Reflexology in a World of Overwhelm
- Emma Betts
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 13
Why Holistic Care Matters More Than Ever
In September 2025, the World Health Organization released a sobering report: over 1 billion people are living with mental health challenges, with anxiety and low mood among the most common. The emotional toll is immense. The economic cost? Over US$ 1 trillion annually. And yet, support services remain underfunded, under-integrated, and out of reach for many.
As both a reflexologist and mental health nurse, I witness this reality not just in statistics—but in the quiet stories shared by those who seek space to breathe.
What the WHO Report Highlights
Mental health conditions are now the second leading cause of long-term disability
Young people are especially vulnerable, with emotional distress on the rise
Only 2% of health budgets are allocated to mental health, and fewer than 10% of countries have fully embraced community-based care
These numbers are more than headlines—they’re a call to reimagine how we care.
Where Reflexology Can Help
At Tonbridge Reflexology, we offer more than foot maps and pressure points. We offer space. Safety. Stillness.
Reflexology is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that many people find relaxing. It may help improve mood, aid sleep, release tension, and promote a sense of wellbeing—especially when life feels overwhelming.
Whether it’s a woman navigating hormonal changes, a child experiencing sensory overload, or a parent carrying invisible stress, reflexology meets them where they are. It doesn’t diagnose or treat medical conditions—but it can support emotional balance and self-care.
Mental Health Is a Human Right
The WHO urges governments to treat mental health as a basic human right. I believe holistic care is part of that vision. Reflexology complements—not replaces—clinical support. It empowers. It soothes. It listens without words.
What’s Next?
As we move toward the UN’s High-Level Meeting on mental health this autumn, I’ll be sharing more about how reflexology can support emotional wellbeing across the lifespan. I’m also expanding my offerings for children and families—because early support matters.
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