Research demonstrated that reflexology given to women during labour showed a 90% effective rate as a pain killer during delivery

(1). Another study showed an effective analgesia rate of 94.4% (2)

Women in the foot reflexology group of one study experienced an average birth process of 2.48 + 1.48 hours versus the control group (intravenous drip of 10% glucose plus a vitamin C injection) with an average birth process of 3.32 + 1.19 hours (2)

Reflexology was applied in two 30 minutes sessions to women diagnosed with primary inertia during labour during a research study. Assessment of dilatation of the cervix showed that 70% of them made progress when treated with reflexology. In the control group, 38% of women who were offered extra supportive midwifery care made progress. Under usual care, they would have been offered unpleasant and painful oxytocin augmentation to aid in labour. (3)

Research showed that, among women given reflexology work during labour, 11 of the 14 experiencing retention of the placenta after giving birth avoided an operation to correct the situation. (1)

(1) Sorrig, Kirsten, "Easier Births Using Reflexology," Danish Reflexologists Association, Research Committee Report, Feb., 1995
(2) Zhang Changlong, "The application of foot reflexology in relieving labor pains," China Reflexology, Centre du Documentation du Groupes d'Etudes et de Recherches en Acupuncture, Registre des essais comaratifs randomises en acupuncture publies en 2000-2001, March 1 2001
(3) Clausen J, Møller E. En randomiseret undersøgelse af zoneterapi ved inerti og retentio placentae (A randomised (blinded, controlled) trial of reflexology in inertia). Århus Kommunehospital Afd Y8, 1992.