FOR THOSE NEW TO MASSAGE                         
If you have never experienced massage before, it may be useful to know what to expect. After an initial consultation, you will given privacy to undress to your underwear, and to lie down on a comfortably padded massage couch, which may be gently heated. You will be kept covered with a towel at all times, and your modesty will be protected.  As I work on each area, i.e. your back, I will uncover that area & massage an oil blend into the skin, and I will work on each group of muscles to aid relaxation & release muscular tension.

The room is kept warm and soft music played or silence if you prefer. The intention is to create a place of relaxation & revitalization.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
As a qualified & experienced Aromatherapist, I will select & blend essential oils relevant to each individual client.  

Essential oils have many properties, and can be used to treat a range of medical conditions, whether this is physical, psychological or emotional.   They can also be used to enhance wellbeing, lift the spirit, and to aid relaxation.

The massage itself can be relaxing or invigorating, gentle or deep, and can range from a half hour back, neck & shoulder massage to a full body massage lasting 75 minutes or more!

HOLISTIC MASSAGE
This is deep massage, concentrating on specific problem areas to relieve muscle tension, ease chronic pain, maintain flexibility, and aid relaxation. Long standing conditions may benefit from regular massage, and some clients choose to book weekly, fortnightly, or monthly as a maintenance massage. A deep holistic massage usually lasts 60 minutes, but can be adapted to suit your requirements.

Sometimes after a deep massage you may feel slightly achy the next day, just as if you have taken unaccustomed exercise. This is perfectly normal and should wear off within 24 hours.

REFLEXOLOGY AND VRT
This therapy dates from 4000 BC and has been used ever since to aid relaxation & to ease a variety of medical conditions. Reflexology is a whole body treatment activated by specific manipulation of the feet.  The use of light pressure & specialized techniques on the reflexes of the feet assists the body to balance & heal itself.

VERTICAL REFLEX THERAPY was initiated & developed by Lynne Booth in Bristol during the 1990's.  The use of VRT during a conventional treatment enables the therapist to incorporate new & powerful techniques, thereby enhancing the effects.  VRT techniques are best used at the start & end of a reflexology treatment.

EAR REFLEXOLOGY - a wonderful therapy, very relaxing with almost immediate results.  As both ears are treated at once, treatment time is shorter, however, because the ears are so close to the brain, the results are amazing.  Ear seeds can also be applied enabling you to continue your treatment at home.

I use both conventional reflexology, VRT & Ear Reflexology.  Benefits are often immediate, although chronic conditions may be helped by a course of treatment.

ESSENTIAL OILS
The choice of essential oils available today is phenomenal. I have a wide range of essential oils (having trained in the use of 42 different essential oils) all sourced from just a few reputable suppliers.

Some of the essential oils are certified Organic, whilst some are classified as Bio (cultivated organic). Others may be conventionally grown but without the use of artificial fertilisers or chemicals, and some are wild.

It is important to source fresh essential oils, and by purchasing from quality suppliers I am supporting this ethos. The suppliers that I use are active in encouraging outstanding growing conditions, fair trade & sustainable working conditions. There is a growing trend to establishing cooperatives (such as in Ghana), and careful buying underlines this principle.

Quality Essential oils are kept under strict conditions & bottled to order by the supplier. This avoids the practice of bottles of stale oil on a warehouse shelf.

After consultation with you, having established your state of health & your needs, I will select up to 3 essential oils & blend them for your massage. The blend will be diluted in a carefully chosen carrier oil & warmed before it is massaged into your skin.

Essential oils can be used to treat a wide range of physical symptoms & disorders as well as having beneficial psychological effects.

Mandarin, Grapefruit & Orange are well known for their ability to lift mood, whilst Peppermint, Eucalyptus & Rosemary can clear the thoughts as well as improve chest conditions. Certain essential oils are very relaxing whilst others are stimulating. Some can aid detoxification; others ease tense muscles, lower the blood pressure, or boost the immune system. 

I remain fascinated by the power of essential oils, and particularly enjoy harnessing the effects of some of the lesser known oils, which can be very therapeutic.  One of my current favourites is Pimento Berry (whole allspice), which brings pain relief  for those with arthritic joints.

Some essential oils are contra indicated in certain medical conditions (i.e. Rosemary with epilepsy). A number of essential oils should not be used during pregnancy. The effects of Essential oils are varied and may continue to affect the body for several hours after the massage. It is for these reasons that they should only be used by qualified Aromatherapists.

People with nut allergies do well to avoid any nut derived oils, such as Sweet Almond & Macademia Oil.  This is also advisable for those who are pregnant. Borage Seed oil & Evening Primrose oil should not be used during pregnancy.