Shropshire Woman

A Hands On Approach

Helen Goodall is a holistic therapist who has made it her business to help bring relaxation and a feeling of wellbeing into the Shropshire workplace.

Helen Goodall is on a mission to bring a sense of calm into the workplace

The inspiration behind Shrewsbury-based Chi Holistics, this hands-on practitioner’s mission is to offer corporations the chance to improve their efficiency through the use of complementary therapies.

Launched just over 12 months ago, Helen’s enterprise specialises in on-site treatments, which involve either seated massages, where the recipient remains fully clothed, or Indian head massages. She also practises the art of reflexology.

Operating out of the Natural Health Centre in Shrewsbury, she says: “Many businesses might think massage inappropriate for the workplace, being time consuming, expensive and reliant on a dedicated treatment room.

“That’s just not the case. Seated massage is great for the work environment because you don’t have to get undressed and the treatment takes about the same time as it would to make a cup of coffee, so staff won’t be away from their desks for more than a quarter of an hour.”

The 35 year-old’s life now is a far cry from her days as a corporate high flier, working for firms such as Pfizer and Network Rail.

Like many women, after having her first child three years ago, the unsociable hours, days away from home and clocking up thousands of business miles meant her career just didn’t fit her life anymore.

Her business is the ideal antidote to her demanding former existence spent on full throttle in the fast lane.

In addition to massage, she also believes reflexology can be a powerful aid to help de-stress employees.

“The technique uses the reflexes in the feet to identify stress or other conditions in the rest of the body. Working those reflexes can alleviate anxiety and tension and promote a feeling of wellbeing.

“Quite often business owners are sceptical about its benefits until they try it themselves and I am happy to go along free of charge to demonstrate the technique.”

“Seated massage is great for the work environment because you don’t have to get undressed and the treatment takes about the same time as it would to make a cup of coffee.”

She adds: “Everyone knows someone where they work who is either stressed out, always run down or, in the worst case, signed off work for an extended period of time.

“While it may not necessarily be the job itself which is the problem, the ability to cope with whatever life throws at us and to relax a little everyday is fundamental not only to performing well at work but also for enjoying life to the full.”

New legislation means companies are now far more aware of their responsibility when it comes to the health of their staff and, in Shropshire, businesses are really embracing the move towards a holistic approach, Helen explains.

According to the Confederation of British Industry one million people report in sick each week, with an estimated 175 million working days lost to illness at a cost to the economy of £13 billion.

Statistics for those who have been away from work for a long time also make for depressing reading. The suggestion is that those off sick for six months have an 80% chance of being absent for five years.

Helen adds: “The vast majority of people want to be at work.

Indeed, 90% of those beginning a claim for incapacity benefits expect to return to work, but statistics show once someone has been claiming for two years or more, they are more likely to retire or die than return to work.”

The Natural Health Centre can be contacted on 01743 248878

For more information about Chi Holistics visit www.chiholistics.co.uk