There are not many conditions that are completely contraindicated, in almost all cases, the treatment can be adapted to suit your needs.

Treatment is not recommended in the following conditions:

First trimester of pregnancy, cancer and chemotherapy, acute infections in the abdomen or pelvis, acute illness, fever or flu, abdominal anurysm. 6 weeks after vaginal birth (3 months after C birth).

Adapted treatments can be given in the following situations:

If you have a coil (IUD) fitted. 5 days prior to menses, diastisis recti, 6-8 weeks post surgery, hernia and hernia repair, pelvic floor/prolapse surgery.

If you menstruate, it is best to avoid treatments right before your period or when actively bleeding. Similarly, this is when you would avoid massaging over the womb in your own home practice.

It’s helpful if you know the date of your last period when you make your booking so we can avoid period dates. If your period is irregular we can rearrange if a period shows up unexpectedly, or simply adapt the treatment.

The very best time for treatment (especially if using it for fertility) is between days 7-10 of your cycle. The first day of your cycle is day 1 of your cycle. It can help to use an app or diary to keep track of your period and symptoms.

Children need to be accompanied by an adult (parent/guardian). It’s a good idea if you are bringing your child for treatment to have one yourself and learn the self care massage. That way you can help each other and do your massage together, It’s a lovely way to bond.

MEN! Yes, I am shouting and waving madly. It’s hard to be seen and heard amongst all this period talk, but I am here for you too. You can book in at any time. Maybe consider having some free time after your session and allow yourself some healing time rather than straight back to work.

Everyone will require a full consultation prior to treatment.

Yes!

There is no other way I can massage your belly. I have seen many bellies, male and female. Your modesty is preserved throughout the session. You will be asked to undress down to your pants and be covered with towels and sarongs during treatment.

You will be taught the self massage routine during your consultation call. You don’t HAVE to learn it, but it will support the work I do for you and allow you to treat yourself.

As often as you can! preferably once a day. The massage is simple and repetitive as that’s how we shift years of congestion. Muscles and ligaments that are set in thier ways need gentle encouragement regularly.

The self massage helps our internal organs relax, allowing them to find more optimal positions and unblock any restrictions in flow. Performing abdominal massage regularly can have a profound effect on your whole wellbeing, bringing clarity of mind, a more optimistic outlook and a shifting of old stagnant energy you no longer need.

If you can rest and relax after your treatment you should.

It is recommended to drink plenty of water and urinate often, eat fresh healthy foods and get plenty of rest and sleep. If you had an aromatherapy blend used during treatment, avoid showering or bathing that day to allow the oils time to absorb fully. 

It is common after a treatment for you to experience a ‘healing crisis’. A temporary worsening of symptoms before you see symptoms ease. You may feel tired, groggy or get a headache. These are all symptoms of the body clearing out toxins. Drink more water and rest.

You may experience strong emotions, a rise or change in energy, more insight or a shift inside yourself. On the whole, treatments tend to leave my clients feeling refreshed and more clear, relaxed and more focused in daily life, however for some it may release emotions that have been locked away.

Massaging over the belly can bring up emotions. You may feel emotional after your treatment, sometimes even during treatment. If you experience deep feelings and emotions it’s a sign that your body and mind are processing, clearing and moving things that have been blocked.

Be gentle and kind with yourself. Rest, sleep, and if you need to talk to someone, seek out a friend, support group, a counsellor or drop me an email. I’m happy to chat with you about your experiences.

If you are concerned about anything after a treatment, please contact me.

That depends on your symptoms and reasons for coming for treatment.

Most of my clients feel a shift and see changes in symptoms after the first session. The majority of these are positive changes, however we cannot exclude symptoms getting a little worse before they get better. The healing crisis is well known and experienced differently by everyone.

We will identify what your own personal goals are from your sessions and monitor progress. It may be to conceive, to relieve pain or stress, to calm an irritated bowel or to address an irregular menstrual cycle.

One of the most surprising benefits I found from treatments was the clarity of mind. Desicion making was easier, general mood and vibe was clearer and more positive. The gut-brain connection is powerful, and by treating the gut we can improve the health of our brain.

I have had clients that have seen improvements with just one session and regular self massage.

For longstanding, complicated conditions I would recommend a minimum of 3-6 sessions (one a month). After 6 sessions, if your condition is not responding or improving I would always recommend trying something else. 

For fertility, I have a 1 month and 3 month plan that can help prepare the body for conception and pregnancy. This goes for the men too! For best results I would recommend both prospective parents follow a course of treatments. This consists of regular treatments (at least 3) and suggestions to optimise your fertility.

If you simply enjoy the treatment and wish to have one whenever you fancy, that’s also very much encouraged.

From the first session, I teach you techniques to massage your own belly. You’ll have this knowledge for life. In my tradition, we believe in wellness and recovery, and the hope that you’ll no longer need sessions from me. You’re paying for your own training, along with an extensive amount of time to talk and share. You also get my expertise and knowledge along with access to the wisdom of my fellow Abdominal Therapy Collective members

When you see a GP or specialist, you may have 15-20 mins with them if you’re lucky. Initially, we’ll spend around 60 mins talking about your story. You’ll receive a full body treatment with a herbal oil or bespoke aromatherapy blend. We’ll spend more time reviewing your self massage and catching up after your treatment in a follow up call. I’ll provide recommendations, advice and be there to answer any questions you may have.

PWYC. I have a Pay What You Can option for those who are in great need and experiencing financial hardship. Please email me for a chat. I’m also open to barter or exchange offers as part or full payment.