About
AnnaMarie Hampton-Alcock
Owner/Operator of Lotus Alternatives
Registered Practical Nurse (24 years experience)
Reiki Master Usui/Holy Fire Reiki Practitioner
Certified Indian Head Massage Practitioner
What is Reiki?
Simply, Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy.
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Everybody experiences a Reiki treatment differently, but often a treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing.
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What is Indian Head massage?
Indian head massage is a relaxing holistic treatment that uses acupressure massage on the head, face, neck and shoulders. It aims to rebalance your body's energies.
Indian head massage is an ancient therapeutic treatment that has been practiced in India for thousands of years. Part of the Hindu health care practice of Ayurveda, Indian head massage focuses on your head, neck and shoulders and was originally used to improve scalp and hair condition. It is a deep massage, using a variety of pressure and techniques, including circular massage strokes on your scalp, deep tissue work on your shoulders, and stretching the neck.
This form of massage focuses on the three higher "chakras" - mind, body and spirit and as such hits your energy epicentre.
It doesn't seem sufficient to say that a good Indian head massage will relax you. It's more than this. It can make you feel detached and serene, leave you sighing and wordless, but also alert and clear-headed, alleviating brain-fog and stress.
Even if you don't experience this level of relaxation, this massage treatment offers all kinds of other benefits. It may relieve aches, pains and tension in your neck, back and shoulders, improve the texture of your hair and encourage it to grow. An Indian head massage stimulates the flow of blood, lymph and oxygen in your upper body, and therefore may clear your sinuses, relieve stress and help you sleep better. And because it is said to help cure headaches (even migraine), eye strain and anxiety, some say an Indian head massage can help you to concentrate better at work.
Please note that I use essential oils and carrier oils in your hair and for the best benefits it is advised to allow the oils to remain in your hair for 24 hours if able.
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What is Dosha Balance and Thai Foot Massage?
If you have not tried a Dosha Balance and Thai foot massage you need to book a session! The Dosha balance is a beautiful massage done with warmed oils infused with an Ayurveda blend essential oil that helps balance the Dosha. The massage is done on the back, neck, shoulders and legs. After the massage I complete a Thai foot massage. Unlike Reflexology, the Thai foot massage is done using warmed oils and a crystal. This technique hits all the reflex and pressure points that still allow you to detox and have the same great effect and benefit as a regular reflexology treatment.
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What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment done on the feet where pressure points and reflexes are stimulated to bring the body back to a healing state. I begin each treatment with a beautiful foot soak in epsom salts and add herbs then your foot is rubbed. Pressure is applied during the treatment. Following the session a beautiful relaxing massage of the feet and lower legs is included.
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What is Frost and Hearth?
Frost and Hearth is a beautiful massage done with a blend of essential oils that creates a cooling effect on the skin, and has inflammatory properties. The massage is done on the upper back, shoulders, neck and legs. This is what creates the Frost! Then you get to enjoy a beautiful hot stone massage which creates the hearth on the same areas already worked with the beautiful blend of essential oils. The cups are then applied to your back and worked to maximize the holistic benefits of this service. Frost and Hearth assists with tension relief and the promotion of the flow of energy or chi to the muscles.
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What is Himalayan Hot Stone Massage?
Have you tried a Himalayan Salt Stone massage? All the benefits of a hot stone massage plus gentle skin exfoliation, 84 trace minerals which help detoxify the body. Plus it's just damn relaxing!
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What is Boost and Bliss?
Boost and Bliss is a treatment that was developed by myself that helps boost your immune system, boosts your energy levels, and realigns your mind body and soul. I use 10 different essential oils on the feet and back, hot stones, and crystal singing bowls to help align and balance the chakras
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What is Facial cupping?
Benefits of Facial Cupping
Non-invasive anti-aging benefits that lift and tighten the face and neck, release facial tension, provide sinus relief and overall facial rejuvenation.
Facial cupping is a traditional, time-honored treatment favored by women worldwide because of its safety, comfort and remarkable effectiveness. For hundreds of years, women across the globe have been utilizing these remarkable facial cupping techniques as a natural approach to aging beautifully. Skin rejuvenation techniques like facial cupping can slow signs of aging in your face and bring back a youthful glow.
It is a great option for those who want to give their skin a boost, but who reject chemical injections such as Botox or other fillers and surgeries.
How Does It Work?
I use small suction cups to create a gentle vacuum that lifts the skin and other facial tissue. Lifting the facial tissue activates the lymphatic drainage to eliminate toxins, cellular waste and excess fluid in the face and neck. Additionally, tight muscle tissue in the face and neck is easily released through the facial cupping techniques.
Benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Cupping
• Increased blood circulation to head and neck stimulates collagen and elastin production
• Increased circulation and absorption of nutrients to the skin
• Improved absorption of facial products
• Drainage of stagnant fluids produces a more youthful glow
• Reduced puffiness and edema
• Smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles
What to Expect from your Facial Cupping Session
• Before your treatment, I perform a full health evaluation, discussing the current state of your health, any medical diagnoses, medications, and your treatment goals. I then recommend a treatment plan to help you achieve those goals.
• For all facial rejuvenation and facial cupping treatments, I advise arriving with a freshly washed face with no make-up, and long hair tied back.
• First, a thin application oil is lightly massaged onto your face and neck, beginning your facial cupping treatment. Then, a small suction is applied to targeted areas of the face and neck to lift the skin and bring necessary blood flow to the area. There is no pain involved. People frequently report that it is very relaxing, and some even fall asleep. You can expect a typical facial cupping treatment to last 30 minutes.
• After the treatment , you will notice lines and wrinkles will plump and any scar tissue will soften. The drainage of stagnant fluids will reduce edema and chronic puffiness. The muscles of the face benefit greatly from the reduction of tension and tightness, releasing expression lines and loosening rigid tissue. Facial cupping can also help symptoms related to sinus infections, inflammation, edema and those suffering with TMJ disorders.
How Many Treatments are Recommended for Optimal Results?
As with any therapeutic treatment, results can vary from person to person. The recommended initial course of treatment with facial cupping consists of between 6 and 12 sessions. The results are cumulative, especially if treatments are performed 1-2 times per week. I recommend monthly follow-up sessions to maintain the original results.

