The efficacy of reflexology: systematic review

Abstract

Title. The efficacy of reflexology: systematic review. Aim. This paper is a report of a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of reflexology in any condition. Background. Anecdotal evidence has shown potential benefits of reflexology in a variety of health conditions. However, the efficacy of reflexology has yet to be determined. Data sources. Cochrane library, PubMed, MEDLINE, EBM review, ProQuest Medical Bundle and SCOPUS databases were searched using the following medical subject headings or key words: reflexology, foot reflexotherapy, reflexological treatment, foot massage and zone therapy. Chinese articles were searched through the Chinese electronic periodical services and Wangfane database. The publication date was limited from 1996 to 2007. Review methods. Studies were selected if they were written in English or Chinese, used a controlled clinical trial design, used reflexology as a stand-alone modality, and reported such outcomes as symptoms relief, quality of life and patients' perceptions of reflexology. Study quality was reviewed based on the evidence rating system of the United States Preventive Services Task Force, and studies with the evidence rating of II-2 fair or above were included in this review. Results. Among the five studies suitable for review, there was only one report of a statistically significant treatment effect. Among the 12 outcome variables examined, the treatment effect size for urinary symptoms was large, whereas the effect size for other conditions was negligible.Conclusion. There is no evidence for any specific effect of reflexology in any conditions, with the exception of urinary symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. Routine provision of reflexology is therefore not recommended.

Effect of hand reflexology on anxiety and physiological variables among patients hospitalized in the cardiac care unit: A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial

“…[39] In five clinical trials, Wang reported some effects of reflexology compared to general massage. [40] Such differences in results can be attributed to different techniques and reflexology spots on hands. Disagreements of specialists in the field of reflexology are confirmed by Jones et al [30,31] Adib-Hajbaghery et al believed that any kind of massage can have many effects on physiological parameters.…”

The effectiveness of foot reflexology and behavior treatment in patient with overactive bladder syndrome: A case report

“…Alternative therapies is used for decrease disease and pain symptoms with nature's healing power and reinforce body's recuperative power and immune system [4]. As one of these methods, reflexology is commonly used, a non-invasive technique [5]. Reflexology, defined as "a technique that applied with hands on hands, foots and ears which are related to all glands, organs and body parts and helps normalization of body functions" by the International Reflexology Institute [6].…”

“…At the same time, blood stream fastens and homeostasis of the body provided. In addition, it helps the re-absorption of calcium, lactate, urine acid crystals [5].…”

A Proposed Reductionist Solution to Address the Methodological Challenges of Inconsistent Reflexology Maps and Poor Experimental Controls in Reflexology Research: A Discussion Paper

“…By using the heel treatment as the control, an experimentally inert reflexology comparison can be achieved in which nonspecific effects such as the compassion of the therapist, the treatment environment, the act of lying supine, expectation of the receiver, and the relaxing effects of simple foot massage 19,20 would be equally present in both intervention and control. Therefore if the beat-to-beat hemodynamic status of either the liver or spleen organs were measured throughout the intervention and control treatment, and the experiment used reflexology-naive subjects in a randomized, double-blinded repeated measures study design, it should be possible to isolate and detect a specific treatment-related hemodynamic effect on the organ in question; a specific effect that should only be present at some point during the intervention (revealed by real-time measurement of the organ or organs of interest), quite distinct from nonspecific components that should be equally present in both, thereby resolving both the map inconsistency problem and providing a suitably robust experimental control.…”