Reflexology is an alternative medicine practice in which it is claimed that various parts and organs of the body can be mapped to regions or zones on the foot (it used to be called zone therapy for this reason). Those who advocate pr practice reflexology claim that stimulation of these zones on the foot can do many things such as help lose weight, rid the body of toxins, stimulate the circulation and promote general well being. They also claim that any dysfunction or disease in a body part or organ can be detected in the zones of the foot. Stimulation of these zones by the use of a foot massage is claimed to help these health problems.

Scientific studies of reflexology have not been able to find a single pathway or mechanism linking different organ systems to the zones of the foot. Reflexologists claims it is all about the Qi and the cyclical flow of meridians, but no scientific evidence can find evidence for their existence. A number of clinical trials have attempted to test the clinical efficacy of reflexology with some showing it can help and others showing that it does not. When there are enough clinical trials in an area, they can all be combined together in what is called a systematic review or a meta-analysis. The two most recent published systematic reviews of reflexology that have combined all the clinical trials have shown that it does not work. These were published in two well known medical and nursing journals.

Even though the evidence shows that reflexology does not work, this does not mean that a good foot massage is not beneficial. Those who are stressed and have health problems will be more relaxed after a good foot massage. This may be why some consider it helpful. It works via relaxation and not the claims of reflexology.

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