What Happens in the Brain During Reflexology?
Did you know that researchers have been using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to study what happens in the brain during reflexology?
Early fMRI studies from the University of Hong Kong found that stimulating specific reflex areas of the foot was associated with distinct patterns of brain activation. These pioneering studies, led by Annie M. Tang, Geng Li, Edward S. Yang, Chan C.C., K.K.K. Wong, and R. Li, helped open the door to exploring the neurological effects of reflexology.
Building on this work, the pilot study Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology was conducted in 2023 at the University of Minnesota's Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. The research was led by Dr. Stefan Posse (University of New Mexico) in collaboration with Barbara Kunz, Kevin Kunz, Dr. Ann van de Winckel, Michael Wolf, and Essa Yacoub.
Using real-time fMRI, the researchers studied both healthy participants and people recovering from stroke while reflexology was applied.
Some of the preliminary findings included:
Different reflex areas produced different patterns of brain activity.
Brain responses were observed beyond the area of the brain representing the feet, suggesting that reflexology engages broader neurological networks.
In several stroke participants, researchers also observed short-term improvements in hand sensation and sensorimotor function following reflex stimulation.
For me, one of the most exciting aspects of this research is that it continues to explore how reflexology may interact with the nervous system. As someone committed to ongoing professional development, I find it encouraging to see modern neuroscience investigating questions that practitioners have been asking for many years.
A note about this research: These are preliminary findings from a small pilot study involving eight participants. While the results are encouraging and add to a growing body of research, larger studies are needed before firm clinical conclusions can be drawn. Reflexology is a complementary therapy that supports relaxation, wellbeing, and quality of life, and it should not replace medical care or advice from your healthcare team.
If you'd like to learn more, here are two excellent resources:
• ISMRM 2024 Conference Abstract – Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology
• Reflexology Research Project – fMRI Research Updates
