Practices:

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Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the notion that there is a “map” of the human body on the hands and feet which corresponds to various bodily organs. These maps are available for purchase but do not always agree on the location of the organ and its corresponding position on the foot or hand. Reflexologists claim that by palpating the feet and hands they can diagnose irregularities in the corresponding organs. Treatment consists of massage of the foot or hand at the identified area, which is claimed to benefit the troubled organ. This is said to be effective for a wide variety of illnesses: earaches, anemia, bedwetting, bronchitis, convulsions, hemorrhoids, hiccups, deafness, hair loss, and many others. In addition, less specific claims are made for the benefits of this therapy, many of which will be recognizable from other alternative practices: cleansing the body of toxins, improved overall health, balancing of bodily energy. Perhaps aware that claiming the ability to diagnose and treat disease might constitute the unlicensed practice of medicine, some reflexologists claim that most diseases are stress related and that they are simply relieving this disease-causing stress.

Some massage therapists use reflexology in their practices. Massage therapists are licensed by the state in Florida and although there is no specific mention of reflexology in the practice statute. The Florida Board of Massage Therapy takes the position that a massage therapy license is required to practice reflexology. Acupuncturists are by administrative rule allowed to use reflexology in their practice, although the statutory authority to enact such a rule is uncertain. Rule 64B1-3.001, Fla. Admin. Code (2008).

There is no biological or physiological basis for the claim that positions on the feet and hands correspond with bodily organs or that massaging the feet and hands has any effect on bodily organs. Clinical trials of reflexology have not demonstrated its efficacy for any disease or condition.

Reflexology may constitute the unlicensed practice of a health care profession unless it is within the scope of practice of the reflexology practitioner. For more information, go to “Your rights as a healthcare consumer under Florida law.”

References:

Reflexology Association of America, http://www.reflexology-usa.org

S. Barrett, “Reflexology: A Close Look,” Quackwatch, http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reflex.html

Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst, Trick or Treatment: The Undeniable Truth About Alternative Medicine (New York: W.W. Norton, 2008), 323.

Florida Board of Massage Therapy, "Frequently Asked Questions," http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/massage/ma_fqa.html