Reflexology Massage: What It Is and What to Expect

Reflexology is a massage modality in which practitioners apply varying pressure to very specific points on the feet or hands. That's how the NCCIH, a United States government health agency, defines reflexology, which you may also find referred to as  reflexology massage or foot reflexology.

Reflexology works on the premise that these  points on the feet and hands are associated with other parts of the body, and that by applying pressure to them certain health benefits can be achieved. The NCCIH is direct about where that stands on reflexology -  while it claims to cause relaxation and healing in the body, this has not been adequately proven.

This article is intended to be a neutral explainer and not a recommendation for reflexology. Here, we’ll explore what reflexology is, what the evidence says, and what to keep in mind for your safety.

What Is Reflexology?

If you've wondered what reflexology is, the definition above gets to the heart of the practice: varying pressure applied to specific points on the feet or hands, which reflexology practitioners link to other parts of the body.

These apparent  links are reflexology's own theory. As the NCCIH explains it, reflexology is claimed to cause relaxation and healing in specific parts of the body, but this has not been scientifically proven. For these reasons, this article doesn't include a reflexology map or describe reflexology techniques.

What Does the Evidence Say?

The most relevant Australian source on reflexology evidence is the Australian Government's Natural Therapies Review 2024. It found that we cannot draw confident conclusions about reflexology's effects for any condition or outcome, or specific part of the body.

It's worth considering this carefully before starting reflexology treatment. The review explains how much we can conclude from the available research, which is different from saying reflexology has been shown not to work. It also supports no health claim, and the review itself specifies  that it was not written with the intention to inform individual choices about practising or using reflexology or any other therapies.

Put simply, this article can't tell you that reflexology treats, improves or prevents any health conditions g, and it's reasonable to be cautious about anyone who says it does.

Safety and Individual Suitability

The  NCCIH's general guidance on complementary health practices is that their safety depends on the specific therapy used, and each complementary product, treatment, modality or practice should be considered on its own merit. In other words, there's no blanket answer to how safe complementary health practices are, and this article can't tell you whether reflexology is suitable or safe for you personally.

If you have a health condition, or any other reason to wonder whether reflexology will suit you, talk with a healthcare professional before trying it, and keep any existing care strategies going according to your healthcare plan. 

When Symptoms Need Medical Assessment

There’s not ample evidence to present reflexology as a way to diagnose your symptoms  or to treat a diagnosed health problem. If you have persistent or worrying symptoms, see your GP, and don't put off seeking medical advice by favouring  an unproven complementary practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do reflex points prove a link with internal organs?

No. 

Reflexology's theory links points on the feet or hands to other parts of the body. The NCCIH says reflexology is claimed to promote relaxation and healing in specific  areas of the body, but neither have been proven.

Can reflexology diagnose a health problem?

No.

This article doesn't present reflexology as a way to diagnose anything. If you have concerning symptoms, see your GP.

Does reflexology treat medical conditions?

The currently available evidence doesn't support that claim. 

The Natural Therapies Review 2024 found it is not possible to draw confident conclusions about reflexology's effects or outcomes, and the NCCIH says its claimed effects and benefits haven't been proven.

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