Massage therapy for women in Stornoway
Hi, I'm Sheila, and my friends call me Shi Shi. I'm a CIBTAC qualified body massage therapist here in Stornoway. I believe women's wellbeing is essential, that massage therapy isn't a luxury but a crucial part of self-care, and that women's bodies are unique and need specialist expertise. I have a clinical space in central Stornoway by Tescos!
I offer three types of massage therapy for women in Stornoway
Menopausal massage therapy
£60
50-minute full body massage with menopausal acupressure. This treatment includes massage of the feet, legs, and tummy.
Swedish full body massage therapy
£60
50-minute full body massage. This treatment includes massage of the feet, legs, and tummy.
Half body massage therapy
£35
30-minute massage therapy for two body areas of choice: back and legs, neck and head, etc
"I felt an overall sense of calm, which eased my racing thoughts and anxiety...
I’ve also been using the pressure point just above my wrist to steady myself when I feel overwhelmed. I noticed some tummy rumbles afterwards, but no discomfort or extra gas."
A happy client :)
Meet Shi Shi
For those of you I’ve not bumped into in the Co-op…
I am your average everyday Lewis girl: born and raised in Nagaland northeast India (yes it is a real place and you don’t get there through a wardrobe!) settled in Stornoway (via South Lochs) for over 20 years where I have raised two gaelic speaking children - now flown the nest, kind of.
Massage therapy is not an indulgence
Massage therapy is more than pampering, more than muscular, even more than relaxation. It is touch, and I believe in touch.
Do you remember being a baby? Probably not, but your body does. It is our first sense – touch and the absence of touch. Closeness. We discover our own physical form through being touched. Having lotion applied to our skin, having our hair brushed, the scratch of a wool jumper being pulled over our heads.
The healing power of touch
Touch is a sense like any other sense. A smell can instantly take you back in time, or even for a split second, connect you with someone who is no longer here. Anyone else not washed an item of clothing for years? Not all smells, sounds and sights do this, only some.
The same is true of touch, it is equally complex and equally connected. But we don’t acknowledge this as much, and as a culture we don’t explore it. Touch changes for us all through life, but this change is especially powerful for women.
As our body awakens into adulthood, touch becomes something magical (and scary!); some of us are blessed with children and the cycle begins again – touch and closeness.
Touch is the forgotten sense
Your body is no longer your own, but it is in constant demand, you are needed, you are important. So, then our children grow up. For many of us there is the terrible first refusal of a hug, they’re off finding their own way, entering their own magical realm of touch – we lose them, and in a way grieve them.
What happens to our world of touch after this? Let’s just say the lads are no longer queuing for the magic show! Our essential life-giving and nurturing shift has ended. We're left with the memories and it drifts into the past. The absence of touch.
The importance of massage therapy
This is why massage therapy is so important – it releases all this stored-up memory that can only be activated by touch – the baby, the child, the mother.
Massage therapy is more than pampering, more than muscular, even more than relaxation. Come and see Shi Shi and we can explore and expand your world of touch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do you have?
I'm a CIBTAC qualified body massage therapist and a member of BABTAC, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology. I hold CIBTAC certificates in both Body Massage and Menopause Massage, so you're in trained, insured hands. I also bring years of lived experience as a woman going through menopause myself.
What happens in full body massage therapy?
When you arrive for your first visit we chat through a medical form to ensure massage is safe for you. We'll chat about how you're feeling and what you need. Your massage is 50 minutes of full body work, with warm oils and a calm, unhurried pace. After there's time for a natter and some aftercare advice.
How much is it and what are the options?
A full body massage is £60 for 50 minutes. If you'd prefer something shorter, a half body massage is £35 for 30 minutes, focusing on two areas of your choice, such as back and legs, or neck and head. If you're an blue light card holder or other frontline worker, please ask about the discount when you book.
I've never had a massage before, is that OK?
Completely OK, and you'd be in good company. Plenty of the women I see are booking their first ever massage. There's nothing to prepare and nothing you need to know beforehand. I'll talk you through everything, go at your pace, and you can ask me anything at any point.
I'm shy, do I have to get undressed fully for massage therapy?
Not at all, it's completely your choice and I'll always follow your wishes. For the best full body experience, undressing to your underwear gives the best results. There's a private area to undress in your own time, and you're covered with towels throughout, with only the area being worked on ever exposed. If you have any concerns, let's arrange a chat before your appointment.
Where does the massage therapy in Stornoway take place?
Your massage happens in a dedicated, private clinical space near Tesco's in Stornoway, on a professional electronically adjustable massage bed. It's a clean, calm and warm setting with pro-level equipment and all amenities, delicately arrange to help you fully relax.