'I could've drifted off to sleep'

We sent three testers to try out the treatments at Neal's Yard Remedies' graduate clinic in Bristol. Here's how they got on

REFLEXOLOGY

Before touching my feet, reflexologist Philippa Sweetnam (pictured) asked me a range of questions ranging from my dietary habits, aches and pains and allergies. She said it gave her a snapshot of me and my lifestyle and might help pinpoint any reasons for particular tensions.

She started by laying her hands over my feet, and, strangely, we both could feel a tingling feeling.

Then, accompanied by gentle music, she started massaging and kneading my feet.

On the whole, it was incredibly relaxing. I could have drifted off to sleep. I have quite ticklish feet, but I was completely at ease. There were only two occasions when I felt any pain, and it was apparently the same point in both feet.

Philippa explained what those areas related to in the body, which gave me some food for thought.

Afterwards, I felt tired but pleasantly so, and I also felt the circulation in my body had improved.

I normally have really cold feet, but afterwards they were hot, and even my legs felt as though they had been woken up.

I'd definitely recommend it as a relaxing way to spend some time looking after yourself - LIZ WEBSTER

NUTRITIONAL THERAPY

"Food is often a better medicine than drugs", says nutritional therapist Maya Rowson who says what we do and don't eat can have a massive impact on our health.

We all know too many chocolates, cakes and crisps make us put on weight and carrots help us see in the dark.

But did you know that for every drop of dehydrating caffeine you have you need 25 drops of water to replenish your system?

This is where Maya comes in. During an hour-long consultation, she takes you through a comprehensive questionnaire which lists any symptoms you may be experiencing, any supplements you take, allergies you may have and dietary habits.

For me, my main cause for concern was asthma and sinus problems. Immediately, Maya told me I needed to up my intake of water to flush my system through. She recommends at least four pints a day.

As for the asthma, she advised me to avoid dairy products which create the mucus my body is so keen to expel.

She also advised me which vitamins and minerals to take and where they can be found - LAURA WILLIAMS

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

You have a lot of potency in your system, says Mike Donovan who's a craniosacral therapist. I feel reassured, even though I'm not sure what he means.

There's an in-depth quest-ionnaire to fill out even though I'm not here about a particular ailment but out of curiosity.

Craniosacral therapy is not a form of massage, as some believe. Instead, you remain fully clothed while the therapist gently places their hands on your body to pick up subtle disturbances to the free motion of fluids and energy around the body.

The therapist helps to release any blockages to that free flow of energy which have built up as a result of injury or disease, both physical and psychological.

"You are guided by the client," says Mike. "Listening through your hands, you can pick up what the body is telling you."

The treatment is entirely non-invasive, but sometimes people experience strange tingling sensations, Mike told me. I did in a couple of areas, such as my upper thighs.

The session was intensely relaxing, as Mike cupped the back of my head and neck, and it took quite an effort not to fall asleep.

I think this gentle therapy could be one of my top stress-busters - SUSIE WELDON