---
title: Does reflexology help premenstrual syndrome? | Niyora
description: Yes. Women receiving real reflexology had significantly greater reduction in PMS symptoms than those receiving placebo reflexology. However, the study was sma
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/randomized-controlled-study-of-premenstrual-symptoms-treated-with-ear-hand-and-1993/
---

- [Niyora](https://niyora.com/)
- [Research](https://niyora.com/research/)
- [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/)
- Does reflexology help premenstrual syndrome?

Randomised trial, 1993

# Does reflexology help premenstrual syndrome?

Yes. Women receiving real reflexology had significantly greater reduction in PMS symptoms than those receiving placebo reflexology. However, the study was small and both groups received attention and care.

 Moderate study design

35 women who complained of previous distress with premenstrual syndrome

## What they did

35 women with PMS complaints were randomly assigned to real reflexology or placebo reflexology. Both groups received one 30-minute session per week for 8 weeks by a trained therapist. Women monitored 38 premenstrual symptoms on a 4-point scale for 2 months before treatment, 2 months during, and 2 months after.

## What they found

Analysis showed significantly greater decrease in premenstrual symptoms for women receiving true reflexology treatment compared to the placebo group. The study followed women for 6 months total (2 before, 2 during, 2 after treatment).

## What it means for you

Reflexology may help reduce PMS symptoms. The study used an active placebo control (sham reflexology), so some benefit could be from attention and expectation rather than the treatment itself. The sample was modest (35 women), and more research is needed to understand durability of benefit.

35

women with PMS

8 weeks

duration of weekly 30-minute sessions

38

premenstrual symptoms monitored

## About the study

Original title Randomized controlled study of premenstrual symptoms treated with ear, hand, and foot reflexology Authors Oleson T, Flocco W Journal Obstetrics and gynecology Year 1993 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Ear, hand, and foot reflexology versus sham reflexology Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s0965-2299(97)80047-7](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0965-2299(97)80047-7)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

Ask AI about this page

Copy prompt

ChatGPT

↗

Claude

↗

Perplexity

↗

Google AI Mode

↗

Grok

↗