I imagine that most of you have at least heard about this widely used - and unfortunately often misemployed – art of treatment. Those of you who have tried it were hopefully lucky enough to come across a loving and rightly taught therapist who gave you the joy I will hereby try to describe....

Most people I know are very squeamish, or downright disgusted about their feet. I find it truly alarming. Many I’ve met recently were basically hating their own feet so much that they were unable to look at them, let alone put it under someone’s nose for close scrutiny!! To put your mind at ease let me offer you my professional opinion: THERE IS NOTHING DISGUSTING ABOUT THE FOOT - provided that it is well maintained, clean and free of contaminating diseases like fungus, verucca and the like. Whatever form of feet you have are completely normal and proves the wonderful diversity of humans. Believe me, it does not have to be highly polished or right out of the pedicurist shop – though I think our feet DO deserve every care, pampering and adornment for their lifelong hard work.

Feet are special for they contain an accurate „map” of our organs, nerve, glandular and lymphatic system – even the tiniest part of us has its own spot, through which it can be stimulated. This stimulation may be done to cure an illness, but can also be used as a tonifier for the respective organ or system in the body. One gorgeous trick of reflexology is that we may detect, tackle and cure disorders before they could fully develop. The other is its soothing, calming property. I do have to emphasise on this: REFLEXOLOGY IS AN ART OF HEALING WHICH RELAXES THE WHOLE BODY! THUS KEEP WELL CLEAR OF ALL THOSE MISLED SOULS WHO – IN THE NAME OF HEALING YOU FAST- TRY TO JAB THEIR ARMORY OF STICKS, SPOONS AND OTHER TORTUROUS DEVICES INTO THE SOLE OF YOUR PRECIOUS LITTLE PAWS! In every feet there are sensitive spots and though when these are being touched or manipulated they momentarily may feel a bit sore with a good reason, PAIN CANNOT BE THE AIM! Pain or sensitivity means there is something going on with the organ or system whose area we touch – which does not necessarily signifies a lethal condition! No need to panic, as most of the times it turns out that you are just tired, overworked, dehydrated and stressed out. But at least we got your body into conversation and it will tell us in no uncertain terms how grateful it is to finally receive the attention it surely deserves!

Of course, as with every massage, there are contraindications: cancer, serious heart conditions, thrombosis, pregnancy.It is crucial – or I’d rather say obligatory – to drink lots of water after treatment, to avoid rashes, fever, head ache or muscle pains. ( You simply have to replenish water to help your kidneys in the cleansing procedure. ) You can have reflexology any time of the day, but make sure you don’t come with a full belly - leave at least one and a half hour after meal for your tummy to process food - otherwise your nice little lunch may quickly resurface like a disappointed scuba-diver...

Most advisable treatment time is the evening, though, when only your bed beckons and your body will be able to work overnight on the murk and toxins freed up by the massage. Reflexology can be a "one night stand" – when you just want to chill out for half an hour– or can turn into a lifelong habit you keep to maintain your wellbeing....