It will be fifteen years this summer since I completed my reflexology training. I studied in London, and travelled up for weekend training sessions to Covent Garden. The training took a year, and during the week, when I wasn’t at my day job as a school secretary, or doing mum things, I’d study the anatomy and physiology book we had to complete, and practice sections of the treatment on willing friends and family.

I came to reflexology looking for greater wellbeing for myself and for a close relative. We had both been dealing with indifferent health, and some major complications, for some time. A friend had offered me a few treatments and I found them incredibly effective. My migraines reduced in severity and my overall levels of energy increased.

Over the years I have been fortunate to share this therapy with people at all stages of life, those seeking relief from stressful workloads, living with chronic illness, undergoing treatment for cancer and seeking help with fertility.

The reflexology treatment itself is gentle, non-invasive and seems to bring the benefits of many complementary therapies, such as reduced stress and improved sleep. For some people having treatment on their feet is not comfortable or appropriate, and in these cases treatment can be carried out on their hands instead.

I have often wondered at the impact reflexology seems to have. But this isn’t some kind of magic. When people begin to make time for their own health, whether that is booking a reflexology or reiki treatment, or beginning to listen to their body’s wisdom, or making positive changes in lifestyle, then a healing journey begins.

Tomorrow I start a new chapter in my hometown, I have a cosy room to work from in the centre of town, and I’m looking forward to sharing the gift of reflexology (and reiki) with people in this area. I’m excited to see how these therapies can support people here on their journeys to greater wellbeing.