According to the Eastern medicine tradition, the effectiveness of reflexology lays in the link between certain areas of the feet, hands and ears and organs and systems of the body. Reflexologists divide the body into ten equal vertical zones, five on the right and five on the left. Pressure applied to these areas is believed to affect the organs and benefits the person's health.

Reflexologists use foot charts to guide them as they apply pressure to specific areas. Sometimes these practitioners use items, such as rubber balls, rubber bands and sticks of wood, to assist in their work. Practitioners of reflexology include chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists, among others.

Several studies carried out in the West indicate that reflexology may reduce pain and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, and enhance relaxation and sleep. Studies also show that reflexology may have benefits in palliative care of people with cancer.

Reflexologists claim that reflexology also can treat a wide variety of medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and cancer.