Reflexology has been successful in relieving many acute and chronic conditions, such as insomnia, menstrual problems, migraine, sinusitis, vertigo, asthma, sciatica, and many others. In addition, it’s benefits extend to improving the circulation, purifying the lymphatic system, improved functioning of the intestines, liver and kidneys, and promoting natural cleansing process of the body bringing increased awareness accompanied by mental and cellular relaxation.

What does reflexology research show?
Research has shown the specific techniques of reflexology to be effective and beneficial in many ways, impacting a variety of physical and psychological concerns. This discussion notes results gathered from year-long research project of 170 reflexology studies from 21 countries with findings published in Evidence-Based Reflexology Research for Health Professionals and Researchers (Kunz and Kunz, 2008, RRP Press, eBook, 224 pages). The studies were selected among those available because the abstract or full study information included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and anxiety. One study of a single session noted that reflexology has a “… powerful anxiety-reduction effect ….”

• Reflexology reduces pain
  Pain reduction is a significant result of reflexology work. Twenty-seven studies show positive outcomes for reflexology work ranging from “significant difference in” pain to “reduction in” pain.

• Reflexology ameliorates health concerns
  Research shows that reflexology work helps individuals of all ages with some 78 health concerns ranging from aggressive behaviour in children to urinary concerns of the elderly.

• Reflexology improves blood flow
  Improvement in blood flow is one of multiple mechanisms of action at work in reflexology technique application.

• Reflexology aids post-operative recovery
  The value of reflexology for patients post-surgically is demonstrated by fifteen studies conducted in eight countries

• Reflexology impacts physiological measures
  Research shows that reflexology work influences physiological measures of the body. Measures include and demonstrate positive impact on: alpha amylase, blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, blood uric acid level, carbon dioxide (exhaled), cholesterol, cortisol, Doppler sonogram, ECG, EEG, fMRI, free radicals, haemoglobin, oxygen density, oxygen saturation, serotonin, triglycerides, uric acid and white blood cell count as well as immune system, intestinal, kidney and pancreas function. Such measures document that reflexology has an effect, providing an objective yardstick to measure reflexology’s effects and offering evidence of reflexology’s potential benefits.

• Reflexology enhances medical care
  For cancer patients, phantom limb pain sufferers, haemodialysis patients, diabetic individuals, neuropathy patients, and many more categories of patients are among those whose need for help exceeds that available through medical practices. Research has demonstrated that reflexology use enhances medical care to help where medicine can’t, for example, lessening or cessation of pain for those with phantom limb pain.

• Reflexology benefits mental health
  Reflexology programs and research show that reflexology aids the mentally ill, providing needed benefits unique to reflexology work. Mental health workers report that reflexology work furnishes many advantages including facilitating communication and allowing for the client to be “touched during treatment in a safe non-intrusive / abusive manner.”

• Reflexology eases pregnancy, delivery and post-partum effects
  Women who received reflexology experienced shorter labour times and used less analgesia. In addition, reflexology showed a positive impact on postpartum depression, anxiety, urination and bowel movements. Reflexology work during pregnancy or delivery creates easier birthing / delivery: lessened use of analgesia; reduced duration of labour and labour pains, improvement in primary inertia and retention of placenta. Chinese researchers have found reflexology to be beneficial for women throughout the child-bearing experience from conception to post-partum issues.

• Reflexology can complement cancer care in certain cases
  Results from 24 studies conducted by nurses in ten countries are reported in Medical Applications of Reflexology: Findings in Research about Cancer Care (Kunz, Barbara and Kevin, RRP Press,2011). The results show that reflexology helps cancer patients improve the physical and emotional symptoms of the cancer experience.

*Source: The Reflexology Research Project 2013