Reflexology is a complementary health care practice in which its supporters like to claim that various parts and organs of the body can be mapped to parts or zones on the foot or hand (it used to be called zone therapy in the past for this reason). Those who advocate the practice of reflexology claim that the massgae of these zones on the foot can do many things such as help solve all the worlds problems, lose weight, rid the body of toxins, stimulate the circulation and promote general well being – world peace could also be achieved too if you believe the fanatics. They also claim that any dysfunction or disease in a body part or organ can be found and diagnosed in the zones of the foot. The excitation of these zones by the use of a foot massage is claimed to help these health problems.

Scientific studies of reflexology have not been able to find a single pathway or mechanism linking different organ systems to the zones of the foot – its is just not possible. Reflexologists still make claims it is all about the Qi and the flow of meridians, but no scientific evidence can find evidence for their existence of even hints of them. A number of clinical trials have attempted to test the clinical success of reflexology with some showing it might help and others showing that it does not. When there are enough clinical trials on a topic, they can all be combined together in what is known as a systematic review or a meta-analysis. The two most recently published systematic reviews of reflexology that have combined the clinical trials have conlcuded that it does not work. These were published in two well known journals.

Even though the evidence shows that reflexology does not work, this does not mean that a good foot massage is not beneficial. Those who are stressed and have health problems will be more relaxed after a good foot massage. This may be why some consider it helpful. It works via relaxation and not the claims of reflexology.

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