Reflexology reports, case studies, articles and PDFs
Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary therapy that works in harmony with medical, physiotherapy, podiatry, and other healthcare treatments. Reflexology does not substitute medical treatment, and Reflexologists do not diagnose or prescribe. No referral is necessary to consult a reflexologist.

​

The articles on this page are gathered from around the globe. In the UK, reflexology is a vital part of the public health system and, like in many other countries, reflexologists operate within the hospital system. There are reports from Scandinavian countries, the rest of Western Europe, the UK, and the USA. Additionally, there are numerous reports from Korea and China, where reflexology has played a significant role in their health system for thousands of years.

Unfortunately, because pharmaceutical companies do not profit from reflexology treatments, little to no research funding is available. Most reports originate from the clinics or hospitals where the treatments are administered.

​

In recent years, reflexology has been acknowledged as a significant contributor to good health. However, Australia is trailing behind the rest of the world in mainstream acceptance of reflexology. Recent research from Bond University has alerted traditional Australian medical practitioners to the benefits of reflexology… during 2014/2015, researchers from Bond University QLD confirmed “a significant decrease in depression, anxiety, and stress” in 134 participants treated by Professional Reflexologists.

​

University of Portsmouth UK
Research from the University of Portsmouth UK indicates that Reflexology may be as effective as painkillers for common conditions such as back pain and osteoarthritis. Dr Carol Samuel, a trained reflexologist who conducted the research, reported that those who received the treatment experienced about 40 per cent less pain, and were able to tolerate pain for about 45 per cent longer when they used the complementary therapy as a method of pain relief.

​

Research demonstrates that - “reflexology treatment by fully qualified professional Reflexologists benefits individuals of all ages and with some 78 health concerns. A survey of 169 studies from 21 countries found reflexology to be 80% effective in its testing over 78 disorders. Symptoms were alleviated for health concerns stemming from tension (e.g., elevated blood pressure, anxiety, constipation, headaches, labour times for the pregnant) and pain relief. Patients suffering from asthma, diabetes, cholesterol, incontinence were found to require an appropriate number and frequency of sessions.”

​

An Artificial Intelligence search (June 2024) has found several other recent studies highlighting the benefits of reflexology:

1. A study highlighted by the Association of Reflexologists found that reflexology results in better quality sleep. This was backed up through research, including a recent meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials by Huang et al (2020), which suggested that foot reflexology produced
   significant improvements in sleep disturbances.
    

2. A systematic review prepared by Cochrane Australia in 2022 is evaluating the clinical effectiveness of reflexology.
    

3. Research studies in the U.S. and around the world indicate possible benefits of reflexology, particularly in reducing pain, enhancing relaxation, and reducing psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
    

4. Another study found that adding reflexology to standard postoperative surgical care was effective in reducing pain in patients who recently underwent surgery.
    

5. A study found that self-foot reflexology helped reduce perceived stress in premenopausal women. A 2020 meta-analysis also found that it may be beneficial for adults dealing with high levels of stress and anxiety.
    

6. Studies have shown reflexology may be effective in certain situations such as lowering heart rate and blood pressure, improving labor pain during delivery, duration of labor, and anxiety in pregnancy, and significantly decreasing pain in cancer patients.
    

Please note that while these studies show promising results, reflexology should be used as a complementary therapy and not as a replacement for medical treatment. The links on this page are provided for your interest. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information contained within.

​