Becca McInally Holistic Therapies

Hello dear friends,

I've been meaning to check in for AGES and things were busy over Christmas and New Year and I never had the chance!

I can't believe it's already almost 4 months since I closed down my beloved wee business and transitioned into working in Mental Health! It's been a bit of a whirlwind and quite eye opening, but I'm glad to say I'm really finding my feet, and although the work is hard, it's very rewarding to help people to manage their distress, build wellness and feel more hopeful. 🌱

I'm doing well otherwise, still out walking and having fun with my Niece's and I'm even squeezing a bit of massage time in, treating family and friends. I have plans to travel in the summer; I'm going to Asia for the first time! 🙌🏻

I'm missing you all terriby of course! I really hope you've been able to keep your self care and wellness practices going. Remember I'm still here if you need steered in any direction and I have some fabulous colleagues who would be more than happy to help.

I'm sure I'll check in again but in the meantime, wishing you all an abundant, happy and healthy 2024.

Becca x
☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

And breathe... ✌🏼💙🌊

Hiya folks,

Just thought I'd check in one last time (or maybe I just will occasionally to update you on how things are going, or if I see an interesting tree...) to let you know I had a wonderfully restorative break away in the Outer Hebrides this last week. It doesn't take much to settle and regulate my nervous system; sea, waves, wind, good food and great company, including some cherished clients who moved to Harris a few years ago.

Thank you all once again for your kindness and understanding over this transition for me; it's meant so much. If you have any questions or need recommendations or support, please do PM me. I'm still here and very happy to help.

New chapter starts on Monday so wish me luck...

Becca x
✌🏼💜🌱

Well after a marathon final six weeks, I couldn't have been blessed with two more perfect final clients; my nieces, Ivy and Florence!

More reflections tomorrow, but for now, I need to hang up my hands and get to bed... ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

As the end is nigh, I can't help but wonder how many of you I'm leaving in compromising positions?!...

Proceed cautiously people!! ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

💜 Thank you! 💜

If you don't mind indulging me for a moment, I wanted to put a little gratitude in my attitude and take some time to acknowledge some wonderful people who've supported me, believed in me and influenced my practice over the years. I could not have built this uniquely kind and gentle business or myself without you, and that has undoubtedly helped pave the way for the next exciting chapter.

🙏🏼 I've had some skillful and intuitive teachers over the years, including Gail, Kerry at Edinburgh College, Gayle from Scottish Massage School, Maureen from Starts with Touch, Diana at Napier Uni and Meghan and Rachel from Jing. I've also been lucky enough to have some mentors from my early days at the Wester Hailes Health Agency like the fabulous Maggi and the very gracious and encouraging Kerry from Portobello Natural Health. I've observed and been inspired by the practice of many colleagues, especially those recently at the clinic in Portobello like Hannah, Caroline, Molly, Ellie and Laure. Thank you.

🙏🏼 Thank you to all who supported me through the Covid years, especially those in the lockdown periods who bought Gift Vouchers and products, and who generously donated to our NHS self care product initiative. Special shout out to Euan Smith at Murrayfield Dental Practice for offering me a place to practice from during late 2020 when mobile work was prohibited.

🙏🏼 To the businesses, large and small, who welcomed me in to help promote stress management, thank you for having me and creating space for wellness in your industries.

🙏🏼 To my fierce family and circle of friends, thank you for your constant encouragement and love, and especially to my Dad, who helped hold me up when things were tough and has inspired my next career move. I couldn't have done it without you!

🙏🏼 And of course, to all of you, my dear clients. I've been so touched by your cards, gifts, well wishes and reflections over these last weeks. I am truly humbled and will carry this gratitude in my attitude always!

I just thought I'd share this again in case anyone missed it.

If anyone needs any further help finding a therapist, please drop me a PM and I'll try to steer you as best I can.
☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

💜 Therapist Recommendations 💜

Unfortunately my niece Ivy isn't quite ready to take on clients at this time, so I've carefully curated a wee list of therapists and practitioners who I personally recommend, many of whom I've received treatments from or worked with myself.

I'll miss seeing you all myself, but I respect, trust and admire these "badass bodyworkers" and hope that you find your right fit in my absence.

💜 Kerry Oliver at Holos Therapies - massage & more - www.holostherapies-edinburgh.com/
07966 518 386 / [email protected]

💜 Caroline Madden at Naturally Balanced - www.naturallybalanced.co.uk/
07816 888 847 / [email protected]

💜 Ellie Harte at EH Bodywork - www.edinburghclinicalmassage.com/
[email protected]

💜 Pearl Quan at Deeper Well Acupuncture - www.deeperwellacupuncture.com/
07498785622

💜 Cheryl Wemyss at Rest and Restore Massage Therapy
07809472220 /

💜 Tally Jackson-Dyke at Jaydee Massage Therapies
www.jaydee.scot/
07970 095198 / [email protected]

💜 Louise at The One Massage Therapy
07921 839591 / [email protected]

💜 Lesley Stewart at Well Being
07766 027193

💜 Ailis Buchanan at Eyre Place Osteopathic Practice
www.eyreplaceosteopath.co.uk/

💜 Jenny Kerr at Be Brilliant Life Coaching
www.bebrilliantlifecoaching.com

And so begins my final week as a Holistic Therapist...

This process and these last weeks have absolutely flown by and I can't quite believe we are here. Please be very gentle with me!! 🥹

Let's do this!! ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

It's been lovely to have so many clients keen to stay in touch when I finish up and keep up with what I'm up to with the next transition.

I'm not super active on social media personally but I'm on Facebook at Becca McInally and Instagram at (don't ask!).

Follow if you fancy! ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

When you know, you know. Also works for iliotibial band... ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

💜 Therapist Recommendations 💜

Unfortunately my niece Ivy isn't quite ready to take on clients at this time, so I've carefully curated a wee list of therapists and practitioners who I personally recommend, many of whom I've received treatments from or worked with myself.

I'll miss seeing you all myself, but I respect, trust and admire these "badass bodyworkers" and hope that you find your right fit in my absence.

💜 Kerry Oliver at Holos Therapies - massage & more - www.holostherapies-edinburgh.com/
07966 518 386 / [email protected]

💜 Caroline Madden at Naturally Balanced - www.naturallybalanced.co.uk/
07816 888 847 / [email protected]

💜 Ellie Harte at EH Bodywork - www.edinburghclinicalmassage.com/
[email protected]

💜 Pearl Quan at Deeper Well Acupuncture - www.deeperwellacupuncture.com/
07498785622

💜 Cheryl Wemyss at Rest and Restore Massage Therapy
07809472220 /

💜 Tally Jackson-Dyke at Jaydee Massage Therapies
www.jaydee.scot/
07970 095198 / [email protected]

💜 Louise at The One Massage Therapy
07921 839591 / [email protected]

💜 Lesley Stewart at Well Being
07766 027193

💜 Ailis Buchanan at Eyre Place Osteopathic Practice
www.eyreplaceosteopath.co.uk/

💜 Jenny Kerr at Be Brilliant Life Coaching
www.bebrilliantlifecoaching.com

Some more of those wellness memes that are just a bit too relatable... 🤣🤣🤣

My clients have spoiled me with some very generous gifts and cards as I see them for the last time, but these home grown tatties were a real treat!!

Thanks Michelle!! ☮️💜🥔

There's so much I'm going to miss when I finish up; my perpetual purple laundry ain't one! 🤣💜🧺

You have all been so supportive and encouraging of me taking the big brave leap into my future. A question I'm being asked a lot though is why? Why now? Why if you love your job? Why change?

We are all effected by Mental Health (on so many levels and in all sorts of many ways), whether our own, within our families and communities, or wider society. As many of you know, su***de has touched me and my family quite a bit over the years. I lost my Uncle to su***de in 2014, have lost family friends, and last year, I saw one of my best pals lose her Mum, who was also a cherished client. I've found myself involved in su***de prevention and safeguarding of a few friends and neighbours over the years too and it seems it's never something that's far away. That tells us everything about how common this is for people.

As many of you also know, my Dad (with my Mum by his side, supporting him) is currently serving as President of Rotary International, the global humanitarian service organization. In his position, he has been brave enough to share our family's story, and turn his pain into power and bring Mental Health into focus in this organization, supporting members and working with communities around the world to promote mental well-being and mental fitness. This has inspired me hugely, so it was time for me also to turn pain into power.

The stars must have aligned when the perfect position became available for me in Penumbra's MHARS team (Mental Health and Resilience Services, an innovative, compassionate wellbeing service for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing crisis or distress.). Penumbra's values really align with my own, and I'm so excited to see the work I can do there, as well as the opportunities to develop that this will all bring; to be able to be of sustainable service.

So why? Because I cannot think of a single reason why not!

Onwards. ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

While this page is still open, I think I'm going to start sharing all my favourite massage and wellness memes with you, starting with this classic!

I'm sorry and you're welcome! ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

As you can imagine, it's a really busy, tiring and emotional time for me just now. Between closing things down here, preparing for my new job, saying lots of emotional goodbyes and keeping the other plates of 'life stuff' spinning, it's a lot.

I know (as I preach it to you guys all the time!) that when the stress levels go up, so too must the self care. To me, that's really about getting back to basics and finding sustainable every day ways to stay well physically, mentally and emotionally.

These are my top 5, non-negotiable, back to basics, self care practices.

🍌 - Eat well - I may long to eat macaroni cheese for every meal, but I also know that doesn't sustain or serve me with the nutrition and energy I need to stay well and strong. Don't get me wrong, there will be macaroni cheese, but I make sure that sits along side a varied, balanced diet.
💤 - Sleep well - I am always amazed at how tiring stress and change can be. If I can, I allow myself little extra sleep and really pay attention to the routine and sleep hygiene around that to get the best quality. Sleep is where we heal and process.
🌳 - Time in Nature - I am a nature girl and so lucky to live at the beach, so it may be a daily walk, sea swim, forest bathe, or even just squeezing my morning coffee in in the garden, there's a great chemical benefit and inspiration to be found.
🧘🏻‍♀️ - Yoga practice - I love my yoga practice and I really find it helps to ground me and connect me with my body and breath, especially when we are running about and frazzled. I do 2 classes in studio a week, but there are really excellent online classes too.
🧑🏼‍❤️‍🧑🏾 - Stay connected - I used to be really guilty of dropping offline when things get frantic. I realize the strength and support I gain from friends through so I try to stay connected, chat, giggle, cry, but just know that I am not alone in my experience. It truly does take a village and I am blessed with a great one!

So what are yours? I'd invite you to share, or just think about it for yourself. Sometimes it's even useful to write them down and help prepare for them, knowing that accessibility and sustainability is key.

Stay well. ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

A dear client of mine let me know that her beloved family dog, Dudley, passed away. He was a big gentle giant and the last time I saw him, I was giving the client Reflexology and he was nudging my arm to get involved in the action. I had one hand on her, and one on him for almost the entire treatment!

I'll miss seeing all your furry pals when I finish up. There's been some stories over the years, from dogs jumping on the massage bed and licking their owners faces, to a cat climbing up me mid treatment, to a budgie landing on my head and even a wee turtle enjoying the healing vibes!

Did you know interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress related hormone) and lower blood pressure? Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood. The little rascal in this photo is my "God-doggy" Rusty. I'm not sure he lowers the stress levels, but he certainly breezes through as a bit of a tonic...

Sleep well Dudley. You brought lots of love and joy. ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️🐾

💜 Closing Date 💜

Well this is gonna fly in, but Mumma needs some Hebridean therapy before stepping into the next chapter.

Appointments are already pretty booked up so PM to book in. As a reminder, I'm currently at Portobello Natural Health on a Sunday, and mobile Monday - Thursday.

When they're gone, they're gone... ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

Thank you!! 🙏🏼🌱🪻

Two little words are hardly enough, but I had to immediately acknowledge how grateful I am for all the messages of support, understanding and encouragement that I've received since announcing my plans to close, and move on to the next chapter.

It's a huge decision to make, to close a business, to end something that you built from scratch and has brought joy, comfort and connection. I don't feel I am taking a new path, I am just being brave enough to continue down one and I am genuinely so excited and proud to be making the next steps, but of course I'm also sad to leave this part behind.

Your kindness and gentleness with me makes a huge difference. My clients yesterday were very sweet and it really helps me navigate it all, so thank you.

Some more details will follow but the important notes are;

💜 I will be finishing up in late September, so all appointments until then still stand, although I'll check in with everyone as we go along.

💜 All Gift Vouchers will be honoured, but I'd encourage you to book in sooner rather than later.

💜 Details will be shared in due course for transferring your care onto one of my fabulous colleagues, whether within clinic, or on a mobile basis

For now, let's keep on keeping on and have a very happy Monday!! ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

💜 Big Announcement 💜

Treasured friends,

After a huge amount of consideration, I wish to share that (big gulp) after 13 wild and wonderful years, I am going to be closing my beloved wee business and moving on to life's next great adventure.

It's been an interesting few years for us all and none of us are unchanged by them. For me, it's really helped focus my gaze on what motivates me, and finding the best way of being of service to others, while also allowing me more stability, structure and sustainability. To that end, I am very proud that from this Autumn, I will be joining the amazing folks at Penumbra, one of Scotland's leading Mental Health service providers, as a Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, helping support and advocate for people in crisis. As many of you know, this is a cause very, very dear to my heart and I'm excited and grateful for this opportunity.

I've been so blessed to be part of all of your and your families lives, as well as many businesses, community clinics and charities for over a decade. It's not always been easy, but it's always been of value. I'll reflect more on this as the weeks go on and more specific details will follow soon with finalized closing dates, options for transferring your care to some of my very talented colleagues, and how we can keep in touch beyond our relationship as client and therapist.

I am already grateful for your kindness, patience and understanding as we navigate this big transition and my inevitable tears along the way! Tissues at the ready please!!

I am moving into the next adventure with all I've done over the last 13 years helping to prepare me and helping pave my way forward. I couldn't make this next move without all that power behind me.

Onwards.

Becca x
☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️

A visit here is a summer highlight that's not to be missed!! 🪻🪻🪻

Scottish Lavender Oils produce a fabulous product, locally and organically created with a carbon footprint that only takes you from home tae Fife! They have a brilliant site to visit and learn all about how they grow and distill their essential oil too. You can take a picnic and laze around in the lavender haze all day too; What's better than that!?

Please note that I am in no way affiliated with Scottish Lavender Oils, but if they'd like to be, I will gladly be a happy wee lavender ambassador!! 😜

Our last day will be Monday 7th August! Tours continuing at 12 and 2 daily (not to be missed!) where we will begin distilling the lavender.

💜 Last Minute Availability 💜

A couple of appointments have become available tomorrow, Tuesday 18th. Drop me a PM if you'd like to book in. ☮️💜💆🏻‍♀️