Anne Blee Holistic Therapies

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis has examined the effects of foot reflexology on breastfeeding outcomes and postpartum comfort.

The analysis brought together findings from 3 experimental studies involving 260 postpartum women, including two randomized controlled trials and one quasi-experimental study.

What did the researchers find?

Overall, women who received foot reflexology showed better breastfeeding outcomes and greater postpartum comfort.

The analysis found significant improvements in:

✓ Breastfeeding success
✓ Breastfeeding satisfaction
✓ Postpartum comfort

The researchers also found reductions in breast pain, tension and heat associated with the onset of breastfeeding.

In simple terms, when the results of the studies were considered together, foot reflexology was associated with greater comfort after birth and more positive breastfeeding outcomes.

The authors concluded that foot reflexology had positive effects on postpartum comfort and breastfeeding outcomes and suggested it may have a role as a supportive complementary approach during postpartum care.

For the reflexology profession, this is encouraging research. Postpartum care is an area where women may benefit from gentle, non-invasive complementary support alongside appropriate maternity and breastfeeding care.

It is important to remember that a meta-analysis is only as strong as the studies it includes. In this case, only three studies were included, so further high-quality, larger-scale research is needed to strengthen the evidence.

Research such as this continues to contribute to the developing evidence base for reflexology and its potential place within complementary and supportive healthcare.

As always, reflexology is a complementary therapy and does not replace appropriate postnatal medical care or professional breastfeeding support.

📚 Research:
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Breastfeeding Outcomes and Postpartum Comfort: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2025)

Link in the comments section below ⬇️

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Further research…

🔬 REFLEXOLOGY RESEARCH | 2025

A randomized clinical trial has explored the effects of foot reflexology on pain and anxiety in people with leukaemia undergoing bone marrow aspiration.

The study included 68 participants who completed the trial. Those in the reflexology group received one 30-minute foot reflexology session, while the control group received routine care.

What did the researchers find?

Following the intervention, people who received reflexology experienced significantly lower anxiety compared with those receiving routine care alone.

Importantly, pain experienced during and after the bone marrow aspiration procedure was also significantly lower in the reflexology group.

The researchers additionally monitored physiological measures including blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation. While some changes were observed, the clearest findings of the study were the reductions in pain and anxiety.

The authors concluded that foot reflexology may be a valuable non-invasive, supportive approach for helping manage procedural pain and anxiety in people undergoing bone marrow aspiration.

This is particularly interesting for the reflexology profession. Even a single 30-minute session was associated with measurable differences in this clinical setting, adding to the developing evidence around the potential role of reflexology within supportive and integrative healthcare.

While the findings are encouraging, this is one clinical trial in a specific patient population. Further high-quality research is needed to establish how broadly these findings can be applied.

As always, reflexology is a complementary therapy and does not replace appropriate medical treatment or cancer care.

📚 Research:
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Pain and Anxiety in Patients with Leukaemia Undergoing Bone Marrow Aspiration: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

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Anne recently updated her training on Children and Anxiety through

Reflexology can help reduce some of the symptoms your child may be experiencing.

There is great information on the NHS website on this topic

Anxiety disorders in children Read about anxiety disorders in children and teenagers, with links to other useful resources.

New research…

🔬 NEW REFLEXOLOGY RESEARCH | 2026

New research published in Pain Management Nursing has explored the effect of foot reflexology on neuropathic pain in women with Type 2 diabetes.

The randomized controlled trial included 65 women with Type 2 diabetes and neuropathic pain. The intervention group received routine treatment alongside foot reflexology, while the control group received routine treatment alone.

Participants receiving reflexology completed 12 sessions over six weeks.

What did the researchers find?

After the six-week treatment period, the women who received reflexology reported significantly less nerve pain than those receiving routine care alone. The researchers measured pain in three different recognised ways, and all three showed improvement.

The researchers also reported reductions in neuropathic symptoms including burning, tingling, numbness and itching. No intervention-related adverse events were reported.

The authors concluded that foot reflexology may be a valuable complementary addition to routine care for neuropathic pain in people with diabetes.

Research such as this is an important contribution to the growing evidence base for reflexology profession.

📚 Research:
The Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage on Neuropathic Pain in Women With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Neşe A, Akarsu E, Küçükkaya MS.
Pain Management Nursing, 2026; 27(3):322–330.

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Being in business almost 10years, I reluctantly have to rise my prices. As everyone knows the cost of everything continues to rise. I thank everyone of you who have supported me over the years and hopefully I will still continue to see you.

Bluebells on St Patrick’s Day…