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Please use it to look around - the other pages are likely more useful and interesting than this blog page of updates! 

(Blogspot does not allow the home page to be something else.)

Music

Do you like music during a session? Do you have a playlist of music on your own phone or device that you'd like to use? 

Just ask to connect it via bluetooth to my speaker to play your own music which you know you enjoy, or which would help you feel how you want to feel in your session - whether that is calmed, uplifted, or inspired!

Another beneficial way to use your own music, is that if you always play a particular playlist during your session, it becomes associated by your brain with how you feel during the session. So, for example if you feel more relaxed and calm during your session, when at home, you can play that music, to evokes the calm and relaxation you felt and to reconnect with that relaxed feeling.

Tipping

A client has just alerted me to the fact that when she went to book, the Holistyx Online Scheduler (hosted by Acuity and separate to this website) had the option to give an 18% tip ticked as a default, turning a £50 appointment into a £58 appointment. I want to apologise for this as I had no idea this was the case!

I am only given the option to allow people to tip, or not allow people to tip. The tip options or default is not editable by me. I have emailed them about this, to suggest this is changed.

Tips are NOT expected let alone at such a generous amount.

I have added "Tips are enabled but not expected" to the instructions on how to book at the top of the scheduler and going forward it will be included in the information I email to prospective new clients.

What can Holistyx do for you?

Feel stressed out, tired, tense? 

Stiffness, tightness, aches, pains?

Feeling low, anxious or not sleeping well?

Take time out to relax, unwind, and be more balanced and at ease with a professional and effective treatment session with Ceri Turner, a caring and intuitive therapist with knowledge and skills from 15 years of experience in Massage, Aromatherapy and Reflexology.

Relieving tension, discomfort or pain.

Reducing stress and improving mood.. 

Enabling more looseness and freedom of movement.

Supporting your immune system. 

Improving or supporting your physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

Opt for Swedish / Holistic Massage, Stone Therapy (Hot and Cold Stone Massage), Aromatherapy Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, or Pregnancy and Post-natal treatments.

Holistyx provides a high standard of protection from Covid-19 and other infectious diseases, including ventilation, air filtration, masks and hygiene, so you can feel safe to relax, in a warm, comfortable, accessible therapy room in Central Lancaster with free parking. 

Check out options and prices. 

Contact Holistyx@gmail.com for details of how to book in online.

Safe Inside Directory

This month, a new directory called 'Safe Inside' launched - a self-certification scheme to help people find Covid-safe places to access healthcare and other services. It was great to be asked to the first business listed and to be tweeted about as an 'absolutely inspiring business'. 

Here's the entry for Holistyx - https://safeinside.co.uk/holistyx

This directory is looking for information on other businesses - particularly Healthcare related or essential services such as dentists, opticians, therapists, funeral directors. 

Do you know of any businesses who have measures in place such as HEPA filters and a masking policy? Or even just a window always open and workers who test if symptomatic and stay off work if testing positive? Tell them to get themselves listed!

Find out what safety measures there are at Holistyx against Covid and other infectious diseases commonly in circulation such as flu, colds, RSV and norovirus at: Infection Control Policies and Procedures. 

PS I have since discovered a Facebook group called CEV Safer Places UK for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to Covid to find venues which are mindful of infection control, outdoor attractions, or venues with outdoor eating.

Goodbye to ESTA - The Ethical Small Traders Association

With some sadness after 10 years of involvement, I have made the difficult decision to leave ESTA - the  Ethical Small Traders Association - as I have not been able to participate in any ESTA events for some considerable time. Thank you to all the ESTA members who have supported and inspired me over the years, especially those in the 'Health and Wellbeing' sector - and I wish you and your businesses all the best for the future. 

Hot days - cold stones and cooling oils!

Are you enjoying the sun? 🌞😎

Or feeling a bit overheated? 😩

It's a nice 21-22C here at Holistyx, between the stone walls, the window that only gets direct sun mid afternoon, and the fans on the HEPA air filters. 💙

Cold Stones

I am now offering cold stones as a £2 add-on to Swedish/Holistic Massage, Aromatherapy, or Massage and Reflexology sessions.

 

Marble and jade stones (pictured) are naturally cool, and I keep them in the fridge for extra coldness. They are used in the palm of the hand to massage with, or may also be placed on the body to really cool a particular area. Eg the smallest ones can be used on the forehead and temples. The larger ones might be used on the back, or the legs. 

• These can feel wonderful and be really beneficial:
• on painful muscles
• on injured, or inflamed areas, including arthritic joints
• on sensitive, irritable or hot skin
• on the face and neck to relieve congested sinuses or hayfever related inflammation
• on areas with sluggish lymph circulation eg tired, puffy legs
• for a menopausal woman having a hot flush

Cold stones are sometimes used as part of a Stone Therapy: Hot and Cold Stone Massage session. However through much of the year, most people prefer just the hot stones. But in this weather the cold stones come into their own!

Cooling Oils

I can also use essential oils which cool the body - either the full on menthol freshness and anti-inflammatory action of peppermint or something more subtle. This could be an uplifting citrus oil like lemon, orange, grapefruit, bergamot or petitgrain - as long as you aren't going to be in the sun afterwards - as be aware most citrus oils increase the risk of sunburn! Or lavender, geranium, chamomile, or eucalyptus are other great essential oils for cooling and calming. In terms of the base massage oil, coconut oil is the most cooling (and tips for at home - is also great as an after-sun treatment for your skin or your hair).

Peppermint is especially good for aching muscles, headaches, or itchy skin.
Lavender is perfect for sore skin (including sunburn, midge bites), stress, insomnia.
Geranium as a hormone and mood balancer is perfect for menopause, and also helps with sluggish lymph circulation.
Chamomile is a particularly potent anti-inflammatory.
Eucalyptus is great for clearing sinuses or a muggy head, and also for arthritic joints.


NB - If you are using essential oils at home - remember diffused oils can be toxic to pets, and oils for the skin should always be properly diluted. Water (eg putting them straight in your bath) doesn't dilute oil because oil and water don't mix! Ask me if you'd like to know more about using essential oils safely.

Professional Associations

I have allowed my membership of the BCMA to lapse, as I didn't see any benefit to membership. After having been a member of a professional association ever since I trained in 2008 (see Professional Associations Posts for previous posts on this topic), indeed for many years a heavily involved one volunteering my time, I have decided not to be a member of any. I do of course remain fully qualified and insured to practice.

Price Rise - from 6th April 2022

 My prices haven't gone up for 2 1/2 years, since 1 October 2019. I knew a lot of people have had either reduced income or less financial security due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so wanted to avoid putting my prices up.

 I've got though so far with the help of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme and other Grants to help businesses affected by Covid-19, when forced to close, and through reduced work and increased costs. 

But recently I have had to re-evaluate, as not just business costs but the cost of living has also increased, and so I will be increasing my prices from 6th April, ie at the start of the next tax year. See the Prices and How to Book page for details.

If you have booked in with me online previously, you need to use a new booking link to book sessions from 7th April.  If you opted in to my email mailing list, you will have been sent this. Please email me if you need the new booking link. 

Illness, Covid Risk, Pregnancy, Vaccination, New Meds... When Should I Cancel or Reschedule an Appointment?

If you have booked, and since then something has happened and you are not sure whether you should still attend... this may help. 

I cover cold, flu, Covid and stomach bug symptoms, contact with Covid-19, test results, concern of Medical Provider, Post-Covid conditions, pregnancy, vaccination, and other new medical conditions or medication.