When Helen Charlton visited a reflexologist for a health problem, the results were dramatic.

“I had been diagnosed with a kidney problem and it shifted two kidney stones,” says the mother-of-three. “I was told there was something wrong with my urinary system, and the treatment really made a difference. I hadn’t heard of it before and I felt so much better afterwards – it really was uplifting.”

Helen went on to look at dietary changes she could make to further improve the condition.

A complementary therapy, reflexology involves applying pressure to the feet or hands by specific thumb, finger or hand techniques.

It is centred around a system of zones and areas known as reflexes that are said to correspond to areas within the body. The practise can help to improve blood supply, blood circulation, nerve impulses and stimulates the body to heal itself.

Reflexology has also been known to be beneficial for conditions including arthritis, back and muscular pain and menstrual problems. It may also be helpful with migraine and stress.

At the time of her treatment, Helen, who lives in Thornton, was employed as a community worker, helping people of all ages and backgrounds, but felt she wanted a change. She enrolled at the Northern School of Reflexology in Leeds, qualifying after a year and setting up her business, Big Foot Therapies.

“Reflexology works by massaging certain points on the foot that relate to different organs in the body. It brings the body back into balance. I treat the whole foot – you are releasing toxins for the whole body, de-stressing and releasing blockages,” she explains.

“For instance, the side of the foot from the big toe to the heel is a spine reflex, so if someone has problems with their back I would work there. I use my thumb and finger and use oils including almond oil and virgin olive oil, as well as cocoa butter.”

Anyone can benefit from reflexology, from young infants to the elderly, disabled and infirm. Helen’s oldest client is 92, and she has helped children as young as seven.

Visiting people in their homes, she also works with babies aged between two weeks to two years old, in special baby reflexology sessions.

“At the moment I’d helping a mum, dad and baby, teaching them how to work the points on their baby’s feet. It helps with teething and colic, and helps comfort the baby.”

Sessions with Helen allow Brenda Taylor to step out of her busy role running a guest house and relax for an hour.

The 71-year-old grandmother’s business is on the Pennine Way, attracting many walkers and tourists. “I’m always so busy, I’m on my feet most of the day, so this appealed to me,” she says.

“It is so relaxing. Helen takes one foot at a time, keeping the other one covered. As she feels the points she can tell if there is congestion or another problem. I feel myself slow down and unwind as the session goes on, and afterwards I feel revitalised.”

The practise of reflexology dates back to ancient times and is known worldwide. There are records of treatments similar to reflexology in ancient Egypt, China, Japan and Europe in the Middle Ages. It was also practised in North America and India.

Some people believe that it has much in common with the Ayurvedic system of medicine still practised in India today.

Vickie Reeves finds her sessions with Helen vital to helping her cope with a chronic illness that has left her housebound. She suffers from severe myalgic encephalomyelitis, more commonly known as ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, characterised by debilitating symptoms including severe fatigue, painful muscles and joints, gastric problems and poor memory.

“I usually see Helen every week and really benefit from it,” she says. “It eases my pain a little and helps with the isolation.

“It was surprising to me to find how my feet were linked to other parts of my body. Helen is so knowledgeable, and since I started I have read quite a few books on reflexology.”

Adds Helen, who also practises reiki and therapy using flower essences: “I cannot claim it is going to solve all ills, but it can be used alongside other treatments.”

She also offers hand and foot massage with aromatherapy oils to adults with learning disabilities. “I offer gentle massage rather than classic reflexology at first, as reflexology can be a little painful if we find a tender spot, and the deeper reflexology techniques do not always appeal.”

Helen loves her work. “I have come to see it as a form of communication through touch. Touch is very important to those people who have no partner or close family and some of the people I see have no other visitors than me. They relish their time with me.”

For more about Big Foot Therapies ring (01274) 412808 or 07817 657559 or visit bigfoottherapies.co.uk