It is a popular misconception that if there is no pain or obvious illness then all is well with the body. But emotional stress and repressed feelings physically ingrain themselves in our muscles and bodies, leaving us with weaknesses in our systems which express themselves as illnesses and physical discomfort.

Complementary therapies can help alleviate stress, worries and the build-up of physical and emotional tension, in order to and help our bodies function more effectively.

If stress is allowed to accumulate unchecked it can lead directly or indirectly to a host of physical and emotional difficulties, including skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema, headaches, migraine, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure and heart-related diseases, as well as backache and muscle pain, poor eyesight and depression.

Massage, aromatherapy and reflexology offer effective means of muscle relaxation, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and relieve pain naturally by encouraging the production of endorphins, the body's own natural painkillers. Massage, for example, has a profound and immediate effect on blood pressure, and a session of massage can reduce blood pressure by up to 20 points.

The holistic aspect of complementary therapies also addresses the worry and anxiety associated with any illness. The soothing effect of a hands-on treatment brings with it a unique feeling of care and support for the recipient. It often takes no longer than a few minutes to reduce anxiety in a patient. Slow, firm pressure with controlled strokes gives immediate relief, in the same way as a child draws comfort from being held when frightened or alarmed.

Massage, aromatherapy and reflexology promote feelings of calm and relaxation and give an opportunity to rest a troubled mind. Often this enables a patient to reassess their situation in a calm emotional state, which helps find solutions to the worries and frustrations which have caused the presenting problem. Best of all, these therapies have none of the unpleasant side-effects and potential dependency problems associated with drug treatments.