Serendipity Holistic Therapy

Upper Body Treatments

Serendipity offers two treatments for the Upper Body - Indian Head Massage and Hopi Ear Candling. Both of these therapies are very individual yet complement each other well. Indian Head Massage concentrates on the upper back and arms, shoulders, neck, head and face whereas Hopi Ear Candling focuses on the ears, sinuses and face.

Indian Head Massage

What is Indian Head Massage?
Indian Head Massage is a technique of manipulating soft tissues in the upper back, shoulders, neck, arms and scalp. The therapist uses a range of different massage pressures and rhythms to stimulate the head and neck area. A typical massage lasts about 45 minutes.

What are the benefits?
The combination of techniques used:

aids the circulatory, muscular and nervous systems

stimulates arterial circulation, and increases venous and lymphatic flow

reduces stress and can induce a feeling of euphoria

frees knots of muscular tension and relaxes connective tissue

stimulates the skin and underlying nerve endings

aids in the elimination of accumulated toxins and waste products

helps to promote hair growth

Indian Head Massage is particularly effective in addressing the effects of stress. It also helps to relieve eye strain/ache, tinnitus, jaw ache, sinus congestion, neck and shoulder ache/stiffness and insomnia.

Who can receive it?
Indian Head Massage is suitable for people of all ages. However, a treatment will not be carried out if you are suffering from any undiagnosed lumps or swellings, internal bleeding, a contagious or acute infectious disease. The pressure applied can be modified to suit the recipient, for example children and elderly people may prefer a lighter touch.

What happens during a treatment?
You will be asked to sit in a comfortable, low-backed chair. The treatment is carried out through clothing, so wearing a short-sleeved, collarless tee-shirt is ideal. You will be asked to remove all jewellery from your head and neck area, including earrings. You can choose to receive the massage with or without oil on the neck and/or scalp area.

The treatment starts with a relaxation sequence and this is followed by a variety of massage techniques which are applied to the back, shoulders, arms, neck, head and face. Soothing music and soft lighting helps to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Indian Head Massage is perfect for treatments in the workplace as no specialist equipment is required and no clothing needs to be removed.

For the ultimate treat, book a combination session to include 45 minutes of Indian Head Massage followed by 60 minutes of Reflexology. A true 'head to toe' experience.

Please click here for prices and booking information.

Hopi Ear Candling

What is Ear Candling?
The use of Ear Candles can be traced back to the peoples of the Siberian prairies, Asia and the native North and South American Indians. The Hopi, who are the oldest Pueblo people with great medicinal knowledge, brought this knowledge to Europe.

Before treatment commences, the ears are examined with an otoscope to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for this treatment and to determine the extent of wax build-up in the outer ear canal.

The ear candles are a hollow tube around 22cm long with a diameter of 1cm. They are made of pesticide-free, untreated cotton that is coated in pure beeswax, honey extract and the traditional herbs of Sage, St. John's Wort and Chamomile. Genuine Biosun ear candles are used, which are hand-made from a traditional receipe, using only the finest, premium quality, organic materials.

The recipient lies on one side in a comfortable position with their head supported by a pillow. The candle is lit at one end and the non-burning end is gently inserted into the outer ear-passage. The candle is held in place throughout the treatment to ensure your safety. Once the candle has burnt down to the required level, it is removed and the treatment is repeated on the other ear.

How does it work?
As the ear candle is burning, you will experience a pleasant crackling and hissing sound from the flame. The warmth from the flame softens any debris in the ear canal and as the candle burns, a gentle suction or chimney effect is created. The movement of the flame creates a vibration of air in the candle, generating a massage-like effect on the eardrum. The waste from the ears is drawn up into the candle and discarded. Examination of the contents of the candles will show how effective the treatment has been and indicate whether further treatment is required to resolve long-standing problems.

After the ears have been candled, a relaxing face massage is given to encourage the actions of the candles, increasing circulation and blood flow and helping the sinus tubes to drain.

What are the benefits of this treatment?
Ear candling induces a pleasant feeling of warmth and a balance of pressure in the ears, forehead and sinuses. It is soothing and helpful for earache, headache, migraine, ear noise (tinnitus), sinusitis, rhinitis, glue ear, stress and nervousness. Treatment may also spontaneously cause freer breathing through the nose and improve the sense of smell.

This therapy is not suitable for people who have a perforated eardrum or other acute inflammation or the ear or surrounding area, or those with tymphanostomy tube implants (grommets). It is suitable for use on children over the age of 2 although, as with all treatments, a parent or guardian must be present for children under the age of 16.

Please click here for prices and booking information.