The Scottish Therapy Academy

Hot stone therapy is so much more than just a massage…

A lot of people think hot stone treatments are simply about using warm stones to massage the body. And it is…

But when you learn hot stone therapy, there’s so much more to it.

You’ll learn how to use placement stones to gently warm and relax the muscles before the massage even begins, using palm stones to create a beautiful flowing treatment while being kinder to your own hands and thumbs (you know what I’m talking about if you’ve been doing body massage for a while) 😉

We also work with semi-precious crystals on the chakra points to add another layer of relaxation and wellbeing. A truly holistic experience.

That’s what I love about holistic therapies. They’re not just about easing tight muscles. They’re about creating an experience that helps your client completely switch off and gives them time to rest, relax and reset.

It’s one of those treatments that clients remember… and keep coming back for.

Looking forward to teaching this on Monday and welcoming students adding this holistic therapy to their treatment menu.

Have you ever experienced a hot stone therapy treatment? I’d love to know what you thoughts 💗

Yesterday was all about discovering the beautiful world of Ayurveda.

Our students didn’t just learn a facial. They explored an ancient system of wellbeing that has been helping people find balance for thousands of years.

We looked at:
💗The three doshas and how they influence the mind, body and skin.
💗The facial marma points and why these energy points are so important.
💗The Kansa wand and how this traditional tool can help create a wonderfully calming and restorative treatment.
💗How an Ayurvedic facial is about so much more than skincare. It’s about supporting the whole person.

One of the things I love most about teaching holistic therapies is seeing students realise there’s always something deeper to learn.

Every new technique, every philosophy and every treatment gives you another way to help your clients feel better, not just look better.

That’s what holistic therapy is all about.

A huge well done to everyone who joined us yesterday. You all did brilliantly, and I can’t wait to see you bringing these beautiful techniques into your own treatments. 💗

Have you ever experienced an Ayurvedic facial, or is it on your list to try?

As we finished up Holistic Week with Indian Head Massage, I found myself reflecting on everything that happens during a week like this.

Yes, there’s plenty of learning. New techniques, new knowledge and lots of hands-on practice.

But that’s only part of the story.

There’s the laughter that fills the room.
The moments of self-doubt that turn into confidence.
The encouragement everyone gives each other.
The friendships.
The happy tears.
The sad tears.
The healing.

The realisation that you’re capable of so much more than you thought.

Watching someone arrive feeling nervous and leave standing a little taller, believing in themselves and excited about what’s next, is one of the greatest privileges of my job.

To every single one of these wonderful women this week, thank you for making this week so special.

Your kindness, support and enthusiasm created such a lovely atmosphere, and I couldn’t be prouder of everything you’ve achieved.

If you’ve been thinking about learning a holistic therapy, maybe this is your sign. You won’t just leave with a new qualification. You’ll leave with new confidence, new memories and the belief that you’re capable of more than you ever imagined. 💗

Today the students are building and learning on the techniques yesterday and bringing it all together

They’re learning the core Swedish massage techniques, including:

• Effleurage for warming the tissues and promoting relaxation.
• Petrissage to gently lift, knead and mobilise the muscles.
• Tapotement to stimulate and invigorate the tissues.
• Frictions to work more specifically into areas of tension.
• Vibrations to encourage relaxation and help release tightness.

Every technique has a purpose, It’s about knowing which technique to use, when to use it, and adapting your treatment to the person on the couch.

By the end of today, they’ll be growing in confidence and putting all of these skills into a full body massage.

I can’t wait to see how they all get on! 💗

Today was one of those days that reminds me why I love what I do.

Yes, everyone was learning holistic body massage, taking that next step towards their goals.

But something else happened too.

A room full of women, who had never met before, encouraging each other, laughing together, crying together, sharing stories and reminding one another that they’re capable of more than they often give themselves credit for.

That’s what I hope every student experiences when they come through our doors.

A place where it’s safe to ask questions, make mistakes, build confidence and simply be yourself.

Learning a new skill can change your career, but being surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you succeed can change so much more.

Thank you to today’s wonderful group for making it such a special day. 💗

Holistic body massage is one of those skills that never goes out of style.

In today’s fast-paced world, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce stress, ease muscular tension and take better care of their wellbeing.

That’s why body massage continues to be one of the most requested treatments in the industry.

Whether you’re looking for a complete career change, starting your own business, or you’re already a therapist wanting to expand your treatment menu, holistic body massage is an excellent foundation to build on.

On our course, you’ll learn more than just a massage routine.

You’ll gain the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to deliver a professional, relaxing treatment that your clients will love.

It’s a skill you can take anywhere, one that allows you to make a genuine difference to how people feel while creating flexible career opportunities for yourself.

If you’ve been thinking about taking that first step into holistic therapy, this could be exactly where your journey begins. 💗

Message us for upcoming course dates or visit our website to book your place.

Can we clear up one of the biggest misconceptions around manual lymphatic drainage?

A lot of what you’re seeing online isn’t traditional manual lymphatic drainage.

Now, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

Treatments using wooden tools, deeper pressure, and contouring techniques are often aimed at body sculpting.

And body sculpting can be a fantastic treatment in its own right.

But it’s different from traditional manual lymphatic drainage.

Traditional MLD is a gentle, rhythmical treatment that works with the lymphatic system, where the lymphatic vessels sits just beneath the skin.

It’s not designed to work deeply into the muscles or aggressively sculpt the body.

Instead, the focus is on supporting the natural movement of lymph fluid through specific pressure, direction, and rhythm.

Could you feel less puffy afterwards? Absolutely !

Could certain areas appear a little more defined? Possibly!

But with MLD that is not the goal.

The goal of traditional MLD is to support the body’s natural lymphatic system and overall wellbeing.

We’ve all heard the expression ‘less is more.’

And when it comes to traditional manual lymphatic drainage, that couldn’t be more true.

It’s no surprise that manual lymphatic drainage has become one of the most talked-about treatments in the wellbeing industry.

As more people focus on health, wellness, and taking better care of themselves, they’re looking for treatments that support the body in a gentle, natural way.

Traditional MLD isn’t about force, discomfort, or working deeper.

It’s about precision, relaxation, and supporting the body’s natural processes.

And that’s why, when it comes to manual lymphatic drainage, less really is more.

Follow for more 💗

Here at the Scottish Therapy Academy we offer 4 different massage training courses

1. Swedish massage : your foundation. Working on the muscles, releasing tension, improving circulation. This is where most people begin their training journey.

2. Manual lymphatic drainage: a totally different skill. Super light touch, targeting the lymphatic system. Brilliant for clients feeling puffy, fluid retention, sluggish or run down.

You’ll need to have already done Swedish /holistic body massage first before moving into this one.

3. Hot stone massage: the deep heat of basalt stones combined with body massage techniques.

Incredible for chronic tension. You’ll need your body massage qualification before training in this one.

4. Indian head massage: upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face.
Perfect for stress, tension headaches and you don’t need any previous experience or qualifications to get started with this one.

So where do you start?

Either Swedish/Holistic Body Massage or Indian head, both are perfect entry points for complete beginners.

DM me and I’ll help you figure out which one is right for you 💆‍♀️💗

My copy of The Freedom-Based Business Method arrived and it felt like the perfect opportunity to share a little appreciation.

I’ve followed Natalie Ellis .inc and have learned so much from her training, and content. And now her book!

What I admire isn’t just the success she’s created. It’s the way she’s built a business, raised a family, navigated the challenges that come with both, and continues to show up and share what she’s learning along the way.

As women, I think it’s important that we celebrate each other’s achievements.

There is room for all of us.

Seeing other women succeed doesn’t take anything away from us. If anything, it expands our belief in what’s possible.

So thank you for the inspiration, the lessons and the reminder that growth never stops.

Who is a woman in business that inspires you?

Over the years, I’ve taught hundreds of students.

Some wanted a complete career change.

Some wanted to escape the 9-5.

Some wanted a side business.

And some simply followed a feeling that there had to be something more.

What they all had in common?

They started before they felt completely ready.

Nobody arrives with all the confidence, all the answers and a perfect plan.

They start with curiosity, take one step, learn one skill, and build from there.

It’s amazing what can happen when you stop talking yourself out of something and start giving yourself permission to try.

Maybe that’s exactly where you are right now.

Are you curious? 🧐

DM with any questions. Always happy to help💗