Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training

Abstract

Reflexology is basically a study of how one part of the human body relates to another part of the body. Reflexology practitioners rely on the reflexes map of the feet and hands to all the internal organs and other human body parts. They believe that by applying the appropriate pressure and massage certain spots on the feet and hands, all other body parts could be energized and rejuvenated. This review aimed to revisit the concept of reflexology and examine its effectiveness, practices, and the training for reflexology practitioners. PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and SpringerLink databases were utilized to search the following medical subject headings or keywords: foot massage, reflexology, foot reflexotherapy, reflexological treatment, and zone therapy. The articles published for the last 10 years were included. Previous systematic reviews failed to show concrete evidence for any specific effect of reflexology in any conditions. Due to its non-invasive, non-pharmacological complementary nature, reflexology is widely accepted and anecdotal evidence of positive effect reflexology in a variety of health conditions are available. Adequate training for practitioners is necessary to ensure the consistency of service provided.

Keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine; Foot massage reflexology; Pain management; Treatment effect; Zone therapy.

Figures

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Top of left hand.

Fig. 2

Top of right hand.

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Left palm.

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Right palm.

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Top of left foot.

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Top of right foot.

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Right sole.

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Left sole.

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Zone therapy reflex.