About Kate Gardiner

Posts by Kate Gardiner:

Congratulations

As a member of the Association of Reflexologists I was delighted to read in their newsletter this month that my former teacher at the Cotswold Academy has won an award.

Annette Stoker is the winner in the Inspirational Tutor Category.  Such teachers inspire learners, helping to bring out the very best in learning and achievement which ultimately produces high calibre reflexologists for the industry.

Annette certainly was a fantastic tutor and I feel very lucky to have had her as my guide. Well done Annette, a deserved win!

January Blues

There’s no getting away from it, January can be a tough time of year. How do we get through; it’s cold, there’s bugs around, maybe we’re feeling sad or achey. For some people it’s a good time to try new things or plan a holiday but for others it’s a time for being quiet and homey. One of my aims for the new year is to make more time for stretching, massage, knitting, films and walking in nature. All things that make me feel grounded and happy. I’m lucky that I know lots of well-being practitioners but this year I’m committed to making more time for the feel-good factor. I’ve been for a fantastic aromatherapy massage already this year and this week I’m going for some reflexology. It really helps me to check in with treatments; I like to feel the benefits as much as the next person and it helps me to feel relaxed and energised and able to give to my clients. I hope you can find ways of getting through the winter, already there are signs of Spring and in the meantime there’s always benefit to be had from treating yourself to something that makes you feel refreshed and cared for.

To make it easier for you….

Just to let everyone know I’m now taking card payments, so that’s one little thing that makes life easier, especially when you’ve booked in for a relaxing massage or reflexology session.

Plus, as a reminder I’m still offering low cost reflexology foot massage for £20 for an hours session, please contact me for further details.

Happy bank holiday everyone!

Reflexology and Massage Therapy – a great combo

I’ve been so lucky with my choice of training provider, the Cotswold Academy.  With super knowledgeable and supportive tutors and great resources, I’ve really enjoyed adding to my skill set.  The feedback from clients has been very positive, with some clients new to reflexology and now committed fans. As a member of the Association of Reflexologists I’m joining a professional body who help and advise new members on how to give the best possible treatments.  Reflexology works on the basis that the body is divided into zones representing all the systems on the body and by working on reflex points within those zones the body is able to function better.  Plus it’s super-relaxing to have some TLC on your feet!

https://www.cotswoldacademy.co.uk/

I’m now based in Abergavenny

Well, I’ve finally made it to Abergavenny! I absolutely love it here and although moving did prove quite stressful it has all been worth it.  I’ve had a lot of fun sorting out my new home treatment room and getting it client-ready.  It’s a dedicated room and is bigger than my Bristol one so I’m very happy.  Change can be challenging but luckily a friend has kindly lent me a copy of Transitions (making sense of life’s changes) by William Bridges which is helping me to make sense of the feelings of disorientation.  Plus I’m looking forward to a session of acupuncture tomorrow with the wonderful Lucy in Alma Road, Bristol which will help deal with blocked energy and emotions.  Please come and see me in my new treatment room.  I’m sorry not to be able to be on the doorstep for my Bristol clients but I am offering £10 off all 1 hour treatments before Christmas – and boy, is it the weather for hot stones right now. Hope to see you soon, love Kate

Who do I work with?

I am very lucky in my massage practice to work with some very diverse people and issues. Some people come because they feel stressed and want help to relax. Others are managing conditions such as chronic back pain, IBS, migraine or are experiencing hormonal changes due to the menopause. Sometimes my massage treatment will stand alone but more often than not massage therapy is part of a multi-disciplinary approach to health and well being. I am always happy to work with clients to suggest things that they can do between appointments to help feel better in their body and mind.

One of my current clients is non-verbal and autistic and comes with a carer for a weekly appointment. I have put together a massage therapy session in conjunction with the care team and case worker and the positive feedback from the care team has been great; relaxation during the session, a sense of calm and wellbeing following the treatment, reduced tension during the week. It’s very rewarding for me as a therapist to work in this way and see such positive results.

To celebrate Spring

There are signs that Spring is coming; a few snowdrops here the odd daffodil there, the lengthening daylight hours.  I think we’re all longing for some fresh inspiration after the long, cold, winter days. I’ve been busy blending some new aromatherapy oils for use in the treatment room which I hope will give your senses and energy levels a boost.  I’m also offering Thai Foot massage at the bargain price of £25 through March and April or a free 25ml of aromatherapy oil as a treat to take away, with your usual treatment.  Plus a new heated underblanket for the massage couch is on it’s way in the next few weeks.  Bliss on the couch, what could be nice to set you up for the new season.