JULIA'S JOURNAL

Three Simple Tools That Enhance Your Treatment (And Support Your Self-Care at Home)  At My Retreat, every treatment is shaped around you: your body, your energy, and what you most need in that moment. Alongside my hands, I sometimes use carefully chosen tools (as well as all of the geothermal treasures I have), to enhance your experience. These are not gadgets or shortcuts. They are professional instruments that allow me to work more precisely, more comfortably, and more effectively — so you receive deeper, longer-lasting benefits. They also help to protect my hands, ensuring I can deliver the best quality massage to everyone. And what’s more is, they can also inspire simple self-care between visits. Here’s a little insight into how they work. Kindness to the Therapist’s Body = Better Care for You Massage is a physical art. By using tools where appropriate, I protect my hands, wrists, and shoulders from strain, allowing me to work comfortably and sustainably. This matters — because it means: I can maintain consistent quality I can work with precision I can remain fully present with you I can continue offering high-level treatments long term Looking after myself is part of looking after you. Crystal Gua Sha | For Flow, Radiance, and Deep Release (Jade, Rose Quartz & Amethyst) Gua Sha is a smooth crystal tool traditionally used in East Asian medicine to support circulation and energy flow. In some of my therapies I may use jade, rose quartz or amethyst gua shas, each chosen for their unique energetic qualities as well as their physical properties. With gentle, flowing strokes, Gua Sha encourages: Lymphatic drainage Improved circulation Reduced puffiness Natural radiance Relaxation of facial and body muscles Alongside this, I can also use slower, deeper movements to work along tight muscle fibres, helping areas of tension soften and unwind. This supports what therapists call myofascial release; gently easing the connective tissue that surrounds the muscles, allowing them to relax and lengthen. On the face, this brings brightness and lift. On the body, it helps stubborn tension melt away. Many clients describe this work as both deeply soothing and quietly transformative. Thai Foot Stick | For Grounding and Whole-Body Balance The feet contain hundreds of reflex points that correspond with different organs and systems within the body. This forms the basis of reflexology. The Thai foot stick is a smooth wooden tool that allows me to work these reflex points with accuracy and sensitivity, without discomfort. Using this tool supports: Improved circulation Nervous system calming Release of lower leg and foot tension A deep sense of grounding and stability Because the feet are closely linked to the rest of the body through reflex pathways, this work often creates a ripple effect encouraging balance far beyond the feet themselves. Many clients find this part of their treatment especially comforting and restorative. Trigger Point Tool | For Targeted Tension Release Sometimes muscles hold small areas of congestion or “knots” that don’t easily release with flowing massage alone. These are often known as trigger points. A trigger point tool allows me to apply gentle, focused pressure to these areas with great precision, encouraging them to soften without strain or discomfort. This technique helps to: Release muscular adhesions Reduce pain and stiffness Improve movement Restore ease to overworked areas It works in harmony with deep tissue and neuromuscular techniques, supporting the body’s natural ability to let go and rebalance. Clients often notice immediate relief in areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. Supporting Your Wellbeing Between Visits Your treatment doesn’t begin and end on the massage table — it continues in how you care for yourself day to day. Some of these tools can be used gently at home to support your wellbeing between sessions, and I’m always happy to share simple, safe guidance if this feels helpful for you. This may include: A short facial Gua Sha routine Gentle foot work to ease tiredness Simple self-release techniques for shoulders and jaw These practices are not about replacing professional care. They are about staying connected to your body and supporting the work we do together. Small rituals, done regularly, can make a beautiful difference. So do please ask me if you would like me to show you. A Thoughtful Part of Your Experience At My Retreat, nothing is used without intention. Every tool is chosen because it enhances your comfort, supports your body, and deepens your relaxation. Everything is guided by training, intuition, and your individual needs in that moment. Whether your treatment is delivered with hands alone, tools, or a combination of both, the intention is always the same: To help you relax. To help you release. To help you return to yourself. To help you leave feeling restored. If you ever feel curious about any part of your treatment, you’re always welcome to ask. I love sharing the “why” behind what I do. With love, Julia 💗

THE STORY BEHIND MY AUTUMN WOODLAND THERAPIES

HOW MUSIC AND AROMA ENHANCE YOUR MY RETREAT EXPERIENCE

I’ve been going for therapies and to spas all my life, so I feel very comfortable with what’s going to happen and know how to ask for what I want. But often when I visit other places, they do neglect to consider that not everyone is familiar or comfortable in those settings for a wide range of reasons. So, if you haven’t been for a therapy before or often and don’t know what to expect, or you are a little underconfident about asking questions, or perhaps just want to be reassured that you are in safe hands, please read on. This article walks you through what happens at My Retreat when you come for a therapy. It may be different in other places, but I want to make you feel as safe and relaxed as possible. This is what you can expect. First is to say that I have a sign on my door that asks you not to knock. That may seem strange, but it’s to avoid disturbing other people who may still be enjoying their therapy or relaxation time. Please don’t arrive too early as the door may still be locked, or someone is enjoying their relaxation time. I do try to leave ample time between clients to avoid this but please be aware. If the door is open, and you’re not too early then do please just come in. That will feel a little odd the first time you do it, walking into someone’s home that you don’t know. But I will be there to welcome you and hopefully put you at ease as soon as possible. We will sit in the relaxation lounge and do your consultation. You will already have completed some online forms, but we will chat through your therapy, and I can answer any questions you may have. I’ll talk you through everything that will be happening and make sure I know all your preferences. For example, some people don’t like their feet touched or their scalp massaged, or I will ask about your preferred massage pressure or aromas. After that, I’ll take you upstairs where I’ll ask you to wash your hands and then come into the therapy room. It’s a large, beautiful space, with subtle lighting and candles. I’ll leave you alone to get undressed, while I wash my hands, having explained exactly what I’d like you to do to get comfortable on the massage table and cover yourself. I will knock before re-entering to ensure you are ready – and then the magic will begin. I give physical cues to help you feel what’s coming next and will keep my verbal instructions or questions to a minimum to allow you to switch off, unless you’ve told me you’d prefer me to explain as I go along. If I need you to turn over, I will hold the covers so you can do this easily and privately. At the end of your therapy I will tidy the room and leave you to relax a moment, before ringing my singing bowl to signify that it is concluded. I will remove any towels or wrappings necessary before I speak to you so that your return to reality is as gentle as possible. I will then give you a hot cloth and a cold glass of water before leaving you to get up slowly and get dressed. There really is no need to rush here, just come back downstairs when you are ready. I will have prepared you a hot water, and you’ll have a choice of herbal teas. You can also use my foot massage machine if you’d like. I’ll leave you alone with your thoughts, or a magazine for 5-10 minutes before coming back to chat through your experience. I hope that helps you to visualise how a therapy at My Retreat is organised. If you have any further questions prior to coming, please do send them to me here at julia@my-retreat.co.uk . Julia x

CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS – now where did that idea come from?