Aberdeen reflexology students are set to help humans and animals alike with their open day, writes Susan Welsh

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ABERDEEN reflexology practitioners of the future will offer free treatments to members of the public in return for a donation to the WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals).

The comprehensive session, which will include a consultation, lifestyle advice, one hour of reflexology treatment and aftercare advice, will take place on Saturday, May 17, at 1.30pm and 3.30pm at The Robert Gordon University Sport Centre on Garthdee Road.

The reflexology course is the first of its kind in Aberdeen as it is the first course to be accredited by the Association of Reflexologists (AoR) – a Government-recognised awarding body for the practitioner certificate in reflexology and a member of the Parliamentary Group for Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Melanie Bell, director of the Complementary Therapy School, said: “Unfortunately, complementary therapy courses are not regulated as well as they should be and there is a lack of professional complementary therapy courses in Scotland.

“Therefore, I decided to develop a reflexology course which would meet the standards of the AoR.

“It is very important for employers and members of the public to ensure that therapists hold a professional qualification, and studying on an accredited course brings many benefits.”

Accredited prior learning (APL) can be recognised for future courses, and accredited courses are recognised by employers such as the NHS. This qualification is not only recognised in the UK, but also in other countries.

The course runs on various Saturdays and Sundays for one year and also offers bridging courses to students who have studied other reflexology courses but do not meet the AoR criteria.

Melanie, who also holds qualifications in conventional and natural medicine, has 16 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry in a number of roles. She has been practising reflexology since 1997.

She said: “Reflexology can help with many health problems and is a perfect antidote to stress.

“I myself suffered from Raynaud’s Disease. Thirteen years ago, I was taking medication for Raynaud’s and also experienced side-effects from the medication.

“I enlisted the help of a reflexologist and, with my GP’s approval, came off my medication, and I have not suffered from Raynaud’s symptoms again.

“Reflexology is a very effective form of natural medicine and, working as a reflexologist for the past decade, I have helped many people.

“A number of people, in co-operation with their doctor, have stopped or reduced their medication for a number of different ailments.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the fundraising session is asked to donate a minimum of £5. Advance booking is essential. Call 0844 800 8842, or visit www.thects.co.uk