NEW - Facial Treatments!

Introducing my new Facial Treatments

The Products

Brighter, clearer and more refined skin can be yours with facial products from BeautyLab LONDON

Double cleansing works wonders, using first Foaming Cleanser, effectively removing surface grime and make up. This deep cleansing lotion is formulated with skin soothing enzymes, silk, papaya, chamomile and pomegranate extracts, so it not only works effectively, it smells divine!

Follow the initial cleansing with Silk Cleanser, pure, light and non-greasy leaving the skin soft and refreshed ready for the next step.

The creamy Micropolish Face Rejuvenator removes dead skin cells, stimulates facial circulation and leaves the skin feeling smooth, brighter and fresher, not to mention younger looking! This excellent exfoliator contains menthol, neroli, silica, lychee and jojoba – it just couldn’t smell better.

The Balancing Toner is alcohol-free yet refreshing, helping pores refine and skin even smoother. Gorgeously aromatic with peppermint, wild yam and watercress it is packed full of anti-ageing peptides, pro-vitamin B5 and Hexapeptide 8.

The Re-energising Ceramide Mask is moisture rich with wrinkle smoothing and barrier repair properties. It is formulated with collagen boosting peptides, ceramide 2, silk, hyaluronic acid and plant collagen in a blend of natural exotic extracts. An absolute must to repair and condition skin to return to optimum condition.

Of course you can’t finish a facial without a good moisturiser and BeautyLab LONDON’s Smart Defence Daily Moisturiser is one of the best. It is described as an intelligent moisturizing cream with a responsive free radical scavenger that provides 24 hour hydration. It too is rich in plant collagen, collagen stimulating peptides, hyaluronic acid, minerals, vitamins and amino acids with high UV protection. The moisturiser has 24 hour hydration, an environmentaly-responsive antioxidant and is light yet nourishing with active ingredients including:  Hawaiian seaplant, hyaluron and jojoba.

 

THE FACIALS

Express facial

So you’re busy, and you still want to look after your skin with a little facial treat now and then. You’re not scrimping with a double cleanse, exfoliation, massage of face, neck and shoulders finished with a refreshing tone and moisturise.                                                                                          

Holistic Facial

Starts with a relaxing back massage, moves on to double cleansing followed by exfoliation and on to a super-moisturising ceramide mask. Enjoy massage to the face, neck shoulders and pressure point massage to the scalp before toning and moisturising the face and neck as well as the delicate eye area. Reiki to the head and upper body may be added to this facial.                                 

Experience Facial

This is not just a facial – this is an experience! Enjoy a relaxing aromatic back massage to ease you into the treatment – move on to double cleansing and exfoliation before a warm towel encases your newly cleansed and refreshed skin. Toning follows every step in the facial, reviving and invigorating as it is applied as a hydrating mist. The super-moisturising Ceramide Mask will do its work while you receive either a hand or foot massage – it’s your choice. Your neck, shoulders, face and scalp will then be treated to a comforting and calming massage with an aromatherapy blend made especially for you. Tone, then moisturise the face and delicate eye area and you’re ready to face the world, refreshed and revitalised.

 

Prices

Express Facial                £20

Holistic Facial                £30

Facial Experience          £40

 

                                                                                                                               

£10 'Tasters'

Chances are that you've seen some of my advertising and noticed the above.

What is a 'Taster'?

It's a shortened version of one the therapies I offer that you might want to try before booking a full length appointment.


How long does the session last?

A short treatment session is typically a generous 20 minutes.


Which therapies are available as 'Tasters'?




'Tasters' are available for:

Reflexology
Reiki or
Indian Head Massage/Seated Acupressure Massage









You can book a 'Taster' if you want to 'try before you buy' or if you are short of time. And the good news is that you can book as many of them as you wish.

You could even buy two or three 'Taster' sessions of each of the above treatments and have them all in the same day - the choice is yours.



A 'Taster' Gift Voucher is an ideal gift!

Call me for details on 01779 476664 or 07740 680 924
or mail me at belinda.kennedy1@btinternet.com

Hi Everyone!

The Festive Season is almost upon us and by all accounts it is as frenetic as ever. We're all so busy holding down jobs, cleaning the house, writing and posting Christmas cards, buying and wrapping presents... and on top of it all we're supposed to be out enjoying ourselves and hosting parties ourselves! The list of things to do is endless.

This is a time when we get through on adrenaline and joie de vivre (and maybe a little fizz thrown in for good measure!). There is a price to pay even though it is a time of enjoyment and happiness with friends and family (OK, there can also be a lot of friction as well - let's not be totally hypocritical).

It's not on the cards this month, but how about being kind to YOU next year? we're not talking pampering, we're talking health and wellbeing - inner peace and tranquility and also topping up that exhausted immune system.

So the tree is down, you're going back to work for a rest (!!!) and there's not a lot left in the piggy bank.

I have the answer!

Lift the phone and make an appointment to go to The Studio for some well deserved 'me-time'. I'm available from Tuesday 8th January 2013 and as a special New Year Gift to you I'm offering Toxin-releasing Back Massage, Reflexology and Reiki sessions for half the normal price. That's only £15 - don't say I'm not good to you! Offer available till end of January.

Call me on 01779 476664 or 07740 680 924 or email me on belinda.kennedy1@btinternet.com

The Studio can be found at 25 Ringway Road, PETERHEAD, Aberdeenshire AB42 3BW - by appointment only.

Flu

Graphic from www.holisticonline.com

Flu is caused by a virus. Symptoms include high temperature, fatigue, muscular pain and general debility. Flu can be dangerous, so don’t try to shrug it off and work through it. Those of you who are most at risk are advised to get the flu vaccination.  

Who is at risk?

Mums to-be; those over 65; those with another serious ailment like diabetes, asthma, heart conditions etc.  

Prevention

Precautions against this incapacitating illness are a) annual flu vaccination b) good hygiene and c) a strong immune system. Before you’re reading this, the chances are that you may have already fallen prey to this virus, so I’ll focus on what to do to relieve the symptoms and speed up recovery.

 

Conventional treatments

·        Keep warm

·        Rest

·        Keep well hydrated

·        Take paracetamol or ibuprofen

 

For full NHS information go to http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx

 

Complementary treatments*



Graphic from www.successandyouth.com

·        All of the above PLUS consider

·        Zinc lozenges

·        Vitamin C (overdose my result in tummy troubles including diarrhoea or cramps)

·        Echinacea used in advance may help prevent flu and cold taking hold

·        Honey and lemon in warm water or in warmed up lemonade. Honey may be taken straight from the spoon!

·        Garlic – as a supplement or in food

·        Mum’s chicken soup!**

·        Aromatherapy oils

 At the first sign of flu like illness e.g. feeling shivery and cold, consider taking a warm bath to which this blend is added: Lavender 2 drops, Thyme 2 drops and Tea tree 5 drops. This blend may be added to a tablespoon of milk and then in to the bath water. Don’t use more than 10 drops of essential oil.

 The bedroom may be sprayed with oils mixed with water in an atomiser or burned in a normal burner: try a couple drops of Clove and Lavender; or make a personalised blend of any from Eucalyptus Lemon, Eucalyptus Radiata, Lavender, Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, Patchouli, Sandalwood or Tea Tree. The oils all have properties such as anti-viral, antiseptic, antibiotic or anti-fungal.

 A good warm shower can refresh and make you feel better; consider using 3 drops of oil on a clean cloth, rub your body all over and shower as normal. Try Lavender, Bergamot or Rosemary to refresh you.

 

NB The medical profession don’t always consider aromatherapy to be effective but few question its safety. If you go on to consult with your GP please advise him of ALL the supplements or oils you are using.

Please do NOT ingest any of the oils and do not use during pregnancy.

*Please note that I suggest possible complementary therapies – that means in addition to mainstream advice, not instead of.

 

General advice

·        Lastly – be kind to yourself. Rest and sleep as much as you need to.

·        Viruses don’t ask and are not invited to invade your body – so take on board that it is never good to go to work and endanger the health of others.

·        The effects of the flu don’t disappear overnight and it may be 2 or 3 weeks till you feel more like yourself – do NOT consider this a sign of weakness, your body takes time to regain its former energy levels.

 

Useful sites

http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/flu/default.htm

http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/s/flu

http://www.fluawareni.info/

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-the-flu.htm

 

In the future

 

 

Once you’re ‘on the mend’ think about introducing some holistic therapies into your life on a regular basis. It’s possible to help yourself with foot and hand massage as well as do-it-yourself Indian Head Massage – I am always on hand to give you advice or the odd tip here and there.

I can also offer personalised aromatic blends for you to purchase and take home – contact me for details.

Think about reducing or almost banishing damaging stress from your life – it helps neither your immune system nor your general health.

 

**Mum’s chicken soup recipe (for flus, colds and general malaise)

 

4-6 chicken thighs

1-2 onions – halved, not chopped

2 cloves garlic crushed

2 carrots – halved or in chunks

2 celery sticks – in chunks

Boiling water

Salt

Chicken stock pot (optional)

Leeks (optional)

 

Graphic from wiki

Place all the ingredients together in a large saucepan and simmer gently for a couple of hours. Strain off the stock. Pick chicken of the bones and reserve. To serve, put slivers of chicken in the bottom of a bowl and add liquid. Garnish with a little chopped parsley.

NB Either discard or mash up the stock vegetable according to your personal preference.

 

 

 

Paraffin Wax Therapy

My paraffin wax kit

What is it?

It is a form of heat therapy - paraffin wax is melted in a special container and applied to the skin either by dipping, e.g. hand or foot into the liquid or using a brush e.g. on the back/shoulder/elbow. Several coats are needed for full benefits to be achieved.

 

 

 

Who needs it?

Paraffin Wax Therapy is used by various practitioners in health, beauty and spa industries. It is used widely to aid in the treatment of arthritis; fibromyalgia; overworked or fatigued muscles; stiff joints to name just a few. Paraffin Wax Therapy reduces pain and stiffness around joints while providing lubrication.

 

Why have Paraffin Wax Therapy?

For pain relief; reduction of oedema and inflammation; skin softening (useful for scleroderma; arthritis relief; moisturising of very dry skin; increased circulation.

It soothes and moisturises the skin, opens pores, increases circulation and promotes a sense of calm. It increases the blood supply to the area being treated and traps moisture resulting in rejuvenated and nourished skin.

 It’s a luxurious addition to a manicure or pedicure – when the wax is removed, it takes with it dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother and fresher.

It is easy and doesn’t take long.

What is a treatment like?

Let’s say you have booked for a manicure and added on a paraffin wax treatment – after nail and cuticle work is done and your hands massaged with a blend of aromatherapy oils or rich emollient cream you are invited to dip each hand momentarily in the wax bath, then this is repeated twice.

Your hands are then wrapped in salon roll and encased in a polythene protector and then a towelling mitt. The wax is left in place for approximately 15 minutes to do its work then removed. A short moisturising massage finishes the paraffin wax treatment.

 

It is also possible to introduce wax to the back prior to massage and this is also available at The Studio.

If you have any queries, give me a call on 01779 476664.

I am based in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.

 

 

 

Relaxing Living Room Air Freshener

I thought that it was time to get back to my roots, and having given the living room a thorough clean, I decided to finish with a natural air freshener.
 
I filled a plastic spray bottle with 500mls of plain old tap water and added 8 drops of geranium essential oil, 5 drops of lemon and 3 drops each of clary-sage and bergamot. I screwed in the top, gave the bottle a quick shake and sprayed my living room liberally.
 
The smell is absolutely divine!

Afraid I can't take the credit for this beautiful blend; I consulted my very old copy of The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood. The book is still in print and can be obtained from Amazon.
 
If you want to make this very quick and easy air freshener, I can obtain the oils for you or you can order them yourself. I can recommend Purple Flame Aromatherapy www.purpleflame.co.uk

By the way, you can make the blend in greater quantities and use a few drops at a time in a diffuser, either candle or the electric variety - absolutely beautiful aroma.

Some of you will have noticed that I have added ‘Toxin-releasing back therapy’ to my treatment menu, starting with dry skin brushing before massage with a detoxifying essential oil blend.

What are the benefits?

The skin is the biggest organ of the body and it eliminates approximately 25% of toxins from the body. Dead skin cells at the top dermal layer, accompanied with excreted waste (e.g. perspiration) as well as external pollution (e.g. heavy creams, dust etc.) can build up and clog pores, rendering the skin ineffective in getting rid of the body’s toxins.

Dry skin brushing is more than a beauty treatment – it is essential not only for beautiful skin but is also essential for  improved circulation, helps strengthen the immune and nervous systems, helps tone the musculature and aids digestion. In short:

·         Stimulates blood and lymph flow and strengthens the immune system

·         Dry skin brushing combined with exercise and massage helps speed the lymphatic system

·         Removes dry skin cells, improving skin texture and stimulating renewal of skin cells

·         May help reduce cellulite, though it takes some time to see results

·         A simple, more holistic approach to skin care

·         Skin brushing may well enhance your health significantly and increases your physical sense of wellbeing

This treatment is particularly beneficial for those of you who sit at a desk or computer screen all day long. You may have a sore neck and shoulders, thoracic and lower back pain. Dry skin brushing helps energise and invigorate both your body and mind.

Dry skin brushing is ideally carried out on a daily basis, before you have a shower or bath, so please keep it up – the benefits are many!

 

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Give yourself an Indian Head Massage

Feeling a little stressed and not quite at your best? I've worked out a short routine for you to give yourself a massage at any time - I would say anywhere, but if you did it on the bus the other passengers may think you a little odd! 

Choose somewhere private and warm where you can concentrate on yourself. Sit on any normal chair with your feet on the ground - take off your shoes if that makes you feel comfy. All you need is your hands, no oils, no towels. If you can dim the lights and have a candle burning, that's fine - depends on where you are!

Sit, shoulders back, eyes closed, hands loosely in your lap and just concentrate for a few seconds on your breath, breathing through your nose - imagine with each out breath that your worries are being breathed out and with each in breath you are taking in fresh clean energy as well as air. Then imagine that any tension is leaving your body - you have time to yourself for a few minutes - as it says in the ad 'You're worth it'. Imagine feeling warmth surround your body and relax the muscles in your face, you are already feeling the benefit of the relaxation and the tension is disappearing from your body.

 

• Using both hands, gently push your fingers through your hair and on to your scalp, gently rubbing your head with your fingers, using whatever pressure that feels good to you - do this all over your head 2 or 3 times.

• Next, take handfuls of your hair and very gently and slowly tug your hair - this will ease tension from your scalp.

• Go on to rub and squeeze your temples using the heels of your hands with your fingertips pointing up and on your head. Make slow circular movements.

• Move on to the back of your neck - if you have long hair hold it up out of the way with one hand and use the other to squeeze and roll the muscles in the back of your neck working from the top down - do this several times and then repeat with the other hand.

• Placing both hands on your head and both the thumbs at the base of your skull, work your thumb in little circles along the boney ridge that is called the occipital ridge. Use the pressure that suits you. You may want just to exert a little pressure with your thumbs along this ridge - do what feels best for you.

• Shoulders next: place one hand on the opposite shoulder and gently squeeze the muscle from the base of your neck out to the top of your shoulder then down the arm to your elbow, repeat on the same arm twice more then swap to the other side. Next, use your palm to gently stroke down or move in gentle largeish circles in the same area to sooth the the muscles. It wouldn't be unusual to feel quite a bit of 'sweet pain' on the arms - apply the pressure that is best for you.

• Finish the self massage by rubbing your hands through your hair from the front of your head to the base of your neck, pushing your hair back - you can also gently stroke your face at this point as well. Do this a couple of times and then relax.

As a final add on to this you could do some neck stretches - the way I do this is to imagine that I am drawing the biggest circles I can in the air with my nose as the focus and make this rotation 3 times and in opposite directions - I always feel my neck crunching! only extend the neck as far as you feel is comfortable.

Take a few seconds to breath and bring yourself back to where you are, opening your eyes when you are ready.

Hope that you're now relaxed and energised!

And if you really can't be bothered doing it for yourself - come to me and I'll do it for you!

New Therapy Room Opening Soon

The new therapy room will be decorated very soon... hoping I'll be up and running with a full programme later in the year. Looking forward to seeing you!

Reiki Level 1 Workshop





Ever wanted to know more about Reiki?

I'm teaching a Reiki 1 workshop on Saturday and Sunday 9th and 10th April 2011 in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire - book your place soon!

• You will discover what Reiki is and its orgins
• How Master Usui taught Reiki and how you can use it now in this busy, modern world
• The Reiki principles
• Self-healing techniques
• Chakras and possible connection with the endocrine system
• Discover the ability to take control of your life and destiny
• ...and much more!

Image from: http://www.reiki-evolution.co.uk

The training will incorporate Reiki attunements at beginning and end of each day, tuition and hands on practice in a small group as well as some theory, all delivered in an informal setting. You will also receive a comprehensive handbook, so no need for notes!

The workshop fee is £100 for the two days with refreshments available throughout though you are asked to contribute to a 'pot-luck' lunch on the first day.

If you need overnight accommodation, I can recommend local hotels or B & Bs.

To book this potentially life-changing workshop or for further information, contact me by email: belinda.kennedy1@btinternet.com or by phone 07740 680 924

Reflexology

image from: http://www.phing.com/

This is a superlatively relaxing treatment that many clients find effective for the relief of a variety of symptoms.

The treatment involves reclining comfortably in a specially designed ergonomic chair with massage and pressure applied to the feet (or hands, in certain circumstances). The basic concept is that areas of the body correspond to reflexes or zones on the feet or hands.

There are many theories as to the mechanism of how reflexology may work and there are many claims as to its efficacy. My clients find that this treatment appears to allow the body to relax completely and effect its own response to whatever condition is an issue. I can however, reassure you that reflexology has been practised in different forms over the last 5,000 years in many different cultures eg the Chinese, the Cherokee tribes of North America and Egypt.

One of the most famous proponents of reflexology was Eunice D Ingham (a nurse and physiotherapist), who introduced her version 1930s and 40s and whose method is widely followed today.
Reflexology is reputed to be useful for the relief of pain, depression, insomnia, digestive problems, PMS and stress... to name but a few.
Many reflexologists do not use oils or lotions but I generally use a non-sticky balm during the treatment and follow the session with a foot massage using oils tailored to the client.

Reiki - comforting and healing

REIKI

This is a wonderfully relaxing non-invasive treatment. It is believed to have originated in Tibet and was rediscovered in Japan, being introduced to the West in the 1970's.

Reiki has a similar effect on the body as meditation and is a very quiet and comforting treatment, thought to promote personal growth, increasing initiative, intellectual and creative processes.

In our ever-increasingly stressful lives, it is a useful means of relaxation - one hour of Reiki is reputed to be equivalent to three-four hours of deep, relaxing sleep and is one the most advanced natural stress-relieving therapies available.

You can have Reiki as a 30 or 60 minute treatment in its own right or as an 'add-on' to other treatments like back massage or Indian Head Massage. The client is fully clothed and comfortable on the couch under a blanket or duvet to keep warm since deep relaxation can lead to a decrease in body temperature. An intensely healing and balancing treatment - ideal for emotional problems or for those who are sensitive to touch.

About Myself and My Training
I am an independent Complementary Therapy Practitioner offering various treatments which are specifically designed and tailored for your well-being needs.

Most of my training was completed at Banff and Buchan College in Fraserburgh where I achieved an HNC in Complementary Therapy. I continued my training by attending seminars and postgraduate courses. I have studied with internationally renowned reflexologists Moss Arnold (Australia) and Chris Stormer (South Africa) gaining even further knowledge and experience.

I have worked with individual clients, major companies, charities and in schools giving treatments, delivering seminars and workshops, teaching massage, reflexology and meditation techniques and how to reduce the effects of stress. Clients have ranged in age from 3-83!

Most recently I was accepted at the University of Aberdeen and later gained a BSc Honours degree in Neuroscience with Psychology in 2009. My final year thesis focussed on the underlying mechanisms of pain and how conventional and complementary treatments can help people manage their pain - very appropriate for a complementary practitioner!

I invite you to make an appointment and experience a treatment or contact me for further information.

Belinda Kennedy BSc (Hons), MFHT

Thermal auricular therapy

...also known as Hopi Earcandling

So what is an earcandling treatment?

This treatment begins with a short back massage to relax you completely.

You will then lie comfortably on your side, your head supported by a pillow. Once I have made you comfortable I will light the 'candle' (it's not strictly a candle, since it is hollow) and place it gently into the outer ear passage using a light turning movement to seal the candle in place.

You will hear pleasant crackling and some hissing from the flame. I will be with you at all times, holding the candle in place throughout and will take care that no hair is within reach of the flame. Both ears are treated, each with its own Hopi candle.

The earcandles have a purely physical function. A light suction action (like a chimney effect) as well as the movement of the flame create a vibration of air in the candle, generating a light massage-like effect on the eardrum. You will experience a pleasant feeling of warmth and a balance of pressure in the ears, forehead and sinuses. The treatment is particularly soothing for headache, earache, ear noise and stress relief. You may also experience freer nasal breathing and an improved sense of smell.

Earcandling can also induce a deep state of relaxation and a sense of security as well as a lightning of the spirits.

I use Biosun Earcandles, made by hand using traditional methods and the best of ingredients. The candle itself is made of pesticide-free untreated cotton and impregnated with beeswax, honey extract and traditional herbs: St john's Wort, Camomile and pure essential oils.

The candles are medical products class IIa according to medical directive 93/42/EEC

You should NOT have earcandling if you have a perforated eardrum or grommets. Inflammation or infection of the ear or skin diseases in and around the ear are also contraindicated.

Very rarely allergic reactions to the ingredients are reported and spontaneous itchiness may be experienced - suitable eardrops may be used to treat this.

Images from www.skinsensemalta.com and www.foothol-reflexology.com

When it's time for a break from the ordinary

Hello all,

Just thought you'd like to know that I'm preparing my return to therapy work - I've missed it, and you, so much.

Yes, it's been an eventful few years since last I practised..... I spent four years at the University of Aberdeen, being a student... and graduating with a very good 2:1 honours degree in Neuroscience with Psychology. There's me peeking round the Elphinstone Hall pillars after the ceremony - minus the trencher because it didn't fit!

I learned a great deal about physiology and how the body reacts when illness strikes. My thesis was about pain, and how the conventional and complementary methods can help alleviate it. Don't you feel in safe hands?

That's enough about me... what about the treatments on offer?

· Reflexology
· Aromatherapy massage
· Indian Head Massage
· Thermal Auricular Therapy (Hopi ear candling)
· Reiki
· Sekhem—Egyptian energy healing
· Seated Acupressure Massage
· Meditation workshops
· Corporate events and on-site delivery of therapies
· Manicure and Pedicure

Please do email me: belinda.kennedy1@btinternet.com if you'd like to know more.