Does Facial Reflexology Work?

Facial reflexology 101

This ancient practice sure sounds nice: A practitioner gently massages and applies steady pressure to key parts of your face. The idea is that it can offer health benefits or even heal what ails you.

Although this alternative medicine treatment has a history dating back thousands of years, many of the supposed health benefits don’t have the research to back up the claims. That said, it may not be a bad thing to give it a shot as long as you know what facial reflexology can and can’t do (and again, a face massage is pleasant enough). Here’s what you need to know.

What is facial reflexology?

Reflexology is based on the concept that areas of the body correspond with different organs and body systems. It focuses on a system of energy lines in the body, which practitioners call meridians. Acupuncturist Tsao Lin Moy, who has more than 18 years of experience as an alternative and Chinese medicine expert, explains that facial reflexology works by applying pressure to areas of the face that correspond with the body’s organs.

Stimulating these reflexology points is thought to affect the brain areas responsible for regulating the corresponding organs, explains Dr. Jacknin. The purpose of facial reflexology is to use these diagnostic points to heal the body.

“Reflexology differs from acupressure and acupuncture in that it uses a mapping of a microcosm of the body on the face, hands, feet, or ears,” Moy says. “What it does have in common with acupressure is massaging an area or point of the body to promote health through the body’s “natural healing mechanism,” Moy says. Acupressure mats are used for similar purposes.

(Here’s when alternative medicine goes wrong.)

The two main types

Generally speaking, there are a couple of main approaches to facial reflexology: The Dien Chan, created by Dr. Bùi Quôc Châu, and the Sorensensistem Method, created by Lone Sorensen.

Châu’s method was inspired by ear reflexology and traditional Chinese and Vietnamese medicinal systems. In contrast, Sorensen’s method was inspired by neuroanatomy as well as Eastern and South American traditions, according to board-certified dermatologist Jeanette Jacknin, MD, an author, national speaker, and consultant with expertise in holistic dermatology.

What science says about facial reflexology

Research on facial reflexology is actually more than lacking—it’s almost nonexistent. And what does exist on the topic doesn’t necessarily support reflexology.

Three systematic reviews from 2008, 2009, and 2011 in Leading Global Nursing Research, the Medical Journal of Australia, and Maturiats all found that the current evidence on reflexology available doesn’t support reflexology as an effective treatment for any medical condition.

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The potential benefits of facial reflexology

There are some theoretical or potential benefits of facial reflexology that are more likely a possibility than others, including stress relief. But these, too, are unsupported by solid scientific research. (Here are the best stress relief toys for adults or kids.)

If you take away the connection to other body parts, facial reflexology could be considered simply a form of facial massage, which has more benefits. Research published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2018 found that face massage may improve blood flow to the face. And in an earlier study, published in 2002 in the International Journal of Dermatology, participants reported feeling fresh and rejuvenated, with suppler skin. (Here are the other benefits of massage.)

One 2015 review article in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine makes a good point about reflexology. Although many reviews found that strong evidence of reflexology’s positive effects is lacking, small-scale research and anecdotal evidence support its use. Plus, it is a soothing massage, a non-drug complement to treatment, and is risk-free.

Unsupported claims about facial reflexology

Proponents of facial reflexology claim it can improve everything from hormonal health to joint pain. Moy says facial reflexology benefits the stimulation of collagen and increases the circulation of blood. “Stimulating specific points, such as motor points, you tone the facial muscles,” Moy says. “The result is the facial muscles get toned and lifted.”

Research on other types of reflexology

There is slightly more research on hand and foot reflexology, both of which apply the same reflexology concept to the hands and feet.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (NCCIH), a study by the National Cancer Institute found that women with advanced breast cancer who received reflexology treatments showed improvement in a few symptoms, such as shortness of breath. But the treatment didn’t help other symptoms, such as nausea or pain.

Another small amount of research suggests that reflexology might help reduce a burning or prickling sensation sometimes associated with multiple sclerosis. Still, there’s insufficient evidence to fully support the use of reflexology for most multiple sclerosis symptoms, according to the NCCIH.

A 2015 study in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that although there are small-scale trials and anecdotal evidence, strong evidence supporting foot reflexology is lacking. (Here’s why touch might be the most important sense.)

What are the risks of facial reflexology?

Reflexology generally appears to be safe, especially since it is noninvasive. According to 2017 research in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, as long as necessary precautions are taken with patients with special medical conditions (such as blood clot disorders, cancer, and heart failure), the practice is safe. And in the National Cancer Institute study, the practice was found safe for even the most fragile of cancer patients.

People may experience short-term side effects after treatment, including tenderness or sensitivity in the area that receives treatment, as well as light-headedness.

Can I do my own facial reflexology?

You can practice facial reflexology by massaging different points on your face, using your fingers and hands. Common pressure points include the forehead, ear, and chin for insomnia; and the center of the forehead for the immune system and the mind, says Dr. Jacknin.

Do I need facial reflexology tools?

Some proponents of facial reflexology support using facial reflexology tools such as wands, jade rollers, and gua sha tools. Avoid dermarollers, which contain dozens of tiny needles that help products sink deeper and treat skin concerns. These aren’t part of Chinese medicine, Moy says, and may damage the skin.

(Here’s how to use your tools for a gua sha massage.)

The bottom line

Facial reflexology claims that there’s a pressure point related to almost every health issue and that applying pressure or massage can help the problem. Whether or not practicing facial reflexology actually benefits these issues remains to be seen.

Until additional research is conducted to support the claims of its benefits, consider facial reflexology a fun way to potentially release tension and massage your face—not your first line of defense against health problems.

If you’re interested in trying it out with the help of a professional, opt for a trained reflexologist who has registered with the American Reflexology Certification Board. Or pick up a facial reflexology tool for a DIY approach.

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