Therapies
Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Massage, Reflexology
Booking a Consultation
Coming to me for a consultation, you will be given a detailed assessment to inform your protocol. In addition, as a multi disciplinary therapist, other health recommendations can be added. As I have mentioned all practices and therapies should be integrated into daily life, to bring balance, allow one return to their centre and live in an enlightened way.
In a quest to be centred ‘returning to our true home’, as Thich Nhat Hanh said, I have studied therapies from around the world. These therapies and the essential oils that support them have been used since earliest records. Many scholars expound the theory that Soma used in Harappan Traditions (circa 2500- 1700 BCE) is in fact Frankincense.
Practices in the Ahymsin, Himalayan Institute and Plum Village traditions are all supported with therapies, as is traditional in their countries of origin: India, China and Vietnam. In turn, these therapies and practices are supported by essential oils. All are combined to balance our constitution in line with Samkhya Philosophies theory. Universal elements within an individual are balanced and bring them into their centre or state of enlightenment.
For myself, family and clients I never cease to be amazed at the results these therapies have. I used them on myself to help deal with the impact of breast cancer surgeries, medication and chemotherapy (with side effects of menopause, arthritis and fibromyalga). For my family, for their autism, sensory issues, sleep issues and anxiety. Day to day other specific individual needs arise. I have not yet found an issue that can’t be supported.
Aromatherapy
In the West this term is very much associated with massage (see massage for more detail) However, aromatherapy can be used in all of the ways described on the Essential Oils page: aromatically, topically and internally. Oils can balance our constitutions on a physical, mental and emotional level.
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Indian Head Massage
As its name suggests, this therapy originates from India. It is one of the therapies used to balance individuals elements, as is traditional in the Ayurvedic tradition, but now has a more general use. Today in India, Indian head massage can be given by hair dressers, barbers and also by street masseurs. We live very cerebral lives, in our heads, and subject ourselves to lots of stress and tension. Focusing on the head and neck is hugely beneficial.
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Massage
Massage is a primal thing. It has a huge array of benefits and is observed in nature in many species. Mothers of newborns lick to clean them, but also to stimulate systems in the bodies, such as the cardiovascular and lymphatic and to calm and reassure them. The importance of touch can’t be underestimated and much research has been undertaken in this area.
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Being deprived of touch can be detrimental to our wellbeing. Thich Nhat Hanh talked at length to celibate monastics about its importance. He encouraged monastics to share massage and practices such as Chinese spooning and cupping to support their health. In addition, he developed mindful hugging meditation.
In the West we are often subjected to aggressive opinions such as ‘more is more’ and ‘no pain no gain’ and wanting an ‘instant fix’. Whereas, I believe often ’less is more’ and ‘pain no gain’. Massage should relax the systems of the body, mind and emotions, not place them under stress. A good massage takes place on many levels. Massage, like any therapy, should be a regular part of your self care package. It is my opinion and experience that if you simply aggressively work on an area it may temporarily break down the physical tension, but if it is not treated at all levels it will return very soon.
Reflexology
Feet, hands, ears, face and much much more.
Allopathic medicine reduces traditional therapies like reflexology and acupuncture to their connection to physical things like nerves and muscles. However, traditionally, in systems such as Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine, it is much more than this. Yes nerves end in your hands, feet and ears, but they also use energy lines or Nadis (Indian) or Medians (Chinese).
Using reflexology points moves and balances energy or, Chi (Chinese), or Prana (Indian). This energy flows throughout the body’s systems and organs on a physical level, and it also flows through the individual on all levels of being i.e. physically mentally, emotionally or yogically through the dosas or sheaths. There is also lots to be said regarding time ie past, present and future, but that is for another day…