Side Effects of reflexology: A Synthesis of Findings from 9 Studies

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This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Several studies have shown that reflexology may be beneficial for a variety of symptoms. For example, a meta-analysis in 9 demonstrated that reflexology can effectively reduce fatigue in hemodialysis patients. Additionally, a randomized controlled trial in indicated that reflexology may help improve amnesia associated with electroconvulsive therapy. Further, a study in 7 suggested that reflexology might be effective in reducing pain and nausea in cancer patients.

Reasons for Side Effects

The reasons behind the side effects of reflexology are not yet fully understood. However, some research suggests that reflexology could potentially impact the nervous and circulatory systems. It may also influence blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a doctor before considering reflexology.

Common Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

The most frequent side effect of reflexology is mild pain or pressure, which is experienced when specific points on the soles of the feet are pressed. Typically, this pain is temporary and subsides immediately after the treatment. However, if you encounter severe pain during the session, notify the practitioner. Also, your soles might turn red after receiving reflexology, but this is a normal response. It usually fades away within a few hours.

Serious Side Effects

Although reflexology is generally considered safe, it can potentially cause serious side effects. It is essential to be cautious if you have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease or blood clotting disorders. Additionally, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before considering reflexology if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Reflexology could lead to an increase in blood pressure or even bleeding. Furthermore, there is a possibility that reflexology might affect the fetus or infant.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

Mild pain or pressure from reflexology typically disappears soon after the treatment. However, if you experience severe pain during the session, inform the practitioner. Additionally, if your soles become red after the treatment, applying coolness might help alleviate the symptoms.

Serious Side Effects

If you experience any serious side effects from reflexology, it is imperative to consult a doctor immediately. This is particularly crucial if you have pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or blood clotting disorders. It is also essential to consult with your doctor before considering reflexology if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities of Studies

Multiple studies have indicated that reflexology might be helpful in alleviating various symptoms. However, these studies differ in size, subjects, and research methods, making it difficult to directly compare their results.

Differences Between Studies

Research findings regarding the effects and side effects of reflexology vary. This is due to differences in subjects and research methods across studies. For example, a meta-analysis in 9 demonstrated that reflexology effectively reduces fatigue in hemodialysis patients. However, other studies have failed to confirm the effectiveness of reflexology or have reported side effects. Therefore, further research is needed to investigate the effects and side effects of reflexology.

Note on Applying to Daily Life

Reflexology has the potential to contribute to the improvement of various symptoms. However, consulting with a doctor before considering reflexology is crucial. This is especially important if you have pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease or blood clotting disorders. It is also essential to consult with your doctor before considering reflexology if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Reflexology could lead to an increase in blood pressure or even bleeding. Furthermore, there is a possibility that reflexology might affect the fetus or infant. When receiving reflexology, choose an experienced practitioner, and if you experience any discomfort during the treatment, inform the practitioner immediately.

Current Research Limitations

Research on the effects and side effects of reflexology is still insufficient. In particular, there is a lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials. Therefore, further research is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of reflexology.

Future Research Directions

Future research on the effects and side effects of reflexology is expected to be conducted in the following directions: ・Conduct large-scale randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness and safety of reflexology ・Investigate the effects and side effects of reflexology for various diseases and symptoms ・Elucidate the mechanisms of reflexology

Conclusion

Reflexology has the potential to be beneficial in improving various symptoms. However, consulting with a doctor before considering reflexology is crucial. Further research is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of reflexology.

Literature analysis of 9 papers
Positive Content
9
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
0
Article Type
3
1
2
2
9
1.

Post marketing new adverse effects of oral therapies in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review.

Author: SahraianMohammad Ali, SalehiAmir Mohammad, JenabiEnsiyeh, EsfahaniMaryam Etminani, AtaeiSara

Post-marketing side effects of DMDs for MS

While medications called disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) are used to manage multiple sclerosis (MS), there isn't enough information about the side effects that may occur after they are released to the market. This review aimed to identify the DMDs used for MS and to highlight the need for more research on their safety profile.

Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.
Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

2.

Use of reflexology foot massage to reduce anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients in chemotherapy treatment: methodology and outcomes.

Author: QuattrinR, ZaniniA, BuchiniS, TurelloD, AnnunziataM A, VidottiC, ColombattiA, BrusaferroS

Reduce anxiety

Reflexology foot massage can be considered a support treatment used in combination with traditional medical treatments to help cancer patients receiving chemotherapy feel better and also cope better with their disease.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

3.

A systematic review association of reflexology in managing symptoms and side effects of breast cancer treatment.

Author: WanchaiAusanee, ArmerJane M

Reduced fatigue
Reduced nausea/vomiting
Reflexology for quality of life

There is not enough high-level evidence to confirm the effectiveness of reflexology on breast cancer symptom management.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

5.

The Effect of Foot Reflexology Applied Before Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty on Anxiety, Stress, and Cortisol Levels of Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Author: Vural DoğruBirgül, ŞenuzunAykarFisun, YıldırımYasemin, YavuzgilOğuz, SözmenEser, MemmedovHikmet

Reduced anxiety
Reduced cortisol levels
Reduced stress

Foot reflexology applied before coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was found to effectively reduce anxiety, stress, and cortisol levels in patients undergoing these procedures. The experimental group, who received foot reflexology, showed significantly lower anxiety and stress scores and a decrease in cortisol levels compared to the control group.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

6.

Non-pharmacologic approach to pediatric constipation.

Author: SantucciNeha R, ChogleAshish, LeibyAlycia, MascarenhasMaria, BorlackRachel E, LeeAmanda, PerezMaria, RussellAlexandra, YehAnn Ming

Mind-body interventions
Non-pharmacologic treatment

This review discusses non-pharmacological approaches to treat functional constipation in children. Some supplements like prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber show promise, but evidence for other supplements and botanicals is limited. Mind-body interventions and movement/manipulative interventions may also be beneficial.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

7.

Foot Reflexology: An Intervention for Pain and Nausea Among Inpatients With Cancer.

Author: AndersonKristen D, DowneyMarty

Reduced nausea
Reduced pain

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of foot reflexology on pain and nausea among 40 inpatients with cancer. The study found that foot reflexology significantly decreased pain for inpatients with cancer as compared to traditional nursing care alone.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

Comparing the Effects of Warm Footbath and Foot Reflexology on the Fatigue of Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Author: MazloumSeyed Reza, RajabzadehMahla, MohajerSamira, Bahrami-TaghanakiHamidreza, NamaziniaMohammad

Reduce fatigue

This study compared the effects of warm footbath and foot reflexology on fatigue in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

9.

The effect of foot reflexology on fatigue in hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis study.

Author: ŞahanSeda, GülerSevil

Reduced fatigue

Foot reflexology was found to be effective in reducing fatigue in hemodialysis patients. Ten sessions of foot reflexology were the most effective.

Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Spanish

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