Neuroimaging Evidence of Brain Changes Associated with Reflexology: A Narrative Review

Author(s)	Dr. Havyashri Poojary, Dr. Vineetha A N, Dr. Jyothi K V, Dr. Vanitha Shetty
Country	India
Abstract	Reflexology is a complementary therapy that has been shown to influence brain activity by affecting distant organs through specific reflex points. Neuroimaging techniques provide objective evidence of central mechanisms underlying these effects. This narrative review examines available neuroimaging evidence on brain responses to reflexology. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Four functional magnetic resonance imaging studies reported modulation of brain activity and functional connectivity within sensorimotor, limbic, and pain-related networks. Overall, the neuroimaging evidence indicates that reflexology produces measurable effects within the central nervous system, supporting a brain-mediated mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects.
Keywords	reflexology, neuroimaging, sensory cortex, functional magnetic resonance imaging
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-01-23
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.67201

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research