Calderdale Therapies
Reflexology
Reflexology is a touch therapy with a purpose ! Reflexology aims to promote deep relaxation and balance within the body and mind. It involves applying pressure to areas of the feet, hands, ears or face using thumb walking, holding points or rubbing to promote a response elsewhere in the body. Reflexologists are trained to know what different parts of the feet or hands represent based on maps developed over the last 200 years. Many people find that reflexology has helped them with a variety of symptoms and there is a growing body of research to support the use of reflexology to promote wellbeing. There are many reflexology protocols that have been developed such as for fertility, mental health, lymphoedema, and endocrine balance .It's an exciting time to be a reflexologist. I have been lucky to meet experts from around the world and learn different approaches from them. I aim to blend all these best bits to make a fabulous session for each client.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a classic massage aimed at relaxation. It works soft tissue and muscles to promote wellbeing and to calm and balance the nervous system. Pressure is gentle near bone and stronger where the tissue is thicker. A variety of massage techniques are used including gliding, kneading, rubbing, and tapping. Clients can choose a back, neck and shoulder massage or a longer session that includes arms and legs.
Aromatherapy
This is a wonderful therapy using extracts from plants and trees in a concentrated form to provide health benefits. The majority of these aromatic compounds are essential oils obtained mostly by distillation of aromatic parts of the plant , but I also use CO2 extracts which are made by use of the clean and gentle process of carbon dioxide as a solvent using high pressure and temperature. These are newer aromatic substances which are often chemically similar to the whole plant they came from. Essential oils are strong substances due to their high concentrations and must be used carefully in dilution or the correct amount. I have taken a number of detailed courses including chemistry and safety using aromatherapy and qualified as a certified clinical aromatherapist. I enjoy using essential oils in my practice particularly to benefit the individual by finding out what the client needs . I am also able to prepare blends of oils that may help with a range of health issues. My favourite way to use essential oils is inhalation and I have little sniffy sticks that make this easy .
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage: This is a type of massage treatment that has its origin in India, where the scalp is stimulated to promote good circulation and hair growth and balance of energy or ‘Prana”. It often involves the use of herbal oils to complement the massage.
In the West, we have added a back and shoulder massage to complement the stress relief side of the treatment and this can help to get rid of the knots and tensions we hold in our upper bodies.
The third part of this treatment is a facial massage- stimulating different points on the face helping circulation and clearing sinuses. There are many stimulation points on the face and head, termed Marma points in Ayurvedic health care which have different functions for promoting harmony and wellbeing. I can use Ayurvedic oil for the head massage (or not according to preference) and use Neals Yard organic products on the face such as wild rose facial oil and frankincense facial oil.
Many people find that they feel like they have cleared their head and have a weight lifted from their shoulders with this therapy.
Reflexology Lymph Drainage
This is a reflexology system with an emphasis on stimulating the lymphatic system to flow more efficiently by use of reflexes (mapped points relating to the lymphatic system ) on the feet or hands. The protocol follows a similar method to a lymphatic drainage process but instead of massaging the body, it is the feet and hands that are gently massaged.
This system was developed by Sally Kay and has been taught all over the world due to her award-winning research with clients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema ( see www.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk for more information)
RLD can also be used for immune system support and for people with autoimmune issues such as fibromyalgia. Reflexology Lymph Drainage can be used for people with primary types of lymphoedema too such as leg lymphoedema caused by genetic factors. Usually, a course of sessions is recommended for fluid loss in the limb, after which a regular follow-up for maintenance is helpful. Please call for a chat to see if this therapy could help you or so I can answer any questions you may have.
Foot Pain Reflexology
Many people have foot pain relating to conditions such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
Foot pain reflexology sessions involve regular reflexology to help the foot flexibility and to stimulate reflexes that help with pain and inflammation but also involve massage and exercise of the calf muscles in order to assist the attached foot muscles.
This is a great therapy to have when you have already seen a dr or a podiatrist to establish the cause of your foot pain. It will work in conjunction with advice that you have been given about how to best treat your foot issue. As a holistic therapist, I do not diagnose disease or prescribe treatment.
Stress Buster Sessions
This is a great combination of therapies for reducing stress and also provides a nice blend of the best bits for the enjoyment of relaxation.
The session starts with a head massage in the style of Indian head massage and combines the Metamorphic technique and inhaling relaxing essential oils and deep breathing techniques. This is done in a seated position.
You will then move to the therapy bed and have a back and shoulder massage to get rid of tension and knots, followed by a holistic facial massage using lovely Neals Yard products and finishing up with foot reflexology for relaxation If you are p