Frequently Asked Questions |
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Most people have questions before booking a massage, Reiki, mindfulness or crystal healing treatment. Take a look below at the most commonly asked questions. If your question hasn't been answered in the list, just call or email to ask.
General Questions
"What if I can't make my appointment?"
Sometimes things come up and things change. It's an understandable part of life. If you're unable to make your appointment, please phone, text or email as soon as possible to allow someone else to take your space. Unfortunately, cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice incur a charge of £15 to cover costs.
Sometimes things come up and things change. It's an understandable part of life. If you're unable to make your appointment, please phone, text or email as soon as possible to allow someone else to take your space. Unfortunately, cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice incur a charge of £15 to cover costs.
"How much is a session?"
Prices are listed on the treatments page. All treatments and sessions are equal in price, at £45 an hour. Longer treatments are at a cheaper rate. Get in touch to save by block-booking, or to discuss your personal situation if you are in need of a subsidised session.
Prices are listed on the treatments page. All treatments and sessions are equal in price, at £45 an hour. Longer treatments are at a cheaper rate. Get in touch to save by block-booking, or to discuss your personal situation if you are in need of a subsidised session.
Mindfulness Questions
"What happens during a mindfulness session?"
As with all other treatments and sessions, crystal healing begins with a consultation to discuss your current wellbeing and work out what you would like to get from mindfulness. We will use different techniques to explore mindfulness, meditation, and reflection. These activities will be tailored to your individual wellbeing, situation, and goals.
Mindfulness sessions can take place face to face; indoors or outside, and can also take place remotely, via Zoom.
As with all other treatments and sessions, crystal healing begins with a consultation to discuss your current wellbeing and work out what you would like to get from mindfulness. We will use different techniques to explore mindfulness, meditation, and reflection. These activities will be tailored to your individual wellbeing, situation, and goals.
Mindfulness sessions can take place face to face; indoors or outside, and can also take place remotely, via Zoom.
"What equipment do I need to be able to do mindfulness?"
You do not need any special equipment for mindfulness itself, although for certain sessions, you may be asked to locate a common object for the following session, such as a small stone or a leaf. You may feel more comfortable wearing headphones, but this is very much personal preference.
For a remote session, you need a relatively quiet space where you won't be disturbed. Some background noise is ok. For mindfulness online via Zoom, you will benefit from somewhere comfy to sit where you can see the screen, and ideally somewhere for your laptop/phone/laptop to sit so you don't have to hold it or have it on your lap. To use Zoom you will need a decent, stable internet connection and a device which will run Zoom, either on the website or in the app. You may like to be near to a power source for your device during the session, otherwise you will need it fully charged with battery which lasts the length of the appointment.
You do not need any special equipment for mindfulness itself, although for certain sessions, you may be asked to locate a common object for the following session, such as a small stone or a leaf. You may feel more comfortable wearing headphones, but this is very much personal preference.
For a remote session, you need a relatively quiet space where you won't be disturbed. Some background noise is ok. For mindfulness online via Zoom, you will benefit from somewhere comfy to sit where you can see the screen, and ideally somewhere for your laptop/phone/laptop to sit so you don't have to hold it or have it on your lap. To use Zoom you will need a decent, stable internet connection and a device which will run Zoom, either on the website or in the app. You may like to be near to a power source for your device during the session, otherwise you will need it fully charged with battery which lasts the length of the appointment.
"Is mindfulness religious?"
No. Mindfulness is a way of being, and a practice of awareness. It is not a religious practice. Mindfulness does have its roots in Buddhism, which is where it started before becoming a westernised independent practice. That's not to say that mindfulness can't link to your personal spirituality if that is how it works for you.
No. Mindfulness is a way of being, and a practice of awareness. It is not a religious practice. Mindfulness does have its roots in Buddhism, which is where it started before becoming a westernised independent practice. That's not to say that mindfulness can't link to your personal spirituality if that is how it works for you.
"Can mindfulness be bad for you?"
Generally learning and practising mindfulness is a poaitive and rewarding experience. There are a small number of conditions where certain aspects of mindfulness can be unsafe. All these points will be discussed in your initial enquiry or introduction. The main areas of concern are epilepsy, breathing disorders and emotional trauma, but in many cases adaptations can be made to make your mindfulness practice safe. Whether mindfulness can be safe for you very much depends on your personal circumstances, so please get in touch to discuss.
Generally learning and practising mindfulness is a poaitive and rewarding experience. There are a small number of conditions where certain aspects of mindfulness can be unsafe. All these points will be discussed in your initial enquiry or introduction. The main areas of concern are epilepsy, breathing disorders and emotional trauma, but in many cases adaptations can be made to make your mindfulness practice safe. Whether mindfulness can be safe for you very much depends on your personal circumstances, so please get in touch to discuss.
Crystal Healing Questions
"What happens during a crystal healing session?"
As with all other treatments and sessions, crystal healing begins with a consultation to discuss your current wellbeing and work out what you would like to get from the healing. There are different methods to crystal healing, and this will be discussed and chosen together based on what is most appropriate and what you would find the most accessible. Crystal selection is tailored to your individual wellbeing, situation, and intention.
One of these options is distance healing, which can take place 'live' where we start with a chat on the phone, disconnect whilst you relax for your healing to take place, and chat on the phone at the end to discuss the session. Distance healing can also be sent for a time in the near future. This could be whilst you are sleeping for example, and can be particularly useful if you work antisocial hours, or have a busy work/home life and find it difficult to attend a 'live' appointment.
"Are there any reasons I can't have crystal healing?"
No, crystal healing is safe for anyone, including children. The healing is always tailored to your individual wellbeing, health needs, and situation.
"Do I need to know anything about crystals?"
Not at all. I can explain as much or as little as you'd like to know about the crystals I use for your healing session, so you can learn as we go if you would like to. I will always provide you with strategies you could use yourself, which will often involve a/some crystal(s). In this case I can assist you with buying the relevant crystals if you would like to.
"Do I need to bring anything?"
Just yourself! For a distance healing you just need somewhere warm, comfortable, and quiet to lie down, or to sit down if lying is uncomfortable for you.
"What should I expect after the healing session?"
As crystal healing brings the body and mind back to a pure and balanced state, you may notice certain 'detox' symptoms. These can arise from the body getting rid of what it doesn't need, energy moving more freely within the body, and the body rebalancing. These symptoms should be minor things you notice throughout your day, but which do not impact on your day to any great extent. You will be provided with an aftercare sheet at the end of your healing session, along with self-care strategies to keep up the good work yourself.
As with all other treatments and sessions, crystal healing begins with a consultation to discuss your current wellbeing and work out what you would like to get from the healing. There are different methods to crystal healing, and this will be discussed and chosen together based on what is most appropriate and what you would find the most accessible. Crystal selection is tailored to your individual wellbeing, situation, and intention.
One of these options is distance healing, which can take place 'live' where we start with a chat on the phone, disconnect whilst you relax for your healing to take place, and chat on the phone at the end to discuss the session. Distance healing can also be sent for a time in the near future. This could be whilst you are sleeping for example, and can be particularly useful if you work antisocial hours, or have a busy work/home life and find it difficult to attend a 'live' appointment.
"Are there any reasons I can't have crystal healing?"
No, crystal healing is safe for anyone, including children. The healing is always tailored to your individual wellbeing, health needs, and situation.
"Do I need to know anything about crystals?"
Not at all. I can explain as much or as little as you'd like to know about the crystals I use for your healing session, so you can learn as we go if you would like to. I will always provide you with strategies you could use yourself, which will often involve a/some crystal(s). In this case I can assist you with buying the relevant crystals if you would like to.
"Do I need to bring anything?"
Just yourself! For a distance healing you just need somewhere warm, comfortable, and quiet to lie down, or to sit down if lying is uncomfortable for you.
"What should I expect after the healing session?"
As crystal healing brings the body and mind back to a pure and balanced state, you may notice certain 'detox' symptoms. These can arise from the body getting rid of what it doesn't need, energy moving more freely within the body, and the body rebalancing. These symptoms should be minor things you notice throughout your day, but which do not impact on your day to any great extent. You will be provided with an aftercare sheet at the end of your healing session, along with self-care strategies to keep up the good work yourself.
Massage and Bodywork Questions
"What happens during a massage session?"
Your first appointment will start with a 10 - 15 minute consultation to discuss what brought you to the appointment, which approach might be most beneficial for you, a brief medical history (see below for more information). A posture assessment will be suggested where appropriate. Subsequent appointments will always start as a brief review to update and identify any changes since the last treatment, but usually this process is shorter.
Your first appointment will start with a 10 - 15 minute consultation to discuss what brought you to the appointment, which approach might be most beneficial for you, a brief medical history (see below for more information). A posture assessment will be suggested where appropriate. Subsequent appointments will always start as a brief review to update and identify any changes since the last treatment, but usually this process is shorter.
"What should I wear?"
This depends on the type of massage, area of the body being massaged, and the season! Most people wear something comfortable and easy to remove, such as elasticated trousers and loose top or t-shirt. There will be space to leave your coat/bag/extra layers. Having said that, in the height of summer, someone attending for a calf massage may dress in shorts and not have to remove any clothing. If oil is being used for your treatment, this can remain on the skin and come into contact with clothing, but this has not proved problematic before.
This depends on the type of massage, area of the body being massaged, and the season! Most people wear something comfortable and easy to remove, such as elasticated trousers and loose top or t-shirt. There will be space to leave your coat/bag/extra layers. Having said that, in the height of summer, someone attending for a calf massage may dress in shorts and not have to remove any clothing. If oil is being used for your treatment, this can remain on the skin and come into contact with clothing, but this has not proved problematic before.
"Will I be able to preserve my modesty?"
Yes of course. Massage does work better on skin, and some specific treatments only work by touching the skin directly. However, only the part of your body being massaged will be uncovered at any time, and you will always be covered by sheets or towels. You will be left in privacy to undress to the level required for the massage. If you are not comfortable removing your clothes, general massage can be given through a thin layer of clothing. Just make this clear at the appointment.
Yes of course. Massage does work better on skin, and some specific treatments only work by touching the skin directly. However, only the part of your body being massaged will be uncovered at any time, and you will always be covered by sheets or towels. You will be left in privacy to undress to the level required for the massage. If you are not comfortable removing your clothes, general massage can be given through a thin layer of clothing. Just make this clear at the appointment.
"What aftercare do you suggest?"
Any type of massage or bodywork works to restore body tissues to health. This means re-hydrating those tissues and removing toxins that have built up within those parts of the body. For this reason, after your treatment, it is important to keep your fluids up - ideally water or herbal teas. It is recommended you avoid caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours. If you cannot, you should ensure you drink water at the same time. As deep tissue and sports massage get right into the belly of muscles, whilst restoring their function, the treatment can leave the muscles in a vulnerable state afterwards. For this reason, exercise and training should be avoided, and only light activities undertaken, to allow the body to become accustomed to the new muscle tone, range of movement and flexibility. You may have been given some suggestions following your treatment, such as certain stretches. These are ways in which you can help maintain the balance in your body and provide ongoing support to your own system.
Any type of massage or bodywork works to restore body tissues to health. This means re-hydrating those tissues and removing toxins that have built up within those parts of the body. For this reason, after your treatment, it is important to keep your fluids up - ideally water or herbal teas. It is recommended you avoid caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours. If you cannot, you should ensure you drink water at the same time. As deep tissue and sports massage get right into the belly of muscles, whilst restoring their function, the treatment can leave the muscles in a vulnerable state afterwards. For this reason, exercise and training should be avoided, and only light activities undertaken, to allow the body to become accustomed to the new muscle tone, range of movement and flexibility. You may have been given some suggestions following your treatment, such as certain stretches. These are ways in which you can help maintain the balance in your body and provide ongoing support to your own system.
"Are there any reasons I can't have a massage?"
There are certain medical and skin conditions which prevent that specific area from being massaged, for example contagious skin conditions, varicose veins, sunburn, open wounds and inflammation. This does not apply to Reiki.
There are certain medical conditions where a massage would not be advised, unless permission is given by a healthcare professional, i.e. a doctor or physiotherapist's note. However there are a few medical conditions which make it not possible to have a massage at the current time. Please see the list below; those with an asterix mean that massage is not possible at the moment.
For Scar Tissue Release, please see this page for more information.
This is not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure about a medical condition you have, please phone or email ahead to discuss.
Injuries cannot be treated directly during the acute stage, however other parts of the body can be massaged to release tension and encourage relaxation, and an area post-injury can be treated.
Massages will not be given to clients under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
There are certain medical and skin conditions which prevent that specific area from being massaged, for example contagious skin conditions, varicose veins, sunburn, open wounds and inflammation. This does not apply to Reiki.
There are certain medical conditions where a massage would not be advised, unless permission is given by a healthcare professional, i.e. a doctor or physiotherapist's note. However there are a few medical conditions which make it not possible to have a massage at the current time. Please see the list below; those with an asterix mean that massage is not possible at the moment.
For Scar Tissue Release, please see this page for more information.
This is not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure about a medical condition you have, please phone or email ahead to discuss.
- Cold, flu or fever *
- Other infectious diseases *
- Recent operation
- Anything ending in 'itis' e.g. tonsillitis / cellulitis *
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Cardio-vascular conditions
- DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
- Rheumatic arthritis (osteoarthritis is fine)
- Osteoporosis
- Recent haemorrhage
- Embolism
- Hernia
- Pregnancy - you can see a specialist pregnancy massage therapist. I can provide a recommendation.
- Cancer - if in remission, medical permission required
Injuries cannot be treated directly during the acute stage, however other parts of the body can be massaged to release tension and encourage relaxation, and an area post-injury can be treated.
Massages will not be given to clients under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Reiki Questions
"What happens during a reiki session?"
As with all other treatments and sessions, reiki begins with a consultation to discuss your current wellbeing and work out what you would like to get from the session. You will be fully clothed and under a blanket (or sheet in warmer weather). I act as a conduit to channel the universal life energy to you. I do this using my hands above the body. I have minimal contact at the start and end of the session on your head and/or feet. I will let you know any insights I have at the end of the treatment, when we discuss your experience.
You may choose to have Reiki given as distance healing, which can take place 'live' where we start with a chat on the phone, disconnect whilst you relax for your healing to take place, and chat on the phone at the end to discuss the session.
"Are there any reasons I can't have Reiki?"
No, reiki is safe for anyone, including children. Reiki complements other treatments, without interfering with them.
"Will I feel anything?"
Some clients experience sensations and images during a reiki session. It is likely that the body will start to release what it doesn't need, which can take the form of small reactions such as swallowing, yawning, and twitching. Most people find they feel very relaxed during and after the treatment.
"What should I expect afterwards?"
You may find that you are tired or sleepy after a session, so it can be beneficial to have time to rest afterwards.
As with all other treatments and sessions, reiki begins with a consultation to discuss your current wellbeing and work out what you would like to get from the session. You will be fully clothed and under a blanket (or sheet in warmer weather). I act as a conduit to channel the universal life energy to you. I do this using my hands above the body. I have minimal contact at the start and end of the session on your head and/or feet. I will let you know any insights I have at the end of the treatment, when we discuss your experience.
You may choose to have Reiki given as distance healing, which can take place 'live' where we start with a chat on the phone, disconnect whilst you relax for your healing to take place, and chat on the phone at the end to discuss the session.
"Are there any reasons I can't have Reiki?"
No, reiki is safe for anyone, including children. Reiki complements other treatments, without interfering with them.
"Will I feel anything?"
Some clients experience sensations and images during a reiki session. It is likely that the body will start to release what it doesn't need, which can take the form of small reactions such as swallowing, yawning, and twitching. Most people find they feel very relaxed during and after the treatment.
"What should I expect afterwards?"
You may find that you are tired or sleepy after a session, so it can be beneficial to have time to rest afterwards.
