Holistic Healing
Modern & Ancient
I am Heather, a holistic wellness professional based in Birmingham. I have been a medical doctor for 30 years & have transitioned to holistic healing focusing on plant essential oils, massage, energy healing & meditative journeying; a medicine woman.
I grew up in Africa with plant & energetic spiritual healing. I chose to work in clinical medicine; as a GP, various hospital specialities, but mainly in Paediatric Intensive Care & clinical research. During my years at the bedside, I realised that there are many aspects to healing, reducing suffering & optimising health. I felt there was more to learn about natural healing & that there wasn’t the time or scope to do this whilst working within a hospital. I decided to return to learn more about complementary healthcare to take my healing in a more natural direction.
My focus is plant medicine & I have studied plant essential oils & delivery through massage as well as plant spirit medicine, psychedelic medicine, energy healing, family constellations, chanting, drumming, meditation, journeying & ceremonial work. It seems like a leap from ICU to holistic healing but for me it’s not. Deep listening, hands on healing, & a holistic approach has always been important to me. It's been an interesting journey with my clinical & research background and I enjoy diving into the latest evidence and explanations for the effectiveness.
You may have found my space because you have physical health problems, emotional or spiritual issues, or you just need some deep, relaxing time. We will craft a way for you to realise these intentions.
We’ll start with a consultation to discover your intention or need; previous therapy, medication and allergies are all important. This helps to know which oils & therapies are best for you & those to avoid. We’ll discuss options, expectations & agree a plan together.
I offer aromatherapy massage, holistic healing sessions & a more meditative massage journey in the appointments which gives a time frame but really we’ll do what it is that will work for you.
My services
Aromatherapy
For thousands of years, we have been deeply connected to plants for nutrition & healing. Essential oils are extracted, concentrated plant oils. Through traditional knowledge & scientific study we use these plant gifts to help us heal. Aromatherapy & massage are holistic approaches to healing, considering the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit.
Essential oils can be applied and absorbed through the skin during massage using oil or cream, with a compress or in the bath. They are also absorbed through our respiratory mucous membranes & through the olfactory (smell) nerve where they can pass directly to the brain. Depending on the combination of natural plant chemicals in each oil they can have physical, cognitive, emotional & spiritual effects.
Massage
Massage is a hands on healing method that uses oil, lotion or powder to help the therapists hands move over the skin. Different techniques are used for relaxation, to improve circulation, release knots in muscle & fascia, stimulate or calm the nervous system & manage pain. There are different techniques: Classical or Swedish is the basis & then there are additional deep tissue, Thai, Indian, Hawaiian and sports techniques that can be used. The room is a calming, gentle space & I play music or nature sounds.
Usually you start lying face down on the massage table in your underwear & covered by towels. The second half you will turn over onto your back and remain covered by towels.
Holistic healing
Complementary healing can be used alone or in combination. These include talking, walking in nature, energy or crystal healing, sound therapy, meditative or shamanic journeying, breath work, voice work, drumming and ceremonial work. Some people have had these ways of healing before but for many they are unfamiliar. If you’re curious about these we can gently introduce them and see if they resonate with you. These ways of healing were used by our ancestors for thousands of years. We are now starting to understand why & how they may work through clinical studies.
Giving ourselves time to work out what’s important to us in this time, what we want to keep, what we want to let go and what we want to grow towards involves intention setting. I will often ask “What you be your intentions for this session?” It’s surprising how hard it is to come up with these really important aspects and choices in our life. However, through talking, clarifying and finding authentic our words we come closer to our intentions. It’s a skill worth practising and revisiting. Spend a week working out your intentions for your life. Draw a circle on a page of paper. In the circle write all the people, things and situations you want to keep or gain in your life. Outside the circle write all those things you want to let go; they no longer serve you. Each day revisit and edit your intentions until after about seven days you are satisfied that these are your choices. You can either keep it in your journal or commit your intentions to the spirits you engage with.
Skills & qualifications
Aromatherapy & Massage Practitioner
Modern Medicine Woman Practitioner
Voice & Sound Healing
Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine & Culture
Medicine, Paediatrics & Intensive Care: I’m no longer practising medicine but carry the knowledge & skills with me. I have experience & ongoing interest in supporting NHS staff, healers & carers.
Evidence-based holistic or alternative therapy searches. With the increasing evidence-base and my experience in research I can help you to search for the therapies that will likely work for you. This has been useful in people with Anxiety, Depression, Parkinsons, Dementia, Cancer related and other chronic pain syndromes. Together we can understand the current science and build a plan for you.
Welcome to my space
Depending on your needs and the sort of healing we’re planning we will meet in a peaceful room in a holistic healing space near Longbridge or Barnt Green. We could also meet in a nature-based setting nearby.
Reviews & feedback
Holly
“My first experience with Heather was very powerful. She took time to complete a thorough consultation; asking me about my needs for the session. Heather expertly chose both essential oils and music to match my intention. I found myself in a dreamy state in Africa listening to the sounds of drums. It was a beautiful treatment from start to finish!”
Agatha
“I recently had my second aromatherapy massage with Heather, and it was truly a soothing experience. The massage itself was deeply relaxing, but the treatment offers so much more. Heather’s skilful touch, the calming fragrance of the essential oils, and the thoughtfully selected music created a powerful and profound experience. As I gradually relaxed, I felt myself drifting into a peaceful state of consciousness, embraced by a deep sense of calm.
In addition to the massage Heather offered expert guidance and personalised advice that I can easily integrate into my daily life. Her medical background instills a high level of trust, making me feel completely at ease, knowing I am in safe and capable hands.”
Jane
“Heather’s expertise means total relaxation whilst she works out what you need. From the initial questions and crystals to the massage it is total relaxation and recovery!”
Izzy
“I had a wonderful aromatherapy experience with Heather. She created a warm, safe space for the consultation & session. Heather’s therapy room is a light, yet cosy room enabling individuals to feel at home quickly. I felt a sense of peace, calm and stillness. There is an option to lie down or simply sit in a chair and I found this helpful and more accessible than some therapists rooms. The oils that Heather chose were provided in a cream which enabled me to use them with greater ease. She explained about the oils and a background to how they work. I was able to ask questions about the properties of particular oils. The addition of music during the session gave me time to relax and reflect. I would highly recommend Heather .”
Vik
“The standard of treatment and attentiveness is very high. I have not previously experienced such a level of holistic and physical attainment both during and after a treatment. Have already rebooked.”
Carrie
“I 100% recommend Heather for a massage. I booked in for an Aromatherapy massage and sank so deep into complete relaxation. Heather’s techniques are very different to techniques I’ve had before from other therapists. With the music she plays and the ambience of the room, I felt I drifted off into another country. Really beautiful experience. Have rebooked."
Let’s get started on your healing journey
The best way to start is to book an aromatherapy massage or an online call. We can meet, discuss your intentions & needs & take it from there.
Call (+44) 07876356900
or
Email Featherleafhealing@gmail.com
A 15 minute call to discuss whether this is for you is free
As a guide to prices:
Aromatherapy & holistic massage journey for 1 .5 - 2 hours £60
Visualisation meditation/ Shamanic drum journey £negotiated
Discussion regarding Psychedelic medicine £60/hr
I’m open to skills and healing trades too
