02/19/2026
On 12 May 2026, reflexology research will be presented on a global scientific stage.
Dr. Stefan Posse, lead investigator of the Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology study, has been invited to give an oral presentation of preliminary findings at the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Cape Town - a conference attended by 6,000–8,000 neuroscientists and medical professionals from around the world.
For reflexology research, this represents an important step in visibility within the wider medical and neuroscience community.
The study has already completed three rounds of brain imaging and has attracted interest from reflexologists in 94 countries. Ongoing funding is in place to continue research with healthy participants at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, with plans to expand the work to include stroke patients at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine.
The research team includes Barbara Kunz, Kevin Kunz, Dr. Posse, Essa Yacoub, and Ann van de Winckel.
Those who wish to learn more about the research, or support its next phase, can find further details via the Neural Pathways of Applied Reflexology Fund at the University of New Mexico:
https://www.unmfund.org/fund/npar-fund/
This presentation marks an encouraging moment for reflexology research as it continues to be explored through rigorous scientific methods.
