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Complementary Therapies - FAQ

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Susan Allen e is a fully qualified and experienced holistic bodywork therapist, using the art and science of natural organic essences to promote good health. Sue is Registered Member of International Federation of Aromatherapists (MIFA) Aromatherapy Council (AC Reg); General Regulatory Council for Complementary Therapies (GRCCT).  Her holistic treatments include: 

  • Aromatherapy

  • Massage

  • Reflexology

  • Indian Head Massage

  • Bach Flower Remedies

If you are new to the concept of complementary therapies, you may be interested to read a little about the background and benefits each can offer through these frequently asked questions.

Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Indian Head Massage are all widely accepted as complementary therapies in natural health clinics and spas, as well as in many hospitals, hospices and medical practices.

Q: How can I be sure I will receive the best possible treatment ?

Before embarking on any course of treatment, a full and comprehensive client consultation will be carried out, which will highlight any areas of concern and enable you to discuss the most appropriate course of treatments with your therapist.

You are assured of excellent standards of practice with a therapist who has been trained at the highest professional level, with work experience in a clinical background, and is registered with both  the International Federation of Aromatherapists, the Aromatherapy Council and the General Regulatory Council for Complementary Therapies.

Q:  How can I expect to benefit from an Aromatherapy massage treatment ?

You do not have to feel unwell to benefit from a treatment, but if you are, aromatherapy can assist your body in the recovery process.  You may feel stressed, or you may just want to feel deep relaxation or even a sense of invigoration – aromatherapy essential oils can be applied through massage, working as deeply as the client requires. Some of the areas that massage therapy and the use of essential oils may help with include:

  • stress / tension / insomnia / depression

  • muscular aches and pain relief

  • headaches and sinus problems

  • skin complaints e.g eczema, psoriasis

  • menstrual and menopausal problems

  • cellulite and improved circulation

  • increased energy levels and general sense of health and well-being

Q:  Are the oils pre-blended ?

Most definitely not !  Susan has trained over a number of years to administer prescriptive essential oil blends, which are tailor made for your individual needs at the time of your consultation and can then be altered to accommodate your requirements as your course of treatments progresses.

Q:  How does Reflexology differ from a massage ?

Reflexology is a popular therapy and it is considered that it helps the body cleanse itself of toxins and impurities, improving circulation, revitalising energy levels, balancing the whole system and providing deep relaxation.

Reflexology is a specific pressure technique that works on precise reflex points on your feet, based on the principal that these reflex points correspond to particular organs, glands and structures in the body. In stimulating these reflex points, a state of deep relaxation is promoted, and the body's own healing process and state of balance and well-being is restored.

Apart from uncovering the feet, you can remain fully clothed throughout the treatment, which comprises a routine of brisk movements to warm the feet, followed by the pressure point stimulation from the toes to the heels, which should be neither painful nor ticklish and the pressure used will therefore be adapted to suit the individual.

Reflexology is often used for post-operative or palliative care and a recent study by the American Cancer Society found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.

Q:   Can the same beneficial effects be gained from Indian Head Massage?

Most certainly.  The techniques used have been developed over a thousand years, but the aim of Indian Head massage is the same as it ever was:  to release stress and tension which accumulates in the muscles, tissues and joints in the face, head, neck and shoulders.  Because of what it can achieve, this massage technique is wonderful for relieving headaches and sinusitis and leaving the client relaxed and serene.

Q:   I’ve heard it’s quite a vigorous treatment so how can it be relaxing?

Elements of the massage itself are fairly deep and invigorating (and probably not recommended for those who have just been to the hairdressers!)  but nonetheless the overall effect is one of deep release of tension and a feeling of relaxation and calm. 

The treatment commences with some work around the shoulders and neck whilst the client is seated, moving into the scalp for the main routine of movements using a combination of massage techniques and acupressure that combine to create a unique uplifting massage experience.

The final third of the treatment works entirely on the facial area, using repetitive finger movements to work underlying facial muscles relieving tension, helping to diminish fine lines and assisting in the process of restoring tone and elasticity to the skin, as well as promoting the release of toxins that build up in the tissue and which can contribute to a loss of mobility.

It is astonishing how much tension can be held in the facial muscles, and how much ‘softer’ your face can look after just one treatment, and is definitely one of the most relaxing massages on offer.