Reflexology is a specialised massage of the 7,000+ nerve endings on your feet and reflex areas, to bring about a state of deep relaxation and to stimulate the body's own healing processes. It’s based on the theory that every part of the human body-organs, glands, muscles, tissues, ligaments and our emotional health can be mapped to specific reflex points on our feet and therefore affected by any pressure applied to these points. 

 Using fingers, thumbs and knuckles, therapists apply gentle, yet systematic pressure to certain reflexes to locate areas that may feel out of balance (often described as feeling ‘crunchy’ or grizzly’). This in turn stimulates the body’s own healing process and a return to homeostasis. 

 Since your feet are constantly under pressure the process is deeply soothing, independent of any other positive benefits. 

Some of the most well-supported benefits of reflexology treatment are:

Boosted energy levels, 

Increased circulation, 

Balance hormones,

 Respiratory boosting,

 Deep relaxation, 

Pregnancy support, 

Headache reduction,

 Relieving pain,

 Eliminate toxins, 

Support gut health

Improved sleep.

 Louise received a Clinical Reflexology Diploma from the Complementary Health School and Massage Diploma training with ‘Essentials for Health’. She has worked in a variety of educational, holistic and medical settings across offering reflexology treatment in Portobello, Edinburgh. 

Louise is passionate about a holistic approach to health and well being, and has both personally and professionally seen the many wide ranging benefits that reflexology can provide.

Your initial treatment will begin with a consultation, to enable your treatment to be tailored your individual needs both physically and emotionally.

 Reiki is an ancient Japanese healing technique that calms the nervous system, activating the bodies parasympathetic state. This treatment enhances emotional, physical and mental well-being. Reiki is great for connecting back to your highest self and releasing blocked energy centres, leaving you feel lighter and rejuvenated. Ideal for anyone suffering with anxiety, overwhelm, sleep issues, burnout or needing a form of deep relaxation. The healing you need is already within you, I am simply your guide. 

The body holds SO much. Even when the mind has forgotten, the body holds onto the tension and it can become trapped in the body. Cupping therapy encourages blood flow, releasing stagnant energy from the body. Darker marks show a deep release of tension emotionally and physically where as no marks can be a sign of a lack of heat, energy and blood flow. The feeling of the cups is a suction, painless and is deeply relaxing. 

This is a great option for anyone dealing with emotional or physical tension, congestion (great for winter!), chronic pain or inflammation and suppressed emotions.

Nicole is a reiki and cupping practitioner, trained in Scotland by Jade Mordente in Usui Ryoho Holy Fire I & II and White Rabbit for Cupping Practitioners. As a licensed practitioner with the UK Reiki Federation, Nicole discovered her passion for helping others through holistic therapies after navigating her own journey with Fibromyalgia and chronic burnout in 2020, she found purpose in using these practices to promote nervous system regulation, self love and rest through healing in the body.

Hi, I’m Astrid from Holistic Aquila, an integrative and trauma-informed holistic therapist.

I help people achieve nervous system regulation and healing. I have a specialist interest in trauma and/or chronic illness recovery fuelled by my own journey of healing but I welcome anyone seeking support. After a decade of training in an eclectic range of offerings, I’m excited to offer my services at Portobello Health Hub to anyone seeking greater ease in their mind, body, and soul.

My main offering is somatic therapy which a body-centered approach to healing trauma that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It operates on the principle that traumatic experiences can get “stuck” in the body as physical tension, constricted breathing, and other somatic symptoms. Unlike traditional talk therapy that primarily focuses on cognitive processing of events, somatic therapy aims to release this stored trauma by bringing awareness to and working with these physical sensations.

This modality employs a variety of techniques, including breathwork, energy work, sound healing, grounding practices, and embodiment exercises. These techniques work together to help individuals regulate their nervous systems, facilitating a return to a state of calm and balance. By addressing both physical and emotional aspects of trauma, somatic healing aims to promote overall well-being and resilience.

Somatic therapy can be booked to encompass all my offerings or you can book the rest individually including:

Shamanic healing

Reiki

Cupping 

Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage

Fully insured with holistic services insurance and a member of the federation of holistic therapists

Meditation & Group Healing

Join me for twice-monthly guided meditation and group Reiki healing sessions, designed to help you relax, let go, and connect with your inner stillness. The intimate group of 5 fosters a welcoming and supportive environment where you can unwind and explore your inner world.

Possible themes:

Relaxation and visualisation

Elemental healing

Nature connection

Shamanism and spirit animals

Seasonal changes

Empowerment and self-discovery