Too hard? Too soft? Or Just right?

My little nieces are coming for a sleepover this weekend and, for the second time only, their toddler brother. Along with the bedtime stories required before they will settle down, Aunty Jane has learned that she now has to give not just two but three sets of hand and foot massages. 

Goldilocks style, I always ask them if it's too hard, too soft or just right. It's so important with children not to apply heavy pressure. That's also the case with adults.

How many of us have had 'No pain, no gain' instilled into us? Or we think 'I can bear it', 'it must be working' or 'She's the expert' when really your body knows it's counter productively too much?

The central topic on the 'Treating trauma and vulnerability' Shiatsu training I went on in March surprised me. It was not learning the most calming pressure points or gentle techniques. It was simply how to encourage people to give feedback.

Many studies have shown that healing best occurs when the body and mind are relaxed, such as in deep sleep and holistic treatments. Insensitive, overly firm or invasive treatment will trigger the 'fight, flight or freeze' defence response. Feeling safely supported and not a victim of having something 'done to you' allows your energy flow to open up again for rebalancing, reconnecting and tension release.

Shiatsu and Meridian Massage allow you to take responsibility for your own health whilst being supported. That equal partnership between therapist and client includes the encouragement to say 'too much, not enough or just right.'

Amphora Aromatics

Did you see the feature on The One Show about mini plastic beads in face scrubs? Who would have thought that plastic beads make good exfoliators? Well, they don't really, if you care about plastics slooshing around in the water system polluting the environment.

I have used organic face creams and cleansers on principle ever since I worked at a pioneering Wholefood shop and health clinic, The Haelan Centre in Crouch End, London, in the 90's. Mineral oils such as Johnson's baby oil, I learned in my massage training, are pore clogging by-products of the petro-chemical industry and not good for anyone's skin let alone babies!

I am not a fashion follower or a beauty therapist. I could care less about which face creams the latest film star advertises or on spending £60 on a wrinkle cream. What's important to me are simple, pure and affordable products which use essential oils, no petrochemicals, not animal tested, and where I can understand the names of the half a dozen or less ingredients listed.

My personal favourite is Amphora Aromatics. UK produced in Bristol. For my skin type I prefer their Frankincense and Rose face cream. This is also the variety of Shea Butter I use in clinic for massage, in addition to the Lemon and Lavender oils I add to the Grapeseed oil. I've been in their shop off Cotham Hill, and know that when I'm ordering online that the products are travelling just a few miles.

I use their candles as well as their oils as they are soy based, so no petrochemicals or fake scents there either. My favourite in clinic is Juniper and Pine, and I use Rosemary and Thyme in the kitchen at home. Did you know that artificial scents, such as those used in candles and air fresheners have been linked to increased asthma and depression?

If you want quality, inexpensive and unharmful candles, face creams, candles or even bath oils take a look at Amphora's website here.