Victoria (Westphal) Divane fell in love with reflexology several years ago when she was looking for a way to reduce stress and improve her overall health during pregnancy.

“It was just an amazing experience,” said Divane, a 1985 Niles High graduate. “It helped me feel so much better.”

Years later, Divane turned that first experience into a career.

The Niles resident is now offering reflexology services at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. She began three weeks ago and is available by appointment only. Call the YMCA at (269) 683-1552 to set up an appointment. For more information about Divane and reflexology, email her at vdivane@comcast.net.

Prior to joining the YMCA, Divane worked for four years as a Reflexologist at Advanced Health and Reflexology Center in South Bend, Ind.

She said she’s excited to offer the service in her hometown.

“I was looking to increase traffic and give people who have never experienced reflexology the chance to do so,” she said. “(Being at the YMCA) makes it so much more accessible for people.”

Divane received certification in reflexology from the International Institute of Reflexology. She uses the Ingham Method of Reflexology, a science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands, which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. Divane said stimulating these reflexes through a person’s feet is a natural way to benefit a person’s health.

A simple way to imagine a reflexology session is a very advanced foot massage.

Divane currently focuses on feet, but said she would likely incorporate hand and hot stone reflexology in the future.

“Being a mother, I realize how hard it is to take time out for yourself,” she said. “I encourage anyone to take an hour out of the month to be able to relax and bring your body back into balance.

“The body doesn’t lie — that’s what I love about it. I can tell by a person’s feet what is going on with the body.”

For those skeptical of reflexology, Divane said to give it a try.

“I’ve had many long-time clients that love it,” she said. “I’ve never had anyone say they hated it.”

Reflexology is one of two new services being offered in the same space at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.

The YMCA is also offering Massage Therapy by Monty Aukes, a certified massage therapist.

Lacey Peters, YMCA marketing coordinator, said the YMCA is excited to be offering these new services.

“It is a perfect fit for the community,” Peters said. “We are offering more and more services here at the Y that I think will better the community.”