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 56 of 68
Laser acupuncture versus reflexology therapy in elderly with rheumatoid arthritis
The purposes of this study are to determine and compare efficacy of laser acupuncture versus reflexology in elderly with rheumatoid arthritis. Thirty elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis aged between 60 and 70 years were classified into two groups, 15 patients each. Group A received laser acupuncture therapy (904 nm, beam area of 1cm2, power 100 mW, power density 100 mW/cm2, energy dosage 4 J, energy density 4 J/cm2, irradiation time 40 s, and frequency 100,000 Hz). The acupuncture points that were exposed to laser radiation are LR3, ST25, ST36, SI3, SI4, LI4, LI11, SP6, SP9, GB25, GB34, and HT7. While group B received reflexology therapy, both offered 12 sessions over 4 weeks. The changes in RAQoL, HAQ, IL-6, MDA, ATP, and ROM at wrist and ankle joints were measured at the beginning and end of treatment. There was significant decrease in RAQoL, HAQ, IL-6, and MDA pre/posttreatment for both groups (p < 0.05); significant increase in ATP pre/posttreatment for both groups (p < 0.05); significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion, plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, extension, and ulnar deviation ROM pre/posttreatment in group A (p < 0.05); and significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion and ankle plantar-flexion ROM pre/posttreatment in group B (p < 0.05). Comparison between both groups showed a statistical significant decrease in MDA and a statistical significant increase in ATP in group A than group B. Percent of changes in MDA was 41.82%↓ in group A versus 21.68%↓ in group B; changes in ATP was 226.97%↑ in group A versus 67.02%↑ in group B. Moreover, there was a statistical significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion, ankle plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, wrist extension, and radial deviation in group A than group B. Laser therapy is associated with significant improvement in MDA and ATP greater than reflexology. In addition, it is associated with signif
limited evidenceUsing a Delphi consensus process to develop a structured reflexology treatment protocol to reduce preoperative anxiety
Researchers used a Delphi consensus process—where experts are surveyed multiple rounds to reach agreement—to develop a standardized reflexology protocol for reducing anxiety before surgery. The study created a structured treatment guideline based on expert input rather than testing the protocol's effectiveness on patients.
preliminary evidence
Q2 JournalPhysical rehabilitation for sensorineural hearing loss in childhood: Progress and challenges
Early intervention for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in childhood is crucial for auditory and language development. In recent years, innovative auditory stimulation techniques and speech therapy strategies, such as middle ear implants, cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants, and midbrain implants, have provided new avenues for improving patient outcomes. Additionally, basic research advancements in cell reprogramming and regeneration, stem cell therapy, and targeted drug delivery offer promising approaches to meet the individualized needs of children with SNHL. However, many challenges and unresolved issues remain in the treatment of SNHL. This article comments on the case report, which describes a female pediatric patient with SNHL who underwent foot reflexology which led to the normalization of hearing thresholds. Reflexology is considered to have potential benefits in physical rehabilitation, but its efficacy in hearing restoration requires further scientific validation through rigorous clinical trials and large-scale prospective studies.
Assessing the Impact of Walking on a Foot Reflexology Path on Autonomic Function: A Feasibility Study
Traditional foot reflexology impacts autonomic function by applying pressure to the foot. However, evidence of walking on foot reflexology path and its influence on autonomic function was limited. The study aimed to ascertain whether walking on a foot reflexology path was feasible and how this would affect autonomic function. This was a randomized, counterbalanced, open-label crossover trial. 24 healthy volunteers recruited, aged 18 - 26 years, were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n = 12 in each). After a washout period of 2 days, they switched to receive the opposite phase of intervention. A holistic health centre in southern India. Walking on a foot reflexology path or walking on a plain surface for 15 minutes. Measures include feasibility, blood pressure, and heart rate variability. Participants were assessed at baseline, during walking, and 5 minutes after intervention. All participants completed the study with no adverse events, indicating the feasibility of the study. Participants were comfortable walking without any deviation in the horizontal and vertical accelerometry. There was a significant decrease in mean RR interval and percentage of differences between adjacent normal heartbeats that are greater than 50 milliseconds during walking on foot reflexology path and walking on plain surface compared to pre-intervention values (P P P < .05). The findings indicate that walking on foot reflexology path is feasible and potentially helps to regulate cardiac vagal tone by reducing blood pressure and increasing heart rate variability compared to walking on plain surface.
The effectiveness of foot reflexology in inducing ovulation: a sham-controlled randomized trial
To determine whether foot reflexology, a complementary therapy, has an effect greater than sham reflexology on induction of ovulation. Sham-controlled randomized trial with patients and statistician blinded. Infertility clinic in Plymouth, United Kingdom. Forty-eight women attending the clinic with anovulation. Women were randomized to receive eight sessions of either genuine foot reflexology or sham reflexology with gentle massage over 10 weeks. The primary outcome was ovulation detected by serum progesterone level of >30 nmol/L during the study period. Twenty-six patients were randomized to genuine reflexology and 22 to sham (one randomized patient was withdrawn). Patients remained blinded throughout the trial. The rate of ovulation during true reflexology was 11 out of 26 (42%), and during sham reflexology it was 10 out of 22 (46%). Pregnancy rates were 4 out of 26 in the true group and 2 out of 22 in the control group. Because of recruitment difficulties, the required sample size of 104 women was not achieved. Patient blinding of reflexology studies is feasible. Although this study was too small to reach a definitive conclusion on the specific effect of foot reflexology, the results suggest that any effect on ovulation would not be clinically relevant. Sham reflexology may have a beneficial general effect, which this study was not designed to detect.
Effect of foot reflexology on an infant with sensorineural hearing loss: A case report
Our study contributes to the further understanding of the mechanism of foot reflexology. Foot reflexology has been reported to affect hearing recovery, but no physiological evidence has been provided. This lack of evidence hampers the acceptance of the technique in clinical practice. A girl was taken to North Sichuan Medical University Affiliated Hospital for a hearing screen by her parents. Her parents reported that her hearing level was the same as when she was born. The girl was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) by a doctor in the otolaryngology department. After we introduced the foot reflexology project, the parents agreed to participate in the experiment. After 6 months of foot reflexology treatment, the hearing threshold of the girl recovered to a normal level, below 30 dB. Foot reflexology should be encouraged in clinical practice and for families of infants with SNHL.
Additional comments on foot reflexology treatment for sensorineural hearing loss in infant
Currently, treatment options for infant sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are limited. This article describes a novel case of SNHL in an infant successfully treated with foot reflexology, along with observed brain activity changes before and after treatment, as indicated by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Hence, this commentary discusses the case and our viewpoints regarding foot reflexology for treating SNHL.
Foot reflexology
This paper examines foot reflexology as a healing practice within holistic nursing. The author reviews how reflexology is used in nursing care to support patient wellness alongside conventional treatment.
Is it possible to foot reflexology for infants with sensorineural hearing loss?
Foot reflexology is a non-invasive and safe complementary therapy that works by massaging the reflex zones of the feet and exerts systemic or whole-body regulation through meridian nerve conduction. This therapy is commonly used in the treatment of various conditions such as autism and Parkinson's disease. However, there is limited reporting on the use of foot reflexology therapy for infants with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Currently, there is no definitive conclusion on how foot reflexology therapy can influence hearing. This editorial holds some guiding significance regarding this clinical issue. The aim is to present physiological evidence of how foot reflexology therapy can impact infants with SNHL, thereby enhancing clinician's awareness of foot reflexology in treating infants with SNHL.
Foot reflexology in autoimmune diseases: Effectiveness and mechanisms
Foot reflexology (FR) is a Chinese-originated and non-invasive complementary therapy increasingly used by functional, alternative and para-medical professionals. Enhance attempts are made to study FR in non-functional organic conditions. The present invited Editorial discusses the application of FR in autoimmune diseases (AD), highlighting a few successful studies demonstrating symptomatic relief and objective improvements. Despite promising results, the FR domain remains under-investigated and an urgent need to confirm and understand the effect of FR in chronic diseases, including AD, is highly recommended.
Menopause and Mental Health.
This paper examines the connection between menopause and mental health outcomes. The authors reviewed how hormonal changes during menopause can affect mood, anxiety, and psychological well-being in women.
[Correlation study between conventional medical diagnosis and the diagnosis by reflexology (non conventional)]
Reflexology is a non-conventional method for diagnosis and treatment of physical and medical problems by touching or applying pressure on certain areas on the foot surface. The reflexology method is based on the presumption that all body organs and various systems are represented on the foot surface. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the reflexological diagnosis method. Eighty patients from various clinics and departments in the Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, were examined twice by two different reflexologists. The diagnostics that resulted from these examinations were compared with the conventional medical diagnostics of the same patients. In addition, the level of correlation between the two reflexological examinations was tested. Out of 18 body systems in 6 a statistically significant correlation was found between the conventional medical diagnosis and the two reflexological examinations. In 4 body systems, there was a statistically significant correlation between the conventional medical diagnosis and one out of the two reflexological examinations. The systems in which correlation was found are characterized by having a defined anatomic region. The examination of the significance of the diagnoses regarding the components of the body systems resulted in statistical significance in only 4 out of the 32 components. Between the two reflexological examinations, a statistically significant correlation was found in 14 out of the 18 body systems, and in only 15 out of the 32 system components. The reflexology method has the ability to diagnose (reliable and valid) at a systematic level only, and this is applicable only to those body systems that represent organs and regions with an exact anatomic location.
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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