Foot reflexology is a complementary treatment; see a medical practitioner for pain, insomnia and impaired vision

Reflexology

Reflexology is a form of Chinese folk medicine that stems from the belief that different parts of the hands, feet and ears, known as pressure points, are linked to other parts or organs of the body. “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) is believed to be the source of vital energy and must travel through the body, unrestrained, to ensure that a person remains healthy. 

Blocked “qi” causes health complications, but this can be remedied by massaging certain parts of the body to release these blockages. Acupuncture, the insertion of fine needles into various pressure points of the body, uses the same principles.

Africa Check found no scientific evidence that reflexology improves eyesight. However, when it comes to pain relief, a 2020 clinical trial on 120 participants who had undergone liver transplants found that a majority of them showed decreased pain and discomfort after undergoing reflexology. 

Similarly, a 2019 review found that reflexology could lessen pain caused by post-menstrual syndrome. Additionally, another 2024 study found that reflexology could provide comfort to patients who had undergone abdominal surgery.

So what about reflexology and sleep? A 2020 review of medical journals that studied reflexology as a therapy for sleep issues found that 42 studies with over 9,000 participants reported that reflexology improved sleep quality. This was also the conclusion of a 2020 study.

While these findings might sound promising, these studies also noted that reflexology should be used as a complementary method of pain relief and should not replace medical interventions or pain medication. They also warned of the potential for a placebo effect on sleep quality. One study noted, for example, that the person doing the massage might speak with their client and allow their client to open up about their anxiety and insomnia, which could have a psychological effect. “Social interaction has been known to reduce stress and anxiety,” the study stated.

The studies also state that more research with a larger sample size is needed in this field. Moreover, results from reflexology treatment could differ from one person to another. 

Evidence-based treatments are important

The post appears in a Facebook group linked to or named after Barbara O’Neill, an Australian naturopath who has been widely criticised and banned by health authorities for spreading false and dangerous medical advice.

Africa Check has previously debunked several misleading or harmful health claims, either made by O’Neill herself or by pages seeking to benefit from her name.  These include claims about “miracle” natural cures and unproven treatments for cancer and other serious illnesses.

The post also shares individual people’s stories and testimonials, which may seem helpful, but are not based on sound scientific advice. Dr Taskeen Docrat, a researcher at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute, previously told Africa Check that individuals’ testimonials should complement scientific understanding, not try to replace it.

There may also be underlying conditions that cause a person to experience symptoms such as pain, loss of vision and sleeplessness. “Believing in untested methods can also lead to delays in seeking appropriate care,” Docrat said.