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 64 of 68
A pilot study exploring the effects of reflexology on cold intolerance
Cold intolerance is an inability to tolerate cold temperatures and is accompanied by symptoms including headache, shoulder discomfort, dizziness and palpitations. The current study was performed to examine whether reflexology therapy affected cold intolerance in human subjects and whether the treatment was systemically effective. Ten female volunteer examinees with subjective feelings of cold were examined. After a 5-minute foot bath, 10 minutes of reflexology therapy was performed on their left foot. Skin temperature and blood flow were estimated before and after treatment, together with an interview concerning their feelings of cold and daily habits. In addition, how the recovery rate was affected by the application of a chilled-water load was also estimated. Along with significant increases in skin temperature and blood flow compared with pre-treatment at the bilateral points of KI-1, LR-3, and BL-60, a faster recovery after the application of the chilled-water load was also seen in the lower limbs on both sides. From these results, we conclude that reflexology has systemic effects and is an alternative method for treating cold intolerance.
preliminary evidenceA nonrandomised pilot study to examine the feasibility and acceptability of reflexology in patients undergoing hospital-based haemodialysis (solitude study)
Patients with end-stage kidney disease, receiving haemodialysis can experience complications-hypotension, headache, muscle cramp, chest pain, nausea and vomiting. Patients who experience all or some of these symptoms will often report reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and poor sleep quality, which may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility of a larger randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on a cohort of patients undergoing hospital-based haemodialysis. A nonrandomised pilot study using a multimethod approach. Twenty patients undergoing hospital-based haemodialysis treatment. HRQOL and quality of sleep were measured using the SF-12 Health Survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Semi-structured interviews were completed with 10 patients, exploring their experiences, opinions and perceptions of the intervention. There was an increase in the mean scores examining the total physical health and mental health components of the SF-12. All corresponding p values were statistically significant following the intervention. The mean total sleep score postintervention signified positive changes in sleep quality, with the corresponding p values being statistically significant. The study established the feasibility of the intervention and the benefits for patients undergoing haemodialysis. This pilot study demonstrated the possibility of recruiting and retaining patients undergoing haemodialysis to a reflexology study. The study did not impact the haemodialysis routine and was positively received. The intervention showed statistically significant improvements in patients' HRQOL and sleep quality.
Glucose and reflexology for pain relief during arterial puncture in neonates: a protocol
To present a study protocol to compare glucose and reflexology in pain relief in neonate intensive care during arterial punctures. A randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial protocol will be carried out at a teaching hospital maternity, with30 newborns admitted to neonate intensive care who are to undergo blood collection by arterial puncture. They will be randomly assigned to a control group (25% glucose) or an intervention group (foot reflexology). The primary outcome will be neonate pain scores during and after arterial puncture. Secondary outcomes will be crying time and variation in neonates' vital signs during and after the arterial puncture procedure. Registration number RBR-639bff. The results of this trial will provide new insights into the most appropriate intervention for the relief of neonate pain during painful procedures.
The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients with Digestive System or Lung Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
The side effects of chemotherapy, specifically chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, are a concern for patients. To relieve these side effects, antiemetic drugs are recommended. However, some patients report that these drugs are not sufficiently effective. Moreover, patients with chronic disease, including cancer, are increasingly interested in complementary and alternative medicines, and express the desire for nonpharmacological treatments to be used in hospitals. Foot reflexology is a holistic approach that is reported to significantly reduce the severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with breast cancer. Some of the chemotherapy treatments for patients with lung and digestive system cancer are moderately or highly emetic. The primary objective of this study is to assess the benefits of foot reflexology, together with conventional treatments, on the severity and frequency of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with lung or digestive system cancer. The secondary objectives to be assessed are quality of life, anxiety, and self-esteem. This study is an open-label randomized controlled trial conducted over 22 months (18 months intervention and 4 months follow-up). Eligible participants are patients with a lung or digestive system cancer with an indication for platinum-based chemotherapy. Participants are randomized into two groups: conventional care with foot reflexology and conventional care without foot reflexology. Foot reflexology sessions (30 minutes) are performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis. It was estimated that 40 participants per group will be required. The benefits of foot reflexology will be assessed by comparing the relative change in the severity of nausea and vomiting, as assessed by a visual analogue scale, and the frequency of these side effects between the two groups. The secondary objectives will be assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Que
The Effect of Foot Massage with Biofeedback: A Pilot Study to Enhance Health Promotion in Elderly.
| 20 subjects, both male and female, ages 61-19 yrs old, were given foot massage by 4 trained researchers. Vital signs changes were measured and biofeedback was done before and after sessions. Results: biofeedback and temperature were lower and the pulse & respiratory rate and blood pressure were higher before the foot massage. All subjects reported positive feedback about the foot massage. Therefore, it is considered beneficial for both physical and mental conditions. Conclusion: | Foot massage was shown to be effective in providing good circulation, relaxation, and comfort.
[The cortical loop of the extrapyramidal system, and its significance for reflexology]
This 1951 paper examines how the brain's cortex (outer layer) connects with the extrapyramidal system, a network involved in movement and nervous system control. The author discusses the theoretical importance of understanding these connections for reflexology practice, though no experimental data or patient outcomes are presented.
A theatre nurse's personal experience of reflexology
A theatre nurse described her personal experience with reflexology and how it affected her. The account provides insight into one professional's perspective on reflexology but is based on individual experience rather than systematic research.
Facilitating phenomenological interviewing by means of reflexology
The aim of this article is to show how reflexology could facilitate phenomenological interviewing by probing the life-world of individual participants. It presents a hybrid study of phenomenological interviewing and reflexology as a holistic method of health care. In this sense, it is an interparadigmatic study, since it rests on the interface of Western and Oriental thought. This article reports on seven cases which were included in the qualitative, empirical investigation. During the sessions, reflexological readings served as impetus for inquiry into the experiences of the participants, as congestions on reflex points and along meridians were interpreted in terms of physical organs and functions. These readings were related to corresponding emotions as accepted within the reflexology paradigm. It was, however, up to the participants to inform the researcher of events and/or circumstances that caused the emotions. Thus, nonverbal data communicated information that facilitated verbal exchange concerning the life-world of each individual participant.
[The position of reflexology in psychiatry]
This 1950 paper examines where reflexology fits within psychiatric treatment and practice. The study appears to be a position paper or review rather than an experimental study with patient data.
[Schizophrenic symptomatology in the light of reflexology]
This is an older study from 1958 examining whether reflexology might help with schizophrenia symptoms. The paper presents clinical observations linking reflexology principles to psychiatric conditions, but lacks modern research rigor and detailed outcome data.
[Current results of microneurography in man. Its value for reflexology]
This 1973 paper examined microneurography, a technique that records electrical activity from individual nerve fibers in living people, and discussed its potential applications for understanding reflexology. The study explored how this neurophysiological method could help explain the mechanisms behind reflexology's effects on the nervous system.
An ABC of alternative medicine. Reflexology
This paper provides an overview of reflexology as part of a series on alternative medicine approaches. It describes what reflexology is and how it is used in practice, though it does not present new research findings or clinical evidence.
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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