About heather
Hello, I’m Heather Ashley (BA BSc Dipp MAR) and I am a Holistic Therapist based in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire. I am a retreat therapist working with Stables Wellbeing and Meddwl Coed Writing Retreats. I’m fully qualified in Shiatsu, Reiki and Reflexology and a member of Association of Reflexologists. I also have a BSc in Psychology.
therapies
Holistic foot massage promoting relaxation, stress relief, and improved wellness
Type of gentle, constant massage that releases tightness and pain throughout your myofascial tissues
reflexology
Reflexology is a centuries-old holistic therapy that utilizes a gentle, non-invasive touch to promote natural healing. By applying pressure to specific points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face, or ears – known as 'reflexes' – it aims to address imbalances within the body. These reflexes correspond to various organs, muscles, and glands, creating a profound healing effect on the entire body.
With roots dating back over 5000 years, reflexology has evolved from a simple 'treat' to a recognized 'health treatment.' It supports the body's innate ability to heal itself, maintaining equilibrium and balance even in healthy individuals.
The treatment covers the whole of your feet or hands. Starting with foot massage therapists then use their thumbs or fingers to ‘caterpiller crawl’ over every area, applying pressure to particular points.
Though some areas can be highly sensitive, the overall feeling should be relaxing and not ticklish or painful. For this treatment you will be comfortable seated in a Lafuma chair. Any clothes are fine as long as I can access your hands or feet.
Reiki
Reiki is a spiritual healing practice that originated in Japan and is centered on the concept of energy flow within the body.
It involves the gentle laying of hands on or just above the body to channel energy and encourage physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. When energy flow is disrupted, it can lead to imbalances, which may result in physical or emotional discomfort. By restoring the balance of energy, Reiki aims to support the body's natural healing processes.
Clients often report feeling warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation during the treatment.
Reiki is gentle and non-invasive, and can have profound effects, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of overall well-being.
For a Reiki session, you'll typically lie down fully clothed on a treatment table. The atmosphere is calm and soothing, with soft music playing in the background to enhance relaxation. There's no need for special clothing or preparation; simply wear something comfortable that allows you to relax.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese therapeutic practice that combines acupressure with gentle stretches and manipulations to promote overall well-being. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, it works by applying pressure to specific points along the body's energy pathways, or meridians, with the goal of balancing the flow of "Qi" (life force energy). By doing so, Shiatsu aims to release blockages, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing abilities.
In a Shiatsu session, thumbs, fingers, palms, and sometimes elbows or knees are used to apply rhythmic pressure to key points on the body.
This pressure is firm but not painful, designed to stimulate energy flow and release tension. The treatment also involves gentle stretches and rotations of the limbs to enhance flexibility and alleviate stiffness.
Shiatsu is performed on a padded mat / futon, clients remain fully clothed during the session. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended to allow ease of movement. The overall experience is deeply relaxing and grounding, helping to reduce stress, relieve pain, and restore balance to both body and mind.
myofascial therapy
Myofascial therapy is a specialized form of bodywork aimed at relieving tension and discomfort within the fascia—the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs.
This therapy involves applying sustained pressure to areas of tightness or restriction in the fascia, helping to release built-up tension and improve mobility.
By targeting specific areas of stiffness or pain, myofascial therapy promotes better circulation, reduces inflammation, and helps restore the natural movement patterns of the body.
It is commonly used to treat chronic pain, postural issues, and muscle tightness, offering relief and improved flexibility for conditions such as back pain, migraines, or injury recovery.
Using hands, fingers, or specialised tools to gently stretch and manipulate the fascia, gradually releasing areas of tension. Though some spots may feel tender, the overall experience should be deeply relaxing and rejuvenating, leaving you with a greater sense of ease and movement throughout your body.
scar therapy
Scar therapy is a holistic approach designed to improve the appearance and flexibility of scar tissue while supporting the body's natural healing process. This gentle, non-invasive treatment focuses on manipulating the scar and surrounding tissue to promote better circulation, reduce tightness, and minimize discomfort.
By applying targeted pressure and specialized massage techniques to the scar area, the aim is to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve the overall health of the skin.
Scar therapy can be beneficial for scars of all types, whether they are from surgery, injury, or burns, and can enhance the body's ability to regenerate healthy tissue over time.
While some parts of the scar might feel more sensitive, the treatment is designed to be soothing and comfortable. The therapist will ensure that the pressure is adjusted to your comfort level, providing a relaxing experience that helps the body recover more fully.
Contact
Root and Vine Therapies
Locations: Llandielo, Trapp, Ammonford, Llanelli, Carmarthen,