Before I became a qualified reflexology therapist, I was a fan. It was my treatment of choice for specific purposes. In a metaphorical sense, our feet are instrumental in moving us forward, I was committed to moving forward in a healthier way.

During my training as a therapist, I was thrilled to discover, that as soon as I began to apply reflexology therapy myself, I began to witness immediate benefits for my clients.

I was fortunate to have had a great variety of clients for my 40 case studies which were a requirement of my diploma qualification. I was presented with a wide range of feet of all ages , shapes,

colours, textures and sizes. Each pair told their own unique story. As time went on I began to notice patterns and traits that corresponded with the individual themselves.

The results were noticeable and varied. Relaxation was the benefit most reported by my 10 clients. In fact one person told me it was the first time that they ever managed to feel so relaxed.

As relaxation provides optimum conditions for the body to heal itself and carry out all its functions with ease and efficiency, I considered this to be a very important benefit for my clients. Along with the invitation to relax, another client reported that the opportunity to do 'nothing' for one whole hour was rare. At the end of the course of treatments, this client had made a life decision which would improve his career opportunities.

"Reflexology provides many benefits for wellbeing. These benefits cannot be guaranteed or predicted at the outset but with the client and the therapist working together there are usually good results."

I noted in my case studies that many clients enhanced their treatment by implementing some of the suggestions recommended to them as part of the agreed treatment plan. These ranged from taking in some extra walking, fresh air, water and self-treating the reflexes on the hands.

Perhaps as a result of their resolve, some of the results were quite impressive, such as, the absence of sciatica pain (for as long as 2 months after treatment), improved breathing for a client who had high blood pressure, and a client who started a walking routine and then decided that jogging was more fun.

My overall conclusion of my 40 case studies? Reflexology provides many benefits for wellbeing. These benefits cannot be guaranteed or predicted at the outset but with the client and the therapist working together there are usually good results.

A person's body and mind has a wonderful ability to heal and maintain wellbeing but peoples lives are often busy and stressful. Sometimes a change in the routine is needed, a slowing down to allow for mindful listening and the development of a more self-caring attitude in order to get back on track and achieve balance once more.

Reflexology is an effective holistic treatment, performed mainly on the feet but also on the hands/ears/face. It takes into account the whole person in their environment to provide an opportunity for positive change.

The therapist applies specific and varied pressure to areas of the feet (or hands) known as reflexes, which correspond to specific organs or systems of the body. In doing so, circulatory systems (blood, lymph) are stimulated, along with the nervous, excretory and endocrine systems. The whole person (mind and body) can benefit as a result.

While reflexology is  a highly respected complementary therapy and some doctors may even recommend it to their patients, it is not a replacement for medical diagnosis and treatment.