• Tools:
• Save |
• Print |
• E-mail |
• Most Popular |

Pamper yourself: Reflexology

By Brigid Delaney

Adjust font size:

(CNN) -- Can reflexology stimulate the parts other massage therapies cannot reach? Brigid Delaney finds out.

What is it: Gentle massage to the feet which stimulates other parts of the body including the back, shoulders and internal organs.

How long does it take: My treatment was for an hour.

Verdict: The masseuse was wonderful and it felt great to have a much-neglected part of the body receive so much attention. Everything from the lightest touch on my little toe to vigorous pressure applied to my heel seemed designed to stimulate different body parts and leave me feeling dozy.

Best thing: The calm atmosphere at Soma was very conducive to relaxation. My masseuse used to perform reflexology on Nelson Mandela so I knew I was in experienced hands.

Worst thing: It was a brilliant massage but I would have liked more information beforehand on what exactly reflexology is and how it affects other organs of the body.

The after effects: I felt calm and a sense of well-being that lasted for days.

Awkward moments: I starting stripping off my top only to be told: "It's okay we're just going to be doing your feet today."

Cost: £70 for an hour

Contact details: Soma at Royal Garden Hotel, 2 -24 Kensington High Street, London, UK. Phone: + 44 (0)207 937 8000

Get up-to-the minute news from CNN CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.

---

• Opinion: Hollywood security trumps Pentagon
• Brittany Murphy autopsy conducted Monday
• Asian tsunami survivor still rebuilding life
• Lehman pays out big London bonuses
• China defends death penalty against Briton

• Irish PM to quit over payments scandal
• NATO chief: Afghan troop increase likely
• Militants hunted as calm retuns to Basra
• Pressure on Bush to skip Olympics
• BA sending misplaced T5 baggage to Milan

• Recruiting suicide bombers (2:50)
• London was lucky (2:36)
• Cars in London rigged as bombs (3:48)
• Second explosives-packed car foun (2:32)
• Soviet culture returns (3:47)