I have always been interested in massage and various forms of alternative health care since I can remember. So when I had the chance, after having been abroad for a few years, I came back to the UK and began to study.

I have been practicing in Edinburgh since 2002 and now have a variety of qualifications and therapies under my belt. Reflexology is my primary qualification and over the last few years I have broadened my understanding and developed my skills by taking courses in different areas of Reflexology - Maternity Reflexology, Thai Reflexology, Adapted Reflextherapy for spinal pain and whiplash, Precision Reflexology etc.

Through treating clients with Reflexology I found that I wanted to balance this treatment with other forms of alternative treatments. I have added Hopi Ear Candles, Holistic Massage, Indian Head Massage, Thai Foot Massage and Neuro Linguistic Programming. Through my treatments I feel I give a rounded and balancing treatment which treats the whole body, mind and spirit.

What is Holistic Massage?

Holistic Massage is a complementary therapy which involves the manipulation of the muscles and soft tissues of the body to promote muscle suppleness and relaxation. This therapy is also known as Swedish or Therapeutic Massage.

This deeper type of massage works all the muscle groups, removing stiffness and soreness, easing tension and restoring the proper function of the muscles. Holistic Massage is particularly effective at increasing oxygen flow in the blood, aiding the release of toxins and tensions in the muscles, calming emotions and physical stress and recharging the body's immune system.

Holistic Massage helps to alleviate discomfort, pain, tight and tender muscles, muscle spasm and general stress - therefore promoting health, whilst generating a deep sense of well being. It can improve the function of the circulatory system, lymphatic system, muscular, skeletal and nervous system and in so doing improves the rate at which the body can recover from injury and illness.

Massage enables the body to fully relax and unwind, it is therefore helpful in the management and control of stress creating a general feeling of well being.

Massage can be beneficial in:

• Reducing muscle fatigue, soreness and stiffness
• Improving muscle suppleness
• Encouraging better lymph drainage
• Helping to speed up digestion and waste removal
• Improving circulation
• Boosting immunity
• Improving skin tone and colour
• Soothing nerves
• Improving posture
• Encouraging sleep
• Relaxing the body - reducing stress and tension
• General relaxation
• Inducing a feeling of calm and well being

What happens during a treatment?

After a detailed consultation has taken place the client will be left to undress and asked to lie on the massage couch under the towels provided. Client dignity is maintained at all times.

Sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil will be used as a massage medium. Holistic massage is an invigorating massage and the therapist will concentrate on making sure the client is relaxed but at the same time will be looking to relieve tension areas as and when these occur during the massage.

When the massage has been completed the client will be left to dress. Aftercare advice will then be given.

For further information my website is http://www.headandfoot.co.uk