Reflexology: Nothing More than a Foot Rub

http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reflex.html

At a get-together I attended recently I heard a conversation regarding the recommendation of reflexology to deal with a child’s health issues. “It works” was the testimony from one person. Immediately my sceptic warning bells were ringing. “Why not go to a doctor?” I thought. Shortly thereafter, I did some research into reflexology. It took me less than 5 minutes to confirm my suspicions that it is nothing more than alternative medicine quackery.

Here are few things to keep in mind if you ever happen to hear someone speaking on the wonders of reflexology:

“A 2009 systematic review of randomised controlled trials concluded that the latest available evidence does not show convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition”- (Ernst E (2009). "Is reflexology an effective intervention? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials". Med J Aust 191 (5): 263–6. PMID 19740047.)

“There is no consensus among reflexologists on how reflexology is supposed to work; a unifying theme is the idea that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve health through one's qi.” (a b Norman, Laura; Thomas Cowan (1989). The Reflexology Handbook, A Complete Guide. Piatkus. pp. 22, 23. ISBN 0-86188-912-6.)

You would think that practitioners of a credible medical treatment would be able to tell you how their treatment actually works without fighting over how it works.
“Diplomas in reflexology can be attained with as little as six months of home study” (^ "The Open College reflexology diploma course". http://www.opencollege.info/reflexologycourse.html. Retrieved 2007-11-17.)
“Reflexology's claim to manipulate energy (Qi) has been controversial, as there is no scientific evidence for the existence of life energy (Qi), 'crystalline structures,' or 'pathways' in the body” (Barrett, Stephen (2004-09-25). "Reflexology: A close look". Quackwatch. http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reflex.html. Retrieved 2007-10-12.)

If the mother were to take her child to a reflexologist I would not be pointing the blame at those who were speaking highly of reflexologists at the time. No, the ones truly responsible for promoting a medical treatment for which little training is required to administer are the reflexologists themselves. The ones who in the face of studies saying their methods are ineffective continue to say otherwise.

Most people will not conduct research on reflexology. They will be content with listening to the testimony of their friends who have had positive experiences (even if no benefits actually resulted). You are right then to ask, “Why didn’t I speak up?” Well, at that moment my knowledge of reflexology was limited to having heard the word reflexology at that very moment. If it ever comes up again, I’ll be sure to say something. For the health and well-being of a child.