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.
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