Certified reflexologists propose reflexology is effective for many ailments, but scientific studies show a lack of evidence to support the supposed benefits, which include :. However, some small studies suggest reflexology may help to relieve:. Back pain is the leading cause of disability in the world and is notoriously difficult to treat.

A small study of nurses with chronic low back pain found that three, minute reflexology sessions over the course of two weeks significantly reduced pain severity scores. Reflexology could also help relieve depression and anxiety , particularly for people who are hospitalized. When you feel less stressed and less anxious, it's easy to feel relaxed," says Martinez.

If you're sick of popping NSAIDs to deal with menstrual cramps, reflexology could provide some relief. A small study in women with menstrual pain found reflexology reduced menstrual cramp intensity more than Ibuprofen. Patients who were subjected to ten, minute reflexology sessions over two consecutive menstrual cycles experienced a significant reduction in pain intensity and duration compared to women who took mg of Ibuprofen once every eight hours for three days.

Martinez says reflexology is often used as a complementary therapy alongside other therapies and modern medical treatments.

Reflexology is safe for most and causes minimal side effects, but certain people should avoid reflexology, or check with their doctor before trying it out. You should avoid reflexology if you have:.

You should check with a doctor before having reflexology if you have:. You might experience mild side effects after reflexology, including:. Some people will experience pain or soreness after a reflexology session, so Martinez recommends you find a practitioner who listens and communicates with you about pressure and massage intensity.

Larger, more thorough studies are needed to determine just how effective and beneficial reflexology is for certain conditions. That said, it's a non-invasive therapy that can be used alongside other medical treatments and may even help you relax.

If you want to try reflexology for yourself, look for a trained practitioner who is registered with the American Reflexology Certification Board or an equivalent, reputable certification board. Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.

Reviews The word Reviews. Reflexology is a practice based on the premise that areas and organs in the body are linked to reflex areas on the hands and feet. Reflexology is considered a complementary therapy, meaning that it is meant to be used alongside conventional medical care rather than instead of it.

There is no scientific evidence to prove that it can prevent or cure any type of disease. However, some studies show it may help relieve certain symptoms, such as pain and anxiety.

Trials on reflexology should be viewed critically, as many are poorly designed. Results from studies have been mixed, but some offer promising results in symptom relief that are worth exploring further.

Read on to learn more about reflexology and ways it may be helpful. Reflexology is a practice that involves applying different amounts of pressure to specific points on the feet or hands. These points are believed to link with certain organs or other parts of the body.

The practice claims to cause relaxation and healing in those parts of the body, but this has not been proven. Reflexology is based on the theory that all areas of the body correspond with and can be mapped onto areas of the hands and feet.

Typically, the feet are used in reflexology, but in some circumstances, the hands or ears may be used. Reflexologists use hand and foot maps that illustrate points that correspond to certain areas of the body. During a reflexology session, pressure and stimulation using the reflexology technique are applied to these points to improve blood and energy circulation, give a sense of relaxation, and maintain homeostasis bodily systems remaining stable as they adjust to changing conditions.

The exact mechanism of action how it works for reflexology has not yet been determined, but there are some proposed theories:. None of these theories have been sufficiently supported by quality evidence, and more research is needed.

Because it is non-invasive and low-risk for side effects, reflexology may be suggested as a treatment in addition to conventional medical care to see if it helps a person feel better. However, it should not replace medical care and conventional treatment.

Researchers involved in a review concluded reflexology had a positive effect on the health and well-being, quality of life, stress, anxiety, and pain levels of the participants.

They also noted studies had small sample sizes and further research is needed to better understand the use, effectiveness, and mode of action of reflexology. While not proven, there is some evidence that reflexology may help with the following:. It is also a low risk for causing side effects or complications and may be a useful complementary treatment check with your healthcare provider first.

As stress and pain are linked to health problems, it's possible that by alleviating these, reflexology could indirectly lead to other health benefits though not as a treatment or cure for specific illnesses or conditions. Although there's no evidence, other possible benefits of reflexology include:.

Reflexology has not been scientifically proven to cure or prevent any type of medical condition or disease. Research trials have shown mixed results, but there are few quality trials with evidence to suggest that reflexology may help with pain , relaxation, and stress relief.

Support for reflexology largely comes from anecdotal sources people who say it helped them and flawed or unreliable studies e. Conclusive evidence that reflexology works is lacking. Still, the fact that many people seem to feel better after reflexology sessions has led to theories about how reflexology may make people feel better—even if reflexology techniques and methods are not backed by evidence.

Factors that may influence the effectiveness of reflexology and the legitimacy of study results include:. Whether or not reflexology techniques are directly responsible for results, they may still benefit some people and may be worth a try as long as it doesn't interfere with standard medical care.

Reflexology is considered safe for most people, but as with any health program, it should be discussed with your healthcare provider before starting sessions. The biggest safety concern with reflexology is the potential for its use in place of conventional treatments.

Reflexology should only be used in addition to conventional medical treatments. It is not considered an effective treatment for conditions on its own. Using it instead of seeking care from a healthcare provider could lead to:.

Make sure to choose a reflexologist who is properly trained and qualified. Ask them where they trained and see if they are registered with any credible associations, such as the Association of Reflexologists.

Look for red flags. A reflexologist should not:. Generally, reflexology is thought to have few side effects. Some people may experience effects such as:. There are some situations when reflexology may not be advised. Before trying reflexology, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it's safe for you.

Tell your reflexologist about any medical conditions you have, treatments you are doing, and medication you're taking. Reflexology sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes. Some people find reflexology relaxing, while others may find it a bit painful.

You may feel slight pain or soreness following a reflexology session. However, any pain should be short-lived and go away on its own fairly quickly. Reflexology is an ancient practice seen in cultures around the world. The earliest recorded evidence is believed to be a hieroglyphic mural on the tomb of the well-respected physician Ankhmahor in Egypt in BC, according to the Ontario College of Reflexology.

Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing. Modern reflexology is often credited to William H. Fitzgerald later found out that zone therapy had similarities to practices by indigenous people in North America, according to a research paper on the topic.

Reflexology is the practice of applying alternating pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and outer ears to influence the health of corresponding organs, glands, and parts of the body, says Amy Kreydin , a board-certified reflexologist and reflexology educator based in Austin, Texas.

Current research has yet to uncover or understand all the ways that reflexology may work, and according to the American Academy of Reflexology , several mechanisms could be at play. One of the most commonly accepted theories is that the applied pressure calms the central nervous system, per the Cleveland Clinic.

Other theories include the role of therapeutic touch from the reflexologist to the recipient, the healing environment in which therapy takes place, placebo effects, and influence on the fascia, among others, per a research paper. Reflexology is commonly performed by massage therapists who have training in reflexology, says Tom Ingegno , a doctor of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine based in Baltimore.

Per the Reflexology Association of Canada , types of reflexology include:. Reflexology is believed to help with a number of health issues and is promoted as having a variety of health benefits ranging from pain relief to stress reduction to better digestion.

While the practice is not well studied by conventional medicine, some research backs up these claims. However, keep in mind that more robust studies are needed to better determine and substantiate these possible benefits. One of the most common reasons that people seek reflexology is to help relieve pain, and this is where it appears to have the most benefit, Ingegno says.

For example, one uncontrolled study from a military pain clinic of people with chronic musculoskeletal or nerve pain found that one session of reflexology in addition to their usual pain care led to a roughly 40 percent average reduction in overall pain.

Another study found that adding reflexology to standard postoperative surgical care was effective in reducing pain in patients who recently underwent surgery.

Other research shows potential benefits of reflexology when added to a treatment regimen for chronic low back pain , per this study , and migraine headache, per this study. Additionally, one small study found that reflexology may help relieve pain associated with premenstrual syndrome.

However, the study looked at the effect after only one treatment. Overall, more research is needed to determine the potential benefits of the therapy across multiple conditions and if longer-term benefits are seen.

Some research suggests that reflexology is a beneficial complementary therapy for certain mental health disorders.

A meta-analysis published online in September in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that receiving reflexology led to significant improvements in depression and anxiety in some patients in the 26 randomized, controlled trials analyzed.

Reflexology may also help relieve some of the mental burden of being in a hospital after surgery and living with chronic conditions.

One study found that reflexology was associated with significant decreases in anxiety among patients having coronary artery bypass graft surgery, a procedure intended to treat coronary artery disease. Another study determined that reflexology was effective at reducing anxiety, depression, and stress in women with multiple sclerosis MS.

Separately, a meta-analysis of 11 studies on the effect of reflexology on patients with MS found supportive evidence that it may also help improve pain, fatigue, and quality of life.

For people who find it difficult to stay asleep at night, some research shows that reflexology may be an effective supportive therapy. In a meta-analysis published in April in the Journal of Advanced Nursing , researchers looked at 42 studies involving nearly 4, patients experiencing trouble sleeping.

They found that reflexology led to significant improvements in sleep quality compared with people in control groups and fewer reported sleep disturbances.

Reflexology may help ease some of the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments , research suggests. One study found that people with breast cancer who received four sessions of reflexology reported significantly less fatigue than those who did not receive the therapy.

And in a meta-analysis published online in July in the International Journal of Cancer Management , researchers analyzed eight studies and found an overall positive effect for reflexology in patients with cancer pain compared with those who received usual care, yet they note that the quality of the included studies was highly variable.

Some research suggests that reflexology may help with digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome IBS , which causes symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Still, a research review and meta-analysis of seven studies concluded that foot reflexology can be an effective complementary therapy to treat constipation , yet the authors note that higher-quality, randomized, controlled trials with longer follow-up are needed.

Another small uncontrolled study of 19 women with chronic constipation found that 94 percent experienced improved constipation symptoms following a course of foot reflexology therapy for six weeks. Reflexology is considered to be generally safe with few side effects. According to Kreydin, following a reflexology therapy session, you may feel:.

Some people may feel soreness in the treated area, Ingegno notes, though this should resolve on its own fairly quickly.

Many of the published studies over the years have not formerly included adverse outcomes or safety data, so this is another area needing further documentation before reflexology can potentially move into more mainstream clinical environments, per a systematic review. While reflexology is considered generally safe, there are some general rules to follow for who might want to try — and who may need to avoid — the therapy.

Most healthy people can safely receive reflexology. Reflexology is considered safe for people of all ages. There are studies in children, too. People with acute infection or fever should not receive reflexology, Kreydin says. Open wounds, fractures, deep bruising, and active gout are also considerations for avoiding reflexology.

Be sure to talk to your reflexologist if you have any of these conditions. For example, if you have a broken foot, you can still receive reflexology on your hands or ears.

Before getting started with reflexology, check with your doctor to make sure that reflexology is safe for you. Once you get the all-clear from your physician, consider the following. While massage commonly works muscle groups throughout the body, reflexology concentrates on specific points on the feet, hands, and ears meant to elicit health benefits in other parts of the body.

During reflexology, practitioners use fingers and sometimes reflexology-specific tools to apply pressure. These are known as reflexology maps. Acupressure , a technique from traditional Chinese medicine akin to acupuncture but without the needles, uses over acupoints found along energy lines traditionally called meridians that run the length of the whole body, notes the Earl E.

Traditional Chinese medicine also includes the concept of microsystems in the ears and feet, which shares similarities to reflexology maps. Each state has different rules and regulations regarding who can practice reflexology.

In the United States, the American Reflexology Certification Board ARCB is the only national reflexology-certifying agency for reflexologists.

To receive certification, practitioners must meet training and testing requirements that include a foot reflexology course of a minimum of hours with practical instruction.

The ARCB and the Reflexology Association of America , a professional membership organization for which reflexologists must meet certain standards to join, have directories on their websites to help you find a practitioner near you.

You might not feel the benefits of reflexology after just one session so keep an open mind and give it some time. Frank likens it to eating healthy. Kreydin recommends trying a few sessions spaced a week or two apart to see how your body responds.

Pick up a reflexology book from a library or watch how-to videos from reputable sources online. The World Reflexology Foundation instructs reflexologists on how to teach the public. However, there are generally some things you can expect before, during, and after therapy.

When you arrive at your session, your reflexologist will discuss the therapeutic approach with you and ask about your health history, as well as your expectations and wellness goals.

After assessing the therapeutic area for cuts, scrapes, bruising, or other areas of caution, your reflexologist will begin with gentle range-of-motion techniques, then move into alternating pressure techniques, Kreydin says.

Remember that reflexology does not have to be painful to be productive. The cost of reflexology can vary greatly depending on the practitioner's experience, the region of the country, and how many reflexologists practice near you.

A big factor is overhead costs for running a practice, Kreydin says. If reflexology is used to treat a medical condition, the cost is eligible for reimbursement with a letter of medical necessity through a flexible spending account, health savings account, or health reimbursement arrangement, per the FSA Store.

Reflexologists use hand and foot maps that illustrate points that correspond to certain areas of the body. During a reflexology session, pressure and stimulation using the reflexology technique are applied to these points to improve blood and energy circulation, give a sense of relaxation, and maintain homeostasis bodily systems remaining stable as they adjust to changing conditions.

The exact mechanism of action how it works for reflexology has not yet been determined, but there are some proposed theories:. None of these theories have been sufficiently supported by quality evidence, and more research is needed.

Because it is non-invasive and low-risk for side effects, reflexology may be suggested as a treatment in addition to conventional medical care to see if it helps a person feel better. However, it should not replace medical care and conventional treatment.

Researchers involved in a review concluded reflexology had a positive effect on the health and well-being, quality of life, stress, anxiety, and pain levels of the participants. They also noted studies had small sample sizes and further research is needed to better understand the use, effectiveness, and mode of action of reflexology.

While not proven, there is some evidence that reflexology may help with the following:. It is also a low risk for causing side effects or complications and may be a useful complementary treatment check with your healthcare provider first.

As stress and pain are linked to health problems, it's possible that by alleviating these, reflexology could indirectly lead to other health benefits though not as a treatment or cure for specific illnesses or conditions.

Although there's no evidence, other possible benefits of reflexology include:. Reflexology has not been scientifically proven to cure or prevent any type of medical condition or disease.

Research trials have shown mixed results, but there are few quality trials with evidence to suggest that reflexology may help with pain , relaxation, and stress relief. Support for reflexology largely comes from anecdotal sources people who say it helped them and flawed or unreliable studies e.

Conclusive evidence that reflexology works is lacking. Still, the fact that many people seem to feel better after reflexology sessions has led to theories about how reflexology may make people feel better—even if reflexology techniques and methods are not backed by evidence. Factors that may influence the effectiveness of reflexology and the legitimacy of study results include:.

Whether or not reflexology techniques are directly responsible for results, they may still benefit some people and may be worth a try as long as it doesn't interfere with standard medical care.

Reflexology is considered safe for most people, but as with any health program, it should be discussed with your healthcare provider before starting sessions. The biggest safety concern with reflexology is the potential for its use in place of conventional treatments.

Reflexology should only be used in addition to conventional medical treatments. It is not considered an effective treatment for conditions on its own.

Using it instead of seeking care from a healthcare provider could lead to:. Make sure to choose a reflexologist who is properly trained and qualified.

Ask them where they trained and see if they are registered with any credible associations, such as the Association of Reflexologists. Look for red flags. A reflexologist should not:. Generally, reflexology is thought to have few side effects.

Some people may experience effects such as:. There are some situations when reflexology may not be advised. Before trying reflexology, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it's safe for you. Tell your reflexologist about any medical conditions you have, treatments you are doing, and medication you're taking.

Reflexology sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes. At the beginning of the first session, or intake, the reflexologist will:. You usually lie down or sit in a reclining chair during sessions. You will stay fully clothed, except for your feet, if your feet are being worked on.

Reflexology sessions shouldn't hurt. They are typically relaxing and soothing, but there may be discomfort when a sensitive reflex is being worked on. Tell your reflexologist if you are feeling pain or discomfort so they can adjust their pressure or technique.

It's also okay to stop the session at any time. During the session, your reflexologist will:. The theory behind this is that areas on the feet and hands correlate with areas and organs of the body. There is not enough evidence to support reflexology as a treatment or cure for any condition.

Some studies show positive health benefits, but most studies on reflexology are poor quality, small, or flawed. Reflexology may help with stress relief , pain relief, anxiety, and relaxation in combination with other treatments.

Researchers at the University of Portsmouth scientifically tested reflexology as a treatment for acute pain. Reflexologists use their fingers and thumbs on reflex areas in the feet which act on pain in different parts of the body.

One theory is that reflexology acts on the nerve endings in the feet to block pain signals received in the brain from other parts of the body such as the neck or lower back. A recent study also suggests that the deeply soothing massage of the feet as part of a reflexology treatment reduces the perception of pain and thereby gives relief from muscle aches and pains.

They use reflexology as a natural painkiller alongside over the counter and prescription drugs to help manage their pain. I had my first reflexology last week as l had sciatica. Unlike prescribed or over the counter medication, reflexology acts on the whole body and rather than on specific conditions and ailments.

Biological Sciences. Nociception and Pain. Fitzgerald, Wm. and Edwin F. Zone Therapy; or, Relieving Pain at Home. Columbus, O. Head, On the disturbances of sensation, with special references to the pain of visceral disease.

Stephenson, N. Partner-Delivered Reflexology : Effects on Cancer Pain and Anxiety. Oncology Nursing Forum, 34 1 , top of page. What is Reflexology? Benefits of Reflexology Reflexology can help prevent every day stresses and strains, promoting relaxation and circulation - revitalising energy levels and reducing pain.

What it involves The reflexologist uses palms, fingers, thumbs, with massage oil or lotion to stimulate the appropriate reflex points that provide a map of the whole body and organs see Foot Reflexology Chart. Is Reflexology safe? Is Reflexology painful?

Is Reflexology ticklish? Will a Reflexologist remove hard skin and cut my nails too? Do Reflexologists have to be registered in order to practice? Click on the links below for more information on:- History of Reflexology Complementary Holistic Healthcare Therapy Complementary Therapy In The Palliative Care Setting.

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Nociception and Pain. Fitzgerald, Wm. and Edwin F. Zone Therapy; or, Relieving Pain at Home. Columbus, O. Head, On the disturbances of sensation, with special references to the pain of visceral disease.

Stephenson, N. Partner-Delivered Reflexology : Effects on Cancer Pain and Anxiety. Oncology Nursing Forum, 34 1 , top of page. What is Reflexology? Benefits of Reflexology Reflexology can help prevent every day stresses and strains, promoting relaxation and circulation - revitalising energy levels and reducing pain.

What it involves The reflexologist uses palms, fingers, thumbs, with massage oil or lotion to stimulate the appropriate reflex points that provide a map of the whole body and organs see Foot Reflexology Chart. Is Reflexology safe? Is Reflexology painful? Is Reflexology ticklish? Will a Reflexologist remove hard skin and cut my nails too?

Do Reflexologists have to be registered in order to practice? Click on the links below for more information on:- History of Reflexology Complementary Holistic Healthcare Therapy Complementary Therapy In The Palliative Care Setting. Need reassuring?

Read what others have to say about us Unusual and unique gifts. TCM makes use of microsystems in the ear and foot that share similarities to reflexology maps. Pressure applied to these points is meant to elicit various health benefits, including relief from pain, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety, among other issues.

Here are a handful. One uncontrolled study published in the Journal of Special Operations Medicine in included patients with chronic musculoskeletal or nerve pain who were being treated at a military pain clinic in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The participants agreed to receive 25 minutes of foot reflexology as part of their standard care.

After one reflexology session, the patients filled out a small survey about their experience. When asked about the perceived benefit of the treatment, 94 percent said they believed that reflexology helped reduce their pain.

Male participants, on average, reported a 43 percent reduction of pain, while female participants reported a 41 percent reduction in pain. More research is needed to determine if reflexology can help with PMS symptoms. Some research has shown potential benefits of reflexology for chronic low back pain , and, separately, for help in migraine headache relief , per a study.

Reflexology is purported to induce relaxation, and some research suggests that may have a direct mental health benefit. One meta-analysis published in September in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine examined 26 randomized clinical controlled trials involving more than 2, patients.

The authors found a significant improvement in adult depression, anxiety, and sleep quality, and concluded that reflexology may be a supportive therapy for mental health concerns, yet recommended additional research and longer-term studies. One study , for example, looked at the effects of reflexology in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, a procedure intended to treat coronary artery disease.

On the days following the procedure, one group of participants received foot reflexology on their left foot for 20 minutes for four days, while the other group received a gentle foot rub with oil for one minute.

Participants were assessed for anxiety both before and after their treatments. The results showed that reflexology was associated with a significant decrease in anxiety, which was not seen in the control group, leading the researchers to conclude it may be a supportive therapy to help with anxiety in heart surgery patients.

Another study included 75 women with multiple sclerosis MS who were divided into three groups of One group received reflexology treatment in addition to their standard care, another received instruction on relaxation techniques in addition to standard care, and the last group received standard care only.

The results revealed that both the reflexology and relaxation groups experienced significant reduction in anxiety, depression, and stress. The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in the Management of Labor Pain and Anxiety: A Systematic Review.

Ethiop J Health Sci. Li D, Li Y, Bai X, et al. The Effects of Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Depression in People With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Front Public Health. Morrison I. Keep calm and cuddle on: social touch as a stress buffer. Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology. Association of Reflexologists.

What is reflexology? Ontario College of Reflexology. What can I expect in a first reflexology visit? Therapeutic Reflexology Institute. Reflexology therapy. By Heather Jones Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism.

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Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. Foot Health. By Heather Jones. Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, DPT. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. How It Works. What to Expect. Does Reflexology Really Work? Studies have shown reflexology may be effective in certain situations such as: Lowering heart rate and blood pressure Improving labor pain during delivery, duration of labor, and anxiety in pregnancy Significantly decreasing pain and moderately decreasing nausea in cancer patients Researchers involved in a review concluded reflexology had a positive effect on the health and well-being, quality of life, stress, anxiety, and pain levels of the participants.

See a Qualified Reflexologist Make sure to choose a reflexologist who is properly trained and qualified. Who Should Not Do Reflexology? Reflexology may not be appropriate if some conditions are present, including: Problems with circulation in the feet Inflammation or blood clots in the leg veins Gout Foot ulcers Fungal conditions of the feet such as athlete's foot Low platelet count you may bruise or bleed more easily.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. e Anderson KD, Downey M.

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For people who have trouble sleeping , reflexology may be a supportive therapy, some research suggests. A review published in the April Journal of Advanced Nursing analyzed 42 studies involving nearly 4, patients with sleep troubles.

The researchers found that reflexology led to significant improvements in sleep quality compared with controls, and fewer people reported sleep disturbances. A study of menopausal women found that 15 minutes of reflexology per day for three weeks improved measures of sleep quality, compared with the control group, who did not receive the therapy.

Cancer and cancer treatments can take a major toll on both physical and mental health. Some research suggests reflexology has benefits as a complementary therapeutic approach to help patients cope with these effects. In a study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention in of 57 nonmetastatic breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, participants were divided into two groups: one group received two sessions weekly of reflexology for four weeks, in addition to standard care, while the other received standard care alone.

At the end of the study, those who received reflexology reported significantly less fatigue than those who did not receive the treatment.

In a research review published in July in the International Journal of Cancer Management , the authors found an overall positive effect for reflexology in patients with cancer pain, compared with usual care, yet they noted that the quality of the included studies was highly variable.

But some scant research has found it may help with certain digestive symptoms, primarily constipation. A small study of 19 female patients with chronic constipation , for example, determined that 94 percent of the participants reported their constipation symptoms had improved to some extent after a six-week course of foot reflexology treatments.

A review and meta-analysis of seven studies published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in August concluded that foot reflexology may be an effective complementary therapy to treat constipation.

Overall, reflexology has been practiced in cultures around the world for thousands of years, and today, it's used as a complementary therapy to potentially help with a number of ailments.

Though it's considered to be generally safe and low risk, be sure to consult your doctor or a medical practitioner if you are interested in pursuing reflexology therapy to support your overall health and wellness. Health Conditions A-Z. Best Oils for Skin Complementary Approaches Emotional Wellness Fitness and Exercise Healthy Skin Online Therapy Reiki Healing Resilience Sleep Sexual Health Self Care Yoga Poses See All.

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It symobilizes a website link url. Copy Link. This article was medically reviewed by Medhat Mikhael , MD, a pain management specialist and medical director of the non-operative program at the Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. Our stories are reviewed by medical professionals to ensure you get the most accurate and useful information about your health and wellness.

For more information, visit our medical review board. Redeem now. Reflexology is a therapeutic technique involving massage on specific areas of the hands and feet. Benefits of reflexology include easing back pain, menstrual cramps, and reducing anxiety.

Avoid reflexology if you are pregnant, have diabetes, epilepsy, or thyroid problems. Read preview. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app. Email address. Sign up. Problems such as chronic back pain can increase stress, which can in turn increase the level of pain.

This cycle can be broken through reflexology, which can reduce the stress which can then reduce the level of painful symptoms. Clients that suffer from problems such as arthritis or sciatica can benefit from twice monthly sessions, while those that suffer from herniated discs or osteoporosis will need to discuss their treatment plans with their reflexology practitioner according to the severity of their pain.

It is very important to note that reflexology does not claim to cure or diagnose ailments, but it can greatly reduce the symptoms of many different ailments. The theory of reflexology is that all parts of the body are represented in different zones found in the feet, with the left foot corresponding to the left side of the body and the right foot corresponding to the right side of the body.

These areas are arranged in such a way that the entire body is represented in the feet through what we can think of as a map.