Below you will find descriptions of the therapies currently available. At the start of the first session a full consultation takes place to determine the suitability of the treatment you would like to have. None of the treatments, save for Swedish Massage, require the removal of more than shoes and socks and this makes them suitable to recieve anywhere. Therapies can take place in your workplace, home or in my dedicated healing space in Belfast.

Discounts on treatment costs are available for block bookings, therapy parties and low income earners email Stonehouse Holistics for more information.

The Therapies

Reflexology

Is a massage therapy most commonly used on the feet but also on the hands. The origins of reflexology go back to ancient Egypt. Wall paintings in a physician's tomb, at Saqqara, dating back to 2330 B.C. show people receiving treatments on their hands and feet. Modern day reflexology has its origins in Zone Therapy which was pioneered by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald. He divided the body into ten longitudinal zones; the theory being that reflexes operate along these zones and that pressure and stimulation of a reflex at one point along the zone relieves pain at other points within the zone.

Zone Therapy was adopted by Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist in her treatment of patients in the 1930's. She developed it further and worked on the feet due to the fact that they are one part of the body that is usually protected at all times and therefore more sensitive to manipulation. Eventually she mapped the entire body onto the feet. She discovered that a therapeutic effect could be achieved by using pressure from her thumbs and fingers on specific points which related to problems ocurring elsewhere in the body.

Reflexology is an effective treatment for a full range of conditions including back pain, sports injuries, migraines and arthritis. It is also a useful tool in treating infertility, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances and sleep disorders. Stress related conditions often respond well to reflexology; it is not uncommon for clients to fall asleep during the therapy and wake feeling very refreshed indeed!

This therapy is very suited to people who may be less mobile than others and would prefer to sit and relax in a chair rather than attempt to get on and off a massage table. Often people are concerned that they are unsuitable for the therapy due to having ticklish feet but the massage is such that it does not trigger off such feelings and instead they find themselves very relaxed. Reflexology is an extremely satisfying treat you can give your entire body.

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Indian Head Massage

Ayurvedic texts dating back to almost 4,000 years suggest that massage used in conjunction with herbs, spices and oils has always been a central part of Indian family life. The treatment known as Indian Head Massage has sprung from this long tradition.

Indian Head Massage was originally used by women who believed that by regularly massaging their heads with seasonal vegetation and essential oils they would keep their long hair strong and healthy. It seems that they were right to do this as Indian Head Massage stimulates the blood flow to the hair follicles thus supplying the nutrients and oxygen to improve hair growth.

This original form of the therapy was restricted to the head and hair, but it was not exclusively for women as barbers in India practised similar skills. Head massage was considered to be a vital part of the routine of cutting the hair. Indian Head Massage as it existed then was given by barbers to their male clients primarily to refresh and energize the individual rather than to provide care for the hair. The traditions of Indian Head Massage have been handed down from one generation to the next and have evolved in the latter part of the twentieth century as they were introduced to the West.

Narendra Mehta introduced Indian Head Massage to this country in the early 1980’s; the story goes that he was surprised and disappointed to discover that barbers in this country did not give 'champi' following the cutting of his hair – he returned to India to research champissage and brought it to us as a therapeutic practice.

The term 'head massage' may be a little misleading as this massage therapy works on the upper body; the back, shoulders, arms, neck, head and face. The massage is delivered fully clothed with the client seated throughout. Indian Head Massage instills a sense of balance and well-being. This massage is especially good for relieving stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches and sinusitis.

Some clients enjoy the use of fragrant oils during the scalp massage and it is thought that certain oils feed the scalp and strengthen the hair. My Indian Head Massage clients report that the experience is deeply calming and relaxing whilst often leaving them energised and better able to concentrate.

Indian Head Massage is well suited to the corporate world as the massage can be conducted at the desk if necessary. Without the need to disrobe or to shower afterwards a client can treat themselves to a lunchtime massage leaving them relaxed and ready to go.

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Reiki 

Reiki (pronounced Ray Key) is a combination of two Japanese words rei and ki meaning universal life energy. Reiki is an ancient healing technique that uses the life force energy to heal, balancing the subtle energies within our bodies. Reiki addresses physical, emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances. The Reiki practitioner serves as a channel for the healing energies to go where they are most needed. Reiki's ki-energies flow out of the practitioner's body through the palms of the hands while they are touching or are close to the recipient's body.

This form of therapy aims to increase energy levels and promote relaxation and wellbeing. The underlying philosophy of reiki is that if a person’s ‘life force energy’ is low, they are more likely to be unwell or stressed. If it is high, however, they are more capable of being happy and feeling well. Reiki will not cure illnesses or disease but it may help your body to heal itself. Reiki can do no harm. Reiki is not a religion; there is nothing you have to believe in to use or receive reiki.

Reiki is performed either on a massage table or in a comfortable chair with no need to disrobe other than the removal of shoes and perhaps the loosening of a tight belt. It is important that the person receiving the treatment is comfortable and relaxed. Reiki can be done anywhere but generally the treatment will be given in a quiet space with candles and soft music playing in the background. Different people experience different things as the treatment is given, some feel tingling sensations, some heat and some cold - it is possible that you may fall asleep but this is okay as reiki will go where it is needed, when it is needed. People often choose to combine reiki with the other treatments on this page to further improve their efficacy, this can be discussed during the initial consultation.

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Hopi Ear Candles

Hopi Ear candles or as it is more formally known: Thermo Auricular Therapy is used to relieve ear, sinus, nose, throat and head problems as well as stimulate the lymph system and the metabolism of the body.

The use of Ear candles to reduce pressures in the head was known to many ancient civilisations but It was through the Hopi Indians of North Arizona that this treatment became more widely known. The candles were used to cleanse and harmonise energy fields and to drive out negative energies as well as a physical clearance therapy for problems relating to the ear, nose and throat.

The word 'candle' is a little misleading as they resemble more closely tubes often made from New Zealand flax and beeswax which burn slowly down in a controlled and safe manner. It is the burning of the candle that creates a chimney effect drawing out any impurities in the ear and encouraging the body to loosen any build up of wax which disperses naturally in the days following treatment.

Ear candles can be a very effective treatment for the following conditions: tinitus, compacted ear wax and glue ear, sore throats and hay fever, headache, migraine, rhinitis and sinusitis, catarrh and asthma, stimulation of blood and energy flow, regulation of pressure in ears and head, relaxation in conditions of anxiety and stress, stimulation of the lymphatic system and metabolism. It is usual to have more than one treatment - usually three over a few weeks to gain the best results.

This therapy is usually complimented with a short session of reiki and/or face massage which both imporoves the efficacy of the treatment and produces a thoroughly relaxed, stress-free client.

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Foot Zone Therapy

As in Reflexology it is believed that all zones of the body are represented on the feet and stimulation of these zones can effect positive changes within the organs, systems etc. This wonderful therapy treatment involves the power of crystals; a healing modality used for over five thousand years. They were used in Biblical times, throughout Ancient Egypt, Rome and are very important in Ayurvedic medicine .

Ancient cultures and civilizations have used crystals for many different purposes. They have been used in medicine and health care, protection, magic and rituals, as offerings and currency, for good luck and wealth as well as precious gifts and items of beauty.

This is a profound therapy which is performed using a powerful Brazilian quartz 'wand' crystal to stimulate the energy centres within the body. The crystal is applied to the feet using a comfortable pressure that is agreed with the client. Following this aspect of the treatment beautiful crystals with the same colour and vibrational energy of the body's chakra points are used to massage and balance the chakra points as they are represented on the feet. The treatment is completed with a relaxing/stimulating foot massage using hypoallergenic cream.

 Many people who have had this unusual therapy experience an intense relaxation during the treatment - it is not unusual for people to fall asleep during it - and afterwards are rewarded with a powerful sense of well-being and 'balance'.

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Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the classic form of Western massage, which uses pressure to help you feel relaxed and calm. Swedish massage has been portrayed on TV in the past as a very hard massage performed by some sadistic therapist in a medical-style uniform, but this is just TV! It is actually amazingly relaxing and designed to improve your circulation, soothe your muscles and release stress and tension.

Besides the calming benefits, Swedish massage is thought to be good for:

easing muscular strain by flushing out toxins
improving circulation by increasing oxygen flow in the blood
helping to keep ligaments and tendons supple
stimulating the nervous system
reducing emotional and physical stress

This treatment will involve the removal of clothing from the areas to be massaged – don't worry though, you will be covered in towels throughout the massage and only the areas being treated are uncovered for the massage and then covered again. If you would feel happier having a friend or family member present that is fine but be assured that at all times your comfort and modesty are paramount and you should never, at any time, feel vulnerable.

As with all treatments, a consultation will be done prior to the massage - inform your therapist of any medical conditions you may have or suspect you may have. It's best to avoid heavy meals and alcohol in the hours leading up to your massage

Your massage will last around 60 minutes. You'll be given time to undress privately and lie down on the massage table, where you will cover yourself with towels. Oil is usually the massage medium of choice - grapeseed is the most common one used as it is light, without a strong odour, sinks in easily and is unlikely to create an allergic reaction. If you're worried about anything before, during or after the massage, don't hesitate to say so.

I like to play music during massage, as it can help you to unwind but don't be afraid to say if you'd prefer not to have it - or indeed if you're unhappy with anything else in the treatment room. Being content in your surroundings is important for relaxation and will help you sink happily into your massage.

After the massage you'll be feeling quite relaxed and maybe even sleepy, so give yourself plenty of time to unwind. Savour the feeling of having every muscle in your body gently stretched and smoothed out.

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