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 67 of 68
Life and death of Vladimir Mikhailovich Bekhterev
Vladimir Mikhailovich Bekhterev was a Russian innovative neuroscientist, extraordinary in the study, diagnosis, and research in the fields of neurology, psychology, morphology, physiology, and psychiatry. Considering the ample and multifaceted scientific feats, only some are touched in a very brief manner. However, it is necessary to highlight his contributions to neurology, with the description of structures, signs and syndromes, to physiology, including reflexology, which later underpinned behaviorism, to psychology, including objective psychology and suggestion. His accomplishments and legacy remained until the present days. Some comments about the scenery that involved his death are also presented.
preliminary evidence[Nursing and the current situation of complementary treatments]
The present situation in nursing is one of a clear advance, as the result of the search which more and more nurses consider: a real end to nursing, "the treatments" to maintain health or to recuperate it. To this end, we should make use of all the useful methods available to us. We know that with a caress of our hands we loose endorphins which help reduce pain, that music relaxes us, that color illuminates our lives, that reflexology frees us from tensions, and that, definitely, we have available to us a large number of resources which offer relief and well-being to our patients without secondary efforts, and at a low cost. These supplementary non-specialized health treatments are taught in a non-systematic manner and an optional manner in Spanish nursing schools. Nursing professionals demonstrate great interest in alternative therapies and many nurses are specialists in some of these today. However, in spite of the fact that alternative therapies are included in current study programs, scientific production by Spanish nurses en these fields is scarce. The research and development guidelines published as priorities by the Carlos III Institute and by the European Health Committee do no reflect the study of these treatment methods in a specific manner; but we have the opportunity in our own hands to demonstrate by means of our own research the extent of the benefits which these therapies may provide.
CAMPing in the PACU: using complementary and alternative medical practices in the PACU
This case study will show the effectiveness of various forms of holistic healing (Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Reiki, and reflexology) when used during the perianesthesia period for reduction of stress and pain. Brief introductions of each of the forms of complementary medicine will be provided with correlation to the case study. The reader will see how the nurse interprets the physical and emotional changes of the patient and identifies how and when to intercede with complementary forms of healing.
[Reflexology--nothing in common with scientific naturopathic treatments]
A host of alternative treatment methods are sold to us as reputable science on the "supermarket of naturopathy" nowadays. "Foot zone therapy", also known as "reflexology" is one of them. Advocates of reflexology claim that certain zones of the feet are linked to internal organs; that "energy forces" run throughout the human body. According to the teachings of Ayurveda and Yoga, a network of more than 72,000 nerve tracts (energy tracts = meridians) is linked to a single, tiny point on the feet, where the energy ends. In reality, however, reflexology is an unconventional, alternative, paramedical and esoterical "outsider" method that has nothing in common with serious naturopathic treatments. Any scientific value to reflexology is to be denied. As opposed to reflexology, genuine, scientifically acknowledged naturopathic methods are not an alternative, but a supplement to modern medicine.
Using thermal imaging to measure changes in breast cancer-related lymphoedema during reflexology
Reflexology lymph drainage (RLD) for breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) may have a positive impact on arm swelling and pain. Thermal imaging is a means of tracking temperature change by visual images. This study aimed to explore the use of thermal imaging in treatment for BCRL. The swollen arms of two participants with BCRL were photographed using a thermal imaging camera during a single RLD treatment. Limb Volume Circumferential Measurement (LVCM) of both arms was taken before, after and the next day. The images were examined for visual changes, and temperature data were extracted. Images showed differences in temperature within the affected hand and arm over 45 minutes. LVCM data indicated a loss of limb volume in the affected arm in both cases, which continued to decrease over 24 hours. Thus, thermal imaging may be useful in tracking temperature change during treatment for BCRL.
Case Report: Delayed treatment of tuberculosis of the elbow joint
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is known to occur in the musculoskeletal system, including the elbow joints. These cases are rarely found because the signs and symptoms are not specific to extrapulmonary TB or other diseases. We report a case of a 24-year-old male, who complained about pain in his left elbow and noticed swelling. Initially, he complained about pain all over his left arm, after several reflexology massages to alleviate his toothache. However, instead of seeking medical treatment, he visited a traditional massage therapist every week without improvement in his left arm pain including his left elbow for almost one year. Examination showed skin perforation with discharge. He also had fever during the first few days when the elbow became swollen. Weight loss and a decreased appetite were also noticed by the patient. The patient went to the orthopedic department and underwent surgery. Radiological examination indicated bone erosion on the left humerus and radius, while posteroanterior chest X-ray did not show any abnormality. Histopathological examinations from biopsy and fluid aspiration showed granulomas and datia Langhans cells. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found on acid-fast bacteria smear and culture. The patient was administered multidrug tuberculosis therapy, which consisted of two months of an intensive phase and seven months of a continuation phase, in accordance with the World Health Organization's guidelines for extrapulmonary tuberculosis treatment. He has currently undergone the continuation phase of the treatment and his condition has improved. Early detection of tuberculosis of the elbow can prevent damage to joint structure and impairment of joint function.
The conjoint use of music therapy and reflexology with hospitalized advanced stage cancer patients and their families
Advanced stage cancer patients experience debilitating physical symptoms as well as profound emotional and spiritual struggles. Advanced disease is accompanied by multiple changes and losses for the patient and the family. Palliative care focuses on the relief of overall suffering of patients and families, including symptom control, psychosocial support, and the meeting of spiritual needs. Music therapy and reflexology are complementary therapies that can soothe and provide comfort. When used conjointly, they provide a multifaceted experience that can aid in the reduction of anxiety, pain, and isolation; facilitate communication between patients, family members, and staff; and provide the potential for a more peaceful dying experience for all involved. This article addresses the benefits of the combined use of music therapy and reflexology. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the application and benefits of this dual approach for patients and their families regarding adjustment to the end of life in the presence of anxiety and cognitive impairment.
Optical, spectroscopic, and Doppler evaluation of "normal" and "abnormal" reflexology areas in lumbar vertebral pathology: a case study
Scientific validation of reflexology requires an in-depth and noninvasive evaluation of "reflexology/reflex areas" in health and disease. The present paper reports the differential properties of "normal" and "abnormal" reflexology areas related to the lumbar vertebrae in a subject suffering from low back pain. The pathology is supported by radiological evidence. The reflexology target regions were clinically assessed with respect to colour and tenderness in response to finger pressure. Grey scale luminosity and pain intensity, as assessed by visual analogue scale scores, differentiated "normal" from "abnormal" skin. Skin swept source-optical coherence tomography recorded their structural differences. Infrared thermography revealed temperature variations. A laser Doppler study using a combined microcirculation and transcutaneous oxygen monitoring system indicated alterations in blood flow and oxygen perfusion. Raman spectroscopy showed differences in chemical signatures between these areas. The present findings may indicate a potential correlation between the reflexology areas and subsurface pathological changes, showing an association with the healthy or unhealthy status of the lumbar vertebrae.
Massage therapy and reflexology awareness
Massage therapy and reflexology are manual therapeutic approaches used to facilitate healing and health and can be used by nurses in almost any setting. Information about massage therapy and reflexology is shared for the purpose of creating awareness about healing modalities and encouraging the use of basic techniques of these manual therapies. A review of a case study illustrates the safe and effective use of massage therapy and reflexology and familiarizes the nurse with the components of assessment and hands-on practice. Holistic nursing principles related to massage therapy and reflexology are woven throughout the text.
[Reflexology]
This paper discusses reflexology as a therapeutic practice. The author examines reflexology's role in nursing care, though specific study methods or findings are not detailed in the available information.
Impact of Yoga and Naturopathy in a Patient with Chronic Idiopathic Axonal Polyneuropathy Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report
Chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) is a slowly progressive nerve disorder characterized by sensory or sensorimotor dysfunction, which is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. CIAP affects 75 to 125 per 100 000 people, with prevalence increasing in individuals over 60 years old. A 53-year-old female homemaker presented to our inpatient facility with complaints of chronic pain, burning sensation, and discoloration over both lower limbs, accompanied by numbness persisting for the past 10 years and a 15-year history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite adherence to the prescribed conventional treatment regimen (Metformin, Atorvastatin, Amlodipine, Rabeprazole sodium, Domperidone, Gabapentin, Nortriptyline hydrochloride, and Tramadol), as verified from her medical records, the patient's symptoms did not improve. The patient was provided with an integrative care for one month at our yoga and naturopathy (YN) hospital, where she received a structured lifestyle intervention comprising daily yoga sessions, a calorie-restricted plant-based diet, and adjunct naturopathic therapies such as massage, hydrotherapy, mud therapy, heliotherapy, and acupuncture with reflexology. Post-intervention assessments showed notable improvements in anthropometric measurements, inflammatory markers, lipid profile, the impact of RA on disease scores, complete blood counts, and quality of life. The findings highlight the potential of integrative medicine, combining IYN in addition to conventional medication, to address both physical and mental challenges in patients with CIAP associated with metabolic syndrome and RA. However, as this is a single case report, the findings cannot be generalized; hence, randomized controlled and pilot studies are recommended to validate the findings. case report, chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy, integrative yoga and naturopathy, metabolic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis.
Complementary and alternative medicine: what's it all about?
A number of health-related interventions--from widespread therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy and yoga, to less well-known modalities such as Feldenkrais, iridology, reflexology and reiki--have increasingly come under the general heading of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). A few, such as biofeedback, chiropractic and physical therapy, are considered conventional by some, alternative by others. Several national surveys estimate that around 40% of the US populace uses a CAM therapy in a given year. While a few people use CAM therapies instead of conventional medicine, the vast majority of CAM users continue to access the official health care system. Many, however, do not discuss their CAM use with their physician. Medical doctors, for their part, are sharply divided on their attitudes toward CAM, with strong advocates and vehement opponents writing and speaking about this issue. CAM therapists are even more diverse, spanning the spectrum from conventional-appearing registered and certified practitioners to iconoclasts promoting anomalous therapies in the place of conventional treatment. The majority, however, both respect and want to work with conventional medicine, as do their patients. Nearly everyone is calling for more and better evidence, and an ever-increasing number of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses are now appearing in the literature. Over the past few years, a number of calls for "integrated medicine" have been made, and a few attempts at integrating CAM and conventional medicine have been launched. This article reviews these issues, citing our own interview-based work and the relevant literature. Whether the CAM phenomenon represents a short-lived social movement or the beginnings of a radical transformation of medicine has yet to be determined.
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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