Intuitive yoga is distinguished from other forms of yoga by its more flexible and spontaneous approach.

Unlike more structured styles of yoga (like Hatha or Vinyasa) that follow specific sequences, intuitive yoga relies on listening to your body and its needs in real time.

The practitioner adapts his movements and postures to what he feels in the moment, without following a pre-established routine. This approach allows you to connect more deeply with yourself and work on fluidity, creativity and self-healing.

Foot reflexology is a holistic therapy that involves stimulating reflex zones on the feet that correspond to organs and systems of the body.

It is renowned for:

• Reduce stress: by promoting deep relaxation.

• Improve circulation: by stimulating reflex points, it activates blood and lymphatic circulation.

• Balancing the body: it helps to harmonize the functioning of internal organs.

• Strengthen the immune system: by stimulating certain areas, it can support natural defenses.

• Relieve pain: particularly effective for muscle tension or headaches.

The frequency and duration of sessions vary depending on the type of treatment and personal goals:

• For yoga: it is recommended to practice regularly, ideally several times a week, to feel the benefits in the long term. A session can last between 60 and 90 minutes.

• For foot reflexology: in general, a session lasts 45 minutes to an hour. The frequency can be once a week or every 15 days, depending on the needs.

• For intuitive massage: the duration is similar, approximately 60 to 90 minutes, with a frequency depending on the therapeutic objectives (once a month for maintenance, more regularly in case of specific need).

Intuitive massage differs from traditional massage in its personalized and non-pre-established approach.

Unlike classic massages (such as Swedish or shiatsu) which follow specific techniques, the intuitive massage practitioner adapts the movements and pressure according to the energy and tensions he perceives in the person.

This massage is more focused on listening to the body's needs and aims to globally rebalance energy, rather than only treating targeted areas.

For an intuitive massage session, it is recommended to wear comfortable and loose clothing.

The benefits of practices such as yoga, foot reflexology or intuitive massage are often felt by practitioners, but the scientific evidence varies:

• Yoga: Numerous studies support its benefits for stress reduction, improved flexibility and overall well-being.

• Foot reflexology: Although its effects are not universally proven, some reports highlight its benefits on relaxation and pain management.

• Intuitive massage: Scientific evidence is more limited, but the perceived benefits (relaxation, release of tension) are well documented in massage practices in general.

These practices are often seen as beneficial in addition to conventional medical treatments, but results may vary from person to person.

The study on the benefits for mental and physical health:

A systematic review published by Harvard Medical School shows that regular yoga practice reduces cortisol levels, improves flexibility, heart health, and helps manage stress and anxiety.

Yoga has also been studied for its positive effects on lung health and chronic pain management.

Source: Harvard Medical School Guide to Yoga ( Northwestern Medicine ).

• The study on breast cancer patients:

A study published in the Oncology Nursing Forum showed that reflexology helps breast cancer patients better cope with the side effects of chemotherapy, including reducing fatigue and improving breathing and mobility.

Reference: Wyatt, G., Sikorskii, A., Rahbar, MH, & Victorson, D. (2012). Reflexology for symptom management in women with advanced breast cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum ( Massage Magazine ).

• The Sleep and Pain Study:

Another study explored the effect of reflexology on sleep quality in patients with acute coronary syndrome and found significant improvements in sleep and pain reduction.

Source: Journal of Clinical Nursing (2011) ( Massage Magazine ).

Massage and cancer:

A 2016 Cochrane review analyzed 19 studies and suggested that massage, with or without aromatherapy, may help relieve pain and anxiety in cancer patients. Although results are mixed, they offer support for integrative care for cancer patients.

Reference: Boyd, C., Crawford, C., Paat, CF, et al. (2016). The impact of massage therapy on function in pain populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain Medicine ( NCCIH ).