Make Your Own: Jojoba Oil & Aloe Vera Cleanser

Recently I've been looking at expanding my therapy offering. Though I will always consider reflexology to be my specialist subject, with over a decade of experience as a beauty editor under my belt facial treatments seem like a natural progression for me. The benefit of any holistic package is that therapies can be blended synergistically. As I practice, practice, practice and hone my skills I know that I will be giving clients the option of reflexology relaxation techniques and lymphatic drainage during the 'mask-setting' stage of a facial. 

Since I am keen for my treatments to champion positive ageing I have chosen to train in Holistic Facials and Facial Rejuvenation (Natural Face Lift Massage), which is one of the most effective skin-freshing, lifting and toning treatments - all achieved without product - I have ever witnessed. On the Holistic Facial course our tutor, the deftly-skilled and supremely knowledgeable complementary therapist Mary Dalgliesh, had students whip up their own back-to-basics skincare and I was amazed at how a two-ingredient jojoba Oil and aloe vera cleanser could get all skin types glowing. It's so simple and easy to make, not to mention very effective too. 

The Benefits Of Jojoba Oil And Aloe Vera

 

Commonly thought of as a fluid oil, jojoba is actually a liquid wax ester cold-pressed from the seeds and nuts of the jojoba plant. Its composition is very similar to sebum and, as such, is readily absorbed into the pores and epidermis where is has a softening, debris-loosening and balancing effect. Aloe Vera gel is well known for soothing irritated or sensitive skin due to anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and when blended with jojoba oil results in a light gel-creme cleanser that makes the perfect massage medium for removing make-up and debris. 

Whilst generally suitable for all skin types this cleanser does have a decongesting action so would be best avoided prior to a special event. I would also recommend that those with active, cystic acne patch test on an area of their skin for at least a week (ideally a fortnight) to see how it responds before moving to full face application. 

 

 

DIY Cleanser - How To Make Your Own

You will need -

Jojoba Oil

Aloe Vera Gel

A hand blender or mini food blender

A clean, sterile jar

Clean, sterile measuring cups


The ratio: two thirds aloe vera gel to one third jojoba oil

Using the above ratio you can make as little or as much cleanser as you wish. For example, to make 100mls of cleaner you would use 75mls of aloe vera gel and 25mls of jojoba oil. 

The method: measure the ingredients into a bowl and blend until smooth with a hand blender. A hand blender works well with larger volumes of 200mls plus, for smaller yields use a mini food processor or try using a hand whisk and elbow grease. With the mini food processor method you will find that the mixture spreads around the inside of the bowl and may appear to separate. However, once scraped into your jar and stirred it will achieve the correct consistency. A tiny amount of rose water can be used to thin and smooth the cleanser. Although jojoba oil contains high levels of vitamin E (a natural preservative) I would want to use up a batch in 3-4 weeks.

To use: apply to the face on cotton pads or using fingertip massage. Remove with a flannel or muslin cloth dipped in hand-hot water until no traces of residue remain. Repeat the process for a double cleanse. Finish with a rose water spray toner or apply rose water with cotton pads to balance the skin.

Warm wishes, 
Hannah

* For Holistic Facial and Facial Rejuvenation (Natural Face Lift Massage) courses with Mary Dalgleish visit: www.head2toemassage.co.uk/

Proud to be part of the London Hypnobirthing Family

Today I have exciting news of a lovely collaboration with East Dulwich-based Hypnobirthing practitioner Hollie Stroud of London Hypnobirthing. Lull Reflexology is to be part of Hollie's 'family' of hand-picked, multidisciplinary practitioners working with women and their partners throughout pregnancy and on the journey into parenthood; I, for one, can't wait. 

Maternity reflexology has become such a joyful part of my job that the opportunity to expand my service and bring my beloved therapy - and its benefits - to even more expectant mums makes me very happy indeed.

With a circle of positive support including pre & postnatal massage, doula service, child sleep solutions and hypnotherapy, the London Hypnobirthing Family are able to nurture and encourage mums from bump to birth and beyond. 

What is Hypnobirthing?  'Hypnobirthing is a well-known, logical and effective form of antenatal preparation. You already have the perfect system of giving birth created in your body. The trouble is we have loaded fear and negative pre-conceptions on top of this system which prevent it from working properly, ' says Hollie. 

'Hypnobirthing helps you release the fears and gives you the tools so that your body can give birth efficiently and comfortably in the way it is designed to.... in short, hypnobirthing allows you to experience birth in an atmosphere of calm relaxation, free from the fear and tension that prevents the birthing muscles of your body from functioning as nature intended them to.'

For more information on lessons with Hollie visit www.londonhypnobirthing.co.uk and don't forget to check out the sparkly new team and our services including maternity reflexology. 

How can we help you?

Warm wishes,
Hannah

Lull Reflexology - Maternity Reflexology

Pregnancy is a wonderful time to experience Reflexology. I absolutely love working with women during this amazing, life-changing journey. It is a real privilege and wonderful to be able to give mums-to-be and their babies an hour to relax and connect. Although all Reflexologists who have undertaken a diploma course are ‘technically’ qualified to work with pregnant women, and most will have studied maternity reflexology during their training, it is a field that I believe requires additional knowledge so I highly advise seeking a Reflexologist who has qualified in continuing professional development (CPD) courses such as Maternity and Prenatal and Postnatal Reflexology. I trained with Sally Earlam, Maternity Specialist and Training and Education Coordinator for The Association Of Reflexologists.

What Is Maternity Reflexology?

Essentially, in basic terms, Maternity Reflexology is the practice of giving Reflexology to a woman during pregnancy to help support the natural processes of pregnancy and birth. Holistic therapies adapt to the individual working with the whole person rather than a detached set of symptoms alone.

First Trimester Reflexology – 

Reflexology is a safe, beneficial therapy which can be enjoyed throughout your entire pregnancy. Many reflexologists treat from day one, especially if they have been supporting clients during the preconception phase. However, some choose to begin sessions following the first trimester. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that Reflexology can cause miscarriage but, since miscarriage is sadly statistically more likely to occur during the first trimester, my general feeling is that I prefer for clients to have had their 12 week scan before beginning reflexology treatments. However, if you would like to receive reflexology in the first trimester I am open to discussing your individual circumstances.

Second Trimester Reflexology, Up To 37 Weeks

Here, Reflexology supports clients aiding relaxation, stress reduction and improved sleep. Additionally I focus on reflexes that relate to any current issues clients may be living with such as sinus congestion, back ache, constipation and stomach upset. Sessions are light, gentle and soothing. I also include lymphatic drainage of the calves, ankles and feet, which can help with swelling.

Post 37 weeks, Preparation For Labour

After 37 weeks Reflexology can either continue as before or we can begin building up pressure and paying attention to the reproductive reflexes. Weekly sessions post 37 weeks are highly recommended especially if a client has not had Reflexology throughout her pregnancy.

Many women seeking Reflexology at this stage are looking to ready the body for labour and/or may have passed their due date. Unfortunately, there is no ‘magic button’ I can press to evacuate a baby but I do recognise that Reflexology helps to deeply relax the body and when the body is relaxed, conditions for labour are believed to be optimised.

Professional training now advises at least two/three gentle, balancing sessions before practitioners begin using deeper pressure. This is because holistic therapies can trigger a ‘healing response' that may make clients feel temporarily unwell. This is considered a normal after effect but any reaction can be minimized during pregnancy by slowly building up pressure over a series of sessions.

If a client has not had Reflexology prior to presenting after 37 weeks (or if a client presents for a single session when 'overdue'), treatment pressure will be lighter. As each individual reacts differently to the therapy this does not mean a lighter sequence is necessarily lesser.  

In Summary - 

* Maternity Reflexology is a safe and beneficial touch therapy where practitioners apply pressure (using the thumbs and fingers) to reflex points on the soles, sides and surfaces of the feet.

* Ideally choose a Maternity Reflexologist who has undertaken additional training.

* Lull Reflexology offers sessions from 14 weeks to clients whose pregnancies are progressing without *complications. Up until 37 weeks the focus is on relaxation and supporting clients physically and emotionally during their pregnancy.

* After 37 weeks sessions working the reproductive reflexes on the feet can begin if the client wishes.

* At least two/three balancing sessions are recommended before deeper pressure is applied to the reflexes.

* If your pregnancy is high risk and you would like to receive Reflexology please do get in touch and I will advise if I have the necessary experience level or will do my best to help you to find a practitioner who can. 

I hope you’ve found this information useful and if you have any questions regarding Maternity Reflexology or Post-Natal Reflexology please do email me at info@lullreflexology.com

Warm wishes,

Hannah

www.lullreflexology.com

Why Did You Become A Reflexologist?

This is one of the questions I am asked most often by clients so I thought I'd begin by answering it...

It was March 2010 and I was returning to my job following maternity leave as a magazine Beauty Director. My heart was a sad, airless balloon deflated at the prospect of leaving my baby and returning to an environment that no longer felt fulfilling or familiar. In retrospect I was experiencing the natural anxieties experienced by many new mothers navigating their way back into the workplace but, despite having an encouraging boss, it was hard to shake the sense I was a round peg trying to squeeze myself back into an all-singing-all-dancing square hole.

A week later and I was at a press event of huge pomp and circumstance for a hand cream but it wasn't the product I was interested in, more the Reflexologist offering journalists complimentary hand treatments. Later, I sat at a tarot card reader's table who told me I was at a career crossroads and seemed sure I would divert my path to work in a field directly helping others.

Sometimes I believe we respond to 'signs' and sometimes I think we hear what we want, or perhaps need to hear, but I do know that particular day sowed a tiny seed which, after a Reflexology diploma course, a huge volume of case studies, an exam and, with the support of family and friends, would finally lay down roots and come to fruition.

I will always enjoy writing and sharing advice and information and am pleased that my past career and the wellness arena I now work in are not mutually exclusive, if anything they are complementary; excuse the dreadful pun! I intend to use this blog to promote a therapy I am passionate about (and of course my business) whilst also posting snippets on health, natural beauty and other alternative therapies you may hopefully find interesting or inspiring.

When I started out on my Reflexology journey I thought I would like it but I didn't realise I would love it. As a therapist you come to learn that the human condition is a vulnerable one. Life has ups and downs, people silently endure stresses and strains, there is illness, there is health, sometimes we all desire to be touched. To have a skill, quite literally, in your hands that you can use to make other people feel 'better,' more relaxed, connected, included...well that's quite a privilege.

Which is why and how I became a Reflexologist.

Hannah