What is complementary therapy?
Complementary therapy means you can use it alongside your conventional medical treatment to compliment the affects.
It may help you to feel better and cope with general physical and psychological conditions.
An alternative therapy is generally used instead of conventional medical treatment.
What does a complementary therapist do?
A complementary therapist provides complementary therapies such as reflexology, massage and aromatherapy to people who may be experiencing emotional distress, pain, or psychological issues.
Complementary therapists could work in a care home, health centre, hospice or in someone’s home.
How do I know if a complementary therapist is accredited?
Accredited Registers, such as the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT), are there to help you choose from a list of practitioners who have been thoroughly assessed and are suitably qualified to undertake treatments.
The FHT register ensures that those listed must:
- Sign up to a code of ethics/conduct.
- Be insured to practice.
- Have appropriate training and qualifications for the treatments they offer.
- Demonstrate that they are continually learning and updating their skills and knowledge (also known as CPD)
I am registered with the FHT and hope that this demonstrates that I have met a high professional code of practice ethics, competence, and standards.
I am also a fully qualified nurse specialist and registered with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council), as well as being fully insured.
How can reflexology help me?
Reflexology provides many people with benefits including:
- To boost the immune system.
- Reduce symptoms of cold flu’s and some infections and enhance recovery.
- Help with sinus congestion/issues.
- Alleviate neck, shoulder, and back discomfort.
- Rebalance hormonal imbalances.
- To help with insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Improve digestion and help with specific complications such as constipation.
- To improve general overall wellbeing and reduce stress/anxiety.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is the ancient art of applying pressure to the feet and hands using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques – it is based on a system of ten ‘zones’ and ‘reflex areas’, that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands.
If imbalances are detected in the feet and hands this can directly correlate to imbalances in your physical body and with work these can be rebalanced, and the benefit felt with improvement to specific and general wellbeing.
What types of Massage are available?
There are many types of massage available including:
- Swedish massage. Swedish massage is a gentle type of full body massage.
- Hot stone massage
- Aromatherapy massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Sports massage
- Trigger point massage
- Oncology massage
How do I know which complementary therapy is right for me?
There are a wide range of complementary therapies available (including reflexlogy and massage) and it can be a confusing choice.
I will carry out a full assessment of your needs during the initial consultation and discuss with you the best treatment plan to your health needs.
What does an initial consultation involve?
This is a chance to discuss what you are looking for and what treatments may be suitable for you.
To begin with I will conduct a thorough health history to make sure I completely understand your needs. This health history helps me develop thoughts on a treatment plan that we can then discuss in more detail.
This is also your opportunity to ask questions you have about the treatment plan and please do ask :)
I always want to be transparent and open about your treatment and so will also make you aware that reflexology does not treat specific illnesses and is not a substitute for medical treatment.
At the end of our discussion we should have a treatment plan that makes sense and that you are completely comfortable with.
Please note that, depending on treatment, you may also be asked to sign a consent form.
How does a mobile complementary therapy session work?
On the day of the appointment I will bring my massage table (massage ) or large reclining Lafuma chair (reflexology ).
We will need to set these up in a space in your home that is big enough to accommodate them, along with a small stool. It is also advisable for it to be somewhere quiet, where you will not be disturbed.
I will bring everything needed for the treatment.
Once set up, if it is your first one, I will explain what the session will involve and then we will begin.
During your treatment, whether it is massage or reflexology, the most important thing is to be comfortable and relaxed. It is not uncommon for people to relax and fall asleep during treatment… this is normal and perfectly OK.
I will let me know when we are coming to the end of the treatment. I will ask you to take three deep breaths to help prepare you for the session to end and ground you back into the room.
I will then suggest a drink of water and debrief about how you am feeling, how it has helped and the focus on the next session.
Do I need to provide anything for a mobile session?
For each mobile complementary therapy session I will bring most of the equipment I require with me. This will include a BSI professional massage table, specialist reflexology chair or both depending on your assessed treatment need.
I will also provide reflexology wax, massage balms, cleaning foot wipes and a professional BSI stool to sit on to provide the massage or reflexology treatments.
“Following some recent surgery, I needed to have MLD massages over a course of a few weeks. I found Nicola after doing a Google search and liked her website. On meeting her she put me at ease, was punctual and made me feel very comfortable throughout my treatments. The massages made a massive difference for my recovery and she was also a lovely, friendly person.”
“Nicola is nothing short of excellent in terms of her service and what she offers. I could not recommend her enough and will be booking in again soon! Both massage and reflexology are superb and both were thoroughly enjoyed!”
“I had reflexology with Nicola in preparation for IVF. Nicola was so kind and reassuring and helped me through a very difficult time. The reflexology and time spent with Nicola made such a difference for me. I recommend Beach Green Holistics wholeheartedly.”
“Fantastic massage at my home! I’d highly recommend – have had massage & reflexology, both incredible ! First massage I had completely sorted out my bad shoulder!! Also super friendly, lovely conversation and overall very pleasant experience all round!”
“Nicola came to me at home following a Gynae op. I think my recovery was so much easier because Nicola really helped to reduce the swelling & hardness I was experiencing. Highly recommend.”
“From one therapist to another, I highly recommend Nicola. She is a fantastic therapist, a natural healer and totally trustable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone. Many thanks.”
“I had the most amazing full body massage with Nicola today-totally relaxing and I floated home afterwards. I felt like I had been on a weekend away! I can’t recommend Nicola enough-she is awesome! 5 *****”
“Booked in with Nicola Anne for a neck, shoulder and back massage at Beach Green Holistics and I feel like a new woman!! I can now move my neck and shoulders pain free!”
“12 week course of reflexology facials – zone face lift. What a treat for my skin which already looks super smooth and glowy. The treatment was so relaxing and calming”