Is it okay for a Christian to participate in reflexology?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Reflexology is a therapeutic practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears, believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body. The primary goal of reflexology is to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and support the body's natural healing processes. Practitioners use various techniques to stimulate these reflex points, which can enhance circulation and balance the body’s energy. Some people who teach or offer reflexology believe the body has certain energy fields or a life force that is sometimes called Qi . These unbiblical beliefs are sourced from Eastern mysticism and are popular in New Ageism. The spiritual connections with reflexology are unbiblical. However, this does not necessarily mean the practice itself is unbiblical.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Genesis 2:7 highlights that life comes from God's direct action, not from any inherent energy within the body.
• Psalm 139:13–14 reveals God’s intimate involvement in the creation of the human body, attributing its functioning and well-being to His design rather than any mystical energy.
• Jeremiah wrote, “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise” (Jeremiah 17:14). This verse emphasizes that healing and wholeness come from God, affirming His authority over life and health rather than any energy fields.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• "Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil" says 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22. Christians should be thoughtful, prayerful, and discerning about what they subject themselves to in all areas of life. There is nothing in the Bible that condemns or even mentions reflexology, but it does speak against belief systems that do not identify God as the one and true sovereign God and Jesus as the Savior. The New Age movement, clearly, does not.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

While reflexology can be a popular practice for promoting relaxation and relieving stress, as Christians, we need to approach it with discernment. Understanding that some aspects of reflexology are rooted in unbiblical beliefs about energy fields and life forces can help us make informed decisions. Scripture emphasizes that our health and healing ultimately come from God alone, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 17:14, which reminds us to seek Him for healing. If we choose to explore reflexology, it is crucial to separate the practice from any spiritual connotations that conflict with our faith, focusing instead on its potential physical benefits while ensuring our participation aligns with a biblical worldview. By doing so, we can engage with the practice thoughtfully, maintaining our reliance on God as our ultimate source of strength and healing.

UNDERSTAND

• Reflexology applies pressure to specific body points for relaxation and healing.
• The Bible emphasizes that healing comes from God, not energy fields.
• Christians should engage with reflexology cautiously, depending on how it is practiced.

REFLECT

• How do you understand the use of physical practices—like reflexology, massage, or any type of medical intervention—for health and God as the ultimate source of healing?
• How can you discern the potential spiritual implications of engaging in practices like reflexology?
• What personal experiences have you had with alternative therapies and conventional Western medicine? How do these experiences align with your understanding of biblical teachings on health and healing?

ENGAGE

• If separated from an unbiblical spiritual worldview, reflexology is something a Christian could consider. Many find it helpful for dealing with physical and even emotional problems. However, traditional medicine has not validated any medical benefit of reflexology beyond the benefits of a normal massage.
• How can we critically assess the sources and motivations behind therapies like reflexology to determine their alignment with a biblical worldview?
• How can we discern between practices that promote physical well-being and those that may inadvertently draw us into unbiblical spiritual beliefs?