Find space in your life, calm your mind and relax your body. Give back to yourself. Feel nurtured, nourished and revived.
SERVICES
About us
Nurturing touch is a fundamental human need and it’s benefits can be experienced at every stage in life. Holistic massage is an individual, person-centred treatment that focuses on your specific needs. Its effects can be felt on both a physical and emotional level with each session is designed to be as unique as you are.
Holistic massage draws techniques from many traditions, combining them with natural sensitivity to meet the needs of each individual as a whole. Whether you are experiencing physical discomfort, emotional distress or simply wish to enjoy the deep relaxation that massage can bring, a treatment with a holistic massage therapist can be an incredibly nourishing experience.
Physically, this can relax tight muscles and improve circulation, nervous function and joint mobility. This increases the body's fluidity and can ease many short and long term ailments such as back pain, arthritis and insomnia. On an emotional level, massage can provide the caring, non-intrusive touch we have longed for. This soothes the busy mind, reduces stress and makes us feel loved again. At a deeper level, massage can release the personal history we have stored in our body tissues. This can lead to powerful changes in our energy and become a vital ingredient in each person's process of development.
Sam Lacey and Sharmila Bousa are MTI trained therapists working from their treatment rooms in Southville and St George, Bristol. Treatments are available to clients at any stage in life, from baby massage classes to pregnancy massage and relaxing back massage to help manage the effects of stress. Massage can also be beneficial to clients experiencing the emotional and physical changes associated with ageing. Sam and Sharmila are knowledgable and sensitive therapists that provide intuitive holistic treatments with both warmth and empathy.
Sam Lacey MTI
About Sam
As an MTI Registered Holistic Massage Therapist, my training has given me a deep understanding in the principles of massage and bodywork. Since qualifying, I have been running a regular clinic from my home in Southville, treating a range of clients from all ages and walks of life.
My background working in the corporate sector gave me first hand experience of the effects of chronic stress. As a company director for over 8 years I was under constant pressure. I suffered much back and neck pain as an outcome of this, and as a recipient of holistic massage, I became very aware of what a profound effect this technique could have, not only the body but also the mind. When I combined my personal experiences, my interest in people and wellbeing with my love of yoga, bodywork and meditation, massage felt like the next natural step for me.
Trained with the Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork, under the expert tuition of Tim Bartlett and Charmaine Storer, I am registered with both CNHC and MTI. I see my learning as an ongoing journey and I continue to actively deepen my knowledge through a regular programme of training, CPD and supervision. Alongside this, every day I am honoured to learn so much from the wonderful clients I am lucky enough to work with.
Outside of massage, I am passionate about retaining my own regular yoga practice for relaxation and to ensure all of my treatments come from a very centred and balanced place. My yoga contributes tremendously to my understanding of the body on an anatomical level, but at the same time continues to prove to me how powerful change can be made through relaxation, breath and self-awareness.
As well as being devoted to all aspects of yoga, I’m a keen swimmer and lover of nature. I walk often, and as well as spending time in the outdoors I’m also equally fond of cooking, eating and sharing time with friends.
About the treatment room
Located in Southville just a stones throw away from the Tobacco Factory, my treatment room is a cosy and inviting space designed totally with relaxation in mind.There’s plenty of on-street parking nearby and access is not a problem with the room being downstairs.
Sharmila Bousa MTI
About Sharmila
During my time as MTI Registered Holistic Massage Therapist I have been particularly drawn to working with pregnant women and new mothers. As a mother myself I can empathise with the incredible physical, emotional and spiritual journey of pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent – magical, all consuming and selfless.
After several years of working in Arts/Charities Management and Communications, as well as being a part-time carer to my Granny, I decided that a life of deadlines and office chairs was not for me. Caring for my Granny opened me up to the therapeutic power of touch and also made me realise I wanted to do something that would help people to heal and feel good about themselves. My experiences as a carer and a new mother have given me a personal insight into how I can work with people to help them tackle the aches, pains and emotional effects of life. I also understand how precious time can be – setting aside an hour or two to receive a regular massage could be the best gift you give yourself. I receive regular massage myself so that I can maintain a state of wellbeing in my day-to-day life and tackle challenging situations with a strength and vigour.
In-depth training with the Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork has given me a very good understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the body and in particular the effect of relaxation and breathing in relation to pregnancy and birth. Positive health and wellbeing were important to me during my pregnancy and I maintained a regular programme of stretching, yoga, pilates, meditation and swimming right up until the day I gave birth to my daughter. I also received a lot of holistic massage during that time and can honestly say that as a result I had the most relaxed pregnancy and birth possible. I continue to try and find a few minutes a day at least to continue my stretching and meditation.
Alongside my passion for massage, I draw, paint and make things. I also love jumping up and down to raucous music or having a good old sway at more sedate gigs. Being out in good old Mother Nature is also high up on my list of favourite things and a spot of wild swimming certainly doesn't go amiss.
My wonderful daughter was born at the beginning of 2012 so I will be restarting my massage practice in earnest until in August 2012. Until then, please do get in touch as I will be offering flexible taster sessions to new mothers and pregnant women. I initially plan to work from my home in St George, East Bristol but may also be able to arrange home visits in special circumstances, just get in touch and we can talk through your needs.If you would like to find out more about the pregnancy massage and new mother massage please do get in touch for a chat or to arrange a taster session, which can include your baby if you wish. I will also be setting up special Muma's Massage sessions in the near future so if you are interested in finding out more please email (link to email) and ask to be put on the mailing list.
My wonderful daughter was born at the beginning of 2012 so I will be restarting my massage practice in earnest until in August 2012. Until then, please do get in touch as I will be offering flexible taster sessions to new mothers and pregnant women. I initially plan to work from my home in St George, East Bristol but may also be able to arrange home visits in special circumstances, just get in touch and we can talk through your needs.
If you would like to find out more about the pregnancy massage and new mother massage please do get in touch for a chat or to arrange a taster session, which can include your baby if you wish. I will also be setting up special Muma's Massage sessions in the near future so if you are interested in finding out more please email and ask to be put on the mailing list.
What is holistic massage?
Holistic massage treats the person as a whole. As a holistic therapists we’ll consider your emotional wellbeing, as well as how you are feeling physically. Each session is specifically tailored to your needs and so the treatment you receive will be unique, following no fixed routine, taking into account much more than just superficial aches and pains.
Treatments draw from a wide range of massage techniques and may include gentle massage, stretches, relaxation work and deep tissue massage. The elements combined will be determined by your needs at any given time. As well as understanding the muscular-skeletal structure of the body, your therapist will also have knowledge of key body systems, such as circulatory, lymphatic and respiratory, in order to fully understand the impact of massage on all aspects of the person. Holistic massage also incorporates an awareness of the subtle energetic body so your therapist can work with this aspect where appropriate.
By tuning in to all aspects of the person and adopting this holistic approach, the intention is to create a space where you can experience relaxation at a very deep level. This not only means that the muscles are more receptive to massage, but also provides an environment where the body is more able to rest and restore itself. This is your treatment, your space and your time to relax.
Massage works by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage aiding the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells whilst at the same time eliminating toxins, releasing muscular tension and boosting the immune system. Relaxing massage will deepen the breath, calm the mind and reduce the effects of physical and emotional stress on the body.
By carrying out an initial consultation at our first session, your therapist can learn about your medical history, determine how you are today and how you would like to feel as a result of the treatment. With this in mind, we’ll create a unique massage to suit your needs. A truly holistic approach involves working ‘with’ you rather than doing ‘to’ so as well as agreeing a massage plan in advance, your feedback is encouraged both during and after the session. You can read more about the process in What to expect from your treatment.
Our FAQs can give you lots more information about massage in general and answer any queries you may have. If you have any other concerns or queries either speak to Sharmila or Sam and they will be very happy to help.
What to expect from your treatment
Before the massage
Holistic massage places great emphasis on the initial consultation. This is an opportunity to gain an understanding of how you feel, what you want from your treatment and any medical or emotional considerations that need to be taken into account. Anything discussed will be treated as confidential, and using this knowledge, your therapist will suggest a treatment plan that can be discussed and agreed before starting the session.
During the treatment
After the treatment plan has been agreed, you will be left in private to get undressed as far as you feel comfortable. Unless you need assistance getting onto the table, your therapist will wait outside until you are comfortable, settled and ready to begin the massage.
The treatment room is kept warm and comfortable and has been created with relaxation in mind. During the treatment you are encouraged to switch off and enjoy the deep relaxation. Gentle music can really help facilitate this process but if you prefer, treatments can be carried out in silence.
During the session, a sheet or blanket will be used to keep you warm and covered and your therapist will only ever expose the area to be worked on at that time. Massages are typically performed unclothed and with oil but if you prefer techniques can easily be adapted to work through clothing. The massage oil is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free so suitable for all accept those with nut allergies. Aromatherapy is a specialist area in itself and so we prefer not to use these oils for our treatments.
During your treatment conversation will be kept to a minimum, and generally your therapist will work in silence, other than when she will check in with you regarding pressure and comfort. However it’s your treatment, so if there’s feedback you’d like to offer along the way then please do share it so we can make sure the session is perfectly tailored to your needs.
After care
When your massage is complete your therapist will leave you to dress before discussing any after care recommendations. These may include stretches to help lengthen or realign muscles or simple techniques to help you to relax outside of the session. We both understand how busy life can be and so offer practical and useful suggestions that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.
After your treatment you’ll need to drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins that may have been released. It’s always best if your session can be followed by rest and relaxation so you can gain maximum benefit from the session. Alcohol or heavy meals should ideally be avoided. Bubble baths and an early night are highly recommended!
Prices and Bookings
Treatment times can be adapted to suit your needs. Typically sessions last for one hour although for a deeply relaxing full body massage it’s best to book a 90 minute treatment. If it’s your first session please allow an additional 15 minutes, on top of the treatment time, for the initial consultation. This is included in the price of the massage.
1 hour £40
1 ½ hours £60
2 hours £80
Appointment times can be flexible and it is also possible to see clients in the evening or at the weekend from time to time. Bookings can be made by calling Sharmila or Sam direct. Often phones may be switched off if your preferred therapist is with a client, so please do leave a message and they will call back as soon as they become free. Both therapists are very happy to receive emails or talk on the phone if there are any specific questions you might have.
Payment should be made in cash and any appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice are subject to a cancellation fee of 50%. Concessions are available for unwaged clients or pensioners so please call for more information.
Please note: if you have a common cold then massage should be avoided as this will bring out the symptoms. Deep tissue work is not permitted for clients who have taken painkillers so ideally these should be avoided prior to treatment. If you have a more complicated medical condition or are in any doubt weather you are able to receive massage then please call before booking and your therapist can advise. In some instances it may be that you need to seek permission in advance from your doctor.
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
MTI and CNHC Registered Massage Therapists
Service Categories
Holistic Massage
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