Offering several therapies

People sometimes look at my business card and say 'Ooh, you do a lot of things, don't you?' The truth is, I don't. It's just when they're all listed out like that it can seem a lot.

My business is all holistic, I'm not a beauty therapist and I have no desire to be. It's just not my passion.

My passion is essential oils, massage, touch, engaging with people, facilitating what their body needs. I know not all people like the same things: some love having their feet touched, some hate it. Some love getting undressed, some cannot think of anything more embarrassing. Others like having their hair worked, while there will be others who have just had it styled and don't want to go out with it out of shape. Some want to feel emotionally balanced or have their spiritual aspect nourished while others think it's a load of rubbish.

It's this uniqueness that makes us us. We need to embrace this and I chose my therapies to support people physically, emotionally and spiritually. I specifically chose therapies that can provide similar outcomes but which help the person visiting me to find something which is a match for them.

If you look at the list, they're all interconnected. It means if people need a mix of therapies or want to try something different, we can include it in their session to see if it works for them. My toolkit is one which is designed to put people first.

Why I don't post aromatherapy recipes

There is a lot of information on the internet, and it's fantastic, as there's so much information at our fingertips. I've seen some social media sites post various aromatherapy recipes which can help with health complaints but as an aromatherapist it's not something I'm planning to start doing.

So, why don't I follow the trend and post aromatherapy recipes?

There's several reasons. In the UK, holistic therapists can be challenged if we post about specific health issues. Claim you're helping specific health conditions and you may be scrutinized by the Advertising Standards Agency resulting in your reputation tarnished. As an aromatherapist I can talk about the properties of essential oils and the chemical components within them. These may suggest an oil can be suitable for a specific problem and there may also be research around aspects of the oil. However, the main reason I don't post pins with recipes is due to my professional obligations.

What do I mean?

Say for example I think a blend of peppermint and rosemary are fantastic for headaches. I post the following in the public domain:

Add 5 drops rosemary & 5 drops peppermint to 5mls of sweet almond and apply to your temples and the back of your neck  

You may see this and think, ooh, yes, I get headaches I'll give this a go.

There's a few things you won't know:
The dosage isn't good to be effective with headaches 
Peppermint shouldn't be used near young babies
Rosemary isn't the best choice if you have high blood pressure
If you're epileptic this recipe could interfere with your anti-epileptic medication
You don't know what type of rosemary it is, as there are no botanical names. There are several different chemotypes of rosemary but you probably don't even know what a chemotype is, let alone know which one to ask for (a chemotype is a chemical variation in a plant and is found in essential oils such as rosemary and eucalyptus).



Seeing this in the public domain may make you think this is safe, but for some people it could cause issues. As an aromatherapist it's irresponsible for me to suggest essential oils without knowing my audience, your health issues and your home environment,which may influence my choice of recommendation. This is the main reason you won't see me do it unless I'm talking to a specific person and know their background, or I know the oils and what to be checking for. There are some oils which are virtually safe, but all oils can cause problems if you are susceptible to sensitivity, you have pre-existing condition, or you are taking particular types of medication. 

You may think its convenient and easier to have a one size fits all approach for essential oils, but that isn't the case. An aromatherapist has trained to give a bespoke service which will cater for you and all your unique points. The hardest part is making the appointment and getting to the aromatherapist, but it's easier for them take out all the guess work and blend something you like and which works for you. Taking this approach, rather than a pin you've seen on social media means you know its the safest choice for you - and that's what is important.


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,  and the contact number is 01275 217160

Explaining Traditional Indian Head Massage

I sometimes get asked what is Indian Head Massage. I learned Traditional Indian Head Massage, so if you visit me I'll assume you're asking for a seated massage, rather than a couch massage. I know this varies with therapists, so it may be worth checking with the therapist or on their website what their Indian Head Massage involves. It's not that one therapist is doing it 'right' and another 'wrong', it's just different ways. If you'd prefer a couch massage with me, I'd recommend an holistic or aromatherapy massage.

A traditional Indian Head Massage is considered less intrusive as it takes place with you fully clothed. I know some of my clients do want deeper shoulder work though, so we have a chat about if you'd prefer a towel and some oil or if you'd prefer the massage through your clothes.

The first session, regardless of what therapy you choose, will always involve a consultation. I need to know what medication you're on, your health history and any other factors I need to consider for the massage. Don't worry, as this is completely confidential and purely for your safety.

During the consultation we also have a chat about using items such as a candle and incense. These are part of a traditional session, as they remove stagnant energy and encourage the flow of fresh energy. For some people though, they have breathing considerations which may make these unsuitable or you may not actually like the aroma, or find incense smoke too strong. And that's fine - we just won't use them.

An Indian Head Massage doesn't actually include just the head; it actually involves a massage on the back, the arms, shoulders, neck, face and head. This means it's a great choice if you have neck and shoulder problems. Pressure can be varied depending on what you prefer and you should find it relaxing.

During the session you will also find different areas are worked with circles anti-clockwise and then clockwise. This is specifically working marma points, which are designed to help balance your energy and can be found all over your body. During an Indian Head Massage I work marma points on the hands, upper chest, chin and head.

Near the end of the session I also carry out a chakra balance. This is also to help balance your energy further and the chakra points are worked down the centre of your body. Each point corresponds to a different colour and a different aspect of your life. For example, the throat chakra is blue and is (unsurprisingly) linked to communication. The chakra balance may be carried out by keeping the hands on or off the body. Personally I tend to keep one hand on your head, while I work through the other chakra points.

You'll then know we're approaching the end of the session as I finish with a final gentle massage before placing my hands on your shoulders and head.

After a session I'll offer you some water, as it's a good way to make sure you're back in the room with me. The session is designed to help you physically, emotionally and spiritually - you only ever get what you need from a session and your body will use the Indian Head Massage in whatever way it want.

Indian Head Massage can vary from therapist (as with all therapies) so it can be worth checking out their website or contacting them for further information if you want to check specific points.




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,  and the contact number is 01275 217160

From hating massage to loving it - by a massage therapist

OK, I have a confession to make.

I hated the first massage I ever had. I couldn't work out why people paid for these things and did it regularly. I led there wondering how long it would be, thoughts racing in my mind and thinking of the loads of things I could have been doing with my time.

It happened because I'd booked for a spa day and it was part of the package. A year later I did it again, but noticed I relaxed a little bit more. I then sporadically had massages when I thought I needed them.

The change was gradual

It happened when I stopped seeing massages as a pamper and more well well-being. I realised I actually needed a therapy to regularly to maintain my health, not just because it made me feel good. I suddenly justified the regular expense and decided I was worth the commitment.

Next, I found myself signing up onto an aromatherapy course. At the time I worked in an office in
Internal Sales and was always on the go, working to deadlines and targets. I knew I didn't want to be in an office for the rest of my life, but hadn't appreciated the impact it had had on my life. Even on the aromatherapy course I would be keen to get on, frustrated that what could have been done in half a day was taking a day. Over the 18months something changed, I slowed down.


Slowing down stopped my mind racing so much, as I found a new level of relaxation. I became aware of this elusive thing that we are told is good for us. Relaxing was something I had thought I was doing, but in hindsight I realise I didn't do it very well. Originally I considered relaxing as lying still while thinking of everything else I had to do, what I would be doing later, my to-do list, what I'd be eating later etc. Slowly but surely relaxing became quietening my mind, relaxing my body and switching myself to recharge.


Slowly I found myself looking forward to my massages and realising how much I have changed what I think about them. I get it when people say they're not convinced about massage, I get it when people say they can't switch off and relax. Our lives aren't geared up for slower living, but if you can add it to your life it does make a difference. I'd recommend to persevere and see if it changes over time.

I now love my massages!

Massage when you feel body conscious

I get a few people who come to me for a different therapy because they feel body conscious. They know a massage is probably going to help them the best, but they're not ready to get stripped off in front of a stranger and flaunt it all.

Here's the thing - You don't have to.

It's ok to come for a different therapy, check if you have the right therapist for you and then change when you're feeling more confident. It's also OK to book a massage and be honest about how you're feeling, either with yourself and/or with the therapist. We're here to support you and if we can reduce your stress before you've arrived, that's a good thing.

If you choose a massage, when you arrive we have a chat about what you want to achieve during the session. Most therapists will leave the room while you change, or will shield you with a towel if they're staying in the room. As soon as you're undressed you can put a towel over yourself so you don't feel exposed. If you're a lady and want to leave your bra on, that's fine. We can unclip it when you're led down on the couch.

But what about the massage itself?

As therapists we see all body sizes, conditions, and issues. Personally, I'm not a size 8 so I don't think I'm in any position to pass judgement on another body. When I drape back the towel I'm looking at your body to see how your spine curves, where your muscles are visibly tight and checking for any issues that you may not be aware of, like lumps or moles.

Each of us is unique and we may be a larger or a petite frame, but it's what is making you you, & that is OK. It is an unusual arrangement to book an appointment with a stranger and then to get undressed around them. For those who aren't used to massage this can be an anxious time, as you'll be wondering what the person is like and what to expect, and this can be made worse if you're body conscious.

If the idea of getting undressed in front of someone is making you feel anxious, remember, the massage therapist will be used to all types of bodies.  Even massage therapists will be aware of their own imperfections. It is what makes each of us unique and should be celebrated rather than worried about.

So, next time you're thinking you need a massage but you're worried about what your massage therapist will think. Just remember they're professionals and have seen it all before. As a professional we won't be judging you on your body size.

How 'Complementary' Works

Sometimes I refer to myself as an holistic therapist, sometimes complementary. I've lately taken to calling myself an holistic therapist because I'm looking at someone as a person and bringing my toolkit to try and help their sense of wellbeing.

I am also a complementary therapist, as I do feel there is a time and place for therapies and also a time and place for medical care. I know some people attack therapies as placebos, unscientific etc, but there is research coming out all the time. It's also worth bearing in mind that scientific evidence isn't so robust for some pharmaceutical areas, and the model used to try to analyse holistic and complementary approaches doesn't translate from the scientific to the therapies field very well. Despite this though, it's the main approach to try to confirm what we're trying to do.  At the other extreme it's worth remembering that therapies don't have the answer to everything. I know some therapists who have a disdain for the medical profession, but I know which one I would rather use in an emergency.

I wanted to explain a recent example to show you how I personally use a complementary approach. I don't tend to get ill very frequently, but every once in a while it does happen. Recently, over the course of a few hours I had an idea I had tonsillitis beginning. By the next day I knew I would have to cancel clients, and I was grateful it was a quieter week with a bank holiday. By the Friday I wasn't sure it was a virus - I'm weary of antibiotics, as I know that each time they're being used when they shouldn't that we're encouraging resistant strains that are going to cause future problems. I also know a GP won't prescribe antibiotics for a virus, as your immune system needs to work the virus through your system.

So, I was left with a dilemma, I had been taken ibruprofen and paracetamol for 2 days to try to keep on top of the aching pain (not very successfully) and knew that it could go either way over the course of a long weekend. Was it bacterial or viral? I wasn't sure and that's why a GP is there.

And it turned out I needed antibiotics.


I wasn't happy at the prospect of 10 days of antibiotics, but I also know the importance of continuing the course. I'm grateful there's still a medical solution that will sort my problem quite easily. I'm not happy at the current gut issues I'm now encountering due to taking the antibiotics, but I know it's temporary.

So to help my body, I have a kinesiology session booked which will give me supplements to help support my gut flora and get it back to where it should be as soon as possible. I have a massage session booked (I have them every 2 weeks because of my job being physical) but this session will be to ensure my body is released of the physical tension I accumulated from 4 days of aching and 5 days of doing nothing. A week after my kinesiology I have a reiki session booked, so I can ensure that I release any emotional residue lying around and to ensure my body feels it's getting all the support it needs to be healthy and well.

And that is how 'complementary' works. It's not about vehemently arguing one side is better than the other, it's about appreciating that every situation is individual and you have to decide what aspects of each approach will support you the most. It's about doing what you feel is right for your body and being grateful you can use medicine and therapies together to remain healthy and well.

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

When you have children to think about

Every once in a while I get a parent (or grandparent) contacting me because something has happened and they're now on childminding duties so need to reschedule. And that is absolutely fine because Life Happens.

But what happens if its all a bit last minute??

This week I had a client arrive more stressed than usual, as they had had to pick up a little one who was now ill and in tow. The child had a runny nose and was looking a bit hot but didn't look like they needed to be in bed. The adult hadn't known what to do because it was 1/4 hour before the appointment, knew it was too late for cancellation and couldn't get the child to anyone else. So, they arrived sheepishly, apologizing and explaining the situation.

The thing is, this is Life, and this is what happens occasionally. It's unexpected stuff that we didn't plan. So, what did we do? We armed the child with a few interesting things, left the door slightly open and I reassured the adult they could relax and I would deal with any questions.

It's not ideal, it's not perfect relaxation, but they were surprised by how much they were able to relax. Their little one did come in occasionally and we had a few whispers dealing with issues but it was fine. At the end, the child joined in the massage of the feet (after checking the client didn't have ticklish feet!) and everyone was happy. After the session I used essential oils and cleaner to make sure we didn't risk passing an infection onto anyone else. Job done and no drama needed.

I know single parents may not get childcare and I realise the horror when you get a call telling you to come and pick up a child. The thing is, if they're not contagious, needing medical attention or their bed then it's fine. At our centre there are some days which are busier than others and it may not be great if there's a child in reception, but if there is, there is. 

If you're a single parent wanting a session and the only way you can do it is by bringing your child, then let us know. We have a reception and older children are welcome to come and sit while you have your session. If you have younger children, we'll work with you, because if it's the best you can manage at the moment then your best is enough and we're here to help. We'll make sure we can get you in when your child can walk in and out of the room to check you're OK and to ask questions. We'll make sure we have a few things to keep them distracted for a short while.

Because, especially when you have children, it's important you look after you.

Neat and Internal Use of Oils

Yet again I've seen a post asking about neat and internal use of essential oils because people are confused. Some people say you should never use oils neat or internally while others say it's all about quality and fine with a good quality essential oil.

The reason therapists say you shouldn't use essential oils internally or neat is because their training has told them this isn't the best way to use oils. In the UK essential oils were introduced through the beauty industry, which did not allow for oils to be used internally. Often neat and internal use is recommended by lay people who have become a distributor for an essential oil company, which has given them training to say it's fine because the oils are pure.

As someone who is qualified to offer essential oils neat and internally I'm not in a rush to recommend these routes. There are many good ways to get essential oils into the body which don't have the associated risks with these applications. Yes, there are occasions when neat or internal application is the most suitable and I will use them. I will research what I'm planning, ensure the chemical choice is the most appropriate, check drug interactions and ensure safety considerations have been observed. 

As a therapist I had to wait several years to be able to complete training to learn about internal and neat use of essential oils and I had to have an understanding of chemistry to understand the risks involved in blending together the oils. I have to understand the risks of using the methods - if someone doesn't know what an LD50 is they really do not know about the risks of essential oils. (LD50 isn't pleasant, but the testing has already been done, and refers to the Lethal Dose 50, which is the amount of oil needed to kill 50% of the test subjects).


It does worry me when I see people being told its fine to add essential oils to water. Most essential oils don't like water, so will sit on the top of the water. If you take oils internally this way you could cause damage to your digestive system, starting at your mouth and throat. I also hear of people taking oils to stay well - long term internal use has the potential to cause liver damage.

So, what of neat oils? Again, it has its place, but it's not something that should be done without appropriate training. You need to understand what chemicals you're using, what the likely response is going to be, understand why you're doing it and aim to reduce sensitivity as much as possible.

The problem with essential oils is that sometimes the reaction may not be immediate. Just because they're natural doesn't mean they're safe to use without correct guidance. Would you use someone elses prescription medicine because someone said it was OK?

With both internal and neat use of essential oils you should be following the advice of an aromatologist, which is the term given to a clinical aromatherapist who is trained in these methods. You should not be following someone who has told you it's OK because they've been told it. There is a lot of information coming from USA at the moment, which is advocating these practices and is causing serious concerns among aromatherapists. Remember, essential oils have the ability to have a good and bad effect, and it is this reason that therapists err on the side of caution. Always check where the information is coming from.



 

Love Yourself

It's that time of year when once again we are told we need to shower our closest loved one with cards, flowers, chocolates, teddies and other things we didn't realise we needed to give them.

This year, I'm encouraging 'Love Yourself'. We may not have a partner, but we do have friends, pets or family who love us. We may be in a relationship, but it may be one where the years have faded the love and the grass is appearing greener. We may have the perfect relationship and be blessed with a fantastic partner. Everyone's situation is different and no matter what it is, it is absolutely fine. If you are alone it can be hard at this time of year, but remember everyone's ideal is different and this one is just one view which is marketed, to encourage consumers to spend.

Regardless of who you are choosing to spend your life with, it is only ourselves that we get to live with absolutely from start to finish. We're using this body to get us through life, so why not be grateful for it? Do you give yourself flowers? Why not treat yourself to a bath with some luxurious bubble bath, or a new book just from you to you?

Love is part of what makes us human, but we often neglect ourselves...so this Valentines Day why not include a little way to show yourself how much you love yourself?.

Can I use sunflower oil on my baby?

At the beginning of November a new piece of research was published which looked at the use of olive oil, sunflower oil or no oil for baby massage. This research has caused several questions to be raised about sunflower oil being used for baby massage.

Previous research in 2013 on adults used olive oil, olive oil mixed with sunflower seed oil and sunflower seed oil. The findings showed that olive oil and olive oil mixed with sunflower seed oil was not good for the skin, as it damaged the skin barrier and could exacerbate or encourage skin problems. Sunflower seed oil was shown to improve hydration, not affect the skin barrier or cause reddening or irritation. Following this advice, many baby massage instructors advised parents not to use olive oil for baby massage.

The new research published in November 2015 has raised a question about using sunflower oil for baby massage. For the study either sunflower oil, olive oil or no oil was applied twice daily to babies up to 4 weeks of age using babies from families with a history of atopic eczema. The results showed that while the babies' skin was hydrated, there was a reduction in the barrier protection of the skin for both olive and sunflower oil, compared to the no oil group. The abstract advises "caution should be exercised when recommending oils for neonatal skin."

Reading this study initially caused me concern, as this is one of the oils I recommend for parents to use. On reading the study and exploring the details further I made the following observations:

- Olive oil is already discouraged for baby massage.
- While baby massage may be carried out daily, it is usually every few days or weekly. Baby massage is not usually twice a day.

While on first observation this research is concerning, it is actually not new information. Midwives and health visitors already advise parents with new-born babies to only use water on their babies' skin. While this research covers olive oil and sunflower oil I would suspect that any oil being applied to the skin before the barrier has been formed may have an effect on it, but further research would be needed with other oils to confirm what oils are good for the skin and which should be avoided.

Many first-time parents worry about making mistakes and it is up to professionals to translate the research being published and advise accordingly. Based on this new information, I will be advising my baby massage groups of the research and my observations so parents can make an informed choice. Moving forward, I intend to advise parents:

- My baby massage groups begin from 7 weeks of age. For a full-term baby the skin barrier is formed at 4 weeks of age. The research from 2013 suggests that once the barrier has formed sunflower oil does not damage the skin integrity.
- Babies who are premature should have their adjusted age taken into account when advising which oil to use. If a baby's adjusted age would take them below 4 weeks then I would advise to avoid sunflower oil (& ideally any oil) until after the barrier has been formed.
- If there is a family history of eczema then a parent should take into account the above information and made an informed choice on what they feel is right for them.
- If the parent decides they would prefer to avoid sunflower oil, they may wish to consider alternatives such as grapeseed or calendula (which is good for inflamed skin).

This research has caused many questions for baby massage instructors: some may now avoid sunflower oil and some are not disclosing the research to worried new parents, however I believe that ethically I need to let parents know what is being discussed so that parents can make an informed choice that is the right one for their baby.

If you would like to read the abstracts, these are the links:
November 2015 research:    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26551528
2013 research about olive oil:    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22995032

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.For further information about Louise you can visit her website louise-morgan.co.uk. 

If you need help to find your perfect therapist, Louise has written a free e-book with tips on what to think about when choosing which therapist may be best for you. You can get your free access from her website.

Making 2016 work for you

We're now into the swing of 2016 and it's usual for people to make plans and aims for the year. Have you made any? Did you start them on the 1st of January? Have any already fallen by the wayside? Have you already started to think 'I should be...'?

Remember that everything doesn't have to be started on the 1st of January. If you feel a need for a significant date, look in your diary and choose one - it may be Chinese New Year, it may be your birthday, the first day of spring, the page your diary opens to. However you choose the date is absolutely fine.

The important thing is to show yourself some self love. If you didn't start on the 1st there was probably a good reason and the timing wasn't quite right. You are in control and you can choose whenever you start.

Throughout December I usually find myself reflecting on the past year and making plans for the new year, but I don't set dates. I know what I want to achieve but I'll wait for inspiration to hit - to start everything on one day is likely to send me to overwhelm and I won't appreciate the new opportunities coming to me or I'll resent what I'm trying to achieve.

So my aims for this year? The last few years have been intense, so I'm taking things a little easier. My youngest son started school in September and since then I've been regularly meditating and practising mindfulness - and I'm already practising these habits in 2016. I was also doing a small amount of yoga each day for several months, but as Christmas approached it fell by the wayside. I am refusing to think 'I should' and know I'll get back to it when it's the right time. This year I'm also planning to get to a target weight I've been ignoring, get on my bike more than last year and try a few social activities at times through the year. I'm not going to worry about them at the moment, as I'm coming to grips with easing myself back into the routine of school and work.

Life can be serious sometimes, so don't be hard on yourself and plan some fun things which don't have to be done by a deadline. There are no right or wrong answers and you are entitled to change the goalposts if they don't suit you. May 2016 give you wonderful opportunities throughout the year and whatever your choices this year, may they be ones that support and give you happiness.


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