Most people just think that allergies are only to do with food (mostly people who don’t have said allergies). It’s about a lot more than food. It’s the ingredients. The ingredients in lotions, hair care, lip balm, candles, incense, mints, massage oils…

I love having a massage. My mum got me hooked on the lavish & decadent life at a very young age. Our treat was, and is, a massage pamper day. However, one of those days proved almost fatal for me. I realised that my allergies weren’t only a problem when I was eating, it was going to affect me with everything. 

We went to a massage salon in my teens, but it wasn’t one that I had been to before. We explained about my allergies and told them that the only oil that we could use was extra virgin olive oil. After a few minutes of the massage, I was covered in hives and was itchy all over. I went out to mum and she knew exactly what it was. There was nothing on my face; so we suspected I wasn’t having an anaphylactic reaction. I took an anti-histamine and it started to go down almost immediately.

We inquired to what oil the masseur was using. They said it was extra virgin but after some deeper research, the bottle was, in a past life, holding sesame oil. Cross contamination strikes again.

I did end up learning a very valuable lesson that day- bring your own oil. I now take coconut oil with me. It can be transported as solid or liquid, and a little goes a long way. I put a little lavender, eucalyptus oil, or peppermint to add a little extra to my session.

When I find something I like & trust it, I never let it go! This time it is:

KOIA LONDON

What I liked

• They take my allergy seriously

• It works - they know exactly what they are doing (you will feel so good)

• It smells so good

• They have a range of therapies and packages

• They’re lovely masseurs and friendly staff

• You smell great all day

What could have been better

• You cannot escape the incense (if intense smells effect your asthma, hay-fever or serious allergy its best to stay away)

• The water has fruit in it so you will have to request something different if that is an issue (I don’t use water with cut up fruit, because Im not sure what knife they used)

• Its expensive (worth it but pricey)

• They didn’t see any awareness of allergies. (It wasn’t on the form I filled out a few years ago… maybe they have updated)

• Never long enough

Whenever I go and get a massage they say that I shouldn’t wait so long to get another one this time “You are tense Lindi” I get it I get it! I’ll call them now on: +44 (0)20 7229 8686

Have you tried them? Comment below