Reflexology
Alternate names: Bodywork Therapy, Ear Reflexology, Energy Health, Energy Medicine, Energy Work, Foot Reflexology, Foot Therapy, Hand Reflexology, Lymphatic Reflexology, Massage Réflexologique, Médecine Énergétique, Plantar Reflexology, Reflexive Massage, Reflexología, Réflexologie, Réflexologie Auriculaire, Réflexologie Plantaire, Reflexologist, Réflexologue, Reflexotherapy, Réflexothérapie, Santé Énergétique, Thérapie de Zone, Zone Therapy
Background
Reflexology uses pressure points primarily on the soles of the feet, hands, or ears. Practitioners of reflexology believe that applying pressure to these points can affect specific organs or processes in the body.
Reflexology is primarily used for ongoing pain in people with cancer, excessive crying in infants (colic), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also used for asthma, back pain, fibromyalgia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Reflexology is primarily used for ongoing pain in people with cancer, excessive crying in infants (colic), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also used for asthma, back pain, fibromyalgia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
Reflexology is LIKELY SAFE for most people. Practitioners of reflexology say that some people experience some side effects such as feelings of fatigue, nausea, or flu-like symptoms. But there isn't enough reliable information to know how often this might happen.
Children: Reflexology is POSSIBLY SAFE in children.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Reflexology is POSSIBLY SAFE during pregnancy and breast-feeding. So far, no harmful effects have been identified. But reflexology has not been well-studied during pregnancy and breast-feeding.Children: Reflexology is POSSIBLY SAFE in children.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Pain in people with cancer. Some early research shows that reflexology may reduce pain and anxiety in some people with cancer. But the effect doesn't last long. The pain returns in less than 3 hours.
- Excessive crying in infants (colic). Most research shows that reflexology may improve excessive crying in infants.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Most evidence shows that reflexology given for at least 30 minutes decreases PMS symptoms, including bloating, cramps, breast tenderness, anxiety, depression, and irritability.
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
- Asthma. Reflexology doesn't appear to improve symptoms or lung function in people with asthma.
- Diagnosing a disease. Early research shows that practitioners of reflexology are unable to consistently detect symptoms or accurately diagnose medical conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate or safe use of reflexology depends on several factors such as the condition being treated or the person administering the treatment. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
There is no scientifically reliable information about how reflexology might work to reduce pain or treat other medical conditions. Reflexology practitioners believe that disease is caused by an energy imbalance and the reflexology can correct this imbalance. They believe that this helps the body's natural ability to heal itself.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 16/12/2021 00:52:02 and last updated on 29/09/2022 08:52:30. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
