Effect of foot reflexology on an infant with sensorineural hearing loss: A case report

In this article, we review a recently published article to explore the significance of foot reflexology in modern medical practice. With the advancement of modern medicine, we are increasingly committed to finding the specific physiological mechanisms of foot reflexes to treat diseases, thereby better proving the therapy’s effectiveness. It has been reported that foot reflexes can activate the cerebral cortex and organs corresponding to the feet, stimulating blood flow, nutrition and nerves through neural and endocrine regulation to achieve the purpose of treating and preventing diseases and promoting health. The therapy shows unique potential and value, and provides a new perspective on integrating traditional medicine and modern medicine.

Effects of foot reflexology on disease

He,

Ud Din,

et al. 2024

Is it possible to foot reflexology for infants with sensorineural hearing loss?

Ai,

Zhang,

Feng

et al. 2025

Foot reflexology is a non-invasive and safe complementary therapy that works by massaging the reflex zones of the feet and exerts systemic or whole-body regulation through meridian nerve conduction. This therapy is commonly used in the treatment of various conditions such as autism and Parkinson's disease. However, there is limited reporting on the use of foot reflexology therapy for infants with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Currently, there is no definitive conclusion on how foot reflexology therapy can influence hearing. This editorial holds some guiding significance regarding this clinical issue. The aim is to present physiological evidence of how foot reflexology therapy can impact infants with SNHL, thereby enhancing clinician’s awareness of foot reflexology in treating infants with SNHL.

Evaluating foot reflexology as a proposed treatment for sensorineural hearing loss: A critical review

McClean,

Lucke-Wold

2025

This editorial critically evaluates the application of foot reflexology as a treatment for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in infants, as proposed in a case report published in the World of Clinical Cases . SNHL is a condition characterized by damage to the cochlea or the neural pathways that transmit auditory information to the brain. The etiology of SNHL is often complex, involving genetic mutations, prenatal factors, or perinatal insults. Reflexology, an alternative therapy involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, is based on the hypothesis that these points correspond to different organs and systems in the body, including the auditory system. However, the biological plausibility and clinical efficacy of foot reflexology in addressing SNHL lack empirical support. This editorial examines the pathophysiology of SNHL, assesses the clinical claims of reflexology practitioners, and emphasizes the necessity of evidence-based approaches in treating infant hearing loss. While complementary therapies may provide ancillary benefits, they should not supplant validated medical treatments in managing SNHL in infants. Further research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of foot reflexology and other alternative therapies in pediatric audiology.