Written by Helen Cooke and the CAM-Cancer Consortium.
Updated March 6, 2011

Reflexology

Abstract and key points

  • Reflexology has been defined as a supportive treatment modality which employs manual pressure to specific areas of the body, usually the feet, which are thought to correspond to internal organs with a view of generating positive health effects.
  • There is insufficient objective evidence to suggest that reflexology provides valuable support for people with cancer.
  • Reflexology has a good safety record.

Reflexology is a supportive treatment modality which employs manual pressure to specific areas of the body, usually the feet (occasionally the hands), which are thought to correspond to internal organs, with a view to generating positive health effects.

Reflexologists suggest that by palpating the feet they can influence specific organ functions, reduce stress, eliminate toxins, rebalance the body’s energy, improve circulation, or promote metabolic homoeostasis.

It is, based on three systematic reviews and four additional studies, not possible to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of reflexology for people with cancer, due to low number of published trials and insufficient methodological quality of studies. It is, due to difficulties in applying appropriate blinding, not possible to test the efficacy of reflexology.

Although reflexology has a good safety record, there is concern that some reflexologists may attempt to diagnose conditions as part of their treatment package with inadequate competence.

Citation

Helen Cooke, CAM-Cancer Consortium. Reflexology [online document]. http://www.cam-cancer.org/CAM-Summaries/Manipulative-body-based/Reflexology. March 6, 2011.

Document history

Summary currently being updated.
Summary first published in March 2011, authored by Helen Cooke.

References

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