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 8 of 68
The Impact of Individualized Complementary and Integrative Health Interventions Provided in Clinical Settings on Quality of Life: A Systematic Review of Practice-Based Research
Background: The goal of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of individualized complementary and integrative health (CIH) interventions on quality-of-life outcomes as collected in CIH outpatient clinics. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, OVID, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase through December 2020. Inclusion criteria were as follows: individualized CIH treatment, longitudinal effectiveness design, patient-reported outcomes, outpatient CIH clinic setting, participants aged ≥18 years, sample size of ≥25, and English full text. The study was listed in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020159193), and PRISMA guidelines were used. The variables extracted from articles focused on study details/demographics, CIH intervention characteristics, and outcome characteristics. Results: The literature search yielded 3316 records with 264 assessed for full-text review. Of these, 19 studies (including ∼14,002 patients) were specific to quality of life (or well-being) as a main outcome. Most studies included were multidisciplinary studies (n = 12), followed by acupuncture (n = 4), chiropractic (n = 3), and massage or reflexology (n = 1). The short-form group of questionnaires (SF-12, SF-36, SF-8) were the most used quality-of-life/well-being questionnaire, comprising 37% of studies (n = 7), and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures comprised 21% (n = 4). Both questionnaires are normed to U.S. population, allowing for comparison. The average improvement across the comparable SF and PROMIS measures for Physical Health was 6% (range 2%-20%) and for Mental Health was 5% (range 1%-11%), demonstrating clinical significance. Improvements in the observational studies are comparable to improvements reported from randomized controlled trials. Conclusions: Results from this systematic review indicate that CIH
strong evidence
Q2 JournalCould complementary health approaches improve the symptom experience and outcomes of critically ill adults? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
The purpose of this systematic review was to critically evaluate the safety and effectiveness of various complementary health approaches (CHAs) in treating symptoms experienced by critically ill adults. The review was completed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Education Resources Information Center, Medline, PsychInfo) were searched for studies published from 1997-2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in English with terms ICU/critical care, music, Reiki, therapeutic touch, healing touch, aromatherapy, essential oil, reflexology, chronotherapy, or light therapy were eligible for inclusion. Studies conducted outside the ICU, involving multiple CHAs, or enrolling pediatric patients were excluded. Data were extracted and assessed independently by two authors and reviewed by two additional authors. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess study quality. Thirty-two RCTs were included involving 2,987 critically ill adults. CHAs evaluated included music (n = 19), nature based sounds (NBSs) (n = 4), aromatherapy (n = 3), light therapy (n = 2), massage (n = 2), and reflexology (n = 2). Half of all studies had a high risk of bias for randomization but had low or unclear biases for other categories. No study-related adverse events or safety-related concerns were reported. There were statistically significant improvements in pain (music, NBSs), anxiety (music, NBSs, aromatherapy, massage, reflexology), agitation (NBSs, reflexology), sleep (music, aromatherapy, reflexology), level of arousal (music, massage), and duration of mechanical ventilation (music, reflexology). Evidence suggests CHAs may reduce the symptom burden of critically ill adults.
Integrative Medicine for Cancer-Related Pain: A Narrative Review
Cancer-related pain (C-RP) is a prevalent and debilitating concern among patients with cancer, with conventional treatments limited in their ability to provide adequate relief, and by the adverse effects associated with their use. Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) modalities have been shown to be potentially effective and safe for the treatment of pain and related symptoms, when used in conjunction with conventional medications and under medical supervision. An increasing number of oncology centers provide CIM within their conventional supportive and palliative care service, in an "Integrative Oncology" (IO) setting. A large body of clinical research, including systematic reviews and guidelines such as those published in 2022 by the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO), in collaboration with the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), support the use of some CIM modalities for C-RP and related concerns. These include acupuncture for general and peri-operative/procedural pain, as well as aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia (AIA); reflexology or acupressure for pain during systemic therapy for cancer; hypnosis for procedural pain or pain due to diagnostic workup; and massage for pain experienced by patients during palliative and hospice care. Further research is needed, within both randomized control trials and pragmatic non-controlled studies which are more reflective of the real-life IO setting. This review summarizes the evidence supporting the use of CIM for C-RP; the analgesic mechanism of the modalities presented; and the challenges facing IO researchers, as well as the implementation of the 2022 SIO-ASCO guideline recommendations.
The effectiveness of reflexology on mental health in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
The current body of research examining the effectiveness of reflexology in patients with cancer have predominantly focused on managing physical symptoms and treatment side effects. This review aimed to synthesise evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effectiveness of reflexology on mental health outcomes in people with cancer. RCTs published in English and measuring stress, anxiety, depression or quality of life (QoL) were included. Eligible RCTs were identified through search of MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, OTseeker, PEDro (18 June 2021) and Google and Google Scholar (21 June 2021). The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Randomised Controlled Trials Checklist was used to assess risk of bias. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were undertaken. The certainty of evidence was assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework. Fifteen RCTs (1356 adult participants) were included. Evidence for stress and anxiety (primary outcomes), as well as depression and QoL (secondary outcomes), were mixed and conflicting. The certainty of the evidence was low to very low. An unequivocal recommendation supporting reflexology cannot be made. Greater utilisation of well-established reporting guidelines, together with increased investment in well-designed, high-quality clinical research are required.
Manipulative and body-based methods in chronic kidney disease patients: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
and purpose: Among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, manipulative and body-based methods (MBM) have demonstrated efficacy in improving symptoms such as fatigue. This review aims to summarize the efficacy and safety of MBM among CKD patients. A systematic review was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, CENTRAL and PsycInfo. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the use of MBM among adult CKD patients were included. The grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to determine the risk of bias and certainty of evidence. The efficacy of each MBM was determined by reduction in symptom severity scores. All adverse reactions were documented. Of 8529 articles screened, 55 RCTs were included. Acupressure (n = 23), massage therapy (n = 17), reflexology (n = 6) and acupuncture (n = 5) were the most studied MBMs. Acupressure and reflexology were shown to reduce sleep disturbance and fatigue by 6.2-50.0% and 9.1-37.7% respectively. For uremic pruritus, acupressure and acupuncture reduced symptoms by 34.5-77.7% and 56.5-60.2% respectively. Common adverse reactions associated with acupressure included intradialytic hypotension (20.4%) and dizziness (11.1%) while that of acupuncture included elbow soreness (7.5%) and bleeding (7.5%). No adverse effects were reported for massage therapy, moxibustion, reflexology and yoga therapy. Acupressure, reflexology and massage therapies were the most well-studied MBMs which have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating sleep disturbance, fatigue and uremic pruritus symptoms in CKD patients.
Effect of Complementary and Integrative Treatments on Fatigue Symptoms in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review
Although hemodialysis treatment is one of the main treatment methods in chronic kidney failure, it also causes many health problems. A variety of complementary and integrative therapies are used to relieve or minimize hemodialysis symptoms. Fatigue (60%-97%) is also one of these problems. Therefore, we have conducted a systematic review to determine the effect of complementary and integrative therapies on fatigue in hemodialysis patients. Relevant studies published from 2005 to 2019, in PubMed, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and Cochran Library databases have been reviewed. In the study, initially, 21 039 pieces of data were obtained, and then 14 randomized controlled studies meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The methodological qualities of the articles included in the study were determined by using the quality evaluation checklist in Jadad randomized controlled studies. In the literature, acupressure, aromatherapy, reflexology, massage, and yoga practice were found to be applied to hemodialysis patients and be effective in reducing pain and anxiety as well as improving sleep quality. It is recommended that these methods be included in the routine clinical care of patients receiving hemodialysis.
Addressing Occupational Back Pain: A Systematic Review of Preventive and Therapeutic Strategies
Occupational back pain has emerged as a significant public health concern. Despite several efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of occupational back pain, this issue still persists across the globe. This systematic review summarizes the preventive and therapeutic options available for managing occupational back pain. A systemic search was carried out in various databases including PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL Ultimate, and Scopus to identify relevant literature. The search was also extended to Google Scholar to identify more relevant studies. A combination of keywords was used during the search. Studies were included if they focused on occupational back pain, investigated preventive and treatment options, and were published in English. A total of 20 relevant studies, including 62,176 participants, were included in this systemic review. Out of these 20 studies, 10 were randomized control trials, four were cross-sectional studies, two were longitudinal studies, one was a single-blinded clinical study, two were prospective studies, and the remaining one was a pilot study. This systemic review identified various interventions to improve occupational back pain. The common therapeutic strategies included educational programs, physio and rehab interventions, acupuncture, mixed treatment strategies, reflexology, massage, yoga, active physical therapy, and real-time occupational internet-based interventions. Some studies also reported the effectiveness of opioid therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for managing back pain. Findings indicated that these therapies effectively reduced occupational back pain and improved quality of life. However, opioid therapy uses also raised safety concerns. The findings of this systemic review highlight the importance of adopting evidence-based strategies to address occupational back pain effectively.
Is there a specific hemodynamic effect in reflexology? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Reflexology claims that the feet are representative of the body and that massage to specific points of the feet increases blood supply to "mapped" organs in the body. This review provides the first systematic evaluation of existing reflexology randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether there is any evidence to suggest the existence of a reflexology treatment-related hemodynamic effect; to examine whether reflexology researchers used study designs that systematically controlled for nonspecific effects in order to isolate this specific component; and to highlight some of the methodological challenges that need to be overcome to demonstrate specific and beneficial hemodynamic effects. Fifty-two RCTs of reflexology published from 1990 to September 2011 were initially retrieved. Cardiorespiratory Department, Highland Heartbeat Centre, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. Adult subjects. Studies using reflexology foot massage techniques as the intervention versus sham reflexology treatment, simple foot massage, conventional treatment, or no treatment as the control were then selected. OUTCOME MEASURES included any hemodynamic parameter potentially involved in the regulation of circulating blood volume and flow, including heart rate and systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure. Seven RCTs suggested that reflexology has an effect on selected cardiovascular parameters; however, five of these delivered the reflexology intervention as a whole complex treatment, with the data collector often delivering the intervention themselves. This systematic review found that although reflexology has been shown to have an effect on selected hemodynamic variables, the lack of methodological control for nonspecific general massage effects means that there is little convincing evidence at this time to suggest the existence of a specific treatment-related hemodynamic effect. Furthermore, the review found that few studies of reflexology controlled for nonspecific effects in
Effects of reflexology on child health: A systematic review
It is known that the parents of one of every two children who need health care seek at least one complementary health-care approach. Reflexology, which is one of these, increases well-being while maintaining the continuity of homeostasis. As studies with children are limited, there is a need for evidence that includes the positive as well as the negative effects of reflexology that can be transferred to clinical practice and recommendations for future studies. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of reflexology on child health by systematically summarizing the results obtained. In this study, which was structured as a systematic review, data were obtained by scanning CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Academic Search Complete, WoS, Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and ProQuest. According to MeSH terminology, (zone therapy OR reflexology OR foot massage OR hand massage) AND (pediatrics OR child OR infant OR baby) were used. Randomized controlled studies (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses conducted with a pediatric population and accessible in English and full text up to 07.08.2019 (with no time limitation) were included. Exclusion criteria for the present study included applying a massage procedure different from reflexology, the inclusion of an adult sample, or publication of the article in a predatory journal. The Cochrane guidelines (Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.2.0, 2017) were applied and the article reported on according to the PRISMA checklist. In all six of the RCTs, which included a total of 277 infants and children, the only method used was foot reflexology. Regarding the results of nine investigated outcomes, reflexology was found to be effective in infancy for reducing pain level and regulating heart rate, for increasing oxygen saturation, for relieving infantile colic symptoms, and neonatal abstinence symptoms. Reflexology was also found to decrease spasticity and improve motor skills in children with cerebral
Effectiveness of sacral massage during labor in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Researchers reviewed multiple studies on sacral massage (massage of the lower back area near the sacrum) during labor to see if it helps reduce pain and improve birth outcomes in pregnant women. They combined the results from these studies to get a clearer picture of whether this massage technique actually works for laboring women.
Aromatherapy, massage and reflexology: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of the perspectives from people with palliative care needs.
Researchers reviewed all available studies about aromatherapy, massage, and reflexology for people receiving palliative care (comfort-focused treatment for serious illness). They synthesized what patients reported about their experiences with these therapies and what benefits or concerns they identified.
Non-pharmacological interventions feasible in the nursing scope of practice for pain relief in palliative care patients: a systematic review.
Researchers reviewed all available high-quality studies on non-drug pain relief methods that nurses can use for palliative care patients. They found that several hands-on therapies, including massage and reflexology, show promise for helping reduce pain in patients at the end of life.
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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