GPs are increasingly recognising the benefits of complementary therapies, such as reflexology. This week the Knutsford Guardian spoke to reflexologist Rosemary Friscuolo about an ancient treatment even favoured by the Queen

FEET often get a raw deal. They travel thousands of miles in an average lifetime - usually suffocated in shoes and socks.

But Rosemary Friscuolo loves them.

"I suppose it may sound strange but I find feet really interesting," she said.

The mum of four has been practising reflexology from her home for nearly two years after completing a year course at a specialist reflexology school.

She treats many clients - mainly women - from the Knutsford area.

"The men who attend usually have been encouraged by their wives who have had reflexology and said how relaxing and beneficial it was," she said.

Rosemary doesn't claim that reflexology is a cure for medical complaints, but believes it boosts the immune system - improving a person's general health.

"Some of my clients say they feel like they are walking on air after they leave," she said.

"It is very relaxing and pleasurable - often people fall asleep."

Reflexology is an ancient healing art that originated in China and India about 5,000 years ago.

It is based on stimulating the flow of natural energy - called chi - which runs in channels throughout the body.

When energy flows freely through these channels, known as meridian lines, there is a general feeling of well-being and balance.

But a blockage - caused by factors such as anxiety, stress and ill health - leads to an imbalance of energy.

By applying pressure to reflex points on the feet where the meridian lines end, a balance can be restored.

"When the blockage is removed the body can start to heal itself," said Rosemary, who was widowed 16 years ago.

She treats many different medical complaints - from ME and diabetes to asthma and stress.

"The majority of complaints I treat are stress-related illnesses when people are rundown," she said.

"But reflexology is also particularly good for circulation problems."

Rosemary begins by taking a client's full medical history - if she has any doubts she will contact the client's GP before carrying on.

"I would not treat any very serious problems like heart complaints," she said.

But most people of all ages can benefit - even babies.

The client lies down during the reflexology session which usually lasts an hour at Rosemary's Princess Road home in Allostock.

The treatment starts with a relaxing foot massage.

It also is possible to use reflex points on the hands, but Rosemary finds feet more sensitive. "Some people tell me they are ticklish but it usually doesn't bother them when I touch their feet," she said.

Rosemary, who is also a foster parent, then uses her hands to apply pressure to different zones on the feet which relate to every part of the body.

Deeper pressure is applied to zones which represent organs deeper in the body, such as the brain's pituitary gland zone nestled deep in the big toe.

The process is very relaxing but if Rosemary hits a tender spot it can indicate problems in the body part that that zone relates to.

After the treatment a glass of water washes away toxins released into the body during reflexology.

"Most people say how wonderful the treatment was when I have finished," she said.

Anyone interested in trying reflexology should contact the regulatory body, Association of Reflexology, for a list qualified practitioners in their area.

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