I've never had a treatment before – can you talk me through it?
Firstly, you can rest assured that I am completely professional and I provide treatments for purely therapeutic benefit only.

After you have called me and made an appointment, you'll need to give me your address and contact details so that I can find you. I will then come to your house at the time that we have arranged.

Once there I set up my massage couch in a room where there is enough space for my couch and for me to move around easily.

For the first treatment I go through a consultation with you covering medical history and a bit about your lifestyle, this will help me to understand what you need from your treatment and tailor it accordingly. This will take up to 10 minutes and is free.

I will also take payment for the session and book another appointment if required, and then you can completely relax as all the admin has been taken care of.

Provided we can proceed with the treatment, I'll leave the room to let you get onto the couch. Then I'll come back in, put on some relaxing music if it suits you, and begin the treatment. When the treatment is finished, I'll let you know and leave the room again to let you get up. Now that you're up, I'll get some feedback from you about the treatment.

After that, I'll pack up and leave you to relax.

It's as simple as that!

Do you massage women and men?
I mainly have women clients but I am happy to treat men if they have been referred or they are a relation to an existing client.

I live outside the area that you cover will you still come out to me?
Generally no, but in exceptional cases I will charge a small additional fee to cover travel costs.

What should I know before the massage starts.

Do I have to take off my clothes for the massage?
For Holistic massage you'll need to be at least partially undressed. Most commonly, you'll be in your underwear, but don't worry about being exposed as you'll be under towels that cover all of your body except the part of your body being worked on.

Some styles of massage are able to be performed fully clothed such as head massage and seated back massage.

Do I have to shower/bath before the massage?
Massage is obviously a therapy that necessitates close contact between client and therapist, and therefore personal hygiene is important for both parties. A shower or a bath before a massage can help in two ways. Firstly, heat will help to soften tissue and relax muscles. And secondly, clean skin is less likely to become irritated, react or get infected. By the same token, the Therapist must ensure that his or her hands are always clean.

Can I eat before a massage?
Try to leave at least two hours between a large or heavy meal and your massage. Light snacks or fruit etc. is fine though. Try also to avoid any alcohol before a massage as its effects will become heightened by the treatment.

Why do you need to know my medical history?
A responsible therapist asks about your medical history in the initial consultation. Although massage has many wonderful benefits, it is not appropriate for people with some medical conditions and sometimes must be used cautiously.

For example, massage is not recommended if you have a condition involving infection (including cold or flu) because massage might help the infection spread through your body. Massage is also generally not recommended for people with advanced heart, kidney, or liver problems. Other conditions that affect circulation, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, require caution, depending on your overall physical condition.

Obviously, you should not receive massage if you have a contagious condition. If you have a skin rash, know what it is before your massage, because some skin conditions are contagious.

Medications, particularly pain-killers and muscle relaxants (including aspirin), dull your perception of pain and pressure—your massage therapist needs to know your perception may not be accurate to avoid inadvertently using too much pressure.

Information about injuries, traumas, surgeries, and physical activities provide information about where or how you hold tension in your body. Also, specific massage techniques can help the body heal soft-tissue injuries. If you have back pain or certain digestive problems, abdominal massage can be helpful, but it is not appropriate for some medical conditions. Your massage therapist needs to know your complete and up-to-date medical picture to provide informed and safe massage.

Please note that all records are kept confidential and locked in a safe place, and under no circumstances will any personal information be disclosed to any other person. If there are any medical conditions present, I may need to contact your GP to gain his/her approval before massage treatment can take place.

Do I need to bring anything to be massaged?
No. The only thing needed is enough space to set up the massage couch.
Almost all houses or flats contain at least one room with enough space for this.
A massage couch, clean fresh towels and massage oils will all be provided for your treatment.

What type of oil do you use?
I use fractionated coconut oil which is light and not sticky, it also does not tend to cause blackheads.

What should I do during the massage?

Do I have to remain silent during the treatment?
No, not at all. If you have questions during the treatment just ask. If something is uncomfortable or painful, tell the therapist. But in general, most clients enter a state of deep relaxation during treatment, where too much verbal communication can interrupt the temporary level of lowered consciousness.

Will the massage hurt?
Holistic massage is a gentle form of massage, although if you do have areas of tension and knots in your muscles, these can be quite tender and you should always tell your practitioner if they are causing discomfort or pain when they are being worked on.

Can I have music on whilst being massaged?
Yes. Certain music can have a profoundly calming effect, and therefore would aid relaxation of the client.

What should I do after the massage?

How will I feel after the massage?
That will depend on a number of factors. Fast and powerful massage can invigorate and stimulate the body and mind, leaving the client wide awake and refreshed. Slow, smooth massage tends to relax the client, leaving them peaceful and calm. Deep, purposeful massage can leave the client feeling empowered, recharged and centred. The client's health, the time of day, the length and style of massage etc. all have an influence. Your Therapist should always find out what it is that you want to achieve from the massage. Almost all clients will experience positive results from good quality massage.

What is the aftercare advice?
After your treatment please follow the advice below in order to gain the most benefit.

• Increase your water intake following a massage to assist the body's detoxification process.
• Have a suitable rest period after the treatment
• Cut down on consumption of stimulants (ie alcohol/coffee/tea)

You may experience the following reactions:

• You may feel generally sleepy or tired
• Weepy / emotional due to the release of tension
• Warm due to your improved circulation
• Increase in urination due to the body releasing toxins
• Aching and soreness in the muscles, this will be short-lived and followed by a relief from muscular tension
• Less stressed and more relaxed
• Improved sleep patterns

Why should I drink plenty of water after a massage?
Massage greatly increases the flow of the lymphatic system, which is the system that filters out toxins from the body. Drinking plenty of water ensures that these toxins can be expelled naturally.

The British Dietetic Association advises that the average adult should consume 2.5 litres of water per day. Of this, 1.8 litres - the equivalent of six to seven glasses of water per day - must be obtained directly from beverages. This should be increased during periods of hot weather or during and after periods of physical activity.

How often should I receive massage?
The duration and frequency of treatments is very much the personal choice of each client.  For those presenting specific symptoms or conditions the preparation of a treatment plan in discussion with the therapist is often helpful.  I offer a discounted treatment plan if sessions are booked and paid for in advance.

The duration of the effects of a massage vary greatly from person to person depending on your physical and mental condition, activities, ability to relax, and ability to heal. If you are receiving massage to help heal injury or to get rid of chronic pain, you usually need to receive regular massages until you reach that goal.

The effects of regular massage are cumulative and can make a big difference in your overall health and tension levels.

Is there any situation when I cannot have a massage?
In general, any type of massage is non-invasive and considered very low risk. However, certain medical conditions may discourage particular massage treatments and these will be discussed during the consultation.

You will not be able to be treated if you:

• have a fever
• have a contagious disease
• are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• are in the first 3 months of pregnancy

You will need to have verbal or written consent from your doctor if you have:

• high or low blood pressure, heart problems
• osteoporosis
• arthritis
• nervous or psychotic conditions
• epilepsy
• had a recent operation
• diabetes
• bells palsy
• trapped, pinched or inflamed nerves

Do you have a Code of Practice?
Yes - as a member of the Complementary Therapists Association I am signed up to their Code - it can be found at http://www.complementary.assoc.org.uk/CodeOfPractice/