Therapies
Holistic therapies have been around for thousands of years and were commonly used in Ancient Egypt, China and India for their therapeutic effects. Holistic means care for the whole person – mind, body and spirit. Take a look at the range of holistic therapies Barbara offers below.
Reflexology is an holistic therapy which works on the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands corresponding to all the glands, organs and parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes properly may assist well-being in a safe and natural way.
Reflexology may help reduce everyday stresses and strains, aid relaxation, improve circulation, thereby revitalising energy levels. It may also be used to aid the restoration and maintenance of the body's natural equilibrium, encouraging natural feelings of well-being. Reflexology can also be incorporated into a preventative healthcare lifestyle, which is becoming more important in modern life.
Reflexology is an ancient therapy, and was first practised by the Chinese and Egyptians more than 4,000 years ago. It was introduced to the West in the early 20th century, and has grown tremendously in popularity since that time.
Fertility and Maternity Reflexology
Reflexology is a safe and beneficial therapy for use during maternity. It is also beneficial for individuals before pregnancy and may be helpful prior to conception.
Barbara has completed a post-graduate course in Maternity Reflexology and is fully qualified to treat pregnant women.
At the first treatment, a detailed consultation takes place with further information recorded on all aspects of this and any other pregnancies. It may be helpful to bring your pregnancy notes to Reflexology treatments.
Reflexology for Children
Reflexology is a safe and non-invasive natural therapy for all ages, including babies and children. A full consultation is undertaken with the parent to establish medical history and health of the child and to check for any contra indications or cautions that need to be exercised during treatment. Children under 16 are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Barbara is very experienced in giving reflexology to children of all ages from a new-born through to teenagers.
The treatment is adapted and is very gentle on babies and small children and can be applied to the feet or hands. A stroking action for example is used on the foot of very young babies.
In babies it can help following a traumatic birth e.g. forceps delivery or long labour. It may also help with sleeping and feeding problems.
Facial Rejuvenation is a natural face lift with massage. It uses a variety of massage techniques, acupressure points, lymphatic drainage, energy balancing and facial exercises. The treatment helps lift the face; smooth out fine wrinkles; helps reduce puffiness; improves skin tone; softens the skin; and relaxes the face and reduces tension. A rejuvenating blend of aromatherapy oils is used in the process and it’s a wonderfully relaxing treatment.
These three clients had one Facial Rejuvenation session. They are not wearing make up in either the before or after picture.
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Massage is a wonderful way to help with relieving everyday stress, helping relaxation, aiding sleep, and promoting a sense of well-being. Take a look at the different massage techniques employed at Harmony Head to Toe.
Holistic Massage
Holistic Massage is based on classical Swedish massage techniques. It is particularly beneficial for relaxation, for reducing muscle tension, promoting suppleness of the muscles, improving circulation and reducing stress and is combined with individually-blended aromatherapy oils for added therapeutic benefits.
Kansa Vatki (KV) Foot Massage™
KV foot massage is an Ayurvedic massage of the feet incorporating vital energy techniques. KV foot massage is considered most helpful in the prevention and treatment of illness. Oils (usually coconut oil) or ghee is used during the massage which is a mixture of hand and bowl techniques. The bowl is made of 3 metals: copper, zinc and tin. Copper helps in reducing pain and inflammation. Zinc helps in proper functioning of the immune system and digestion. Tin is believed to be helpful for digestion, headaches and insomnia. Vigorous circular and stroking movements are made with the back of the bowl on the feet and lower legs. Using the Kansa Vatki bowl relaxes tired feet, improves joint mobility, promotes sound sleep and relieves eyestrain. It also helps in balancing the bio-energetic principles (doshas) of Ayurveda that regulates body functions. The hand techniques stimulate the blood and lymphatic flow and the treatment also rebalances the body’s energy.
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is based on the ancient system of medicine known as Ayurveda which has been practised in India for thousands of years. Ayurveda comes from Sanskrit and means the ‘science of life and longevity’. In the West, the traditional technique has been adapted to include the massage of not only the scalp, but the neck, shoulders, arms, face and upper back too. This is to target the specific negative effects that stress has upon our bodies. It is performed fully-clothed on a low-back chair.
The benefits of the treatment are widespread even though it only focuses on the upper body. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, can help in alleviating symptoms of pain, tension and fatigue, aids the elimination of toxins and waste products and helps improve posture and flexibility.
Aromatherapy is the use of plant essences (such as lavender essential oil), which some believe can promote spiritual, physical and emotional health and well-being.
Essential oils, when blended with a carrier oil, can be applied directly to the skin through massage, added to bathing products or lotions, inhaled with steaming water, or spread throughout a room by a spray or diffuser.
Aromatherapy massage might help people to de-stress and therefore potentially aid sleep, and the aromas from the oils may promote a sense of relaxation or well-being.