SEATED ACUPRESSURE MASSAGE ("on site" massage)
Qualifications:
(BA (Hons), PGCE, MA)
City & Guilds - Swedish Body Massage
Diploma in On Site Massage (The Academy
of On Site Massage)
Diploma in Reflexology (full member of
the Association of Reflexologists)
Certificate in Eastern Head Massage
Certificate in Counselling (NCFE)
Diploma in Nutrition (VCTC)
I am a full member of the Association of Reflexologists and I am insured through my other professional organisation which is the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
I am based in Sheffield 8 (near to the
Bishop's House museum) and I also do home and workplace visits for reflexology
and on site massage.
A good body massage will ease tensions, stiffness and muscle fatigue by encouraging the movement of oxygen and nutrients into the tissues as well as helping to shift waste products out. It is refreshing and stimulating, and its soothing effect on the nervous system is deeply relaxing, helping us cope with the pressures of our everyday lives. It improves the tone of the skin and the muscles, and can help break down fatty tissue. Massage also increases body awareness and promotes the sense of being comfortable in our bodies which is the essence of well being. The benefits of massage are felt straight away.
BODY MASSAGEThe emphasis can be on relaxation or invigoration, depending on your need - in either case the effect is deeply refreshing. There will often be concentration on groups of muscles which particularly need ‘ironing out’, for instance tense shoulders, or legs fatigued by exercise. This massage takes one hour plus a short preliminary consultation.
BACK OR LEG MASSAGE
Of particular benefit to sports people.
30 minutes work on the parts that most need it, like legs, feet, lower
back, arms. This will stretch the muscles, stimulate local blood
circulation, clear out waste products and help muscles move more freely.
This is a form of massage which is
becoming increasingly popular, especially in the workplace and in
public places. It is a ‘through the clothes’ massage which takes
place in a specially designed chair where you can relax completely for
25 minutes of "deep" work on your head, neck, shoulders, arms and back.
This is a stimulating massage using the techniques of Japanese acupressure,
and it will leave you relaxed yet energised and ready to go. It can
take place in your own home or workplace if you wish. Please ask
about talks and group bookings.
This gives the practitioner the opportunity to work on the 26 bones, 7,200 nerve endings and 107 ligaments which are found in each foot. Reflexology is a specialsed form of foot massage which dates back to ancient times, though the word dates only from the early 20th century when the reflex zones of the feet were rediscovered by an American doctor.
Most reflexologists work purely on this
concept of the 'zones' of the feet, developed during the middle part of
the 20th century. Increasingly, though, reflexologists are realising
that these zones reflect the ancient Chinese concept of the meridians,
or paths of energy which keep the body vital - six of which begin or end
in the feet. I myself work with the concept of the meridians, which
is also central to the acupressure treatment of on site massage.
These meridians and ‘reflex zones’ in the feet are connected in subtle ways with the rest of the body, so that working them can have a beneficial effect on all parts of the body. Remarkably, reflexology brings about the same sensation of complete relaxation as a full body massage, and it has similar health benefits.
Reflexology, as well as being an aid to health maintenance, helps restore the body's equilibrium and aids recovery from illness. Whereas the benefits of body massage are felt immediately, a course of several reflexology treatments would be recommended in order to aid recovery from ill health, or minimise the effects of a chronic health problem. Some people, though, just use reflexology occasionally as an aid to relaxation.
MY SPECIALIST
TREATMENT - One hour at my usual
price.
As far as I am aware I am the only practitioner in Sheffield to offer this treatment, which consists of a thorough acupressure massage of the back, arms, hands, neck and scalp, followed by a 30 minutes of meridian reflexology, including blissful foot massage.
Firstly, with the client relaxing in the on-site massage chair, I loosen up the upper body, paying special attention to those areas which hold tension. This very precise massage routine is designed to access the six major meridians, or energy channels, which traverse the upper body.
After this the client enjoys a fragrant foot bath before moving to the recliner chair for a foot massage and careful work on the six important meridians which are found in the feet. By the end of the hour long treatment, all the major meridians have been accessed.
The aim is to rebalance the body's natural energies, and the effect is a helpful combination of relaxation and re-energising.
Sometimes people feel unwell without being able to pinpoint exactly what the problem is. There may be fatigue, listlessness or a general feeling of not being 'oneself'. There may even be 'minor' symptoms such as bowel problems, poor hair and skin, or susceptibility to frequent colds and infections. If such a state is allowed to continue, then in the longer term more serious problems could arise. Providing that you have checked with your GP that your symptoms are not caused by an illness which needs medication, I can help you to look at your whole lifestyle and particularly at the food you eat in order to see how these can be improved. Deficiencies of vital nutrients are surprisingly common in our 'well fed' society and additionally there are many factors exclusive to you as an individual which may call for specific nutrients. In particular I give guidance about how to choose and prepare the healthiest foods.
A consultation involves you taking some time to fill in a four page questionnaire prior to our meeting. After I have studied this, we then meet for a one hour consultation which will cost £25. Only one or two subsequent appointments may be needed and these will be of shorter duration.
Postal consultations are also available and although these are not quite so satisfactory as a full discussion they still give vital advice and guidance towards regaining health. A postal consulation is based purely on your detailed completion of the questionnaire and for £25 you will receive a printed assessment of your lifestyle and diet together with clear recommendations for improvement, including dietary guidelines and food preparation ideas.
(My advice is based on where YOU are now, and not on where I am!)
PLEASE VISIT MY LIVING
FOODS PAGE FOR DETAILS OF THE LIVING FOODS LIFESTYLE AND HOW THIS CAN
BENEFIT YOU.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN MY THINKING
ON NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS.
I am a vegan of long standing, and author of Why Vegan (1985 and 95). I believe that the best way to be nourished is through food, and especially food in its natural state. In addition, because of various unhealthy aspects of modern life and food production, I occasionally recommend supplements or specific plants for special needs and I know this can help. However I always look at the general diet as a first strategy. I also have experience of the benefits of herbalism. I can recommend simple home remedies and am sometimes able to supply useful plants from my garden. For serious conditions I can recommend medical herbalists in the area.
PHILOSOPHY
I am a practitioner of massage, reflexology
and nutrition counselling, all of which have clear health benefits.
I do not use the word 'therapist' to describe myself because I think the
word can sometimes imply the possession of a degree of power, or superiour
understanding, over the person receiving the treatment, which I do not
claim to have or use, and because I believe that healing comes from
within (sometimes with outside help of course!) Our bodies are
naturally self-righting organisms. I aim to help people harness their
own healing powers and at the same time I aim to ensure that only beneficial
'energy' is exchanged during treatments, by regularly practicing
yoga and meditation.
SPECIALISATIONS
I have particular interest in 'type
one' diabetes, M.E., and thyroid disorders.
Click here
for more information about hyper-thyroidism.
Telephone (0114) 250 9480
MY PRICES ARE BASED ON £20 PER
HOUR
(plus travel where appropriate)
(also see Nutrition
section above)
CONCESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE
for those on means tested benefits
and those travelling by public transport