Pure Therapy

It’s not a comfortable subject to talk about but it’s the perfect time to reflect. This week is world childless week, whether it’s chosen or not chosen. It’s a fact, life doesn’t always go the way you would like. My fertility journey in my 30’s and involved a series of devasting failed IVF cycles followed by a realisation that our life would not be quite as we imagined or hoped. While we have created a meaningful life without children, it still holds sadness that we will never experience the joy of our own little family. Thank goodness for our four legged friend 🐈That said, my nieces are and will always be the best gift in my life and mean the world to me 🌎💗💗

There is always hope and happiness to be had ❤️. I am thinking of everyone that has suffered through infertility, has never been pregnant, not carried full term or has suffered the sadness of a baby born sleeping. Also thinking of the men that have not realised their potential of being the fantastic father they imagined 💙 🥰.

Why Injectables could be making you look older!

I am happy that there is the appreciation and comeback of hands on holistic facials. Professional face massage techniques can absolutely exceed the out come of machines and Botox for overall skin health.

Instead of using invasive procedures, a holistic facial focuses on a variety of massage techniques to increase circulation and improve lymph flow.

I am not necessarily anti-botox but I think there are more natural methods that might be chosen over injectables if people knew they had a good alternative.

Botox (botulinum toxin) works by disrupting communication between nerves and muscle cells, preventing contraction. This restriction in the movement of the facial muscles which can actually cause stagnation of oxygen to the skin cells and muscles depriving them of nutrients. Good lymph flow relies on muscle contractions even in the small muscles of the face. If the muscle is not able to contract it can cause poor lymph flow and restrictions causing the skin to look dull and puffy.

I am interested in sustainable skin care practices with cumulative benefits that cannot only make the skin look youthful but radiate health and wellbeing from the inside out. Manual correction of the face which goes far beyond just the skin using techniques that actively ‘work’ the muscle and fascia and soothe the nervous system.

My carefully curated holistic facials use manual techniques such as Gua Sha, Lymph drainage massage, stimulating lifting and sculpting massage, fascia release, acupressure and facial reflexology

Unique to Pure Therapy, Pure Lift & Glow is my Signature Facial. A multi layered alternative to invasive anti-ageing procedures with the added benefit of promoting deep relaxation and wellbeing from the inside out. This isn’t just a facial but a holistic experience!

Designed with over 30 years experience as a facial therapist, training and guidance of from esteemed holistic facial experts such as Britta Plug, founder of Wilding, Ziggy Bergman and advanced lymphatic drainage massage techniques.

The focus is on the tension and caught in the muscles that create the deeper lines and wrinkles on the face. This is achieved by a fusion of advanced sculpting massage techniques and Myofascial release for a thorough ‘work out’ and stimulation of the main muscles to reset habitual expression lines to include a tightening and plumping effect.

This restorative facial incorporates many techniques including traditional Gua Sha crystal tools to gently activate a healing response in the skin that will help promote renewal of collagen and elastin. Increased circulation oxygenates the facial tissues plumping the skin and visibly defining the facial contours.
I work intuitively with each client so the treatment can vary slightly but will always include plenty of advanced lymphatic drainage to help clear stagnation and puffiness in the face and eye area. Naturally cool amethyst skin rollers are used to drain and calm the skin. Enjoy a double cleanse, deep exfoliation and a warm towel cleanse, essential oil inhalations and luxury plant active skincare.

Aside from beautiful radiant skin and a deep sense of relaxation this treatment can have a positive effect on stress, anxiety, insomnia, TMJ disorder, bruxism, sinus congestion, and migraines.

Beautiful starry night with Aurora in Little Gaddesden 😍✨💗💛💜

FASCIA 🕸️ 🕸️ A very interesting weekend spent learning and updating my knowledge of Myofascial Release Techniques.

Myofascia tissue is a network of tissue that spreads throughout your entire body. It connects your muscles, joints, and bones. It also provides support to your organs, helping to keep them in place.‌

In between these layers of tissue there is a lubricant called hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) that provides stretch and encourages free range of movement. When this liquid becomes thick, sticky, or dries up it will impact the surrounding structures putting pressure on nerves, vessels and organs and creating tension on joints.

Healthy fascia is smooth and flexible but it can get ‘stuck’ from physical and emotional trauma, surgery and inflammatory responses. This causes tightening, inflammation and scarring. Tight myofascial tissue can restrict movement in your muscles and joints. As you move differently to make up for the loss in movement, you can cause additional tightness without realising it. This can lead to widespread chronic pain, restricted movement and discomfort.

Myofascial Release is a series of hands on massage techniques that focus on the soft tissue dysfunction, pain, tension and holding patterns of fascia. The treatment involves slow, firm sustained pressure without the use of oil to release and reset the fascia.

As with any type of bodywork, the release of tight tissue can lead to some tenderness post treatment and sometimes an emotional response or release.

Myofascial release can be beneficial for range of conditions which include:

⚡️Back Pain
⚡️Headaches
⚡️Whiplash
⚡️Pelvic Pain
⚡️Neck Pain
⚡️Migraines
⚡️Stress
⚡️Plantar fasciitis
⚡️Frozen Shoulder
⚡️Sciatica
⚡️Jaw Pain

Pure Therapy is a little hidden oasis of calm in the middle of our beautiful Berkhamsted High Street 🥰

My treatment rooms can be a little hard to find for my new clients so my husband kindly offered to help me out with a series of photos to highlight where I am 😊

This did involve getting up at 5am on a Bank Holiday to ensure a relatively empty street but he managed to capture some lovely aerial shots with his 10 metre photography pole.

It is said that ‘time flies when you are having fun’. It is certainly true in my working life.
I realised that it is 30 years ago this month that I graduated from Chichester in 1994. I achieved a distinction, level 5 HND in Beauty and Health Management.

I loved the holistic nature of my qualification progressing my knowledge through massage, facials, exercise method, advanced nutrition, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, psychology, marketing, business studies, people management and financial planning.
The idea of being able to help people holistically and provide knowledge on every aspect of health, body and skin has always been a motivating factor to me and made me look to eventually create my own business.
I gained such valuable knowledge, experience and customer care working over 13 years in predominantly 5 star spas before starting my own business Pure Therapy in 2008 😊💚

30 years on and I am still committed to learning and keeping up with new ways to inform and help my clients achieve their health, beauty and wellbeing goals.

I feel grateful that the benefits of holistic health and beauty are now so well documented and seen as advantageous over the superficial ‘quick fix’ procedures 🙏🙌

Dear Pure Therapy clients

I take pride in choosing the best quality products for my business and always strive to make Pure Therapy a wonderful environment and experience for you.

Like everyone, my overheads as a business have risen dramatically over the last couple of years and therefore is necessary to increase my prices to accommodate this.
I hope that you will understand and I thank you for your continued support

Please find my current treatment and price list below or visit my website for more detail. https://www.pure-therapy.co.uk/index.php

Many Thanks
Alison 💜

Today is Therapeutic Massage Awareness Day. A day to highlight the many health benefits of massage therapy in all its therapeutic forms.

I celebrated today by giving four 60 minute massages, 2 back, neck and shoulder massages, an Indian head massage and a lymphatic drainage massage 💆🏻 🙌

Massage has so many benefits for everyone ✨ When did you last take time out for yourself and enjoy a massage? Just in case you need an excuse, here is what massage can do for you 😀

☺️ Promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety
😴 Improves sleep quality
🤕 Reduces muscular tension, pain and headaches
🩸Improves circulation and reduces blood pressure
🏃🏻‍♂️Improves joint mobility
🦠Boosts immune system
💆🏻Promotes a feeling of Wellbeing

Celebrating 16 years of my business Pure Therapy today ☺️.
I remember so clearly the years of driving through my home town of Berkhamsted on my way to work at some very fabulous spas such as Champney’s Tring and Cliveden House Pavilion Spa in Taplow.
While gaining valuable experience at these beautiful places, I would always dream of setting up my own holistic therapy business in Berkhamsted.
So glad I made the uncharacteristic brave leap from employed to self employed.
I have met the most wonderful people over this time that have supported me and my business and for that I am so grateful 🙏X

Did you know that you could enjoy a regular Massage or Reflexology treatment for free!! ✨😀

You could claim part or all of your treatment costs through your employer health scheme or your own personal health insurance, have you checked yours? 🤔🧐

Companies do vary with the type of treatment or the therapist qualifications that are accepted but most will offer a certain amount towards complimentary therapies whether it is Remedial Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage or Reflexology.

Insurance companies will want to know if your therapist is fully qualified, insured and registered member of a recognised association.

I am a full member of the three main professional associations.
The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT), Complimentary Therapist Association (CThA) and The Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)

After your treatment I can provide a receipt with all the information that is necessary to claim back all or part of your regular massage or reflexology treatment.

Pure Therapy is now closed for Christmas and New Year 🎄🎉
The clinic reopens on Thursday 4th January and is already looking to be a busy month 💆🏻😃

As always, I just wanted to express my gratitude to all my clients that have supported my business this year and over the years previously ✨

My business has been built on word of mouth recommendations and as a result I have enjoyed meeting lots of new faces this year too☺️

Just a reminder that if anyone needs that last minute gift, e-vouchers can be purchased through my website for instant download or print. 🎁

https://www.pure-therapy.co.uk/vouchers/

Today is National Twin Day! 👯‍♀️

Something that some of my clients and social media followers may not know about me is that I am an identical twin! 👯‍♀️
My sister Sam and I were born just 11 minutes apart 👯‍♀️
Looking identical has had it’s challenges over the years, especially for other people trying to work out who is who 🤣 but generally good to be a part of such a special club 💞

Celebrating all my fellow twins nationally and internationally whether they are identical or fraternal.
A special thanks on this day to who have included us in many interesting research studies and twin gatherings over the years at the Department of Twin Research, London UK (DTR)

Pure Therapy Christmas Opening Times🌲🎅🏼

Tuesday 19th December 9am-3pm
Wednesday 20th December 9am -8pm
Thursday 21st December 9am-8pm
Friday 22nd December 9am-5pm
Saturday 23rd December 9am-5pm
Sunday 24th December - Closed
Monday 25th December - Closed
Tuesday 26th December - Closed
Wednesday 27th December - Closed
Thursday 28th December - Closed
Friday 29th December - Closed
Saturday 30th December 9am- 5pm
Sunday 31st December - Closed
Monday 1st January - Closed
Tuesday 2nd January - Closed
Wednesday 3rd January- Closed
Thursday 4th January 9am - 7pm
Friday 5th onwards - open as usual

Holistic facials are tailored to the individual as a whole. It brings into consideration the bigger picture to understand the root cause of skin imbalances and works to support the mind, body and soul.

Your skin is a reflection of everything that’s going on inside your body and as your largest organ, the skin needs to maintain correct balance to function optimally.

Instead of using invasive procedures, chemicals and machines, a holistic facial focuses on a variety of massage techniques and Gua Sha crystal tools to increase circulation, remove toxins and stimulate the production of collagen - keeping the skin looking young and healthy.

A holistic facial has many benefits that are more than skin deep:

✨Nourishes the skin and brightens the complexion
✨Reduce stress, tension and anxiety
✨Improve the texture of the skin
✨Correct and rebalance skin conditions
✨Softens lines and wrinkles
✨Stimulate the removal of toxins from the tissue
✨Relieves tension headaches and sinus pressure
✨Create an overall feeling of wellbeing
✨Tones and lifts the facial muscles
✨Promotes restful sleep

My very talented husband, a great gift for anyone interested in progressing their photography skills whether it's with a camera or smart phone. Experienced with training for personal, corporate or social media photography and video. 📸📹

My clients are the best 🙏✨☺️

Pure Therapy now stocks the gorgeous Amphora Aromatics candles.
High quality natural candles with sustainably sourced vegetable wax, free from paraffin wax or animal fats 🌱🌱
Attractive ivory colour candles in a glass jar to complement any decor. Each candle burns cleanly for 40 hours.
No synthetic fragrance, just pure essential oils to fill your home with natural therapeutic aroma 🌱🌱
Choose from Juniper & pine, Grapefruit , Lavender, Mandarin, Orange & Clove, Rosemary & Thyme, Mandarin, Lime & Basil, Bergamot, Tea Tree & Geranium 🌱🍊🌲
Great Christmas gifts and stocking fillers or just to enjoy in your own home to create a wonderfully cosy feel on dark winter evenings 🏡☺️✨

Christmas shopping made easy at Pure Therapy 🌱No struggling in crowds, queuing or spending hours online.
Choose a gift that will be gratefully received, therapeutic and will not end up in landfill 🪴
Ordering a gift voucher is quick, safe and easy using the online voucher facility. https://www.pure-therapy.co.uk/vouchers/ 🎄✨

Vouchers can be purchased for a wide range of massage and facial treatments which will all be tailored to the recipient. Monetary Vouchers start from just £20, great for secret santa, teachers gifts or stocking fillers 🎅🏼

Choose to have the voucher sent to an address posted first class or e-voucher option sent to an email address for an instant gift or print and place in a card.

This can all be arranged online at any time of day or night, alternatively give Alison a call during opening hours to arrange over the telephone ✨

The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage to help relieve common menopausal symptoms.

Pure Therapy Blog:
As women navigate the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause, lymphatic drainage massage emerges as a promising approach to symptom management. This blog delves into the practical application of this gentle therapy, empowering women to take charge of their well-being.

https://www.massageberkhamsted.co.uk/2023/11/the-benefits-of-lymphatic-drainage.html?fbclid=IwAR0iQavcXNx19Xc8OB_axSg41IKdeOyvjm3zVLI15iQRLGxJoPgpTHI9I7Q

The light, relaxing massage that provides powerful results - Lymphatic Drainage Massage✨

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a full body treatment that focuses specifically on the Lymphatic system. Light, rhythmic movements are necessary as the system is located just beneath the skin. Unlike other types of massage the lymph will not drain properly with excessive pressure.

The lymphatic system plays a major role in maintaining and supporting a healthy immune system. It is a finely balanced network of vessels, tissues and organs carry away fluid and waste proteins from the interstitial space or extracellular matrix ( the area between your cells)
By gently stimulating lymph flow, the lymphatic massage aids in the removal of toxins and waste products from the body.

If a healthy immune system becomes compromised due to illness, surgery, poor lifestyle, toxic overload or hormonal imbalance this can lead to a range of issues, including, tissue swelling, poor skin tone, excess weight, cellulite, headaches, joint pain fatigue and greater susceptibility to illness.

Lymphatic massage has a number of proven benefits including:

💧Reduces swelling due to injury or post op recovery
💧Reduces water retention
💧Improved body shape
💧Aids weight management
💧Improves digestion, feel lighter and less bloated
💧Promotes better sleep
💧Reduces anxiety
💧Aids healing and recovery after exercise

I am always looking to improve my knowledge and help my clients holistically navigate their way through the different stages of life. I have recently completed a Menopause Wellness Practitioner course to help me develop a deeper knowledge about menopausal symptoms and current natural treatments to understand and empower my clients (and myself!) as we navigate our way through the mental and physical changes that take place during this time.
🤯🥵😵‍💫😢🤔😲🧐

I already see first hand how the therapies that I offer help my clients to make a real difference to their wellbeing but this course has allowed me to focus on peri- menopause and menopausal health and wellbeing and the science behind it. HRT is not always the answer, and for some not an option due to medical reasons. For those that do or can choose hormone replacement therapy, wellbeing therapies can also be a very powerful complimentary addition to their menopause journey to promote a positive state of mind and help reduce so many common mental and physical symptoms ✌️

I couldn’t let National Cat day pass without recognising the significant cat in my life. Gael the senior cat adopted when she was 10 years young from Hertfordshire branch. Best decision we made to welcome our beautiful, feisty, fun and loving girl to her forever home 🥰 Here’s some seasonal photos to celebrate her 🎃👻

Excited to say that I have recently completed further Gua Sha training for professionals with Green Beauty Academy. Briita Plug is a an expert and leader in the practice of Gua Sha and founder of
Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese, holistic, healing method which dates back 700 years to the Ming Dynasty. ‘Gua’ means scraping and ‘Sha’ means sand. ‘Scraping of the skin’ The beautiful facial Gua Sha tool made of Bian stone is designed to lift, sculpt, tone, and de-puff the skin.

Benefits of Gua Sha include:

Lymphatic Drainage (de-puffing)
Clears the skin
Increases microcirculation
Lifting and sculpting of the face
Muscle release
Releases Chronic jaw tension TMJ

Like all massage modalities, Gua Sha also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is our rest and digest stress response. This promotes relaxation and mood stabilisation.
This treatment embraces everything I love, healthy, natural, holistic age empowering treatments for total health and wellbeing ✨.

Thank you a.k.a. my lovely husband 😊 for my new portrait picture. I am never comfortable having my photo taken in any situation but pleased with the outcome for my new website (coming soon) 🙏

Very happy to be snug as a bug in my lovely little treatment room today 😊💆🏻🥰

My husband will be running a workshop at the beautiful Ashridge House on April 19th.
A great opportunity for anyone wanting to learn how to take better photos and realise the full potential of their smartphone camera!👌

🌸 Celebrate your Mum or a special woman in your life this Mother’s Day 🌸

Treat her to a relaxing sensory experience with the Five Element Back & Face treatment 💕

This outstanding treatment begins with a 25 minute back massage using warm basalt stones and a blend of essential oils to relax and ease muscle tension.

A Five Element Facial is then tailored to your skin type with luxurious plant active aromatherapy skincare by Elemental Herbology 💆🏻
The pampering doesn’t end here as you can enjoy a relaxing Indian head massage while the nourishing treatment mask hydrates and brightens the skin.

A truly comprehensive, luxurious treatment to guarantee your loved one leaves feeling nurtured and pampered 😊

Gift Vouchers can be purchased easily online to be collected from the clinic with prior arrangement or conveniently as an e-voucher to be printed and placed in a card or sent as a pdf by email. https://www.pure-therapy.co.uk/vouchers/

🌸 Five Element Back & Face £85 🌸 90 minutes

Rose Quartz is known as the stone of love and Infinite peace❤️❤️
It is said to open the heart chakra, promoting healing and comfort for the mind and body❤️

Rose Quartz brings inner warmth, lowers stress and soothes, allowing reflection and acceptance ❤️
When used as part of a skincare routine, the crystal helps stimulate blood circulation bringing oxygen to the skin, brightening and plumping❤️

Here at Pure Therapy the Rose Quartz skin rollers are used within the Organic Botanicals facial and the Elemental Herbology Age Support facial.
Rose Quartz crystal board, mushroom crystal and rollers are used within our Gua Sha Pure Lift & Glow facial to lift, sculpt and drain the contours of the face and even out skin tone for the ultimate in crystal skin therapy 💞💆🏼‍♀️