I'm fully trained and qualified in providing Swedish massage, sports and deep tissue massage, but since 2015 I have increasingly specialised in Ayurvedic and Indian head massage. I talk to my clients about what they need and adapt each treatment for them personally. For most this means a combination of work on soft tissues to ease tightness and a relaxing, rejuvenating experience. All my treatments are given with genuine care and compassion with the intention of optimising your mental and physical health.

Ayurveda is a 5000 year old Indian tradition covering multiple lifestyle aspects including yoga, meditation, nutrition, and philosophy. It is a truly holistic approach in that it aims to balance an individual's energy system both internally and also in harmony with the environment in which we live. It can be relaxing or invigorating depending on your needs. As well as soft tissue and joint manipulation, Ayurvedic massage works on marma or pressure points to release blockages in the nadi or meridian lines to maximise feelings of wellbeing.

I practice out of a treatment room in Bolton where I can take advance bookings for every Tuesdays and now also some Mondays. Alternatively, you can choose for me to come to your home in Bolton or East Lancashire. Other destinations considered if my costs are covered. I bring everything needed, and only require a quiet space in which to set up my professional massage couch.  

A space of roughly 8 foot square minimum is suitable, although bigger is more practical. For most people this means using a space in a living room or ground floor bedroom. Upstairs bedrooms and basements are also suitable but I prefer to avoid carrying my couch up and down stairs if it is possible! If the weather is good, a great option is to use your private outdoor space so long as it isn't overlooked or prone to noisy neighbours.

Since I practise mainly hands on oil massage, clients usually wear underwear only, and no bras for the ladies. I give you a few minutes to take off your outer layers and get under the massage couch covers. I then expose each area in turn so that reduction in body heat is limited and the client remains mostly covered. If you are having an upper body treatment only, you can wear loose fittings leggings and socks if you want, and for foot massage only you can remain fully dressed. Please let me know if you have an aversion to direct skin contact as some treatments can be adapted to suit.

For most treatments I use an oil blended the same way I was taught in India, combining coconut and sesame oils with herbal extracts including cinnamon, clove, camphor, turmeric, ginger, cedar bark, liquorice root, asparagus, mallow and neem. The resulting concoction is a warming, slightly musky smelling massage oil. It is nourishing and healing, organic and natural. It is good for all body types. If you would prefer a plain oil, I carry that too, and can use your own oil if you want.

I am currently researching different oil recipes for the Ayurvedic body types - Vata, Pitta or Kapha so please let me know if you are interested in this option.

I'm sorry that you are suffering. Massage has been shown to bring relief to the symptons and even the causes of chronic pain and may well be suggested as part of an ongoing treatment plan by your GP, consultant or physio. Any massage should be undertaken with acknowledgement from your medical practitioner and you'll be asked to complete a pre-treatment consultation form declaring any medical condition.

Clients may feed back how great they feel after a massage and wonder how they can maintain this new 'high'. There's no one size fits all answer. Many  clients see me between 1 and 4 times a month, others as and when they feel the need, and some occasionally for a treat. One approach is to have 2 or 3 treatments close together if you feel particularly wiped out or achy, followed by series of more occasional treatments.

You can pay by cash or card on the day, or by BACS if you prefer. 

I understand that sometimes life gets in the way, so I do not generally charge for cancelled appointments. However, please do give notice if possible, so I can put my time to another use. The exception to this is appointments at The Conservatory where I remain liable for full room charge. For these appointments please give 48 hours notice so that I can waiver your 50% cancellation fee. If you are full of a cold or anything contagious, I insist that the appointment be postponed to a better time.

Yes gift vouchers are available. I can deliver locally, or post directly to you or to the lucky recipient. Vouchers can be made out for any amount. Please keep in mind that I am in different locations on different days, so don't leave it until the last minute in case I can't deliver same day.