Aromatherapy massage, Golborne Place, W10
Expert: Former actress Kirsten Kitchen is charm and calm itself — she’s an aromatherapy evangelist with years of experience of rubbing out her clients’ strains and stresses. Kitchen gently guides them towards looking after themselves by encouraging the use of oils at home.
Science: Good odours are a great way to calm and de-stress because they trigger the parasympathetic nervous system which prepares the body for rest and relaxation.
After a thorough consultation Kitchen prepares your own oil mix, tailored for your needs, to help ease you into the massage. Mine was a blend of bergamot, may chang and lavender for a little light relief.
Results: One of my greatest fears is that stupor of deep relaxation: I worry that I will never function again. Thankfully Kitchen is both a great listener and a talented masseuse so I felt a perfect combination of chilled but still bouncy.
Cost: £90/90 mins, Kirsten Kitchen at Golborne Place (07958 536779, golborneplace.com).
