Reflexology is an ancient technique that is believed to date back more than 5,000 years - foot massage was popular in both China and ancient Egypt. The treatment is based on similar principles to acupressure and its purpose is to relax the body, mind and spirit, improve circulation and normalise bodily functioning. It also helps to stimulate a person's natural self-healing powers and promotes well-being.

Reflexologists believe that specific points on the feet and hands - known as reflexes – correspond to other distant parts of the body, relating to organs, structures and the way these function. Reflexes also relate to states of mind, so emotional problems can respond to treatment, too.

A body map

The reflexes are arranged in such as way as to form a map of the body on the hands and feet, although most therapists concentrate on the lower limbs. The right foot corresponds to the right side of the body, and the left foot to the left side of the body, with reflexes positioned on the soles, upper feet, toes and ankles.

Having the whole body represented in the feet means the therapist can treat a person in a holistic way – dealing with both the symptoms and the causes.

During a session, your feet will be examined, then all areas of the foot will be massaged with firm thumb pressure. The therapist can treat a specific problem in a particular part of the body by applying pressure and massaging the reflex points that correspond to that area on your foot. This is thought to stimulate nerve endings, which pass from the feet to the brain and out to the related part of the body, to relieve symptoms.

Pinpointing trouble spots

While massaging your feet, the therapist may also identify areas of unusual tenderness. By working out where these areas occur on the foot map of the body, he or she can pinpoint which part of the body the tenderness relates to, then work on the tender spots with tiny pressure movements to help relieve any problems in that part of the body – even if you are not aware of any ailments at the time.

Reflexology is helpful for a number of problems, including migraine, hormonal imbalances, PMS, breathing disorders, the effects of stress, and circulatory, back and digestive problems (eg constipation). It is said to work best for disorders of the internal organs and for stress-related disorders such as headaches.

The treatment has also been used to help with pain during labour and to stimulate weak uterine contractions. Some research has suggested that it can shorten the length of an average labour by as much as half, as well as reducing the need for pain relief.

A full treatment usually lasts 45 to 60 minutes and at the end of each session you will usually feel warm, contented and relaxed.