Reflexology works by applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, ears or face. It’s based on the idea that each area of the body is connected to a corresponding point, or reflex. By stimulating these reflex points, the aim is to provide relief to the corresponding area in the body, which in turn promotes overall well-being. It is an incredibly relaxing treatment which can help alleviate some of the physical and mental symptoms of stress. It can reduce tension and improve circulation leaving your body feeling more balanced. If you'd like to learn more about Reflexology, you can read a blog I wrote on it here:

No - You will remain dressed throughout your Reflexology treatment, you will just need to remove any socks, tights and footwear. If you are wearing trousers, make sure you are able to roll them up above the ankle.

Absolutely, I don't use any products that will affect the life of your pedicure and it's not essential for me to see the condition of your nails under the polish so I won't ask you to remove it.

Your feet are not horrible! I have seen many different feet and trust me, they are all unique - I have never been shocked by anyone's feet, but yes you do need to remove your socks or tights for reflexology.

Some people do feel some sensitivity, particularly in areas that correspond to the areas that need help, but on a whole it should be a relaxing experience. I will check with you if the pressure I am using is ok and you can tell me at anytime if you do feel discomfort.

Peace of Mind Is a 30 minute seated treatment. You remain clothed and I don't use oils for this treatment, so it's perfect if you are going somewhere after (or you don't want your hair messing up too much!) It includes a neck, shoulder and head massage. Head Back to You Is a 45 minute treatment on the massage couch. You will need to remove the clothing from your top half as part of the treatment includes a back massage with oil. It also includes a shoulder, neck and head massage and also a pressure point facial and cleanse. This treatment is great to help relieve sinus pain and for deeper relaxation.

I don't use any products that contain nuts. If you are allergic to essential oils or you are not sure, please let me know during your consultation and I will make sure we adapt the products as necessary.

Yes! There are two ways of purchasing a gift voucher. Option 1 e-Gift voucher can be purchased online under the Gift Voucher tab on the website. This can be e-mailed to yourself or your recipient, either immediately or on a day of your choice. Option 2 A physical gift voucher in an envelope can be purchased directly from me in the treatment room, or I can pop one in the post for you.

Yes please, a £15 deposit is required to confirm any bookings. You will be asked for this when you make your booking. The deposit amount will be deducted from the price of your treatment, so you will only have the balance to pay on the day. Should you need to cancel your appointment within 48 hours of your appointment time, this deposit will be non-refundable.

Yes, you will need to make an appointment. Just go to the Services page, choose your treatment and appointment slot. Shaw Therapy Centre is a secure building that doesn't have reception staff. I will only be there if I have appointments booked in. If I'm in an appointment, I will not be able to come to the door. Telephone: 07870 851928 Email: hello@calmercactus.co.uk

You can arrive up to 10 minutes earlier than your appointment start time. Please try not to arrive any earlier as the door will be locked and I might not be available to let you in the building.

No, I don't burn incense, I find the smoke can aggravate respiratory conditions, even long after they have been put out.

Shaw Therapy Centre 84 Beal Lane Shaw Oldham OL2 8PH

Yes, Shaw & Crompton tram stop is a two minute walk away

Yes, there is a free car park at Shaw Therapy Centre directly outside the door. Calmer Cactus clients can use any of the spaces which state 'Parking for No.84'

The session is designed to be all about you, so I would recommend you leave your children with a loved one so you can switch off from parent mode for a while.

I understand that your first time to see me might be daunting, so I promise to explain everything to you and put you at ease. If you do want to bring a friend with you, there is somewhere for them to sit in the therapy room or on the seats in the foyer. If they are in the room with us, I would ask that they remain seated throughout the treatment so you get the best from your session.

Before the treatment begins, you and I will sit down and chat about your general health. We can work out a treatment plan that is tailored to you and what you need out of the session. I will fully explain the treatment, how it works and what to expect.

I use a variety of different oils and creams, all options are vegan. Which ones I use for you is dependent on your preference and the treatment you have. If you have any allergy concerns, we will discuss that in your consultation. None of the products I use contain nuts. Please be assured if you do experience a reaction to any of the products I use, tell me immediately and I will be able to deal with the situation appropriately.

You can wear anything you feel comfortable in, looser clothing is good so the blood flow is not restricted. If you are having a reflexology treatment, make sure you can roll your trousers up past your ankles.

Don't worry if you fall asleep, a lot of people do. I will just get on with your treatment and gently wake you at the end.

Either by Credit / Debit card /Apple Pay / Google Pay on the day, or if you would like to pay by bank transfer prior to your treatment, please ask me for bank details when booking. I don't tend to hold cash on the premises, so contactless payment is preferred. I will, of course, accept cash if that is the best way for you - please make sure you have the right money as I won't have change.

Yes, Shaw Therapy Centre has a customer toilet in the foyer area that you can use.

Drink water to flush your system and try to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours. Gentle movements are good, nothing too strenuous, try to take it easy! You will be given personalised aftercare advice, including a toolkit of options to maintain the effects of your treatment, based on what we discussed about your lifestyle and your aims from the session.

You might see some after effects in the hours following your treatment, but they do differ from person to person. Some people will see them, some won't. I will advise you during your session and give you aftercare information so you will know what to look out for.

That's completely up to you. Depending on what we discover during the consultation and treatment, I might suggest around 4 - 6 sessions. You may wish to continue with monthly maintenance sessions to make sure your body systems maintain their usual rhythms and that you are able to deal with future stressors in a much more sustainable way. It is important to remember that is completely your choice whether you take up more sessions or not. I will never 'hard sell' you into further treatments or to having more sessions than I think you need.

Even though COVID guidelines have been relaxed in England, my hygiene practices remain: I wash my hands, both before beginning a treatment and afterwards - this has always been standard practice at Calmer Cactus. Clean towels / pillow cases / blankets are used for each client. The couch will have a disposable covering, changed between every client. Hand sanitiser is provided for you. A thorough sanitise of equipment and touch points between clients is carried out

I absolutely understand that sometimes things can change unexpectedly. If you do need to cancel or reschedule, please try and give me 48 hours notice. This allows the opportunity for someone else to book in. Cancellations within 48 hours means that other clients miss the chance to receive services they need. For this reason, you will forfeit your deposit for the first missed session and be charged 100% of the service fee for each session after that.

You should arrive on time to your appointment so you have time to fill out any required paperwork as well as answer any intake questions I may have. I understand that issues can arise that may cause you to be late for your appointment. I ask that you please call to inform me if this ever occurs. Appointment times are reserved for each client, so often I cannot exceed that reserved time without making the next client late. For this reason, arriving after your appointment time may result in loss of time from your treatment so that your session ends at the scheduled time. Full service fees will be charged even when sessions are shortened due to late arrival. In the event that it is me who is late, I will add time to your session to make up for my late arrival or adjust the service charge accordingly.

Massage therapy is for relaxation and therapeutic purposes only. There is absolutely no sexual component to massage whatsoever. Any insinuation, joke, gesture, conversation, or request otherwise will result in immediate termination of your session and a refusal of any and all services in the future. You will be charged the full service fee regardless of the length of your session. Depending on the behavior exhibited I may also file a report with the local authorities if necessary. Treat your therapist with respect and dignity and you will be treated the same in return.