It is a woman's dream to look young and feel good forever and the man's dream is not to suffer from erectile dysfunction and the effects of old age."

Wellness is not just about taking supplements, physical exercise and transformational diets, it is also about body care, skin care, hair care and mental health

There are many therapies that are included in 'wellness' - two of them are reflexology and massage.

Massage therapy

Most people enjoy the pampering of a massage. The masseuse and masseur are trained and qualified to administer a variety of techniques to stroke the body to achieve specific effects and results. A massage:

Increases the blood circulation and the supply of oxygen and nutrients to all organ systems.

Stimulates and increases the elimination of waste products and toxins from the body.

Relaxes muscle tensions and stress.

Strengthens the immune system, assisting the body to fight off diseases and heal itself.

Relieves pain and stiffness caused by injury or disease.

Improves well-being of clients.

Aids in weight reduction and weight management when done regularly.

A professional therapist never deliberately causes sexual stimulation or performs any erotic act on his or her clients. Therefore, it is important to look carefully at advertisements that may easily misguide potential massage therapy clients.

Reflexology

Spas are a part of the 'wellness industry'. - file

This is a professional method of applying pressure to specific points on areas of the feet, hands and calves. The pressure is applied to stimulate the flow of nervous impulses to related areas of the body to aid in healing.

Surprisingly, reflexology can be painful at pressure points as the therapist works patiently to relieve the 'energy blocks' and to stimulate circulation in the area. Reflexology is one of the safest acts to do on any diseased client.

It is important to note that reflexology and massage therapy are not treatments or cures for diseases. These therapies are also for healthy, normal persons to enhance and maintain health. Science has noted that when the body is totally relaxed, the release of endorphins into the blood stream assists in natural healing and creating a feeling of well-being. The after-effects are usually drowsiness, deep relaxation, sinus drainage, increase in urinary output and tingling in the arms and legs because of circulatory stimulation.

My personal experience with both therapies has been very rewarding for my neck and shoulders pains which are due to stress 'lumps' in these areas. I remember a friend of mine had a serious sprain from a bike collision. I had a reflexologist with me on spot that started to work on him (after checking if there were any broken bones). Within one hour he was walking normally without any pain. It was astonishing for those who witnessed this incident.

Dr Diane Robertson is a pharmacist and recipient of an honorary doctorate in complementary medicine for her work in herbs; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.