Research studies in the US and around the world indicate positive benefits of reflexology for various conditions. In particular, there are several well-designed studies, funded by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health that indicate reflexology’s promise as an intervention to reduce pain and enhance relaxation, sleep, and the reduction of psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.

In addition, Chinese research literature on reflexology contains over 300 studies that show its effectiveness in 95% of more than 18,000 cases covering 64 different illnesses. However, the quality of many of these studies has not been established. As with all research, it is important to analyze the study methods and analysis before drawing conclusions.

Here are some research examples that show reflexology to be effective for a wide variety of health concerns.

Anxiety
Williamson et al (2002) found that both reflexology and foot massage reduced anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women. In addition to this study, see the studies listed under Cancer Treatment.

Cancer Treatment
These studies showed reduction of pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, and improved quality of life with reflexology.

• In a controlled study with 87 patients, Hodgson (2000) found 100% improvement in the reflexology group in quality of life categories of appearance, appetite, breathing, communication (with doctors, family, nurses), concentration, constipation/diarrhea, fear of future, isolation, mobility, mood, nausea, pain, sleep/tiredness. The placebo group reported 67.6% improvement in these categories.
• Stephenson et al. (2000) conducted a qualitative study in a hospital on 24 patients receiving reflexology with breast and lung cancer. Researchers noted a “significant decrease in pain” for patients with breast cancer. While this was a small sample, the well-controlled research design yielded meaningful results.
• Milligan et al. (2002) looked at the impact of reflexology on the quality of life of 20 cancer patients. It found quality of life improved through a reduction of physical and emotional symptoms. This is a small sample however.

Cardiovascular System
Frankel (1997) conducted a pilot study to identify the effects of reflexology and foot massage on the physiology of the body, measuring baroreceptor reflex sensitivity and the link between pressure to the feet, as well as the baroreceptors of the heart (neurons).

Results showed that pressure sensors in the feet are linked to the same part of the brain as the baroreceptor reflex. This small, single-blinded study included 24 subjects – 10 received reflexology, 10 received foot massage, and 4 were the control.

Diabetes Type II
Ying (1998) conducted a controlled research study on reflexology and blood flow in patients with Type II Diabetes. Pre and post treatment, blood flow rate, time and acceleration were tested by Doppler ultrasonic equipment. Results showed that the blood flow improved for 20 patients receiving reflexology (there were 15 patients of normal health in the control group). This is a small sample however.

Migraine/Tension Headache
Brendstrup & Launse (1997) conducted a study in which 78 reflexologists treated 220 patients, the majority of whom had moderate to severe headache symptoms. Three months after completing a reflexology treatment, 65% of patients reported that reflexology helped with symptoms, 19% stopped taking headache medications, and 16% stated that reflexology was a “cure.”

Testa (2000) conducted a blind, random trial, in which 32 patients with headaches were evaluated after treatment with foot reflexology treatment and at a 3-month follow-up. Results showed that foot reflexology treatment was at least as effective as drug therapy (Flunarizin).

Kidney Function
Sudmeier et al. (1999) conducted a study with 32 healthy subjects. The blood flow of the three vessels of the kidney was measured before, during, and after foot reflexology using Doppler sonography. Results showed that organ-associate foot reflexology is effective in increasing renal blood flow during therapy (which helps the body transport nutrients to cells and remove wastes).

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Oleson & Flocco (1993) conducted a randomized, controlled study with 35 women with 38 premenstrual symptoms. The women recorded their symptoms on a 4-point scale in a daily diary. Symptoms were recorded for two months before reflexology treatment, two months during, and two months after. Results showed that 46% of the women had improved symptoms (such as less anxiety, depression, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping) with reflexology alone.

Sinusitis
Healey et al. (2002) conducted a randomized, controlled study of 150 subjects examining reflexology for alleviation of chronic sinusitis. Participants who received reflexology treatment comprised the control group. The other two groups received nasal irrigation procedures. Results showed equal improvement in both groups.

In an article entitled “The Saline Solution?” Andrew Weil, MD, commented, “After two weeks of daily treatment, more than 70% of those practicing nasal douching reported improved symptoms. But surprisingly, the group that practiced reflexology massage – pressure to feet or hands, appeared to fare equally as well. The unexpected results for this technique may prompt further research.”

References

Brendstrup, E & Launse, L. (1997). Headache and Reflexological Treatment. The Council Concerning Alternative Treatment, The National Board of Health, Denmark.

Healey, D, et al. (2002). Nasal Irrigation for the Alleviation of Sinonasal Symptoms. Presented Sept 25 at the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

Frankel, B.S.M. (1997). The effect of reflexology on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 5, 80-84.

Hodgson, H. (2000). Does reflexology impact on cancer patients’ quality of life?” Nursing Standard, 14(31), 33-38.

Kim M.S. et al. (2001). Effects of hand massage on anxiety in cataract surgery using local anesthesia. J Cataract Refract Surg, 27(6):884-90.

Milligan, M. et al. (2002). Int J. Oalliat Nurs, 8(10), 489-96.

Oleson, T & Flocco, W. (1993). Randomized controlled study of premenstrual symptoms treated with ear, hand, and foot reflexology. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 82(6), 906-11.

Stephenson, N.L. et al. (2000). The effects of foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients with breast and lung cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 27(1), 67-72.

Sudmeier, I., et al. (1999). Anderund der nierendurchblutung durch organassozilerte reflexzontherapie am fuss gemussen mit farbkodierter Doppler-sonograhpie. Universitatsklinik fur Innere Medizin, Inssbruk, Austria. Forsch Komplementarmed, 6(3), 129-34.

Testa, G.W. (2000). A study on the effects of reflexology on migraine headaches. Accessed on May 24, 2007, from http://members.tripod.com/GTesta/Dissertationall.htm.

Ying, Ma. (1998). Clinical observation demonstrated the influence upon arterial blood flow in the lower limbs of 20 cases with type II diabetes mellitus treated by foot reflexology. China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, 97-99.

Weil, A. (January, 2002). The Saline Solution? Self Healing, p 2.

Williamson et al (2002). Randomised controlled trial of reflexology for menopausal symptoms. BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 109 (9) p 1050-1055.

Expert Contributor: Karen Teagarden, BA, ARCB

Reviewed by: Donna LeBlanc Morris, DrPH, CNM, AHN-BC, LR

Date: June, 2007

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