The Renaissance Holistic Therapy Centre 0121 428 1449

I'd always been aware of the benefits of aromatherapy but never tried it out until some years ago I was given a Mother's Day gift of a voucher for a back massage - no excuse not to try. The slight anxiety and all the questions such as, what will it be like, will it be embarrassing, what is expected, all vanished with the warm, relaxed and friendly welcome that is Renaissance. Thoughts afterwards as I floated home - Why haven't I been before? - No aches or stiffness, feeling three inches taller and I can move my shoulders, who cares what's for tea!

Now about once a month (once a day if I could) I have 'Me Time' - in a little lavender haven, talk or not talk, listening to calming music, surrounded by beautiful scents (picked out just for you), melt into the couch, all the
stresses of daily life smoothed away - only downside is having to get up afterwards.

A visit to Renaissance is now very much part of my routine for keeping fit and healthy; since going for regular sessions I've noticed the difference, with reduced aches and stiffness  as well as increased mobility, especially in my shoulders. I'm much more aware of my posture and notice how restricted I become when my back and shoulders become stiff, because I've missed a session.

Renaissance is one of those places you might not notice unless looking for it or might wonder about as you walk past, I strongly suggest next time, you stop and take a look. There's so much on offer it would be difficult not to find a therapy to suit, all offered with no obligation so you don't feel pressured, it's un-pretentious, so you won't worry if you haven't got Janet Reger undies (just as long as they’re clean!) All the therapists I've met there are professional in a friendly, reassuring manner - just what you need to put you at ease. Tina, Harborne

I have been using The Renaissance Centre for about 18 months to improve my personal wellbeing using natural techniques. I have found that the basic 1 hour reflexology sessions have been the most beneficial for me in taking away stress and anxiety of the modern world to feel an inner calm and balance. Caroline, Harborne 

I've had a recurring lower back problem - probably due to the fact that I'm now too old to play squash against fit 17 year old lads! In September I hurt my back and it wasn't right for around 6 weeks. Although it was no longer painful(other than when I tried to run) there was a constant ache and I was unable to jog or do aerobics. It was certainly having an impact on my life and meant giving up squash, aerobics, gym etc for this time. I'd had sports massage, rubbed 'Deep Heat' on it, put ice on it, was given exercises to do by my Pilates teacher - but nothing would take away this dull ache. In desperation I looked at other possible treatments which may help. I came to see Hilary for a Bowen to see if that would have any affect on it. As I lay on the couch on my back Hilary noticed that one foot fell to the side more than the other and that in actual fact my hips were out of alignment. I had no idea and evidently many people suffer from this without being aware. She tweaked a muscle in my leg to realign it all and as soon as she did this the ache went away - and stayed away! I couldn't believe how effective such a little movement could be. I would really recommend that if you do have a problem with your lower back that you get your hip alignment checked. It really made all the difference to me! Jane, Edgbaston

A hard day's 'strimming' resulting in a tweaked lower back, turned into agony over the three following days. Rest and as many painkillers as I dared to take, had no effect ­ in fact, the pain got worse. As a 'homeopathic agnostic', I took some persuading to try Renaissance, but suffering desperately, I arranged an appointment for a Bowen Treatment with Hilary.

This was not really at all what I expected... no joint-cracking manipulation, just a gentle adjustment to various parts of my anatomy and a pause for, as Hilary said, "my body to get used to the idea".  I left Renaissance
feeling no better and convinced that I was probably well into the process of a lingering and painful demise! When I got up next morning, I was cured! KW, Harborne

I have been visiting Hilary at Renaissance for 5 years. She has a lovely warm and friendly nature, and I immediately felt at ease with her. So much so, after a few visits when I found out I was pregnant, I was happy to continue visiting her for reflexology and aromatherapy massage treatments.

I’m now a full time Mother to 2 boys and it is even more important that I continue to visit her, so I can have a bit of me time.  Her treatments aren’t just beneficial, I find them essential.

Whether you visit in for an Indian head massage or decide to go for the full body aromatherapy hot stones massage, you will not be disappointed and you will leave feeling relaxed, pampered and ready to face the challenges of the day. Rachel, Edgbaston