Evidence for Reflexology

reflexology picture

Is there any evidence for reflexology? Read more in today’s post.

When doing a quick search on the internet, Wikipedia will very prominently pop up on the screen telling you that “there is no convincing scientific evidence that reflexology is effective for any medical condition”.  This is an interesting statement, but is it a true statement?

The simple answer is, no, Wikipedia is incorrect!  That being said, let’s have a look into why this statement is so prominent on the internet.

Reflexology falls within the domain of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and because this is different from the mainstream Western medical approach, the entire industry with its different modalities is often frowned upon, just because it is different, and then the first line of defense is to make a claim like there is not enough evidence.  That is simply untrue.  Yes, it may be said that there is perhaps not enough research available on reflexology that adheres to the rigorous medical way of research where clinical trial research is conducted, but this is fast changing as the profession is growing in popularity globally.  Clinical trials are usually based on experimental research where experiments are done on experimental/treatment groups, but the results are compared with control groups (that do not receive any treatments) and often with comparison groups (that do receive a form of treatment like a placebo, but not the treatment under investigation) (Wagner et al., 2012).  Granted, there is not enough experimental research available for reflexology, but that is changing as more and more people in the healthcare industry are getting involved in such research.  This is also one of the reasons I’m personally very interested in reflexology because there is such a large demand and scope for research within the profession.

Reflexology is seen as one of the most popular CAM modalities available globally because more than sufficient empirical research is available to show that the profession is effective and has a positive impact on many areas, especially when it comes to improving the overall quality of life.  Empirical research is different from experimental research and therefore not always seen as scientific enough by many, but it is still a valid form of research that is based on actual observation and experience, and not on experimentation.

As the popularity of reflexology is growing, there is more and more research being done that promises to add to the available research and evidence for reflexology; these studies include experimental research and the use of clinical trials.  So, just because the available research does not necessarily fit into the acceptable Western medicine standards, does not make it less valuable or irrelevant; just think about how qualitative research has not been seen as acceptable within business schools for decades and they only saw quantitative research as good enough evidence, however, today, there are qualitative research departments inside business schools as it is now seen as not only acceptable but necessary in some modules.

To keep up to date with the latest research on reflexology, please visit https://www.christoscheepers.co.za/research and see the list of relevant research studies below.  Also keep in mind that Therapeutic Reflexology in South Africa is highly regulated as a formal healthcare profession and therefore it is often seen on a higher level and with more scientific evidence available than the usual, unregulated, versions of reflexology available in other countries and which the internet is so quick to share skewed information on.

Make your appointment today and experience the profession for yourself and then decide whether you think there is enough evidence for Therapeutic Reflexology.

Some Available Evidence about Reflexology

Research Projects

  • Scheepers, C.A. (2017) Associated conditions and complications among people with diagnosed cholesterol.  IARAMT Dip. T.R. Research Report.  READ IT HERE
  • Samuel, C. (2011) An investigation into the efficacy of reflexology on acute pain in healthy human subjects.  University of Portsmouth Ph.D. Thesis.  READ IT HERE
  • Steenkamp, E. (2009) An integrative literature review of the utilisation of reflexology in adults with chronic disease.  North-West University M.Cur. Dissertation.  READ IT HERE

Journal Articles

  • Baljon, K., Romli, M.H., Ismail, A.H., Khuan, L. & Chew, B.H. (2022) Effectiveness of breathing exercises, foot reflexology and massage (BRM) on maternal and newborn outcomes among Primigravidae in Saudi Arabia: A randomized controlled trial.  International Journal of Women’s Health, 14. READ IT HERE
  • Ghanbari, A., Shahrbabaki, P.M., Dehghan, M., Mardanparvar, H., Abadi, E.K.D., Emami, A., Sarikhani-Khorrami, E. (2022) Comparison of the Effect of Reflexology and Swedish Massage on Restless Legs Syndrome and Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: a Randomized Clinical Trial. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 15(2).  READ IT HERE
  • Güven, S.D. (2022) Improving sleep quality in older adults: Foot reflexology or warm footbath? A single-blind, 6-week intervention, two group. randomized comparative study.  Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(3).  READ IT HERE
  • Jing, Y., Liu, S., Pan, C., Jian, Y., Wang, M. & Ni, B. (2022) The effects of foot reflexology on vital signs: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  READ IT HERE
  • Mao, J.J., Ismaila, N., Bao, T., Barton, D., Ben-Arye, E., Garland, E.L., Greenlee, H., Leblanc, T., Lee, R.T., Lopez, A.M., Loprinzi, C., yman, G.H., MacLeod, J., Master, V.A., Ramchandran, K., Wagner, L.I., Walker, E.M., Bruner, D.W., Witt, C.M. & Bruera, E. (2022) Integrative Medicine for pain management in oncology: Society for integrative oncology – ASCO guidelines.  Journal of Clinical Oncology.  READ IT HERE
  • Sharifi, N., Bahri, N., Hadizadeh-Talasaz, F., Azizi, H., Nezami, H. & Tohidinik, H.R. (2022) A randomized clinical trial on the effect of foot reflexology performed in the fourth stage of labor on uterine afterpain. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 22(1).  READ IT HERE
  • Wattanaruangkowit, P., Muengtaweepongsa, S., Kengganpanich, M., & Kengganpanich, T. (2022). The Effects of Foot Reflexology for Smoking Cessation on Brain Activities with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): A Pilot Study. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM, 1727479. READ IT HERE
  • Whatley, J., Perkins, J. & Samuel, C. (2022) Exploring the mechanism of action.  Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 48. READ IT HERE
  • Yükseltürk Şimşek N., Nacir B. & Demir, A. (2022) Determining the Effect of Reflexology on Nausea, Vomiting and Anxiety in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Study. Complementary Medicine Research.  READ IT HERE
  • Anderson, K.D. & Downey, M. (2021) Foot Reflexology: An intervention for pain and nausea among impatients with cancer.  Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 25(5).  READ IT HERE
  • Cicek, S.C., Demir, S., Yilmaz, D. & Yildiz, S. (2021) Effect of reflexology on ankle brachial index, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and glycemic control in older adults with diabetes: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract., 44(101437).  READ IT HERE
  • Davodabady, F., Naseri-Salahshour, V., Sajadi, M., Mohtarami, A. & Rafiei, F. (2021)Randomized controlled trial of the foot reflexology on pain and anxiety severity during dressing change in burn patients.  Burns, 47(1).  READ IT HERE
  • Dogan, H.D. & Tan, M. (2021) Effects of reflexology on pain, fatigue, and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients: A clinical study. Altern Ther Health Med.  READ IT HERE
  • Fazlollah, A., Darzi, H.B., Heidaranlu, E. & Moradian, S.T. (2021) The effect of foot reflexology massage on delirium and sleep quality following cardiac surgery: A randomized clinical trial.  Complement Ther Med., 60(102738).  READ IT HERE
  • Ghasemi, M., Rejeh, N., Bahrami, T., Heravi-Karimooi, M., Tadrisi, S.D. & Vaismoradi, M. (2021) Aromatherapy massage vs. foot reflexology on the severity of restless legs syndrome in female patients undergoing hemodialysis. Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland), 6(4).  READ IT HERE
  • Gupta, A., Sedhom, R., Sharma, R., Zhang, A., Waldfogel, J.M., Feliciano, J.L., Day, J., Gersten, R.A., Davidson, P.M., Bass, E.B. & Dy, S.M. (2021) Nonpharmacological interventions for managing breathlessness in patients with advanced cancer: A systematic review. JAMA Oncology, 7(2).  READ IT HERE
  • Huang, H.C., Chen, K.H., Kuo, S.F. & chen, I.H. (2021) Can foot reflexology be a complementary therapy for sleep disturbances? Evidence appraisal through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.  Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77(4).  READ IT HERE
  • Jodat, M.A., Alilu, L., Rezayee, S.A. and Asl, R.G. (2021) Effects of reflexology on the pain intensity among patients with depression after receiving electroconvulsive therapy: A randomized clinical trial. The Journal of Caring Sciences, 10(3).  READ IT HERE
  • Karatas, N. & Dalgic, A.I. (2021) Is foot reflexology effective in reducing colic symptoms in infants: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Med., 59:(102732).  READ IT HERE
  • Mohan, M. & Varghese, L. (2021) Effect of foot reflexology on reduction of labour pain among Primigravida mothers.  International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 14(1).  READ IT HERE
  • Murat-Ringot, A., Souquet, P.J., Subtil, F., Boutitie, F., Preau, M. & Piriou, V. (2021) The effect of foot reflexology on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with digestive or lung cancer: Randomized controlled trial.  JMIR Cancer, 7(4).  READ IT HERE
  • Sayari, S., Nobohar, M. & Ghorbani, R. (2021) Effect of foot reflexology on chest pain and anxiety in patients with acute myocaridal infarction: A double blind randomized clinical trial.  Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 42(101296).  READ IT HERE
  • Shahriari, A., Sarani, H., Sheikh, S. & Arbabisarjou, A. (2021) The effect of foot reflexology massage on pruritus in hemodialysis patients. J Educ Health Promot., 10(81).  READ IT HERE
  • Türkcü, S.G. & Özkan, S. (2021) The effects of reflexology on anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with gynecological cancers with reference to Watson’s theory of human caring.  Complement Ther Clin Pract., 44(101428).  READ IT HERE
  • Vieira, A.K.A., Nagumo, M.T., Kuba, G., Kurebayashi, L.F.S. & Turrini, R.N.T. (2021) Effect of foot reflexology protocol on premenstrual syndrome symptoms in nursing students: A pre-post pilot study. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage &  Bodywork, 14(1).  READ IT HERE
  • Yilmaz, D. & Kurt, F.Y. (2021) The effect of foot reflexology on procedural pain before heel lancing in neonates. Arch Pediatr., 28(4).  READ IT HERE
  • Zeidabadinejad, S., Shahrbabaki, P.M. & Dehghan, M. (2021) The effect of foot reflexology on sexual function of patients under hemodialysis: A randomized parallel controlled clinical trial.  Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM) (8553549).  READ IT HERE
  • Hannula, L., Puukka, P., Asunmaa, M. & Mäkijärvi, M. (2020) A pilot study of parents’ experiences of reflexology treatment for infants with colic in Finland. Scand J Caring Sci., 34(4).  READ IT HERE
  • Inkaya, B. & Tuzer, H. (2020) Effect of reflexology on the constipation status of elderly people. Yonago Acta Med, 63(2).  READ IT HERE
  • Levy, I., Attias, S., Lavee, T.S., Avneri, O., Cohen, G., Balachsan, S., Sagi, S. & Schiff, E. (2020) The effectiveness of foot reflexology in reducing anxiety and duration of labor in primiparas: An open-label randomized controlled trial.  Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 38.  READ IT HERE
  • Wang, W.L., Hung, H.Y., Chen, Y.R., Chen, K.H., Yang, S.N., Chu, C.M. & Chan, Y.Y. (2020) Effect of foot reflexology intervention on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in adults: A meta-analysis and metaregression of randomized controlled trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.  READ IT HERE
  • Yaqi, H., Nan, J., Ying, C., Xiaojun, Z., Lijuan, Z., Yulu, W., Siqi, W., Shixiang, C. & Yue, Z. (2020) Foot reflexology in the management of functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Clin Pract., 40.  READ IT HERE
  • Ozdelikara, A. & Alkan, S.A. (2018) The effects of reflexology on fatigue and anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis.Altern Ther Health Med., 24(4).  READ IT HERE
  • Tarrasch, R., Carmel-Neiderman, N.N., Ben-Ami, S., Kaufman, B., Pfeffer, R., Ben-David, M. & Gamus, D. (2018) The effect of reflexology on the pain-insomnia-fatigue disturbance cluster of breast cancer patients during adjuvant radiation therapy. J Altern Complement Med., 24(1).READ IT HERE
  • Sahiner, N.C. & Bal, M.D. (2017) A randomized controlled trial examining the effects of reflexology on children with functional constipation. Gastroenterol Nurs., 40(5). READ IT HERE
  • Soheili, M., Nazari, F., Shaygannejad, V. & Valiani, M. (2017)A comparison the effects of reflexology and relaxation on the psychological symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis. Journal of education and health promotion, 6(11).  READ IT HERE
  • Babadi, M. E., Nazari, F., Safari, R., & Abdoli, S. (2016).The effect of reflexology on pain perception aspects in nurses with chronic low back pain in Isfahan. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 21(5).  READ IT HERE
  • Embong, N. H., Soh, Y. C., Ming, L. C., & Wong, T. W. (2016).Perspectives on reflexology: A qualitative approach.  Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 7(3).  READ IT HERE
  • Metin, Z.G. & Ozdemir, L. (2016) The effects of aromatherapy massage and reflexology on pain and fatigue in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Pain Manag Nurs., 17(2).  READ IT HERE
  • Embong, N.H., Soh, Y.C., Ming, L.C. & Wong, T.W. (2015) Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 5(4).  READ IT HERE
  • Nazari, F., Shahreza, M.S., Shaygannejad, V. & Valiani, M. (2015) Comparing the effects of reflexology and relaxation on fatigue in women with multiple sclerosis.  Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res, 20(2).  READ IT HERE
  • Wyatt, G., Sikorskii, A., Rahbar, M.H., Victorson, D. & You, M. (2012) Health-related quality of life outcomes: A reflexology trial with patients with advanced-stage breast cancer.  Oncology Nursing Forum, 39(6).  READ IT HERE
  • Lee, J., Han, M., Chung, Y., Kim, J. & Choi, J. (2011) Effects of foot reflexology on fatigue, sleep and pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Korean Acad Nurs, 41(6).  READ IT HERE
  • Quattrin, R., Zanini, A., Buchini, S., Turello, D., Annunziata, M.A., Vidotti, C., Colombatti, A. & Brusaferro, S. (2006) Use of reflexology foot massage to reduce anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients in chemotherapy treatment: methodology and outcomes.  Nursing Management, 14(2).  READ IT HERE
  • Cope, D. & Lacey, M.D. (2002) The effects of foot massage and reflexology on decreasing anxiety, pain, and nausea in patients with cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 6(3).  READ IT HERE
  • Launs, L. (1995) A description of reflexology practice and clientele in Denmark. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 3(4).  READ IT HERE

References

Wagner, C., Kwaulich, B., & Garner, M. (2012) Doing Social Research: A Global Context. Berkshire: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

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Christo A. Scheepers, Ph.D.

Therapeutic Reflexologist

AHPCSA:  A11945

Pr. No.: 1080000737453

Tel. 072-800 7243

www.christoscheepers.co.za

info@christoscheepers.co.za