At ABWR, we've built a team to help you support your overall wellbeing and bring moments of calm to your everyday lives. Bringing a unique set of skills and expertise to the treatment space, our range of services meets the varied needs each of our clients experiences, making sure everyone receives treatments that are right for them and that make a difference.
Shona and Reflexology
I set up AB Wellness & Reflexology because I wanted people to feel great from the inside out. I’m passionate about reflexology and want to share its positive effects with as many people as possible. It’s much more than just a massage for your feet, with potential clinical benefits for the mind and body which are often overlooked, misunderstood, or not fully appreciated. Reflexology can truly be the ideal antidote to the stresses of everyday life.
I started on my wellness journey when I found reflexology after having neglected my own self-care. Looking after my family and young children meant I was always rushing about and saying yes to things that, looking back, perhaps had an impact more than I realised at the time. I decided to retrain as a Clinical Reflexologist. I qualified in 2019, attaining the highest possible qualification within the UK, which is credited by Edinburgh Napier University (SQCF Level 8). Additionally, I am a member of the Association of Reflexologists – a professional accreditation only given to the most highly trained reflexologists who are bound by a code of practice and ethics and fully insured to perform all treatments. After discovering reflexology and allowing it to help me find myself again and start prioritising myself, I now want to help others feel as well as they can, and I have a particular interest in helping women who find themselves in a similar situation to the one I found myself in.
Reflexology works by applying pressure to specific points on your feet, hands, and even your ears. These areas, known as reflex zones, correspond and 'talk' to different organs and systems in your body. It’s like a map of your entire body in your feet! By stimulating these zones, reflexologists can help encourage relaxation, improve circulation, and balance your body’s energy. Reflexology offers a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental health. Regular sessions can help to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve overall wellbeing.
Katy and Kinetic Chain Release (KCR)
Katy is a highly skilled Kinetic Chain Release (KCR) therapist, having started her therapeutic journey back in 2010 when she qualified as a Massage Therapist at Edinburgh College. Her quest to explore and master various therapeutic practices eventually led her to discover KCR in 2021, a method she now passionately champions.
Developed by physiotherapist Hugh Gilbert, KCR is a simple yet highly effective system of gentle mobilisations designed to rebalance the body. The concept of the 'Kinetic Chain' underscores the interconnectedness of our body parts. An injury or disruption in one area can cause the rest of the body to compensate, leading to misalignment. KCR often provides immediate relief and has been proven to resolve a wide range of conditions, such as fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraine headaches, and chronic back and neck pain.
During a KCR session, the focus is on returning the body to its natural alignment. The treatment starts at the ankles and works upwards, targeting key joints with gentle mobilisation. Sessions finish with a deep tissue massage of either the upper body or legs to bring a complete sense of ease.
Heather and Swedish Massage
Heather is our resident Swedish Massage Therapist and brings with a deep passion for helping people switch off, unwind, and find respite from the stressors of everyday life. Heather's journey in the world of holistic therapy began when she qualified in 2022 from The Complimentary Therapy School (CTS) with distinction. As a dedicated practitioner, she is fully insured and a proud member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help people like you rediscover the art of relaxation and the importance of taking time to recharge.
Swedish massage originated in the 18th century thanks to the innovative methods of Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish physician. The approach is characterised by its use of gentle techniques, aiming to soothe the body and mind. Through a series of long, gliding strokes, kneading actions, and circular movements, the massage works to ease muscle tension and create a complete state of relaxation.
Swedish massage offers a plethora of health benefits that extend far beyond relaxation. It can significantly alleviate stress, reduce cortisol levels, and support a healthy state of mind. Regular sessions can enhance sleep quality and even help with the management of insomnia. Additionally, the improved blood circulation from the massage can help with the healing process of injuries and reduce recovery times. Swedish massage stimulates lymph flow, acting as a natural defence mechanism against illnesses. For people with conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, Swedish massage has been known to diminish pain levels and increase range of motion... we weren't lying when we said it has so many health benefits on top of relaxation.
Claire and Sports Massage
Claire is ABWR's Sports Massage Therapist and has a super passion for healing those tired muscles of yours. Claire's journey as a dedicated Sports Massage Therapist began in 2022 when she earned her Level 3 sports massage diploma. Her passion and motivation lie in helping individuals find relief from tight or overused muscles, while also helping to prevent injuries and joint dysfunction.
Claire's dedication to health and wellbeing doesn't stop there though as she is a highly experienced nurse with 24 years of service under her belt. For the past 13 years, she has excelled as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, specialising in out-of-hours care and general practice.
Sports massage stands out as the therapy designed to help both athletes and anyone engaged in regular physical activity. It concentrates on alleviating soft tissue distress, easing muscle stiffness, and rectifying imbalances. Therapists use several techniques such as deep tissue manipulation, stretching, and precise trigger point therapy. These methods are the foundation for addressing muscular issues, leading to improved flexibility, reduced discomfort, and of course, an improvement in overall athletic performance. Claire will have you feeling fit and well on the start line of any sporting event!
Booking online
We hope you've enjoyed getting to know the ABWR team a little better and if you'd like to ask us any questions about any of our treatments, you can send Shona a message on Instagram here. If you've already made up your mind and know what treatment you'd like to try first, you can schedule your session online here.