It’s very true that with all the safety measures we’ve had to adhere to recently has meant that we all possibly haven’t been as green as we were prior to the pandemic.  However, that doesn’t mean that we all can’t boast a range of eco-friendly initiatives.

Below are just a few ways that we can action and behave in a way that keeps the environment in mind…

Your ethos

There are many ways to keep all things eco at the heart of our lives.  For instance, considering where you’re sourcing your purchases from and whether the manufacturers are local to you. Or simply by switching energy suppliers to a greener company.

Eco-friendly products

Research the ingredients that go into products you use  and find out how they are made. If a product is natural, organic or vegan, it is likely that this will be made very clear on the company’s website.

Tip! Look out for approval by the Soil Association as well as vegan and cruelty-free stamps.

Small scale changes

Not all steps in the right direction have to be huge changes. Perhaps you’ve sourced masks that are better for the environment, were able to cut down on some single-use products, or switched to paperless this year – be proud that you’re still moving in the right direction.  And most importantly …. Keep on going.  As a certain supermarket says ….. every little helps!

Many thanks for reading and supporting my small business.

Best wishes

Aromatherapy Awareness Week takes place from 7-13 June and mood boosting blends are just what we all need right now.  In this blog I’m sharing a few simple but effective self-care techniques, in the hope that you too can find them useful to manage stress, naturally.

Stress: None of us want to live with it (the bad kind, that is), but we also know we can’t live without it (the good kind which keeps us motivated).   Getting a healthy balance between the two should be our main objective.

To help you self-manage your stress levels, in case you ever feel the scales are starting to tip in the wrong direction…do try the following …

Feet first

The adrenal glands, which are directly affected by stress, are responsible for the “fight or flight” response we feel when we’re under pressure.  This response is meant to be short-lived, but sometimes it can be a regular occurrence, which means these small but mighty glands eventually get overworked.  In reflexology, the adrenal reflex is found just below the ball of each foot and also on the fleshy area below the thumb on the palmar side of the hand.  Gently pressing these reflex points for a few minutes can help calm the adrenal glands and reduce tension.  The hands can be worked at any time of the day and the feet are best worked for about five minutes per foot before bedtime.

Aroma time

Aromatherapy involves using plant essential oil to help improve our health and well being.  Lavender is one of the most studied essential oils in terms of its relaxing effects.  It has been show to calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure, heart rate and skin temperature, as well as change the brain waves to a more relaxed state.  Neroli, often referred to as the “rescue remedy” of essential oils, is also a valuable oil for helping to ease anxiety and stress, along with bergamot, which is traditionally used to relieve tension and anxiety.  Add one or two drops of oil to a hanky or pillowcase and inhale when required, avoiding contact with eyes and skin.

Facing up to stress

My speciality treatment is a natural face lift massage and I am constantly amazed how tension can be released throughout the whole body when just the face is being treated. We tend to hold emotional stress is our faces – particularly the jaw and temples – so gently massaging these areas using upward and outward circular motions helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress, while increasing muscle tone and revitalising your skin.  It is easy to do yourself, using your favourite cream or oil after cleansing, which means you can make it part of your daily routine.

Exert “Simple Self-Soothing for Stress”, Oh magazine 14.05.21

FHT Vice President, Mary Dalgleish

I do hope you find these techniques helpful; do let me know how you get on or if you have any queries or questions.

Many thanks for reading.

Best wishes

So how do you feel gradually coming out of lockdown?

I feel it’s stranger for me than getting used to being in it! That’s probably because things initially slowed down and now I feel they are quickening up. I know which one I prefer!

Like a lot of people, I’ve been doing my shopping on line and, apart from the initial time consuming bit at the beginning, have found it a great help. No leaving home. No traffic, no packing/unpacking/carrying heavy loads.

For the first time in what seems like a long time I actually called to a supermarket a couple of weeks ago. Wow, did it seem strange. I couldn’t remember where anything was initially and I felt my head had brain fog!

Although I love what I do and all it brings I have found myself slightly anxious about things that I would not  have been “before”.

So, I’ve come to the conclusion that its definitely best to just take my time, i.e. not giving myself unrealistic goals (a previous habit!) , saying no if I have to, and working within my limits.  All really to keep both my physical and mental health in check.

I think things will take time to get back to – or rather – move forward on – from where we all were.  I think its also a good idea not to push or expect too much of ourselves.

We’ve all been through a lot.  I appreciate we are all very lucky to be here and healthy, whilst others may not have been.  We have ours lives, homes, food, clothing etc BUT we have to give some acknowledgement to what we have been through.

I’m someone who usually just “gets on with things” but then a while afterwards it kind of hits me and I then maybe take a moment or two to process.  I’m sure I’m not alone in this.

I think the words “be kind to yourself” are so true and I think we all need to be right now as we emerge and spread our wings again.

I’d love to know how you are feeling at the moment so do comment below and let me know.

Many thanks for reading

Valentine’s Day

Whatever you do for Valentine’s Day – celebrate it or not – I feel this year I’m using it as a day for some self-care.

I’ve ordered a 3 course meal for my husband and I to be delivered to the door. It’s the first time I’ve done this, but having seen an advert from a wonderful cook I know (Sarah-Jane Payne of Westcountry Caterers – see website here) I thought why not. As we’ve not been out to eat like everyone, it’s a little indulgence I thought we deserved (and no cooking!).

So my plan is to go for a walk, do some yoga and have a long soak in a bubble bath before having a lovely meal and some Prosecco! 

January is a bit of a celebration month for me, although I fully appreciate it can be a challenging one too (and that’s without the current situation!).

On 15th January 2015 I left my mainstream job, taking voluntary redundancy, totally not knowing what I was going to do with the remainder of my working life. Looking back, perhaps it was quite a risk; I’m sure some people thought I was a bit crazy, whilst others possibly a bit brave.

The plan was to have 6 months off and decide what I wanted to do. After a few months of relaxing and doing the things I wanted to do (bliss), I put into Google “Jobs that make you happy”. Five jobs came up, one of which was Beautician. I’d always enjoyed having treatments myself in the past and wondered if it was something I could do.

Apparently I was too old for full time study at the local college (I’ve since been informed this was wrong). Thankfully I sourced a private provider whose philosophy I liked the sound of. So, I signed up and started 3 weeks later!

As I had the time, I studied full time and passed my Level 2 VTCT Beauty Therapy qualification in August 2015. I quickly went on to train and qualified in VTCT Level 3 Swedish Massage. Gaining a job as a therapist in a local Spa and Hospice, a few months after obtaining these qualifications, gave me just the experience I needed.

Later I would embark on my City & Guilds Level 3 Complementary Therapy training (Massage, Reflexology & Aromatherapy) and latterly Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork (a relatively new therapy treating scars and burns). I have organically grown into a Complementary Therapist which I love. The industry I am now in has so much to offer and I am continually learning. It’s one of the reasons I am so passionate about it.

So although I love to celebrate each year I have in business, it’s also quite poignant for me when January comes round, that I realise what a massive risk I took. Am I grateful – absolutely. Do I feel lucky – 100%. Despite all the challenges learning new skills and setting up and growing a business has brought me, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I am excited about the future and, once it is safe and I can return to treatments, have many ideas and plans I want to put into place. How great is that!

Many thanks for reading.

Stay safe

If you have any queries, questions or comments or want to know anything about any of the therapies I have mentioned in this article, please do get in touch. Either in the comments section of this blog, via the contact form on the website or by e-mail at sarah@sarahbutlertherapies.co.uk or phone me on 07895 431784. Its always lovely to hear from you.

Whether we need something to lift our spirits, support our meditation or mindfulness practice, help us sleep, or just instil a sense of peace and calm during the current situation, now is an ideal time to consider the psychotherapeutic effects of certain essential oils.

It has long been known that an individual’s psychological and emotional response to a particular aroma, combined with the physiological effects on the nervous system, can have a profound effect on the mind and body.

Below, I have outlined some ‘aroma families’ and their potential uses. The essential oils can be vaporised into the room using a couple of drops in a diffuser, or gently inhaled from a cotton ball or tissue (again, using just one or two drops).

Because of the idiosyncratic nature of aroma, the following are suggestions only, and it’s important to ensure that you adhere to any relevant safety guidelines if using these at home. Please read the safety notes at the bottom of this article.

Florals

Aroma: sweet, soft, rich, intense, heady, light, delicate, fresh.
Suggested use: may help promote rest, sleep and balance mood. Comforting and uplifting. Use for stress, anxiety, nervous tension and irritability.
Examples: rose (otto/maroc), jasmine, lavender, chamomile, geranium, neroli, frangipani, geranium, ylang-ylang, petitgrain.

Herbaceous

Aroma: balancing, regulating, cooling, relaxing, clearing, clarifying.
Suggested use: emotionally balancing and grounding. Can help us breathe and ‘let go’ when emotions and feelings are cluttering our minds and our thinking. Use to help promote positivity.
Examples: clary sage, fennel, marjoram, rosemary, chamomile, thyme, yarrow.

Spicy

Aroma: pungent, warm, dry, sweet.
Suggested use: stimulating, invigorating and awakening. Can be used to provide strength and stamina and focus with a particular situation.
Examples: clove, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon bark, cardamom, turmeric.

Some important safety notes…
• If you have allergies, sensitive skin, or are pregnant or on medication, consult a professional aromatherapist for advice before using essential oils.
• Never ingest (swallow) essential oils or apply them neat to the skin.
• Buy high-quality essential oils from a reputable supplier or stockist, to ensure these are 100% pure and unadulterated.
• Buy in small quantities, in dark glass bottles with a dropper at the top, and store in a cool place.
• Dispose of the oil safely, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines, which might be before the ‘use by’ date, once the bottle has been opened.
• Aromatherapy and essential oils should only be used alongside standard medical care and not as an alternative. Consult your GP or other health professional if you have questions or concerns about any medical matters.

I hope you find this article useful. Let me know what are your favour essential oils and what they do for you.

Stay well, stay positive and stay healthy

Best wishes

We are now in week 9 of a lockdown that has been, to say the least, a challenge to each and every one of us. Life has been so different to anything we’ve ever known; we’ve been lucky enough in our lifetime to have never known a pandemic, thank goodness!

Mental Health Awareness Week 18- 24 May

Never has there been a more important time to focus on our mental wellbeing than now.

Mental Health Awareness week aims to get people talking about their mental health and reduce the stigma that can stop people asking for help. The theme for 2020 is kindness.

Go for a walk if you want to – save the 5K run for another day (or the gardening or the cupboard clearing, baking, cleaning, garage tidying etc).

Or (and this has to be my ultimate all time fave!) – read a book! Oh the bliss of allowing yourself time to just sit and read a good story.

If you’re kind to you – you can then also be kind to others. I’ve tried to keep in touch with friends and clients I know live alone and might be struggling a bit.

It seems they like a bit of a chat about this and that and it’s also been really good for me too.

10 DAYS OF HAPPINESS

Free online coaching program for challenging times

Action for Happiness has launched a new program to boost your wellbeing in these crazy times. If you feel you would like to access this resource visit their website here

I really love the Action for Happiness calendars and quotes as they are so positive whatever life is like for you (at whatever time).

I’m so looking forward to returning to my treatments and lovely clients, but in the meantime stay well, stay safe and stay positive.

Many thanks for reading.

So before Covid-19 and lockdown life I was in the process of changing my business name. As this brings a number of tasks attached to it, I thought in the circumstances, I may as well carry on….

I’m still at the hospice, four years on, as many of you know, and spent 2.5 years at the Spa before it closed in August 2018.

Undertaking my City & Guilds Level 3 Complementary Therapy training (massage, aromatherapy & reflexology) in 2017/18 gave me further qualifications in treatments I am extremely passionate about.

Why

It’s been quite a journey and a wonderful one so far. Having just completed my training in ScarWork, a relatively new therapy, in March moved me (I feel) more into the role of Complementary Therapist, as opposed to (only) Beauty Therapist.

So, in January 2020 I felt the business name was slightly misleading and not accurately reflecting what I now (completely) offered, and thus the name change.

Sarah Butler Therapies

What I offer hasn’t changed hugely (just the name). I will still offer beauty treatments and, of course, still undertake pamper parties, which are extremely popular in summer months, and which my colleagues and I thoroughly enjoy.

Don’t worry if you google search Back to Beauty you’ll just be sent to Sarah Butler Therapies, so no problem. The same with the e-mail address.

Please do take a look the new name/logo. It would be lovely to know what you think.

Stay well, stay safe, stay positive

Many thanks for reading

I fully appreciate you will have received lots of information about how to cope during this challenging time. However, I thought I’d let you know a few things that I am doing, and which you may find useful to protect yourself and those around you at this challenging time with the Covid-19 virus.

2. Yoga
Yoga helps lower stress hormones that compromise the immune system, while also conditioning the lungs and respiratory tract, stimulating the lymphatic system
to rid toxins from the body, and bringing oxygenated blood to the various organs to ensure their optimal function …. Yoga works on everything.

3. Eat healthily
To give your body the right fuel to protect itself. I’m not an expert so you could consult (via the internet of course!) a nutritionist, but there is also a plethora of information on line and in the main just be sensible. Avoid alcohol as, sadly, it can weaken your immune system and make the body more susceptible to infections.

4. Try not to worry.
This is not meant to sound like a cliché! The current situation is not ideal, but our immune system doesn’t work as well when we are anxious or stressed.

Finally,
The current situation may not be ours by choice and we may find it frustrating but, having had it thrust upon us, try to look at it positively. Enjoy the peace and slower pace of life. Take time to drink in a view (from your window or on a walk), read that book (or finish it!). Be kind to yourself. There are many harder things to be doing than having to stay at home for a while.

I saw this recently and thought it was a bit of a reality check:

Don’t be a stranger. It can be lonely at home for a long period of time (for me too!). If you’d like to get in touch, it would be lovely to hear from you.

Stay safe and well.

Many thanks for reading.

I found myself in January thinking again about a new therapy that had come to my attention in the summer of 2018 and last May 2019 at The Holistic Health Show and somehow seemed to keep popping into my head as I was so impressed and intrigued with it.

So, after a bit of deliberation, some research with the trainer and some positive conversations with therapists who had trained and were now practicing, I am very excited and pleased to tell you that I will be training in ScarWork therapy in March this year.

ScarWork in action

ScarWork is the brainchild of Sharon Wheeler from Seattle, US. Sharon has been training and teaching for over 40 years, during which time she has developed an approach which has only been available in the UK since 2014. ScarWork is a gentle, painless approach designed to assist with scar and adhesion problems after surgery/injury.

How it works

ScarWork is a series of techniques to assist with reconfiguring the soft tissue, normally reducing the adhesions left by scarring and improving the scar’s appearance. Adhesions connect structures that should not be connected; this can restrict mobility and organ function and create pain. We do not yet understand fully how ScarWork works. Research is ongoing into the power of the light touch approach.

Everything in the body is connected by fascia; this means that if there is an issue in one part of the body, there is inevitably a cascading effect through the rest of the body, affecting function and structure.

“Consultant surgeons in my area are now starting to recommend ScarWork treatment post-operatively for their mastectomy and breast reconstruction patients.”

Emma Holly, International Therapist Magazine (Summer 2018)

Below: A mastectomy scar before and after ScarWork treatment

This takes the strain off of joints, vertebrae, limbs etc and allows for a rebalancing in the body, normally improving posture and mobility. Releasing fascial restriction of nerves can assist in pain relief or restore feeling to numb areas.

It is not possible to restore correct balance and alignment to the body if there is a restriction in the tissues caused by severe injury and/or scarring.

For this reason, by focusing on the scars first; this allows for a more permanent result when addressing other physical problems. Further, the traumatic memory of injury/surgery often surfaces after ScarWork and this normally helps reduce internal stress level and improve your emotional balance.

“ This is a unique service. Feedback from patients has been fantastic”
Joan Follett, Nursing Services Manager, Rennie Grove Hospice Care

Where I go from here

My course is in Wigan 9-13 March. Once I have completed it I want to get as much practice in as I possibly can to gain experience and build a successful portfolio of work.

If you, or anyone you know, wish to be a case study for me and have your scar (old or new) worked on please do let me know.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Many thanks for reading