Gunnedah massage therapist in line for industry award

Earlier this month, the local massage therapist was notified that she was a finalist in the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and Nature & Health 2016 Industry Awards.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Sally said.

“I guess I was pretty excited that so many people thought I was worthy of it. I didn’t expect it.

“Thank you to all the lovely people who nominated me for this award.”

Sally began her business in 2007 after completing a diploma of remedial massage, a diploma of integrated body therapies, and a certificate four in aromatherapy at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies in Sydney.

Over the past nine years, she has given infant massage demonstrations at Melba Turner’s mothers’ group, and gained a certificate in oncology massage.

Sally said she decided to pursue massage when she was at a Year 7 reflection day with St Mary’s College at the age of 12.

“I chose to do massage because I really like to help people,” she said.

“I love doing massage. I really enjoy the challenge of when someone comes in, to try to work out the best approach for that person.

“I like being able to relieve some of their muscular tension and help them to walk out feeling better.”

The 29-year-old said some clients came for stress relief and others just wanted to be pampered.

“I think in order to make the room a relaxing space, I’ve used soft lighting and calming colours,” she said.

Sally said she used soothing music to create a tranquil atmosphere and 100 per cent pure essential oils to promote restoration.

“I like to use oils that are rubefacient to warm up the muscles and analgesic to help ease muscular pain,” she said.

“I use sweet almond oil as my base oil. I also use sunflower oil for clients who are allergic to nuts.”

The winners of the ATMS and Nature & Health 2016 Industry Awards will be announced on November 19, and will be profiled in the Nature & Health magazine.