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From the days of primitive man scent has played a major role in man’s survival. The hunter-gatherer would have used smell to recognise prey, danger and even his own social group. Evidence has been found linking flowers to burial rites of primitive man, suggesting that either they were trying to cover the smell from predators and preserve the dead or it was a religious/respectful reason. As we move forward in time, the Egyptian Pharaohs were buried with much ceremony and the use of aromatic plants to preserve the body and allow the spirit to move with a body on into the next life, even though science as we know it could not prove their methods at the time. Native American Indians have throughout their history, used purification rituals including the burning of herbs to enter vision quests or heal the body. In European history, during times of plagues aromatic posies were carried to ward off the smell and illness. Scent was also liberally applied to cover body odour as bathing was believed to cause illness.Evidence has been uncovered to suggest that certain plants were eaten or applied to encourage healing from wounds or illness. Egyptian man similarly used plants for flavouring and preserving foods. They too left wreaths for their dead and also used the preservative qualities of plants to protect the body for the afterlife. The Celt people drove the cattle through the religious fires of Beltane to ward off disease, utilising the smoke from aromatic plants as an insecticide. In the dark ages, religious groups would persecute those who practised ‘witchcraft’. Very often this would be the local wise-woman who had learnt, from her mother, the benefits of aromatic plants and herbs, and would use them for the benefit of anyone who utilised her services. She was often the local midwife, dentist and doctor all at once. In times of plagues of sickness, people would carry posies of flowers to ward off illness and the smell of the dying. In this period also, bathing was believed to allow illness to enter the body therefore, layers of creams and unguents were applied to mask the smell of the unwashed person. It should be stated that in 538 AD, the people of East Asia were far more advanced, already creating incense using oils such as Sandalwood, Benzoin Frankincense and Patchouli in their traditional medicine for healing and fragrance.Religious ceremonies also prominently used aromatic plants to induce trance like states to commune with the gods and inspire devotion. This is present in religions that are very diverse such as Roman Catholic (incense) and Native American Indian (burning of sage for purification). As European man progressed scientifically, the use of medicinal plants faded into the shadow of chemically produced medicines. Now there seems to be a movement back to the natural approach as more illnesses become resistant to modern medicines and people seek a more natural approach and wish to become active in healing and caring for thier own body. The current trend towards holistic healing is a natural response to the lack of confidence many people have in prescribed medication. This is where the modern Aromatherapist comes in with training and skills learnt to help others to help themselves heal both mind and body It should be noted that Aromatherapy is not a cure and does not replace medical advice. Any illness should be referred in the first instance to a medical practitioner for diagnosis. Aromatherapy is a therapy which aims to compliment the services of doctors and work with them to assist in a patients recovery. Prices: Leg Massage £15 Back Massage £20 Neck and Shoulder Massage £20 Full Body Massage £40 Appointments can be made on 07501479279 |
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Energy is all around us. Just as a quartz watch uses peiso-electricity to run, our bodies use bioelectrical impulses to work. If these impulses are not making the circuit or are misfiring, we are not working at our best. In times of stress or illness this fine balance can be upset and blockages or misalignments in our energies occur. This in turn lowers the body's resistance to disease or illness. By placing the correct crystals over the energy centres, or chakras, we can use the energy of the crystal to align and unblock our chakras, allowing our energy to flow freely and our body to heal itself. By working intuitively or with a pendulum, dowser or wand, a crystal therapist seeks out blockages along the meridians or energy lines of the body, and works to restore the natural flow, restoring harmony within the energies and aura. Crystal Healing does not in volve any physical manipulation and the client remains clothed throughout. The client is asked to lay on a massage bed and relax as the therapist carries out the work. Shoes may be removed for comfort, but the client remains clothed and protected throughout. As with all complimentary therapies, this is not a cure. It is a method of assisting medicine to help you heal. This does not replace medical advice, and all illness should in the first instance be diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner. Prices: Crystal Healing £20 Chakra Realignment £20 Combined Crystal healing and Chakra realignment £35 Appointments can be made on 07501479279 |
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Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese word that means universal life force. Rei means the universal wisdom and knowledge. Ki means "life force", the energy that flows through all living things. With every day stresses and worries this "Life force Energy" can start to become low or disrupted, which eventually may cause ill health. Reiki works on all the energies of the body. It balances, heals and harmonises the mind, body, and spirit. It creates positive energy and calmness and can only be used for the greatest and highest good. Reiki can also be used to help aid personal and spiritual growth. Because Reiki is a gentle energy therapy it is suitable and safe for everyone, including pregnant women. A full Reiki treatment takes approximately one hour. However, please allow some extra time at your first session, as the first consultation usually takes longer. Reiki is given with you fully clothed, shoes removed just for your comfort. Reiki is usually given whilst you lie on a therapy couch, or can be given whilst seated if that is more appropriate for your needs. During a Reiki treatment the practitioner places their hands on, or just above, different parts of your body covering major chakras, and any problem areas. Reiki is a totally non-invasive process. Because Reiki is working with your energy field you may experience a number of sensations such as heat, tingling or coolness. Above all you should feel relaxed and peaceful during the session as the energy flows through your body. It is not uncommon for people to drift off to sleep. Please remember that Reiki is not a substitute for traditional medical treatment, it is only complementary to it, and as such you still need to obtain medical treatment where necessary. Sessions Available on Monday afternoons with Emma Lingard of Rose Reiki or on Saturday mornings with Emma Bellamy. Attunements now also being offered by Corrin of Moonstone Reiki Prices: 15 minutes £7.50 30 minutes £15 60 minutes £30 Level one attunement £95 Level two attunement £125 Reiki Master Advanced £125 Reiki Master Teacher £200 Emma Lingard can be contacted on 07788865191. Emma Bellamy Can be contacted on 07794604845 Kevin Sevenoaks can be contacted on 01472 501447 |
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Reflexology is but one form of massage that has been around in one shape or another, for very many years. Russian physiologist V. M. Bechterev coined the term reflexology in 1917. It is believed to have originated from China and the East, and there has been recorded evidence of its use in ancient Egypt, Greece, and even the Holy Roman Empire. Thai foot massage used by Buddhist monks appears to retain the same techniques and form as it did centuries ago and makes use of a small teak stick for more intense stimulation of the pressure points. This, Thai or “Old lady massage”; which is still taught today, is the closest in form to western Reflexology but obviously, as our massages are much gentler, we don’t use a stick. It should be made clear that reflexology is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions, and is not a replacement for conventional medical practice. In particular, you should consult your GP if you are in the first quarter of pregnancy, diabetic or if you suffer from cardiovascular diseases. What to expect The first visit will last a bit longer than subsequent ones as the reflexologist needs to find out about your medical history, your diet and general health before examining your hands/feet. The reflexology treatment will be preceded by a relaxation massage to put you at ease. During the treatment, you will be lying on a massage table. The reflexologist will be sitting in front of your feet. You do not need to undress; only your feet will be bare. A Reflexology session should feel relaxing, calming and restorative. Some pressure points will be sensitive if there is an imbalance, so some people may experience tenderness on different areas of the foot. However, the treatment should not be painful or cause discomfort. Your reflexologist will adapt their touch to each person and feedback is encouraged to create the most effective treatment. Since the touch is firm, it is not usually perceived as ticklish. If you do have ticklish feet, your therapist will be happy to provide you with a hand massage. In general, a session will last 45 to 60 minutes. The young or elderly will generally be given shorter treatments. Sometimes you may have a reaction to the treatment - usually pleasant reaction such as feeling calm, relaxed or rejuvenated. Other reactions are cleansing reactions, such as increased urination, more frequent bowel movement, tiredness or headaches. These should last no more than 48hours, and are a sign that the body is eliminating toxins. It is worth keeping a note of these to tell the reflexologist during the next session. The number of sessions required will depend on your state of health. Generally 3-4. Jean stone can be contacted on 07988754025 All charges are subject to change at any time, and price charged will be price at booking
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