Following the arrival of my daughter 15 years ago and knowing I wanted a better work/life balance, I decided to embark on my level 3 in Swedish massage, anatomy and physiology.
Before I swapped into my therapeutic life, I'd spent over 10 years working in PR, marketing and communications for large global
organisations in Leeds and London. It was hard, and over the years the stress and hours took their toll on me mentally and physically. Two rounds of redundancy - number one (complete with new baby and toddler) knocked me sideways but also gave me the chance to train in sports massage; the second one, two years ago was my now or never moment and I used my redundancy money to buy my hut and invest in
more training. Such emotionally difficult times but with the support from family and friends and plenty of massages, I came out even stronger. I realised the 'essence' of my business is mind, body and soul working together - with well-being at the core of what I do.
I love netball, yoga, running, walking and I'm a bit of an animal lover too. I love to travel, which probably stems from my childhood as I grew up in Tanzania.
I look forward to welcoming you to Essence Mind and Body, Kathryn
Find out what made me start my business and my plans for the future
Before the treatment.... "I have previous surgery on my back which responds well to massage. I researched Myofascial release, but couldn’t imagine how it would actually feel on my body". During "It’s quite challenging to explain! Initially I felt the pressure of Kathryn's hands on an area of my body. After a minute or so a deep wave like fluid feeling, glided across my back pushing the muscle to stretch and release. I kept saying ‘ this is very strange!’ It did not hurt, felt almost like a strong ripple of water like when you’re in a wave machine at the swimming pool! The ‘wave’ wanted to go in different directions on my back, maybe to areas needing attention. At times it felt like cornflower goop. I couldn’t believe that K's hands were still and the body was subconsciously moving the muscles of the fascia around! At one point- I took my hand and pointed to where I felt it moving and K's hands were no-where near it. Very difficult to describe as nothing like a massage I have experienced before". After "I felt relaxed. I also had a sense of excitement to have experienced a new type of treatment which really stretched all problem areas of my back, shoulder and hip muscles. I found the session grounded me and felt more connected to my body. Afterwards, I felt tired, cold and a bit spaced out- which is normal for me post massage. I highly recommend trying this treatment and will definitely be going again"!
Until this year, I'd never meditated. I mean who has time to sit still and do nothing right? Well, actually it turned out I did. Having had to shut my business yet again in January, I was starting to worry. Worrying about money, worrying about whether clients would ever come back and worrying about the impact on my mental health. Having a purpose and a sense of achievement is I've realised, something I need in my life. I was in the midst of searching for something new to learn when a free meditation course popped up with Susie Hemsted. I did the workshop, thinking well its free and gives me something to do. Needless to say I loved it and I felt a connection to what Susie was teaching us. She was so calm...maybe this could work for me too? After the initial workshop, Susie mentioned she was running a 5 week course but I had no income and savings were pretty much depleted. It seemed a bit mad to even consider it. But when I mentioned it to my family, my children actually said 'If you really want to do it mummy, we can lend you the money' - did I cry... yes! I had an overwhelming feeling that I needed to do it.. So I said 'YES'. During our initial session one of the ladies burst into tears. Anyone who knows me, knows that I cry when other people cry so it was a shock and I fought to keep it together. Over the weeks, there were lots of tears. The pandemic has affected people in so many different ways but seeing how the course was giving the women back the control and focus was liberating. And I soon realised that actually letting yourself go was actually really powerful. On the last group session, when talking about what we'd gained from the course, my flood gates opened. I sobbed and sobbed. I was so sad it had ended but having gained so much, there were tears of joy too. I'd experienced some really amazing moments of calm, reflection and had a newly instated confidence. I felt a sense of relief that I'd learnt ways to manage my feelings of anxiety and to enable me to calm myself and re-focus in an entirely different way. I've use meditation to manage other situations. A recent dentist appointment when I needed a filling. Focusing my mind helped the time to pass and kept me calm. I also tried it during a blood donation but every time I tried a breathing activity, my blood flow slowed down so much the alarm kept sounding! Since 2012, it's estimated that the amount of people using meditation around the world has tripled. During the recent FA Cup Final, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admitted to meditating to help prepare for the match. A common misconception is that you have to meditate for hours. Yes of course some people do but you don't need to. Martin Boroson an executive coach, Zen priest and former psychotherapist found that actually meditating for a mere minute a day can reduce stress levels by 33%. So if you've never tried it, have a go. Find a guided meditation and let yourself be taken on the journey. You never know where the journey may take you.
In a year when we thought we'd have all the time in the world, how do we have no time? Closing my doors in March, I literally had nothing to do but I had everything to do. The kids were home schooled, my husband was now at home full time and we had a 3 month old puppy! I hoped I'd be able to do everything I'd put on the back burner - cleaning out the attic, decorating etc but actually I found I couldn't. My main achievement, apart from making sure all members of the family were clean and fed and walked was painting the back fence. It was a labour of love (and hate) - 28 panels and umpteen tins of paint but it was MY thing. I took an hour to myself and painted, and painted. It was my time and that became very precious to me. I can't lie - during lockdown I cried a lot. I felt angry that everything I worked so hard for had stopped. I felt guilty that there was no plan B and therefore there was no money. I felt sad that everything I wanted to do had to make way for the job with the income and the children and their studies, oh and did I mention the lively puppy. As the weeks rolled by, I realised that what the problem actually was. It was that my own self-care had completely stopped. I stopped exercising, I was eating badly and I didn't have any structure to my days. I just kept functioning to make sure everyone else was ok but I'd stopped caring for myself. No makeup, joggers or leggings and eek my hair! Recognising this was a huge turning point and got me thinking, hey if I'm feeling like this what about all those people who also didn't have a choice. What about those too scared to leave their homes, those who were reliant on other people shopping for them or not perhaps being able to afford to eat healthily or those sat in their own homes for hours with no company, except the awful new updates about the virus. I realised I did have a choice - I needed to start addressing my needs too. As soon as I started to make an effort, I started to feel better physically and mentally. I started doing yoga again before the children got up so it was my time. I added structure to my days which included time for me to work on my business after work / school hours and I shared this with the family. I started to plan healthy meals and taking iron and vitamin D to help give me an energy boost. I also read that vitamin D can help to minimise the symptoms of Covid-19, so worth a try. I started to feel like I was achieving something for myself. As I write, we are in lockdown part 2 but my mindset is totally different. I still start the day with yoga (10-30mins depending on lie-ins), followed by a long walk with my furry friend. I listen to podcasts and training courses whilst I walk and learn something new everyday. I still have days when I slob around in joggers but equally I make an effort to dress up. Meals are planned and my husband and I have lunch together most days. This is our time to catch up without the children around and to address any concerns we have and to talk about our schedules. Work wise - I'm busier than ever! Even though I'm not currently working in my business. I now have a self-care Facebook group 'Essence Within' and have just launched my new self-care gift sets 'Essence of You'. I'm much more focused on where I want my business to go. Yes income has taken another battering, but this time I have some passive income! Self-care for me is being able to recognise what's important to you and acknowledge when you need a bit more care and love, and being able to you give it to yourself. It might only seem like a small thing to someone else but if it matters to you - it IS important. Next week is self-care awareness week and the perfect time to have a think about what small steps you can take to improve your self-care. If you want to find out more about the campaign click here. If you're also interested in finding out more about my self-care group then click here for a sneaky peek. Much love K
Whether you’re unsure as to which treatment is right for you, if you want to know what to expect when you arrive or indeed anything else then please read the list of frequently asked questions below. If you do have a more specific questions please do let me know. How to book an appointment Q. What hours is the hut open A. I am available Monday – Friday, 10-4 and evenings 5-7.30pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs). I also open on some Saturdays so it’s always good to ask Q. Where are you based? A. Treatments are available in my shepherd’s hut in Calverley, West Leeds, LS28. Q. How do I book an appointment? A. I do have an online booking system but have had to temporarily turn it off whilst I go through my back log of clients since being shut. The best way to book an appointment is to text me on 0774 8640257.Due to the one to one service, appointments do get booked up so make sure you book in advance. It’s also worth checking my Facebook page as some cancellation appointments are posted here. Q. Why do I need to complete a consultation form? A. Yes of course! Each new client has to complete a consultation form and a COVID-19 screening questionnaire prior to treatments. This makes sure I can treat you in the best possible way. The questions are designed to enable me to treat you in the best possible way and none of the answers are shared. Q. What is your cancellation policy? A. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, cancellations can be made on the day without charge but please keep in mind that this is my business and due to new regulations its unlikely I will be able to fill the slot at short notice. Please give as much notice as possible. If however you fail to turn up because you forgot, you will be charged the full 100% fee. Choosing the right treatment Q. What should I expect from my Swedish massage treatment? A. Swedish massages tend to be quite firm, working on areas where you may perhaps be experiencing pain, stiffness or aches. Most of the treatment is performed using thumbs/knuckles but I do also use my elbows and forearms. As an experienced Swedish massage therapist I work with my clients to provide bespoke treatments that suit their needs. If it feels too firm then let me know and we will adapt your treatment. Q. What is involved in a full body massage? A. Full body massages work on the legs (front and back), arms, chest, neck, shoulders, back and stomach. Some clients prefer for certain areas such as the stomach to be left out. This is fine, it is your treatment and will be adapted to suit you. During the treatment only the area being worked on is exposed to ensure you feel comfortable at all times. The treatment tends to take place on a massage couch which enables your body to full relax. Q. What is a sports massage? A. Sports massage is described by the Sports Massage Association as ‘the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, tendons and ligaments’. During the treatment you will receive a consultation so I can assess any areas of focus. I will then carry out a range of movements check to visually see and feel any tightness of muscles and any areas of restricted movement. The massage will then be carried out, the muscles are stretched out and then the range of movement checks are re-visited. This enables the client to see first hand the benefits of the massage and to highlight any areas that are still showing signs of tightness / restricted movement that may require additional sessions. Q. How do Swedish and sports massages differ? A. Swedish massage focuses on the superficial (top level) muscle groups and aims to provide clients with a relaxing treatment. Sports massage concentrates on the individual deeper muscles and is used when clients have a more specific area of need. For example, if you had an aching back then you may choose a Swedish massage to help elevate any aches and pains and make you feel generally better. If however you had pulled a muscle in your back you would require a sports massage. Sports massages are not just for sporty people so if you are unsure what would be best please call. Q. What is involved in an Indian head massage? A. Indian head massages are much gentler and focus on the back, shoulders, neck, arms, scalp and face. The treatments take place in a chair and can be performed with or without oils. This is a very relaxing treatment, so make sure you have time to rest afterwards. Q. Please explain what myofascial release is? A. Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Q. How does acupressure vary to acupuncture? A. Acupressure works in a similar way to acupuncture in the way that we work on certain areas within the muscle, applying pressure to help relieve tension. Acupressure uses thumbs and fingers to apply the pressure where as acupuncture uses needles. Q. What massage should I get? A. If you are unsure then let’s have a chat through your needs and we can compile the best treatment for you. Each treatment is different and draws on a number of different techniques including massage, stretching, acupressure, trigger points and myofascial release to ensure you get the best treatment for you. On arrival Q. I’ve never had a treatment before what can I expect? A. Once you’ve booked your treatment, you will be sent a consultation form, COVID-19 health screening questionnaire and a copy of my COVID-19 policy which outlines what you need to do on arrival, PPE, what happens during the treatment and all the health and safety requirements I need to adhere to. I will briefly talk through what you can expect too. As a new client I will need to run through your consultation form and make sure the treatment is suitable for you. Feel free to ask any questions at any point Q. What to I sit/lie on? A. A full body massage requires a couch but the back, neck and shoulder/Indian Head massage can be performed on a chair. Q. What do I wear? A. The treatments are best performed using oils, so generally for Swedish massage clients wear underwear and are then covered in towels. Please note underwear MUST be worn at all times. Shorts maybe worn on top if you prefer. For Indian head massage, some loose fitting trousers are fine. Chair massages can be performed over clothing if you would prefer. Sports massage tends to involve a bit more movement from the client so shorts may be more comfortable if you are having your legs worked on. Q. What oils do you use? A. I use a selection of natural oils from ID Aromatics. A consultation form is carried out ahead of the treatment to ensure I am aware of any allergies. Q. Do you provide massages for men? A. Yes of course, why shouldn’t men have massages too? Ad hoc Q. Do you offer gift vouchers? A. Yes, I do so why not treat a friend to a thoughtful present of a gift voucher? Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, thank you or just to show how much you care everyone loves a massage so why not put a smile on someone’s face today? Vouchers can be posted to the buying or recipient at no extra charge. Gift vouchers available for specific treatments or £values (£5-£40) .
Visit Essence Mind and Body in Calverley to help you feel great and look amazing
Contact us
07748 640257
hello@essencemindandbody.co.uk
Find us
The Shepherd's hut
1 St Stephen’s Road
Calverley
Leeds
LS28 5SD