Onfoot patrol

If you thought your feet were just for walking, think again. According to the ancient art of reflexology, feet can reveal much about lifestyle and health. Complementary therapist Pippa Watt explains: "Reflexology uses a form of accupressure to stimulate reflex areas on the feet.

"These areas are connected to organs, glands and muscles in the body and by stimulating these we can help the body to heal itself."

The "stimulation" may look like a foot massage, but Pippa says it is more than that.

"Reflexology is fantastic. It works every system in the body: the digestive, the urinary, the reproductive, the muscular. It's a good indicator of what's going on and where the problems are lying."

Pippa, who has been in practice for six years and runs the York School of Complementary Medicine, says reflexology can help with ailments including stress, insomnia, digestive problems, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, PMT, ME and back problems.

To 'treat' the client, the reflexologist will take a holistic approach, first examining their lifestyle and diet. That might involve eliminating foods which could be triggering the problem or joining a relaxation or exercise class to ease stress.

The reflexologist will be able to chart progress when they discover the 'blocks' previously found in the feet have eased or disappeared.

To put reflexology to the test, we asked University of York computing studies lecturer Nick Pears to be our guinea pig. He was an ideal candidate: a scientist with a healthy dose of scepticism. He is also a keen tennis player, and suffers from back ache, blocked sinuses and general tiredness.

During a month-long course of reflexology, both Nick and Pippa kept a diary...

WEEK 1

Nick: I thought reflexology would be a pleasurable foot massage - but it was different. It was a lot more painful than I'd have imagined. Pippa probed deeply, finding points in my feet that were 'blocked'. Initially, I was impressed. I hadn't told her what was wrong with me and she picked up that I was stressed and had a sports injury in my wrist and shoulder. If she had stopped after the first ten minutes, I'd have been amazed, as she was spot on. However, she carried on mentioning parts of my body which felt OK. I felt she did home in on my problems, then went astray. I was shocked when she told me to change my diet as I thought the cure lay in my feet. Pippa said I should give up alcohol, chocolate, bread and dairy products for a month as they were contributing to my symptoms.

Pippa: The painful reflex areas on Nick's feet signalled several problems including pain in his shoulder, blocked sinuses and low energy levels. I propose a dairy-free diet to unblock his sinuses and yeast and refined carbohydrate exclusion (including alcohol) to help increase his energy.

WEEK 2

Nick: This is proving awkward. It's hard to do without milk and bread, although I've found soya milk and bread without yeast. It's particularly hard at lunchtimes when I would normally just grab a sandwich. I'm having baked potatoes, or coming home and making my own lunch with 'approved' foods. It definitely takes more effort. And it's been hard giving up alcohol as most nights I unwind with a beer or wine and have a whisky for a night cap. But I don't feel so tired and my sinuses feel a bit better.

Pippa: Nick's shoulder area is not as blocked and his nasal area is clearer. I advise him to drink plenty of water to help flush the toxins out of his body.

WEEK 3

Nick: I'm coping with the diet, but miss beer, particularly after sport. My energy is being maintained and when I played tennis, my shoulder felt good. I've got a cold, so it's difficult to tell how my sinuses are doing.

Pippa: Nick tells me he has had a busy week. He looks tired and I am concerned he is taking on too much. I advise him to sleep as much as possible as this will boost his immune system.

WEEK 4

Nick: I do feel better: I've got more energy and don't feel like crashing out in front of the TV when I come home. My shoulder is also free of pain. But to be honest, I put these down to not drinking and not playing much tennis. As a scientist, I have to wonder whether I'd have got the same results if I'd changed my diet, stopped drinking, and rested from tennis but didn't have any reflexology. But the sessions were very relaxing, which is beneficial. Perhaps I'm not right for reflexology. I think if you could tune into it more, you would get more from it.

Pippa: Most of Nick's foot has cleared and there was little discomfort during the treatment. His arm and wrist have improved and his energy levels have increased. Although he has a cold, he says his sinuses are beginning to clear. I advise him to carry on with the diet until the month is over then reintroduce the foods slowly, one at a time, to see how he feels after eating them. He should continue with reflexology and relax.

Pippa will be running courses in massage and reflexology at the York School of Complementary Medicine in February. The courses, which will take place at the Dove Court Centre, Haxby, are vocational and are accredited by the governing bodies in complementary medicine.

The aim will be for students who complete the course to be able to go into practice themselves.

The course consists of one weekend a month over nine months and costs £850. The massage course lasts for 14 weeks, from 9am-5pm on Monday and costs £525. Some grants are available to help with part of the cost.

Pippa will be hosting an open day at the centre on Saturday, January 29 from 10am-noon. Or call her on 01347 848154.