If you are new to my site (hello, it’s so lovely to have you here 😊) I have decided to dedicate a blog post each month to one of the amazing Mum-owned local businesses here in Kent.
We really do have *so* many fantastic businesses right on our doorstep which are owned and run by incredible local Mums, and I think it is so important to celebrate them and show them what a great job they are doing.
This month I had the pleasure of spending time with Lauren Renda - Kent Mummy, fully qualified holistic therapist, and the proud owner of Relax and Rebalance Holistic Therapies.
I was lucky enough to spend a lovely afternoon with Lauren in her private treatment room in Larkfield, Maidstone.
We chatted about what she does, how *every* session tailored to the individual’s needs, and why she is so passionate about helping people to lead a happier and healthier life through holistic treatments…
Tell us about your Kent-based business and what services you offer?
I am a Holistic therapist based in Larkfield, Maidstone.
I offer treatments for women including Reflexology, maternity Reflexology, crystal healing and ear candling.
Is there a story behind the name you chose?
I wanted to give my clients a safe space where they can fully relax.
When we are stressed and in a constant state of fight, flight or freeze (driven by our sympathetic nervous system) our bodies produce cortisol which increases blood pressure, heart rate, causes muscle tensions, headaches and digestive issues. This can cause long term damage if left unresolved.
When we are relaxed, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated - the opposing system to the sympathetic nervous system. This system is known as 'rest and digest' and slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure and helps digestion.
As lots of conditions (headaches, aches and pains, digestive issues, sleeping troubles) are caused or heightened by stress, it is so important for us to be able to reduce stress levels and give our bodies the opportunity to heal.
Or in other words, give our bodies the chance to 'relax' and 'rebalance'.
And holistic treatments are an amazing way to do this!
What do you offer to your clients that no-one else does?
My number one goal is to ensure my clients feel heard, understood and are comfortable.
I always take the time to do a thorough consultation to understand my clients medical background and to check that Reflexology is suitable for them.
I'm always here with a tissue or a hug if needed and will always treat my clients with the respect and time they need.
Prior to the treatment, I talk through what to expect so any first time nerves are tackled (although it is a lovely lovely treatment, if it's something new, some people do find this a little unsettling) and I take the time to ensure my client is the most comfortable they can be, moving pillows and bolsters and through the use of towels and blankets. Only then will I start the treatment!
Where does your inspiration come from?
I previously worked in recruitment and suffered badly with anxiety and panic attacks.
The environment was extremely stressful and high pressured, and after finding out we were expecting our first baby, I decided to resign so I did not put the baby under too much stress.
I had always been a fan of holistic therapies and had always tried to live my life in this way.
I had tried lots of different therapies and herbal medicines etc and decided to retrain and follow my passion and desire to help others.
What is your favourite part of your job?
That's a hard one because I genuinely do love it all.
I love connecting with other women, learning about new techniques & new therapies, I love how relaxed and grounded it makes me feel.
But I guess if I had to pick one thing, it would be the lovely feeling when I see how relaxed and happy my clients are at the end of treatment and hearing the progress my clients have made with their health since starting reflexology.
To hear a good news story with clients who have previously struggled with fertility and have fallen pregnant, or how someone suffering with crippling anxiety is finally able to relax, it is just the most wonderful feeling 🥰
If you would like to know more about the wonderful work that Lauren does, please give her a follow (and your support) on social media:
Claire xx