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Why try Reflexology?

Reflexology is a restorative therapy that applies gentle pressure to specific points on the feet, believed to correspond with different organs and systems in the body.

EASING THE BODY

a woman is holding the foot of another woman
a woman is holding the foot of another woman

Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology aims to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and support overall well-being. These effects are supported by our modern understanding of nerve pathways which can encourage the body’s natural healing processes and promote holistic balance. While many individuals report benefits from reflexology, scientific research presents mixed findings regarding its efficacy for specific health conditions. So while further research is needed, some findings support a complementary use of reflexology as part of conventional treatment plans.

1. Pain and Fatigue Management in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of reflexology on individuals with MS. The analysis found that precision reflexology significantly reduced pain and fatigue levels compared to a non-therapuetic version of the treatment for the placebo group. However, no significant differences were observed in physical function or overall quality of life measures.

2. Symptom Relief in Cancer Patients

Reflexology has been explored as a supportive therapy for cancer patients. Some studies suggest that reflexology may help alleviate certain symptoms, such as shortness of breath, in individuals with advanced breast cancer. While its effects on other symptoms like nausea and pain remain inconclusive, it can have a positive impact on mental health while under treatment.

3. Reduction of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Research indicates that reflexology may have a positive impact on psychological well-being. A meta-analysis found that reflexology interventions were associated with reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression levels among various populations. Nevertheless, the quality of evidence varies, and more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings.

4. Pain Relief in Various Conditions

A systematic review of studies on foot reflexology for painful conditions reported that the majority of trials found reflexology to be more effective than control interventions in reducing pain. Conditions examined included low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-operative pain. Some studies did not find this, so it may not work for everyone and more research is needed.

5. Limited Evidence for Specific Medical Conditions

Comprehensive reviews of randomised controlled trials have concluded that, while reflexology may offer symptomatic relief for certain conditions, there is a need for more evidence to support its effectiveness as a treatment for specific medical conditions. This is an issue recognised by the Association of Reflexologists who are partnering with the University of Oxford to research the effects of reflexology on cortisol release for stress reduction.

References

  1. Wang Y, et al. (2023). Systematic review and meta-analysis of reflexology for people with multiple sclerosis.Medicine (Baltimore), 102(6): e32741. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36749275/

  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (n.d.). Reflexology. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/reflexology

  3. Lee J, et al. (2015). Effect of self-administered foot reflexology for symptom management in healthy persons: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med, 23(1): 79-87. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25637156/

  4. Silva L, et al. (2020). Foot reflexology in painful conditions: systematic review. Brazilian Journal of Pain, 3(4): 331-337. https://www.scielo.br/j/brjp/a/njx6pgYGnvNthbwjqTDGhyH

  5. Ernst E, et al. (2011). Reflexology: an update of a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Maturitas, 68(2): 116-120. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21111551/

  6. Wang MY, et al. (2008). The efficacy of reflexology: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 62(5): 512-520. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18489444/

Reflexology can offer benefits such as stress reduction and pain relief. If you want to use reflexology to support a medical condition, consult your healthcare team to check it's safe for you to use as a complementary therapy within your treatment plan.

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