About | Safer Space Holistic

What to Expect

Before the session:

Once you have filled in my consultation form/s, and made a booking online, you will receive a confirmation email with my payment information and details for how to find the location.

On the day of the session, you don't need to do anything special to prepare except trying to avoid having a large meal within 1hr of the appointment. It is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing such as yoga clothes, loungewear or pyjamas. You can bring something with you to change into if you'd prefer!

When you arrive, I will greet you and offer you a glass of water or a cup of herbal tea, and we will sit together and go over your consultation form to determine your aims for the session. I'll check in with you about areas of the body you'd like to be worked on, and remind you that it's okay to stop or take a break at any time.

During the session:

The style of bodywork I practice is usually floor-based, meaning that unless otherwise agreed, we'll working from a futon on the floor rather than on a massage plinth. Like in yoga, the treatment may require you to change position a few times, as we may switch to work with you seated, lying on your front or back, either side, or a combination. You'll remain clothed throughout the session unless we have agreed on the use of oil on specific areas of the body. The techniques I use most include acupressure techniques (applying pressure to parts of your body in a sequence), applied yoga (stretching out tight muscles), and more western style effleurage and deep tissue techniques on specific areas.

This style of treatment can be quite intense for some people, so I will always discuss your preferences and pain tolerance/threshold with you before starting, and we will only ever work to a depth you are comfortable with. I will check in with you frequently about the level of pressure.

After the session:

At the end of the session I will offer you a glass of water and give you a moment to rest. I may then suggest some stretches or similar for you to practice in your day-to-day life. You can pay by bank transfer or cash, and there's no pressure to book in again before leaving, but you can do so if you wish. You may feel a little pain or soreness in the muscles from 24-48hrs after the treatment, but this is completely normal and I'll explain why before you leave.

You may feel a little strange after the session, such as sleepy or mildly spaced out depending on how relaxed you get! If possible it’s best to arrange to avoid drinking alcohol during the day/night after the session as it may increase headaches and undoes some of the nice balancing effects on your system. If you have any concerns, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss them.

Treatment Styles

Above is a description of a typical treatment. I usually use a combination of techniques tailored to the issues you present which may vary from session to session.

However, if you have any specific requests for a certain style or form of massage, feel free to request this in your booking.

Below is some information about the individual disciplines I have trained in.

Thai Yoga Massage

Traditionally, Thai Yoga Massage is performed fully clothed on a mat or futon on the floor, with blankets, cushions, bolsters and straps used to enhance the comfort of both the practitioner and the receiver. It is a wonderful combination of applied yoga, gentle stretching and acupressure massage techniques. It has been practised in Thailand for thousands of years, with roots in the northern Indian yoga philosophies, and traditional healing systems, as well as in Chinese medicine. I was particularly drawn to the holistic and spiritual aspects of this form of bodywork and find it a grounding and connecting experience to both give and receive.

Please see my statement on culture here.

Holistic / Swedish Massage

This is the form of massage we are most familiar with in the west. Holistic Swedish Massage is a relaxing style of massage performed on a plinth (table) by applying oil to the body in long strokes with varying pressure.

Pregnancy Massage (Thai style)

Thai massage is easily adapted for pregnant people. It is a full body massage carried out with the receiver lying on their side or leaning on to a beanbag, with a focus on relaxation and relief of aches and pains caused by pregnancy. It can be done from the end of the first trimester right up until the end of the pregnancy.

Foot Massage

A full foot massage which works right up to the knees and lower legs, using oil, hands and a wooden reflex stick can take up to 1 hour. It is possible to reduce the time to have a 30 minute treatment, or to include an extended foot massage as part of a full body treatment. This style of foot massage is not diagnostic like reflexology, but it does cover all the reflex zones on the feet.