There is nothing quite like a full-scale treatment by one of Home Holistics' visiting therapists. But when the pressure's on and you need a pick-me-up: try giving yourself a short massage! We show you how.

Ten minutes to feel better

A ten-minute reflexology treatment to help you feel more relaxed, healthier and happier.

When you’re feeling worn out, try giving yourself a boost with some hand reflexology:

Start by loosening your hands up. Shake them out, wriggle your fingers about. Then place the thumb of one hand on the opposite palm with your nail pointing towards your little finger.

Using tiny caterpillar-like movements, work up from the heel of your hand up and over the top of little finger applying light pressure with the top of your thumb. Repeat with medium pressure and then once more with quite strong pressure.

Turn your hand over and, using the same thumb movement, work from the base of the nail down to and over the wrist, again 3 times.

Repeat this whole sequence four times so that the whole palm and all the fingers and the thumb have been treated. Then do the same sequence again on the other hand. This is called zone walking; you’ve just been doing reflexology!

Reflex zones

You will probably have noticed that some areas are more sensitive than others.

These spots relate to different parts of your body. If you want to check out what these areas are, take a close look at the reflex zone chart.

The chart is not a self-diagnostic tool as there’s a lot more to reflexology than “Oh no! This tender spot relates to my heart; I must be about to have a heart attack!” It's just for fun.

Enjoy yourself ! Try treating your friends, as well. They'll love it.