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 51 of 68
The Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage on Fatigue and Sleep Quality in Hemodialysis Patients
Hemodialysis patients experience fatigue due to factors such as toxic compounds in the bloodstream, fluid, and electrolyte disorders. Despite resting, they still feel tired and report poor sleep quality. This study aimed to investigate the effect of foot reflexology massage on reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality in hemodialysis patients. This quasi-experimental study was conducted on hemodialysis patients in southeastern Iran. Eligible patients were selected through purposive sampling and allocated to either the intervention group (n = 25) or the control group (n = 25). The intervention group received foot reflexology massage three times weekly for three weeks, while the control group received routine care. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Piper Fatigue Scale at three time points: pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and two weeks after intervention. The findings showed that the mean score of sleep quality in the intervention group decreased from 16.23 before the intervention to 3.31 two weeks after the intervention (p .001). Furthermore, the mean fatigue score in the intervention group decreased from 8.63 before the intervention to 3.11 two weeks after the intervention (p .001). The results of this study showed that foot reflexology can reduce fatigue and increase sleep quality in hemodialysis patients. As a simple, feasible, and non-invasive method without complications, reflexology can be used by nurses to reduce fatigue and increase sleep quality in HD patients.
moderate evidenceEffect of foot reflexology on relieving pain and improving resilience among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft
By applying pressure to specific reflective areas on the foot in accordance with different organs, standardized nursing interventions and programs significantly reduce pain. Increased intervention time can improve the effectiveness of foot reflexology, which is regarded as a beneficial intervention in a patient care program. It has been shown to have many health benefits, including lowering pain levels. This study aimed to explore the effect of foot reflexology on relieving pain and improving resilience among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft. A quasi-experimental (one group pre- and posttest) to evaluate the effectiveness of foot reflexology intervention on relieving pain and improving resilience among patients undergoing CABG. Setting: The study has been conducted in the intensive care unit and intermediate care units at the Academic Institute for Cardiothoracic Surgery, which is affiliated with Ain Shams University Hospitals. A purposive sample of patients (N.50) with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) has been recruited for the conduction of the present study. The study period was 9 months, from April 2024 to December 2024. Data collection tools: (1) structured interview questionnaire, (2) visual analog scale (VAS), and (3) the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). In terms of age, 72% of the patients were male, and the mean ± SD was 40.20 ± 7.64. Regarding the visual analog scale (VAS) “Pain Scale,” the study found that, with a p-value of p p p < 0.001, there was a statistically significant decrease in pain post the intervention as compared to pre. The results of the present investigation indicate that the use of foot reflexology following open cardiac surgery greatly relieves the pain. Foot reflexology showed a more notable and vital improvement after the coronary artery bypass graft for patients as nonpharmacological treatment for patients
The effect of foot reflexology on procedural pain before heel lancing in neonates
This study was designed to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on alleviating term neonates' invasive pain caused by heel lance. In this quasi-experimental study, 60 healthy neonates were recruited and divided into a reflexology group (n=30) and a control (n=30) group. The study design was quasi-experimental since the randomisation method was not used in the assignment of newborns to the groups. While the reflexology group received foot reflexology for an average of 20min before heel lance, the control group received no intervention. The elicited data were analysed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test. The reflexology and the control groups were similar in terms of age, gestational week, Apgar score, weight, height, and sex (P>0.05). The Neonatal infant pain scale (NIPS) scores of the newborns in the reflexology group after the heel lance procedure were found to be significantly lower than those in the control group (P0.05). The application of foot reflexology before invasive procedures, such as heel lance in newborns, is an effective non-pharmacological method for reducing invasive pain. Thus, reflexology could be used to reduce neonates' pain and soothe them during painful procedures such as heel lance.
ALTERNATIVES OF MENOPAUSAL HORMONE THERAPY.
This paper reviews alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms as options beyond traditional hormone therapy. The authors examined various non-pharmaceutical and complementary approaches that women experiencing menopause might consider to manage their symptoms.
limited evidence
Q3 JournalEffects of Reflexology on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Clinical Study.
Researchers studied whether reflexology—a technique involving pressure on specific points on the feet and hands—could help multiple sclerosis patients manage their symptoms. The study measured whether reflexology improved pain, fatigue, and overall quality of life in these patients.
The Effects of Reflexology on Fatigue and Anxiety in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis.
This study examined whether reflexology—a foot massage technique—could help reduce fatigue and anxiety in people with multiple sclerosis. Researchers measured participants' fatigue and anxiety levels before and after receiving reflexology treatments to see if the therapy made a difference.
[Effects of foot reflexology on essential hypertension patients].
This study examined whether foot reflexology could help people with high blood pressure. Researchers looked at the effects of reflexology treatment on patients with essential hypertension, though the paper provides limited detail about the specific methods and results.
Headache: Tension-Type Headache.
This is a review article about tension-type headaches that summarizes current medical knowledge on their causes, symptoms, and treatments. The paper does not report original research findings but instead provides an overview of what is known about this common type of headache.
Reported concepts for the treatment modalities and pain management of temporomandibular disorders.
The study focuses on the management of pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), a common condition affecting many people. It finds that conservative treatments like counseling, exercises, and manual therapies are effective first-line approaches due to their low risk of side effects. This is significant because it suggests that patients can find relief from TMD pain without immediately resorting to medications or invasive procedures.
Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) with Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Clinical Recommendations from a Systematic Scoping Review and an Expert Consensus Process.
This study examined the effectiveness of complementary therapies, specifically for patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Researchers found that various interventions, including reflexology and other manipulative therapies, showed promise in alleviating symptoms for many patients. This is important as it suggests additional non-drug treatment options are available for those suffering from CIPN.
Using reflexology for pain management. A review.
This study reviewed the use of reflexology for managing chronic pain, highlighting its long history and current popularity as a complementary treatment in the U.S. However, it also pointed out the need for systematic research to better understand its effectiveness. This matters because many people are exploring non-invasive treatments for chronic pain management.
Health promotion in nurses: is there a healthy nurse in the house?
The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the health-promoting lifestyle behaviors of acute-care nurses using the Health Promotion Model. Statistical analysis of 149 returned Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II surveys indicates areas of weakness in stress management and physical activity. No significant difference is found between unit, demographic factors, and subscale scores at the p < .01 level, but medical-surgical nurses consistently scored better than the critical-care nurses in health promotion. Findings support the need for the development of holistic nursing interventions to promote self-care in the identified areas. Strategies include educational/experiential classes in holistic nursing; individualized unit-based activities fostering stress management, such as massage, reflexology, and imagery; and development of an employee wellness program.
preliminary evidenceDoes 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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