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 65 of 68
[Psychology in the behavior-reflexology style]
This 1972 study examined the psychological aspects of reflexology practice and how reflexologists approach behavior during treatment. The paper explores the behavioral and psychological techniques used in reflexology sessions, though specific findings are not detailed in the available information.
preliminary evidenceA contribution to the reflexology of the newborn
This 1953 paper by Rosenbaum explored reflexology techniques applied to newborn infants. The study appears to be an early clinical observation or case report examining how reflexology principles might be adapted for newborns, though specific findings and methodology are not detailed in the provided information.
V. M. BEKHTEREV IN RUSSIAN CHILD SCIENCE, 1900S-1920S: "OBJECTIVE PSYCHOLOGY"/"REFLEXOLOGY" AS A SCIENTIFIC MOVEMENT
In the early 20(th) century the child population became a major focus of scientific, professional and public interest. This led to the crystallization of a dynamic field of child science, encompassing developmental and educational psychology, child psychiatry and special education, school hygiene and mental testing, juvenile criminology and the anthropology of childhood. This article discusses the role played in child science by the eminent Russian neurologist and psychiatrist Vladimir Mikhailovich Bekhterev. The latter's name is associated with a distinctive program for transforming the human sciences in general and psychology in particular that he in the 1900s labelled "objective psychology" and from the 1910s renamed "reflexology." The article examines the equivocal place that Bekhterev's "objective psychology" and "reflexology" occupied in Russian/Soviet child science in the first three decades of the 20(th) century. While Bekhterev's prominence in this field is beyond doubt, analysis shows that "objective psychology" and "reflexology" had much less success in mobilizing support within it than certain other movements in this arena (for example, "experimental pedagogy" in the pre-revolutionary era); it also found it difficult to compete with the variety of rival programs that arose within Soviet "pedology" during the 1920s. However, this article also demonstrates that the study of child development played a pivotal role in Bekhterev's program for the transformation of the human sciences: it was especially important to his efforts to ground in empirical phenomena and in concrete research practices a new ontology of the psychological, which, the article argues, underpinned "objective psychology"/"reflexology" as a transformative scientific movement.
One on one. What is reflexology? Is it a worthwhile therapy?
This article from Mayo Clinic's women's health section examines what reflexology is and whether it offers real health benefits. The authors review the available evidence on reflexology as a therapeutic practice, presenting both the claims made by practitioners and what scientific research has found so far.
[Reflexology and the discordant syndrome]
This 1959 paper examined reflexology's potential role in treating discordant syndrome, a condition involving emotional and physical disharmony. The study appears to be a clinical observation or case report, though specific findings and methodology details are not provided in the available information.
[Stuttering and Pavlovian reflexology]
This is an older study from 1952 examining whether reflexology based on Pavlovian principles might help people who stutter. The paper explores the theoretical connection between reflex responses and speech difficulties, though specific outcomes are not detailed in the available information.
THE INDUCTION OF HYPNOSIS IN THE LIGHT OF REFLEXOLOGY
This 1965 paper explores potential connections between reflexology and the induction of hypnosis, examining how reflexology techniques might facilitate hypnotic states. The author, D. Akstein, presents theoretical and clinical observations linking these two practices, though specific outcomes are not detailed in the available information.
[In quest of objectivity - The concept of reflexology as an attempt towards a mechanistic doctrine of psychics]
The concept of reflexology had been mainly developed in Russia in the first three decades of the 20th century. It could be regarded as a distinct and universal concept which was to explain both psychic diseases, healthy conditions, and psychology of masses. Moreover, it had been influenced behaviourism and, likewise, was an answer for the search of an objective method for investigation of the psyche. Main protagonists were Vladimir Mikhailovich Bekhterev and Naum Efimovich Ishlondsky (Ischlondsky) whose works underwent international dissemination. Mit der Reflexologie entstand in den ersten drei Jahrzehnten des 20. Jahrhunderts in Russland ein eigenständiges, Universalität beanspruchendes Konzept, welches sowohl psychische Störungen, psychisches Normalerleben als auch massenpsychologische Phänomene erklären sollte. Es beeinflusste den Behaviorismus und war wie jener eine Antwort auf die Suche nach einer objektiven Methode der Untersuchung psychischer Vorgänge. Wichtige Protagonisten waren Vladimir Michajlovič Bechterev und Naum Efimovič Išlondskij (Ischlondsky), deren Schriften internationale Verbreitung fanden.
Reflexology--its place in modern healthcare
1. Reflexology is a safe treatment promoting homeostasis. 2. It is an ancient method of healing which is regaining popularity. 3. Reflexology has no side-effects, only so-called healing crises--stepping stones to better health. 4. Reflexology is now an established branch of paramedical medicine, and should be available to NHS patients.
[Reflexology in psychosomatic medicine]
This 1951 paper discusses the use of reflexology as a treatment approach within psychosomatic medicine, which examines how psychological factors affect physical health. The author explores the theoretical connections between reflexology and treating conditions that have both mental and physical components, though specific patient outcomes are not detailed.
Using complementary therapies: reflexology
Reflexology is a treatment based on massage of the feet to relieve symptoms in other parts of the body. Reflexology is slowly gaining acceptance by some practitioners of conventional medicine. Several training courses and registered bodies for reflexology exist.
"Why homoeopathy, wherefore reflexology?"
This paper examines the use of homoeopathy and reflexology in nursing practice. The author explores the rationale and applications of these complementary therapies within the nursing context published in a South African nursing journal.
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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