A NEW alternative health care centre has opened its doors in Morecambe's West End with a view to improving the well being of the local community.

The Holistic Centre in West Street offers a wide range of therapies by fully-trained practitioners which aim to ease the everyday aches and pains of local people.

Set up by aromatherapist and masseur, Jacqueline Ferguson, the centre has an open day planned for November 17, where interested members of the public can ask questions or enjoy special taster sessions.

They also have a food allergy testing day on November 16.

As well as an aromatherapy massage, the Holistic Centre offers remedial massage, reflexology, counselling and homeopathy.

Although there's a certain mystique surrounding complimentary health care, many of the therapies are very down to earth and have been practised for thousands of years.

Aromatherapy uses fragrant essential oils to soothe and relax and can help treat specific ailments such as headaches or depression. During reflexology pressure points on the feet are massaged to reduce tension and encourage blood circulation, boosting general health.

Remedial massage works deep in the muscles to help relieve conditions such as backache, sports injuries, stiff necks or arthritis and homeopathy is a school of alternative medicine which prescribes totally safe and natural remedies to treat virtually every conceivable ailment.

"Our message to people is come and try us out," said Jacqueline. "We're centrally located and easy to find."

To find out what the Holistic Centre had to offer, I decided this over-worked, underpaid reporter could do with de-stressing and Jacqueline suggested I try out an Indian head massage.

Laying on the massage table in the beautifully decorated and relaxing treatment room, Jacqueline massaged my forehead, temples and scalp. A lot of tension is held in and around the head and I soon felt myself sinking into the table. When she worked on my neck I became aware of just how tense my muscles were and working further down my back and spine I was left feeling relaxed but also invigorated. The treatment was excellent and is something everyone should treat themselves to more often.

To find out more about the Holistic Centre in West Road and how you can benefit, feel free to call them for an informal chat on 823788.

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