Christmas Cards and Charity

This year, instead of sending Christmas cards out to all my clients like I usually do, I have decided to donate the money that I would have spent on cards and postage to charity.

I have chosen the charity Caring at Christmas who help homeless people at Christmas and throughout the year. They run a Christmas shelter every year in Bristol and they also provide homeless 16 to 24 years olds with temporary accommodation in the homes of volunteer hosts.

During this recent spell of cold weather, I have not been able to shake the feelings I've had when thinking about all the homesless people out on the streets at night trying to survive these cold temperatures. It must be horrible for them. I moan enough just being out in it for 5 minutes! Their only hope is through projects like this and others like it to get them through it.

More information about the charity can be found on their website.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Best wishes, Sarah

Product In Focus - Natural Skin Cream for Eczema Prone Skin

Eczema can be really problematic especially when it's cold and windy. Looking after your skin at this time in particular is essential to keeping it under control.

Naturalistics has the perfect cream for Eczema-prone skin. The Naturalistics Skincare range is made in Bristol, England with natural ingredients and are free from nasty chemicals and parabens.

Scented with Cape Chamomile, this cream is rich in vitamin A and E and is very nourishing and healing to the skin and leaves the skin feeling super soft and supple.

Now a little bit about the ingredients....Vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. Vitamin E is very moisturising and can help smooth dry, rough skin and is a powerful anti-oxidant helping to protect your skin from free radicals. Aloe vera helps rehydrate and soothe the skin. Shea butter contains phytosterols which stimulates cell growth and cinnamic acid which has an anti-inflammatory effect and is very healing to the skin. Borage oil is exceptionally high in Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) which the body needs to create prostaglandins. The skin needs prostaglandins to keep it healthy and to prevent dryness, loss of suppleness and wrinkling.

This cream is an excellent choice for people with eczema-prone skin in particular as well as for those with dry or sensitive skin. It also makes a rich moisturiser for mature skin, for babies, and for the hands and feet.

A 60ml Jar costs just £9.99 and a little goes a long way! For more details on the cream, check out the Cream for Eczema-Prone skin on the Naturalistics website.

NEW Hypnotherapy Sessions

This year, I have been studying towards a Hypnotherapy Practitioners Diploma at The Clifton Practice in Bristol. The training there is very extensive and practical and I have gained a huge amount of knowledge and experience.

I have already been seeing clients for various issues including anxiety, depression, insomnia, bereavements, and phobias to name a few. I have now reached the stage in my training where I am oblidged to start charging for my services. The initial consultation is FREE and subsequent hypnotherapy sessions are charged at £25. This is a discounted rate while I am qualifying and is great value! In April 2011 when I qualify, my fees will increase to the standard going rate for Hypnotherapy which will be decided nearer the time.

I also provide a FREE 30 minute Relaxation / Self-Hypnosis CD to each of my clients

Hypnotherapy is helpful for many different issues including stopping smoking, phobias, stress, anxiety, depression, weight loss, negative thinking, sleeping problems, relationship problems, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pain Management, Lack of Confidence and Self Esteem, Public Speaking, and much more.

To find out more about Hypnotherapy and how it can help you, please visit my Hypnotherapy in Bristol website.

The Gift of Relaxation at Christmas

Know someone who works or lives in Bristol? Looking for an original and thoughtful gift for someone special this Christmas?

Balance Holistics gift vouchers are the perfect gift!

Gift vouchers can be purchased online and are available in increments of £5 or for individual treatments including Aromatherapy Massage, Swedish Massage, Reflexology, Hot Stone Massage, Thai Foot Massage, Holistic Facials, Holistic Foot Treatment, and more.

Massage Taster Sessions

I still have a few spaces left for massage taster sessions on Thursday 4th March at The Chiron Centre, Westbury-on-Trym in Bristol. Appointments available between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Treatments include Aromatherapy or Swedish back massage, Aromatherapy face or foot massage, Reflexology, Reiki, and Indian Head Massage.

Booking is essential - For more information or to book a taster session call 07851 307 062 or email enquiries@balanceholistics.co.uk.

Check out my previous post on the taster sessions at The Chiron Centre and also a short post on taster sessions in general.

Address: The Chiron Centre, 130 Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3AL

Price Changes

This is something that I have tried to resist for a while now but after 3 years with no price increases and ever increasing costs, it has come the time when I must put my prices up on all the holistic treatments I offer. The new prices come in to effect from 1st March 2010—if you have already booked an appointment in March (before receiving this notification of price increases), I will honour the old price for that appointment. Block booking prices will also be changing. If you have any questions about the new prices, please contact me on enquiries@balanceholistics.co.uk. Further information can be found on the Balance Holistics website.

The new prices are as follows:

Swedish Back Massage -- £25
Swedish Full Body Massage -- £35
Aromatherapy Back Massage -- £30
Aromatherapy Full Body Massage -- £40
Aromatherapy Full Body Massage inc. Face & Scalp -- £45
Hot Stone Back Massage -- £35
Hot Stone Full Body Massage -- £45
Hot Stone Full Body Massage inc. Face & Scalp -- £50
Reflexology (30 min) -- £25
Reflexology (1 hour) -- £35
Indian Head Massage (30 min) -- £20
Indian Head Massage (1 hour) -- £30
Reiki (30 min) -- £20
Reiki (1 hour) -- £30
Hopi Ear Candling -- £30
Holistic Facial -- £35
Thai Foot Massage -- £35
Feet First -- £35
Mix ‘n’ Match -- £35

Holistic Therapy Taster Sessions

As of Thursday 5th March, Balance Holistics will be working from The Chiron Centre in Westbury-on-Trym in addition to The Healing Rooms. It is a lovely clinic with excellent facilities. There is ample on-street parking nearby with no parking restrictions and it is served regularly by buses from the city centre.

Upon arrival at The Chiron Centre, you will be greeted by a receptionist who will show you to the waiting area where you can help yourself to fresh filtered water and fruit. While you are waiting for your appointment, you can sit and relax on the comfy sofas and flick through any number of the books and magazines on offer, look out on the wonderful garden, or simply sit and listen to the relaxing music being played. There is also the added benefit of being able to pay for your treatment with your credit or debit card.

If you would like to come and check out the Chiron Centre and experience a treatment there, please give me a call on 07851 307 062. Understandably, the prices will be slightly higher at the Chiron Centre but I’m sure you will agree that it’s worth it when you see the facilities and feel how inviting and peaceful it is. Please check the Balance Holistics website for prices.

As a special introductory offer, I will be offering 30 minute taster sessions for £10 at The Chiron Centre on Thursday 4th March. Appointments are available between 1.30 and 5.30pm. Treatments on offer that day include Aromatherapy or Swedish Back Massage, Foot Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Reiki, and Aromatherapy Face Massage. Booking is essential. Please contact me for more details and to book your appointment.