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 60 of 68
Co-consumption of selenium and vitamin E altered the reproductive and developmental toxicity of methylmercury in rats
Methylmercury (MeHg), an environmental contaminant primarily found in fish and seafood, may pose long-term health risks to pregnant women and their developing children. The objective of this study was to determine whether co-consumption of nutritional supplements would alter the effects of MeHg on reproductive and developmental toxicity using a rodent model. Adult female rats were fed a diet containing additional selenium (1 ppm), additional vitamin E (225 IU/kg) or a combination of the two for 4 weeks before oral dosing of MeHg (1.25 mg/kg/day). Treatment with MeHg and dietary supplementation continued throughout pregnancy after which the dams were allowed to deliver their offspring. In addition to routine evaluations including periodic body weight measurements and daily clinical signs observations, dams and pups were evaluated for auditory startle habituation and pups were evaluated for developmental landmarks and reflexology. The dams and offspring were euthanized approximately 4 weeks after birth of the offspring. Results indicated that treatment with MeHg caused adverse effects on both reproduction of the dams and decreased progeny survival. However, the dams showed significant improvement in body weight gain during lactation and average auditory startle response time when the diet was enriched with both selenium and vitamin E. The combination of both vitamin E and Se also resulted in a significant increase in post-natal survival when compared to MeHg-treated group. There was no nutrient effect on the MeHg toxicity shown in offspring physical landmarks, performance in reflex tests and assessment of simple auricular startle response. Also, accelerated development as indicated by earlier opening in the pups of the supplemental diet groups was observed. These results suggest that antioxidant nutrients in the diet may alter MeHg reproductive and developmental toxicity. The underlying and human health implications warrant further investigations.
limited evidenceComplementary therapies in substance use recovery with pregnant women and girls
Supporting women and girls who are pregnant and experiencing substance use challenges is a high priority for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. Complementary therapies (CTs) can be effective forms of treatment in some contexts and populations; however, research on the use of CTs in substance use recovery with pregnant women and girls is scarce. To fill this gap, we conducted a mixed methods study using survey data collected at a women's recovery center in Canada. Our objectives were to describe CTs provided at the program; identify what CTs are perceived by participants as most/least positive; and explore factors that may impact participant experiences with CTs. We analyzed feedback responses from 255 women and girls (Mage = 27.5 years, range 15-64) using Pearson chi-square tests, logistic regression, and inductive content analysis. The most frequently provided CTs were yoga, energy-related activities (e.g. reiki, reflexology), and meditation. Among the most common CTs, participants provided the highest endorsements for massage and physical activity, and the lowest endorsements for yoga and drumming. Across CTs, whether participants looked forward to an activity contributed significantly to whether they found it helpful, would like to do it again, and planned to continue engaging in the activity after leaving the program. Four broad contextual factors were identified that may impact experiences and perspectives about CTs: (1) goodness of fit, (2) self-awareness, (3) growth, and (4) healing and holistic wellbeing. This study provides novel evidence on the potential impacts of CTs in substance use treatment for pregnant women and girls, and important contextual factors to consider when implementing these approaches.
Reflexology in preconception and pregnancy
This paper reviews how reflexology may be used by midwives to support women before conception and during pregnancy. The author discusses the potential benefits and practical applications of reflexology in midwifery care, though the evidence base is not systematically evaluated.
Patient Acceptability of the First Integrative Pediatric Oncology Unit in Spain-The Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona Experience: A Retrospective Study
Pediatric cancer patients and their families are increasingly combining conventional treatment with complementary therapies. These therapies are not covered by most public healthcare systems, and Spain is not an exception. To address this need, the Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, at the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (Spain), established the first integrative pediatric oncology unit in 2019. The objective of this study is to describe the feasibility of implementing a pediatric integrative oncology unit, in terms of the acceptance of the interventions, as well as to present initial data on the care activities; Methods: This is a retrospective single-center study, conducted in the Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, at the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu. Data from patients during a two-year period were collected by reviewing medical records in a pseudonymous manner; Results: From 1 September 2019 to 30 September 2021, the unit was visited by 433 patients. The median age of patients was 9 years [range 0-34 years], with 266 boys (61.4%) and 167 girls (38.6%). Of these patients, 90.1% were in active treatment, 7.6% were survivors, and 2.3% were at the end of life. Acupuncture was recommended to 227 patients, with a 94.7% acceptance rate. Aromatherapy was recommended to 114 patients, with a 100% acceptance. The reflexology team visited 129 patients, delivering a total of 414 sessions, with a 96.1% acceptance.; Conclusions: The findings of our study support the feasibility of implementing an Integrative Pediatric Oncology Unit within a patient-centered care model in a comprehensive pediatric cancer center. The high acceptance rates of various complementary therapies highlight their potential role in enhancing supportive care for pediatric oncology patients.
Reflection of a 7-year patient care program: implementing and sustaining an integrative hospital program
Integrative alternative therapies, also known as holistic therapies, have many applications in hospitals and health centers. These may include relaxation therapies, meditation, massage, reflexology, and Reiki or healing touch. Patients today are looking for these services, and institutions continue to explore ways to provide them without affecting their bottom line. The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program is such a service, and its growth and longevity comes out of the personal investment of the staff to the program and to their patients. The literature review on the permanence of caring practice shows that caring about your work with patients, not just the job, is critical in longevity (Graber & Mitcham, 2004). The holistic nurses' and staff 's commitment to their professional growth within their specialty and their personal spiritual practice as experts in the field forms the backbone of the Integrative Wellness Program's success. It has been in existence for 7 years, providing integrative healing therapies to more than 7,000 patients, making it one of the most experienced. The program now serves cardiac surgery patients, and patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Is there a role for complementary therapy in the management of leukemia?
Patients with leukemia often seek additional treatments not prescribed by their oncologist in an effort to improve their cancer treatment outcome or to manage symptoms. Complementary therapies are used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments to decrease symptoms and side effects associated with cancer or cancer treatment, and to improve patients' overall quality of life. Complementary therapies are distinct from so-called 'alternative' therapies, which are unproven, ineffective and may postpone or interfere with mainstream cancer treatment. Complementary therapies are pleasant, inexpensive, nonpharmacologic and effective. For patients with leukemia, the complementary therapies that are always appropriate include mind-body interventions, such as self-hypnosis, meditation, guided imagery and breath awareness. Massage and reflexology (foot massage) decrease symptoms with effects lasting at least 2 days following treatment. Acupuncture is very beneficial for symptom management without adverse consequences. Physical fitness with regular exercise and healthy dietary habits can significantly decrease side effects of cancer treatments and may prolong survival. Botanical extracts and vitamin supplements may interfere with active cancer treatments, and should be discussed with the oncologist or pharmacist before use.
[Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatment: a multidisciplinary approach]
Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 9-23% of the general population. This diagnosis contributes to more frequent doctor visits and multiple consultations by patients. The current approach to treating IBS is symptomatic and consists of a regimen of first line pharmacological treatment options; the use of anti-depressant drugs is also common. The efficiency of complementary medicine in the treatment of IBS has been studied in the last few years. Qualitative multidisciplinary approach studies, using personalized medicines with complementary therapies are needed. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman with a diagnosis of IBS since 2009, who complained about gastrointestinal symptoms since the age of 13 and severe episodes of spasmodic stomach aches in the last year self-ranked as 10, on a 0-10 scale; 3-4 episodes a month, which last for 5 days, accompanied by severe flatulence and bloating. In addition, she has constipation (one bowel movement every 10 days), alternating with multiple diarrheic bowel movements (6 times a day). Using a multidisciplinary approach, including medicinal care, Chinese medicine, reflexology and naturopathy resulted in significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life, as well as gradual reduction of drugs, approved by her physician. Stomach ache self-ranked now as 1, on a 0-10 scale; and flatulence and bloating self-ranked as mild. Bowel movement frequency increased and is now every other day. She no longer has diarrheic and/or multiple bowel movements. This case report emphasizes the importance of integrative treatment in IBS and its benefit in improving patients' quality of life.
[Neurophysiological monitoring in the treatment of pain]
The concept of transynaptic deafferentation secondary to a lesion is the basis of the therapeutic criteria of functional neurosurgery. Pain due to deafferentation requires clinical neurophysiological techniques for characterization, and when appropriate, for localization of the level of the lesion and the ectopic focus or foci which cause the pain syndrome. However, monitoring therapeutic interventions in the pain clinic is an ever increasing need, and obliges the clinical neurophysiologist to master the range of techniques involved in his specialty, so that he can use the most suitable techniques and methods as required by each condition and/or case. The use of techniques such as micro-recordings of the unitary or multiunitary activity of the nerves or nuclei, intracerebral evoked potentials, nociceptive evoked potentials, reflexology, polysomnography and topography, together with techniques such as percutaneous objective localization of deep nerves, allows quantitative evaluation pre-, intra- and postoperative. The development of neuromodulation, and in particular of acute or long-term neurostimulation by use of percutaneous techniques, offers an effective therapeutic option in the field of clinical neurophysiology.
Complementary therapy for induction of labour
Midwives at West Middlesex hospital (WMUH) offer complementary therapies as part of antenatal care. Aromatherapy and reflex zone therapy (also known as 'reflexology', a system of using touch on areas of the feet that stimulate parts of the body) are offered to induce spontaneous labour for women with low risk pregnancies once post dates, reducing the need for medical induction of labour (IOL) and intervention and reducing the cost to the NHS. This paper discusses how this service was implemented and developed, and the audit results and feedback from women and midwives.
The psychosocial impact of migraines on women and alternative therapies for migraine management
Migraines are one of the leading causes of disability globally and in South Africa. There is a paucity of local empirical literature regarding the psychosocial impact of migraines on women. Although there are a variety of treatment approaches, many women prefer alternative and holistic treatment for their migraines. The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of migraines on women and their use of complementary and alternative therapies for migraine pain management. The study was conducted in the eThekwini region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants for the study. Data were collected through 12 semi-structured interviews and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. Theme 1 related to the psychological and cognitive effects experienced by the participants. Theme 2 focused on the effects migraines had on personal, family and social relationships. Theme 3 discussed the self-management of migraines. The pertinent psychological effects of migraines were depression, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and withdrawal, fear-avoidance behaviour, lifestyle changes, and acceptance of migraines. The participants experienced a lack of understanding about their migraine severity from co-workers, family and social networks. The alternative therapies that were sought to alleviate migraine symptoms included chiropractic, massage, meditation, reflexology, yoga, cupping and acupuncture. The awareness of the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies for women may be beneficial for healthcare providers seeking a multidisciplinary approach to migraine management.
Non-pharmacological therapies for cancer patients in Portugal and Brazil: an experience report
To describe the experience of nurses from a center in Portugal and two in Brazil regarding the use of non-pharmacological therapies in cancer patients. This is a professional experience report. In the Portuguese institution, a group of nurses has been performing massage therapy, reflexology, postural teaching, thermotherapy, relaxation, guided imagery, Reiki, music therapy, aromatherapy, among others, for 17 years, with significant results in pain and vital signs with satisfactory perceptions. In Brazil, the clinical application is incipient, clinical studies with auriculotherapy, relaxation with guided imagery and floral therapy are taking place, with significant results for physical symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life improvement. In both countries, nurses have made efforts to implement non-pharmacological therapies. While in the Portuguese reality they have been formally institutionalized in care, in Brazil the therapies take place with voluntary work and through intervention research. This report can encourage the translation of autonomous practice to clinical studies for proposing evidence of therapies in Integrative Oncology. Descrever a experiência dos enfermeiros de um centro em Portugal e dois no Brasil sobre o uso das terapias não farmacológicas em pacientes com câncer. Trata-se de um relato de experiência profissional. Na instituição portuguesa, há 17 anos um grupo de enfermeiros vem realizando massagem terapêutica, reflexologia, ensinos posturais, termoterapia, relaxamento, imaginação guiada, Reiki, musicoterapia, aromaterapia, entre outras, com resultados significativos na dor, nos sinais vitais e com percepções satisfatórias. Na brasileira, a aplicação clínica é incipiente, ocorrem estudos clínicos com auriculoterapia, relaxamento com imagem guiada e terapia floral, com resultados significativos para sintomas físicos, ansiedade e qualidade de vi
[Complementary therapies in palliative cancer care]
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown in popularity both among the general population and among the cancer patients. Cancer patients often use CAM, which is a treatment that is not commonly used in the conventional setting. However, the prevalence of CAM use appears to vary substantially, with reported frequency of use of at least one CAM therapy ranging from 20% to 83.3%. Complementary medicine has become an important aspect of palliative cancer care. Acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, massage, reflexology, relaxation techniques, and spiritual healing are frequently used forms of treatment. The purpose of this article is to provide information about some complementary therapies that are commonly used by cancer patients in the palliative care.
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.
Know of a study we're missing?
Know a study we are missing? Help us keep the research library complete.
Submit a Study