism to nurture the whole body, mind and spirit (Crane 1997). Parents experience many stressful emotions when their baby is admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which in turn can affect the body, mind and spirit, often contributing to the reduction of lactation for the mother. This paper will utilize a concept analysis approach (Chinn & Jacobs 1987) to provide a focus and sense of direction to the discussion and exploration of the topic.
Effect of acupressure and reflexology on pregnancy constipation: a quasi-experimental study
Constipation is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. A significant percentage of pregnant women report that this constipation occurs or worsens during pregnancy. Nowadays, the use of complementary medicine treatments to control or reduce constipation is of particular importance. The aim of this study was, therefore, to compare the effects of acupressure and reflexology on constipation in pregnant women. In this quasi-experimental study, 90 pregnant women who had visited three health centres in Birjand, Iran, for 4 weeks in 2021 were randomly selected and assigned to three groups: acupressure (n = 30), reflexology (n = 30) and control (n = 30). The Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) for pregnancy was completed before the intervention and in the first, second, third and fourth weeks after the intervention (twice a week), while the control group received usual care. The average severity of constipation decreased significantly over time after the start of the intervention in both the acupressure and reflexology groups (P < 0.05). In the control group, the average severity of constipation decreased significantly in the first, second and third weeks after the intervention, but increased significantly in the fourth week (P < 0.05). The average reduction in the severity of constipation over the course of the study was significantly higher in the pregnant women in the acupressure group than in the reflexology group and the control group, and higher in the reflexology group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Both acupressure and reflexology had significant effects on reducing the severity of constipation during pregnancy. However, the alleviating effect of acupressure was greater than that of reflexology. Trial registration Registered at the Iranian registry of clinical trials, with code No. IRCT20210626051706N1 in 2021-12-20.
Complementary therapies: a patient's choice
Judith Thwaite discusses the role of complementary therapy in her treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 1988 and since that time she has tried a number of therapies. A visit to the Bristol Cancer Help Centre changed her outlook on life and the Centre's policy of patient empowerment encouraged her to fulfil an ambition to write. She also visits the Royal Homoeopathic Hospital, London, regularly for massage, shiatsu, acupuncture, and reflexology and relates how these have helped her cope with the disease as well as her sessions of chemotherapy. Throughout her illness she has remained positive and optimistic, determined to use whatever methods that are available to help her.
Establishing an integrative oncology service in the Australian healthcare setting-the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Hospital experience
Comprehensive cancer centres are on the rise as patients seek a more holistic approach to maintaining their wellbeing when living with a cancer diagnosis. Many cancer centres worldwide now incorporate a selection of evidence-based complementary therapies and qualified therapists into their offerings. The Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, a comprehensive cancer centre in Sydney, Australia, provides integrative oncology services including acupuncture, massage, reflexology, dietetics and exercise physiology for individual patients, along with group programmes, and an integrative and supportive care medical specialist. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on one model of integrative oncology service and approach to integration and team and service development.
Reflexology: recent research approaches
The intention of this paper is to examine recent published research in the field of reflexology and healthcare and consider the way forward for research work in reflexology. It will explore the various research approaches and methods, which have and could be used in answering questions about reflexology practice and outcomes for patients. The recommendations of the Foundation for Integrated Medicine Report (FIM 1997) with regard to conducting research and audit will be included in the paper. These are proposed here as a framework for both reviewing past studies and as guidance for future reflexology investigations. The authors themselves have conducted small reflexology studies and they will reflect on their experiences in analysing the research process. This paper does not aim to give a concise review of the literature to date but uses examples of recently published work to illustrate the issues that might confront researchers.
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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