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 Joseph & His Practice
What is the "Holistic" Approach?
 Simply, a holistic treatment is one in which the recipient is understood as a whole - as a physical, mental,
emotional,
and social being - rather than as
isolated signs and symptoms. The therapist, holding this
understanding, then tries to address these aspects of the individual in a way that is relevant to his chosen method. In terms of Joseph's massage treatments, a detailed history is key in identifying what it is a person who has come to see him requires. He then attempts to answer these requirements with proper oil selection and massage, as well as suggestions about diet and lifestyle that he believes will help improve the persons' quality of life.
Why Organic Oils?
In a typical massage treatment, 20ml of oil is absorbed by the skin. It is well documented that a disproportionate number of pesticides and environmental pollutants are fat soluble, ending up in the fatty tissues of animals and plants.  Many conventional fixed oils are also chemically extracted from the plants because it is either cheaper or the oil content of the plant is too low for pressing. These chemical solvents leave residues in the final product, further increasing contaminant levels. In light of the fact that so much oil is absorbed in the course of a single massage, the production method assumes much greater importance. Therefore, in
keeping with the holistic perspective, only organic, cold-pressed,
unrefined, and steam distilled oils are used in Joseph's treatments. Organic products are also generally considerably richer in nutrients and
therapeutic compounds and, therefore of more benefit to the body than their conventional counterparts.
A Brief Biography
 In 2006 Joseph
moved to Scotland from his hometown of New York City to
pursue his interest in complementary medicine, and has been a Massage Therapist since 2007. He has earned
qualifications
in Aromatherapy, Holistic Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage, and MLD, and is currently studying Herbal Medicine at the Scottish School
of Herbal Medicine in Glasgow. He enriches his practice with a variety of movements and techniques drawn from Deep Tissue and Remedial Massage, Hands-Free Massage, and Accupressure, and frequently attends courses and workshops intended to diversify and improve both his knowledge and technique. He brings his herbal training to massage,
employing some unusual oils and making some of his own infused carriers.
While most of Joseph's non-massage time is spent on schoolwork, he does occasionally manage to climb Arthur's Seat, admire the view from Calton Hill, and camp in central Scotland.
Joseph is a fully qualified and insured member of the
Complementary Therapists Association.
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