To talk or not to talk?

One of the questions that I often get asked is “Should you talk to your therapist during a massage treatment?”

For me the answer is simple; if you want to talk, do – and if you’d rather lie back and enjoy the massage in silence then that’s fine too!

Normally most of the conversation takes place before the treatment has even started - the consultation process is really important as it allows me to establish why the treatment is needed (eg for relaxation purposes or for a specific health reason), whether there are any contraindications (reasons to not massage) and also allows the client to ask any questions they may have. I always welcome questions, however trivial you may think they are - it's better to ask at the beginning and be reassured so that you can relax on the table and enjoy your treatment.

When I carry out a treatment I allow myself to be guided by the client – after all, they are the ones who are paying and I view the treatment time very much as THEIR time, not my own. There's nothing more frustrating than a therapist who won't let you switch off and relax!

I will usually ask a few gentle questions at the beginning of the treatment to establish that the client is comfortable:

Are you warm enough?

Is this pressure ok for you?

If anything hurts at any time, please do let me know!

After that, I allow the client to choose whether they want to talk or not.

Some people prefer to just relax and lose themselves in the massage, others are less comfortable with silence and we've ended up having a good old chinwag and putting the world to rights! And of course, it goes without saying that anything said during the consultation or treatment process remains strictly between me and the client.

So in short, there really is no right or wrong answer – just whatever is right for YOU!

Thermo Auricular Therapy

There's always so much illness floating around at this time of year, with colds and flu bringing a whole range of ear, nose and throat complications. As a result, one treatment I offer becomes increasingly in demand for its ability to bring balance to the ears and for its warming, soothing and intensely relaxing properties.

Thermo Auricular Therapy (or Hopi Ear Candles, as it is often better known) can help conditions including blocked sinuses, headaches, sore throats, excessive ear wax, tinnitus, rhinitis, catarrh and even snoring! But quite aside from these benefits, it is one of the most relaxing treatments I offer - perfect for warming up a cold winter's day. On an emotional level and spiritual level it can help to release stress and tension, provide relaxation and bring calm to the mind.

This ancient and natural therapy has been handed down by many civilisation, most notably the native American Indian Hopi tribe, from whom the candles take their name.

What are the candles made from?

I use Biosun Hopi ear candles, which are an all-natural product made from organic flax which is woven and then steeped in honey and herbs including sage, St John's Wort and chamomile. After several weeks the fabric is removed and the candles are made - hollow tubes which are then dried and coated in pure beeswax.

What happens during a treatment?

The treatment takes place with the client lying on their side fully clothed - I like to make sure they are kept cosy and warm with fleece blankets, to burn some warming essential oils such as cinnamon and to have some relaxing music playing quietly in the background.

The side of the face is protected with a light cloth, and the candle is then lit, inserted gently into the ear and supported there at all times. My hand remains below the red 'maximum burn level' line which is about 3 inches from the bottom of the candle, so is always there as a barrier between the client and the flame.

The chimney effect which is created by the candle gently warms and vibrates the ear, and can help to restore balance in the ear/sinuses and to soften wax. The client gets a feeling of warmth in the ear as the herbal vapour circulates around - the smell is also rather pleasant!

Before the candles reach the red line for maximum burn level they are removed and safely extinguished in water before the other side is treated in similar fashion.

The best way to describe the sensations experienced during an ear candling treatment it is to imagine lying near a fireside and hearing the gentle crackling and popping of the flames as you relax and drift away. The treatment finishes with a beautiful facial massage which aids relaxation and sinus clearing, and is guaranteed to leave you feeling cosy and ready for your bed!

It is worth noting here that ear candles do not draw hard and compact ear wax up inside them. Ear candles may pull a small amount of loose or flaky earwax or dead skin cells from the very external part of the ear, (which is gently brushed free of debris by the therapist using a cotton wool bud after treatment) but the residue that remains inside the candle after treatment is actually beeswax and honey that has not burnt away completely.

Who is the treatment suitable for?

Hopi Ear Candles are a safe treatment for all, apart from in the case of ear inflammation or infections, perforated ear drums, grommets or epilepsy. It's important to remember that they are not a cure-all treatment, but they may provide some relief from the conditions listed earlier. Why not give it a go?