By walking barefoot across the open countryside, early man was inadvertently enjoying the benefits of reflexology, a therapeutic form of foot massage. Both ancient Chinese and Egyptian cultures practised foot massage (13)_____ the aim of improving general health, but it was not (14)_____ the early twentieth century that reflexology reached the West. Reflexologists believe that specific points on the feet (15)_____ to areas of the body, and that these areas can be stimulated by applying gentle pressure to the soles of the feet. Some doctors have criticised reflexology, pointing in particular to the short (16)_____ of training programmes. (17)_____, it is possible to gain a qualification in reflexology with as little as six months of home study. However, many thousands of people (18)_____ to have enjoyed improvements to their health from reflexology, especially in reducing levels of stress.

13. A: in                   B: by                 C: with                   D: to

14  A: to                   B: in                  C: until                   D: before

15. A: corrrespond   B: match           C: complement      D: equal

16. A: course           B: duration         C: time                  D: continuation

17. A: Arguably        B: Denfinitely     C: Actually             D: Certainly

18. A: believe           B: insist              C: say                    D: claim