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Finding the right treatment for your needs can at times be trial and error, depending on how you like to experience treatment or what helps the most. If you would like any guidance, you can reach out to Practitioners you know or are drawn to. Otherwise email the Practice manager [email protected]. Read more about finding the right body treatment for you or check out our advanced clinical massage services.

See our specialist Acupuncturists for Fertility and Pregnancy support. Plus, see what else we can offer you throughout your journey including prenatal, pregnancy and post natal treatment.

Finding the best ways to help you relax is key. Check out our full range of relaxation treatments or massage treatments at Shine. Perhaps you could also use some support through counselling, or some guidance around what is next in life and how to get there.

From natural skin care, relaxing facials and peels, to dermatology and injectables, we have it all here for you at Shine.

Fabiana, our Nutritionist, specialises in supporting women through this phase of life. She can also recommend what other holistic treatment may be of use to you including Acupuncture. Read more about Perimenopause here.

Our Shine Stylists are essentially sculptors of Hair! Its part of the training, but it also becomes an instinctive skill over time. They will take in the inspiration image/s that you have brought with you. They can look at your face shape and features to see if it can work, or how they can nod to that style whilst making sures it compliments your bone structure. The goal isn’t to follow strict rules, but to balance proportions. All of which is discussed at the beginning of your Hair Cut appointment, before your hair is washed.

Your Stylist can discuss what we would be best with respect to how much length to take off to keep your hair healthy. If you are going for a style change, they can discuss what is needed to achieve your ideal look and where best to keep length if required.

If that is your goal, with the right technique we can do that. A blunt perimeter makes fine hair look denser, while too many layers can make it look thinner. Your Stylist can adjust the layering depending on your hair density. If you struggle with having thick hair, your Stylist can advise on how to ease the weight and thickness of your current hair style to something more manageable and fun!

Bring your inspirational images with you and we can discuss how much time you spend styling daily and how this look is achieved. If you want something wash-and-go, we can avoid cuts that require daily blow-drying or heavy styling. If you love to put time into your look each day, perhaps what you’re wanting to achieve is completely possible. Come in for a consultation and let’s see what we can create.

Short cuts usually need refreshing every 6-10 weeks depending on the growth rate of your hair and how the style grows out. Medium or long styles can last 8–16 weeks, again depending on the shape and how fast your hair grows. We can talk about it when you have your haircut. After that it’s also about your preferences about how much you want to keep the style as it is, or like it to grow long and then come back. Your hair, your choice.

Yes. Cutting doesn’t change the texture or growth pattern - that’s genetic. But removing damage can make it feel healthier and grow more evenly.

{SALON} has a firm focus on keeping our clients and team safe. As well as maintaining a spotless salon, we also adhere to all of the Government guidelines regarding Covid, including social distancing and personal hygiene. Read about our Covid safety measures here {COVID}

We love welcoming clients old and new into {SALON} in {LOCATION}. You can see our opening times here {CONTACT}

It's very easy to book a hair appointment at {SALON}. You can call us on {PHONE}, book online here {BOOK} or download our apps {APPS}

We can use imagery as inspiration. We will adapt it to your hair type, density, and face shape. The exact result depends on your natural texture.

Stylists at Shine always cut your hair with your natural texture in mind. If your hair is wavy or curly, they won’t design something that only works when it’s straight.

If done correctly, no. But too much layering on thick or curly hair can increase volume. We can keep the layers controlled and strategic. All of this is figured out with the consultation time of your hair appointment.

That’s why we do a proper consultation first. We can explain every step before cutting. And remember - hair grows. But our goal is always for you to leave loving your hair.

If that’s important to you, do let your Stylist know during your consultation, so that they keep enough length so that you can still put it in a ponytail.

Apart from a great Shampoo and Conditioner, which we can advise on for you within the Davines range, a good heat protectant and maybe a light styling cream or volume spray can be ideal products to have at home - nothing complicated unless you want a high-maintenance look.

Our stylists are highly trained and experienced in cutting and styling hair. We can create a wide range of looks including short chic haircuts, mid-length styles, bobs and lobs, and long hairstyles for women. We also offer a haircutting and styling service for men.

Yes, we offer free hair consultations to help you find the perfect haircut, style or colour for you. During a detailed hair consultation we will analyse your hair, discuss your daily hair routines and come up with some ideas of hairstyles and colours that will suit you.

We are a unisex salon offering haircutting and styling for men and women. Find out more about our men's hair services here {MENS}

Stylists are here to share their expertise in how to choose a colour tone that complements your skin tone. For example, golden tones warm up olive skin, while cooler ash tones balance pink undertones. The goal is harmony, not just the latest trend. Bring your inspiration pictures to your consultation at Shine, and we can assess if it would work for you or not.

That depends on your hair history which is why we have a colour consultation to discuss what is possible. If your hair is natural and healthy, we might get very light in one session. If there’s previous colour, especially dark dye, it’s usually safer to lighten gradually to protect the hair.

We use Davines which is one of the top colour ranges in the world, offering great colour with the most sustainable ingredients. All chemical services change the hair structure slightly, but a Stylist’s job is to use the right strength, timing, and treatments to maintain integrity. We recommend Innoluxe treatments or Davines Masks to minimise stress.

Permanent colour grows out but doesn’t wash away. Toners and glosses fade gradually in 4-8 weeks. Vibrant colours like reds or coppers tend to fade faster than natural tones. The rate at which your hair grows, or copper tones fade, depend upon your growth rate and your hair washing frequency. We have great products to help maintain colour that your stylist can discuss with you. However, roots can be redone regularly, according to your preference visually. Highlights can be redone every 2-3 months.

It depends on what kind of colour you have done and your rate of regrowth. A full blonde or solid dark colour needs root touch-ups every 4-6 weeks. Balayage or softer blends can last 8-12 weeks with less obvious regrowth.

We can happily use images as inspiration. However, lighting, filters, and starting hair colour make a big difference to the image that you are looking at. Your Shine Stylist can adapt the tone and placement to suit your base colour and hair condition, whilst also making sure its suited to your skin tone.

All our stylists are highly trained but some have more experience than others which is reflected in their job titles and our pricing structure. If you are looking for a complex hair colour such as balayage, ombre or even a colour correction, we recommend you book in with one of our more experienced colourists. If you are unsure, please call the salon on {PHONE} and we can help match the right stylist to your hair needs.

Our prices vary depending on which level of stylist you choose and whether you are booking in for a trim or a restyle. You can check all of our prices here {PRICES}

We are the top hairdressers in {LOCATION} and have dozens of five star salon reviews from delighted guests. You can read some of our reviews here {REVIEWS} to find out why we are the number one salon in {LOCATION} for cutting, styling and hair colour.

When lifting the tone dark hair to a lighter colour, warmth is part of the natural process. The key to avoiding it turning orange or brassy, is the use of a good toner and great home maintenance - like using a purple or blue shampoo, if needed. All of which can be discussed with your Stylist in your colour consultation.

Going darker is easier than going lighter. If we lighten today and you later want to return to natural, we can rebalance it - but sometimes it takes a few appointments. It can be best for your hair to transition in phases to reduce damage.

Booking a colour consultation is key as we discuss expectations, achievable colour tone and maintenance steps before starting. Communication before we mix the colour is how we can keep you from worrying about if you will like it, but big changes can take adjusting to. Small adjustments can usually be made if needed with a toner, plus after a few washes over the following week after your colour, it usually softens a bit and in the meantime you adjust. Having you leave with a beautiful smile on your face is always the goal.

Yes, we have a lot of clients colouring grey, so can advise on best ways to do that depending upon your style and preference. Some choose a full head colour, with regular root colours booked in to cover regrowth. Others prefer highlights to blend the greys and creating a less visible regrowth line. Coverage depends on percentage and placement. If you have resistant greys,
we may need to adjust the formula or processing time to ensure proper coverage as we get to know your hair needs and how it reacts to the process of colouring.

You can, but we would recommend waiting 24-48 hours before shampooing at home, especially for vibrant tones, to allow better longevity. You will have had your hair washed at Shine with the best Davines products for your hair and colour maintenance, so you shouldn’t need to wash your hair for a few days anyway.

Your Shine Stylist can recommend what products would suit both your hair type and styling goals. A colour-safe shampoo, a good conditioner or mask, heat protection, and possibly a tone-maintaining shampoo can be very useful. Home care really determines how long your colour looks fresh. Your Stylist can take you through a bespoke plan for your specific hair type and the colour you went for.

We open from 9am - 9pm Monday to Wednesday,  and 9am - 8pm Thursday & Friday. Check out our opening times here for more information including weekend times.

Yes. Our highly trained hair colour technicians are experts in balayage and ombre hair colour. Find out more about balayage here.

Our clients tell us we are the best hair salon in Stoke Newington N16, because we offer such a great range of hair services as well as five star customer service. Check out our 5 star client reviews here.

We offer a wide range of hair styling services at our salon including; expert hair colour, balayage, keratin, hair treatments, grey hair coverage, hair colour correction and creative colours.

We have fantastic Late Deals at our Newington Green hair salon, which are updated weekly. We also offer Health and Beauty ones. Check them out here.

Yes. We are official suppliers of Davines haircare, due to their dedication to sustainability and quality. Your Shine Hairstylist will recommend the best products to match your individual hair type.

Having a hair treatment alongside your colour can mitigate a lot of the issues that you may have previously experienced. We offer a range of Davines and Innoluxe treatments. Book in or speak about it when you have a colour consultation with our team. Call 0207 241 5033 to book a consultation.

Come and have a trial session to go through your plans and hopes. Have it all taken care of by the best stylists in town to relieve your concern.

If you book for a colour consultation, your Stylist can discuss the process of your dream colour and how much it will cost, which then wouldn't change.
The price would only change if you book a colour service online and then once you come in for consultation it becomes clear that you might need an extra process (eg a toner) or a lot more colour to achieve your dream look. Call 0207 241 5033 to book a Colour Consultation.

If you have not had a colour with us for over 6 months, we are required to colour test you. People's sensitivities and reactions can change over time, depending upon their health and also interestingly post Covid. Its a very quick test that can be done by our FOH team. It isn't necessary to book, just pop in at least 48hrs before your appointment. Otherwise book in for a colour consultation and have the patch test done at the same time. Call 0207 241 5033.

You choose a membership level and prepay an amount that goes into your personal Hair and Beauty balance, sitting on account in the Salon IQ programme, where you log in to book appointments with us online.

The same log in serves for Subscriptions as well. You can then book any hair or beauty treatment you want from Shine Holistic, using your balance to pay. If your treatment costs more than your balance, you simply pay the difference at your appointment.

Yes! Your prepaid balance can be used on any hair or beauty treatment we offer. You have complete freedom to choose what you want, whenever you want. However, this is not for Health treatments, as they are all carried out by self-employed Practitioners who take payment directly.

Your balance rolls over, so you can use it anytime. We want you to enjoy your prepaid funds at your own pace without pressure.

Absolutely! You can move up to a higher prepaid level anytime to enjoy more value and benefits.

You simply pay the difference at your appointment. This way, you always have flexibility without being locked in.

Yes, higher levels come with ever greater discounts on all of our Davines, Dermalogica and Comfort Zone products, covering all of your Hair and Skin care needs.

Though they use many of the same techniques and depth of pressure, a Sports Massage would focus on a specific area or injury, if that is what you have booked in to get help for. Depending on your injury your Practitioner would potentially include resisted stretches and other mobilisation techniques to help you.

A Sports Massage would not be a holistic full body treatment. Whereas a Deep Tissue massage can still focus on a specific issue, but you can also have an all-over treatment with deep tissue. You may be advised or decide to keep the focus on key areas of tension, as you need time for your muscles to allow the deep tissue work to take place. Each treatment is tailor-made to your needs, so speak to your Practitioner about your needs and they can advise you accordingly.​ Feel free to email our Practitioners directly to ask about your condition or symptoms.

Anxiety can be treated in different ways, so it depends on your preference. If you enjoy the power of touch, then massage, reflexology or craniosacral therapy can be amazing at easing the nervous system. However perhaps you want to look at the cause of your anxiety through what you are putting into your body, in which case we could recommend seeing a Nutritionist or Naturopath to see if there is some form of imbalance to address.

Another option is to look holistically through Acupuncture, to see if you have any blockages of Chi and are dealing with overstimulation in your kidneys for example. Finding the right treatment can be like an adventure, as you get to ask yourself, what do I feel I could really do with? Sometimes the mind stresses the body and the body stresses the mind. It can be a feedback loop. One that you can change into a positive with support. Do I need to be more physically relaxed? Or do I just really need to talk to someone? We have a great counsellor online also.​

Feel free to email our Practitioners directly to ask about your condition or symptoms, else you can contact the clinic manager [email protected].​ Also see our blogs below for more guidance: How to relieve anxiety and stress with Meditation, A naturopathic approach to stress, anxiety and depression, The Gut: The Gateway to Health? Polyvagal Theory Explained.

Yes! We are blessed to have two highly skilled women who have been practising for over 20 years each, who often treat people through their whole fertility journey. ​Meet Marian Fixler and Valeria Frank, our two resident experts in the field of Acupuncture for Fertility. It can also be amazing to include Reflexology into your journey and pregnancy.

Feel free to email our Practitioners directly to ask about your condition or symptoms, else you can contact the clinic manager [email protected].​

We need up to 24 hours notice for you to cancel. If you cancel within 24hours of treatment, you will be asked to pay the full amount of your treatment as the cancellation fee. Find all of our Contact information here.

Getting to the bottom of what is happening can feel overwhelming, especially when there may be a few things going on within your current health that are adding to the sense of fatigue. From hormonal changes, dietary concerns to long covid, we have experts on hand to help you better understand what is happening.

As a first port of call we would recommend seeing a Nutritionist, who may suggest certain tests to review your gut. Also we would recommend seeing an Acupuncturist who can check in with your overall well being and check for any blockages in energy throughout your whole system. You can also visit a Cranial Osteopath if you'd prefer to not have Acupuncture, or if you'd like a bodywork component added to your care. If you have a sense of needing more emotional or mental health support, we have a wealth of Talk Based therapies such as Counselling on hand.

As always you can email our Clinic Manager today [email protected] if you would like further guidance.

We are always open to offering space to the right people. At Shine we have such a high calibre of Practitioners that we always ask for at least 5 years of experience in your chosen field. We do not simply rent rooms, you would be joining a team of professionals and will be supported by a highly trained front of house team. Email your CV to our Clinic Manager today [email protected].

We would suggest that you book either with a Cranial Osteopath or with a Craniosacral Therapist. Both of which offer similar techniques and incredible expertise. See who is available for the time that suits you and your baby best.

Research shows that focusing on one aspect of pain alone such as physical influences (posture and movement) is ineffective, especially when pain is long lasting. We have to look at the complete picture as you may be experiencing many different aspects in your bodily systems that can affect your condition, such as your nervous system being on high alert, which can tighten your muslces more and exacerbate the problem more.

An approach to address all of the things which contribute to pain will give the best results. Find out more at our North London Holistic Health Clinic with Expert Osteopaths on hand to help you as well as Massage Practitioners.

Our Resident Osteopath, Andrew Doody, has written a blog dedicated to this very topic!

The essence of a holistic approach is to identify the underlying issues, resolving them, and ensuring you enjoy not just symptom relief but also long-term well-being. It’s about empowering individuals to understand their bodies better and embark on a journey toward holistic wellness.

Read Leon's blog to understand how a combination of Osteopathy and AiM which offers scientific postural analysis can move you into a better range of motion and alleviate painful habituary motion.

Read Sarah's blog if you are interested in seeing how the Alexander Technique can help you to shift into better patterns.

Maintaining great posture and handling any injuries or niggles in good time, are imperative to your ability to stay active and maintain your goals. Read more about Anatomy in Motion, Sports Massage and Osteopathy.

Finding the right treatment for your needs can at times be trial and error, depending on how you like to experience treatment or what helps the most. If you would like any guidance, you can reach out to Practitioners you know or are drawn to. Otherwise email the Practice manager [email protected]. Read more about finding the right body treatment for you or check out our advanced clinical massage services.

Depending on your condition and what you respond best to, we can offer a choice of useful tools for your health, including Nutrition, Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy and Cranial Osteopathy.

Fabiana, our Nutritionist, specialises in supporting women through this phase of life. She can also recommend what other holistic treatment may be of use to you including Acupuncture. Read more about Perimenopause here.

Having a thorough consultation and a review of your skin can be so helpful in dealing with any skin health issue. Plus we can recommend the safest and most useful products to try when at home. Read more on our Beauty Facials page here.

Also you can look at other options, be it seeing a Dermatologist, using LED light therapy or even a Peel that uses Botanical ingredients. See all of our Skin Health Options here.

Osteopathy, (at times referred to as Classical Osteopathy), can include adjustments which can click you structurally back into alignment. It can also include massage, stretching, pressure point therapy and touch. Osteopathy tends to be a structural treatment reviewing your bodily mechanics.

Cranial Osteopathy is a more gentle treatment. It involves more holding the body,at your head, under your sacrum and at your feet. It can calm the nervous system and connect to the other systems such as the lymphatic system, to connect deeply to what may be stuck or stagnent. It isn't always dealing with structural issues at all, but can be helping chronic health issues, fatigue, headaches, pregnancy and early infancy.

For more information on both treatments see the pages dedicated to them and visit our Practitioner's profiles.

In practice and in the experience that you may have, the difference could be very little. Both are incredible treatments capable of aiding the regulation of all bodily systems. Both involve consultation, assessment and potentially the holding of your head, the base of your sacrum and your feet, depending upon your presenting issues.

Both modalities can be exceptional at helping the symptoms of many nervous system issues, chronic health issues, fatigue or migraines, as well as misalignment due to old injuries. People commonly book in for pregnancy and postnatal support, plus they're great treatments for early infancy.

The main difference is in the training carried out. Cranial Osteopathy is a four or five year medically-based degree course with postgraduate training, often including a Paediatric Osteopathy Masters degree.  While Cranial-sacral therapy is a diploma course lasting for up to 3 years. With Craniosacral Therapy some can feel that it has a more esoteric connection, but fundamentally that really depends upon a Practitioner's individual style of treatment and set of skills. Try both and see what you think! Either way, you will be in experts hands.

Ideally as soon as you have your wedding date, because you want to book your Bridal hair before we get booked up, especially if it’s during the busy wedding season. However, you can always come back again between the trial and the big day if you decide you want to change your style.

Don’t worry! That is what we are here for. When you contact Sandro, you can send any images that you want to share. On the day of the trial, bring any inspiration images with you, be it of the dress, the looks you like, the theme of the wedding (if any) to help us gauge the aesthetic that you are going for. We can also talk about hair logistics: Do you prefer it up? Do you want something natural or sleek?

We will discuss expectations of the style with your given hair type. Things like loose curls can change over the day, but with good styling products, it can be well maintained. Else perhaps you would prefer an up style that can be held in place with hair pins.

If you want to offer them that, why not? We can find a time that suits you all, so that it can be a lovely bonding experience as your looks begin to take shape together. Alternatively, if they’re simply having a lovely blow-dry or basic bun for example, we can easily accommodate that on the day. Speak to Sandro to find out more.

For your Hair, other than on the day styling, we would be delighted to be your go-to Stylists (if we are not already) for all your Colour, Cut and Conditioning Treatment needs. If you are a fan of Keratin treatment, or are considering it for your hair, speak to us about the most optimum time to book that before the big day.

We also offer amazing Facials which can be a great part of prepping for your wedding, be it for a one-off freshening facial, or having a series of treatments to uplift your skin and boost collagen.

Having a Shellac Manicure and Pedicure can ensure perfect nails for on the day. Plus all of your waxing, tint and shaping needs can be taken care of. For an extra bit of pampering we offer Beauty Packages, including back facials if your dress has a low cut back, all of which can help you look good and feel great for the day.

We are proud to have a team of skincare experts at Shine who offer an excellent range of high-performing facial treatments from industry-leading brands such as CACI, Dermalogica and Comfort Zone.

Your Shine beauty therapist will identify your skin type, the condition of your skin and recommend the most suitable facial for you during your consultation. Until then, click here to read more about our range of facial treatments.

Yes. We have an in-house aesthetician, Dr Martinez, whose approach to anti-wrinkle injections and dermofillers is based on “less is more”. He has a subtle approach to these cosmetic procedures and believes a thorough consultation is key to fully understand client’s expectations and develop a personalised treatment. For more information, including pricing, click here.

We sure do. Our 'Shine Signature Packages' have been lovingly created for the ultimate pampering experience! They include everything from Manicure & Pedicure combinations to relaxing Facial, Massage & Nail combinations. Discover the range here.

All our Beauty Packages are also available to buy as GIFT VOUCHERS for your loved ones.

Yes, we are fully trained in all the very latest brow techniques including brow and lash lamination which can transform your look in an instant! Find out more about our full range of brow and lash treatments here.

Yes. Whether it's a Hollywood, Brazilian, Chest, Leg, Lip or Chin wax - we've got you covered. For maximum results with minimum discomfort, we use only the best quality tea tree wax, or for the more delicate areas, choose our Lycon hot wax.

You can also buy 5 sessions of the same waxing services and receive the 6th FREE! Click here to find out more.

Having a thorough consultation and a review of your skin can be so helpful in dealing with any skin health issue. Plus we can recommend the safest and most useful products to try when at home. Read more on our Beauty Facials page here.

Also you can look at other options, be it seeing a Dermatologist, using LED light therapy or even a Peel that uses Botanical ingredients. See all of our Skin Health Options here.

If you get your tint done with us regularly, you won't need to test every 6 months.

If you haven't had an eyelash or brow tint with us for over 6months, you need to pop in to retest. Allergies and reactions can change over time, espeically if you've had covid. This is the same for Hair Colour. We do this for your safety as we are dealing with your eyes and want to make sure that you are protected. You can pop in and our FOH team will do this for you. You don't need to book just swing by.

We cannot guarantee that we use the same products as any other clinic, so for your safety and wellbeing, you need a quick tint test at least 48 hours before your appointment. Just pop in and our Reception Team will do this for you at the front desk. You do not need an appointment for the tint test.

Cranial Osteopathy for Pregnancy, explained by Rehana Kapadia.

Cranial Osteopathy is very much concerned about the balance of the body and this means attention to the spine, certainly, but also extends from the head to the pelvis, limbs and includes the internal organs.
During pregnancy, the early surges of hormones can be very demanding on the new mum-to-be and may result in first trimester fatigue and possible nausea. Subsequent softening of ligaments, through hormonal (relaxin) influence and increasing size of the growing foetus, will alter the mechanics of the body. Pregnancy is, of course, a natural and dynamic process and the female body is designed to adapt accordingly.

The approach taken by the cranial osteopath is to assess and support the body, as it changes, to ensure continuity of health for both mum-to-be and growing baby.  For some women, the change of posture from the increasing weight of the baby can create so much tension or increased curvature in the mum’s lower spine, that it causes backpain.  Also, the abdominal organs are progressively pushed toward the diaphragm and ribs to provide space for the baby and may result in breathlessness or heartburn.  Increasing pressure on the bladder often leads to increased urgency (especially at night) and ligament strain in the pelvis can manifest in SPD or symphysis pubic dysfunction.  Osteopathic treatment is geared toward encouraging overall health and specifically to good pelvic balance, release of pressure on the spine and internal organs and ease of movement of the diaphragm and pelvic floor, to allow full engagement for the baby in later stages and optimise a normal labour and delivery.

Ideally, Cranial Osteopaths like to see new babies and mums soon after the birth, as it gives us an invaluable opportunity to provide a check up.
We are trained to examine neonates in both a medical context to check muscle tone, primitive reflexes, assess hips for dysplasia and feet for possible talipes (rotated feet), and also consider the conception, pregnancy and birth history to be part of the babies health story. Seeing a new baby, taking it’s history and carrying out an assessment allows the cranial osteopath to ascertain whether, for example, a baby who is very unsettled was affected by a very quick or prolonged delivery, or whether a baby who is struggling to latch on, may have had the cord around it’s neck and affected it’s ability to coordinate sucking and breathing efficiently.

Cranial Osteopathy for Baby

The balance of the head on the neck is of crucial significance to the development of the overall posture of the body and in many cases the position of the baby in the uterus and the stresses placed upon it during the birth can imprint a pattern into which it will grow.
One such pattern, that we are seeing more of, is that of the ‘flat head syndrome’ where babies have an asymmetry or ‘plagiocephaly’, which, if left untreated, can go on to manifest into a scoliosis and pelvic torsion.

For osteopaths, if a pattern of compression, asymmetry or postural imbalance is left unchecked, even at a subtle level, the baby’s capacity to meet the normal developmental milestones, such as teething, rolling, sitting, crawling and walking can be compromised.

Rehana Kapadia, Osteopath at Shine Holistic

As primary care practitioners, cranial osteopaths feel that being able to ‘check in’ intermittently throughout a patient’s life will ensure a preventative and proactive approach to health.
In addition, if a person can be treated to correct imbalances arising from birth issues, childhood falls, illness, orthodontics, pubertal growth spurts, work strains and accidents, thus promoting health, it can only give the body a better chance of coping with the stresses that are an inevitable part of life.

Speak to your Practitioner to be advised how often to have treatment.  It will depend upon what you are dealing with, be it an acute injury, chronic health condition, stresses and strains, or post pregnancy. They will let you know after your 1st appointment how regularly to come and see them for optimum results. When you are in a much better balance within your body, they will let you know and will be happy to see you as and when required.

 Alfredo explains that, many times pregnant mums come for CST after the first trimester presenting with lower back pain, aching legs and feet and a sense of discomfort. Other complaints often include water retention, constipation and occasional headaches or dizziness. These physical ailments can be addressed using CST.

The holistic approach of CST can be extremely powerful in connecting with the body's innate ability to relieve imbalances, tensions, compressions and patterns of stress. During a session mums feel their bodies relax: they can now let go and sink into a deeper and more fluidic sense of being. Many times this experience can feel so moving that it helps mums to spontaneously connect with the baby within them. This can foster a new awareness of the connection and relation between mother and baby.

Craniosacral therapists are skilled at tuning into the connective tissue of the body. This can relax intrauterine pressures, making more space for the growing baby to get into an optimal position for birth. It can also help to release tensions on the spine while supporting the Central Nervous System (CNS) and letting the very important cranial nerves flow at ease. This is of great significance as soft muscle and tissue tone is essential for a smooth pregnancy and easy birth. A soft and connected CNS will help mum and baby to feel spacious, connected, nourished and essentially relaxed.

Once the CNS reaches its crucial state of ease, connection and flow, homeostasis can be aimed for. Homeostasis is the condition where the internal environment is perfectly balanced and still. At this point a balance of hormones, PH, temperature and other vital body systems can begin to be reached starting from within each cell and integrating all the major organs and systems of the body.
After a course of CST sessions mums to be often feel more in tune with their bodies and better prepared for the process of giving birth. The healing experience of CST sets them on the path for a calm, centred and relaxed approach to the birthing process. In this state of mind, the body is relaxed, in optimum health and full of energy and vitality.

Alfredo

Once the baby is born, follow up sessions are highly recommended, as the gentle approach of CST is ideal during this sensitive and emotional time.

After a difficult birth babies can present signs of stress, which of course will translate onto their mum’s sense of ease and wellness. In these cases the healing journey during sessions would be a three person process: mum, baby and therapist. Healing takes place at a soft and nurturing pace, letting mums and babies come back to a state of ease, stillness, rediscovering the original nurturing healthy relationship between the baby and its mum.

By Alfredo Hunter

Alfredo Hunter works at Shine, Newington Green on Fridays 10 – 3pm for mothers and babies.

As debilitating as it is, it does usually resolve itself. It is uncommon for this pain to persist longer than a couple of months after an acute injury.

Of the cases that do persist the majority of these (around 85%) are what is termed non-specific lower back pain.

One of the main reasons for pain persisting is the development of faulty movement patterns and postures which create repetitive stress on the back. This repetitive strain is what leads to the vicious cycle of pain.

Examples of factors which might influence lower back pain include:

- Use of repetitive postures or movements such as sitting for people with a desk-based job or lifting for nurses/health care assistants
- Muscle strains or sprains
- Lack of exercise resulting in a stiffening of the spine
- Lack of exercise resulting in deconditioning which means you are more likely to strain the back during the performance of everyday activities such as lifting and bending
- Correcting faulty movements and postures will improve the way you load and use your back. However, this alone may not resolve your pain: there are other factors that influence pain and need to be considered and addressed.

Other examples of why back pain may persist are listed below.

- Physical factors (such as altered postural and movement patterns)
- Lifestyle factors (such as chronic stress, activity levels, conditioning and sleep disturbance)
- Cognitive factors (such as beliefs, fear, negative emotions, anxiety and low mood)
- Nervous system factors (such as sensitised structures, reduced pain thresholds, altered pain processing and stress response)
- Structural pathology (which is significant for a small group of people)
Different combinations of the above examples are present for each person with back pain and combine together to cause a vicious cycle of pain.

Research shows that focusing on one aspect of pain alone such as physical influences (posture and movement) is ineffective, especially when pain is long lasting. We have to look at the complete picture as you may be experiencing many different aspects in your bodily systems that can affect your condition, such as your nervous system being on high alert, which can tighten your muslces more and exacerbate the problem more.

An approach to address all of the things which contribute to pain will give the best results. Find out more at our North London Holistic Health Clinic with Expert Osteopaths on hand to help you as well as Massage Practitioners.

Our Resident Osteopath, Andrew Doody, has written a blog dedicated to this very topic!

The essence of a holistic approach is to identify the underlying issues, resolving them, and ensuring you enjoy not just symptom relief but also long-term well-being. It’s about empowering individuals to understand their bodies better and embark on a journey toward holistic wellness.

Read Leon's blog to understand how a combination of Osteopathy and AiM which offers scientific postural analysis can move you into a better range of motion and alleviate painful habituary motion.

Read Sarah's blog if you are interested in seeing how the Alexander Technique can help you to shift into better patterns.

A good night’s sleep is essential to your health, and an important part of your overall well-being. Back pain can significantly affect a person’s ability to get the quality and amount of sleep they need. Furthermore, poor bed posture can worsen or even be the cause of backache in the first place. This is because certain positions can place unnecessary pressure on the neck, hips, and back.
Here are some pointers of how to maximise the quality of sleep you get if you are suffering from back pain.

        From Perugia airport? Fabio’s cars are a trusted company that we use regularly. The taxi will be at your cost, and you will need to pay in cash (euros) but we will be happy to book if for you. Fabio’s team will keep an eye on your flight details in case of any delays and will hold up a sign with your name on it once you’re through customs. The cost is usually around €110
From Rome or Florence the cost is between €250 and €350 depending on dates and time. It is far more cost effective and simpler to take the train and mostly even faster. We will be happy to guide you in choosing and purchasing tickets to our local train station Chiusi-Chiancciano.

This is really determined by which retreat you are joining us on. Sometimes we have a tight turn around between retreats or others renting the house. Otherwise, we may be able to help you with a local option to rent accommodation around the retreat dates. Reach out to us to find out more. email [email protected]

Yes! We always ask for a £750 deposit and then usually invoice for the rest 60 days before the retreat start date. However, if you book far enough in advance, we can spread the remainder over two payments instead of one. Email us to find out more.

Firstly, our expert Practitioners can accommodate to your physical ability / injury so that you can potentially join in if you want to. Otherwise, you’re welcome to use that time to rest, write, read, stroll, swim or sleep. As you wish. Everything that we offer is for you to choose to do if it suits you. This is your time to retreat.

      Partners, friends or family members are welcome. They can still enjoy the house, the food, walks, the pool (if its open) and all the trips that we go on. The rooms have ample space for you both and there’s plenty of downtime for you to share together.

Yes!! The pool is 200m down the white road track. It opens between June and August, sometimes into the first week of September. It belongs to the Estate, which encompasses acres of land and a few houses, so it is shared by some treasured local neighbours. The pool area is very beautiful and spacious with stunning views of the Cortona hills. There are plenty of shaded day beds for you to lounge in aswell.

      Yes absolutely. We can create a bespoke retreat for you, with you, albeit more of a holiday with added extras, or a more involved retreat set up for your chosen family or friends. We can offer different local trips and experiences, such as a truffle hunt,a  wine tasting or a natural hot springs visit.
 Email [email protected] so that we can talk about all of the exciting options with you.

If you would just like to rent the house without any extras, you can visit

https://silianoalto.com/ and make enquiries there.

The majority of our guests come alone, the retreat experience is inclusive, and we regularly observe friendships being forged from day 1. We are able to support you with travel ideas and options to make your travel as easy as possible.

We only recommend you share a room with a friend or partner, as retreats often provide the space and time for rest, surrender and development, even when that is not the goal.

         We are able to cater for allergies, intolerances, and preferences, but we do need to know in advance, and this is included in your registration form. Obviously when catering to a group we will do our best to be as inclusive as possible.

        From Perugia airport? Fabio’s cars are a trusted company that we use regularly. The taxi will be at your cost, and you will need to pay in cash (euros) but we will be happy to book if for you. Fabio’s team will keep an eye on your flight details in case of any delays and will hold up a sign with your name on it once you’re through customs. The cost is usually around €110
From Rome or Florence the cost is between €250 and €350 depending on dates and time. It is far more cost effective and simpler to take the train and mostly even faster. We will be happy to guide you in choosing and purchasing tickets to our local train station Chiusi-Chiancciano.

This is really determined by which retreat you are joining us on. Sometimes we have a tight turn around between retreats or others renting the house. Otherwise, we may be able to help you with a local option to rent accommodation around the retreat dates. Reach out to us to find out more. email [email protected]

Yes! We always ask for a £750 deposit and then usually invoice for the rest 60 days before the retreat start date. However, if you book far enough in advance, we can spread the remainder over two payments instead of one. Email us to find out more.

Firstly, our expert Practitioners can accommodate to your physical ability / injury so that you can potentially join in if you want to. Otherwise, you’re welcome to use that time to rest, write, read, stroll, swim or sleep. As you wish. Everything that we offer is for you to choose to do if it suits you. This is your time to retreat.

      Partners, friends or family members are welcome. They can still enjoy the house, the food, walks, the pool (if its open) and all the trips that we go on. The rooms have ample space for you both and there’s plenty of downtime for you to share together.

Yes!! The pool is 200m down the white road track. It opens between June and August, sometimes into the first week of September. It belongs to the Estate, which encompasses acres of land and a few houses, so it is shared by some treasured local neighbours. The pool area is very beautiful and spacious with stunning views of the Cortona hills. There are plenty of shaded day beds for you to lounge in aswell.

      Yes absolutely. We can create a bespoke retreat for you, with you, albeit more of a holiday with added extras, or a more involved retreat set up for your chosen family or friends. We can offer different local trips and experiences, such as a truffle hunt,a  wine tasting or a natural hot springs visit.
 Email [email protected] so that we can talk about all of the exciting options with you.

If you would just like to rent the house without any extras, you can visit

https://silianoalto.com/ and make enquiries there.

The majority of our guests come alone, the retreat experience is inclusive, and we regularly observe friendships being forged from day 1. We are able to support you with travel ideas and options to make your travel as easy as possible.

We only recommend you share a room with a friend or partner, as retreats often provide the space and time for rest, surrender and development, even when that is not the goal.

         We are able to cater for allergies, intolerances, and preferences, but we do need to know in advance, and this is included in your registration form. Obviously when catering to a group we will do our best to be as inclusive as possible.

The Keratin Complex treatment that we use is a very powerful Nano Keratin base treatment, which act as a humidity blocker, frizz neutraliser, and repairer of damage to the hair. The result is smoother, silkier and shinier hair!

Absolutely not! In fact, a Keratin treatment will help to restore a loss of proteins by strengthening the hair’s cortex and its internal structure, helping to recreate its natural shield of protection, silkiness and shine.

Up to 3 months or maybe more, depending on how much you follow the given after care guidance. At Shine we always advise you to use the Davines Love Smoothing shampoo and conditioner for a longer lasting result.

The two treatments are very similar. What differentiates a Keratin Complex treatment (which is what we offer at Shine) from a general Brazilian Blow-dry, is the Nano Protein Technology, which allows a better and more effective replenishment of proteins where needed, leaving hair smoother and shinier for a longer period.

Please come and see us for a consultation first, so that we can talk about the process and see how much time we will need for your hair. Call 0207 241 5033.