Foot reflexology in autoimmune diseases: Effectiveness and mechanisms

doi:10.12998/wjcc.v13.i7.97403

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World Journal of Clinical Cases

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2307-8960

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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA

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World J Clin Cases. Mar 6, 2025; 13(7): 97403
Published online Mar 6, 2025. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i7.97403

Foot reflexology in autoimmune diseases: Effectiveness and mechanisms

Jozélio Freire de Carvalho, Aaron Lerner, Carina Benzvi

Jozélio Freire de Carvalho, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Crônicas não Transmissíveis, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40231-300, Bahia, Brazil

Aaron Lerner, Carina Benzvi, Department of Research, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel

Author contributions: de Carvalho JF conception, literature search, writing, supervision; Lerner A analysis, writing, interpretation, revision, supervision; Benzvi C analysis, writing, figure design.

Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Corresponding author: Jozélio Freire de Carvalho, MD, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Crônicas não Transmissíveis, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Reitor Miguel Calmon, s/n - Canela, Salvador 40231-300, Bahia, Brazil. jotafc@gmail.com

Received: May 29, 2024
Revised: October 21, 2024
Accepted: November 14, 2024
Published online: March 6, 2025
Processing time: 179 Days and 22.1 Hours

Abstract

Foot reflexology (FR) is a Chinese-originated and non-invasive complementary therapy increasingly used by functional, alternative and para-medical professionals. Enhance attempts are made to study FR in non-functional organic conditions. The present invited Editorial discusses the application of FR in autoimmune diseases (AD), highlighting a few successful studies demonstrating symptomatic relief and objective improvements. Despite promising results, the FR domain remains under-investigated and an urgent need to confirm and understand the effect of FR in chronic diseases, including AD, is highly recommended.

Keywords: Reflexology; Foot reflexology; Sensorineural hearing loss; Autoimmune diseases; Autoimmunity

Core Tip: Reflexology is an ancient Chinese technique largely used although with few scientific evidence. The present Editorial reviews reflexology effects in autoimmune disorders and comments on a recent clinical case of successful use of reflexology in a sensorineural hearing loss.