Are you ever at your clinic?

One of the things which makes me a bit nervous about my clinic is when people call and say 'the one that always looks closed'. I've tried many things to address this: I put a note in the window to explain we may look closed and the door may be locked but there could be people inside (we often keep the lights off as the front room doesn't have a separate light switch) and I often open the blinds.

The truth is, we don't get many people walking in. We do run a bit of an exclusive club, and while it is open to anyone, you do have to make contact to get in. Sometimes we will have an open door for several hours, but only when we don't have therapies booked. It means we can be more flexible with our opening times: I offer appointments until 9pm some nights but I wouldn't be happy to do that if I'd already been there all day.

I also have two young children who I enjoy spending time with. I like a flexible diary, where I can fit in their school plays and events but still get to see all my clients during the week. It suits me and its one of the reasons I enjoy being self-employed.

Another reason I can't be there all the time is my other work. At the moment I'm providing baby massage courses to childrens centres, I visit a nursing home three times a week to provide therapies to several complex needs clients, I visit offices to provide corporate sessions twice a month and I have mobile clients, some of whom I've been seeing for over 6 years. I love the experience it gives me and the wide variety of clients I get to see in a month, but I wouldn't be able to do all this if I stayed at my clinic each day.

So, why do I have a clinic space? I love having my own therapy rooms I can use when I want. I love that if I want to offer a client something that may help them, I will have it to hand. I love that I have a space for all my business work and it doesn't invade my home. I love that I do have a base where I see a lot of my private clients.

For 2016 I have decided I will no longer take on new mobile clients, as I do need to use my clinic space more. My existing mobile clients will have no change in their service, as I've been working with them for a while. I hope to spend more time at the the centre, but it still won't be all day and every day. Honestly, it does still makes me a little uncomfortable about how people may think about it, but I know the ones who need me will get in touch.

If you see the Therapy Centre and think it doesn't look open, try contacting me and I will be there for you.. For an holistic therapy I'll ask you if you'd prefer days, evenings or weekends and we'll start from there - it may seem unconventional, but we're an unconventional clinic!


Louise is an holistic therapist who owns Therapy Centre, Bristol BS14 9HB, a clinic offering a range of holistic and beauty therapies. Louise offers reflexology, aromatherapy, aromatology, holistic massage, Indian head massage, reiki, baby massage and story massage. She is a mum of two boys and when she is not working she enjoys getting outdoors with her family. For further information about Louise you can visit her website louise-morgan.co.uk. 
The therapy centre website is kinsaletherapycentre.co.uk, the contact number is 01275 217160

Can you tell me things from my feet?

Something I get asked time and time again is, 'is it true you can tell things from what you find on the feet?'.

The short answer is yes - we do pick up on things when we carry out a reflexology sessions, but it doesn't mean we're trying to find things wrong or that we will be trying to diagnose a health complaint. No one, except a doctor, is allowed to provide a health diagnosis.

Reflexology is based on the idea that different areas of your feet (or hands) correspond to areas of your body. During a reflexology session a reflexologist works each of the areas to stimulate the body and encourage it to relax and find its own balance.

That piece of hard skin around the base of your toe? Is it really because of the shoes you've been wearing, or is it because you get headaches? 

You may have hard skin on particular areas of the feet and while you may be thinking something has been rubbing, we may be seeing it as a way to protect that particular part of the body. During a reflexology session we may also come across points which feel hard, grainy or appear slightly different to how they are expected to be. It may suggest there's a current imbalance in the area, or it could actually be your 'normal'.

While a reflexologist won't diagnose, we can tell you what we found while we were working through the areas. Some people find reflexologists do pick up on existing health conditions, or are able to point out if the client has been for a good meal the night before (it's usually because there's lumps and bumps in your colon reflex!) Reflexology sessions are a reflection of where the person is at that point - a day later, things can be completely different, as we are constantly changing. 

No matter what is found, a reflexology session is ultimately used to support you as a whole person - because it's about you, and how you feel when you walk out after your reflexology is what is important to us! 

Louise is an holistic therapist who owns Therapy Centre, Bristol BS14 9HB, a clinic offering a range of holistic and beauty therapies. Louise offers reflexology, aromatherapy, aromatology, holistic massage, Indian head massage, reiki, baby massage and story massage. She is a mum of two boys and when she is not working she enjoys getting outdoors with her family. For further information about Louise you can visit her website louise-morgan.co.uk

Men Need Massage Too

As a massage therapist I've heard of many therapists who won't treat men, or who have decided to give up the profession completely because of the lewd texts and calls that can be received.

I do treat men. I work with the men who have back problems, I see the men who want relaxation because it helps keep their work stress in check. I book sessions with men who have shoulder stiffness, headaches, feet issues or constipation problems. Because men are people too and also need to look after themselves.

But as a massage therapist I do occasionally get those calls and texts. I can guarantee that you won't get an appointment by sending me text messages with no name asking me for a relaxation full body massage, and I don't respond well to telling me you're a 50year old Scottish guy. Send me a text like this and you will get a professional, curt response telling you that your therapist doesn't care about your nationality, they care about the issues and problems you're presenting for the session. I also don't answer my phone at 9, 10 or 11pm on a Friday or Saturday night and you probably wouldn't want me to, as I'll be in bed (my children get me up early and I really don't take kindly to being woken from my comatose slumber). I may offer appointments in the evening but my sessions are by appointment only and my Friday nights are booking into next year. If you are one of the men who wants that type of 'massage' go to a massage parlour, don't contact a professional massage therapist.

If you're a genuine man who needs help, who wants a supportive massage then don't let the thought of being considered a 'dodgy guy' put you off. Look for a professional massage therapist, there are many out there and they are absolutely fine with treating men - you're part of our business. A professional massage therapist is someone who's going to listen to what you need and provide a massage to support you, focusing on any muscular issues, just as we do without a second thought for women.  

Managing Stress

Apologies, I had such a good summer I forgot to schedule posting a blog! Are you someone who gets worried about things to do? Do you worry about forgetting, letting your stress build and worry until it's done?

It's important to manage stress levels, as over long term they can have a detrimental impact on your life. Constant stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, digestive complaints, sleep disturbances and a whole other host of issues. Short term it can be fantastic to get us out of difficult situations or get that deadline met, so it does have it's place and isn't always bad. It's just our body doesn't know the difference between 'good' and 'bad' types of stress and hasn't developed from when we were about to be eaten by an animal that we needed to escape.

To manage our stress it's important to recognise it could be part of our life and try to spot when it is happening. My stress levels raise when I'm trying to manage many different things, so I have a tendency to write lists in my diary and use an app on my phone so I don't have to try and remember everything. Whereas I used to get annoyed with myself if I did forget something, I now see that it's maybe not the end of the world and that my human side has got the better of me. So in this case I forgot to write my August blog post - the result? No one emailed me, there was no hoo-ha to say it hadn't been done and I thought 'oops, oh well', so, I guess it was absolutely fine!

Want some tips to help stress levels? I've started a 5 minute morning meditation, you can get a wide choice if you search You Tube for 'five minute meditations'. The other thing I would recommend is regular complementary therapies. I'm not just saying this because I'm an holistic therapist, I'm saying it as someone who regularly gets sessions and who realises that time out from the hectic day to day stresses is actually really important. It gives you time to clear your thoughts and give your body a break, because it's all going to be waiting for you when you get back to it.

Other things you can do: get outside in nature, take a bath, read a fiction book - not everything needs to cost money, but they can all help you when things are just getting a bit too much. Another important aspect is to get off technology for the hour - don't answer texts, emails or social media in that time, as this can also add to your stress levels. You may think you don't have time to take a break, that there's too much to do, but begin the mantra 'I have plenty of time' and give yourself an hour. Getting back to things you're likely to find you're more alert and focused on the task that needs to be done.

So the next time you've forgotten something, remind yourself you're human, give yourself a break and look for a solution that's going to be the least stressful way to stop it from happening in the future. When you're less stressed you're likely to have more energy and alertness to get the work done quicker and enjoy life more.

Your first therapy session - how to get it 'right'

If you've never been for a therapy session you may be wondering what on earth you do. You're going to go and spend some time with a person you've never met before, tell them your health history and then get the therapy you fancied when you had a look at what was on offer.

At the time it may have seemed like a good idea, but now you may be worried about doing things 'wrong'. Whats the etiquette around a massage? Do you get fully undressed or are you keeping all your underwear on? With reflexology, does it matter that you've been walking around in sandals all day and your feet have a cheesy aroma? And what do you DO in the session? Do you chat, close your eyes or stare at the ceiling?

If it's your first ever therapy, don't panic, you're not the only person. Everyone who has regular therapies had to start somewhere and if your therapist knows you've never had a therapy they should explain to you what to expect. In the case of a massage, undressing down to your knickers or pants is ideal, but if you want to leave your bra on, then do it! It's always a good idea to undo your bra to avoid getting oil on it, but it can be undone while you're led on the couch. Worried about cheesy feet and reflexology? Don't - your feet get cleaned at the very start of the session, so any dodgy dirt and smell will be gone before the reflexology is even started.

And another biggy is to talk or not to talk? Well, everyone is different. At a first session I always say to people if you want to talk to me that is absolutely fine, I'm not going to ignore you. On the other hand though, if you've come to relax and want to fall asleep, that's also fine. I'm not going to start a conversation with you, although if it is your first session I may ask you occasionally about pressure. If you want to fall asleep I promise to wake you up at the end (it's also a big complement for me that you've relaxed so much) and if you want to keep your eyes open, stare at the ceiling or the posters on the wall, that's absolutely fine as well. Seriously, there's actually no right or wrong to it, so don't let the worries about how to get your first therapy treatment 'right' stop you from getting a first session booked.

Therapists Advertising Health Conditions

In the UK, therapists are regulated by the Advertising Standards Agency. So, what does this mean?

When I first qualified and we were producing leaflets we were told the usual benefits of our therapies, and we all happily produced leaflets and websites saying we could help migraines, muscle aches, relieve tension, ease stress, improve sleep, lower blood pressure etc. Then, we were told that we couldn't say we could 'help' health conditions, but we could say it 'may' help. Everyone changed their websites....

The years progressed and the advertising standards agency said this was now not possible. The words may, possibly etc, could give false hope to someone with a health complaint. Therapists were expected to change their websites and marketing literature to reflect this.

This was several years ago, and it's shocking to say, but I still see websites that do not conform to the Advertising Standards Agencies expectations. As a professional therapist I don't feel this reflects well. As a professional this is my business. I know I'm expected to keep in line with legal obligations and that I need to ensure I have the most recent compliance information. As professionals, I think it's important we do keep up with what's expected of us. Many therapists (myself included) complained at these changes at first - how could we show how our therapies could help people, how could we market ourselves? In hindsight, though, the changes were important and needed.

While it's frustrating to be unable to advertise if we are able to help with any medical conditions, it is important to remember:

- Complementary therapies have not been scientifically tested. While there are case studies, some research and also empirical studies, often they do not conform to the rigourous testing needed to be considered a suitable treatment for a condition.
- People were making claims that could be rather outlandish. While people are individuals and will respond to different therapies, there are some approaches that may be more suitable than others depending on the problem.

- Only orthodox medicine can diagnose and cure health complaints

- Complementary therapies actually take a completely different approach. A therapy is aiming to look at the person, rather than the symptoms.

So the next time you're looking for a therapist and you're looking at their website, check they're compliant in their business – if they're not up to date on their marketing information, just think, are they up to date on their Continuing Professional Development? If they don't provide correct information to the public, do they care enough to take time to research and keep their knowledge as good as it could be? Advertising health claims may sound a minor thing, but you need to have a therapist you can have complete trust in, someone who is a professional and does know what they should be doing in all aspects of their business.

Reiki

Many people have heard of reiki but aren't quite sure what it's all about, some people think its a bit woo-woo, others think its rubbish & others think it's the best thing ever. Pronouced ray-ki it is considered a vibrational therapy and was originally a form of self development.

Reiki practitioners will be level 2 or reiki masters. Reiki 1 level is for people who want to use reiki on themselves and encourage their own wellbeing.

So what is it?
Reiki is a therapy where you sit or lie fully clothed while a therapist places their hands on or above your body. The therapist has the intention of you receiving the energy appropriate for your highest good. They may place their hands on different points of your body, but ultimately the reiki will work on all the areas of your body where it is needed.

Scientists have discovered the body is made up of vibrating energies and it is at this level that reiki aims to work. If you have trouble believing or understanding our bodies' vibrational energies you may want to look at websites such as Math Institute, which is one research institute investigating the hearts magnetic field.

What happens?
Every person has a different experience, depending on what is needed. During my last reiki session I felt heat and tingling where the therapists' hands were placed, at times I felt a surge of energy and afterwards I felt energised. I often feel heat or tingling but I know some people who see colours depending on how they're feeling, have felt blockages move or have burst into tears or laughter. There is no right or wrong way but you should find the session gives you just what you need at that moment - even if it's not what you were expecting!

At Therapy Centre, we are privileged to have a reiki master able to offer therapies. Louise is reiki 2 trained and our reiki master Jane offers regular reiki 2 review days for those who may have trained to level 2 but have lost their confidence.

Stress

What is stress?
Stress can show in many different ways in people; some may show it as anger, an actual physical health complaint, irritability, depression, anxiety - the list is endless. Short term stress can be useful as it helps us to get things done, but it becomes a problem when it is long term or chronic. This is when it can affect our health and well-being.

Think you or someone may be stressed? Some possible signs are:
An increase in alcohol intake
Increased anger
A lack of motivation when relaxing
Changes in eating patterns
Increased frustration
An increased use of stimulants

There are many recognised methods of self help, none of them are the right or wrong way. It's important to take responsibility in helping your stress levels and finding something that works for you. One person may find it easy to make small changes, while another person may need some prompting or gentle encouragement from friends and family.

Need ideas on how to manage stress?
Regular exercise can be useful - for some this may be a team sport, for others it may be walking the dog, yoga, swimming, running.
Healthy eating can help to reduce cravings and energy slumps
Doing something creative can help to forget about the stress
Increased contact with friends and family can help relaxation
Laughing
Meditation or deep breathing
Reducing stimulants such as coffee, cola, smoking, recreational drugs, alcohol, tea, energy drinks
Have a complementary therapy, as it allows for personal time and relaxation

Be aware of your stress levels and don't allow them to build to problematic levels - take steps to stay in control, rather than letting stress control you

I saw something on the internet, is it safe?

As a member of a few facebook aromatherapy sites, I keep seeing posts by exasperated American aromatherapists. This advice is being given by marketing companies about ingestion of oils and the neat application of many essential oils.

What's the Problem?

While I'm an aromatologist and so qualified in advising about internal routes, I would certainly not suggest some of the oils and some of the quantities being made in the pictures I'm seeing. I would also never suggest giving neat essential oils to babies or children.

Essential oils are natural and can be synthesised by the body, but quantities and routes into the body are important. If essential oils are placed on the skin they are processed in a different way to the internal route; ingested essential oils go through the liver to be processed.

Essential oils should never be placed directly on a tongue or in water for ingesting, as this can cause irritations in the mouth or throat. Ingested oils should always be monitored carefully, as under correct supervision they can be helpful for several health complaints. Incorrect long term internal use of essential oils, however, could cause internal damage, such as cirrhosis of the liver, kidney issues, stomach or intestine irritations.

If you're taking an essential oil internally you really should be listening to a suitably qualified aromatherapist, not a post you've seen on the internet. Things an aromatologist will consider are: is the internal route the best option for what you want to deal with, what chemicals are in the oil, what is the LD50 of the essential oils, how are the oils going to be ingested? All of these are important, as the chemicals may affect the blend, dosage, frequency, length of time, and how they are going to be applied.

So, if you see a post saying the essential oils are of purest quality and can be taken internally, please, please don't take their word for it. In the UK, there are strict advertising regulations on what can and can't be said, however in America the advertising laws seem to be different, and of course, with the internet this information is now available globally.

Please remember these companies are marketing their products and selling their goods. If they're recommending an internal route, please take professional advice or do your research - look for background information, check the facts and make sure what is being recommended really is safe. Don't just look at the company who is saying it, look for people who don't have anything to gain from you buying the oils and who are suitably qualified.

Who are you loving?

February has crept upon us and it's that time of year when commercialism tells us to show our loved ones how much we care. That's great if there is a significant other in your life, but if not, are you going to spend time disheartened and depressed at being alone?

Out of everyone you'll ever meet, you are the only one who's guaranteed to be with you from the start to the end – so why not love yourself?

This Valentines Day (which is falling on a weekend), why not book a date with yourself? You don't have to spend a fortune unless you want to, but it could help you feel happier. If you do have an other half, maybe schedule one of the below in on another day, or think about including them.

Ideas on how to have a great Valentines Day:

1. Take yourself off to your favourite haunt for a few hours – whether it's shopping, a favourite location outside, or a coffee shop with your favourite book
2. Consider doing a few hours charity work, it'll take your mind off things and it's always great to know you're helping someone else
3. Book yourself in for a therapy – while I'm a little biased about this one, it is still an option to consider!
4. Pop to a shop and buy some luxurious bubbles, then head home and enjoy a lovely luxurious bath
5. Buy yourself some beautiful flowers and when you look at them - smile!
6. Treat yourself to an afternoon of a small box of chocolates, a favourite drink & a favourite film
7. Try a random act of kindness – it may give you a warm fuzzy feeling & someone else will be happier as well
8. See some family or friends whose company you enjoy. Ensure there's laughter and not too much serious talk
9. Head to the cinema to see a film you want to watch. In the dark no one will see you on your own and if you go to a daytime viewing you're less likely to see lots of couples!
10. Head off to a local place of interest: museums, outdoor places of interest or local historic parks can often be free. Otherwise you could check out what's on at the theatre or a local arts venue.

Whatever you find yourself doing, remember to show yourself you care – you are special and it's important you take time to acknowledge it!  

Resolutions Anyone?

Once again we're finding ourselves at the beginning of January with hope for another year. Have you made any resolutions? Have you already broken them and beaten yourself up about it yet?

Over the festive season I read an interesting facebook post by Dr Wayne Dyer. He suggested forgetting about resolutions and thinking more about living in the moment. While it's a good idea to have a plan and goals for the year so many people worry and agonise over how they've made a mistake with their difficult resolution, which is currently pretty alien to their lifestyle.

Slipping up doesn't make you a failure, it doesn't mean you have to write it off for the whole year. It just means you're a human and at that particular point in time your choice was not in line with a new habit you want to form.

New habits are made by practice; would you be so harsh on a child learning to walk or trying to master a new skill? No, you would say, 'that's OK, let's give it another go.' Each moment is a new moment, a chance for a new start. Treat yourself kindly, and instead of being so harsh on yourself, draw a mental line, accept you've made a mistake, take a deep breath and start again.

Forget the last few minutes/half hour/hour and focus - are you OK in THIS precise moment? If not, why not? If it's because of something that happened half hour ago you're still not living in the present - try again. Breathe, focus and think about THIS moment. If you're not on fire, you're not in the middle of a medical emergency or you're not in the process of falling off a cliff, the chances are at this exact moment things are possibly not as bad as you think. Check in with your body, lose the annoyance/anger/frustration with yourself and give yourself a bit of love - you've made a mistake, and you know, it's OK.

So this year, why not make it a goal to be a bit kinder to yourself? Your resolutions are not set in stone, you can move the goalposts, adapt, restart or lose the ones that really aren't working for you. You are an adult in control of your life. Make little steps, celebrate those little steps and make more....then at the end of the year you can look back and discover how far those restarts, little steps and self-love actually got you.