Reflexology as an alternative to pain relief

Just a little pondering really. How about if we all tried holistic therapies as an alternative to taking pain medication? What benefit would that have for us, and for our bodies? We know that Paracetamol can be dangerous, and that Ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal upsets, but yet we still take them.

My pondering was triggered by this article - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/9981099/Reflexology-as-effective-as-pain-killers.html

in which a study conducted at Portsmouth University found Reflexology to be beneficial in treating acute pain. the study makes fascinating reading, though it is a couple of years old now, and really does highlight the fact that further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and relief that this wonderful treatment can provide in cases of both acute and chronic pain.