Scottish Institute of Reflexology
2001
The reflexology way to keep that workplace stress at bay; Companies are now recognising the need to combat stress by offering complementary therapy sessions. Kenny Kemp finds out how they work:[3 Edition]
Kenny Kemp. Sunday Herald. Glasgow (UK): May 13, 2001. pg. 26
People: Kemp, Kenny, Mullan, Margaret, Killan, Jan
Companies: First Direct
Text Word Count 1046
Abstract (Article Summary)
Margaret Mullan, a fully qualified reflexologist, understands the nervousness of many people but she has been working with a Scottish bank to show that the therapy can relieve stress in the frantic world of the call centre.
"It is one way to help cut back on absenteeism. The stresses in the modern work environment are immense and when people are under such pressure, the body ...
http://health.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?xml=/health/2001/06/11/thfeet.xml
A cure for workplace woes
(Filed: 11/06/2001)
Providing stress-busting therapies can prevent illness and boost staff morale, says Thea Jourdan
The way to health is through your feet
THERE was a time when looking after your health at work meant popping a paracetamol and phoning home for a dose of sympathy. These days, you are more likely to be offered reflexology, neck massage and aromatherapy at your desk, long before you get a twinge of a headache.
The rise in popularity of in-office alternative therapies coincides with an unprecedented level of stress-related illnesses. The Confederation of British Industry reports that British employees take an average of eight-and-a-half days off work a year due to pressure of the job and personal problems, at a cost to employers of about £11 billion a year. The National Back Pain Association says that 500,000 cases of back illness are due to strain at work.
Stress-busting therapies, available during working hours, are seen as one way to halt the trend, and employers often subsidise the service or fund it in full, on the basis that prevention is better than cure.
The Vital Touch is an on-site massage company with more than 40 corporate clients, including Channel 4, the Royal Opera House and Yahoo! Business has boomed since it launched five years ago. "We really focus on prevention," says Suzie Cinalli, who has noticed a shift in attitudes to wellbeing at work since she and partner Nunu Roney founded the company. "If you are sitting at your desk with the wrong posture, you will develop back problems. We teach posture-awareness so staff can avoid getting back pain in the first place."
Trained therapists visit each company for a day each week and employees are seen on a rota system. Everyone is treated the same, from security guards to senior management. Most of the clients are women. "Some people will argue that this is a waste of time, but they don't understand the benefits," says Cinalli. "If you are working flat out all day you will be very tired. Taking 20 minutes to relax with a massage allows you to go back to work refreshed."
Virgin Atlantic staff are particularly fortunate. Since 1999, they have enjoyed a subsidised health club and beauty salon at the firm's headquarters near Gatwick. Clare Elizabeth Urch, service development executive, says the service was based on the in-flight beauty treatments offered to Upper-Class passengers. "Passengers thought it was a fantastic idea to have a massage on the plane, and we wanted to pamper staff, too."
The Virgin salon is open from 10am to 8pm and offers everything from haircuts to full body massage. Managers are flexible about lunch breaks, so appointments are staggered throughout the day. "As long as your manager is happy, you can come in any time you like," says Urch. The gym is open in the evening for yoga classes and aerobics.
Preventing illness is a big motivation behind the trend, but employers are also increasingly aware that staff need to feel valued. As Britain approaches full employment, people want incentives to stay put. "Employees want to feel they are being looked after. Otherwise they might go elsewhere," says Cinalli. "It is good for morale and helps productivity."
A survey of The Vital Touch's regular clients found that 72 per cent thought their work had improved due to the treatment, 70 per cent felt immediate relief from stress and tension, and 65 per cent still felt those positive effects the following day.
The way to health is through your feet
Reflexology
Angelos Sarris, a reflexologist who soothes the staff at The Daily Telegraph, says he sees immediate results. "Some people come in very anxious and leave with big smiles on their faces," he says. "This therapy doesn't take people away from their work. On the contrary, it takes people back to work."
Reflexologist Angelos Sarris visits The Daily Telegraph's offices in Canary Wharf one day a week. Such are his skills, he is always fully booked. Following a technique invented by the ancient Egyptians, reflexologists use their hands to exert pressure at certain key points on the feet. The theory goes that the zones of the body are mapped on the soles. "It is like mapping the Earth. We use the zones to locate different areas," says Sarris.
It aids relaxation, can be used as a diagnostic tool, improves circulation and assists the elimination of toxins.
It can be painful, but unpleasant effects are temporary. Endorphins are released when pain receptors are stimulated. "We make pain to cure pain," explains Sarris.
Costs: £20 for each 30-minute session Tel: 0208 292 5184; angelos@sarris.fsnet.co.uk
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Massage
Massage is an ideal office stress buster. Therapists bring their own chairs, or can work at your desk. The Vital Touch therapists follow Anma, based on an ancient Japanese acupressure, focusing on 100 acupressure points on the upper body, including the arms and fingers. Massage is believed to aid circulation and promote healing. Quick and convenient, it gives instant results. Clients do not need to remove any clothes.
Costs £260 per day (up to 13 sessions), or £176 per half day (up to 8 sessions) The Vital Touch: Tel: 020 7704 6025; www.thevitaltouch.com