Supported Conditions for Reflexology
Reflexology reduces stress, tension and pain.
Put your feet up, relax and unwind.
The list below is a selection of conditions where reflexology has shown to have made a difference. Not every condition has been listed so please contact us if we can provide more information on something specific that is not noted.
There is very little that is contra-indicated with reflexology but if you are unsure please ask your reflexologist who will be happy to advise you where caution should be taken or when treatment may not be possible.
| List of Conditions | Links to Case Studies or Research | |
|---|---|---|
| General Info | Kunz, B. & Kunz, K. (2008). Evidence-Based Reflexology for Health Professionals and Researchers: The Reflexology Research Series. This book can be purchased from reflexology-research.com/researchforresearchers.html. | |
| Healthy-ojas.com | ||
| University of Minnesota – How Can Reflexology Help My Health and Healing | ||
| Allergies | ||
| Anxiety | icr-reflexology.org/case_studies.htm ( Reflexology & Panic Disorder) Evaluation of anxiety, salivary cortisol and melatonin secretion following reflexology treatment: A pilot study in healthy individuals Williamson et al (2002) found that both reflexology and foot massage reduced anxiety and depression in post-menopausal women. | |
| Arthritis | medicalnewstoday.com/articles/258931.php The effects of reflexology on foot pain and quality of life in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: A case report The Foot, Volume 16, Issue 2, June 2006, Pages 112-116 Shakira Khan, Simon Otter, Kate Springett | |
| Back & Neck Pain / Strain | ||
| Blood pressure | Frankel, B.S.M. (1997). The effect of reflexology on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 5, 80-84 | |
| Bowel disorders | ||
| Cancer | National Center of Biotechnologies Information, US – Stephenson, N.L. et al. (2000). A randomised, controlled trial of the psychological effects of reflexology in early breast cancer The effects of foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients with breast and lung cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 27(1), 67-72. Stephenson, N. L. N., Swanson, M., Dalton, J., Keefe, F. J., & Engelke, M. (2007). Partner-Delivered Reflexology” Effects on Cancer Pain and Anxiety. Oncology Nursing Forum, 34(1), 127-132. Does Reflexology Improve the “Quality of Life” for Lung Cancer Patients? – Kim, J-I., Lee, M., Kang, J., Choi, D., & Ernst, E. (2010). Reflexology for the symptomatic treatment of breast cancer: A systematic review. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 9. 326-330. doi: 10.1177/1534735410387423. | |
| Childbirth | reflexologyresearch.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/reflexology-administered-to-women-in-labor/ | |
| Constipation | Reflexology Helps Constipation | |
| Depression | Williamson et al (2002) found that both reflexology and foot massage reduced anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women. | |
| Diabetes | icr-reflexology.org/case_studies.htm – Type 2 – Type 2 takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology/what-does-research-say-about-reflexology – Type 2 (Ying 1998) | |
| Digestive Disorders | ||
| Eczema | ||
| Fatigue | Lee, Y. M., & Sohng, K. Y. (2005). The effects of foot reflexology on fatigue and insomnia in patients suffering from coal workers’ pneumoconiosis. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 35(7), 1221-1228. | |
| Fibroids | ||
| Frozen Shoulder | ||
| Fibromyalgia | icr-reflexology.org/case_studies.htm ( Reflexology & Fibromyalgia) | |
| Gynecological | Endometriosis – icr-reflexology.org/case_studies.htm | |
| Hay Fever | reflexologynews.com/articles/297-reflexology-for-hay-fever | |
| Heart Function | University of Stirling – Stirling study finds reflexology affects the hearts of non-cardiology patients stir.ac.uk/2012/reflexology-affects-the-hearts-of-non-cardiology-patients/name-29428-en.html Frankel, B.S.M. (1997) The effect of reflexology on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 5, 80-84. | |
| Headaches & Migraines | Testa, G.W. (2000). A study on the effects of reflexology on migraine headaches. Accessed on May 24, 2007, from members.tripod.com/GTesta/Dissertationall.htm. | |
| Irritable Bowel | ||
| Infertility | ||
| Insomnia | Acupressure, reflexology and auricular acupressure for insomnia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Yeung, W.F.,Chung, K.F., Poon, M.K.K., Ho, F.Y.Y., et al. Sleep Medicine. Sep 2012 Vol 13(8); 971-984 | |
| Menopause | Williamson et al (2002). Randomised controlled trial of reflexology for menopausal symptoms. BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 109 (9) p 1050-1055. | |
| Multiple Sclerosis | Bastyre Center of Natural Health – Reflexology Helps with Multiple Sclerosis | |
| Neuralgia | ||
| Pain incl Pre-Op & Post-Operative Pain | medicalnewstoday.com/articles/258931.php Choudhary, S., Kumar, G., & Singh, K. (Spring 2006). Reflexology reduces the requirement and quantity of pain killers after general surgery. Reflexology Across America. Retrieved from Reflexology Association of America website. Choudhary, S. & Singh, T. (n.d.). Efficacy of reflexology in prevention of post-operative nausea vomiting. Retrieved from Reflexology Association of America website. | |
| Parkinson’s Disease | ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20347841 | |
| Pregnancy | ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14556770 | |
| PMS | takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology/what-does-research-say-about-reflexology Oleson & Flocco (1993) | |
| Stress | healing.about.com/od/reflexology/a/stress_reflex.htm | |
| Sinusitis | Healey, D, et al. (2002). Nasal Irrigation for the Alleviation of Sinonasal Symptoms. Presented Sept 25 at the American Academy of Otolaryngology. | |
| Thyroid |
