Reflexology: Only Dangerous If You Use It

Thanks for this podcast, I've always thought that reflexology was bunk. I'm reminded of a 'Thin Blue Line' episode when Rowan Adkinson asks about reflexology 'What happens if you have foot pain?'
What is your opinion of Chinese reflexology? There are numbers of accredited courses in Chinese therapies (TCM and their version of reflexology) throughout China and the rest of the world. After living in China for several years I still didn't ever try any of it because I was just um, skeptical. Your opinion?

Jessica, Chicago
February 01, 2007 6:38pm

it's obvious you are not well informed about reflexology and the benefits it offers others..we are not doctors or ministers nor do we say we are..don't judge all by a few crackpots...don't knock it till you try it... maybe with some reflexology you wouldn't be so skeptical

christine, ontario
February 12, 2007 4:04pm

I am a qualified reflexologist and the results are outstandng! It is more than a foot massage. As above you need to go for a treatment and see for yourself before slagging it off.

joyce, Scotland
March 08, 2007 1:26pm

and by the way if you have foot pain you apply hand reflexology - doh!

joyce, Scotland
March 08, 2007 1:27pm

Well the simple answer then is for Brian to receive a FREE course of reflexology, scientifically blind tested, in that he won't know who is giving it to him, and the person doing it must be a naked pagan!

The fact is oxygen works for everybody, faith practises only work for some; therefore, they don't work at all. QED

GRIFF....

Neil Griffiths, cardiff,wales,uk
March 18, 2007 5:58pm

How interesting...:''a qualified reflexologist and the results are outstanding.''

Do tell, what do these 'qualifications' entail?

And what 'results' can we expect?

I think I'll judge them for myself.

How much do these sessions cost, and are they available on the NHS?

Neil Griffiths, cardiff,wales,uk
March 18, 2007 6:04pm

If it's a naked pagan, and she's hot, I'm there.

Brian Dunning, Laguna Niguel, CA
March 18, 2007 7:27pm

I have been teaching reflexology for some years now. Here is the definition "Reflexology is the pressure point massage on the feet, hands and ears to relax athe body so that the body can heal itself" There is NO mysticism involved. Science proves that there are over 7200 nerve endings in the feet alone. If we can relax the body by massaging the feet - what a concept. Does it work? After a foot massage are you relaxed? Well that answers that. Now, even I do not promote distance learning, especially when you are treating people with a "hands on" modality. My education program is accredited with a couple of massage associations and I had to work very hard to prove my crredentials - what is taught in my course. Again, I wish the world would see reflexology for what it is - a relaxing way to soothe the mind (relaxation), body (he nerve endigns in the feet help circulation, and "energy as I know it is caused by friction", when you massage the feet, friction, warmth and circulatio in the body occure providing relaxation and better health) and soothe your very soles ! OF YOUR FEET. It is not "spiritualism" and as an educator I emphasise with all students reflexologists DO NOT diagnos, prescribe, treat for specific conditions or claim to cure. It is not an alternative to medicine - rather a compliment to it.
Thanks you

Dee Cook, Canada
March 21, 2007 6:58am

Hi Dee - What you're describing is conventional massage therapy, and you're right, it is great, it is very helpful, and there's no mysticism involved. But I'm afraid you're off-base if you're comparing massage therapy with the paranormal claims that reflexology is based upon. They are two very different philosophies behind the same physical treatment.

Brian Dunning, Laguna Niguel, CA
March 23, 2007 3:00pm

It's funny how these people look at life always from the blinkered point of view of their own little fetishes!

Faither...'Pore Radox into a hot tub and you'll feel relaxed.'

Scientist...''Pore Radox into a cold tub and if you feel relaxed then it's the Radox, otherwise it was the heat.''

Try it...Dee...and let us know...Cos I think you won't feel that relaxed in the cold tub. I'd rather a hot tub and a soapy scrubber to scratch my back!

Griff...Wife! Where the hell are you, I need a HAND!

neil griffiths, Cardiff uk
March 31, 2007 6:00pm

Atta boy Scotty!

Chad Engel, Lincoln, NE
April 01, 2007 8:50pm

I would like criticize this article for exactly the same reason it criticizes reflexology. This is a "pseudo-article." The title is blatantly misleading, utilizing the exact same generalized, grandiose claims and scare tactics we all loathe in pseudoscience. There is nothing ANYWHERE in this article that indicates that reflexology is actually harmful--only that it is not beneficial in the way SOME practitioners claim it to be. If an absence of benefit equaled harm we would all be imprisoned for "harming" practically everyone else on the planet.

This article lacks research, insight, historical reference and accuracy: reflexology is alleged to have existed in cultures around the world for centuries, although its practice has only been proven among the Egyptians and Native Americans. And I am appalled to belong to the same species as any creature that considers "Wikipedia" a valid and accurate reference.

The benefits of placebos are widely and repeatedly proven, there is no proof of harm in the practice of reflexoloy*, so if anyone out there thinks it will help or heal them and wants to spend their money in that direction, that is there choice. Who knows, the placebo effect might just do it for them?

I love foot rubs and I don't care if it does absolutely nothing more for my health than give me an excuse to sit down for an hour, sign me up!

*The unethical behavior of isolated practitioners is not cause for dismissing the whole practice: Accredited Doctors are sued every day.

Erin Vickers, Adelaide, Australia
April 22, 2007 2:19pm

Dear Erin, nice to se a fellow antipodean here at the front line of the fight against the slimy forces of darkness that would plunge humanity into a new dark age of fear,ignorance and superstition. How is life in the trenches over there on the otherside? You attempt to defend the indefenceable (did I spell that right?)No-one disagrees with the concept that a foot massage feels nice. I give my wife one on demand. All manner of transgressions are redeemed in the process.
Points of contention are
1)Devotees of reflexology may well bypass scientific medicine. Medicine that works.That can save your life.Most of the time. Nothing is perfect.Science does not claim this,but the odds are dramatically stacked in its favour,compared with say.... the existance of the easter bunny.
2)Practitioners actually take money of the devotees. So does the catholic church and all the other faith based beleif systems,I hear you say. Correct.They do.Dont make it right,though. It would be allright if they were just charging for a nice foot rub. But they 'aint, are they Erin.
3)Its all a load of manky old bollocks
As for your claims of it's use by the ancient Egyptians and native Americans being proven,where would that proof be? As a logically critical thinker,I must accept this claim if indeed it is provable,or in existance. Till then,refer to point 3)

Marius vanderLubbe, Nullabor Plain,Australia
June 03, 2007 8:26pm

I've struggled with the rational, scientific aspect of alternative medicine for a while now, and I always appreciate people presenting arguments I can follow (less razzle-dazzle is always welcome).

I grew up in a traditional family that valued "home remedies" for non-acute injuries (e.g. chicken soup, hot baths, massages, going for a walk), or as a first step. This practice has served me well, and I consider reflexology in the same light.

I would never go to a reflexology practitioner that claimed to perform miracles. But I would definitely consider one that argued along similar lines to Dee Cook. A relaxed body has better healing properties, and with minor or complex non-lethal maladies (like chronic backpain or psychological problems like stress and insomnia), relaxation can often be the treatment.

In short, I wouldn't get reflexology for a broken leg and expect it to get fixed. But I would consider it for pressure headaches before reaching for the Nurofen.

I'd love to hear another show on these topics. How about Chinese herbs, acupuncture or other TCM (Chinese medicine) alternative treatments? So far all the long-term studies I've come across that didn't read like new age almost-religions were in Chinese, which obviously limits discussion (especially with some of the terminology...)

Kiki, Melbourne
June 28, 2007 8:18pm

Kiki, this is all well and good. As stated many times before on this debate, a nice foot massage feels good. When you experience something that feels good, you feel....well..,good. No argument from me on that score. A Reflexologist is by definition, someone who employs the principals of reflexology. Not a masseur, who essentially achieves the same result without the dodgy pseudoscience. Reflexologists are committing fraud.Both intentionally and through ignorance.You are giving them money that should go to someone really knows what they are doing.Do you still believe in the tooth fairy,Santa, et al ? Same denial of science applies to these fictional entities as what reflexologists belive

Marius vanderLubbe, Nullabor Plain, Australia
July 01, 2007 1:00am

I'd like to point out, referring to Erin Vickers' comment above, that the "well-known" placebo effect is almost always short-lived. If I give a tablet to a patient and say, "Here is something for your pain", he or she may actually experience pain relief. But if I give the patient a tablet and say, "This will cure your arthritis", any benefit the patient may feel will not last. Placebos use the strength of willful, active thinking but since they do not cause any actual physical or chemical alterations in and of themselves, they can not bring long-term changes. I also wish to say, and as noted by others here, that by presenting themselves as medical-type professionals (i.e. obtaining medical histories, offering services within a health clinic) and implying an ability to diagnose and treat health conditions, naive or uneducated customers may easily conclude the need for medical assessment and intervention to no longer being needed. By misleading people this way, reflexologists most definitely cause harm, and as noted by Dr. Dunning, are actually practicing medicine without license. That's not a 'pseudo' crime.
Erin states she doesn't care if reflexology does nothing for her health, but I wonder if she had suspicious mole or sudden weight loss or a cough that won't go away if her response will be to sign up for more massages.

Nancy, Waterford CT
July 01, 2007 8:42pm

I want to make one thing clear here!

I, nor reflexology, does not treat, prevent, cure, or diagnose any diseases!
Reflexology can't fix a broken leg or cure cancer. If someone comes to me with a serious health condition, I make sure they are going to a doctor! I in no way am causing deaths at "the expense of proper medical treatment".

What reflexology does is simply relax the body as the newspaper article states. By relaxing, the body can then begin to get rid of stress hormones that are so damaging. Lowering stress hormones lowers blood pressure and heart rates, which in turn can help lower inflammination in the body. How is this dangerous or killing people?!

Second, I am NOT into New Age anything! I am a Christian and you are lucky I am one or I would have taken this matter to my Attorny General for slander! I'm sure the newspaper, my school, or gym you bashed won't be so nice, though.

The certification of "Lay Minister of Reflexology" means that IF someone wants me to pray with them about something I can and I can also point them to the proper verses in the Bible. Almost 100% of my clients ask me to do this.
Where is that wrong?!?

Before you bash my business again, you also need to know that at my home office I DO NOT CHARGE for reflexology! I do this out of the goodness of my heart to help people deal with stress. The CWC charges a fee that I get a small precentage of.

I would appreciate you removing the Pod Cast and this article from the web.

Chantal Papousek, Fredericksburg, Iowa
August 16, 2007 1:30pm

Better get a lawyer son, better get a real good one.

Marius vanderLubbe, Nullabour Plain, Australia
October 08, 2007 5:13am

I at the moment am studying a HND course in massage and reflexology. the first thing that we as students are taught is that under no circumstances must we ever diagnose anyone for any condition. The reason that we ask for medical backgrounds are to make sure that the client has no contraindications, such conditions as thrombosis. If the client does present themselves with certain conditions then a signature is required from a doctor before treatment can commence. So i can in no way see how reflexology can be dangerous. it is not an alternative to medical treatment, it is a therapy that helps to realise a clients own healing potential.

trisha, scotland
December 06, 2007 8:26am

Wow, talk about a radical podcast. I enjoy most of these, but one thing that is good to keep in mind, is to be skeptical of "debunkers" as well.

The entire medical issue was overblown and misunderstood. It seems that Brian just focused on the aspects that would be the most sensational and exaggerated them. It is unfortunate and a disservice to the listeners.

I suggest to all to read the actual response above by Chantel. Which is information that Brian really should have known BEFORE releasing this podcast.

Kevin, Orlando, FL
February 21, 2008 7:11am

I saw a reflexologist on a regular basis for over a year and I absolutely believe it helped me. Before starting treatment I suffered with strong neck and shoulder pain, seasonal hayfever, high stress levels and an irritable bowel but within a month of beginning I was already seeing improvements in these areas.
My reflexologist never tried to diagnose any illnesses in myself, nore did he diagnose any "future illness" but he was able to pinpoint areas of my body I may be having trouble with at that time before I had even mentioned it.
To me there is no denying that it works.

Sarah, Brisbane, Australia
March 11, 2008 6:03pm

I cant believe of all the comments, all EIGHT of them, that no one opposed these guys. ITS AN ALTERNATE POINT OF VIEW. deal with it. and i dont think what brian had to say was all hype and exaggeration, i think these "reflexologists" (a word thats not even recognized by spell-check by the way) and their followers are probably just aching their hearts out because he did it in a word-savvy way.

Melissa, San Francisco, CA
May 13, 2008 1:09am

Hi,

Foot massage not only feels good and helps you relax, it is also great for improving circulation in the feet.

Yes, all the superstition associated with "reflexology" is just rubish.

Arnald, Thailand
July 15, 2008 11:29pm

It is nice and sneaky that the qualification is that of a Minister of Reflexology. It allows the practitioners to say things like "[we believe reflexology] will improve a person’s general health — helping a body heal from acute and chronic conditions, help reduce pain, stress and the effects of stress on the body such as high blood pressure". Since this is stated by a Minister it is of course a religious belief, not a scientific belief.

I find this practice repulsive and any religious person should too. They are using the mask of religion to let them make false claims.

I find it interesting that so many reflexologists chime in to say that reflexology doesn't heal anything. If you believe that you should be applauding this podcast for pointing that out and highlighting a case where a reflexologist appeared to be making those claims.

If the only benefits you are claiming to provide are equal to those of the massage then what you are doing is massage. Calling it reflexology is still deceptive. Why call yourself a reflexologist if what you do is not reflexology?

Eamonn, Dublin, Ireland
August 20, 2008 4:40am

As a Reflexologist and Esthetician I have to first say that it is encouraged and often required by our insurance to take a Client Profile which includes some medical information. Many treatments and services have contraindications that professionals like myself take very seriously and not taking such information before so much as touching another person would be unethical.

Secondly, I've never heard any reflexologist ever claim to "heal" anyone or anything. The whole belief behind holistic modalities is that only the body is capable healing or curing itself. It's simply a way to help people take control of their own health and wellness instead of, for instance, letting the doc write a scrip for xanax everytime they feel a little stressed...talk about unethical practices!

Reflexology is deeply relaxing, some people even meditate during a session, it increases circulation, it's stress relieving and helps the client regulate their breathing patterns. It works on the energy pathways to help the body rebalance and right itself. Those all sound like health benefits to me.

As of now there is no "formal" certification or licensing required by the government for performing reflexology. Reflexology organizations are left to set their own standards and guidlines for certifications, even tho its not required to even take a class to practice this art. This person took the innitiative and time to go through the process and that says something about their professionalim.

Kelly, Dallas
August 22, 2008 3:29pm

Kelly, would you care to expand just exactly how reflexology
1)Increases circulation
2)What exactly you mean by "increases circulation"
3)How you measure this alleged effect.
If you can answer these questions on circulation (whatever that might be), then please apply the same questions to stress relief and breathing patterns.

Marius vanderLubbe, Nullabour Plain, Australia
August 23, 2008 6:01pm

For anyone that is a skeptic, reflexology is amazing and is being recognized even in hospitals. With reflexology, you should never stop taking medications. Always let your doctor know you are doing reflexology. It is quite powerful. There is no license to be a reflexologist. However, here in Chicago I will be taking an IL state board test to be certified. Here is scientific proof that reflexology has an effect on the brain www.reflexology-research.com

jp, Chicago
November 06, 2008 5:01pm

Fail, jp. That is hardly an independent site you linked to.
You are right about Reflexology and medication though. If you are a believer in this puerile frogwash, you will definitely benefit from taking your medication.

Marius vanderLubbe, nullabour Plain, Australia
November 10, 2008 5:45pm

Just a quick point of reference for you all. I am a reflexologist, and have been seeing clients on a regular basis for some time now. Most of my clients (200+), after seeing me on a semi-regular basis, report experiencing major improvements in not only their health, but their overall quality of life. Many of their unhealthy cravings just aren't as tempting as they once were. Their diet changes, they report more restful sleep, they feel 'cleaner'. Science may not know exactly how or why reflexology works (yet), so skeptics will have all the fodder they need. But, thankfully, that doesn't stop my clients from healing or living happier lives.

R, Chicago
December 04, 2008 3:29pm

So R, do you know how or why this most unusual modality works?
Is it a kind of magic?
Do you know what a homunculus is?

Might I suggest that your clients may not have actually been sick, or may not have been afflicted with the specific malady you diagnosed with your pre scientific system of belief?
When something that never existed cannot be found, hey presto! Cured!
Go back to the beginning of Brian's text. Read. Repeat until you understand how absurd and impossible reflexology is.

Marius vanderLubbe, Nullabour plain, Australia
December 04, 2008 5:50pm

I keep reading over and over that 'foot massages feel good'. Yes, they can, but reflexology isn't always as gentle as a simple foot massage. I'm as skeptical as they come, but live with my reflexologist fiance who is so far the opposite that she is skeptical of everything that Brian Dunning says simply by hearing that it comes from him! lol Anyway, I refinish hardwood floors for a living and am often sore after work. Consequently, she frequently asks me to let her work on my feet. When I do cave because she bothers me about it enough, I spend a lot of my time calling out numbers (1-10 pain scale) when she finds a spot 'that she needs to work on harder to work out the problem'. Not all of the 'treatment' is rough - much of it feels nice. But when she finds a spot that I find to be tender, that's a spot she wants to work on all the more. Needless to say, I don't allow this very often. Keep up the great work, Brian. I love the show! But if you decide to go in for reflexology like suggested above, tell them your pituitary is fine. You don't want that worked on unless you want to come out of your seat! ;)

Jae, Illinois
December 23, 2008 6:49am

To everyone touting reflexology as anything more than a foot massage, I ask you to at least explain the chart. Most reflexology schools agrees on the common chart here, or a slight variation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology#Reflexology_charts

Tell me, how do the upper joints of my toes all lead to the brain and sinuses?
And rubbing the Lung/Breast area can help with lung diseases OR Breast cancer? Wow.

To Jae, going by this chart, the "sore spots" your wife was working on was your big toes.
This would make sense if you're wearing work boots all day. But how does that remotely include your pituitary glands?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pituitary_gland

Dave Sullivan, Toronto, ON
January 05, 2009 1:40am

You clearly have no idea of what you are talking about. What you describe is not reflexology. Do your homework and research. Perhaps find a registered reflexologist and have a conversation about reflexology and then if so inclined follow that up with a reflexology session. There are a considerable amount of research studies that have been done mostly in Europe. Dr. Mehmet Oz, a well known heart surgeon in the US has seen success pre surgical and post op with quicker recoveries. It is also frequently used in palliative care. Check it out.

Marilyn, San Anselmo
March 22, 2009 7:27pm

clearly it is you, Marilyn, who know not what you're talking about. Yeh, it's done in palliative care: that's called the placebo effect. Sugar pills work pretty well too for that sort of thing.

There have indeed been a considerable amount of research studies done in Europe. None of them say reflexology is anything but snake-oil, mind you.

tomasz r., crewe UK
April 15, 2009 6:48am

Yes and some reflexologist even diagnosis when they are not allowed to do so. I have a friend who is a reflexologist and she was in my house when I had a pain on the sole of my foot. She then asked to have a look and looking very worried she said that I have something wrong with my bladder!!!

Renata, Scotland,UK
July 14, 2009 11:04am

I find this hilarious.
I'm a massage therapist and have never believed in reflexology.I had to learn it, but now I have a job where I can choose to just call it a foot massage...and if your big toe hurts,it's because your big toe hurts, not because something's wrong with your brain.
Thanks for the article..We're all still learning though, aren't we.I will still keep looking out for scientific proof that it works. I doubt it. Cancer patient testimonies is a low blow too.Of course they're stressed out by their disease, any foot massage will decrease stress levels. aaargh..they need to stop taking advantage of the weak and the naive. great article.

Loise, Guam
July 29, 2009 10:53am

Most reflexologist and massage therapists have their clients sign on their intake forms that these two modalities do not take the place of medical diagnosis. There are a lot of medical mishaps diagnosed by doctors, nurses, dentists, etc., so why pick on the little guy. Massage therapists and reflexologists are touching people's bodies and feet to make a sick tired body feel better. One does not have to have a degree to figure that out. As long as there is no harm done to the client, why is there concern?

Eva Griffith, Bettendorf, Iowa
August 05, 2009 6:38pm

Reflexologist, qualified or not are not allowed to diagnose disease, "disruptions" that the reflexologist feel can only be described as "energy disruptions" The best thing to do here is find someone qualified if you want a treatment, keep going if you like and and fell benefit..and if you don't like it don't go. Don't go to a Reflexologist who will attempt to diagnose or instill fear in you. Massage and Reflexology have great benefits, health and mind. For those of you who disagree, then that's fine, just don't go. There are many people who love going and feel it's the right thing for them to do. Trust me, alot of people send alot more money on worse.

Amanda, Calgary, AB
August 28, 2009 11:23am

By taking a medical history assessment, means that the client fills out a form of diagnosed conditions that the they are already aware of and have been diagnosed by those qualified to do so. It does not mean that the Reflexologist is doing the diagnosing.
You fill out the same type of forms at any doctor, dentist, massage therapist, naturopath, etc...

I, as a practicing certified clinical reflexologist, have never heard of "spiritual reflexology" before this article and it is certainly not what I or any other students from my same institute (fully accredited one at that!) practice. We work on very real parts of the body, not just the 'energy' field. There are over 7000 nerve endings in the feet that are very literally and physically connected to every organ and gland in the body.

If there is a blockage along these pathways, stimulating the nerve ending sends a signal to the body to recognise and rectify any imbalances or issues, thus restoring the body's natural health.
It can not cure something you were born with, and it certainly is not a magic cure treatment.

But it sure does help and there are significant scientific studies to back up claims of healing certain issues.

Just my 2 cents.

Erin, Vancouver, Canada
August 31, 2009 11:43pm

I've heard that malpractice in the U.S. can cause from 100,000 to 300,000 deaths per year. I have never heard of anyone dying from Reflexology.

Reflexology seems to be much safer than some of the side affects of all those prescriptions drugs on T.V.

I think I'll stick to getting my regular reflexology treatments, keeps me in good health.

Jeff Zeorn, Santa Monica, CA
September 04, 2009 10:07pm

this just goes to show how a couple of people can bring a reputable therapy into disrepute. I'm not sure about how reflexologists work in America, but in the uk the first things learned whilst undergoing reflexology training are the 3 golden rules: Do not diagnose, do not prescribe, and do not agree to work on a specific ailment. these rules are there so as not to mislead the client, and are made clear before any treatment is carried out. the idea is to balance the body, not to cure it. feel free to email me for any more info on how we are taught here, johngee5646@hotmail.co.uk

john gee, elgin uk
October 13, 2009 5:54pm

"Do not diagnose, do not prescribe, and do not agree to work on a specific ailment."
John, Elgin

Admirable. Then what can you actually DO that warrants anyone paying you for your services? I don't ask to be snarky. I'm just not sure what you'd really be doing, beyond giving a foot massage.

Frankly Erin's comments above about "imbalance","blockage", and "natural health" make reflexology sound like meaningless pseudoscience to me.

And, Erin, this statement: "But it sure does help and there are significant scientific studies to back up claims of healing certain issues." requires evidence.

Cite a couple credible studies that reflexology "heals" or "helps" anything other than, perhaps, sore feet.

Lewayne, Near Des Moines
November 10, 2009 9:38am

One foot massage isn't reflexology. Reflexology depends on working the epicritical nervous system and not the protopathic.
Two How many studies would you need to prove that reflexology is indeed impacting the nervous system in a positive way? Would studies done to NIH standards suffice?
What kind of studies would you accept? Blinded studies, fMRI's, EKG's, doppler sonograms and EEG's?

Do you think that the foot is does not have an impact on the internal organs? Do you believe the feet make no demands on the internal organs for locomotion or fight or flight and so forth. Do you believe that the feet are in not integrated into the body's sensory motor system.
Do you believe that there are no repeated sensory patterns in the brain or body? And in fact that there is no information sharing going on between body parts in order to ensure survival.

Finally do you believe the feet aren't necessary components in integrative functions necessary for survival? They are kind of like wheels on a cart.

Kevin Kunz, Albuquerque
November 18, 2009 9:36pm

"Reflexology ...epicritical nervous system...protopathic."

What the hell does that mean? It sounds like chiropractic's co-opting of "subluxation."

"How many studies would you need to prove that reflexology is indeed impacting the nervous system in a positive way?"

What does "positive way" mean, and how would you study it? Rubbing the feet may ease stress, but how does it treat any actual organ ailment?

"Would studies done to NIH standards ... EEG's?"

Sure. Good luck finding any. Nothing I've found so far indicates reflexology does anything more than relieve some pain or stress. Sounds like a massage to me.

"Do you think that the foot is does (sic) not have an impact on the internal organs?"

Just locomotor impact.

"Do you believe that the feet are in (sic) not integrated into the body's sensory motor system."

For locomotion. How does that link spleen to foot?

"Do you believe that there are no repeated sensory patterns in the brain or body? And ...to ensure survival."

What? How does this relate to treating anything with a foot rub?

"Finally do you believe the feet aren't ... wheels on a cart."

And? If a guy loses his legs, does that mean his organs fail? No, it means he can't walk until SCIENCE builds his new prosthetic legs.

What I "believe" doesn't matter. Explain the actual mechanism by which magic foot rubs "heal" anything.

Lewayne, Near Des Moines
November 30, 2009 10:06pm

Wow...it's amazing to see the energy that goes into a debate like this!

Interesting to consider how importnat it is to all of us that "we are righ" or "we know the truth".

Can we let people receive benefit (or not) based on their own experience?

Get off your horses everybody!

Purdy, Devon England
January 14, 2010 11:17am

"Can we let people receive benefit (or not) based on their own experience?"

We can, but the first question has to be, 'IS there any benefit?'.
Everything about reflexology or any similar magical modality suggests that no benefit exists beyond placebo.

Next question then becomes, 'Is there any HARM?'.
That varies from patients losing money to a practitioner who isn't actally doing anything, to patients dying because they chose magic 'alternatives' over actual medication. So, yes, there can be harm.

No real benefit, and potentially significant loss.

It IS important to 'know the truth' about these things, especially if one can prevent yet another quack from robbing, if not killing another human being.

If you doubt that alternative medicine is dangerous, I recommend checking out:
http://whatstheharm.net/

Which can give body counts and dollars lost to quack BS.

There is no evidence that reflexology, chiropractic, or any of the 'alternative' medicines work.

If they did, they wouldn't be 'alternative' they'd just be medicine.

Lewayne, Near Des Moines
January 14, 2010 5:08pm

Whats the body count and dollars lost due to our western medical medicines??? I bet alot higher especially the cost! I had a chiropractic help me with a constant neck issue where my MD could only give me pain pills.... There is much evidence that complimentary medicine works... you can find loads of testimonies online.. personally I know someone that had their cancer in remission with supplements, meditation, yoga, laughter and not FEAR that is most often given by western MDs.. uhmmm.. If we are to overhaul the current health system, we must become openminded to other treatment forms that our European neighbors have embraced for centuries... and are still using to this day.. You can not debate this one.. Europe has been using complimentary medicine for a VERY long time.. and has been very successful with it..

susan, santa cruz
January 14, 2010 11:47pm

"Whats the body count and dollars lost due to our western medical medicines???"

There are deaths as a result of malpractice, or error, or reactions, or infections.

Here's the difference... in most cases, 'western' medicine works. A 'western' doctor doesn't give a magic potion to a patient knowing it doesn't actually work. They give them medicine which evidence indicates is efficacious.

"There is much evidence that complimentary medicine works..."

There is NO credible evidence that complimentary medicine works beyond placebo. If you have credible studies that indicate otherwise, produce them.

"you can find loads of testimonies online.."

Which are NOT evidence. Just like your anecdote about the chiropractor and this statement...

"personally I know someone that had their cancer in remission with supplements, meditation, yoga, laughter..."

"...If we are to overhaul the current health system, we must become openminded to other treatment forms..."

And open minded enough to realize that science indicates CAM is ineffective BS.

"...that our European neighbors have embraced for centuries..."

Centuries? Well, that proves it then.

"...You can not debate this one.."

Sure we can. All it requires is comparing EVIDENCE.

"...Europe has been using complimentary medicine for a VERY long time.. and has been very successful with it.."

Prove it.

Lewayne, Near Des Moines
January 15, 2010 3:48pm

Lewayne, you are worth your weight in gold. Those are the kinds of ripostes people need to give more often.

As for those who support reflexology, do your own unboased research, weight the evidence for both sides. Dont believe Brian, dont believe Lewayne if you dont want to, but walk into the issue asking yourself what does the EVIDENCE say for and against. Some may look only for stuff that suports their ideas, others will look for stuff for and against and weight it up. Let us know what you find.

Cam, Thunder Bay, ON.
March 09, 2010 9:25am

Part of any holistic course is the understanding that practitioners are not allowed to diagnose. Practitioners are not doctors. There may be therapists out there saying the can 'cure cancer' but they are in the minority - or maybe you have had the misfortune on only meeting this small group. The majority of therapists believe they can help, whether its through helping the client relax, sleep better and therefore have more energy and boost their immune system from improved sleep patterns, or through psychosomatic influence - tell the body it won't hurt anymore and it doesn't hurt (cue huge debate on sugar pills!) Western medicine has its place in health maintenance as much as holistic therapies. A reflexologist won't offer to cure your gall stones but might promote a feeling a wellbeing, help release stress/tension headaches and with improved sleep help clients feel more able to cope with stressful situations, their jobs and generally feel calmer and more relaxed, as well as helping their body 'heal' itself. Western medicines have plenty of slip ups too, I was misdiagnosed for 5months of pain, and a therapist pointing to the fact she could feel a problem around my lower intestines. Finally after an emergency operation, they found my bowel attached to my stomach muscles had twisted. It took 4 x GPs, 1 x Private consultant, 2 surgeons, 2 scans and still they found nothing. We all know people who have experienced this.We've all had intuitive feelings,scientific 'evidence' or not.

lis, Northampton
April 03, 2010 1:17am