Birchwood Body x Hoj

We are so thrilled to have massage therapist: Ayanna from Birchwood Body part of our Autumn Box online workshop! We have interviewed her.

Who are you, where are you from and where in the world are you now?

I’m Ayanna Birch, Founder of Birchwood Body. Born and raised in the heart of London Waterloo and still living within its heartbeat. As a professional freelance massage practitioner, my work allows me to work remotely and internationally; wherever I go my hands (work) come with me. 

How often do you take some “me time” and how important it is for you?

I take “me time” within every moment I have with myself. That could be the moment I come out of the shower or bath. I sit alone and perform a generous amount of self-massage when moisturising my body. This prepares me for my day ahead, balances my nervous system and relaxes my body by alleviating any tension. Or I find in those treasured quiet moments when having a tea, feeling the warmth in my palms curled around the cup. There’s also ‘me time’  in pauses between clients, to breathe, catch my breath and regain my energy. I spend quite some quality time with myself throughout each day when and where I can. It’s important to me because I can fall in and out of a rabbit hole of anxiety and allow the stress to overwhelm me. Especially after the passing of my Son I’m finding it extremely important to find balance, peace with simple, accessible practices. 

What are your favourite wellbeing rituals to do at home?

My favourite all time rituals are classics; lighting a candle day or night with aromatherapy tailored to my desired mood. I also love burning some palo santo to ground me and encourage deep breathing. Daily self-massage or a facial massage routine in the morning or before I go to bed is a must. Oh’ and not to mention brewing hot tea.

What are the benefits of your brand to a person’s wellbeing?

My brand allows a personalised experience of holistic healing. By providing bespoke massages treatments tailored to clients specific physical/ emotional needs and concerns. Birchwood Body also creates a community for people to share a space and connect; learning self-massage techniques in my guided self massage workshops. learning how to put the power back in your hands. A journey in self-discovery.

One piece of advise to help reconnecting with our body?

A bit of advice in reconnecting with your body would be, inviting you to sit with yourself and just FEEL. Explore ways of touch and self-massage that soothe you. The moment you become kind or gentle on your body, it strengthens the nervous system, sending messages to and from the brain. Promoting feelings of joy, grounding ,self awareness and connection. 

Discover the brand in our Autumn box. Get one for yourself or for a loved one now!

Follow Ayanna:
@birchwoodbody
www.birchwoodbody.com