Why reflexology doesnt work

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Reflexology is an alternative therapy that uses pressure at various points on the feet with the aim of alleviating symptoms elsewhere in the body.

Its proponents claim that the feet carry a map of the rest of the body, and that pressure, for example, on the big toe can have effects in the head. Each point on the foot is said to be a 'reflex' for another part of the body. The term 'reflex' indicates a kind of mirror image a reflection , rather than a more specific reflex mediated by nerves.

In fact, the direct physical connections between the feet and other areas of the body as proposed by reflexologists have no foundation in anatomy or physiology. Neither is there any evidence to support the idea that 'energy channels' connect the areas; in fact, the whole notion of energy and its flows, as proposed by many alternative therapists, is completely meaningless from a scientific point of view.

Of course the body uses energy, but it is described by transformations between chemical, thermal, electrical and mechanical forms, and not by mystic emanations. Another mechanism suggested by reflexologists is that accumulations of calcium salts or uric acid in the feet relate to health problems elsewhere.

There is no evidence to support this theory, either. Unusual thickenings of areas of the feet can be more easily ascribed to badly-fitting shoes.

But setting aside the how, does reflexology work? As with all such alternative therapies, fans of the technique believe sincerely and strongly that it does. Reflexology is claimed to have beneficial effects on many stress-related conditions such as headaches, and on other conditions with a more direct physical cause, such as kidney stones, asthma and cataracts. Some practitioners claim to be able to diagnose conditions simply by feeling the feet, although controlled trials carried out at the University of Exeter have shown that - unless the reflexologist can talk to the patient - their success rate is no higher than would be expected by chance.

There have been a number of trials of reflexology, but their results have not supported any claims of a significant benefit of the technique. The one exception to this, reported by a group in North Carolina, may be the relief of premenstrual symptoms, although the evidence for this is not strong. Yet practitioners and many clients firmly believe that reflexology does have beneficial effects. The benefits of certain types of massage are well documented, and massage seems to be particularly good for relief of back pain, constipation, and for improving feelings of well-being.

Our sense of touch is closely linked to many beneficial physical and psychological effects learned from infancy. It is possible that the effects of reflexology are simply the result of having the feet rubbed, a process considered by many people to be relaxing and 'stress-busting'. This could certainly explain some of the pain relief reported anecdotally following reflexology.

Moreover, reducing stress has several physical benefits such as lowering blood pressure and heart rate, and, even if only temporary, these changes can have many knock-on effects throughout the body.

It was weird having someone casually chat to you whilst they massaged your feet, but after a short time, I completely relaxed into it. I'd definitely be more willing to get treatments more regularly if they were affordable. Alice: "I went into the session very intrigued and a tiny bit cynical, as I'm sure most people do.

If you suffer from any kind of pain, stress or insomnia, it's definitely worth a go - at worst, it will leave you extremely relaxed and ready for a nap.

For more information go to rf-reflexology. ES Money. The Escapist. The Reveller. The Optimist. ES Best. ES Mag. A study like this cannot tell you if there is something specific about reflexology—about the discrete spots the therapist must apply pressure to—that works.

Those will certainly lift your spirits, especially if the only outcome that is measured is subjective: how do you feel? It is easy to imagine that people undergoing reflexology for a chronic condition may feel temporary relief simply because the symptoms of a chronic condition wax and wane over time. And most studies do not state which type of reflexology think Vaxuflex or Morrell was tested, making comparisons between studies a tad treacherous. Moreover, there is the risk of bias in the data, which is often high.

Any intervention can be shown to work if you throw rigour out the window and invite chance to roll the dice. The scientific evidence we have to date does not allow us to conclude that reflexology works for any condition. The potential harms of reflexology, on the other hand, are the same found in its siblings, like homeopathy and Reiki. Some practitioners resolve themselves to only treat clients who have mild ailments, like the occasional headache or a stressful job.

But others seem to believe they have god-like powers, and why not? The literature reports anecdotes of people not getting a proper diagnosis for a severe medical condition in time or even getting a scary diagnosis from a reflexologist that turned out to be bogus. Reflexology is not free, and some even sell sandals and at least back in the s steering wheel covers to allow you to practice reflexology on the go! My final observation on the topic of reflexology is that pseudoscientific therapies can earn undue credibility simply by withstanding the passage of time.

All of the bare-bones credentials of reflexology—the fawning testimonials, the positive studies, the irrefutable claims—can be replicated with a made-up, hands-on therapy.

By playing pleasant relaxation music, lighting some candles, and massaging the specific spot on the back of the knee that connects to the defective organ, I guarantee you my therapists will help your body heal itself. We will have low-quality studies with positive results. We will publicize abundant testimonials from satisfied customers. And if you claim ten sessions of bakovdeneeology did nothing for your insomnia, just think of the future anxiety we helped prevent! Oh, you will feel anxiety in the future but less than would have happened without our amazing therapy.

Take-home message: -Reflexology is based on the false claim that every organ of the body maps to the sole of the feet and the palms of the hand, and that applying pressure to a specific spot will help the corresponding organ heal itself.

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