Do I need to do anything to prepare before my appointment?
After you have booked your appointment, you will receive an email confirmation and if it is your first appointment, you will also receive a consultation form which must be completed prior to your appointment.
The day before your appointment, you will receive an email reminder. If you can no longer make your appointment or wish to reschedule, please give as much advance warning as possible (at least 24 hours) so that I can rebook the slot.
I would advise that you are well hydrated before your treatment, and that you don’t have anything too strenuous planned for afterwards, especially if this is the first time you have had this treatment.
Do you check my medical history?
Your consultation involves taking a medical and lifestyle history. In addition to the on line consultation form you complete, I may follow up or ask for additional information at the start of your appointment. Holistic therapies are perfectly safe for most people, but there are some medical conditions which may prohibit or restrict treatment (contraindications).
As I am a holistic therapist, I also like to take a lifestyle history as this can be very telling about postural, dietary or stress related issues which may be affecting you. Holistic therapies treat the whole person, and by learning more about you, I can tailor your therapy accordingly, so it is important that you provide as much information as possible.
I follow up with my clients regularly to ensure that I am meeting their needs and keeping up to date with any medical or lifestyle changes.
If you have a medical condition that you think may be contraindicated to massage, please let me know so that I can advise you if you will need GP consent.
Do I need to fully undress for Massage?
No. Underwear should be worn and you can also keep on trousers/skirts etc for upper body massages if they are comfortable and you prefer. You will at all times be covered, except for the area being massaged.
For Indian head massage a t-shirt or top without a collar should be worn. If you would like me to use oil in your treatment, a vest top where you can slip down the straps is advisable.
Do you use aromatherapy oils?
I am not a qualified Aromatherapist, however I do use pre-blended aromatherapy oils and balms. All the products I use are high grade quality and organic where possible and used appropriately to your requirements.
Do I have to listen to “whale music” during my treatment?
No! Many clients prefer to listen to soothing music during their treatment as it helps them to switch off and I have a selection of music available, but if you prefer silence (or something else!) then that is fine too – Just let me know!
Can I talk during my treatment?
If you want to, yes of course! However I would recommend for facial treatments and Reiki that it is important to relax quietly into your treatment. Many clients are looking for an hour or so of peace and relaxation and many even drift off to sleep. This is your well-deserved “me” time!
Will my treatment hurt?
Therapeutic massage is designed to relax and soothe the mind and body, and your therapist should always check that you are happy with the pressure used. However if you have areas of tension and deep tissue or remedial techniques are being incorporated, you may find these areas to be tender and have some discomfort. Many people say this is a “good” pain, but everyone is different, so please say if you are suffering any unwanted discomfort.
Reflexology also seems to have a reputation as being painful. However this is more aligned to TCM/eastern style Reflexology. Western style reflexology has many overlaps with traditional eastern reflexology in terms of foot mapping, but it does not require hard pressure or massage sticks to treat the client effectively. In fact most of my clients fall asleep during their treatment! At most, you may notice some sensitive areas during your treatment, but this may be due to an imbalance in that particular reflex and should not be painful with the pressure I use.
How often should I have treatments?
The decision is yours and also depends on which therapy you are having and why. Regularly is great and occasionally is better than not at all. Everyone is different but I would recommend monthly to be the most beneficial and realistic for the majority of clients as holistic therapies have a cumulative effect on the body. If you are suffering from chronic tense muscles, more frequent massage will help to keep your muscles more supple and your body more mobile and regular reflexology may help to keep issues such as women’s health, chronic pain or digestive issues in check, to name but a few.
