Monday 16 January 2012

Sharing

I’m very excited to announce something new that I’ve been working on. I get to share something I really love with others, who can then share it with the people they love. Perfect!


And for a short time I have an introductory offer, so you can save money too.


So (drum roll please) I am delighted to offer:




Private Massage Classes


Learn to give an enjoyable massage for relaxation and stress release. Treat your partner, friends and family with confidence. 


Massage is a wonderful way to relax and unwind, both for the giver and the recipient. I‘m lucky enough to experience this most days through my work. Now I’m offering you the opportunity to gain the benefits for yourself, as well as your loved ones, by learning a simple yet effective routine you can use at home.


The fun and informal 3 hour class will start with either a hand or foot massage (your choice) then we’ll move onto a back and shoulder massage, using oil.* 


The classes are for two people, whether you are a couple, friends, or family. I will teach you to massage each other, so each of you will receive individual instruction while the other is massaged.


As well as 3 hours tuition, you will receive a booklet detailing the massage you learn, a bottle of massage oil each and a certificate of attendance.


The standard price is £99 for 2 people.


Introductory offer – book and pay by 14th February 2012, and take the class by 31st March 2012, and pay only £75 **


Classes are available at the Sohan Jalaiai Centre in Smallford, St Albans and at Revive Clinic in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead. They can be booked for weekdays, evenings or weekends, to suit you.


If you have any questions, or to book, please get in touch with me on 07931 146158 or enquiries@lucindacracknell.co.uk


For more information about me and my massage practice see www.lucindacracknell.co.uk


Please note that this is an introductory massage class only, which will enable you to give massage for relaxation to friends and family. It does not qualify you to practice massage professionally or to charge for massage. It is not sensual or sexual massage.


*Other options are available such as head massage, please ask.



** There is, naturally, a limit to the number of classes I can run before 31st March. If you would like to take up the introductory offer please book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.





Friday 6 January 2012

That’s Christmas over with, what to do till Spring?

I love Christmas and New Year, all the decorations and celebrations and sparkle that go with them. But at this time of year, when the excitement is behind us and it seems like a long, dull slog until we reach the warmth and light of Spring, I can get quite down. It seems hard to maintain the brightness of Christmas, and keep my energy levels up. Last year I cheated, and went to South East Asia for the first 4 months of the year. It was very effective, but not necessarily practical to do every year. So this year, I’m staying in the UK, and making a deliberate effort do more than “just survive” these few months. Here are some of the strategies I’m going to try. If this is the “low season” for you too, maybe this will spark some ideas to get you motivated.


1. Use colour. After the decorations came down today (it’s bad luck to leave then up after twelfth night!) the house felt a bit plain and boring. So inject some colour. When I put the decorations back up into the attic, I brought down a brightly coloured throw and rug to go into the living room instead. I’m writing this wearing an orange jumper (and socks), and I treated myself in the sales to a yellow coat (trust me, it’s gorgeous). Even food can join in – cook warming foods in reds and oranges like tomatoes, sweet potato, and my favourite, beetroot. And remember that, in my house anyway, fairy lights are not just for Christmas.


2. See people. After the social whirl of the party season, you may, like me, relish a bit of quiet time. But that’s no excuse to become a hermit for 3 months. Book to see friends, maybe those you didn’t catch over Christmas, in mid to late January, and agree to make a bit of an effort. In my case, a good friend was in France for the festive season, so the “Kent crowd” will be meeting up in a few weeks. Dress up (posh togs or fancy dress, whichever appeals!) and maybe do a “secret Santa”. If you’ve overdosed on novelty presents, consider charity gifts such as World Vision’s Must Have Gifts – and make a game out of explaining why a goat or a bar of soap is a perfect reflection of your friend’s personality. Having fun with people we like is a sure bet for lifting the spirits.


3. Go outside. Although it can feel grey and miserable, the days are now getting longer, and I know I feel so much better if I get some daylight on my skin (and in my eyes, to regulate my hormones). Not to mention a bit of fresh, non centrally heated air, and, dare I say it, a bit of exercise! So I’ll try to go to the supermarket on foot (it is ridiculously local!) rather than popping in on the way back from somewhere in the car, and to walk into town. If all else fails, I might even just go for a stroll!


4. See the light. I got a light box (a very bright lamp that mimics daylight) several years ago now, and it’s made a huge difference. I sit in front of it while I eat breakfast, and sometimes lunch if I’m at home. If you have a degree of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or Winter Blues, I’d definitely say it’s worth a try. Although bear in mind that it is most effective if used from about October - getting one now will have limited benefit, at least for this Winter.


5. Book a treat. Think of something you’ve always wanted to do, whether it be pure indulgence and pleasure, or something out of the norm for you, even outside your comfort zone, and book it. If possible, for a date in the next 3 months. (I feel I should point out that a 2½ hour Thai Massage with Hot Herbal Compress is both highly pleasurable and a bit unusual – just saying ☺) I’ll confess, I haven’t booked anything yet; I haven’t decided what it’ll be. Maybe a retreat weekend, maybe I’ll finally have a go on a climbing wall (or both). Whatever I plump for, it’ll give me something to look forward to (and anticipation is a fantastic feeling) and it’ll be a great experience. Most importantly, I’ll know that I gave that to myself, and in doing so recognised my worth.



Wednesday 4 January 2012

Offers to help with any New Year health resolutions

If your resolutions include looking after yourself a bit more, or a healthier 2012, here's a reminder of some offers than could help you towards that goal.


1. Book a course of 10 Pilates classes with Carly Day for £60 (normally £7 a class) and get 50% off a Thai Massage with me.


2. Have 5 sessions with Lily Lai or Karen Chan, the Acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine Practitioners and get 50% off a Thai Herbal Compress treatment.
The Thai Herbal Compress is a great option as the weather gets colder. Steamed compresses of Thai herbs are used to gently work your muscles and joints, warming the tissues to soothe fatigue or stiffness, while the herbs nourish the skin. When it's chilly outside, this is a very comforting and nurturing massage. Why not indulge yourself, or buy a voucher and treat a friend?


3. As always, you can get a 20% discount when you book any 4 treatments with me. Just pay up front (the dates, and even the type of treatment, can be agreed later) and take all the treatments within 6 months of payment.