When I visit some of my regular clients with dementia it is like a first meeting again for them. I re-introduce myself, advise them that I have come to do a gentle aromatherapy massage on them and I build rapport with them again. I am able to establish a connection and build on that connection each time I work with the person because I get to know their personality, their interests and what they want and need.

All people have the need to be listened to, acknowledged and feel connection with another human being. I also believe most humans want and need therapeutic or loving touch.

One of the best things about being alive is enjoying our senses. Touch is important for humans. I have talked about the relaxation response and mentioned the feel good hormones - and this really points to the fact that we are wired to connect. Ever since we were tiny babies and our parents picked us up and cuddled us we experienced bonding and love through touch. It is completely natural to who we are. Appropriate and calming touch makes us feel like we matter, like we are loved and cared for, and with the right therapist - that we are safe and supported in life. Massage feels good!

“When should I see a remedial massage therapist, as opposed to a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor?”. These bodywork professionals treat many of the same musculoskeletal system conditions, using different approaches, however sometimes one modality is going to be more appropriate for a particular issue. For some more serious issues you will need to see a doctor for a diagnosis first. For example, if you have sudden excruciating pain in your spine following a movement in your spine where you have twisted, then you could go to a general practitioner doctor or to a physiotherapist as this could be a disc bulge or herniation and a massage isn’t going to help. If on the other hand you’ve been working hard in your garden, run a marathon or been fairly physically active, or your work causes muscular tension (whether it’s office work or you are a tradesperson) then massage therapy will be ideal. In these cases massage therapy is also a more cost effective/value for money option, is enjoyable and you have the added benefit of the relaxation response which will melt your stress away.

Oncology massage is a gentle, nurturing and effective therapy that safely addresses the needs of a cancer patient or anyone with a history of cancer (or other degenerative illness). Oncology massage therapists understand the science and pay close attention to the physical, emotional and psychological needs of a client during diagnosis, treatment, recovery, survivorship or palliative care. Oncology massage therapists are highly trained and equipped for different types of cancer and other health conditions and will make adjustments for a person’s current state of health. We design a suitable treatment plan for the individual with cancer and make site, position and pressure adjustments.

Massage therapy is an important health service which has been proven to reduce stress, reduce general pain, reduce or heal muscular tension and pain, improve sleep quality, and can help to prevent muscular injuries and increase range of motion. Massage isn't just some luxury, it is an important part of many people's self-care, stress management, pain management and mental health management, as well as an important therapy for athletes. Massage encourages the release of feel good hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin which assists many people to cope with stress, anxiety, depression and grief, as well as feel more relaxed and focused. Disappointingly, from time to time a person may come into the health industry and instead of wanting to provide a healing service like the majority of people drawn to this industry, they are a predator/abuser or under-qualified. I'm providing this guide to help you choose a genuine massage therapist, who provides an honest healing service, without an agenda.