I have been a health therapist since 1993 with a commitment to and a focus on wellness and balance; creating it and maintaining it between Body, Mind and Spirit.
SERVICES
Massage – Swedish, Remedial, Hot Stone; Bowen Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Acupressure, Foot Reflexology, Reiki (treatments and workshops), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Chakra/Energy Balancing, Meditation, Sound Therapy, Life Management Programs.
Welcome to my web page. My name is Candida and my focus is on Women's Health aimed at wholistic wellness, that of body, mind and spirit. My treatments consist of any one or a combination of several of the above therapies depending on client requirements, whether that be pain relief, hormonal balancing, muscle relaxation, relief from insomnia, or menopausal symptoms, sports injuries, whiplash injuries, a regeneration and restoration of vitality, body/mind balance or simply a pampering and/or maintenance session.
Rather than being separate treatments, the combinations easily and fluidly merge into one, giving the client a blissful experience of time standing still while experiencing lightness of being, relaxation and healing for body, mind and spirit. At the same time a deep inner connection is made in a safe and peaceful environment, where one may replenish and feel whole again.
Today more than ever one of our global difficulties seems to be the achievement of wellness, whether it be physical wellness, mental wellness or spiritual wellness, and often-times it is all three. In my experience, one of the main reasons for this difficulty is that we believe we do not have the time to do what it takes. Sure, we are all busy and the quick fix is very attractive – however, quick fixes usually are bandaid solutions. The truth is that we are all giving out in many ways throughout the day, expending and scattering our energies constantly. That in itself is not necessarily a problem, if we then put back, that is replenish and refocus our energies appropriately.
We could look at it in terms of a wellness bank account from which we can withdraw, whether that be for purchases or donations. However, if we wish to continue doing that, we need to replenish our wellness bank account appropriately or we will become bankrupt. Simple cause and effect – and that is Life.
We all deserve to be well – it is our birthright and most of us are striving and indeed struggling to achieve wellness and then to maintain it. It need not be such a struggle and indeed not so elusive. There is a solution to our problem - in the form of the many tools at our disposal. We need only to acknowledge them and to understand that we need them for maintenance and replenishment for healthy and balanced living.
Some of the tools I speak of are the healing and restorative therapies I have listed above. These are all (with the exception of Bowen Therapy and Life Management Program) ancient therapies and techniques which have been used to regenerate and heal the body, mind and spirit of men and women from millennia ago. Over time we forgot about them, but in recent years there has been a resurgence of these ancient healing arts as more and more people experience the healing benefits derived from them.
Please feel free to contact me for an appointment and/or a brief telephone consultation. The first 10 people to make an appointment, (please print out this web page and bring it with you) will receive an hour and a half treatment for the price of one hour.
Candida Vassallo
HEALTH BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY
The many and varied benefits of Massage Therapy have been understood and enjoyed for many years throughout history, predating Ancient Rome. The human touch is unique in itself for the calming and healing it can bring, and when united with heart, care and skill on the part of the practitioner, the benefits multiply many times.
Many of us see relaxation as a luxury and certainly one we do not have time for and so do not structure it into our lives. I believe this is a huge mistake and one which is costing us dearly. Because of the fast pace of our living, we need to make time to restore and replenish, not only our body, but our mind and spirit as well.
Massage acts directly on the nervous system, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (the opposite of the "fight or flight syndrome" that we are so familiar with) which restores and heals. Most of us operate from the sympathetic nervous system most of the time, which is the “fight or flight” aspect and keeps all our body systems running very fast and when in this mode for prolonged periods of time, we deplete our immune system and sometimes even devastate it.
Regular massage is the solution to many of our problems as it restores us to a state of balance and clarity, strengthening our immune system, decreasing our stress levels, releasing natural endorphins that reduce pain and give a feel-good factor and at the same time bringing relief from dis-ease such as high blood pressure, anxiety, tension, depression, insomnia, as well as back pain, headache, muscle pain and some forms of chronic pain. It improves circulation, joint mobility, sports injuries, digestive disorders, premenstrual tension. It detoxifies the body and mind helping with fatigue and restful sleep.
ACUPRESSURE
The healing art of Acupressure is at least 5,000 years old and remains the third most popular method for pain and illness relief in the world.
It is a complete health system that has been documented for treatment of over 3,000 conditions.
Based on the same principles as Acupuncture, using pressure instead of needles, Acupressure
works by stimulating specific reflex points located along the lines of energy which run through the body, called meridians and these meridians correspond to individual organs of the body. When the vital energies are able to flow through the meridians in a balanced and even way, the result is good health. However, when there is a block or leak in the energy flow within the body we experience pain or illness.
There is a natural source of healing power in everyone. When this healing power is activated, it triggers a series of internal processes producing a Healing Response.
The goal for Acupressure is to stimulate the points that will activate the body’s healing response to release blocked energy, eliminate toxins and so produce healing for specific conditions. The effects of Acupressure are cumulative and through repetitive treatments, the body learns a new and effective way to activate the Healing Response on its own and increases the power to heal itself without any outside intervention.
Acupressure is a wonderful way of developing and maintaining wellbeing, rather than waiting for the necessity of a symptomatic approach. It aims at a deep release and rejuvenation, through which the higher, or psychic (extra-sensory or intuitive), centres can be opened, and is a way of increasing our own body-mind awareness.
HOT STONE MASSAGE
Have you heard about hot stone massage? If you have never experienced this unique indulgence, you owe yourself this exquisite moment.
Stone massage is a unique connection we experience with nature, offering a sense of profoundness and sacredness that we too often forget. It's a deep healing and unique moment that enhances our awareness and brings us closer to our true essence. It is the perfect treatment that is as enjoyable and healing for the client as it is for the practitioner.
Stone massage involves the application of water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage.
Stone massage makes you feel deeply relaxed, allowing you to let go of all the stress that is held within your body. It is really an amazing experience to offer to the ones you love!
Those experiencing a hot stone massage will notice a healing improvement of the following symptoms:
Muscular aches, pains, sprains, and strains
Poor circulation
Rheumatic and arthritic conditions
Fibromyalgia
MS
Back pain
Stress, anxiety and tension
Insomnia
Depression
MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
The lymphatic system is an integral part of our immune system and as such needs to function properly. It is not unlike the circulatory system in its pathways and permeates our body on a cellular level. However, unlike the heart, it does not have a pump to push the lymph fluid around and so relies on our general wellbeing and activity. So it is easy for the movement of this fluid to become blocked and stagnate.
The main purpose of manual lymphatic drainage is to accelerate the movement of the lymph flow by partly emptying the tissues, an action not unlike clearing a stagnating pool. Just as important is the regenerating power of the drainage movements, an effect not to be found in the normal massage technique.
Lymphatic Manipulation is a precise technique designed to promote the normal functioning of the lymphatic system by facilitating the removal of metabolic wastes, excess water, (so greatly reduces fluid retention and swelling – particularly effective for premenstrual and hormonal excess fluid) toxins, bacterium, viruses, broken cells, plasma, proteins, large fat molecules and foreign substances from the tissues via the lymphatic vessels and venous capillaries.
As this occurs, the inflow of daily nutritional requirements and the building materials for regeneration and growth are facilitated, and the immune system is activated, reducing pain, and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn alters the brain wave pattern to one which more closely resembles brain waves that are associated with reduction of stress. So MLD is a deeply relaxing treatment, benefiting the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual levels of the human experience.
The technique itself is a very gentle, feather touch, and a wave-like movement, which manually directs the lymph to the major drainage points, ie, in the neck, armpits, groin and behind the knees. When performed on the face this gentle treatment reduces puffiness, assists with clearing sinuses and unclogs pores and assists with wrinkle reduction. This gentle action also influences the nerve endings on the skin, promoting deep calm and relaxation. It is when we are in this deeply relaxed state that we can let go of the chatter of the conscious mind and connect with our inner Self and subconscious aspect, being then able to access clarity and deep insights, or just simply make a connection to our Self and enjoy that for a brief time and experience the joy and vitality that brings.
Some of the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage are:
Stimulation of the immune system
Reduction of pre-menstrual and hormonal fluid build-up and associated discomfort
Reduction in oedemas (swelling) and lymph oedemas of various origins
Reduction of swelling in legs and ankles
Detoxification of the body
Relief of chronic pain
Relief of numerous chronic and sub-acute inflammations, including sinusitis and bronchitis
Regeneration of tissue, including burns, wounds, stretch marks and wrinkles
Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory
Anti-aging effects
Reiki Treatments – By Candida
FOR DETAILS OF NEXT REIKI I SEMINAR - SEE END OF ARTICLE
Reiki is commonly known as an ancient Japanese Healing Art as it was rediscovered by Dr Mikao Usui, a Buddhist Monk, in 1922 in Japan, and from there, through initiated students, went to Hawaii, America and gradually spread throughout Europe and the world
However, as with the majority of healing arts like Acupuncture, Acupressure, Lymphatic Drainage, Massage, Meditation etc., it far pre-dates the 20th century, and it is believed began in ancient India thousands of years ago. As with the majority of healing arts it became lost or forgotten over the passage of time through the centuries. It is in relatively recent times that we are reconnecting to and experiencing the benefits and ‘magic’ of these Healing Arts and the integral part they play in our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy" a truly magical combination.
In every imbalance, illness or dis-ease we experience, there is to some degree dissipation of or interruption to, or lack of, Life Force. In our modern world because we are expending so much energy, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, there is a constant need for relaxation, replenishment and healing, so to me Reiki is an important part of every treatment that I offer, as well as being a complete treatment on its own.
What is Reiki?
As I said above, Reiki is simply energy - the life-sustaining energy that runs through all of creation, whether it be human, animal, vegetable, mineral, or planetary – it is Universal Love. Therefore, by being attuned to and connecting to this Universal Love energy and allowing it to flow through us, we can consciously pass it on to others (and use it for ourselves) for healing, calming, restoration. Reiki can solve a lot of problems for us - it recharges us, reduces pain, stress, emotional imbalances, speeds up the healing process and is a generally very important aid to wellbeing in these stressful times, both on a personal level and globally. We all have the ability to do Reiki, regardless of whether we know or believe that we do. It is when we are consciously aware of it and we consciously work with it (connect with it and put our minds to it) that it generates power and efficiency.
How is it done?
A Reiki treatment can be done fully clothed, in a relaxing environment, with the practitioner simply holding their hands either on the body or sometimes slightly above the body, holding them for several minutes in the same place and moving the hands along the body, both front and back of the body, in an orderly sequence, while connecting to the Universal Love/Life Force Energy and allowing that to flow through the hands to the client. It is a very relaxing, calming and regenerating treatment on all levels. Having said that, Reiki can also be done anywhere if needed, and simply on a particular part of the body, and not necessarily as the formal treatment outlined above. It is a very effective and useful tool in unexpected situations that need calming or healing attention.
Choosing a Reiki Practitioner
It is my belief that a practitioner of Reiki needs to be aligned as much as possible to universal laws and principles, living as much as possible in harmony and balance. This alignment is something that would be sensed (if it is not obvious) or intuited by a client when speaking with and meeting the Reiki practitioner. A feeling of comfort and ease would be a good initial indicator that the Reiki practitioner is on track. Use your discretion and trust your instincts.
Reiki Workshops and Initiations
There are three levels of Reiki – Reiki I, Reiki II and Reiki III, and there are relevant workshops for each level to train and attune the initiate to Reiki, the Reiki symbols, teachings and ideals. There is extensive material available on Reiki, its history and application and it is best to do some prior reading both before having a treatment and/or attending any of the workshops.
Being an initiate of Reiki is a profound gift to ourselves, to all with whom we interact and to our beautiful planet.
Sound Therapy – using Tibetan Singing Bowl
My treatments are usually a combination of modalities and Sound Therapy using the Tibetan Singing Bowl is almost always included. The reason for this is that the vibrations produced are extremely relaxing and healing and greatly enhance the regeneration process for the client.
Singing bowls were traditionally used throughout Asia as part of Buddhist Meditation practice. Today they are used worldwide for meditation, relaxation, healthcare and personal well-being.
Sound generally affects us profoundly and in varying ways, influencing either our internal or external environment, sometimes both. The sound produced by the Tibetan Singing Bowl penetrates and vibrates at a cellular level producing the most profound peace and deep calm. When this stage is reached, the parasympathetic nervous system is engaged and healing and restoration occurs on many levels, namely, body, mind and spirit.
Experiments and tests have shown that with only 20 minutes of sound therapy from a singing bowl, many people coming from a highly stressful situation, were able to reach a relaxed state; with many of them being able to reach theta waves and a few even being able to peak into delta waves. With continued use of singing bowls and sound healing it is possible to make alpha waves the most prominent of brain waves so that when confronted with highly stressful situations one would not experience the same increased pressure as in the past.
As always, the intent of the person is the most imperative part of relaxation techniques and the search for synchronization between the two hemispheres of the brain; and as long as a person is willing to open up their mind and body to the resonance of the singing bowl, healing effects can mend and sooth the soul into a sense of peace and harmony.
Over time, the sounds from the singing bowl will become sacred and the healing aspects of the bowl can help to rejuvenate the mind and being, giving a feeling of joy, satisfaction and inner peace while entering into a meditative state.
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
ASSOC. DIP. EDUCATION ADULT & COMMUNITY
Health & Care Certificate
Certificate in Massage
Certificate in Physiology and Anatomy
Bowen Therapy
Senior First Aid Certificate
Reiki Master/Teacher
Certificate in Advanced Yoga Meditation- 10 years
Service Categories
Acupressure, Bowen Therapy, EFT, Energy Healing, Lymphatic Drainage, Meditation, Reflexology, Reiki, Remedial Massage, Sound Therapy, Stone Therapy Massage, Swedish Relaxation Massage
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