Research and Links
Below are some useful links and examples of study outcomes which show reflexology to be an effective complimentary therapy:
Research on Reflexology and Health conditions
Here you will find some information and links to studies that have shown how reflexology has improved symptoms or supported people suffering from a number of chronic illnesses or pain.
Anxiety
Effect of reflexology on Anxiety
Arthritis
Reflexology and Arthritis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705475/
Effect Of Hand Reflexology Massage On Pain, Fatigue And Sleep Deprivation In Patients Suffering From Rheumatoid Arthritis. By Sunil Kumar Sharma, Gurjar N. R. (2022). Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results, 4633-4636.
The effects of reflexology on pain and sleep deprivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.
By Ercan Bakir, Sevgin Samancioglu Baglama, Savas Gursoy. Pub. by Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May; 31:315-319.
The Effects of Aromatherapy Massage and Reflexology on Pain and Fatigue in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. By Zehra Gok Metin, Leyla Ozdemir. Pain Manag Nurs. 2016 Apr; 17(2):140-9.
Cancer
An intervention for pain and nausea amongst patients with cancer
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9246290/
Patients Experience of Clinical Foot Reflexology in a hospital cancer service 2023
There is some evidence that reflexology may help with chemotherapy-related peripheral neuropathy which is nerve damage caused by some chemotherapy drugs. Macmillan Trust
Reflexology in managing secondary lymphoedema for patients affected by treatments for Breast Cancer
Multiple Sclerosis
Managing Fatigue, stress, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and pain, and also improved sleep and quality of life in individuals with MS:
Pain
Analgesic Effects of Reflexology in Patients Undergoing Surgical Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Trial:
Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that reflexology, when added to standard care, significantly reduces postoperative pain in surgical patients, particularly those with moderate to severe pain. This non-invasive therapy is also associated with increased patient satisfaction and can help normalize vital signs. Reflexology is considered a safe, non-pharmacological adjunct to traditional pain management.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29883188/
An investigation into the efficacy of reflexology on acute pain
https://pure.port.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/6060909/Carol_Samuel_Thesis_2011.pdf
Benefits of Reflexology on Back Pain
The results showed a much higher reduction in pain intemsity scores in the reflexology group compared to those without the intervention.
Reflexology is effective in reducing chronic back pain.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282734915_Impact_of_Reflexology_on_Mechanical_Low_Back_Pain
and
Reflexology and Hypertension
The Effect of Feet Reflection Massage on Blood Pressure in Hypertension Patients at Community Health Centers II Petang. By Ni Kadek Yuni Lestart Y, NI Luh Putu Thrisna Dewi, Ni Made Era Mahayani. NHSI [Internet]. 2023Mar.2 (cited 2023Aрг.23];3(1):56-0.
The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Vital Signs:
A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. By Yunyan ling, Shanxin Liu, Chungi Pan, Ying lian, Mingwei Wang, Bin Ni. Pub, by Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2022 Sep 13;2022:4182420.
Effect of Foot Reflection Massage on Blood Pressure Reduction in Hypertension Patients, By Suryaningsih, S,, Tasalim, R., & Rahman, S. (2022).
Pub, by Journal of Advances in Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1(2), 43-50.
Diabetes and associated Neuropathy
Determination of efficacy of Reflexology in Managing Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy a randomized trial.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3913279/#:~:text=Improvement%20in%20the%20primary%20outcome,52.4%25%20more%20than%20control%20group.
The Effect of foot reflexology technique on Diabetic Neuropathy 2022 Patients' Health outcome.
Walaa Shawky Gomaa, Hanan Gaber Mohammed, Amal Saied Taha, Nehal Mahmoud and Abo El Fadl.
https://jnsbu.journals.ekb.eg/article_247769.html
The Effectiveness of Reflexology Massage to The Reduction of Blood Sugar Level of Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
"Chronic hyperglycemia in clients with diabetes mellitus will cause long-term damage, namely dysfunction or failure of organs such as eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. Therefore, reflexology on the soles of the feet is become one of the complementary therapies that has no side effects. The results showed that there was a difference in the points of before and after treatment as much as 36.15 points. There was an effect between reflexology treatment before and after as much as 0.0001 < 0.05. " Levi Tina Sari,Wahyu Wibisono,Nevy Norma Renityas
Dementia
How reflexology can support those living with Dementia
Benefits of Reflexology on patients with Dementia:
Dysmenorrhea
Comparing the effects of reflexology methods and Ibuprofen administration on dysmenorrhea in female students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2010 Dec;15(Suppl 1):371-8. PMID: 22069413; PMCID: PMC3208937.
Leukemia
The effect of foot reflexology on pain, anxiety, and physiological indices in leukemia patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration:
A randomized clinical trial study.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451865425000018
Women's Health and Gynacology
Effect of Reflexology on Decreasing Postoperative Pain and Anxiety After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
Conclusion: Foot reflexology may serve as an effective nursing intervention to increase the well-being and decrease the pain of female patients after abdominal hysterectomy, and nurses should be aware of the benefits of reflexology.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37699063/
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on the Anxiety Levels of Women in Labor
Foot reflexology was found to have a positive effect in lowering the total anxiety scores of the pregnant women. Reflexology is a non-invasive and economical method, which may be used by health professionals to reduce problems during labor. A decrease in anxiety experienced at birth improves women's positive birth experiences, promotes a secure mother-infant attachment, and protects postpartum mental health.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29474093/
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Postpartum Comfort and Breastfeeding Outcomes in Postpartum Women: A Meta-Analysis Study
Conclusions: This meta-analysis determined that the foot reflexology intervention increased breastfeeding success, satisfaction, and postpartum comfort levels and statistically significantly reduced the signs of breastfeeding onset.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40206022/
The Effect of Reflexology on Lactation and Postpartum Comfort in Caesarean-Delivery Primiparous Mothers:
A Randomized Controlled Study
Maternity & Pregnancy Studies
Study on the effect of reflexology on pain and outcomes of labour
Valiani M. et al (2010) Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research 15(Dec) p.301-310.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3208928/
Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve quality of sleep amongst post partum women
Li C-Y et al (2011) Midwifery 27. P. 181-186
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388117303614
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Reduction of Labour Pain Among Primigravida Mothers
Manju Mohan, and Linda Varghese (2021) *.* Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2021 Mar; 14(1): 21–29. Published online 2021 Mar 1st.
Menopause
British Menopause Society
Specialist authority for menopause and post reproductive health.
What is the Menopause? definition British Menopause Society
https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/17-BMS-TfC-What-is-the-menopause-AUGUST2023-A.pdf
Studies to show effects of reflexology applied to women aged between 40 and 60 on vasomotor (hot flushes) complaints and quality of life. Results showed that reflexology could be effective in decreasing vasomotor problems and increasing quality of life in women in the menopausal period.
The effects of reflexology on depression during menopause: A randomized controlled clinical trial showed that foot reflexology was effective on reducing women’s depression in menopause.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31780002/
The effects of reflexology on sleep disorder in menopausal women. The results showed a significant reduction sleep disorder after intervention.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042811029788
Newson Health: Common Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause
Hot flushes: This is one of the most common menopause symptoms, characterised by sudden feelings of warmth across the body, particularly the face, neck and chest. Hot flashes can vary in frequency and intensity from person to person
Night sweats: These are intense hot flashes the occur at night. Night sweats can disrupt sleep which can lead to fatigue during the day
Mood changes: Many women report feelings of sadness, irritability, or anxiety. These can be due to hormonal fluctuations but can also be influenced by sleep disruptions from other symptoms
Vaginal dryness: Reduced oestrogen levels can lead to discomfort, itching, or pain, particularly during intercourse
Decreased libido: Oestrogen and testosterone are both important hormones for libido, so you may find your sex drive declines during the perimenopause and menopause
Sleep disorders: Apart from night sweats, you may experience insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns, which can in turn lead to fatigue
Memory and concentration issues: Some women may experience ‘brain fog’ including challenges with focus, recalling information, or completing tasks
Joint aches and pains: Hormonal changes can cause inflammation in joints, leading to discomfort and pain.
Information about Menopause from the National Institute for Health & Care
https://menopausecare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/NICE-Menopause-Information.pdf
Useful information on the Menopause. Perimenopause and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
https://www.balance-menopause.com/
How does menopause affect women at work
https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/how-does-menopause-affect-women-at-work/
Calculate your menopause symptoms : Menoscale Symptom Calculator
Zoe Science & Nutrition
https://zoe.com/learn/menoscale-calculator-menopause-research
Reflexology and its benefits for the Workplace
Using Reflexology to manage stress in the workplace: a preliminary study (2008)
RC Atkins, Harris P. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2008 Nov;14(4):280-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2008.05.005. Epub 2008 Sep 25.
Staff study seen within Worcester hospitals
By Anne Jordan, First European Conference
Twenty-eight subjects (22 females & 6 males, aged 22 to 66 years) were reported on in this study. Subjects received one 40-minute reflexology session per week for six weeks. Response to reflexology was measured after each session on several parameters including: pain, mobility, lassitude and psychological stress. All subjects reported some improvement after six sessions, with significant improvement being reported by: 74% of the 23 subjects experiencing pain, 53% of subjects concerned about mobility, 62.5% of subjects concerned with lassitude, and 55% of subjects concerned with psychological stress. It is concluded that reflexology is a cost-effective treatment for companies and institutions concerned about absenteeism and sick leave.
The FDZ Research Council in Denmark has carried out research into the effects of workplace reflexology
Companies that participated in the research included Telecom Taastrup, SAS Cargo and Denmark Odense Post Office.
Telecom Taastrup, for example, hired a reflexologist 3 days a week for it's 7-800 employees. In this survey 156 employees, who had received a total of 1025 reflexology treatments during a one-year period, were sent a questionnaire. The return rate was 75% or 116: 87 from women, 19 from men, 10 blank. Treatments had been for back pain, muscle tension, headache/migraine, and stomach/intestinal problems (60%) a further 20% for common problems related to movement. 56% responses indicated that the reflexology treatments helped. 29% indicated that the reflexology provided partial help. The remainder of respondents indicated that the reflexology treatments did not help (7.5%), or, that they did not know (7.5%). In addition, 40% indicated that the reflexology treatments received had reduced their number of sick days.
It was concluded that there was a direct economic benefit as well as increased wellbeing and productivity of the employees.
Migraines
National Migraine Centre.
Migraine Trust website
British association for the Study of Headaches
Organisation for Understanding of Cluster headaches