Holistic Therapies

Reflexology
Reflexology is a complementary therapy recognised by the NHS, many GP surgeries and hospices. A reflexology therapist uses their thumbs and fingers to apply pressure to specific points on the hands and feet of the client. Reflexology is based on the theory that there are energy zones that run throughout the body, and link each part of the body with an area on the hands and feet. A reflexology therapist works specific reflex points relevant to each client. This is to clear any blockages, to restore balance to the area and to activate the body's own natural healing process. Reflexology practice dates back thousands of years with evidence depicted on the Egyptian tomb of Ankmahor in 2350 BC and in ancient Chinese texts.

Reflexology induces a state of deep relaxation and since it has been estimated that 75% of illness is stress related, reflexology is a major contribution to the return of health. It cleanses the body of toxins and impurities. The body has built-in mechanisms for cleansing itself, notably the lymph nodes, the kidneys, the colon and the skin. If these become imbalanced, toxins and waste build up, affecting the body’s immune system and lowering resistance to infection.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a truly holistic treatment, the aim of which is to restore the person to a better state of health through massage and inhalation of essential oils, improving the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being.

Aromatherapy or the use of essential oils can be traced back over thousands of years to ancient Persia, Egypt and India, but modern day aromatherapy comes from France. The essential oils are obtained from leaves, stems, flowers, roots, sap or bark of certain plants and trees. Even today, new essential oils are being discovered from research into plants and their healing properties.

The essential oils are absorbed into the body and depending upon their properties, they can soothe, stimulate and heal. The massage brings about a state of deep relaxation, which along with the inhalation of the scents from the essential oils, gives a sense of well being.

Essential oils are always diluted in a carrier oil such as sweet almond or grape seed, and a full consultation will be taken to determine which oils are appropriate for each client.

Hot Stone Massage
An authentic Hot Stone Massage is not simply the "gliding" of heated stones lightly upon the surface of the skin, but rather the stones are used as tools to deliver effective tissue and muscle massage at a pressure level comfortable to the client. The client can request light, medium or deep pressure, which is the beauty of the hot stone massage technique. It can be customized in an instant to the request of the client. The hardness of the stones makes for a deep tissue massage and is easy on the joints of the therapist's hands.

The Basalt stones are used in two ways during the massage. One is to impart heat onto the body by laying stones under the client with a layer of fabric between the client and stone (a sheet or towel) and/or on top of the client, again upon a towel. Stone layout typically will be along both sides of the spine, or along the chakra centers on top and baseball sized stones would be placed in the hands. While these layout stones are delivering concentrated centers of heat, the therapist is simultaneously massaging the client with oiled, heated stones held in the palm of the hand with firm strokes along the muscles of the legs, arms, and torso areas.

The heat from the stones relaxes muscles, increase the blood flow to the area being worked on which further accelerates the healing process. This increase in circulation and the relaxation of the muscles also aids in mental relaxation. Mental relaxation is key when a therapist is attempting to work into deeper muscles of the body.

Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage originates from the traditional Indian system of medicine, known as Ayurveda and is also known as 'Champissage', from 'Champi', the Hindu word for head massage. The aim of Indian Head Massage is to help balance both the mind and body through relaxation, rejuvenation and increased energy levels.

It relaxes the upper body, the areas most vulnerable to stress and tension.  A detoxifying massage to the upper back, shoulders, arms, neck, scalp and face, helps to dispel stress, relieve tension and promote healthy hair and scalp.  Using shiatsu and acupressure techniques, it stimulates vital energy centres, promoting a sense of well-being and positive energy.

Benefits are several that include improved blood circulation, increased blood flow, can also promote new hair growth, relief of stress and tension, clears mind, improving alertness and concentration, and balancing, giving feeling of calmness.

Kundalini Back Massage
Kundalini Back Massage begins with a foot soak, grounding the client and preparing them for their treatment. The treatment is deeply soothing, relaxing and balancing to the whole nervous system thanks to synergistic use of an essential oil blend used in combination with ancient techniques of massage and chakra healing.

Kundalini – a female goddess of awareness in the form of a coiled snake – is the dormant energy in the base of the spine, which, when awakened, travels up the spine to the third eye leading to increased energy and spiritual enlightenment.