Before your treatment.
Before your treatment.
What should i wear when i come for a massage or facial?
Loose, comfortable clothing. It's much more comfortable to put on loose clothing afterwards. If the weather is cold i recommend you wear layers and keep warm afterwards.
Am i naked during my treatment?
No. I require underwear/ knickers to be worn for all treatments. If you're having a facial, i recommend removing bra's to allow for full comfort and efficient lymph flow. Trousers and socks can remain on. I recommend loose clothing for your comfort. My clients dignity is a top priority.
Will you be in the room whilst i get changed?
No. When you arrive, i'll specify what clothes need removing and how to lie on the massage table. I will leave you to get changed and come back once your'e settled underneath a towel.
It's my first treatment, what do i need to do?
Prior to your appointment I will forward an online consultation form. If not possible to complete online I have paper ones that can be filled out on the day. This will give me an idea of why you're coming and any medical conditions or allergies to consider. I recommend arriving 10 minutes before your first appointment, so we can discuss your form in person. I may ask you to update your consultation form every 6 months to note any changes to your well being.
What should i expect to happen during my treatment?
Depending on what you've come in for and what you are struggling with, side effects can include red skin (which will calm down afterwards), feeling drowsy, heavy, energised, lighter or achey. You may sleep better that night, or worse. You may feel light headed afterwards if you have low blood pressure, i advise everybody gets up slowly. You may notice your urine is darker, or that you need to go to the toilet more often that day.
What does the word Holistic mean?
Holistic means the Whole of something. A holistic therapist will consider the entire well-being of a client, not just the presenting symptoms. For example, you may come in complaining of tension headaches. If we only address the muscle tension, we are only giving temporary relief. Sometimes this is all it takes. Yet, how you feel in your self, your life style or perhaps the reason you began getting the headaches in the first place must be addressed and discussed. How you feel in your self also directly affects my approach to things such as pressure and also the type of treatment you require. I will make a recommendation if i think a particular treatment will suit you better.
Can i combine treatments?
Yes. You can mix and match whatever you like. Please see the Add On's page for what else is on offer.
After Care.
What should I do after?
If you can, try to have a restful day afterwards. Drink plenty of water. All forms of massage and facial work encourage the body to flush excess toxins such as lactic acid, and fluid. Staying hydrated aids that elimination system.
What should I not do after?
Avoid strenuous activity, alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours after your treatment. Firstly, we've settled nervous system. Potentially we've done some deep tissue work and the muscles need time to recover. Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics- they are dehydrating and can add to the toxic load your liver has to flush through.
Medical Conditions
I have a skin condition, can i come for treatment?
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are fine to work with. However, i cannot work over skin that has an open sore, wound or cold sores.
I have a specific medical concern, can i come for treatment?
I will know from your consultation form of any serious medical concerns. If you are unsure, you can inform me on the day anyway. Things such as hypertension, blood clots or pregnancy either require a specific treatment or none at all.
I have an injury, can i still come for treatment?
No. I wouldn't recommend coming if you have a strain, sprain or broken bone. I can avoid these areas, but it's too risky getting on and off a massage table and turning yourself over.
I'm pregnant or breast feeding, can i still come for treatment?
Yes. I'm fully trained in pre natal massage and you are welcome to come from 12 weeks onwards. This information will also be on your consultation form for me to see. If you are breastfeeding this is also fine to come for treatment. Keep in mind that massage can encourage the release of oxytocin, which can lead to 'let down'. This is of no concern to me but it's worth a breast feeding mother to know so it's no surprise- i keep extra towels for this!
I have a cold, can i still come for treatment?
No. if you are sneezing, coughing or at all infectious i ask you to please reschedule your appointment as soon as possible. If you have a fever, absolutely do not come. Stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. By all means come and see me when you are well. Specifically lymphatic drainage is a wonderful treatment to come for when your'e recovering from illness and can really aid the immune system.
I have cancer, can i book a treatment?
No. I am not trained in oncology massage. I suggest seeking out a therapist who specifically work with Light Touch Therapy.
Massage.
How should massage feel?
This depends on your preference and what you book for. Some therapies require a very light touch, some require more pressure. I will always check in on pressure during your treatment.
Should massage be painful?
Some discomfort may be felt if the muscles are particularly tight, but no pain. When we feel pain, our whole body tenses, making the massage ineffective.
How often should i come for massage?
It is up to you. Sometimes for specific issues i would say weekly, until issues are resolved. Otherwise every 4 weeks is most beneficial for long term wellness.
Can i talk during my massage?
Yes. Whilst i'm very happy to listen and discuss any feelings or questions that may come up, i do encourage you to take the opportunity to enjoy the deep peace that this time-out can bring. Sometimes i may also go quiet, as i focus in and work intuitively.
What massage should I choose?
Classic massage.
Great if you've never had massage before. This is a full body treatment, tailored to your requirements. Which means we work within what you want to achieve from lighter touch, maybe you don't like your feet being touched or you need some deep tissue work. We can work out whatever you need.
Full Body Detox.
To drain the lymphatic fluid. This is a very gentle oil free skin technique. Great for oedema (swelling of fluid), scarred lymphatic nodes, after illness or after travel.
Hot Stones.
For those who feel the cold easily, and have particularly tense muscles. Great in the colder months.
Pregnancy massage.
For women over 12 weeks pregnant. A deeply relaxing, gently full body treatment, avoiding any acupressure points and using pregnancy safe essential oils.
Leg and Foot refresher.
For those who stand or sit a lot and experience aching legs or swelling around the ankles. Or the give the skin a boost before going on holiday to the beach!
Massage for Menopause.
Any woman experiencing symptoms related to menopause, whether you've had surgery that caused early onset of menopause, started the journey early or late, perhaps you still experience symptoms even though you are post menopausal. This is for you.
What results can I expect?
You may feel tired, energised, achey, relaxed... it depends. Everybody responds differently depending on what they bring into the space. You may have a head ache, you sleep better or worse. It is common to have darker urine after bodywork as you body flushes through toxins.
Can i book a course?
Yes, a course of 6 can be purchased at a discounted price.
Do you treat men?
I only treat men who are family members of long term clients, or are known by a long term client or friend.
I am insecure about my body/ embarrassed about someone seeing my body.
We all have insecurities and things we wish we could change. From cellulite, to scars, stretch marks, body shape and alignment. Your dignity and trust is of the utmost importance to me. Your time with me is entirely confidential. What I will say is this. My experience as a massage therapist for over 20 years, and as a make up artist for 10 of those years, there's not much i haven't seen. From concealing scars left from self harming, third nipples on nude photo shoots, bodies recovering from child birth, severe operations or trauma from the long ago....one thing i know is this. We're all made of the same stuff, and these amazing bodies of ours are walking miracles. They carry us through life and bare the marks of it. We are what we are. I have zero judgement.
What if i get emotional during my treatment?
Our anatomy can hold on to unresolved emotional issues and trauma. Namely, in the fascia. Fascia has a memory. It is an intricate communication system that connects the entire body. On top of the potential to release these retained emotions, we are also engaging your para sympathetic nervous system. Your 'rest and digest' state, when you feel at your safest and more most relaxed. This can also allow emotions to flow freely and release. It is not uncommon for tears to come. Don't worry i have tissues! This is a safe space for you to feel into your emotional self and let go of what no longer serves you.
Facials.
Why should i come for a facial?
If your'e feeling puffy, lethargic and like your skin is lacking vibrance a facial can do wonders. If you feel tension in the upper body and face, this sort of treatment is for you.
How often should i come for a facial?
Amly reAwaken
Once every 4-6 weeks.
Quantum Lift
Specific issue: twice a week for 2 weeks. Then once a week for 2 weeks.
Non Specific issue: once every 4-6 weeks.
Detox facial.
Specific issue: (E.G. with a problematic lymph node that doesn't drain so well) once a week or monthly
on the severity and how bothersome it is.
Non specific issue: (E.G. puffiness or recovery) once every 4 weeks or when required.
Age Well and Restore facial.
Specific issue: once a week for 4 weeks.
Non Specific issue: once every 4 weeks.
What is LED Light therapy and why is it beneficial?
LED light therapy is a wonderful addition to any treatment, but especially facials. Unlike infared light, LED only penetrates the dermis whilst infared goes into the muscle fibres- great before massage. We don't need that level of depth for facial light therapy. Different colours of lights travel to different depths of the skin and have different pruposes. Red goes to the deepest part of the dermis and encourages circulation, collagen pruduction and prevents fine lines. Whilst Blue or Green light reach closer to the surface of the skin and can be wonderful for reducing inflammation caused by things like psoriasis or sunburn. The light increases activity in the blood cells and makes them more susceptible to absorbing the wonderful skin products, whilst also efficiently flushing away toxins.
When should i not come for a facial?
If you have any open sore on the skin, if you have a cold sore or if you have a cold.
What is a Holistic Facial?
Sometimes referred to as a 'Full body facial', my Holistic facial involves addressing the systems of the body via circulatory connection points on the face, as well as the emotional well being of the client.
What is the Quantum Lift Facial?
This facial is special because we use 4 different techniques to lift and sculpt the face and neck, giving a 'natural facelift' effect. It includes the Buccal technique. Buccal refers to muscles in the face called Buccinators- you have one either side of your mouth, they're responsible for smiling. It is often called inner- mouth or intra- oral massage as well. This means, i wear vinyl gloves, and we work both the inside and outside of the cheek and jaw muscles.
What skin care products do you use?
The quality of products i use are incredibly important to me. Our skin absorb what we put on it very quickly and delivers it directly into out blood stream. Chemical free products are vital. I use the full range of skin care by Amly Botanicals. Amly is a small organic skin care range, based in East Sussex. Their products are inspired by british nature and the organic wild flower meadows. They regenerate fields with wild flowers as a charitable out put, they are cruelty free and vegan. The ingredients are clean, very potent and smell divine. The scent profiles they use are designed to engage your senses and nervous system, the approach is similar to mine- a holistic skin care brand. I urge you to visit their website, linked at the bottom of the page.
Which facial should i choose?
Amly ReAwaken.
To relax, remove tension in the face, neck and shoulders. To restore and invigorate the skin. To boost circulation and encourage the bodies elimination to flow freely.
Quantum Lift.
Specifically good for those who suffer from TMJ dysfunction, Bruxism (teeth grinding), tension held in the jaw- especially during or after orthodontics. A wonderful one to book before an event, as we sculpt and define the face as well.
Pregnancy facial.
For women over 12 weeks pregnant. A rejuveating, supported facial avoiding essential oils contraindicated in pregnancy and avoiding acupressure points.
Detox Facial.
A gentle facial to remove puffiness. Especially good after sinus infection or cold.
Can i book a course for less money?
Yes, a course of 6 treatments is discounted. A course if an especially cost effective and often recommended for issues such as TMJ dysfunction.
I take payment via cash or bank transfer.
Cancellation Policy.
I require 24 hours notice before your appointment is cancelled. Anything less than that incurs a change of 50% of the cost of your treatment. I run a small business, and the last minute cancellations really effect it. Whilst i understand life happens, i must respect the value of my time.
Holistic means the 'whole' of something. A holistic treatment means that i consider all aspects of your well being. Your physical complaints, how your'e doing emotionally and how your stress levels are for example. I adapt your treatment accordingly.