One of the trends we have noticed over the last 18 months is a reluctance of clients to opt for our hands-on body therapies.

The number of people coming to us for counselling has increased dramatically in recent months however, the number of clients opting for aromatherapy and Indian Head Massage (IHM), has not picked up since the covid Plan B measures were scrapped by the Government.

This is understandable, the last two years have made many people nervous about resuming face-to-face contact with people outside their “bubbles” of family and friends.

However, we would like to reassure potential hands-on therapy clients that we have retained the rigorous measures we put in place to maximise safety during covid, even since the relaxing of restrictions.

Lorraine Grisedale is one of the aromatherapists at our Slynedales Centre and all our therapists work hard to ensure that clients can attend sessions expecting a relaxing and beneficial massage but with the added confidence that no stone has been left unturned to ensure they are as safe as possible.

Measures they adhere to include:

• Taking a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) twice a week
• Ventilating the massage room in between clients
• Washing down and spraying all surfaces with anti-viral spray
• Making up the massage couch with fresh covers and towels for each new client

Hands-on therapies such as aromatherapy, IHM and reflexology can help boost well-being and relieve a variety of symptoms including enhancing circulation, releasing muscle tension, improving sleep, relieving and reducing pain.

Therapists are also skilled listeners, and many clients also find the ability to offload their thoughts and fears in a tranquil environment to be equally beneficial.