In a controlled study of postpartum women experiencing anxiety and depression, six hours of reflexology work demonstrated a significant difference for foot reflexology with traditional Chinese medicine foot bath group when compared to control groups

. (3)

In another study, postpartum women given six hours of foot reflexology work with traditional Chinese medicine foot bath showed a significant difference in: appetite, lactation, anxiety and depression scores when compared to the control group. (1, 2, 4)

Research showed that post partum women recovering from Caesarean section showed a significantly shorter first voiding time when receiving foot reflexology or machine (electric foot roller) foot reflexology as compared to the control group. (5)

Post partum women recovering from Caesarean section showed a significant difference in time to first defecation when receiving reflexology for three days as compared to the control group. (6)

(1) Dr. Gowri Motha and Dr. Jane McGrath, "The Effects of Reflexology on Labour Outcome," Forest Gate, London, England, Nursing Times , Oct. 11, 1989
(2) 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. 
(3) Peng Guizhi, Qiu snow-sheung, Meng Li-fang, Zhou Ying, Wei Dan He, "Post-natal care and intervention on anxiety, depression impact study," China's Health (medical research) 2007 14
(4) Peng Guizhi, Liao Tao, Meng Li-fang, Wang Yuan-, Wei Jihong, Qiu snow-sheung, Wei Dan He, Zhou Ying, "Study for the effect of recovery for puerperium women treated Chinese native medicine foot bath combined with full foot bottom massage," Nurse Education magazine, 2007 23
(5) Zhongcuifang, Huang Lihong, HE Miao East, Zhou, Wen-Cheng Peng Pai, Hsiao-Hui Lee, Bao Jinlian, paragraph Fortunately, Wen-Jie Li, "Foot Massage on postpartum urinary system rehabilitation research," Maternal and Child Health Care of China , 2003, No. 09

(6) "Foot after cesarean section on the recovery of gastrointestinal function; the Influence of Foot Soaking and Massage on the Recovery of Digestive System after Cesarean," Contemporary nurses (Academic Edition) Today Nurse 2004, Section 01