Fiona Garratt

Drawing from my own personal experiences I enjoy working with orthopaedic conditions, particularly osteoarthritis.  There is an abundance of essential oils that can be blended and applied through various applications to help ease pain and stiffness in joints, reduce inflammation and swelling and eliminate toxic build up. 

 I have also seen many clients through the three trimesters of pregnancy.  Aromatherapy techniques can be used very safely and beneficially to maintain the general health of the expectant mother, and to help minimise the various discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, backache, swollen legs and ankles. 

Your first treatment will start with a thorough consultation to outline your medical history, general lifestyle and well-being, and establish what you wish to achieve from the session. This enables me to select specific essential oils tailored to meet your own individual needs. A selection of carrier oils, which act as the lubricant in the massage, are chosen to complement those of your essential oil blend.

I will ask you to undress to a level you feel comfortable with and lie under a soft towel on the massage table. I will guide you through this step so that you feel totally comfortable about what to do and step out of the room whilst you get ready. You will be totally covered up during the treatment and I only expose the part of the body I am working on. Once the treatment is complete I will allow you several minutes to yourself to get up and dressed. I will then re-enter the room and briefly discuss how you are feeling after the treatment, and offer any after care advice and bespoke aromatherapy products for home use that I feel may be beneficial for you to maintain improvements.

Ensure you drink plenty of water to help flush toxins released into the bloodstream during the treatment which will support the kidneys in eliminating waste products. You should not bathe or go swimming for at least 12 hours after your treatment.

You should allow up to 90 minutes for your first appointment and 75 minutes for follow ups.

1. I would like a sports / deep tissue massage – do you do these?

I have found that labelling massage types can confuse clients.  What could feel like a deep tissue massage to one person, may feel like a skin polish to another.  I adopt a dynamic hands free bodywork style incorporating effective relaxation, deep tissue, acupressure and trigger point release techniques which can help relax or rejuvenate, release tense muscles, increase blood circulation and improve detoxification.  We would discuss your massage preferences during your consultation.

2. How often should I get a massage?

That depends entirely on you and how often you feel you benefit from a treatment, although if I am working through an injury or a problem with you, I may suggest a treatment programme to assist your recovery.

 3. Will you be able to make a diagnosis?

In short, no, although I am able to give an indication of what I suspect a problem might be.  Your GP should always be the first port of call should you wish a formal diagnosis, and this can be helpful in enabling me to be able to better tailor the treatment for you.

4. What specific ailments does Aromatherapy address?

There is an oil for nearly every ailment! Whether you’re seeking peace and calming, want more energy and to be more alert, improved immunity, sinus decongestion, improved sleep, improved mood and focus, there is an oil blend for you.

5. Is Aromatherapy safe for pregnant women?

Most essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy, however there are a few exceptions including ones that have hormonal effects or can stimulate smooth muscle contractions, and care needs to be taken with the blends and dosage.  Please consult your Clinical Aromatherapist for guidance.

6. What is the difference between an ‘aromatherapy oil’ and a ‘pure essential oil’?

Essential oils are undiluted products extracted from flowers, leaves grasses, roots, woods, barks, spices, fruits and berries which possess distinctive therapeutic properties and can be utilised on a physical and emotional level. 

Aromatherapy oils are pre-blended with vegetable oil and are often adulterated to strengthen the fragrance.  They do not have the same healing properties as essential oils and are of inferior quality.