Relieve Pain
Pain is complex and there is no silver bullet – where pain originates and how it travels and disperses through the body is still being understood but I am excited by current developments in neuroscience. We are realising now that harsh techniques are not necessarily beneficial. I aim not to cause protective bracing or increased tension but rather, by working with attention and focus, I seek to calm the brain and guide the body to a genuine state of relaxation. This in turn encourages a sense of release and an increased freedom of movement.
Reduce Stress
Whilst a little stress can be good for us a prolonged period of tension that constantly triggers our sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) can negatively impact upon our health in quite serious ways. Massage can counteract this, stimulating our parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and helps in reducing feelings of anxiety and stress. So if relaxation and stress relief are your desired outcomes then a deeply nurturing treatment is available.
Feel Better
The sense of feeling better is often linked to an enhanced freedom of movement – I have found that massage can help you reconnect with your body and a find greater ease of movement. Allowing yourself this time and space to tune in to how you’re feeling in both mind and body can be an indispensable tool in supporting your potential to be and stay well.
I believe that we can all benefit from massage. Whether as an occasional chill-out treat or a regular part of your health maintenance programme in managing either chronic pain or injury recovery.
Massage Training and Continued Development
I studied for two years at The Swedish Institute in New York where, in 2001, I obtained an Associates Degree in Massage Therapy. Since returning to Edinburgh I have expanded my training with too many courses to list and still consider every day a school day.
In 2012 I completed the BTEC Level 6 Advanced Clinical and Sports Massage qualification, which is one of the highest levels of massage qualification in the UK. More recently I have successfully completed several oncology massage courses aimed at providing massage for people living with cancer.
I believe that continued education is essential to being able to offer the best massage treatment for each client. I seek to keep abreast of discoveries and developments in the fields of pain science and manual therapy in order that I may provide effective evidence- based techniques.
For four years I taught massage with the Jing Institute of Advanced Massage Training.
Previously I volunteered at a Marie-Curie Hospice in Edinburgh as I believe that touch therapies are beneficial at all stages in our lives and I take the lessons learned from this experience into all areas of my life and work.
