Is there 'scientific evidence' on the effectiveness of reflexology?

[Part Time Cynic]

Keep the sarcy comments and neither am I interested in your opinion on reflexology. Try to answer the question or don't bother.
I will report those with a pathological need to be abusive towards questions regarding alternative treatments

Would appreciate links to the 'evidence' in question, thanks.
Are you desperate for those two points or what JoJo? Or is it just a case of you can't be bothered to read questions properly?
JoJo ... those pathological urges of yours are not in your control are they now?!
Or is it a case of you not being able to understand simplicity?

 

[Gre-neenee]

There is no current scientific evidence however there is truth that there are meridians in your hand and foot palms that are connected to the rest of your body.

 

[mazy_bird]

Have you tried a search through PubMed.gov yet?

 

[JoJo]

i dont think so, i think it is more of a placebo x

 

[Crystal Waker]

The first article is about how Reflexology eases Encopresis and Chronic Constipation in children (basically, control of bowel movements).

The second article is about the benefits of Reflexology for those suffering from MS.

Unfortunately, like many systems of bodywork, practitioners of Reflexology do not generally push to get many scientific studies done on their work and scientific researchers do not generally spend much time or money on research for bodywork. There are tons of anecdotal evidence that it works. I even know a reflexology teacher who claims that someone woke from a coma during a reflexology session. But as for pure, scientific proof, there isn't a whole lot, yet...

 

[Rhianna]

There is limited or no scientific evidence to support the claim that reflexology has any therapeutic benefit. As far as I am aware, there have only been limited studies carried out. What evidence there is, remains unimpressive with regard to efficacy of this intervention.

I understand that you are requesting evidence and links in support of Reflexology, however there is no substantial evidence or conclusive quality controlled studies that have been carried out.

The 'gold standard' of clinical investigation is the double blind, placebo, randomised controlled trial. Practitioners of Refelxology argue that their therapies are tailored for the individual and so they cannot be subjected to placebo control. This is untrue. CAMs can easily be subjected to placebo control but it is more problematical for physical interventions.

 

[DanC]

From the American Cancer Society:

"There is early scientific evidence that reflexology may be useful for relaxation and reducing some types of pain and anxiety in some patients. Available scientific evidence does not support reflexology as a treatment for cancer or any other disease."

 

[Lightning]

Don't know.
I think there is a link between the feet and other parts of the body via the connective tissue which has not long established as having a huge neurological supply. it also has a rich supply of contractile fibres giving it the ability to expand and contract to some extent.
If reflexology does work maybe it does by affecting the connective tissue.

 

[Dr Frank]

No evidence for reflexology I am afraid. ( However Rhianna can check my reflexes anytime!)

 

[FUHummer]

It's been used for thousands of years, even as far back as Ancient Egypt. I had a girlfriend who was a reflexologist and she was amazing. I once had an incredible backache, could hardly stand up straight, and after some hard pressure on the appropriate reflexology points on the bottoms of my feet it totally disappeared. Don't know about scientific corroboration and don't really care, honestly. The proof is in the pudding, as they say.

I don't believe it's a placebo, primarily because if a good reflexologist finds the proper point on your hands and/or your feet to corresponding to the area of your body which is ailing and puts pressure on that particular point, as they are supposed to, it's hurts like a sonofabitch initially when they massage that particular spot with strong thumb pressure, for example. Then when it stops hurting, the corresponding part of your body starts to feel better as well.

Since there is definite pain and discomfort involved in reflexology at times, I would not call it a placebo. Pain is pain and very real. Placebos don't usually involve pain.

 

[liucai86090]

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