Reflexology Research
There are increasing numbers of evidence-based research studies that go some way to proving the efficacy of reflexology. So if you’re wondering how it can help you specifically (aside from being a holistic therapy in the truest sense in that it works with you as a whole person) and what the evidence is, then this is for you.
The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression during Menopause: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
Results: Comparing 30 minutes of reflexology twice weekly to usual care for women going through menopause with depression, reflexology was statistically shown to reduce the level of depression recorded.
Read the research abstract here .
Effect of Reflexology on Pain, Fatigue, Sleep Quality and Lactation in PostPartum Primiparous Women After Caesarean Deliver: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Results: Pain scores in the reflexology group decreased by 90.9% in week 1, 90.2% in week 2 and 59.8% in week compared to the control group. Pain resolved at week 4 in the reflexology group and week 7 in the control group. The reflexology group showed a 36.9% decrease in fatigue level, a 48.0% increase in energy level, a 70.7% increase in sleep quality and a 20.2% increase in breastfeeding efficacy compared to the control group.
Read the research abstract here.
Effect of Foot Reflexology Protocol on Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms in Nursing Students: a Pre-Post Pilot Study.
Result: There was a significant reduction in various premenstrual symptoms and a significant decrease in the functional impact of premenstrual symptoms.
Read the research abstract here.
Use of Reflexology in Managing Secondary Lymphoedema for Patients Affected by Treatments for Breast Cancer: A Feasibility Study
Results: A significant reduction in the volume of the affected arm was identified at follow-up, compared to baseline. This reduction in volume appeared to be maintained for more than six months. Participant concerns were significantly reduced and their well-being significantly increased.
Read the research abstract here: Abstract 2016 – REFLEXOLOGY LYMPH DRAINAGE
The Effects of Reflexology on Pain and Sleep Deprivation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Conclusion: Foot reflexology is a non-pharmacological nursing intervention that may reduce the pain and sleep deprivation symptoms of RA patients.
Read the research abstract here.
The Effect of Reflexology on Low Back Pain in Operating Room Nurses
Result: The low back pain of the nurses in the reflexology group decreased significantly at week 5 compared with week 1, whereas the severity of low back pain in the nurses in the control group did not change between weeks 1 and 5. In this study, reflexology significantly reduced the pain of nurses with low back pain.
Read the research abstract here.
Effects of Reflexology on Anorexia and Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Results: The findings of the study revealed a significant improvement in sleep quality and reduction in anorexia symptoms among patients who received reflexology treatment scores compared to the group who received a placebo treatment without exerting any pressure on the reflex points during the same time frame.
Read the research abstract here.
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Pain and Kinesiophobia in Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study.
Results: Comparing reflexology to a control group in people who had total knee joint resurfacing (arthroplasty), showed statistically significantly increased pain management and reduction in fear of movement in the reflexology group.
Read the research abstract here.