Records suggest that reflexology was practised by the ancient Egyptians and Chinese as long ago as 2,330 BC.

But today this natural healing technique is gaining recognition and reflexologist Marianne Marjanovic is sharing her healing skills at Mindbody Wellness.

"I got into reflexology when I was probably about 14 or 15," she said. "I studied as a beauty therapist and I was much more intentioned to do reflexology and that was a part of the course.

"So by the time I was working as a beauty therapist, I decided to go back and to study reflexology. I finished that in 2004 and I moved out to Bermuda in 2005."

Mrs. Marjanovic decided to focus all her energies onto reflexology rather than lots of other treatments.

"Reflexology is something that I have a personal love for, but I also have a good belief in the way that it works. People are drawn to me for that treatment more than anything and it makes me believe that it is what I should be doing more than anything else in the world," she added.

Reflexology has been developed in the Western world over the last couple of hundred years. "There are (pressure) points in your feet, in your hands and also in your ears, which relate to different parts in your body and when they are stimulated it has an effect on your body," she explained.

"So this can help to release toxins. Afterwards it is best to drink a lot of water to help flush those toxins away.

"It helps you to get the best from your body. It is a very relaxing treatment also, which is a bonus. It gives you the same sense of well-being that a massage can, but it is also very helpful in helping to de-stress and also for a number of other conditions."

She pointed out that although the treatment is predominantly relaxing, there could be slight discomfort at times.

"Sometimes there can be uncomfortable parts, but usually I would release the pressure," she said. "It is usually an uncomfortable area because there is an imbalance at a reflex point and I can feel it and you feel the discomfort.

"But I can have an effect on that area and can actually improve it I am emphasising the word 'can' because it is not a cure all. It does help the body to work better and it helps the body to aid itself."

Mrs. Marjanovic added: "It can sometimes be emotional and reflexology is one of those holistic treatments that encompass the mind, body and soul, so it really benefits the whole body.

"You may have a physical complaint, but it can sometimes be from an emotional problem in your life. Reflexology just helps you to process everything and to deal with it and so it helps your body to get rid of the toxins that may be forming if you didn't get rid of it.

"The main thing about reflexology is that it helps your body to function better, your breathing would be better, your digestive system and your circulation.

"I suppose that when the treatment is performed it can either energise or relax you, it is what your body needs. You don't have a choice in what the outcome would be. It is a really, really individual thing and every treatment brings different results."

Another plus for reflexology is that it helps to create balance, she added. "For instance any addictions can be lessened," she said. "That is not a definite, but if someone smokes then it can definitely reduce your craving for smoking. And if someone eats too much or eats too little, it can balance the metabolism for food cravings.

"There are a lot of people who are affected by stress; it can be stress at work or emotional stress, or coming from other factors like the environment around you or physical stress from over or under exercising. This is when reflexology comes in to help you deal with the stresses."

It is usually recommended that clients have six treatments in the first six weeks.

"It helps to balance the body and it also doesn't allow the body to accumulate any more toxins," said the reflexologist.

The idea of preventive treatments has gained in popularity around the world. "Nowadays people are looking for, not so much a quick fix anymore, people want to know why they have a complaint or a problem, they don't just want to take a pill," Mrs. Marjanovic explained.

"You find that becoming more popular and in many countries around the world that use it, reflexology is covered by their health care system."

For more information or for gift certificates ring 292 6830, visit www.mindbodywellnessonline.com, or email marianne@mindbodywellnessonline.com.