05/09/2026
🔬 REFLEXOLOGY RESEARCH | 2026
A 2026 randomized controlled trial has explored the effects of foot reflexology massage with aromatic oils on sleep quality in adults experiencing poor sleep.
The study included 40 adults, who were randomly allocated to either a reflexology group or a control group.
Participants in the reflexology group received a 20-minute foot reflexology massage each day for 21 days, using a blend of lavender, rosemary and chamomile oils.
What did the researchers find?
Following the three-week intervention, participants who received reflexology experienced a significant improvement in their overall sleep quality compared with the control group.
The researchers concluded that foot reflexology massage with aromatic oils showed potential as a complementary approach for improving sleep quality.
These findings are encouraging for the reflexology profession and add to the growing body of research exploring how reflexology may support rest, relaxation and wellbeing.
Research such as this is an important contribution to the developing evidence base for our profession and helps us continue the conversation around the potential role of reflexology within complementary and supportive healthcare.
As always, reflexology is a complementary therapy and should not replace appropriate medical assessment or treatment for persistent sleep problems.
📚 Research:
Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage on Sleep Quality using Aromatic Oils—A Randomized Controlled Trial (2026)
🔗 Read the research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42428595/
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