Kathy Arnold Therapies
Reflexology & Aromatherapy in Buckland St Mary between Chard & Taunton
Therapies Offered
Reflexology
Dating back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, Reflexology only became known in the West in the 1930's when Eunice Ingham mapped the reflexes of the feet as we recognise them today.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the belief that there are reflexes in the feet that relate to all the glands, organs and parts of the body, and by massaging those reflexes we can relieve congestion, release the vital energy glow to all parts of the body and stimulate the body's natural healing powers. Some practitioners may also include work on points found in the face and ears but I only work on the feet. Reflexology works on an individual basis and may alleviate and improve symptoms such as everyday stress and tension.
During a typical reflexology session I will take a detailed medical history. Sessions are usually performed in a comfortable chair. The client will be asked to remove footwear and socks. I will make a visual and tactile examination of the area to be worked before beginning the precise reflexology massage movements. The particular types of movements involved require the application of an appropriate pressure using the thumb and fingers
Reflexology can be a wonderfully relaxing experience where you can take time out from everyday pressures. The therapist’s expert touch will help you relax which can help improve mood, aid sleep and relieve tension. The result is an overall sense of wellbeing.
Generally, most clients report that a reflexology treatment is wonderfully relaxing and soothing, and many people fall asleep. Each session will last about an hour and, in most cases, a series of sessions are necessary to resolve any problems. Some clients book a regularly weekly or monthly session as a preventative measure, to keep their systems balanced and in good working order.
Well trained reflexologists do not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe. There have been some positive research projects carried out with reflexology; however, as yet, there is not a large enough body of evidence for us to make clinical claims of effectiveness. Reflexology is a very individual treatment which is tailored to you as a whole person, taking into account both physical and non-physical factors that might be affecting your wellbeing. Some people find it works for them - some don't. The best way to find out is to try it!
Reflexology can be used both to help with conditions such as, for example, skin problems, or sleep disorders for which the client is seeking immediate treatment; or it can be used to keep the body’s energy flowing and the mind in balance. Reflexology helps relaxation; improves mood; aids sleep; helps relieve tension and improves a sense of well-being. Reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice.
Reflexology should be avoided during the fist three months of pregnancy. As part of the balancing process, some clients find that reflexology encourages the elimination of toxins from the body. Therefore, as this could interfere with any medication you are taking, it is very important to inform me of any medicinal treatment you are receiving.
Also, be sure to tell me if you have a pacemaker, kidney stones or gallstones. If you have a health problem such as high blood pressure, thyroid disease or diabetes; or you have a foot injury, phlebitis, thrombosis or blood clots, have a chat with your doctor before booking a reflexology session.
Some clients report that, immediately after a reflexology treatment, they feel very relaxed and sleepy and just want to go home and lie down. Reflexology is suitable for everyone, except those people who dislike having their feet touched.
Cost per 1 hour appointment - £35
75 minute appointment of Reflexology and Indian Head Massage - £44
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy today has it's roots in past civilisations of Egypt, India, China, Green and Rome, where perfumed oils were used to promote good health and a sense of wellbeing.
Aromatherapy is the use of Essential Oils, which are natural substances, extracted from fruits, flowers, roots, trees or herbs. Carefully chosen Essential Oils can influence the body and mind, being uplifting or relaxing, stimulating or soothing. The aroma of the oils alone stimulates the brain to bring about a sense of relaxation and to refresh the mood.
Research has shown that when Essential Oils are applied to the skin or inhaled, that they are absorbed into the blood stream and metabolised in the body. Many essential oils possess significant anti-microbial properties, the most well known of these being Tea Tree.
There are many different Essential Oils to choose from and therefore before I commence Aromatherapy massage I will always complete a consultation to find out what it is that your body needs today so I can offer a tailormade blend of oils for you. In Winter I provide hot towels to cover you and ensure you are cosy and warm. An Aromatherapy massage with me is a well earned treat for yourself.
Aromatherapy massage is very relaxing, but if you have knots in your shoulders and you want me to go a bit deeper I can do that too.
Your first appointment for an Aromatherapy massage will take a bit longer as a full consultation form needs to be completed before I commence the treatment so I like to make at least an hour's appointment. Subsequently if you just require a half hour back massage this too can be accommodated.
An aromatherapy consultation will begin with me finding out about your medical history and what you would like the therapy to achieve for you. On the basis of the information you provide, I will then mix a recipe of essential oils, which is individually designed to suit your needs.
The recipe can contain anything from 2 to 4 different essential oils, and I will usually add three of four drops of each one to a carrier oil (normally grapeseed, sweet almond oil or something similar). You will be asked to undress and lie on a treatment couch whilst the massage is carried out. I am particularly sensitive to my clients’ need for modesty and my client is always covered with towels throughout the massage, which are removed only over the small portion of skin on which I intends to work.
Aromatherapy oils do not have to be used on the skin to be effective. Instead, they can be burned in an oil diffuser (a small china pot which has a space for a tea candle underneath and a flat area on top for warm water to which a few drops of oil are added). The candle warms the oil and water and releases the fragrance into the room. Essential oils can also be diluted in water and sprayed into the air, or a couple of drops can be poured onto a tissue or cotton wool and tucked under your pillow whilst you sleep.
Aromatherapy can be used for a variety of physical and emotional problems including stress, anxiety, mental health issues, fatigue, pain, sleeping disorders, everyday bugs, burns, scar tissue, digestive problems and skin disorders.
Clients report that the process of having a gentle massage with aromatherapy oils is a wonderfully relaxing and soothing experience. Depending on an individual’s needs, essential oils can be used to soothe, uplift, energise, relax or stimulate.
Some essential oils must be strictly avoided during pregnancy, if you are epileptic, have high blood pressure or sensitive skin or intend to go into strong sunshine after applying the oils. Because of this it is vital that you complete the consultation form in full so that I can take your specific needs into account before creating a recipe of oils for use on your skin. Essential oils are very strong and can cause severe irritation unless they are diluted in a carrier oil. They should never be applied to any part of the skin unless diluted first, and they should never be taken internally.
Cost per 1 hour appointment - £40
Cost per 75 minute appointment - £49
cost per 30 mins back massage - £27
Indian Head Massage
Champi is a Hindi word that means “head massage” The word Shampoo” comes from this origin. In the ancient Ayurvedic Healing system it was believed that by massaging the head with natural vegetable oils, a person could be healed. Massage is still widely used in India today and young children still receive massage from birth.
Indian Head Massage was passed on from Mother to Daughter in India and was restricted to the head and the hair. Barbers also practised Indian Head Massage, but their form of massage was more invigorating and stimulating.
Indian Head Massage was first introduced in the UK in 1981 and has expanded from the original to include part of the back, the shoulders, the neck and the arms.
This form of massage is used mainly for relaxation and combating Stress. It is useful for the relief of headaches, eye strain or Muscle tension in the neck or shoulders. It may improve circulation, promote hair growth, improve concentration, help with the dispersal of toxins, aid mental tiredness and emotional stress.
Reflexology can be a wonderfully relaxing experience where you can take time out from everyday pressures. The therapist’s expert touch will help you relax which can help improve mood, aid sleep and relieve tension. The result is an overall sense of wellbeing.
Generally, most clients report that a reflexology treatment is wonderfully relaxing and soothing, and many people fall asleep. Each session will last about an hour and, in most cases, a series of sessions are necessary to resolve any problems. Some clients book a regularly weekly or monthly session as a preventative measure, to keep their systems balanced and in good working order.
Cost per 45 minute appointment - £30
75 minute appointment of Reflexology and Indian Head Massage - £44
Hopi Ear Candles
Ear candles have been used by many cultures as an effective natural therapy since ancient times. The Hopi, the oldest Pueblo people, with great medicinal knowledge and a high degree of spirituality, brought this knowledge to Europe with the professional involvement of a German company called Biosun.
Over the last 19 years, the use of Hopi Ear Candles has gained popularity and is increasingly sought after by people looking for a natural therapy for problems such as ringing in the ears, painful sinuses, balance and inner ear problems, snoring, excessive or compacted ear wax, headaches of all types, painful nerves in the face, “Swimmer’s Ear”, “Diver’s Ear”, flying problems, stress and nervousness.
I only use Biosun Hopi Ear Candles as they contain a filter and a C.E. safety mark. They are hollow candles, which contain pure beeswax, honey, sage, St John’s Wort, camomile and Vit A and have a pleasant honey smell.
During a treatment the client lies on their side on the treatment couch, whilst the candle is placed in the outer ear and burnt down to the filter, which normally takes 10 to 12 minutes. The heat of the released vapours inside the ear, gently massage the eardrum. This action helps to regulate the pressure systems in the head including the sinuses. The client gets a warm sensation, which is deeply relaxing and a balancing of the pressure in the ears, forehead and sinuses. Treatment may spontaneously cause free nasal breathing and an improved sense of smell. The treatment is concluded with a facial and neck massage and a short rest.
Hopi Ear Candling is a gentle and non-invasive treatment. The safe introduction of heat together with the beneficial natural ingredients is a traditional method of easing pain or discomfort.
When lit, the ear candle generates a gentle heat which, when combined with the therapeutic oils, produces a light suction action. This is known as the chimney principle, and works by drawing impurities gently to the surface, where they can be removed.
Most deposits evaporate and are carried away through the candle ‘chimney’, but some are found in the condensed candle wax residue after it is removed from the ear. None of the candle residue actually goes into the ear.
Users of Hopi ear candles have reported success in treating balance and inner ear problems, build up of wax, ringing in the ears, hearing difficulties and painful sinuses as well as the symptoms of everyday bugs, stress, and headaches of different types. The treatment is a good alternative for people who have found syringing uncomfortable.
Many clients find the treatment relaxing. As well as the relieved feeling that comes from reduced pressure in the ears and sinuses, clients may experience a general calming effect.
The Treatment is safe to use on children over the age of 3 if they can lie still on their side. There are certain conditions for which Hopi Ear Candling is not suitable such as perforated ear drum, grommets in the ear, cochlear implants, the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, recent severe dental work, inflamed outer ear, if the client is on antibiotics, has a severe cold or flu, hampered neck mobility, or allergy to any of the constituents of the candle.
Anyone who is receiving medical treatment for any ear condition should always consult their doctor first. Some clients may experience headaches or light popping in the ears after treatment
Cost per 45 minute appointment - £25
Bach Flower Remedies
When we feel fulfilled, happy and positive, we tend to enjoy better health. We get more out of life and we can give more to our friends and family.
But things happen that get in the way. Sometimes we need a little help to stay in balance and move forward. That’s where Bach Flower Remedies can help.
Created by a Harley Street doctor, Dr Edward Bach, in the 1930’s, the Bach Flower Remedies are 38 plant and flower based remedies that can help you manage the emotional demands of everyday life. Each remedy aids a specific emotion. You can take them individually or mix them together to match the way you feel.
Recent research into the links between emotions and the immune system supports the view that emotional and physical health are linked. More and more medical experts now agree that a healthy mind really does ensure a healthy body. Bach Flower Remedies can help you take control of the way you feel and get more out of life.
Dr Bach focused on creating remedies that were intended to treat the personalities, feelings and emotions of his patients. He took the view that if he could help to alleviate someone’s emotional distress, then this would unblock the body’s own ability to heal any physical distress or trauma.
The thirty-eight flower remedies are categorised into seven different groups: (1) fear; (2) loneliness; (3) uncertainty; (4) lack of interest; (5) despondency and despair; (6) oversensitivity; (7) too much concern for others. The specific combination of remedies will be chosen by the practitioner, depending on the client’s mental and emotional needs.
You will be encouraged to talk about the issues and problems which you are currently facing in your life. I will help you to explore your deepest feelings, concerns and fears.
Together we will determine the underlying cause(s) of the problem(s), and then I will then prepare a remedy. This will be a combination of anything up to eight flower essences, which will be put into a dropper bottle filled with water and, usually, topped up with alcohol to preserve the contents. The client will usually be asked to take two drops of the remedy in a glass of water and sip throughout the day. Sometimes the client may be advised to take the remedy direct from the dropper bottle, under the tongue. A consultation usually lasts for about an hour, and follow-up consultations may be needed.
Bach flower remedies may be particularly good for dealing with mental and emotional states such as loss, grief, bereavement, loneliness, despair, fear of being alone, shyness, anxiety, panic attacks, lack of confidence, low self-esteem.
They may also be used to help with physical conditions such as debilitating headaches, skin problems, breathing disorders, sleep problems, eating disorders and chronic fatigue.
Clients who use the Bach flower remedies may report significant improvements in their mental attitude and outlook, including increased confidence, clarity of thought, peacefulness, energy, inner balance, motivation and zest for life.
Bach flower remedies can be taken by everyone,
Bach Flower Remedies are completely safe and natural and may be
used by all the family including babies and small children.
They may even be used to help plants and animals because they act in such a gentle way.
Cost per 1 hour appointment (including treatment bottle) - £30