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 59 of 68
[Energy and reflexology as holistic treatment]
This paper discusses reflexology as a holistic treatment approach that considers energy and whole-body wellness. The authors explore how reflexology may work as a complementary therapy integrated with nursing care. The study presents conceptual perspectives on reflexology rather than experimental data.
limited evidenceReflexology and irritable bowel syndrome
This study examined whether reflexology could help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that causes digestive discomfort and irregular bowel habits. The researchers looked at how reflexology affected IBS symptoms, though specific findings are not detailed in the title and journal information provided.
Human reflexology and motor preparation
This study examined how reflexology affects the body's preparation for movement and motor control. Researchers investigated the relationship between reflexology stimulation and the neurological processes involved in preparing muscles to act.
DYSARTHRIA AND OROPHARYNGEAL REFLEXOLOGY: A REVIEW
This is a review article examining the relationship between reflexology of the mouth and throat area (oropharyngeal reflexology) and dysarthria, a speech disorder characterized by difficulty articulating words. The authors reviewed existing literature to understand whether reflexology techniques might help address speech and swallowing problems.
Accurate localization of organ representation areas on the feet & hands using the bi-digital O-ring test resonance phenomenon: its clinical implication in diagnosis & treatment--Part I
Accuracy of the widely used organ representation areas, currently used in different schools of foot and hand reflexology was evaluated using Bi-Digital O-Ring test resonance phenomenon. Our previous study indicated that mapping organ representation areas of the tongue using Bi-Digital O-Ring Test resonance phenomenon between 2 identical substances often provided more reliable clinical information for both diagnosis and treatment than the 2 widely used, but crude, traditional schools of Chinese tongue diagnosis. This same method was applied for the mapping of the organ representation areas on the feet and hands. We succeeded in mapping the following areas on human feet: 1) Middle (3rd) toe on the sole side represents the following starting from the tip: A) Head, B) Face with eye, ear, nose, and mouth (1st Digit) C) Neck and organs within the neck (narrow band of space between 1st crease after the 1st digit and crease at the junction of the beginning of the sole); 2) 2nd and 4th toe represent upper extremities, the beginning tip being fingers and hands. The crease at the base of these toes represents the shoulder. The 2nd toe represents right upper extremity, and the 4th toe represents left upper extremity; 3) 1st and 5th toes in both the right and left feet represent lower extremities with the tip being the toes and soles of feet. The crease at the base of these toes represents the inguinal area. The 1st toe of each foot represents right lower extremity, and 5th toe represents left lower extremity. The sole of the foot is divided into the following 3 distinctive sections. 1) Upper (1st) section represents organs in the chest cavity including 2 thymus glands, trachea, 2 lungs, with the heart between them, and with the esophagus appearing as a narrow band outside of the lung near and below the 1st and 2nd toe depending upon the individual. Chest section occupies the first 1/3 to 1/5 (on a relatively long foot) of the entire sole. The boundary between the chest and G.I.
Auriculotherapy in primary health care: A large-scale educational experience in Brazil
Auriculotherapy consists of physical stimuli applied to the outer ear and is commonly associated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The authors present and discuss the development of a course that offers a semi-on-site auriculotherapy course for Brazilian primary health care (PHC) professionals. The course was funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Health and developed at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in 2015 by a team of experts in auriculotherapy. It consisted of 75 h of distance learning (five sequential modules) and 5 h of on-site learning. The modules included the following items: (1) introduction to integrative practices; (2) ear reflexology; (3) introduction to TCM; (4) biomedical view of auriculotherapy; and (5) auriculotherapy in PHC. The teaching material included a workbook for each module, 14 video lectures and an interactive ear (online resource) to study location and application to the main auricular points. The on-site lectures follow a structured script of ear palpation techniques, auricular seed insertion practice and clinical case discussions, under the supervision of trained instructors. The course was offered in 2016 and 2017 and on-site lectures took place in 25 cities, covering all Brazilian regions, in coordination with municipal or state boards of health. A total of 4273 health professionals concluded the training and their evaluation of the course was highly positive. The Brazilian experience of large-scale training shows the potential to disseminate auriculotherapy in the context of PHC, given that its practice is fast, easy to learn, safe, effective for different health problems and well accepted by the patients.
Complementary therapies. Reflex zone therapy for mothers
This paper discusses reflex zone therapy (reflexology) as a complementary treatment option for mothers. The article examines how reflexology may support maternal health and wellbeing, though specific findings are not detailed in the available information.
[Medical care to patients with remote consequences of traumatic craniocerebral injury using methods of reflexology]
Head injury--is an important medical and social problem. In recent years Ukraine prevalence rate of patients with TBI is growing and now is 4-4,2 cases per 100 thousand population. In 50-80% or 2 of the 3 victims formed long-term consequences of closed head injuries that occur with frequent decompensation states with a temporary disability, often (11-12% of patients) have a strong disability. Use in osnovnovnomu acupuncture points of general application, segmental acupuncture points in the head, neck and scalp area. Treatment ought to be lengthy, with mnohorazovym conducting repeated courses. Most often, the following AND: VB(XI)20, VB(XI)21, T(XII)14, T(XII)20, GI(II)11, GI(II)15, GI(II)10, IG(VI)3, IG(VI)15, IG(VI)16, TR(X)5, TR(X)9, C(V)5, MC(IX)5, MC(IX)6, V(VII)40, V(VII)62, VB(XI)34, VB(XI)30, E(III)36, RP(IV)6. Take Effect braking method.
[Peripheral facial paralysis. The value of clinical neurophysiology]
The aim of this study was to review the value of neurophysiological exploration in peripheral facial paralysis in the literature and in our own experience. Peripheral facial paralysis is a frequently occurring cranial neuropathy with an acute presentation. Its striking clinical expression is usually in strong contrast to its benign prognosis, except for a small percentage of cases in which the existence of acute injury to the nerve (axonotmesis) will cause it to progress unfavourably, either due to the absence of nerve regeneration or because this is inadequate or insufficient. A neurophysiological study aids diagnosis and the functional and prognostic assessment. We recommend the utilisation of standardised studies involving a comprehensive electromyographic and electroneurographic evaluation of the facial territory, including reflexology (blink reflex). Use of a suitable methodology in the neurophysiological study of this neuropathy will allow us to complete the diagnosis and to evaluate progress, even from very early days (early surgical approach prior to the onset of nerve degeneration), all of which is decisive in the prognosis of injury throughout the process.
A qualitative insight on complementary and alternative medicines used by hypertensive patients
The self-treatment with complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in chronic diseases is portraying an expanding trend worldwide. Yet, little is known concerning patients' motives to use CAM in the control of blood pressure. This study aims to explore the self-use of CAM in the management of hypertension and explore patients' attitudes, perceived benefits, and disclosure to the physician. A qualitative technique was adopted and face-to-face interviews, using a validated interview guide, were carried out among twenty hypertensive patients. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit patients at Al-Karama Teaching Hospital in Baghdad; the capital of Iraq; from January to April 2015. All the interviews were audio-recorded, then transcribed verbatim and examined for thematic relationships. Three major themes were identified through thematic content analysis of the interviews. These encompassed patients' understanding of CAM; experience and perceived benefits; and communication with the doctors. The use of CAM was prevalent among the majority of the respondents. The most commonly used therapies were biological-based practices (herbal remedies, special diet, vitamins, and dietary supplements); traditional therapies (Al-Hijama or cupping); and to a less extent of manipulative body-based therapies (reflexology). Factors influencing the use of CAM were traditions, social relationships, religious beliefs, low-cost therapy, and safety of natural products. The use of CAM was common as a practice of self-treatment among hypertensive patients in Iraq. This was underpinned by the cultural effects, social relationships, religious beliefs, and the perception that natural products are effective and safe. Understanding patients' usage of CAM is of great importance as long as patient's safety and interaction with the standard prescribed treatment are major concerns.
[Respiratory autogenic training in preparation for labor (RAT method)]
Preparation for childbirth with the R.A.T. method involves two therapeutic steps. The first concerns a conditioning relaxation technique derived from hypnosis. Schultz's T.A. and reflexology. There is a series of seven exercises, each of which is supplemented by a revision exercise. The central training exercises coincide with the achievement of sleep breathing, followed by physical deconditioning to external stimuli and semantic deconditioning to uterine contractions. The second step involves a form of analysis designed to examine the mechanism of emotions in a particular situation, marker by the loss of connection between the Ego, the body and the environment, as occurs during group autogenous relaxation.
Implementing reflexology into midwifery practice
This paper reports on a small quantitative study of midwives who had undertaken a midwifery reflexology course in NSW, Australia. In particular, it examines some of the barriers and influences which affect implementing knowledge into practice.
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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