The Weather Massage

Here is a great exercise you can try, particularly with children, to encourage nurturing touch and massage. The Massage in Schools programme educates teachers and care givers on the benefits of massage and how it can enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of their children. I tried this exercise recently with a six year old boy who has autism and it was received very well indeed. My own son also loves it...

Your subject should sit with his/her back to you, close their eyes and take a few deep breaths in and out.

"It was a bright and beautiful day"
Imagine you are painting a bright sun on their back and make big circular movements with your hands. Include some soft rays radiating from the centre, outwards.


"The wind gently blew"
Sway your hands from side to side to illustrate the wind blowing

"Suddenly it began to rain"
Make gentle pitter patter movements with your fingertips, across the top of the back and slowly down towards the base of the spine.


"And rain makes big splashy puddles"
Make firm palm prints all over the back to indicate puddles.

"Then the rain turns to snow"
Gather your fingers together as though picking up a small ball and make gentle 'padding' movements like soft snowflakes landing

"And then the fog descends and all is still"
Lay your hands flat, as wide as you can, in one final movement then keep your hands perfectly silent and still

"And before long....out comes the sunshine again"
Repeat the first step


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ART: Cheryl Yambrach Rose-Hall

Cheryl Yambrach Rose-Hall

One of my Christmas Wish List items was a beautiful book, "Art Through the Eyes of the Soul" by Cheryl Yambrach Rose-Hall. Cheryl combines history with her visionary style of neo-mythic art to create spiritual portraits. Cheryl's work has been published in books, magazines and on CD covers and are also featured in Doreen Virtue's Oracle Cards deck. My absolute favourite is Shamanka Blessing which depicts a beautiful woman, the Goddess Freya, with eyes that hide a multitude of emotions. She is protected by wolves and I love how they nuzzle into her, their eyes drawing you in as Freya looks at you emphatically and lovingly. They instil a feeling of warmth and serenity as she captures something quite extraordinarily spiritual.

Image courtesy of here

Vanishing Moments

"Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again"

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Vanishing moments are beautifully captured by my lovely friend, Michelle Becker of Pink Soul Photography.

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February Love

Anatomy & Physiology: Kidneys

KIDNEYS are involved in the production of red blood cells. They maintain balance by controlling the levels of water and minerals and acid and alkaline content in the blood. Holistically, problems in this part of the body symbolise issues within relationships. Either with a partner or imbalances within your own masculine and feminine energies. Its important to let go of negative and insecure feelings, the kidneys let go of what is no longer needed by excreting uric acid - excess waste that is no longer required for the body to function. If you have problems in this area perhaps question "are you letting go of difficulties?" or "are you holding on to negative feelings: fear, anger, bitterness or resentment?"

Anatomy & Physiology: Lungs

LUNGS symbolise independence, the easier you can breathe, the easier you can meet with transition and change. The lungs reflect our ability to take in life or push it away. When faced with trauma, we have difficulties breathing, experiencing anxiety and panic. Taking slow, measured breaths and concentrating on the balance of air intake and release, helps us to gain control and disallows others to have power over us. Try pilates or yoga to help maintain healthy lungs.

The Pamplemousse Pamper

The Pamplemousse Pamper is our new luxurious massage! You'll begin with a warm, soothing foot soak and massage with mitts and Lime Essential Oil. You will then lie on the massage couch to receive a body brush, this sloughs away dead skin cells, increases circulation and helps with cellulite. Finally a full, all over body massage from top to toe with Grapefruit Essential Oil. Grapefruit is also a great aid in reducing cellulite as it increases the metabolism of adipose tissue (fatty tissue). It is beneficial for oily skin, acne and rheumatic conditions. Grapefruit is refreshing, uplifting and energising and can melt sour or depressed dispositions. For those harbouring resentment, repressed emotions and self blame, grapefruit is wonderful for release!

See 'About' for prices and booking details.