Reflexology

Reflexology is a deeply relaxing, restorative therapy that works by applying gentle pressure to specific points on the feet, each believed to correspond with different organs and systems in the body. Rooted in ancient traditions and supported by modern understanding of nerve pathways, reflexology encourages the body’s natural healing processes and promotes holistic balance.

This non-invasive therapy is ideal for relieving stress, improving circulation, easing tension, supporting hormonal health, and enhancing overall well-being. Each session is tailored to your individual needs, offering a grounding, restorative experience.

“Feel the ripple effect of balance, from sole to soul.”

a person laying in a bed with their feet up
a person laying in a bed with their feet up
Reflexology to Support Pain

This therapeutic treatment targets reflex zones related to the source of your pain—whether muscular, joint-related, menstrual, or migraine—encouraging circulation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the body’s healing response. Ideal for chronic or recurring pain conditions.

Reflexology for Pregnancy

A gentle, nurturing treatment designed to help ease common pregnancy discomforts such as backache, swollen feet, poor sleep, anxiety, and hormonal shifts. Each session is adapted to your trimester and personal needs, offering a calm, grounding experience to support both your body and baby.

Reflexology for Stress Relief

This targeted reflexology session is designed to soothe the nervous system, ease emotional tension, and rebalance your body’s stress response. Gentle pressure on specific reflex points helps regulate cortisol levels, improve sleep, and promote a deep sense of relaxation. Ideal for anyone experiencing overwhelm, burnout, anxiety, or low energy.

Reflexology for New Mums

Gentle, restorative care for new mothers. Postnatal reflexology is designed to support your recovery, rebalance hormones, ease physical tension, and promote emotional well-being after birth. Whether you're navigating sleep deprivation, mood changes, or physical strain, this calming therapy offers a space to rest, reset, and restore.

Benefits of Reflexology

Reflexology involves the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears, which are believed to correspond to various organs and systems within the body. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology aims to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and support overall well-being. While many individuals report benefits from reflexology, scientific research presents mixed findings regarding its efficacy for specific health conditions.

1. Pain and Fatigue Management in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of reflexology on individuals with MS. The analysis found that precision reflexology significantly reduced pain and fatigue levels compared to a non-therapuetic version of the treatment for the placebo group. However, no significant differences were observed in physical function or overall quality of life measures.

2. Symptom Relief in Cancer Patients

Reflexology has been explored as a supportive therapy for cancer patients. Some studies suggest that reflexology may help alleviate certain symptoms, such as shortness of breath, in individuals with advanced breast cancer. While its effects on other symptoms like nausea and pain remain inconclusive, it can have a positive impact on mental health while under treatment.

3. Reduction of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Research indicates that reflexology may have a positive impact on psychological well-being. A meta-analysis found that reflexology interventions were associated with reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression levels among various populations. Nevertheless, the quality of evidence varies, and more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings.

4. Pain Relief in Various Conditions

A systematic review of studies on foot reflexology for painful conditions reported that the majority of trials found reflexology to be more effective than control interventions in reducing pain. Conditions examined included low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-operative pain. Some studies did not find this, so it may not work for everyone and more research is needed.

5. Limited Evidence for Specific Medical Conditions

Comprehensive reviews of randomised controlled trials have concluded that, while reflexology may offer symptomatic relief for certain conditions, there is a need for more evidence to support its effectiveness as a treatment for specific medical conditions. This is an issue recognised by the Association of Reflexologists who are partnering with the University of Oxford to research the effects of reflexology on cortisol release for stress reduction.

References

  1. Wang Y, et al. (2023). Systematic review and meta-analysis of reflexology for people with multiple sclerosis.Medicine (Baltimore), 102(6): e32741. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36749275/

  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (n.d.). Reflexology. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/reflexology

  3. Lee J, et al. (2015). Effect of self-administered foot reflexology for symptom management in healthy persons: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med, 23(1): 79-87. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25637156/

  4. Silva L, et al. (2020). Foot reflexology in painful conditions: systematic review. Brazilian Journal of Pain, 3(4): 331-337. https://www.scielo.br/j/brjp/a/njx6pgYGnvNthbwjqTDGhyH

  5. Ernst E, et al. (2011). Reflexology: an update of a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Maturitas, 68(2): 116-120. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21111551/

  6. Wang MY, et al. (2008). The efficacy of reflexology: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 62(5): 512-520. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18489444/

Reflexology can offer benefits such as stress reduction and pain relief. If you are interested in reflexology to support medical conditions, consult your healthcare team to check its suitability as a complementary therapy within your treatment plan.