Heatwaves and Hot stones? 🔥🥵Cold stones!❄️😎

Are you someone who loves hot weather, or someone who struggles to cope with it?

 I love blue skies and sunshine...

  But I am more of a 'coper' when its as hot as we've had it lately! 

 I have had a surprising (to me at least!) number of people over the last few weeks booked in for Stone Therapy: Hot and Cold Stone Massage - a massage and treatment primarily with HOT stones.

I've done a bit of research, and while I didn't find any very helpful information or guidelines re specifically Hot Stone Massage in hot weather - the World Health Organisation recommends a maximum comfortable working temperature of 24°C, and Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy recommend a maximum indoor working temperature of 24°C. Maximum safe temperatures are also suggested in the range of 25-27C. Discomfort and safety are also impacted by humidity levels, with higher humidity on top of heat being less comfortable and more dangerous.

This has lead to me reviewing my policy and practice in terms of wellbeing and safety for both my clients and myself for having added heat when the ambient temperature is already high. Safety in heat waves is something we all have to start considering as the climate continues to heat up and become more unstable.

I am lucky in that due to its thick stone walls and overshadowed North-West facing back windows the temperature in my room has almost always stayed under 24C.

However, Hot Stones are heated in a water heater (like a crock pot) at around 120-135F or 49-57C - which heats the room up some and raises the humidity. Lovely in winter! Not so great when its already close to uncomfortably hot!

Use of the hot stones for placement and massage can raise not just the skin temperature but potentially the core temperature of the client. If you are going out then into a hot day, or a hot car, or to a hot office or house (and lets face it, not only do most of us not have air conditioning, but our houses and buildings are designed to stay warm, not to keep cool!), there is a safety issue as this may put undue stress on the body (especially the heart and circulation) and its ability to cool down and regulate core temperature.

With that in mind I have contacted the clients who have booked for Hot Stones recently and explained why it is safer and wiser for them - as well as more comfortable for me! - to work with Cold stones only in this kind of weather.

Going forward, for my own comfort and wellbeing, I have decided not to ordinarily offer Hot Stones in July and August in future - unless we are having a cool patch in which case I may add some availability in.

Furthermore I will keep an eye on predicted temperatures in other months and added a proviso to the forms for the booking of hot stones that in the event of predicted temperatures of 24C or above and / or of a weather warning for heat, I will review whether the use of stones is safe and advisable for client and myself, and reserve the right to only use cold stones in those circumstances, or for the session to be rescheduled to another day and time. I hope no-one will be too disappointed with this decision. 

Stone Therapy  

Cold stones and cooling oils on hot days - you can add cold stones as a £2 add on to other treatments.

Best wishes for the rest of the summer!

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Summer holiday plans and self-care

A few people have started to ask me about my plans for the summer - ie will I be away at all? I actually have a trip away - just down to see family in the South and be with my dad for Father's Day - in a couple of weeks time. Holistyx will be closed for a week from Tuesday 16th to Tuesday 23rd June.
I am going to be available as usual throughout July and August - and I have just put August availability in the online calendar.


If you know you are going to be too busy in the holiday period to come for a session - whether looking after children, going away yourself - or covering at work for other people's time off - maybe get yourself booked in sooner rather than later for some care and attention to get yourself feeling relaxed and good in body and mind to better enjoy the summer!

Alternatively some people like to come just before a trip away, so they don't arrive too stressed and tense to make the most of it - or after they return in case the journey back is tiring and difficult, and as something to look forward to to take the sting out of the end of the holiday!

Email Holistyx@gmail.com if you need booking information. 

£3 price rise from 6th April 2026 - book yourself massage or Reflexology now for current prices!

There will be a price rise of £3 for all Holistyx appointments made on or after the 6th April.

 
Appointments are available up to the end of May. If you get yourself booked in now - or by the 5th April - you can get your Massage or Reflexology session(s) for March, April, May booked at current prices.

 
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.
- Relieving tension, discomfort or pain.
- Reducing stress.
- Feeling more looseness and freedom of movement.
- Improving and supporting your physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing!

To book, use the Holistyx Online Scheduler if you have the link, or contact me at Holistyx@gmail.com and I will send you the link and full booking information.

New Year - Hot Stone Relaxation?

Happy New Year! Are you feeling rested, relaxed and restored? Or have you been busy running around looking after everyone else this festive season? Do you enjoy the cold, dark months, or does your mood dip?

New Years resolutions tend to be all about pushing ourselves to change - and 'do better' - but how would it feel to be kinder to yourself instead?

At this time of year, I recommend trying a Hot Stone massage. Carefully heated smooth round basalt stones are placed on the body and used in the hands for massage. The relaxing and pain relieving effects of heat penetrate deeply into muscles. Great if you have fibromyalgia, arthritis, or chronic pain but also just for a wonderful experience of deep relaxation.

Gift Vouchers

 Its that time of year again!

With the winter festivities coming up (whether you are thinking of what you are getting for others, or what you'd like them to get for you!) Holistyx Gift vouchers are available at a variety of price points for presents for Christmas or other celebrations of the season.

A gift of enjoyment and therapeutic benefit, to relieve tension and stress, to alleviate pain or discomfort, for improved mood and sleep, to look after mental, emotional and physical health. Some time out to relax and unwind, to balance and restore energies and for a real sense of wellbeing!

How to use Each voucher contains a unique Coupon Code which is used when booking an appointment on the Online Scheduler.

Expiry Date: The code will be usable until the expiry date - 4 months from the date of issue.

Options: By email OR through the post
An e-voucher - which I will email you as an attachment, and you can then either print out yourself, or forward on. OR
A physical voucher and leaflet through the post to yourself or directly to the person they are for.

Options: Price and Type
Vouchers match treatment options and prices, with a price range from £40 to £75.



If in doubt whether it is appropriate to buy a gift voucher for someone please ask before you purchase. However, a refund is available up to the expiry date of the voucher, if I am not able to treat due to medical reasons or if my terms and conditions, including Covid safety policies, are not accepted by the recipient.

How to Buy, How to Pay You can find full information, including what information I need from you on this page on the Holistyx website, link below. Scroll downpage for direct payment links via Paypal (you don't need an account) or details on other ways to pay.

BUY HERE

New Cancellation Policy

You can cancel or reschedule your appointment yourself on the online scheduler, using the links at the bottom of your appointment confirmation or reminder emails right up to the appointment time, but not afterwards. 

For preference, if you are intending to rebook, please use the 'reschedule' option, especially if you have already paid. 

For cancellations made more than 24 hours before the appointment

If you have already paid, using online payment, I will refund you the fee, minus only any payment processing fees where relevant. My online Scheduler uses Stripe, which currently charges 1.5% of the fee + 20p. This is currently, for example, £0.95 on a £50 appointment, so you would be refunded £49.05. Alternatively, if you have rebooked instead of rescheduling I may contact you offering to make arrangements so that the payment is counted by the booking system for that booking instead.

 

Late cancellations - non-attendance without 24 hours notice

- If less than 24 hours notice has been given, there is normally* a 50% cancellation fee. If the full fee had already been paid, I will refund 50%. If no monies have been paid, I will contact you about payment, and if necessary take the 50% owed from a card that is on file from previous use.

- *However there is an exemption to the cancellation fee which applies if cancellation is due to symptoms emerging which the person cancelling reasonably believed could be caused by an infectious disease including cold, flu or Covid-19; the client's household or someone they have been in close contact with has tested positive for Covid-19 or has Covid-19 symptoms; because they been required or told to isolate by Health Professional, local Public Health Officer, Border Control, or UK law or guidance, because their medical practitioner has advised against it, or for other legal, infection control or health protection measure that arose at short notice where the client was not able to inform me of this prior to the 24 hour cancellation period. In these circumstances, please inform me before your appointment or as soon as it is possible for you to do so. In this case, as above, if you have already paid, I will normally refund you the fee, minus any payment processing fees if relevant, or may arrange to have the fee count against a future appointment. 

This cancellation policy is on my booking forms and must be agreed to in order to book an appointment. 

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: Covid Safer Services

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. 

Holistyx Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology in Lancaster: Appointments Available

Appointments are booked via an online calendar and Intake forms. Please email Holistyx@gmail.com to be sent full information. Or use the contact form in the sidebar if you are on a desktop computer. 

I offer Swedish / Holistic Massage, Stone Therapy (Hot and Cold Stone Massage), Aromatherapy Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, and also Pregnancy and Post-Natal Massage, Aromatherapy and Reflexology.

See also Prices and How to Book

Professional Associations: APNT Dissolved, still a BCMA Member

Unfortunately, the Professional Association I joined in March, the Association of Physical and Natural Therapists, because of their fantastic support for therapists during the pandemic, has been dissolved, as of 31st August 2021. While this was originally with the intention of starting a new organisation with a different structure, such as a Limited Company or Community Interest Company, very sadly for a respected organisation founded in 1986, financial irregularities discovered during this process have lead to a criminal investigation. 

I do however remain a member of the BCMA - the British Complementary Medicine Association, which is a member of the General Council for Soft Tissue Therapies (GCMT),  and a founder member of the Integrated Healthcare Collaborative (IHC), bringing together professional associations and stakeholders within complementary, traditional and natural healthcare​.

(NB as referred to here I have now also left the BCMA since this blog post)

Higher Mask Standard: FFP2

 

I have upgraded from the Type IIR surgical mask I was wearing previously, to a better fitting and higher filtration Cambridge Mask Company 'ventilator' or 'filtering face piece' (FFP) mask. This is also reusable for up to 340 hours, so avoids the plastic pollution involved in single use masking. 

The filter technology is designed by the British Ministry of Defence,  filtering out nearly 100% of all harmful air pollutants, gases, allergens, smog, and pollen; 99.7% of bacteria and 99.6% of all viruses - including Sars-Cov-2, the virus which causes Covid-19. 

The 'FFP2' standard is equivalent to the N95 standard used in the USA. 

As this is much better protection for me from aerosol transmission, particularly in combination with clients wearing face coverings as well, I am now able to spend more time on close up work around the neck and shoulders.   

Available Cambridge Mask Company

Phase 4 - What Covid-19 Measures have Changed? What Is Still in Place?

England moved into Phase 4 on 19th July. 

Thank you to all my clients over the last few weeks who I have consulted on possible changes. 😀

I am aware that the vaccination programme has greatly weakened the link between infection and hospitalisation and death and that the government has reduced requirements on that basis. However I am also aware that:
- only 52% of the population is vaccinated
- we have the highest rate of infection in the world
- I have Clinically Vulnerable and Extremely Clinically Vulnerable clients that are very concerned for their risk
- there is no evidence that vaccination reduces the risk of disability from Long Covid

Guidance from the government is here. Further guidance support from my Professional Association, the APNT is on Facebook here and on their website here. 

"While England moves to step 4 of Covid-19 restrictions from 19 July that removes the mandatory wearing of face-coverings and social distancing, therapists are reminded that, as they work in a close contact setting, there is a higher risk of viral transmission. Therefore, the APNT does recommend the continued wearing of face-coverings for all clients and therapists and asks that you seriously consider the continued use of type II masks and eye protection as the alternative to a face-covering, particularly when treating the high-risk zone." - APNT. 

Read on for details of what has changed and what has remained unchanged in my infection control measures.