Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinition and TheoriesBenefitsPressure PointsProcessHow Long It Takes to See BenefitsWarningsPreparationRecoveryReflexology vs. Massage
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition and Theories
Benefits
Pressure Points
Process
How Long It Takes to See Benefits
Warnings
Preparation
Recovery
Reflexology vs. Massage
Foot reflexology is a form of massage therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the foot. Part of traditional Chinese medicine, this practice of working pressure points on the foot is meant to provide internal balance and improve overall health.
Proponents say that this therapy helps to reduce back pain and headaches. It’s also used to ease symptoms related to chronic conditions such as asthma, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and more.
Does Reflexology Work?
More medical professionals are accepting the possible benefits of reflexology.While research over the past 30 years has reported limited positive impacts on mood, fatigue, and pain control, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify if and how this therapy may be effective in other ways.
What Is Reflexology?
Reflexologyis a form of massage therapy centered around the idea that pressure points in the feet are directly connected to other specific body parts, including organs. It’s believed that when pressure is applied to these points, the health of the area of the body that corresponds to each point is affected.
There are several theories surrounding reflexology and how it might work. They center mainly on how energy communicates freely within the body through electromagnetic fields.
One theory proposes that sometimes energy can become blocked and foot reflexology can clear the path for better communication between the organs and the rest of the body’s energy fields.
Another theory maintains that putting pressure on points in the foot during reflexology can help break up lactic acid crystals that stop energy flow.
Pain During Foot Reflexology TherapyWhile a therapist will apply pressure to areas of your foot, reflexology should not hurt. You may feel some discomfort and after a session, it isn’t unusual to feel tired, nauseous, or emotionally sensitive.These sensations should pass soon. If you do feel any pain related to the treatment, though, stop your session.
Pain During Foot Reflexology Therapy
While a therapist will apply pressure to areas of your foot, reflexology should not hurt. You may feel some discomfort and after a session, it isn’t unusual to feel tired, nauseous, or emotionally sensitive.These sensations should pass soon. If you do feel any pain related to the treatment, though, stop your session.
9 Foot Pressure Points and Corresponding Benefits
Benefits of Reflexology
Proponents of this ancient traditional therapy claim that reflexology can help with conditions that include:
Pain Relief
Which Pressure Points Get Rid of Migraines?
Stress and Relaxation
Stress is a risk factor associated with many diseases and illnesses.People with high stress levels are much more likely to become sick at some point in their lives.
Reflexology has been shown to decrease everyday stress significantly, which could contribute to a reduced risk of developing certain diseases.
Digestion
Reflexologists claim that applying pressure to specific reflex points on the feet stimulates the digestive system, helping clear blockages in the colon, removing toxins, and improving blood flow which aids digestive function.
Some researchers have seen a connection between reflexology and improvements in constipation.However, these studies have been small and are not definitively conclusive. More research is needed.
Sleep
Foot reflexology has shown great promise in treating sleep disturbance and improving the quality of sleep in adults. Studies have shown that people who receive reflexology are less likely to have sleep problems.This may make foot reflexology a good alternative to sleep aid medication.
Diabetes
Foot reflexology has been shown to ease some of the symptoms of diabetes foot.The skin and hair were healthier and blood flow was improved in people who underwent reflexology sessions.
The full benefits and how best to use foot reflexology is still being studied, and more research is needed to understand how the therapy can benefit people with diabetes at various stages of the disease.
Pressure Points in the Foot
According to foot reflexology advocates, several points in the foot play a role in the health of an organ or system elsewhere in the body.
The various pressure points on the foot, from the top of the toes to the ankle, are thought to affect health in areas such as:
Are Pressure Points Accurate?According to research, many people experience positive changes after participating in pressure point therapy and foot reflexology and there could be more to pressure points than traditional medicine has yet to discover.
Are Pressure Points Accurate?
According to research, many people experience positive changes after participating in pressure point therapy and foot reflexology and there could be more to pressure points than traditional medicine has yet to discover.
The process of reflexology involves putting massage-like pressure onto specific points in the foot. Typically, there is no pain during the process, and people feel like they are getting a foot massage.
A reflexologist will use their thumb or finger to apply pressure and make micro-movements over the pressure points. Reflexologists will use these specific movements to help improve blood circulation and energy flow within the body.
During a session, additional forms of relaxation may be employed to improve the experience, such as calming music andaromatherapy.
How Long Does It Take to See Benefits of Reflexology?
There are no specific recommendations for how often or how long reflexology should be performed to achieve the desired results.
The effectiveness and suggested course of treatment depend on individual circumstances. However, in studies, the following protocols were successful for certain situations:
Warnings/Contraindications
Some people may not be good candidates for foot reflexology because they may experience adverse effects.
Certain people should avoid the practice until speaking with a medical provider, including:
Why Is Foot Reflexology Bad for Certain People?Foot reflexology is designed to stimulate energy and blood flow in the body. In people with certain health conditions, overstimulation could worsen symptoms or cause adverse and unwanted side effects.However, some research suggests that symptoms associated with cancer treatment, such as pain or vomiting, can be helped with foot reflexology.
Why Is Foot Reflexology Bad for Certain People?
Foot reflexology is designed to stimulate energy and blood flow in the body. In people with certain health conditions, overstimulation could worsen symptoms or cause adverse and unwanted side effects.However, some research suggests that symptoms associated with cancer treatment, such as pain or vomiting, can be helped with foot reflexology.
Foot reflexology is designed to stimulate energy and blood flow in the body. In people with certain health conditions, overstimulation could worsen symptoms or cause adverse and unwanted side effects.
However, some research suggests that symptoms associated with cancer treatment, such as pain or vomiting, can be helped with foot reflexology.
How to Prepare
During the session, you will be asked to remove your socks and shoes and get comfortable on a massage table or chair. The reflexologist will apply pressure to your feet to warm them up before pushing on specific pressure points.
There are particular reflexology techniques used to massage the pressure points, such as:
There isn’t much of a recovery time needed following foot reflexology. However, some aftereffects can occur, including:
These aftereffects are temporary and can last one to two days following your session.
Considering Foot Reflexology?If you are interested in foot reflexology, speak with your healthcare provider to find out if it may be right for you.
Considering Foot Reflexology?
If you are interested in foot reflexology, speak with your healthcare provider to find out if it may be right for you.
What’s the Difference Between Reflexology and Massage?
While foot reflexology and massage do have some similarities, they differ in their goals and techniques. With massage, the therapist is working on soft tissue in an effort to relax and support muscles. Often, foot massages will target specific issues related to tense muscles such as discomfort due to plantar fasciitis or overuse.
Unlike massage therapists, a reflexologist is not kneading soft tissue or focused solely on helping muscles recover or relax. Instead, movements consist of firm pressure without rubbing or kneading and the goal is to restore balance to the entire body.
Massage vs. ReflexologyFoot massage uses focused and diffused pressure to loosen and realign tendons, muscles, and fascia. The goal is to improve circulation and promote relaxation. Foot reflexology uses precise manipulation of mapped pressure points in an attempt to stimulate health effects in other parts of the body.
Massage vs. Reflexology
Foot massage uses focused and diffused pressure to loosen and realign tendons, muscles, and fascia. The goal is to improve circulation and promote relaxation. Foot reflexology uses precise manipulation of mapped pressure points in an attempt to stimulate health effects in other parts of the body.
Summary
Foot reflexology is a complementary or alternative therapy designed to free up energy communication in the body. The practice is thought to help those who develop specific ailments due to energy blockages.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cai DC, Chen CY, Lo TY.Foot Reflexology: Recent Research Trends and Prospects.Healthcare (Basel). 2022;11(1):9. Published 2022 Dec 20. doi:10.3390/healthcare11010009Song HJ, Son H, Seo HJ, Lee H, Choi SM, Lee S.Effect of self-administered foot reflexology for symptom management in healthy persons: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2015;23(1):79-89. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2014.11.005Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training.J Tradit Complement Med.2015 Sep 28;5(4):197-206. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Perspectives on reflexology: A qualitative approach.J Tradit Complement Med.2016 Dec 3;7(3):327-331. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.008Association of Reflexologists.What is reflexology?Wang WL, Hung HY, Chen YR, Chen KH, Yang SN, Chu CM, Chan YY.Effect of foot reflexology intervention on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in adults: A meta-analysis and metaregression of randomized controlled trials.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2020 Sep 15;2020:2654353. doi:10.1155/2020/2654353Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training.J Tradit Complement Med. 2015;5(4):197-206. Published 2015 Sep 28. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008De Hert M, Detraux J, Vancampfort D.The intriguing relationship between coronary heart disease and mental disorders.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2018;20(1):31-40. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/mdehertYaqi H, Nan J, Ying C, et al.Foot reflexology in the management of functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020;40:101198. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101198Huang HC, Chen KH, Kuo SF, Chen IH.Can foot reflexology be a complementary therapy for sleep disturbances? Evidence appraisal through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Adv Nurs. 2021;77(4):1683-1697. doi:10.1111/jan.14699da Silva NC, Chaves Éde C, de Carvalho EC, Carvalho LC, Iunes DH.Foot reflexology in feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: randomized trial.Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2015;23(4):603-610. doi:10.1590/0104-1169.0036.2594Eghbali M, Safari R, Nazari F, Abdoli S.The effects of reflexology on chronic low back pain intensity in nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2012;17(3):239-243.Kotruchin P, Imoun S, Mitsungnern T, Aountrai P, Domthaisong M, Kario K.The effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate: A randomized clinical trial in stage-2 hypertensive patients.J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2021;23(3):680-686. doi:10.1111/jch.14103Levy I, Attias S, Stern Lavee T, et al.The effectiveness of foot reflexology in reducing anxiety and duration of labor in primiparas: An open-label randomized controlled trial.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020;38:101085. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101085Anderson KD, Downey M.Foot reflexology: An intervention for pain and nausea among inpatients with cancer.Clin J Oncol Nurs.2021 Oct 1;25(5):539-545. doi:10.1188/21.CJON.539-545The Reflexology Room.What to expect at THE REFLEXOLOGY ROOM.The Henry Spink Foundation.Reflexology.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cai DC, Chen CY, Lo TY.Foot Reflexology: Recent Research Trends and Prospects.Healthcare (Basel). 2022;11(1):9. Published 2022 Dec 20. doi:10.3390/healthcare11010009Song HJ, Son H, Seo HJ, Lee H, Choi SM, Lee S.Effect of self-administered foot reflexology for symptom management in healthy persons: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2015;23(1):79-89. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2014.11.005Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training.J Tradit Complement Med.2015 Sep 28;5(4):197-206. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Perspectives on reflexology: A qualitative approach.J Tradit Complement Med.2016 Dec 3;7(3):327-331. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.008Association of Reflexologists.What is reflexology?Wang WL, Hung HY, Chen YR, Chen KH, Yang SN, Chu CM, Chan YY.Effect of foot reflexology intervention on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in adults: A meta-analysis and metaregression of randomized controlled trials.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2020 Sep 15;2020:2654353. doi:10.1155/2020/2654353Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training.J Tradit Complement Med. 2015;5(4):197-206. Published 2015 Sep 28. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008De Hert M, Detraux J, Vancampfort D.The intriguing relationship between coronary heart disease and mental disorders.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2018;20(1):31-40. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/mdehertYaqi H, Nan J, Ying C, et al.Foot reflexology in the management of functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020;40:101198. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101198Huang HC, Chen KH, Kuo SF, Chen IH.Can foot reflexology be a complementary therapy for sleep disturbances? Evidence appraisal through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Adv Nurs. 2021;77(4):1683-1697. doi:10.1111/jan.14699da Silva NC, Chaves Éde C, de Carvalho EC, Carvalho LC, Iunes DH.Foot reflexology in feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: randomized trial.Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2015;23(4):603-610. doi:10.1590/0104-1169.0036.2594Eghbali M, Safari R, Nazari F, Abdoli S.The effects of reflexology on chronic low back pain intensity in nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2012;17(3):239-243.Kotruchin P, Imoun S, Mitsungnern T, Aountrai P, Domthaisong M, Kario K.The effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate: A randomized clinical trial in stage-2 hypertensive patients.J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2021;23(3):680-686. doi:10.1111/jch.14103Levy I, Attias S, Stern Lavee T, et al.The effectiveness of foot reflexology in reducing anxiety and duration of labor in primiparas: An open-label randomized controlled trial.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020;38:101085. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101085Anderson KD, Downey M.Foot reflexology: An intervention for pain and nausea among inpatients with cancer.Clin J Oncol Nurs.2021 Oct 1;25(5):539-545. doi:10.1188/21.CJON.539-545The Reflexology Room.What to expect at THE REFLEXOLOGY ROOM.The Henry Spink Foundation.Reflexology.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cai DC, Chen CY, Lo TY.Foot Reflexology: Recent Research Trends and Prospects.Healthcare (Basel). 2022;11(1):9. Published 2022 Dec 20. doi:10.3390/healthcare11010009Song HJ, Son H, Seo HJ, Lee H, Choi SM, Lee S.Effect of self-administered foot reflexology for symptom management in healthy persons: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2015;23(1):79-89. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2014.11.005Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training.J Tradit Complement Med.2015 Sep 28;5(4):197-206. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Perspectives on reflexology: A qualitative approach.J Tradit Complement Med.2016 Dec 3;7(3):327-331. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.008Association of Reflexologists.What is reflexology?Wang WL, Hung HY, Chen YR, Chen KH, Yang SN, Chu CM, Chan YY.Effect of foot reflexology intervention on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in adults: A meta-analysis and metaregression of randomized controlled trials.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2020 Sep 15;2020:2654353. doi:10.1155/2020/2654353Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training.J Tradit Complement Med. 2015;5(4):197-206. Published 2015 Sep 28. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008De Hert M, Detraux J, Vancampfort D.The intriguing relationship between coronary heart disease and mental disorders.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2018;20(1):31-40. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/mdehertYaqi H, Nan J, Ying C, et al.Foot reflexology in the management of functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020;40:101198. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101198Huang HC, Chen KH, Kuo SF, Chen IH.Can foot reflexology be a complementary therapy for sleep disturbances? Evidence appraisal through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Adv Nurs. 2021;77(4):1683-1697. doi:10.1111/jan.14699da Silva NC, Chaves Éde C, de Carvalho EC, Carvalho LC, Iunes DH.Foot reflexology in feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: randomized trial.Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2015;23(4):603-610. doi:10.1590/0104-1169.0036.2594Eghbali M, Safari R, Nazari F, Abdoli S.The effects of reflexology on chronic low back pain intensity in nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2012;17(3):239-243.Kotruchin P, Imoun S, Mitsungnern T, Aountrai P, Domthaisong M, Kario K.The effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate: A randomized clinical trial in stage-2 hypertensive patients.J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2021;23(3):680-686. doi:10.1111/jch.14103Levy I, Attias S, Stern Lavee T, et al.The effectiveness of foot reflexology in reducing anxiety and duration of labor in primiparas: An open-label randomized controlled trial.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020;38:101085. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101085Anderson KD, Downey M.Foot reflexology: An intervention for pain and nausea among inpatients with cancer.Clin J Oncol Nurs.2021 Oct 1;25(5):539-545. doi:10.1188/21.CJON.539-545The Reflexology Room.What to expect at THE REFLEXOLOGY ROOM.The Henry Spink Foundation.Reflexology.
Cai DC, Chen CY, Lo TY.Foot Reflexology: Recent Research Trends and Prospects.Healthcare (Basel). 2022;11(1):9. Published 2022 Dec 20. doi:10.3390/healthcare11010009
Song HJ, Son H, Seo HJ, Lee H, Choi SM, Lee S.Effect of self-administered foot reflexology for symptom management in healthy persons: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2015;23(1):79-89. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2014.11.005
Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training.J Tradit Complement Med.2015 Sep 28;5(4):197-206. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008
Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Perspectives on reflexology: A qualitative approach.J Tradit Complement Med.2016 Dec 3;7(3):327-331. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.008
Association of Reflexologists.What is reflexology?
Wang WL, Hung HY, Chen YR, Chen KH, Yang SN, Chu CM, Chan YY.Effect of foot reflexology intervention on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in adults: A meta-analysis and metaregression of randomized controlled trials.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2020 Sep 15;2020:2654353. doi:10.1155/2020/2654353
Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW.Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training.J Tradit Complement Med. 2015;5(4):197-206. Published 2015 Sep 28. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008
De Hert M, Detraux J, Vancampfort D.The intriguing relationship between coronary heart disease and mental disorders.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2018;20(1):31-40. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/mdehert
Yaqi H, Nan J, Ying C, et al.Foot reflexology in the management of functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020;40:101198. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101198
Huang HC, Chen KH, Kuo SF, Chen IH.Can foot reflexology be a complementary therapy for sleep disturbances? Evidence appraisal through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Adv Nurs. 2021;77(4):1683-1697. doi:10.1111/jan.14699
da Silva NC, Chaves Éde C, de Carvalho EC, Carvalho LC, Iunes DH.Foot reflexology in feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: randomized trial.Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2015;23(4):603-610. doi:10.1590/0104-1169.0036.2594
Eghbali M, Safari R, Nazari F, Abdoli S.The effects of reflexology on chronic low back pain intensity in nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2012;17(3):239-243.
Kotruchin P, Imoun S, Mitsungnern T, Aountrai P, Domthaisong M, Kario K.The effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate: A randomized clinical trial in stage-2 hypertensive patients.J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2021;23(3):680-686. doi:10.1111/jch.14103
Levy I, Attias S, Stern Lavee T, et al.The effectiveness of foot reflexology in reducing anxiety and duration of labor in primiparas: An open-label randomized controlled trial.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020;38:101085. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101085
Anderson KD, Downey M.Foot reflexology: An intervention for pain and nausea among inpatients with cancer.Clin J Oncol Nurs.2021 Oct 1;25(5):539-545. doi:10.1188/21.CJON.539-545
The Reflexology Room.What to expect at THE REFLEXOLOGY ROOM.
The Henry Spink Foundation.Reflexology.
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