The principle of all holistic therapies is that the person is treated as a whole; by this it means not just taking into account the obvious presenting symptoms, but instead taking into account the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of the person.

People often experience physical symptoms such as headaches, skin complaints, digestion problems, etc; these types of symptoms are often the result of imbalances due to factors such as stress or emotional problems. The general aim of holistic therapies is not just to treat the symptoms but also try to address the underlying cause.

It is generally accepted that 70-80% of all health problems are stress related. Many holistic therapies are aimed at reducing stress, and balancing the body’s natural energies, bringing about a state of homeostasis, and thus allowing the natural process of healing to take place. The therapy progresses at the client’s own pace.

In the longer term in order to maintain good physical and emotional health it may also necessary to implement life-style changes, which in some instances may be quite significant. This will all lead to an overall improved sense of well-being.

Holistic therapies can provide relief for the following conditions:

• Anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia..
• Headaches, migraine, sinusitis…
• Muscular aches & pains, joint problems, arthritis…
• Hormonal imbalances, including severe PMT, menopause symptoms, infertility
• Impaired immunity, general fatigue, ME…
• Poor digestion, IBS, skin complaints…
• And more…

Here are some of the therapies we offer...
(click on each for more details)

• Reflexology

Reflexology

Reflexology is both ‘old’ and ‘new’. The ancient Egyptians practised it centuries ago, and over more recent times modern reflexology has developed into both a science and an art.

Reflexology is a method for activating the healing powers of the body. It is based upon zone theory, and works on similar principles to the holistic therapies of the East, e.g. Shiatsu, acupressure, and acupuncture.

It is a scientific, non-invasive therapy based on the principle of balancing the body’s energies through the reflexes in the feet.

The belief is that body is divided vertically into energy channels or ‘Meridians’. Energy flows through these channels from the head to the feet, linking organs and body parts.

There are reflexes in the feet corresponding to every organ in the body. Any disease or imbalance in the body impedes the flow of energy. Reflexology aims to stimulate the many thousands of nerve endings in the feet, this in turn stimulates the energy flow, and helps to clear any blockages in the energy channels.

An under active area can be stimulated and an over active one calmed. Reflexology balances the whole body bringing it to a state of ‘homeostasis’, by working on three levels – physiological, psychological, and spiritual. In doing this it enables the body to use its own vital energy force to heal itself. A sluggish tired body can benefit immensely from reflexology, and a healthy body can become more efficient.

The Reflexologist is merely an instrument to help the body heal itself. Reflexology can also be performed on the hands.

What type of disorders might benefit from Reflexology?

Reflexology addresses physical, mental and emotional imbalances. Many conditions may benefit from a course of reflexology, including:

• Stress or nervous disorders
• Poor circulation
• Headaches
• Back and neck pain
• Digestive problems
• Multiple sclerosis
• M.E. (myalgic encephalomyelitis)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Kidney and liver problems
• …and many more.

Reflexology can be deeply relaxing, grounding and energizing, but also revitalizes and regulates body systems.

• Aromatherapy

Aromatherapyy

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to enhance mood and well-being. Essential oils are naturally occurring chemicals which are extracted from plants. The oils are mostly extracted from the plants by means of steam distillation; the oils may be extracted from the plant’s leaves, roots, flowers, fruit or stems.

Aromatherapy’s roots lie in ancient herbalism and essential oils are still widely used today, for example peppermint as an aid to digestion, camphor in muscle warming ointments, eucalyptus for the treatment of colds and flu symptoms, lavender to promote relaxation and sleep, and tea-tree oil for its antiseptic properties.

Aromatherapy works both on a physical and an emotional level. All essential oils have antibacterial properties, and the aromas of the oils have an effect on our mood. The oils work in conjunction with our bodies to enhance our general well being. The beneficial effects of aromatherapy oils are wide and varied. Common conditions which may benefit from the use of essential oils include: dermatitis, eczema, muscular aches and pains, arthritis, asthma, constipation, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraine and many more.

Aromatherapy massage generally involves a soothing full body massage using a blend of two or three essential oils in carrier oil. The blend of oils is specifically chosen, depending on their properties, to suit the client’s requirements.

Essential oils in their pure form are very concentrated and potent. They should be used carefully and always used in the recommended quantities and dilution. Essential oils should not be taken internally, should not be used undiluted on the skin, and the quantities should be reduced when treating the young, the elderly, or in pregnancy.

In aromatherapy massage the essential oils are directly absorbed through the skin, this is the most effective method of exploiting the healing properties of the essential oils. However other methods such as bathing with oils, and inhalation, for example using an aromatherapy candle burner, can also be beneficial.

• Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic Massage

Body massage is one of the oldest forms of natural treatment. The earliest evidence of massage being used in is found in cave paintings of ancient cave dwellers. Massage is a healing instinct, innate in all of us. It has profound effects on the health of the person being massaged. It improves circulation, relaxes muscles, aids digestions, and by stimulating the lymphatic system, speeds up the elimination of the waste products of metabolism.

It also has effects more than just on the physical level. It eases emotional stress, relieves anxiety, and provides a general sense of well-being….one can never underestimate the healing power of touch.

• Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage is based on an ancient Ayurvedic healing tradition and dates back to around 1800 BC.

It promotes healing on both a physical and emotional level, helping to maintain optimum health of the mind and body.

Stress and tension can build up in the shoulders, neck and scalp leading to muscular tension and headaches.

Indian head massage involves gentle but thorough massage of the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face to relieve the build up of tension and thus relieving the associated symptoms.

Great emphasis is placed on the lymphatic system, and natural oils are used to stimulate the lymph flow.

Special pressure points are used which may coincide with lymph nodes and acupressure points.

Indian head massage can encourage healing in conditions such as muscular tension, headaches, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, general fatigue, sinusitis, eye strain, hair loss.

Why is Indian Head Massage so beneficial?

It improves circulation, thus increasing oxygen supply to the brain, the muscles and the hair follicles. It also stimulates lymph drainage thus helping to eliminate harmful toxins…this leads to increased vitality, improved concentration, and an improved sense of well-being. Physical and emotional tension is significantly reduced creating a sense of harmony and inner balance.

It revitalizes the whole person.

• Treatments for Children

Treatments for Children

Children too can benefit immensely from holistic treatments; gentle massage and reflexology treatments are particularly suitable. Children generally find it to be a calming, relaxing and enjoyable experience. It can help reduce anxiety, promote better sleep patterns and create a general sense well being.

An accompanying adult must remain present for the duration of the treatment.

• Hypnotherapy & Counselling

Hypnotherapy

A wonderful tool for relaxation and to help cope with stress, anxiety and depression.

When combined with counselling it can provide a welcome relief from many personal problems and relationship difficulties.

Psychotherapy & Counselling

Known generally as the ‘talking therapies’.

Allowing the client to express deeply felt issues and concerns in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment can greatly help the client come to terms with long standing problems as well as cope more effectively the more immediate and specific problems.

Ann uses her knowledge and experience in hypnotherapy and counselling in conjunction with other holistic therapies, thus developing a care package to suit individual client’s needs and preferences.

• Stress Management

Stress Management

Nowadays our daily lives seem to be all hustle and bustle, with very little time to relax and unwind.

It is important to make time to relax, important to take a little time out for yourself in order to let your mind and body recuperate from the daily hammering it receives.

Stress affects people both physically and emotionally. It is important to address problems of stress before they get out of hand.

The symptoms of stress can include anything from muscular tension, headaches, lack of concentration, and indigestion to more serious side effects such as depression and anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema.

There are many ways of helping to cope with the stresses of daily life. Holistic therapies such as massage and reflexology are accepted to be very effective at reducing stress levels and keeping stress symptoms at bay, they can provide a welcoming relief to the strains and stresses of modern living. However in order to maintain optimum physical and emotional well-being, and to limit the effects of stress on our health it may be necessary to consider other lifestyle changes in order to keep stress at bay. Some lifestyle changes may be minor, others may be quite significant. As part of a treatment programme we can offer you support and advice on managing stress, along with therapies ranging from massage and reflexology to counselling and hypnotherapy. A therapy programme can be designed to suit individual needs and preferences, and subsequently help you towards living a more stress-free lifestyle.

• Labour Massage
• Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy creates significant physical, psychological, spiritual and relationship changes for a woman, and for many can be very demanding, both physically and emotionally. Massage treatments are particularly effective during this time offering a wide range of benefits for the expectant mother and her baby.

Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers and mood enhancers. This leads to an increased pain threshold, which is of particular benefit in the latter stages of pregnancy, in preparation for birth, and to help with pain/discomfort following the birth.

Benefits of pregnancy massage include:

• Relieves backache resulting from with the postural changes and increased weight associated with pregnancy.
• Eases tired and swollen legs/feet.
• Reduces anxiety and induces relaxation.
• Improves sleep pattern.
• Improves confidence and self-belief.
• Encourages a positive anticipation of the birth.
• Improves communication by touch with your baby.
• May help encourage optimal foetal position in preparation for the birth.
• If the woman is more relaxed it will tend to create a more relaxing environment for the baby.
• Can provide a coping strategy for labour, and as a means of pain relief.
• Potential for shorter labours with limited medical intervention.

For further information please see www.wellmother.org

• Post Natal Massage

Post-natal Massage

For many new mothers the early weeks and months following the birth can be very tiring and demanding, many find it difficult adjusting to motherhood, and sadly a significant number find themselves suffering from low mood or post natal depression. Massage treatments can be very effective during the post natal period offering a wide range of benefits for the new mother and her baby.

Benefits of post natal massage include:

• Helps promote post-natal recovery, helps to restore pre-pregnancy physiology.
• Eases shoulder and back aches.
• Supports abdominal and pelvic floor toning.
• Improves circulation and lymph flow.
• Helps to reduce anxiety, induces relaxation, and can improve sleep pattern.
• Provides support for the demands of early motherhood. May help prevent and provide support in cases of post natal depression.
• Helps promote a positive relationship with her partner and baby. Partner may get involved in providing massage for the new mother. Partner may also benefit from massage to help him adjust to his new family role.
• Can help in the recovery process by helping relieve stress and trauma, especially if the birth experience differed from the woman's expectations.
• Offers support for breast feeding.
• Supports the family unit in the transition to early parenthood.

For further information please see www.wellmother.org

• Remedial & Sports Massage

Remedial & Sports Massage

Remedial massage involves the use of deep tissue massage. This is particularly beneficial for the treatment of sports related injuries, repetitive strain injuries, work related postural strains, and chronic back and neck problems.

Sports Massage

Sports massage also involves the use of deep tissue massage. There are four distinct ways in which regular massage can help sports people:

• Pre-event massage – helps the body respond to increased activity and can lead to improved performance.
• Post-event massage – relieves tired muscles, aids speedy recovery, and re-establishes homeostasis.
• Training massage – when incorporated as part of a training programme regular massage can help to maintain peak condition and thus maximize optimum performance.
• Treatment massage – important for sports people as a rehailitaion treatment – to promoter rapid healing and aid complete recovery from injuries and strains, thus restoring normal function.
• Manipulative Therapy

Manipulative Therapy

Back pain will affect 85% of the UK’s population at sometime in their life. The use of manipulative techniques by a trained and skilled practitioner can provide immense relief from chronic neck and back problems. Manipulative therapy may involve gentle stretching of the spine and careful joint manipulation techniques to restore the correct alignment of the spinal vertebrae and joints.

Manipulative therapy techniques where appropriate can be combined with a massage treatment programme.

• Corporate Treatments

Corporate Treatments

As part of employee health and benefits programmes an increasing number of employees are proving on-site therapy treatments to help combat the ever increasing levels of work-related stress. This offers benefits for both the employer and the employee – a happier, less stressed workforce means a more productive workforce, with less absenteeism. Government initiatives have been introduced over recent years to make employers more aware of work-related stress and employers are being actively encouraged to put in place measures to reduce occupational stress. Implementing a regular therapy programme as an employee benefits programme is a welcoming initiative to fulfil these objectives. Ann offers on-site treatments to help employers in their programme to reduce stress levels of their employees. Ann requires the use of a quiet room to create a relaxing environment thus allowing the employees to gain maximum benefit from the treatments. If required, treatments can be carried out through light clothing without the use of oils. Regular sessions will help alleviate stress levels over time and will give a specific focus to look forward to in a busy work environment. Please contact Ann to discuss your specific requirements. [Further information available at www.hse.gov.uk/stress]

General Information

General Information

Appointments

Evening and weekend appointments can be arranged.

Home visits are available by special arrangement.

Initial appointments are 15-30 minutes longer than subsequent ones as it will involve a detailed consultation concerning the client’s health and general lifestyle. This information can ascertain what type of treatment will be most appropriate and beneficial, and answer any questions the client may have. All information is treated as strictly confidential.

If you suffer from any chronic illness, it may be necessary to consult your own GP prior to commencement of any treatment.

24 hours notice is required for cancellations otherwise a 50% charge may be incurred.

Prices

Treatments are charged according to time, please call for current prices.

Discounts available for first appointments and for block bookings.

Gift Vouchers

Gift Vouchers are available from £10.00 upwards. Vouchers are valid for 6 months and are non-refundable.

Also available for ‘Pamper Parties’.