Counselling & Therapies

Foot reflexology is a treatment that gives deep relaxation and can be of help to many ailments. Treatments are tailored to meet individual client’s needs. Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet (and hands) that correspond to every part of the body. Foot reflexology can be given seated or lying on the massage table.

Indian head massage is a relaxing de stress massage of the scalp practiced for over 1000 years in India. It is a firm and gentle massage working on the head, face, neck, shoulders, upper back and arms, all common areas for holding tension and stress. Specific reflexes are worked on by the therapist in response to each client’s needs. The treatment leaves clients feeling calm and relaxed, revitalised and energised.

What are the benefits to the client?

• Improving circulation, increasing blood circulation and the flow of tissue fluid (lymph)
• Improving lymphatic drainage thus removing waste products and toxins from the body
• Soothing and relaxing nerves
• Releasing tension in tight muscles which can help to relieve muscular pain and fatigue
• Relieving stress, increasing alertness, promoting a sense of wellbeing, lifting feelings of despair and despondency

Manual Lymphatic drainage is an advanced therapy in which the practitioner uses a range of specialised gentle rhythmic pumping techniques to move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow.

This stimulates the lymphatic vessels which carry substances vital to the defence of the body, removes waste products and reduces the swelling. An appointment will on average last 1 hour and the number of sessions needed depends on the volume lymph load and the progression of the lymph flow.

Combined Decongestive Therapy is a combination of Manual Lymph Drainage and Compression Bandaging. It also includes the fitting of proper compression garments, skin care and self-care and advice on nutrition and exercises. The duration of an appointment depends on the size and the numbers of the of the limb(s) that need treatment and may last up to 2 hours per session. On average a minimum of 10 appointments will get the body ready for compression hosiery that will keep the swelling under your control.

Comfort-orientated massage or touch can be offered to people with cancer regardless of the stage of their condition. It is a specialised form of gentle massage where the therapist adapts her techniques with regard to pressure, site of massage and the positioning of theclient. The treatment can vary from gentle hands-on touch through clothing…. to reflexology to hands or feet…. to gentle massage to areas of the body using oils. All of these aspects are decided by the client and therapist, in a thorough consultation.

What are the benefits to the client?

• positively affect symptoms related to cancer or side effects from treatment regimes, such as nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and pain. increased sense of well-being
• reduction of anxiety and the sense of isolation
• increased relaxation and decreased muscle tension
• improved circulation and removal of toxins from the body systems

Pilates aims to strengthen the body in an even way, with particular emphasis on core strength to improve general fitness and wellbeing.Regular pilates can improve posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility, as well as relieve stress and tension.Pilates has something to offer people of all ages and levels of ability and fitness.

Our Pilates classes are very small with a maximum of 6 participants as this allows the instructor to observe and assist in achieving the best execution of the exercises. The aim is to help you find your individual best alignment and to strengthen your centre which will allow you to move efficiently and fluidly without compromising your joints.

Reiki, (Ray Key) is an ancient system of natural healing. It is a non-belief system and benefits all ages.

During a Reiki treatment the client/patient lies fully clothed on a treatment couch or sits in a chair. The practitioner's hands are placed on or close to the body and move to a new position every 5 minutes approximately. This process may take between 1 - 2 hours.

Most clients/patients experience a sense of deep relaxation and well-being

Relaxation and Mindfulness therapy are designed to provide clients with the skills to use at stressful times such as diagnosis, waiting for test results or when experiencing distressing symptoms. The therapist can also support with self-management of breathlessness, fatigue, pain and other associated symptoms. Goal setting and working towards these goals is another area in which the therapist can offer support.

This can be addressed in either a one to one setting or in groups - providing a forum for peer support and social networking.

One of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of the blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.

The benefits of Swedish Massage:

• reduction in muscle spasm, pain and tension
• release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers
• relaxation and therefore reduction in anxiety
• improved blood circulation
• improved lymphatic drainage
• improved mobility
• reduction of swell caused by an accumulation of fluid in the tissue
• inducing a feeling of well-being through the comfort of human touch