Reflexology – the perfect antidote to the demands of modern life

“There’s so much pressure these days – especially amongst mums. We’re supposed to have a great career, be around for our children, run stylish homes and – as we’re generally older when we have children – look after ageing parents too. Relaxation is seen as a luxury – a holiday, or spa day – but it’s actually a necessity – enabling our bodies to unwind, restore and reset. It’s no surprise our stress and anxiety levels are high and that we find it hard to relax and sleep. Most of us don’t nurture our bodies or minds with wholesome, nutritious foods.

I see this all the time. Clients come in tired, stressed and run down and when I ask what they’ve done that day and what they’ve eaten – it’s no wonder! I take a holistic approach and alongside the reflexology I help them see the bigger picture and provide practical solutions to combat stress.

Take Harriet, she started having reflexology with me after shouldering the pressure of looking after both her parents and children, coupled with the madness of Christmas. She decided it was time to do something for herself and although it wasn’t entirely what she expected, she’s (in her own words) completely hooked. “I thought it was going to be a little treat, a bit of me time,” Harriet explains, “like going for a massage. I thought I’d go once. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d still be going months later – and not only that sending my husband and child too.”

“The first time I saw Susanne I was buzzing,” says Harriet, “literally fizzing from the amount of stress inside me. Susanne ‘got me’ straight away. By just holding and ‘massaging’ my feet she described exactly what I was feeling and where I was feeling it and in less than an hour she’d completely calmed me down – inside and out. I know lots of people are skeptical about ‘alternative therapies’ and think it’s all ‘hocus pocus’ – but I’m very open minded and fascinated by the science behind it.”

There are lots of misconceptions around about this ancient therapy. Some people see it as a deep foot massage, others a diagnostic tool. It is neither. The basic premise is that there are reflexes and acupoints on the hands and feet that correspond to other areas of the body. By stimulating these using firm finger, thumb and hand pressure, a reflexologist can help the body and mind balance itself. It’s both a science and an art, a science because it’s based on physiological study and an art because much depends on how skillfully the therapists apply their knowledge. For some it can be little more than a stress-relieving experience, for others it can have a life changing impact – something I know only too well.

I suffered from severe migraines from the age of fourteen. Once a month I’d lie down in a darkened room for two or three days. I tried everything – medication, acupuncture, massage – nothing worked. Then someone suggested reflexology. Twelve weeks later the migraines were gone and I’ve not had one since.

But it’s not just me. I’ve had husbands call me up to thank me for changing their wives’ lives. I treated one dad who was so stressed he used to take it out on his kids – he says I’ve made him a “better dad.” Those magical “we’re pregnant” texts are just wonderful, and I helped one woman who had such severe whiplash doctors were going to paralyse her upper body to relieve her of the pain. After sixteen weeks of treatment she had more mobility, was sleeping through the night and the threat of that hideous surgery was a distant memory.

Being able to help people is what drives me and I love that fact that reflexology can be done on everyone, from the tiniest of babies to those in palliative care. Seeing the difference it can make to people is wonderful – not just in health, but in life.

And as for Christmas, my advice is, as ever, to remember to take some time out for you. If you’re not happy and healthy you’ll struggle to look after those around you – so remember that the next time you feel having a long soak in the bath or a massage is self-indulgent. And whilst it’s important to tuck into all that delicious Christmas food and drink – don’t forget to nourish your body with the nutrients it craves too. That should all make for a Happy New Year!