Cardiff Metropolitan University
Browse

‘Reflexology: Exploring the mechanism of action’

Download (557.52 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2022-06-10, 13:20 authored by Judith WhatleyJudith Whatley, Joanne Perkins, Carol Samuel

Reflexology is a complementary therapy focusing mainly on the application of pressure on the feet, hands and ears. A small but growing evidence base suggests that

positive outcomes can be gained in the management and improvement of symptoms across a range of conditions. Biological plausibility is a key concept in the

determination of the usefulness of therapies. Research which tests for safety and efficacy alongside the underpinning mechanism of action are therefore important.

This paper explores the potential mechanism of action for the outcomes associated with reflexology treatment as reflected in the current evidence. The influences

of therapeutic touch, relaxation, placebo effects and the similarities with other therapeutic methods of structural manipulation are considered. The lack of clarity

around the precise definition of reflexology and the challenges of researching the therapy as a treatment tailored to individual need are discussed.

A deeper understanding of the mechanism of action for reflexology may help to further develop research into safety and efficacy. Such an understanding may lead

to the integration of knowledge which may provide both symptomatic support and longer term preventative health benefits.

History

Published in

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice

Publisher

Elsevier

Version

  • VoR (Version of Record)

Citation

Whatley, J., Perkins, J., & Samuel, C. (2022) 'Reflexology: Exploring the mechanism of action', Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 101606.

Print ISSN

1744-3881

Cardiff Met Affiliation

  • Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences

Cardiff Met Authors

Judith Whatley

Cardiff Met Research Centre/Group

  • Public Health and Wellbeing

Copyright Holder

  • © The Authors

Language

  • en

Usage metrics

    Population Risk & Healthcare - Journal Articles

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC