A Gift for you from us.

...and a maybe a massage or two!
February is here, and love is in the air.
This month we decided that we wanted to give everyone a little bit extra to look forward to from their massages and have created two delicious FREE add-ons to choose from.

Turkish Delight Aromatherapy Add-On
A combination of Cardamon, Rose and Black Pepper essential oils create this delicious Turkish Delight style aromatherapy blend to use during your 60 or 90 minute massage. 
As well as a delicious aromatherapy message, you will be able to take away a vial of the blend to make the experience last at home. Use the blend in an oil burner, or add a few drops to a relaxing bath. 

NYO Wild Rose Mini Facial
Add the NYO Facial treatment using the beautiful Wild Rose Balm to any 60 or 90 minute massage session. This is our favourite skin care product that leaves your face feeling fresh and smooth, and the scent is amazing. 

To claim these add-ons simply request at the time of booking your massage so we can make sure that we have everything ready for your appointment.

Finally, the romantic day itself.
If you are lucky enough to be booked in for a treatment on Saturday February 14th, we have some little gifts to give you to make your day even more special.


Don't forget our Gift Vouchers, you can purchase a gift voucher by popping into the clinic during clinic hours, however you can also use our online booking system to purchase a gift voucher and have a fancy email created and sent to your recipient.

If you haven't used our online system before, it can be a little bit confusing at first, but don't worry, we've included a step-by-step guide linked below to walk you through the purchasing process.

Have a wonderfully joy filled February, we can't wait to see you at your next visit.

 Gift Certificate Step-by-step guide  
 

On the 12th Day of Christmas Wee Sally's gave to me...

On the 12th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me......
...A Gift from Santa Harrison to put under our tree!

Any client who attends the clinic today, Wednesday December 24th either to receive a treatment, or purchase a Gift Voucher will have the option to take one of Harrison's Christmas Presents. Each Present is wrapped and ready to go under your Christmas tree for you to open on the big day.

The clinic will only be open for treatments until 5pm, then will be open from 5pm - 8pm for those doing some last minute shopping and who need to pick up some Gift Vouchers.

You can book your appointment by calling the clinic on 01506 238366, or visiting our website and clicking on Book Online

 

On the 11th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me...

On the 11th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me......
...A Christmas Cracker Surprise!

Any client who attends the clinic today, Tuesday December 23rd either to receive a treatment, or purchase a Gift Voucher will have the option to take one of Harrison's Christmas Crackers. Each Cracker is loaded with Discounts, and offers, with one lucky cracker containing a Free 60 minute massage.

You can book your appointment by calling the clinic on 01506 238366, or visiting our website and clicking on Book Online

 

On the 10th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's gave to me...

On the 10th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me......
...A Guide on surviving your family this Christmas!

It seems like we all make a cultural agreement to go a little bit crazy during the holidays. Braving the shopping centres (and car parks!) to buy presents on the credit cards we swore off using, binging on whatever it is we are going to resolve not to eat in the new year, letting go of exercising, and maybe skipping our meditation for many days in a row. 

We chalk it up to it being "that time of year," and assure ourselves that once the New Year hits we'll get back on track.

We also spend time with family. 

For many of us this just adds to the insanity, as we act and react in ways not congruent with the self we would like to manifest. For most people I know, spending time with family can be a complex experience. Even when there's lots of love and very little drama or trauma triggers, spending a chunk of time with your kin or your significant other's kin can be challenging. It's easy to go unconscious and devour a whole box of chocolates say something mean to your sister, or fall into old dynamics with your dad that leave you feeling angry and drained.

 

The good news is you don't have to make this agreement to lose your mind during the holidays. You can infuse this time of year with extra mindfulness and remain free from suffering even when your mother in-law asks for the receipt for the gift you got her. Here are some tips to help you finish off the holiday season and ring in the new year mindfully:

 

1. Get Back to the Regularly Scheduled Program

If you have fallen off the yoga wagon, get to a class. If you are normally gluten-free, say no thanks to the holiday pastries at work next time. If you are going into debt buying gifts, make those last minute gifts of the DIY variety. If you haven't meditated lately, do it now. 

Yes, right now. 

Just stop reading and set a timer for 10 minutes. It makes a world of difference. It can be easy to say, "Well this month is already screwed, may as well continue on in this way." Instead redirect and your body and your mind will thank you.


 

2. Make Time for Doing Nothing

It's important for humans to have downtime, free of iPads, social interaction, and television. I find this to be especially true during the holidays and when I'm spending time with family. 

Plan to have at least 10 minutes a day to do nothing at all. Let your brain rest and recharge. This can seem impossible when you are visiting family and there are people and activities at every turn. It's not impossible. 

Just do it. 

If 10 minutes of nothing is just not going to happen, take 10 minutes to read a book, hide in a room, or take a walk on your own. For more on the importance of downtime read this article.


 

3. Prepare for Your Challenging Person

If you know that seeing a certain family member is going to require you to be a ninja of mindfulness, prepare ahead of time. Lots of meditation and self-care in the days before you see your challenging relative can do wonders. I also recommend sending that person a lot of loving-kindness. Picture them happy, healthy, and free. Wish them ease and joy. Do this as a formal meditation and also take a moment just before you see them to do a mini version. This will help you to come from an open and compassionate place instead of shutting down or falling into old behaviors. Of course you won't be perfect. You may have some negative thoughts come up. You may even have some negative words come out. This is a process and we are all practicing.

 

4. Relax

Just let it go. The tension in your eyes, jaw, and shoulders. Take a few deep breaths. Be mindful of how the perceived stress of the holiday season can take the form of tight muscles and shallow breath. Every moment is an opportunity to relax and stop chewing on your fingernails. Even difficult siblings or holiday traffic can be less troubling if you have a relaxed body. Avoid using excessive drinking (or an extra medical marijuana prescription) to achieve a relaxed state. Instead relax whatever you can and then relax around whatever you can't. Try starting and ending your day with scan through the body to let go of any unneeded tension. Set an alarm on your phone for several times throughout the day to remind you to relax. Greet the new year with ease.

 

 

On the 9th Day of Christmas Wee Sally's gave to me....

On the 9th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me......
...10 tips for running in the winter.

The weather has taken a nasty turn, but don't let that put you off your exercise routine.
1. Get Motivated
Make a date to meet someone for a run, there's no wimping out when someone is waiting.

Solo? Tell yourself that you can go back inside after five minutes if it's really bad, Usually you'll stay out there. Of course, not everyone objects to winter weather. A night run during a light snowfall is one of the most peaceful things you can experience, just remember to stay safe, and let someone know where you will be.

 

2. Arm Your Feet

To keep warmth in and slush out, run in shoes that have the least amount of mesh. If you have shoes with Gore-Tex uppers, all the better. Wear socks that wick away wetness but keep your feet warm. 

 

3. Get Dressed

You want to be warm without sweating so much you get a chill. The rule of thumb is to dress as if it is 20 degrees warmer, You should be slightly cool when you start. Think layers of technical fabrics, to wick sweat, with zippers at the neck and underarm area to vent air as you heat up. You'll learn your own preferences,  but always wear gloves or mittens and a hat.

4. Be Seen

With limited daylight, chances are you'll be running in the dark (We Scots sadly, get only a few hours of dim light per day). Tall snowbanks on plowed streets make you even harder to see. Wear reflective, fluorescent gear, and don't be shy about lighting yourself up like a Christmas tree, use a headlamp or carry a flashlight, less so you can see where you're going and more so people can see you.

 

5. Warm up Prerun

Move around inside enough to get the blood flowing without breaking a sweat. Run up and down your stairs, use a jump rope, or do a few yoga sun salutations. A speedy house-cleaning works, too. The cold doesn't feel so cold when you're warm.  If you're meeting a group of running buddies, don't stand around in the cold chatting before you run.

 

6. Deal with Wind
Start your run into the wind and finish with it at your back, so the breeze doesn't blast you after you've broken a sweat. To avoid a long, biting slog, you can break this into segments, running into the wind for about 10 minutes, turning around to run with the wind at your back for five minutes, and repeating. You can also seek man-made wind protection. Use BodyGlide on your nose and on your cheeks to prevent frostbite, Other options include Vaseline (a bit messy) and Kiehl's All-Sport Non-Freeze Face Protector.

 

 

7. Forget Speed
Winter running is more about maintenance miles than speed work.  In very cold weather, look for "inversions," places that are elevated and where the air will be warmer. Even 300 feet up, the air can be 20 degrees warmer, which makes a big difference. 
f you can't run in the middle of the day when the temperatures are warmest, run twice a day, three miles in the morning and three miles in the evening: That's better than doing one long six-mile run where you might get very cold toward the end.
 

 

8. Change Quickly Postrun

Your core body temperature drops as soon as you stop running. To avoid a lingering case of the chills, change your clothes-head to toe-as soon as you can. Women need to get out of damp sports bras quickly. Put a dry hat on wet hair. And drink something hot. Driving to a run? Bring a thermos of green tea or hot chocolate in your car.

9. Deal with Rain

"In my car, at all times, I have a spare pair of sneakers, a running outfit, and three beach towels," says Allyson Lamey, a member of the local running club "When it's raining, I slip my stocking feet into plastic bags, then put on my running shoes. The bags keep your feet dry even when you run through puddles. If you have to dry shoes overnight, crumple up newspaper and cram it tightly into your shoes, with the insoles removed. The newspaper soaks up the moisture.

10. Go Someplace Warm

For runners in the South who want to race close to home, winter is the only time when temperatures are moderate enough to go after a personal record, which is why Florida alone offers seven marathons in February. Not up for 26.2 miles? Other popular races include the Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker 5-K/10-K, the Hilton Head Half-Marathon and 10-K, and the MyoMed Ragnar Relay Del Sol in Arizona. Or go to the Race Finder to choose your own distance and destination. What more motivation do you need?

On the 8th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's gave to me....

On the 8th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me......
...A FREE Christmas Aromatherapy Add-on to ANY Massage treatment.

Relax on our warm heated beds, and drift off to a winter wonderland with our Christmas Aromatherapy blend of Pine, Clove and Mandarin.
Take away your christmas blend to keep the treatment going, where you can add the oil to a diffuser, or lovely hot bubble bath. 

You can book your appointment by calling the clinic on 01506 238366, or visiting our website and clicking on Book Online

 

On the 7th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's gave to me...

On the 7th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me......
...A 30 minute Peppermint Bark Foot treatment , on it's own or as an add-on to any massage.
Homemade peppermint & chocolate massage lotion with Candycane gift put a spring in your step when your finished.

Join us today, FridayDecember 18th for a 30 minute delicious Peppermint Bark foot massage, with Homemade peppermint & chocolate massage lotion and receive a Candycane gift put a spring in your step when your finished.
This treatment is for today only, and is just £25. 

You can book your appointment by calling the clinic on 01506 238366, or visiting our website and clicking on Book Online

 

On the 6th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me...

On the 6th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me......
...A Half Price Luxury Facial with the option of a warm wax mask.

Join us today, Thursday December 18th for a 90 minute Luxury Facial with the option of a warm wax mask. Normal price is £50, but get this deal today only for just £25.

You can book your appointment by calling the clinic on 01506 238366, or visiting our website and clicking on Book Online

 

On the 5th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's gave to me...

On the 5th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me......
...A Free Paraffin Hand treatment and Hand Massage.

Join us today, Wednesday December 17th for a luxurious paraffin hand wrap, before your 30 or 60 minute massage, followed by a lovely hand massage.

Just ask for this treatment at the time of booking and it's yours. Absolutely FREE!

You can book your appointment by calling the clinic on 01506 238366, or visiting our website and clicking on Book Online

 

On the 4th day of Christmas, Wee Sally's gave to me....

On the 4th Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me......
...A relaxing christmas spice foot soak, and warm apple cider too.

Ok, so that one didn't rhyme, but please don't hold that against me.
Book a Hot Stone massage at the clinic TODAY ONLY (Tuesday December 16th) and before your Hot Stone treatment, we'll treat you to a christmas spice Foot soak, and some delicious warm apple cider to warm you up from top to toe.

Just make sure you request this treatment at the time of booked.

You can book your appointment by calling the clinic on 01506 238366, or visiting our website and clicking on Book Online

 

On the third day of Christmas, Wee Sally's gave to me....

On the 3rd Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me......
.....Bath and body homemade beauty recipes that are perfect for Christmas gifts or meeeee!  

These bath and beauty tutorials include homemade beauty recipes, pretty nails gift wrapping, and DIY Spa gift baskets. 

1.  Homemade Bubble Bath Recipes and Free Labels : Feminine and chic DIY gift idea- relaxing homemade bubble bath with bubble bath recipe links, packaging ideas and free printable labels!

2. How to Make Bath Bombs: If you don't have all the ingredients to make this recipe, all you really need is baking soda, water, citric acid and essential oil. If you are making bath bombs as gifts, you'll probably want to get smaller moulds for each one. 

3. All Natural DIY Bath Bombs: You can feel confident that when you use these natural products, or give them as gifts, that they are healthy for the body.

4.  Sundae Bath Salt Recipe : An easy bath salt recipe decorated into an old fashioned sundae with the loofah as the whipped cream.

5.  Bath Bomb Cupcakes Recipe: How To make bath bombs that look like cupcakes bt that are perfect bath fizzies in the water!

6. Coconut and Rose Body Scrub: A spring time scrub to help you exfoliate and get your skin super soft for the summer months.

7.  Homemade Coffee Scrub Gift:I just love the smell of coffee.  This super easy recipe make a great body scrub that you can use at home or package up and give away as a gift.  Great for teachers, co-workers, or thank you gifts.

8.  DIY Facial Masks and Scrubs: Does your face need a little TLC? Then this is a great resource! With several different facials and scrubs you can make and enjoy right in your own home!

9.  Spa Sock Cupcakes: Check out these lovely cupcakes that are a gift and packaging all in one.  The bottom of the cupcake is a cup cozy, the icing is a pair of spa socks, and the tipping is a lollipop. 

10. How to make a spa gift box: You will need the scallop edge punch, and the double rectangle punch (so perfect for the 1/4 grosgrain ribbon), and the 1 1/4 square punch.

Join us tomorrow for Day 4, for the first of our Daily clinic deals.

 

Also remember our Buy One Get One Free Gift Voucher offer is now available, and will run until closing time on December 24th.

On the Second day of Christmas, Wee Sally's gave to me...

On the 2nd Day of Christmas, Wee Sally's Gave to me......
...a great guide to make heat bags so I can stay warm and cosy!

 

Instead of using electric heat pads & blankets or hot water bottles for your aches and pains, these microwaveable packs are just the ticket!

 

They're known by a few different terms such as: bed buddies, stress busters, rice or magic bags, corn cosies-but they're basically all the same thing.

 

These serve a dual purpose as you can also keep them in the freezer to use has a cooling pad or freezer pack when needed.


 

If you'd like to learn how to make them, you'll find a tutorial below along with tips for different kinds of fillers to try and directions for using them.

 

Introduction:

No Pattern is necessary, simply cut two pieces of cloth in the size or shape you wish (leave a seam allowance of about 1/2 inch). More detailed instructions are found below.

 

Some prefer regular square shapes, others prefer tubes or more rectangular shapes. Experiment, whip up a few different sizes and shapes to try.

These are really easy to whip up as well as cheap!

 

Filler Options
  • Uncooked rice
  • Wheat
  • Feed corn
  • Buckwheat hulls
  • Barley
  • Oatmeal
  • Beans
  • Flax seed
  • Cherry pits

You can also add the following to the above for a soothing, fragrant sack:

Spices, herbs, essential oils.
  • Ideas: lavender, rose petals, ground cloves, nutmeg, ginger, rosemary, cinnamon, peppermint oil, crushed mint
  • If using: Mix herbs, spices and essential oil with choice filler (such as rice) and let sit in a sealed container for a few days (occasionally stirring). This will help set and distribute the fragrance a bit.
Fabric Options
  • Cotton: (plain, prints, flannels, denims)
  • Alternate ideas: old socks (sew or knot end closed), washcloths, old towels

You can also make cozy, removable & washable outer pouches, this is especially nice to do when giving as gifts.

  • Fabric Ideas: use old towels, fleece, velour knits, pretty fabric prints and flannels (don't microwave anything other than cotton fabrics). The softer & fluffier & better!
Instructions
  • Cut and sew the fabric in the size and shape you want (usually a large washcloth size works well).
  • Leave an inch or two open on one side so that you can fill pouch with your choice of filler (about 1/2 to 3/4 full, more or less as you prefer). You don't want it too full though, the sack should be able to mold itself around your body when you apply it.
  • Once it's full, sew opening closed either by hand or machine (keeping filler pushed to the opposite side of bag while sewing).

If wanting a removable cover, just sew a "pillowcase" idea with your soft, plushy fabric by making it a little larger than your pad and leaving an open end (make sure to finish off ends by sewing a hem). Or you can add a strip of velcro to close it. 

 

Careful: Make sure to never microwave this cover unless its content is full cotton. Remove cover to wash as needed.

 

Filler Suggestion For Headache Soothers

Rice (or other grain listed above) and a mix of:

  • Dried lavender
  • Marjoram
  • Betony
  • Rose petals
  • Cloves
  • Rosemary
Directions For Use

Heat for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on size. Do not leave unattended "just in case" the filler smokes or starts on fire. As a precaution, you can set a cup of water inside along with it to add moisture or spritz sack lightly with water first. If you add spices and herbs, this is a good idea to do.

If You're In a Pinch:

  • If you need something "now" and don't have time to sew one, try filling a freezer bag (use the microwaveable kind) 3/4 full with uncooked rice, seal shut. Zap it for a minute or two then wrap in a hand towel and use as needed.
  • You can also fill a clean tube sock, tie closed the open end, heat and use as needed.

Caution:

These are glorious to use for aches and pains, or just to pamper yourself after a long, hard day-but be careful before applying to body. Shake it first, feel around and check that it's not too hot and won't burn, especially when using on a child.


Join us tomorrow for Day 3, and don't forget to keep an eye on the Daily deals during clinic hours.

December News

Can you believe that it's December already?
I know it feels just like yesterday we were celebrating the new year, and it's upon us again in the blink of an eye.
We know everyone has been anticipating what we will be offering this Christmas, we know you won't be disappointed, we just need a little more patience as our offers as always start on December 13th where we will begin our 12 days of christmas extravaganza!

 

If you don't get the opportunity for a visit during the festive season, I hope that you have an amazing time with your friends and loved ones, and we'll see you in the New Year. 
Much love from Sally, Caitlin and Stephanie xxx 
 

 

Hot Stone Reflexology
New to the clinic this month, Stephanie is now offering an amazing Hot Stone Reflexology treatment. 
Spice up your Reflexology treatments with the addition of Hot Stones.  
 
These treatments are available in either 60 or 90 minute sessions and follow our existing pricing structure. Give Stephanie a call and get booked in TODAY!

12 Days of Christmas
We know you have all been waiting on our Gift Card Deals and other Holiday offers. As always our holiday deals will go live on Saturday December 13th. 

We will issue an email, and post the details of each deal every day for the 12 day duration.

Some offers will be long term, some will be available on that day only, so be sure to check your email, or Facebook regularly to find out what is available. 
 
 
Holiday Schedule
In all the chaos of the holiday season, you'll want to take a note of the following changes to our Schedule so you don't miss out on your chance to get booked in.
Dec 24th: Appointments until 5pm
5pm-8pm Gift Card sales only
Dec 25th, 26th: Closed

Dec 27th: Open 10am - 8pm
Dec 28th - Jan 5th: Closed

Jan 6th: Regular Clinic Hours Resumes
Sally will be on Medical Leave December 13th - January 6th

The timing isn't the greatest, but I received word late last week that I will finally be having the Gall Bladder surgery i've been waiting on since July. The surgery is scheduled for December 13th, and as long as all goes well I will only have a 2-3 week recover period.
During this time I will be unable to provide treatments, however I will be attending the clinic from time to time to help the girls out with the reception and managing our 12 days of christmas event.

I want to thank you for all the support you have given over the last few months regarding my health issues, and I look forward to coming back in 2015 with renewed vigour and ready to provide you with the best massage and clinic experience possible.

Have an amazing Holiday Season. 

Why we do #FreeMassageFriday

 

What is #FreeMassageFriday?
Every Friday on Facebook, we offer our friends and clients the opportunity to win a 60 minute massage of their choice. We run this every friday, and sometimes we are even generous enough to pick two winners from the entrants. It's a fun little way to start the weekend, and it allows the internet to join in on a little competition.
But people have questioned my sanity in offering this week in and week out.

The truth is that one of my core beliefs when opening my clinic was to make massage accessible and affordable to everyone and anyone who wanted or needed the service. With the economy struggling to recover, and families feeling the pinch there are some people who could really benefit from a treatment, who may not be able to afford one, so this is my way of giving them that chance.

It also allows someone who may not have received a massage before, or who may be a little nervous about trying massage for the first time, the chance to check out our services without handing over their hard earned cash for something they aren't sure they would enjoy in the first place.

So I give everyone the opportunity to take part, and potentially win a treatment.
They can choose from any of our available treatments, and the session is a 60 minute session.

What do I get out of it?
I discovered the term for this was the "Give to get" system, when I took some training with Eric Brown at BodyworkBiz  learning how to get the word out about my practice, and really share my message with the community.
After all community is important.
The effect of a massage won't only benefit the recipient, but will also spread like a ripple effect to those who surround the client. The sense of calm, and contentment will spread to friends and family even coworkers that they come into contact with. Who then also share those feelings with others around them. That is a huge pay off for me.
If my client enjoys the treatment they receive, they will share that experience, it may get me a referal, it may not. But someone has said something nice about the experience they had at my clinic. That is reward enough for me.
...and for that reason alone, I will continue to act like Oprah, and offer my #FreeMassageFriday each week. 

National Award Nomination for Local Mumpreneur Press Release

Press Release

19.09.14

For Immediate Release 

National Award Nomination for Local Mumpreneur 

Being a parent whilst juggling a business is a hard task, and nobody knows this better than Sally Chamness, a mother of 1 from Fauldhouse, West Lothian, runs Wee Sally Therapeutic Massage in Bathgate.  The business was launched in 2010 as a way for Sally to have a flexible career with her young family. She has been nominated for an award at The Mumpreneur Awards 2014 in association with Amazon, a national award scheme for parents who run their own enterprise. 

The Mumpreneur Awards 2014 in association with Amazon are the UK’s first national business awards dedicated solely to parents in business. Now in its sixth year, the awards have been a platform for many mumpreneurs to enhance their business, and continue to grow even through this uncertain economic climate.

As well as being nominated in the Courage category, Sally is also in with a chance of winning The Inspirational Business Award, which will be awarded to the parent who proves to be an inspiration to all Mums and Dads in business. 

Sally now has to wait until October, when she will find out whether she has made the finals, which will be taking place on 8thNovember 2014 at The Heart of England Conference Centre in Warwickshire.

The Mumpreneur Awards 2014 in association with Amazonare still open for entries, with nominations closing on 19th September 2014. An entry form, and further details about The Mumpreneur Awards, can be found on the Mumpreneur UK website. 

Mumpreneur UK is the leading support network for mums in business, and provides online resources and support as well as an annual conference and awards ceremony. Visit www.mumpreneuruk.com to discover more.

##Ends##

Introduction To Reflexology!

Stephanie has been practicing Reflexology for the last two years and finds it a fascinating and relaxing treatment from both a therapist & client’s perspective.

Reflexology is a natural and holistic therapy that dates as far back as 2540BC and is said to have been originally used by the Chinese and Egyptians. Reflexology is based on the Chinese principle that certain areas on the feet and hands – known as reflex points, correspond to every organ in the body. Therefore it is believed that the entire body is mapped out on our feet and hands and by massaging these reflex points, it can help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to heal itself.

What are the benefits of a Reflexology treatment?

  • Stress Relieve – Reflexology provides a deep relaxation, which can help the body to balance itself and allows healing energy to flow throughout the body. This can aid in releasing tension and improving your general sense of wellbeing.

  • Muscle Relaxation – The energy in our body is thrown out of balance when muscles become tensed or over stressed. Therefore the nerve pathways that connect muscles to the rest of the body become congested. Reflexology can help stimulate the nerve endings in the feet to release energy and relax the muscles.

  • Improved Circulation – The blood carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells in the body and helps to eliminate toxins and remove waste products. Reflexology stimulates the circulatory system and helps to get that circulation going!

  • Cleansing and waste removal – The lymphatic, urinary or the intestinal systems can become blocked due to a build up of waste. This is what causes us to feel bloated and sometimes sick. Reflexology can help release these blockages and cleanse the body of impurities by helping the body to eliminate waste and drain inflammation and fluid retention. This is also why it is very important to drink plenty of water after a reflexology treatment as you may become dehydrated, and replacing your fluids is important to prevent that sluggish feeling.

  • Sense of wellbeing – Reflexology helps to relax and the balance the body, improve psychological health through a sense of deep relaxation and enhance energy levels creating an overall feeling of wellbeing.

 

 

Join us this month for an Introduction to Reflexology.
Receive a 30 minute Reflexology massage followed by post-treatment consultation outlining the discoveries made, how this will impact your current health and a treatment plan to best suit your needs.

This 30 minute session will be offered throughout August at the low, low price of £15 so call us on 01506 238366 to book today! 

Massage and Trauma

Along our life path, we are all occasionally blighted with traumatic events: loss of a loved one, illness, assault, surgery, natural disasters, financial difficulties, and many other situations can trigger emotional reactions that impact beyond the actual event itself. About 20% of people who experience a traumatic event will develop post-traumatic stress disorder, with many others experiencing other, less extreme, symptoms of distress linked to an event.

Symptoms of this disorder can be flashbacks, anxiety attacks, loss of interest in life, withdrawal, immune system disorders and substance abuse. When thinking about the event, people with PTSD physically experience it as if it were happening at that moment. Their sympathetic nervous system is triggered to allow for fight or flight responses: e.g. adrenaline is released, heart rate and blood pressure increases, there is an increase in blood flow to the muscles, etc. There are a number of therapeutic outlets that can be utilised to help the client get through this difficult period, including psychotherapy, medication, and touch therapies. Let me re-count a story I once had to illustrate my point.

Sharon (not her real name) booked in for a massage at a clinic I used to work in, years ago. She wanted a nice, relaxing treatment as she was on holiday and didn't want to be manipulated into something resembling a pretzal. During treatment, she started crying. I asked if she'd like me to stop, and she said no. What we did instead was I continued the massage while she poured her heart out about the death of her brother-in-law. It seems that he was in a car accident months ago, and had died as a result. Between making the arrangement for her funeral, and wanting to look strong for her husband, she hadn't really had a chance to grieve. She talked about the loss of her brother-in-law while I continued with the session, trying to be responsive and understanding. It seemed to help: While she seemed tense on arrival, afterwards her muscles were noticeably relaxed and pliant. She looked relieved. Sharon thanked me for the treatment and went on her way, looked much freer in her movements and calmer in her countenance. This was my first experience with a client with a post-trauma emotional response, and it would not be the last. I came to notice that the combination of sensitive, caring touch and the free-flow of thoughts seemed to help the client relax and unwind. I'm sure that the fact that I don't expect clients to look me in the eye and explain themselves has something to do about it, too.

There has been some research conducted on the effectiveness of touch therapies on PTSD: including the effectiveness of massage therapy on women who have experienced sexual abuse, on sufferers of PTSD as a result of childhood abuse, and and a study on the reduction of PTSD symptoms in children effected by Hurricane Katrina. Each study showed diminished signs of trauma after the treatment was administered. There's even courses massage therapists and other complementary therapists can do to learn counseling skills to incorporate into their practice, such as this pioneering course at the Colorado School of Healing Arts. It's just one more sign that looking at the whole person during treatment is gaining traction in the manual therapy and medical fraternities. There is also a fantastic article here about dealing with PTSD through touch. 

Buy One Get One Free for Christmas!


BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

December is here, and as I am sure you have all been anticipating, our annual "Buy One Get One Free" offer on Gift Cards is now LIVE!
Purchase a Gift Card between now and December 24th and receive a second of equal value for absolutely free.

Don't have time to come to the Bathgate Clinic?
Why not purchase online using the Promotional Code XMAS2013 at our website.
Details on how to purchase Gift Cards online can be found at:

How to buy online!

Terms and Conditions.

Buy One Get One Free!
Use the Promotion Code XMAS2013 online to receive 50% off your online Gift Card purchases.

Quote this code in-store to receive your Buy One Get One Free. 
 
This offer is  limited to two purchases during the offer period. (One visit is considered one purchase).
Maximum Value for each Gift Card is £100.
Offer Expires: December 24th 2013


CAITLINS ABSENCE

Caitlin will be taking 6 weeks off starting December 10th due to a medical procedure and the necessary recovery time.
During this time Sally will be back at the clinic full time to ensure that all your treatment needs are met.
At the moment her scheduled absence will be from December 10th, until January 18th where she will be returning with some amazing offers just from her to you, we will update you as it gets nearer her return date to let you know what she has planned.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

As of Tuesday December 10th, Sally will be working the following hours:
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm.

We will be closed on the following dates to spend time with our families:


December 25th
December 26th
December 31st

January 1st
January 2nd
January 3rd
January 4th

Wishing you every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. Thank you for being our customer. We look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming year.

 

All the best to you and your family,

 


Sally Chamness
Wee Sally Therapeutic Massage