What to expect

For thai yoga massage, in order not to pull directly on the skin, to be able to move into the different positions and to stay warm as the body cools down during relaxation, please wear comfortable long-sleeved clothing and bottoms that cover the leg (eg sweatpants or leggings, no shorts please), socks, and if applicable, a clip for long hair. Please download a health questionnaire for massage from http://www.lotuspalm.com/Health Questionnaire.pdf and complete it for your appointment

Reflexology is carried out on a massage table in bare feet, without oil. The treatment is adapted for special needs; usually this means a shorter treatment time and lighter pressure if necessary. Newborns will be treated at the same time as their mothers. If your child requires a treatment, you are welcome to bring him/her in to watch you have a treatment first. Parents are requested to remain in the room while the child is being treated.

To make the most of your massage, please inform the therapist whether this is your first massage and whether you require any adjustment of pressure, room temperature, ticklish feet etc. Remember that each person's level of sensitivity is different and it is up to you to communicate with the therapist with regard to your preferences and level of comfort.

After a short consultation the skin is gently exfoliated with a soft, natural fibre brush to help shed dead skin cells, enhance oil absorption, and boost the benefits of the treatment.

A blend of essential oils in a carrier base of sweet almond, grapeseed, or peach kernel oil is applied to the body as the temperature of the stones is introduced through the therapist's hands.

Small heated stones will be placed between your toes. For your safety, the large stones will always be kept moving when in contact with the skin. You do not need anything more than the weight and cold/heat of the stones as they glide along the skin, but pressure can be adjusted as necessary.

The face is gently massaged with hot, cold, or both hot and cold stones according to your preferences. Once the marble stones are placed on the face, semi-precious stones and crystals are placed along the main energy centres at the front of the body, while the therapists passes her hands 5-10cms above the stones.

A selection of crystals, which have been selected especially for their healing properties, will be used: these include carnelian, red jasper, orange aventurine, citrine, yellow jasper, yellow aventurine, jade, malachite, amazonite, lapis lazuli, sodalite, aquamarine, iolite, lepidolite, tourmaline, amethyst, clear quartz and smoky quartz - or you may bring your own.

I am a level 2 reiki practitioner. This is not a full reiki treatment, but I incorporate reiki through chakra balancing.

All the stones work on many levels - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual - but you do not have to support or understand energy theory, crystal healing or chakra theory to enjoy the deeply soothing and therapeutic benefits of the treatment.

Due to the deeply relaxing effects of the treatment, once all the stones are removed, you will also be left to relax for 5-10 minutes on the massage table and so that you can slowly return to your day.

For further information on chakra balancing, crystal healing and reiki, see:

• The Chakra Handbook by S Sharamon & B. Baginsky
• The Crystal Bible: A Definitive Guide to Crystals by Judy Hall
• Reiki for Life by Penelope Quest
• or visit http://healing.about.com/

After a short consultation you will sit on the massage couch, bare to the waist, but covered with a towel, while the heated stones are placed behind you. It may take a few adjustments to find the optimal combination of hot and cold stones and the most comfortable placement for you to lie upon. For your safety, when the stones are not being moved around the body, there will be a towel layered between the skin and the stones. As with all treatments, you should make it clear whether any adjustments in temperature and pressure need to be made at any time.

The face is gently massaged with oil, cold marble stones or heated basalt stones (depending on your needs). Cold marble stones are placed on the face, and semi-precious stones and crystals are placed along the main energy centres at the front of the body, while the therapist passes her hands 5-10cms above the stones.

You may choose from a selection of gemstones or, if you are already working with crystals, can bring your own. All crystals are cleansed for each client.

You will be expected to be still while the stones are in place (about 30 minutes) and then have another 5-10 minutes to get off the table and slowly return to your day. This is a deeply relaxing treatment and this should be borne in mind when scheduling your appointment and deciding on what mode of transport you are taking!

I am a level 2 reiki practitioner. This is not a full reiki treatment, but I incorporate reiki through chakra balancing.

For further information on chakra balancing, crystal healing and reiki, see:

• The Chakra Handbook by S Sharamon and B. Baginsky
• The Crystal Bible: A Definitive Guide to Crystals by Judy Hall
• Reiki for Life by Penelope Quest
• or visit http://healing.about.com