What is reflexology?

From the Guidelines

Reflexology may be beneficial for anxiety in some patients, particularly those with gynecologic cancers undergoing chemotherapy, as it has shown small to medium effect sizes in reducing anxiety symptoms, although the evidence is not strong and more research is needed. When considering reflexology as a complementary therapy, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the lack of robust scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for treating medical conditions 1. The most recent and highest quality study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2023, evaluated the effectiveness of reflexology in reducing anxiety during active treatment in patients with cancer, and found that while some studies demonstrated small benefits, the net benefit may be small, and without evidence of important harms, reflexology may be beneficial for anxiety in some patients 1. Some key points to consider when evaluating reflexology include:

• The variability in reflexology interventions, including the number and length of sessions, as well as the qualifications of reflexology providers 1
• The lack of standardization in control procedures across studies, which can make it difficult to compare results 1
• The potential for reflexology to be used as a complementary therapy, rather than a replacement for conventional medical care 1
• The importance of seeking a certified practitioner with formal training and informing them about any health conditions you have 1. Overall, while the evidence for reflexology is not strong, it may be a useful complementary therapy for some patients, particularly those experiencing anxiety, and further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and limitations 1.

From the Research

Definition and Mechanism of Reflexology

• Reflexology is a complementary therapy that focuses on the application of pressure on the feet, hands, and ears 2
• The therapy has a small but growing evidence base suggesting positive outcomes in managing and improving symptoms across various conditions 2
• The mechanism of action for reflexology is not fully understood, but it may involve therapeutic touch, relaxation, placebo effects, and similarities with other therapeutic methods of structural manipulation 2

Effects of Reflexology on Mental Health

• Foot reflexology has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in adults 3
• A meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials found that foot reflexology intervention reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved sleep quality 3
• Reflexology may provide a useful non-pharmacotherapy intervention for adults suffering from depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances 3

Effects of Reflexology on Anxiety in Medical Procedures

• Reflexology has been found to decrease anxiety in patients undergoing cardiovascular interventional procedures 4
• A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials found that reflexology significantly reduced anxiety in patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures 4
• Reflexology may be a useful complementary therapy for reducing anxiety in patients undergoing medical procedures 4

Relationship between Reflexology and Peripheral Vascular Disease

• There is no direct evidence linking reflexology to the treatment or management of peripheral vascular disease 5, 6
• However, reflexology may have indirect benefits for patients with peripheral vascular disease by reducing anxiety and improving overall well-being 3, 4