Reflexology

Reflexology is a complementary health practice in which pressure is applied to specific points on the feet, hands, and sometimes ears.

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that applies pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and sometimes ears. Despite claims of health benefits, major medical reviews have found no convincing evidence that it treats medical conditions.

What it is

Reflexology is a manual therapy using thumb, finger, or hand pressure on reflex points, usually on the feet and hands, and sometimes the ears. Practitioners believe these points correspond to organs and body systems elsewhere in the body, and that stimulating them can affect those areas. The technique is often presented as a way to promote relaxation and general well-being.

Why it matters

Mainstream medical sources, including the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, state that reflexology has not been proven to cause healing in targeted body parts. Review summaries have found no convincing evidence that it treats any medical condition. In Canada, it is offered as a complementary practice, often distinguished from evidence-based medical treatment.

Key details

Reflexology is commonly marketed for relaxation, stress reduction, and general well-being, rather than as a proven treatment for disease. It uses massage-like pressure techniques but is based on reflex-point maps rather than general muscle massage. Some sources describe it as low risk and potentially helpful for relaxation, though this is separate from evidence of treating medical conditions.