Payments via bank transfer are preferred but I also accept debit and credit cards (including Amex).

Yes, there is paid parking on Admirality Street, EH6.

Yes, you can purchase a gift voucher here.

Cancellations on the day of the appointment and no shows will be charged at 100% of the treatment cost. In order to avoid these charges, I will always send you a reminder 24 hours before your appointment and seek confirmation from you. For more information please read the terms and conditions here.

It is important that our agreed appointment time and duration is adhered to. I appreciate that sometimes, things happen, and you may arrive a little later or need to leave a bit earlier than planned. This is fine, but I cannot make up the missed time by overrunning or adding time to subsequent appointments.

For more information, please read the privacy policy here.

I can absolutely wear a mask during your appointment if this makes you feel safer. Just let me know you’d prefer me to wear one before you arrive.

Olive Tree Therapies is inclusive of the neurodiversity community. I can provide a variety of textures and blankets, change in intesity and colour of lights, sounds and smells. You may also decide to bring your own textures, music or oils if you prefer! You can ask as many questions as you need to make you feel safe and ensure that your needs will be met on the day of your appointment.

My therapy room is located on the ground floor of a tenement building. Clients who use wheelchairs who are able to take short steps with the aid of walkers or a chapirone do regularly come for a massage.

​I am a queer therapist who has worked with people who have all different body shapes, sizes, and health histories. I work to provide a comfortable, safe and relaxed space for you to enjoy. I have a background in psychology and as such I am deeply committed to providing non-judgemental, body positive, person centred services. I believe that healing touch is all about coming to feel better about ourselves in body, mind, heart and spirit. I celebrate the wonderful diversity of humanity including differences in body weight, amount of hair, skin conditions, scars, disabilities, medical conditions, or personal history.

Olive Tree Holistic Therapies believes that: - Trans bodies are valid and as such I provide a safe space where people can connect and communicate with their bodies whilst on their transition journey - All bodies are perfect! There's no shame at Olive Tree Therapies - People who identify as LGBTQI+ are over two and a half times more likely to have a mental health problem as those who identify as heterosexual (Anna Freud Centre). Olive Tree Holistic Therapies is trauma informed and I have over 12 years experience of working in mental health and suicide prevention. It's a safe and open space! - Your pronouns matter. Just let me know which one you use

Trauma informed therapy means I take a client centred approach to massage therapy. It is collaborative and recongises that you are the expert in your own body. I bring my knowledge of both massage and experience in the field of mental health to ensure that I work with clients to promote a feeling of safety, healing and informed consent. It is important that you feel comfortable enough to communicate your needs on the day of your appointment to have the best experience possible. We will have an opportunity to explore this together before your appointment starts and after you've filled out your consultation form.

Yes! In 2023, I started the Olive Tree Touch Therapies Fund for the LGBTQI+ people of Edinburgh on low incomes. For more information, visit this page.

ABSOLUTELY! Trans bodies are valid and as such I provide a safe space where people can connect and communicate with their bodies whilst on their transition journey.

If this is your very first time having a bodywork treatment I recommend that you read this page before you book an appointment. Also browse through the website and the FAQ section where you’ll find lots of answers to (possibly) all your questions.

A full body massage includes head, face, back, neck, shoulders, arms (including forearms), hands, glutes, back of legs, feet, front of legs, abdomen and chest (for men). You can choose to have all of the above body parts massaged or a combination of any of these. You can also choose where you’d like me to spent more time on.

Of course! Just let me know where you‘d like me to focus on and how long for.

Please don't worry! When you come for your appointment, we can decide on the day and choose what is most appropriate for you at that moment. You may book any treatment and change your mind later too. This is correct with the exception of Ayurvedic treatments where more lengthy preparation of products is required. I suggest that you read the descriptions of the treatments that I offer so you have a better idea of what they entail. The most important thing that you do ahead of your appointment is that you complete the consultation form that is emailed to you when you book.

​You do not need to stay awake and it is very common to drift in and out of sleep during a treatment. It is a good sign that you are deeply relaxed. Your body and muscles will still be gaining benefit from the massage even if you are asleep. I will wake you gently at the end of the treatment so you don’t need to worry if you nod off.

​Everybody is different when it comes to pressure. What feels right to one client might feel painful for another or too light and ineffective for someone else. I will use a variety of techniques, some working deeper into the muscle tissue than others. You may feel some discomfort on tight or overworked and stressed muscles; when using deep tissue techniques, certain areas might be painful (although the pain always be bearable). It is therefore really important that you communicate with me regarding your objectives and pressure preferences and inform me of any pain or discomfort during your treatment. I will check in with you about the pressure and I will never be offended if you ask me to adjust pressure during a session.

​It is common for your muscles to feel temporarily tired or heavy, similar to how they feel after a workout. A small number of clients receiving a massage feel achy or may experience a mild headache. Some people feel cold after a massage as the massage encourages blood to flow to the surface of the skin causing heat loss. During the treatment blankets and towels will prevent you feeling cold, please bring warm comfortable clothes to wear home. Some clients find that feeling deeply relaxed can allow feelings to come to the surface and they may feel emotional. If this happens I will ask you if you are happy for me to continue with the treatment and progress if you are comfortable.

The massage oils I use are high quality organic, non-GMO, cruelty free and cold pressed. Depending on your skin type, I may use a variety of oils to ensure your skin is well looked after and benefits from an oil that is appropriate to it. I may use wheat germ, coconut, almond, jojoba, grapeseed, avocado, apricot kernel, olive and others. Towels are washed using Ecover Non-Bio laundry detergent, an ecologically sound, cruelty free, biodegradable detergent. All other consumables I use in my practice are recyclable and/or compostable. Some Ayurvedic oils are not vegan and as such please make sure you let me know if you prefer that I use vegan oils.

I routinely ask my clients about known allergies during our initial consultation so please do let me know about these as soon as possible so I can put steps in place to accomodate you. Clients allergic to nuts might not be able to receive a massage as traces of nuts might be present in several types of oils. The towels in my practice are all washed using Ecover Non-Bio laundry detergent.

​There are very few instances where massage is not recommended and these are known by massage therapists as ‘total contraindications’. For example, total contraindications would include being under the influence of alcohol, suffering from a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting. There are also ‘local contraindications’ which are conditions affecting specific areas of the body that mean you should not be massaged in that area - for example if you have a cut, bruise or abrasion on your foot then you could still have a body massage but the foot would be avoided. Some conditions require medical approval before my insurance allows me to proceed with a massage. For example if you suffer from heart disease, asthma or epilepsy or are undergoing treatment for another medical condition from another specialist you will be required to produce a letter from your GP stating that you are OK to receive holistic massage. Because of the above, it is essential that you complete your consultation form ahead of your appointment.

Yes. Your dignity, privacy and comfort are important to me. I will leave the room and allow you time and privacy to get ready at the start of the treatment and to get up slowly and get dressed after the treatment. Remember you can choose to have a shower in my therapy room completely free of charge. Towels, shower gel and shampoo are also provided free of charge.

Sometimes a client may become unintentionally aroused. This is a naturally physiological response to touch. If this happens be assured that you don't have to feel embarassed but you may wish to ask me to turn over if you feel that would make you more comfortable. Please note I carry the Respect Massage logo which means I operate a zero tolerance towards sexual harassment.

​It is not necessary to shave prior to a treatment and I suggest that you do whatever feels most comfortable for you. Treatments is not affected by body hair or lack of it. Come as you are and be proud of it!

​During therapeutic body massage you will take off your outer clothing and wear pants or boxer shorts, so what you wear to and from the treatment does not matter. For male clients it is slightly preferable to wear pants or short boxer shorts rather than 'longer style' boxers, as this prevents oil getting onto clothing when the upper leg or gluteal muscles are massaged. Some women prefer to take their bras off while others prefer to just unclip the back of the bra for a back massage; either option is absolutely fine. Some clients prefer to be massaged naked and that is ok but be advised I operate a zero tolerance for sexual harassment in my workplace. Either way, all clients are covered with a towel for the entire duration of their treatment. Please remove all jewelry prior to your treatment.

The oils I use should not damage your clothing, but to be sure please wear comfortable clothing and avoid delicate or expensive fabrics such as silk which may be affected by oil. Some massage techniques could disrupt make-up or hair but I can design a session that will not disrupt your hair or make-up if this is a concern - please inform me when you visit if you would like me to avoid disruption to your hair or make-up. Some Ayurvedic oils may stain clothing so please avoid bringing clothing that you don't want to get stained.

Your treatment is a time when you can focus on your own needs, let go and relax. If chatting helps you to relax that is fine, but most clients find they can get most benefit from a treatment by remaining quiet and enjoying the relaxing music and touch. I have been trained not to talk during a treatment and will not be offended if you don’t talk to me. I won’t usually initiate conversation but will follow your lead. You must of course communicate with me during your treatment if you would like me to adjust the pressure or feel any discomfort.

The main advice is to avoid vigorous exercise, heavy meals, caffeine and alcohol immediately after your treatment. Try and keep yourself warm and remain in a quiet state for as long as possible to feel the full benefit of the treatment. You could also drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated for the rest of the day.

I don't massage babies but can massage younger people under 18 provided a parent or guardian is in the room throughout the massage treatment. This option is only available at the client's own home as I don't have enough space in my own therapy room for a guardian to be present during a massage treatment.

I do not offer this service. However, I am very happy to recommend peer therapists who are very experienced pregnancy massage therapists. Get in touch with me at olivetreetherapies@gmail.com

Yes, absolutely! If you have a playlist or a preference for the type of music you like during a massage just let me know. If you prefer silence that is absolutely fine too, just let me know.

Not always. In fact, massage can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in some cases it is best to get advice from your GP before receiving a massage. Massage therapists, unless they are also qualified doctors, may not, under law, attempt to diagnose a condition. I will assess your consultation form and will let you know ahead of your appointment if you need to consult your GP before coming for your massage.

I may use a variety of oils including grapeseed, olive, jojoba, coconut or Ayurvedic oils. You may request your favourite type of oil before your massage.

Swedish massage, or classic massage as it is also known, is a type of holistic treatment primarily designed to promote relaxation by manipulating the muscles in long, gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. However, the benefits of Swedish massage go beyond relaxation as it can help decrease pain, improve mood and sleep, reduce anxiety and improve flexibility. When adapted correctly, it may have very different effects on the body and so it can be as relaxing as it can be energising. It can also specifically target or correct issues in a problem area and utilise deeper more intense massage strokes to relieve tension and myofascial trigger points - commonly known as ‘knots’ - in much more localised areas.

The word ‘holistic’ means whole and this refers to the approach the massage therapist (or any other therapist) takes when treating his or her clients. I take into account a client’s physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual circumstances, in other words their whole person, when deciding the best course of action to treat symptoms. I also work in conjunction with other professionals to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Some people worry that massage could cause cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body. Research has not found any evidence of this happening (MacMillan Cancer Support, 2023), but I will avoid any areas affected by cancer, such as tumour sites or lymph nodes. Talk to your cancer doctor or specialist nurse if you are worried. Depending on your clinical history, I might choose to massage your hands or feet instead. During your touch therapy, it is important to avoid massage in certain areas. This includes: areas that are directly over a tumour or any lymph nodes (glands) affected by cancer areas that are bruised or sensitive areas being treated with radiotherapy, during treatment and for a few weeks after it finishes the area around intravenous catheters (such as central lines) and pain relief patches areas affected by blood clots, poor circulation or varicose veins. It is also important to be particularly gentle if: the cancer has spread to your bones you have a low platelet count (platelets are cells that help the blood to clot). If you usually bleed or bruise easily, or if you have cancer in your bones, speak to your cancer doctor before having massage therapy. *Information taken from McMillan Cancer Support's website (2023).

I'm very happy to provide people with a cancer diagnosis the flexibility they need when undergoing treatment and to allow for their varying levels of fitness and energy from day to day. If you book a 60 minute massage but can only do 30 minutes worth of treatment on the day of your appointment, that is absolutely ok. You can postpone the remaining 30 minutes to another day.

I have been trained by Cancer Support Scotland to deliver specialist massage for those diagnosed with cancer.

Deep tissue is a type of massage therapy that targets the deeper tissues in the human body. Whilst some of the strokes are the same as in classic (Swedish) massage, the pace tends to be slower and pressure is applied more strongly, concentrated on problem areas. Practitioners may use their forearms, elbows, fingertips and knuckles as well as their hands in order to break-up adhesions. These bands of rigid tissue can cause pain and inflammation, and restrict movement and circulation in muscle tissue. You might have a stiff neck and upper back, lower back pain, tight legs or sore shoulders or perhaps you’re just sore after exercising. Deep tissue massage works to realign the different layers of tissue, treating the tendons, ligaments and fascia (the protective layer of tissues which surrounds the bones, joints and muscles) as well as the muscles to release tension and provide pain relief.

Deep tissue massage, when used appropriately, is beneficial in reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS describes muscle pain and tenderness that typically develops several hours post exercise. Not only is deep tissue massage therapeutic, but it can be corrective in those clients that have suffered from muscle tension for a long time (e.g. shoulder and neck pain, lower back pain).

An aromatherapy massage has all the benefits of a classic massage (improved blood and lymph circulation, relaxation, etc) with the added perk of assisting the body’s natural abilities to heal, rest and recover from stress and illness. After discussing your symptoms, a blend of essential oils is prepared for you and blended with a massage oil. When rubbed into the skin, massage oils containing essential oils may provide potent relief from pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, insomnia, digestive issues, constipation, skin disorders, etc. Essential oils are 100% natural, highly concentrated plant essences with many therapeutic properties.

The oils work in two ways. They enter the body through the layers of skin and enter the bloodstream. This is where the essential oils’ chemicals react and have the desired effect on the body. At the same time, the essential oils stimulate the limbic system through our olfactory senses. The limbic system is part of the brain which deals with our emotions and can trigger long lost memories and feelings. This is why certain smells can transport us back to childhood holidays or that perfume your Gran used to wear. It’s one of the most powerful areas of the brain that is not yet fully understood. Each oil has a number of different uses and can be chosen to work in your blend for both its chemical properties and its fragrance. If you’re interested in finding out more about aromatherapy, including the science behind it, please visit this page in BUPA UK.

Yes, but not everyone can have every essential oil rubbed into their skin. For example, if you are pregnant only one essential oil is safe to be used (and only after the first trimester). Individuals with liver problems and taking homeopathic medicine also are restricted as to which essential oils can be used. I will discuss your health history and current symptoms with you before I choose an essential oil blend to use in your treatment.

An aromatherapy compress is an effective way to treat muscular aches and pains, headaches, bruises and reduce inflammation, especially when done simultaneously with a massage treatment. I will add a few drops of essential oils to a bowl of water and soak a cloth cloth in the solution. Depending on your symptoms, the compress may be hot or cold, or or I might alternate between the two. A hot compress can treat chronic pain such as backache, and a cold compress can help relieve acute injuries such as sprains. Because of the attention compresses require, I recommend that you add them to treatments lasting 90 minutes.

As a qualified aromatherapist, I will ensure a small patch test is done before I treat you with essential oils. If I identify a reaction with a particular oil I won’t use it for your treatment. All my oils are purchased from trustworthy sources that sell only 100% pure essential oils. This is important as a lot of oils being sold have been adulterated even though the label will say ‘pure essential oil’.

Manual lymphatic drainage has powerful cleansing, relaxing, pain relieving and immunological effects. It is a gentle, flowing, rhythmic treatment which can be applied to a range of pathologies. It is used to promote the optimal functioning of the lymphatic vessels that lead to the circulatory system. It facilitates the drainage of biochemical waste from tissue via the lymph vessels and the venous capillaries. It’s particularly useful for those recovering from most types of surgery to remove tissue congestion and minimise scar formation. For example, MLD is often used as part of post-mastectomy therapy to reduce edema and fibrosis and to relieve pain and tension. Please note I don’t currently treat lymphedema. More information about MLD can be found here.

Most patients will require 8-12 treatments following surgical procedure over a 2-3 week period but this will vary depending on your general health and area of treatment. There is no way of telling how many treatments your body will require so we will regularly review your health and needs.

If you wear compression garments, you will be asked to take these off for the duration of the treatment. You will be able to keep your underwear and bra during the session but you will be covered with a sheet throughout.

Not at all! Soft tissue tension, stress and fatigue can affect us all, whether we lead active lifestyles or not. Some common causes of the above include poor posture, a demanding job both physically and/or mentally, repetitive activities such as gardening and everyday activities including sitting at a desk or driving for extended periods of time. Therefore many people often achieve symptomatic relief from a sports massage. Also, we are all different so a sports massage before a marathon would be as benefitical to that person as it would be for someone else just before they go for a daily jog, bike cycle or yoga session.

It doesn't have to be! My belief is that you have to work with me, not against me in order to achieve the best results. So even though a Sports session can be intense, it will never feel like agony and plenty of 'rest' time will be given to you.

This type of massage combines my skills as a touch therapist with over 10 years of experience working in therapeutic active listening services including for Rethink Mental Illness, Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Care. You will experience and receive the full benefits of a relaxing massage, along with the benefit of being able to confidentially express how you are feeling and to talk about what is on your mind, free from judgement or expectations. The 60 minute session will allow you to talk at your own pace while I ask open questions that will you support you in expressing your feelings and thoughts.

No. Active Listening is about creating a space where I am focussed in understanding you as an individual and supporting you to explore what you might want to talk about.

No. This is not the same as therapy but it is a safe space where you can talk through similar types of ‘issues’ that you might bring to therapy. I decided to create this service because I found that while clients are relaxed they often seem to want to talk about things that are troubling them. Life can be difficult sometimes and we all carry things so I want to offer a non-judgemental and safe space where people can get both physical and mental support.

I am a fully trained former Samaritans volunteer with years of experience offering support to people with a range of life difficulties and challenges. I have worked with individuals living with several mental illness and their carers for Rethink Mental Illness and have extensive experience in bereavement support, including suicide from my time at Cruse Bereavement Care and Samaritans. I have also therapeutically worked with people with Cancer at Paul's Cancer Support Centre in London. I also have a Ba (Hons) 2:1 in Psychology and Criminology from Coventry University (2010) and have continued my studies in the mental wellbeing field since.

All Ayurvedic massages require a face-to-face consultation which will last approximately 45 minutes. This process enables accurate prescription of the correct Ayurvedic massage and is essential as Ayurveda operates within a fundamentally different framework to that of Western thinking and medicine. Please note that the type of treatment I will recommend to you will depend on your consultation. Not all massage treatments are suitable for everyone. As part of your treatment I may also consult with Ayurvedic doctors I am affiliated with in India to ensure you receive the best possible Ayurvedic care.

During our initial face-to-face appointment, I will go through some questions related to your symptoms as well as lifestyle questions. I will also listen to your pulse in order to make a more accurate diagnosis. Following this, I may consult with Ayurvedic Doctors I am affiliated with should this be necessary. I will then make a recommendation for the type of treatment(s) you should receive and any other lifestyle and diet changes.

The main purpose of Ayurvedic massage is to move energies out of your body and to encourage the absorption of medicated herbs through the skin. It does not work with any muscles specifically but the pressure can still fell firm. Massage strokes often follow a repetitive, hypnotic set pattern which can feel very relaxing. The client needs to be fully unclothed for this treatment and both the front and the back of the body are massaged. However, I will provide a disposable loin cloth in the form of a thong so that your genitals are covered throughout the treatment. Women may choose to bring a bikini top or bra but note that the oils used can be staining. In any case, a woman's breasts will never be directly massaged as part of this treatment but there could be accidental contact due to the type of massage strokes used. Please note that this is not a sexual massage in any way and that I operate a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment. Your dignity, modesty and comfort is of paramount importance to me and I will always make sure you understand what happens during an Ayurvedic massage before administering a treatment. Inappropriate behaviour may be reported to the police.

Yes. The client needs to be fully unclothed for this treatment and both the front and the back of the body are massaged. However, I will provide a disposable undergarment in the form of a thong so that your genitals are covered throughout the treatment. Women may choose to bring a bikini top or bra but note that the oils used can be staining. In any case, a woman's breasts will never be directly massaged as part of this treatment but there could be accidental contact due to the type of massage strokes used. Please note that this is not a sexual massage in any way and that I operate a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment. Your dignity, modesty and comfort is of paramount importance to me and I will always make sure you understand what happens during an Ayurvedic massage before administering a treatment. Inappropriate behaviour may be reported to the police.

Ayurveda believes that treatments are far more therapeutically successful when a massage is received every day. The main purpose of this is to 'treat' imbalances in the 'Doshas' and to receive regular medicated herbs through the massage oil. 7-14 means there's two recommended courses of treatment: 1 massage per day for 7 days or 1 massage per day for 14 days. Still, you may choose to have 'one-off' Ayurvedic massages but this won't be as effective.

More than regular massages do! It's recommended that you don't bring any expensive clothing to your appointment as they could be ruined. At the end of your appointment you will have some time to towel off the excess oil from your skin but it's recommended that you keep it on for as long as possible, ideally until the next day. This is because oil is protective and it is the medium used to support absorption of medicated herbs into the body. These medicated herbs are fundamental in the balancing of the 'Doshas'.

In Ayurveda, oil massages should be done before sunset. This is because the body's capacity to absorb the oil diminishes as the day goes on.

Not always. Often, they contain cow or goat milk. If you're vegan, please let me know so I can choose a more suitable oil for you.

This is a possibility due to the ingredients in the oils. However, you will be provided with a towel at the end of your massage to wipe off the excess oils. It's advisable that you wear old clothes you don't care too much about when you come for an Ayurvedic massage.

Please read this page. You can also find more information about Ayurveda at the Association of Ayurvedic Institute UK.

I have completed a 100 hour Ayurvedic Massage course at the School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma in South India. I am currently working towards a 700 hour Ayurvedic course, aiming to complete it by May 2023. I am not an Ayurvedic doctor although I will consult with doctors I am affiliated with as part of your consultation. I can signpost you to a doctor should this be necessary. In India, it takes an Ayurvedic Doctor almost 6 years to complete their qualification.

The type of massage treatment I will recommend to you will depend on your consultation and pulse diagnosis. Not all massage treatments are suitable for everyone. I will also advise on the frequency of treatment and make lifestyle / diet recommendations alongside your treatment plan.

The best thing is to have no expectations when you come for a treatment. Some people feel warmth, reduction in stress and anxiety, increase in energy, reduction in pain...the possibilities are many and varied. There is no 'one thing' that should happen during a session. It's also quite common for people to fall asleep and this is absolutely fine.

Reiki practitioners work on the basis that they channel Reiki 'universal and vital' energy to the person receiving it and this enables healing of mind, body and spirit. However, Reiki practioners are not working with 'spirits' of any type, reading minds or with any other paranormal phenomenon. However, bear in mind some Reiki practitioners might also bring in other skills to their Reiki practice. When you receive Reiki from me, I am channeling Reiki energy only.

Only you can answer this question. I would encourage you to reflect on how you feel before a session and how you feel after a session. Due to the nature of Reiki, it is impossible to guarantee outcomes but a lot of people feel and believe that they benefit from receiving Reiki energy. The best way to know is to try it for yourself.

Ki (or chi in Chinese) is a Japanese word meaning spirit or energy. It is a complex and somewhat elusive concept that will vary greatly depending on the culture and philsophical current explaining it. It is similar to the concept of Prana in Yoga and Ayurveda.

Reiki therapy, as we understand it today, relates to the system of healing 'discovered' and developed by Mikao Usui in the 1920s in Japan. However, he did not invent the energy Ki.

Even though Western trainings of Reiki vary considerably from the training one would receive in Japan, it is generally accepted that one style of training isn't necessarily superior to any other and that the quality of energy received isn't superior either, despite the different techniques being employed. I was trained in the Mikau Usui method with a lineage that traces back to Hawayo Takata who helped introduce and disseminate Reiki to the Western world.

No, I have a level 2 certificate in Reiki therapy.

Yes, there's no need to take your clothes off during a Reiki session.

Please check out the section of my website called Somatic Trauma Therapy where you’ll find answers to most of your questions about this body based intervention. https://www.olivetreetherapies.com/somatictraumatherapy