Massage in Banbury
Therapeutic massage tailored to your needs- whether you're looking to release tension, ease pain, be calm and relaxed, or feel like yourself again.
Massage is one of the most instantly calming and grounding therapies.
It helps you drop out of your head and back into your body. Whether you're carrying stress, aching muscles, or just want some peaceful time to settle your nervous system, massage offers deep support for both body and mind.
The way that I work has been practised over many years, and I would describe this as a combination of remedial (soft tissue therapy/sports massage) combined with holistic massage (relaxing wellness massage) and a dose of energetic intuitive working.
This means that I can tailor your session to your needs on the day whether that’s working into areas of muscular tension, helping you feel safe and settled, or simply giving you space to rest and recharge.
My Approach
I’ve been qualified in massage therapy since 2010 and hold a Level 5 BTEC in Clinical Sports and Remedial Massage (also known as Soft Tissue Therapy), as well as a Level 3 Holistic Massage qualification.
Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of people- from those with chronic muscle tension and postural patterns, to those experiencing high stress, anxiety or nervous system dysregulation.
My approach is always gentle, respectful and grounded. I meet you where you are, and adapt treatments to suit your energy and comfort level on the day.
I love combining massage into my acupuncture treatments; if you’d like this approach, please book an acupuncture consultation and then you may receive mixed therapies or either/or. If you’re not sure, get in touch.
Relief from muscular aches, tension or stiffness
Support for stress, anxiety or overwhelm
Release from office worker postural patterns
Grounding during times of change or transition
Space for relaxing self-care
Calming your nervous system
Muscle tension and pain relief: Alleviating discomfort in the back, neck, shoulders, and other areas.
Stress and anxiety reduction: promoting relaxation
Turns down messages of pain: by changing the sensation our neurons receive
Better sleep quality: Encouraging deeper, more restful sleep.
What to expect from a treatment
We’ll begin with a brief telephone consultation where I’ll get to find out about the reasons you’re coming for your treatment and I’ll find out a little about you and your life at the moment.
When you come in for your treatments, I may have a look at your posture and we’ll clarify tension areas and what you need from this session.
We’ll always begin with a brief consultation update and a chat.
A typical massage may begin with you lying on your back whilst I sit behind your head and work through your neck muscles before rolling onto your front so that I can work on your back and shoulders.
I’ll always leave the room whilst you undress down to your underwear, and you can then relax on the couch with a soft blanket covering you.
I’ll warm the room or cool the room according to your own body temperature requirements. We can chat gently throughout your treatment or I’ll let you zone out- whatever helps you relax.
Abdominal Massage
As part of a holistic treatment, we can discuss incorporating gentle abdominal massage where appropriate. This technique can aid your digestive system, and is especially useful for fertility support.
Massage Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of massage do you offer?
I offer tailored treatments combining the benefits of clinical sports and remedial massage (also known as soft tissue therapy) with the calming, relaxing feel of holistic massage. Being an acupuncturist, I would say that there is also an element of energy work in my hands-on treatment, and a level of intuition. Every treatment is adapted to your individual needs - whether you need help with muscular tension or simply want time to rest and relax.
What training do you have?
I hold a BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Clinical Sports and Remedial Massage and an ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage, and a certificate in Sacral-Abdominal Massage. I’ve been qualified and practising massage since 2010.
Do I need to be sporty or have an injury to benefit from massage?
Not at all. The majority of my clients come to me with work-posture related tension or tension due to stress and anxiety.
Is it okay if I’m nervous about having massage?
Yeah, this is fine; many of my clients have initially been anxious. If you’ve never had a massage before, of course you may feel a little nervous. With over a decade of experience, I’m skilled at helping people feel safe and at ease. You’ll be covered with a nice snuggly fresh blanket throughout the session and I’ll check in with you so you’re always comfortable. This is your time, and it’s important to me that you feel relaxed, and we can adapt your treatments if we need to- no problem.
If you have a lot of anxiety, this is fine, we’ll go at your pace. We all feel massage very differently, and I will very much respect this.
What should I wear?
You will generally undress down to your underwear- so always keeping your pants on. Socks can be on or off depending on whether your feet are hot or cold. And if you wear a bra, you can have this on or off, whatever feels comfiest; if I’m working on your back I can unclip the back of your bra if you’d feel better leaving it on. You’ll always have the blanket over your chest.
So wear whatever you fancy, you can come in your comfies if you like. It does feel nice to put very comfy clothes back on after a massage.
I have areas of my body which feel unsafe for you to touch...
This is not a problem. If you have areas of body which for you, link up to trauma or just makes you feel uneasy, just let me know. I’ll highlight it on the top of your form, and you can always remind me if this helps you feel safer.
As an example, if work around your neck is triggering, we’ll work together to find the distance from this area which does feel safe, and I can even draw a biro outline which I won’t cross if this helps you to relax in your treatment.
If you’ve experienced a ‘bad’ massage before, let’s talk about it so that I can make it right for you this time.
Do you offer abdominal massage?
Yes- I offer gentle abdominal massage when it’s appropriate and beneficial, and only if you want this treatment. This can help support digestion, relieve tension in the tummy, and is great for fertility support.
Do you offer massage during pregnancy?
I certainly do, as long as this is a suitable treatment for you during this pregnancy.
I work with you in the same way that I work with all my clients- according to your needs on the day, so I don’t offer a set ‘routine’ based pregnancy massage. Generally I will have you side-lying on both sides and we will aim for you to be in as comfy position as possible.