Massage, relaxation and a little bit of calm in the heart of Wareham
Have you heard about the new massage space coming to Wareham? Did you say no? Well, let me introduce you to The Little Shop of Calm — a lovely little space on West Street where you can take some time out, relax and discover a whole range of different massage treatments.
I was lucky enough to meet Sam, the owner, and spend some time finding out more about her new venture, what inspired her to start it and, more importantly, all the different ways she can help people unwind.
Meet Sam
The Little Shop of Calm is based in what used to be the old binocular shop along West Street. At the time of my visit, there were two posters in the window, so you really couldn’t miss it.
Inside, I met Sam, who has had quite a career change. Sam spent years working as a teacher before deciding it was time to try something completely different. She went on to train in massage and, from the time I spent chatting with her, it was obvious just how much knowledge she has built up around the different types of massage and what they can do for the body.
In the hour or so I spent with Sam, I learnt so much. And it actually gave me a little more insight into my own experiences with massage.
You know that feeling when you have a massage and walk away feeling completely relaxed and like all your aches and pains have magically disappeared? Then the next day you go straight back to the 9-5, sit at a desk all day and somehow all that lovely relaxation disappears? Yep. That’s me! It made me realise just how much tension we can carry around without even noticing it.
A Little Space to Relax
The shop itself is a quaint little place with vintage-style furniture and a really chilled-out vibe. It already felt like somewhere you could walk into, take a breath and leave the outside world behind for a little while.
As with any new business, there were still a few extra touches needed to make it perfect, but that’s all part of starting something new. The foundations were there, and I could see the potential for it to become a lovely little space in Wareham.
What I particularly liked was that Sam wasn’t looking at The Little Shop of Calm as somewhere that was simply about booking a treatment and leaving again. The idea was to have the shop open throughout the week, with morning and evening appointments available, while the middle of the day could be more relaxed and informal.
- Fancy popping in for a chat?
- Want to have a cuppa?
- Not quite sure what treatment might be right for you?
That’s where the community side of the shop comes in.
Sunday treatments were planned to be mainly pre-booked at this stage, but the overall idea of having a little place where people can stop, chat and find out more really appealed to me.
Sometimes we all need permission to stop for five minutes!
Let’s Talk Massage
Sam explained that bamboo holds heat for longer than hot stones, meaning that when it comes into contact with the body there isn’t the same direct shock from the heat. It sounds like such a simple difference, but it’s exactly the sort of thing I would never have thought about until someone explained it.
Sam offers several different treatments, including Warm Bamboo Massage and Hot Stones. Now, I’d heard of hot stone massage before, but Warm Bamboo was completely new to me. I had absolutely no idea what it was!
The other treatment that really stood out to me was Myofascial Massage. And, if you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking: what on earth is fascia? Well, fascia is the webbing or sheet of connective tissue that attaches, stabilises, encloses and separates muscles and other organs around the body. Myofascial massage focuses on helping to release tension within that fascia. After listening to Sam explain it, I could definitely understand why this type of massage might appeal to anyone who carries a lot of tension in their body. Especially those of us who spend far too much time sitting at a desk!
Trying the Physio Pod
Sam also offers Deep Oscillation Therapy using a Physio Pod, as well as Thai Foot Massage. I was lucky enough to have a go with the Physio Pod, and this was definitely something I’d never experienced before. The treatment is designed to help break down knots and tension in the body. Sam also explained that it can be useful for some people who have had knee or hip operations as part of their recovery.
The pod itself is fairly small and you’re asked to hold a cable with a metal end. Once you’re holding the metal and Sam places a gloved finger on my neck, you can feel a very slight vibration around the area. It’s a strange sensation, but not an unpleasant one.
It was one of those experiences where I wasn’t quite sure what to expect beforehand, but afterwards I could understand why someone might want to give it a try. And, knowing how much tension I seem to carry around my neck from sitting at a desk all day, it’s definitely something I’d be willing to try again.
More Than Just a Massage
One of the things I really liked about The Little Shop of Calm was that Sam clearly wants people to understand that there isn’t simply one type of massage that works for everyone. Different treatments can focus on different things and talking to someone who actually understands the treatments can make such a difference.
I’m not a massage expert by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, before visiting, I’d never even heard of some of the treatments Sam talked me through. But that’s exactly why I enjoyed my time there. It wasn’t about being told what I should have. It was about learning what the different options were and understanding a little more about how they work.
My Take on The Little Shop of Calm
All in all, I think The Little Shop of Calm could do well in Wareham.
The prices are very reasonable, and with morning and evening appointments there should be options for people who work the traditional 9-5 too.
But for me, it’s the community side that makes this little place stand out. I love the idea of having somewhere you can pop into during the day, have a cuppa, have a chat and find out more about what’s available.
It’s also lovely to see someone who is clearly so happy doing what they’re doing. Sam has a real enthusiasm for massage and genuinely wants to share her knowledge about the different treatments and how they may help people. And let’s face it, we could probably all do with a little more calm in our lives!
I’m excited to see how The Little Shop of Calm develops and what Sam does with the space. It already has a lovely, relaxed feel, and I think it could become one of those little Wareham places that people discover and then wonder how they ever managed without.
So, if you’re near Wareham and fancy taking a little time out from the usual hustle and bustle, why not pop in and say hello? You might just find your own little bit of calm.
Price: ££ / Where: 6 West Street, Wareham, BH20 4JU / Website: www.littleshopofcalm.co.uk
