Fiona Garratt
“It’s such a wonderful feeling to be able to work in a field that you are so passionate about. I endeavour to channel this passion into every single treatment I do, my goal to help everyone lead enriched and healthier lifestyles. “
Fiona Garratt - Aromatherapist and Massage Therapist
Fiona’s journey with essential oils begun as a child when she used to make rose oil by steeping petals from fragrant bushes in the family garden in sunflower oil, bottling them, popping in organza bags tied with raffia, and giving to family and friends as presents. After qualifying as a Clinical Aromatherapist her passion for Aromatherapy and Eastern culture led her to Bali where she expanded her bodywork skills learning traditional Balinese massage, combined with making her own coconut oil, and has created the most divine Thai essential oil blend.
She has developed a range of bespoke treatments using certified organic and wild crafted essential, and carrier oils, making her treatments unique. As 97-98% of a massage blend is the carrier oil it is equally important that the quality of these oils is as pure as the essential oils they complement. Whilst they possess distinctive therapeutic properties of their own, they are also beneficial to the skin, and are packed with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.
Fiona also blends her own skincare range which she uses in her signature Japanese Facial Massage. This unwinding facial focuses on applying pressure to specific acupressure points in the face helping to improve the flow of energy throughout the body, so creating a full body relaxation experience. From a beauty perspective, if taken regularly, it can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles, release toxins from the skin, normalise the skin’s moisture balance and improve skin radiance.
She also practices Indian Head Massage and is a Bach Flower and Reiki practitioner. Bodywork and facial massage techniques integrate the most effective elements of both Eastern and Western massage styles. Fiona’s philosophical approach is to combine all her healing practices, where appropriate, in order to provide a more holistic style of healthcare with a range of different disciplines, thus optimising general health and soothing everyday stresses. Fiona has been awarded the prestigious Marguerite Maury Aromatherapist of the Year Award by the Aromatherapy Council, demonstrating a high level of expertise and integrity within the industry.
Practitioner Summary
Fiona is accredited by the Complementary Health Professionals who are a professional association affiliated to the Aromatherapy Council, the lead body for the UK aromatherapy profession.
- Diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy, Cotswold School of Clinical Aromatherapy (2001)
- Certified 1st and 2nd Degree Reiki, Cotswold School of Clinical Aromatherapy (2001)
- Indian Head Massage, Cotswold School of Clinical Aromatherapy (2001)
- Bach Flower Practitioner, Dr Edward Bach Foundation (2003)
- Applied Therapeutic Massage Techniques, Cotswold School of Clinical Aromatherapy (2003)
- Levels 1 and 2 Injury Prevention Massage, IPM (2003/2004)
- Japanese Facial Massage, Naturecare (2005)
- Base / Carrier Oils, Naturecare (2006)
- Diploma in Seated Acupressure Massage, Academy of On-Site Massage (2007)
- Hands Free Chair Massage, Academy of On-Site Massage (2007)
- Advanced Seated Acupressure Skills, Academy of On-Site Massage (2011)
- Frankincense Intense Facial Rejuvenation, Neal’s Yard Remedies (2018)
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.
Our Team of Massage Therapists:
All our masseurs are experienced and have skills that complement each other. No matter what intensity of massage you’re looking for we can help. From the lighter touch of aromatherapy, to the more heavy duty elbow work of deep tissue massage, there’s something for everyone.
Kate Layton
Sports Massage Therapist
Kate has been qualified in Sports and Remedial Massage under licence of the London School of Sports Massage since 2007. Mel Cash is the principal of the school and is famous for his pioneering work in the field.
Sophia Argyris
Thai Yoga Massage Therapist
Sophia qualified as an Iyengar Yoga teacher in 2011, & a Thai Yoga Massage therapist in 2014. She is dedicated and passionate, and continues to study deeply in both of these disciplines.
Audri Schaay
Clinical Massage Therapist
Audri has a passion for helping client with chronic pain using massage and movement to promote the body’s healing.
Are you ready to book your appointment?
You can book a massage online by clicking on this button, or give our receptionists a call on 01865 558561