Complementary therapies work to encourage and enable healing and are
often complete systems in their own right.

Massage, manipulation and remedial massage are effective treatments for the easing and stretching of painful joints and muscles as well as restoring health and wellbeing.

See what’s available to suit you – scroll down the list to the left.

An aromatherapy massage combines gentle touch with the therapeutic properties of essential oils, the combination of which may help to prevent and treat a variety of conditions.

Essential oils which are extracted from flowers, herbs, trees and roots are diluted in a carrier oils such as grapeseed or sweet almond to produce a blend individually prepared for each client following a detailed consultation.

As the oils are absorbed through the skin using slow firm strokes the aroma stimulates the olfactory and limbic systems in the brain triggering chemicals to be released.

The most notable affect of an aromatherapy massage is that it will be deeply relaxing. Conditions such as muscular and joint pain, headaches and stress related digestive disorders may be linked to stress and anxiety and may respond to regular aromatherapy massage. Hormonal imbalances may also respond well to aromatherapy.

Bowen is a gentle, non-invasive remedial therapy that offers effective treatment for a wide range of ailments. It is essentially a muscle release technique developed by an incredibly talented body worker called Tom Bowen in Australia some 40 years ago. The Bowen Technique is now available on many private healthcare policies and is recognised by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. It has been practised in the UK for approximately 15 years.

During the treatment a series of gentle, rolling type moves are made over muscle at key points of the body using fingers and thumbs. Each set of moves is followed by a rest period of roughly two minutes to allow your body to respond with maximum effect. There is no adjustment or deep tissue manipulation and it is not a form of massage. For this reason it is suitable for all age groups including the very young and the very old. Treatment can be performed directly on the skin or through light clothing. My sessions normally last approximately 1 hour and three treatments, at weekly intervals, are usually sufficient to achieve lasting relief.

Bowen is a holistic treatment; we treat the body as a whole and don’t just focus on the problem area. The body works as a whole, and therefore it is possible and in fact usual that a chronic back ache actually originates from tight hamstrings, or that a shoulder problem has started in the neck etc. I aim to get to the root cause of a problem and address it from there. Through receiving treatments for unrelated problems, clients have also noticed improvements in conditions such as IBS, hay fever, hormonal imbalances, high blood pressure, depression, sleep disorders, constipation, headaches and many more.

Cranio-sacral Therapy (CST) has developed from the work of an American Osteopath called William Sutherland. As a result of his clinical observations, it became clear that all cells of the body express a rhythmic movement that can be measured with delicate scientific instruments. Sensitive hands can feel this subtle motion and also where its expression is absent or reduced.

Sometimes, painful experiences become held in our bodies creating areas of ill health and pain. CST uses gentle touch to interact with these areas and with the subtle rhythmic movements in your body to assist your capacity for self-repair. The therapist does not apply an external force but works with the intelligence and health in the body to bring about resolution of painful problems.

Cranial treatment promotes physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing. People with conditions as diverse as migraine, sinusitis, panic attacks or Irritable bowel, back and joint problems can benefit. Its gentleness makes it suitable for babies and all ages.

The treatment is usually very relaxing and clients often leave feeling a deeper connection to their wellbeing.

Holistic Massage works on skin and muscles using oil to perform a series of movements to relax, invigorate and relieve tension. The movements and strokes in holistic massage are vigorous and work deeply relieving deep muscle tension.

By encouraging the removal of waste and toxins from the body holistic massage helps to relieve tension from tired, stiff joints; relieve stress; improve digestion; aid sleep problems and leave the body and mind feeling energised.

Massage may help many long term conditions including back and shoulder problems, headaches and migraines, skin disorders and digestive problems.
Although clients usually notice a difference after the first treatment, all types of massage are more beneficial when a short course of treatments is given.

Traditional Indian Head Massage concentrates on just the head but the westernised version of the therapy goes further than the scalp.

By working on the back, shoulders, neck, head and face Indian Head massage is ideal for relieving tension in these areas which often comes from working for long periods of time sitting at a desk working at a computer; driving and from heavy lifting. The treatment brings calm to the whole body, relieving stress; increasing circulation and lymph flow and improving hair condition.

It is a good treatment for someone new to massage as it can be performed without oils over light clothing as well as with oils directly onto the skin. It is performed while the client sits on a chair. As this treatment only takes 30 minutes it is also good for people short of time.

People who suffer from eyestrain, hearing disorders such as tinnitus, sinus problems, sleep disorders, headaches, migraine and Temporo Mandibular Jaw(TMJ) as well as muscular and joint pain in the back, neck and shoulders pain may all benefit from Indian Head Massage.

Lymphatic drainage massage works to improve the body’s circulation and removal of fluid waste through the lymphatic system.

With skilled manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and gentle pressure, a sluggish lymphatic system can be improved, benefiting skin tone and giving a wonderful detoxifying effect.

This treatment is very beneficial to clients with oedema or areas of cellulite.

With regular treatments, the lymphatic system can be stimulated to gradually remove these areas of excess fluid and fatty deposits, and together with moderation to diet and lifestyle, the results are clearly visible.

Gentle massage may help older clients with muscular and joint pain and breathing disorders. For many clients who live alone a regular massage also provides the regular nurturing touch that they so miss.

My own mum was 79 years old when she received her first ever massage when I was training. She immediately noticed a difference to her arthritic joints and promptly told her GP on her next visit that massage should be available on the NHS!

Very frail or modest clients may prefer a massage just to their arms and hands; legs and feet or face or head.

A weekly or monthly massage during pregnancy may help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. It may relieve muscle spasms, cramps and general aches and pain. By increasing circulation the possibility of varicose veins and swelling in feet and legs may be reduced. Massage in pregnancy may also help to keep the skin supple reducing the likelihood of stretch marks. Other side effects of pregnancy such as digestive problems and sleep disorders may also be reduced through regular massage.

During pregnancy massage the mum to be’s comfort is given the utmost consideration to ensure that she fully enjoys the experience.

Only aromatherapy oils which are considered safe to use during pregnancy will be offered.

Remedial massage is a holistic treatment that works for the whole body to improve total health and not just the area being treated.

Remedial massage is a hands on technique that gently massages the soft tissue and because it works deeper than regular relaxing massage, its effects are usually deeper and longer lasting.

Remedial massage can be used to prevent injury and recover from injury, covering both skeletal and muscular dysfunctions, including fibrosis, spondylitis, arthritis, frozen shoulder, muscle cramps, whiplash, muscular atrophy and sports injuries etc.

Remedial massage will increase blood flow to and from the area as well as increase the lymphatic flow reducing pain, swelling, inflamation and speeding up the bodies own healing process to relieve stress and tension.

Sports massage is a versatile treatment, developed to reduce aches and pains whether they are caused by sport, injury or simply the stresses of modern life. The treatment can increase flexibility and mobility and each massage treatment will incorporate many techniques to promote the desired result.

Who can benefit from Sports Massage?

People with any level of activity can benefit from sports massage. Treatments can improve muscle tone, flexibility as well as promoting recovery from training and competing.

For athletes, each treatment will be tailored to suit where you are in your training. For example, warm up pre-performance, cool down post-performance, during training or in rehabilitation. If you are looking for a way to improve your athletic performance, then sports massage may be for you.

However, it’s not just athletes who can gain from the benefits of sports massage but anyone who has aches and pains that refuse to go away on their own. A massage is an ideal treatment for people who want to keep their bodies relaxed, mobile and in good condition.

Treatments are available for men and women of any age. However, treatments for those under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

A treatment will be a mixture of massage and stretching, depending on what is required at the time. Each treatment is unique; tailored to suit the individual needs of the client at that time. You can leave a massage feeling relaxed or invigorated, it’s up to you.

Swedish massage was developed in the 1700s by Swedish doctor Per Henrik Ling.

Swedish massage feels good and is both relaxing and invigorating. A massage affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well being. But not only does a massage feel good but it increases the oxygen flow in the blood and releases metabolic waste from the muscles.

Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. The techniques used stimulate the body’s natural circulatory system without increasing the load on the heart. These techniques include effleurage or long strokes, kneading, friction, percussion and vibration motions.

The effects of Swedish massage vary from client to client and most report feeling calmer immediately after a treatment and are left feeling more mobile. Many clients feel sleepy following a treatment so it’s a good idea to allow time to unwind after the session.

Occasionally, there are circumstances under which a massage is inappropriate (following surgery for example). A brief consultation will take place prior to your treatment to ensure that it is safe to proceed.

Please allow around half an hour for a back, neck and shoulders massage and an hour for a full body massage.