Reflexology - Mechanism

Mechanism

The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as:

"A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body."

Reflexologists posit that the blockage of an energy field, invisible life force, or Qi, can prevent healing. Another tenet of reflexology is the belief that practitioners can relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body through the manipulation of the feet. One claimed explanation is that the pressure received in the feet may send signals that 'balance' the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce stress and pain. These hypotheses are rejected by the general medical community, who cite a lack of scientific evidence and the well-tested germ theory of disease.

Common criticisms of reflexology are the lack of evidence for its claimed effects, or of a scientific or demonstrated basis for its theories, of central regulation, accreditation and licensing, or of medical training provided to reflexologists, and the short duration of training programmes. As with other pseudosciences without any proven effect beyond placebo, if patients rely on them and delay or even reject effective medical treatment there can be significant health risks.

Reflexology is based on the idea that pressure points of the hands and feet are connected with the corresponding internal organ, arranged in much like the human body with the brain located at the toes and the waist at the foot’s centre. Despite this concept there is no empirical evidence for these claims. Studies that do show changes in a variety of conditions is likely the result of nonspecific effects of massaging.

In a study evaluating the effects of reflexology as a complementary therapy to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, results revealed no significant difference between the reflexology group and the control group. When performed on women with menopause to evaluate its effects on symptom reduction, the results proved to be insignificant showing no change with the exception of the placebo effects.

Reflexology's claim to manipulate energy (Qi) has been highly controversial, as there is no scientific evidence for the existence of life energy (Qi), 'energy balance', 'crystalline structures,' or 'pathways' in the body.