Mrs Samantha James
Mrs Samantha James
Opening hours
- Sunday
- Closed
- Monday
- 10:00 - 14:30
- Tuesday
- 10:00 - 14:30
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 14:00 - 19:00
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
The Retreat Beauty Salon, First Floor/16 Tuly Street
Barnstaple EX31 1DH
Barnstaple EX31 1DH
Our Booking PolicyHello, I am renting a room at The Retreat in Barnstaple. New clients please fill in the consultation form from the link on your booking confirmation, thank you. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Hello, I am renting a room at The Retreat in Barnstaple. New clients please fill in the consultation form from the link on your booking confirmation, thank you. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Services
Bowen is an overall body balancer for physiological wellbeing (hormones, lymphatics, musculoskeletal, nervous system...), as well as emotional wellbeing. Its gentle and calming moves evoke relaxation which has an effect on the tension of the whole body. It can regulate hormones, sleep patterns, and mood swings.
I will be using a combination of Bowen, kinesiology techniques and aspects of lymphatics, Vagus nerve and body system assessments to help restore equilibrium in the body.
Bowen is used to restore your natural postural function, asymmetry, and balance as well as calming all body systems and supporting kidney, respiratory, lymphatic, and circulatory functions for optimum health. This gentle treatment is done through loose comfortable clothing and is safe for babies, the elderly, pregnancy, and all disabilities/health issues.
Bowen has had recorded success for a huge variety of health conditions including:
Muscular/fascial pain, asthma, autoimmune disease, depression/anxiety, back pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, chronic pain, surgery recovery, colic, IBS, injury recovery and many more.
Based on the information you have provided and a postural assessment the gentle rolling movements gives information to precise areas of your body so that the receptors in the muscle and tendons via the nervous system can decide whether the muscle is holding too much or too little tension, is it hypotonic or atrophied? Does it need to let go of an old pain cycle?
Pain can occur when the nervous system panics and feels that you are in danger, and either stops movement or changes the movement pattern using other muscles (dysfunctional movement patterns). Pain is a big subject currently being researched. Where you feel the pain isn’t necessarily where the problem is. Bowen works well as it gives information and resets the nervous system for the body to correct issues throughout the entire matrix.
NB: The Breaks - Bowen is different from other therapies as we have 2-5 minutes breaks between areas worked. This is so that the body can use the information given to make changes. When a muscle is overworked via manual manipulation techniques – research has shown that the receptors within muscles, tendons become confused and shut down. Bowen allows breaks so that the body can go into introspection in order to make the required changes. This is what makes Bowen so profound and the results can be immediate or progressive over the course of a few days.
I will be using a combination of Bowen, kinesiology techniques and aspects of lymphatics, Vagus nerve and body system assessments to help restore equilibrium in the body.
Bowen is used to restore your natural postural function, asymmetry, and balance as well as calming all body systems and supporting kidney, respiratory, lymphatic, and circulatory functions for optimum health. This gentle treatment is done through loose comfortable clothing and is safe for babies, the elderly, pregnancy, and all disabilities/health issues.
Bowen has had recorded success for a huge variety of health conditions including:
Muscular/fascial pain, asthma, autoimmune disease, depression/anxiety, back pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, chronic pain, surgery recovery, colic, IBS, injury recovery and many more.
Based on the information you have provided and a postural assessment the gentle rolling movements gives information to precise areas of your body so that the receptors in the muscle and tendons via the nervous system can decide whether the muscle is holding too much or too little tension, is it hypotonic or atrophied? Does it need to let go of an old pain cycle?
Pain can occur when the nervous system panics and feels that you are in danger, and either stops movement or changes the movement pattern using other muscles (dysfunctional movement patterns). Pain is a big subject currently being researched. Where you feel the pain isn’t necessarily where the problem is. Bowen works well as it gives information and resets the nervous system for the body to correct issues throughout the entire matrix.
NB: The Breaks - Bowen is different from other therapies as we have 2-5 minutes breaks between areas worked. This is so that the body can use the information given to make changes. When a muscle is overworked via manual manipulation techniques – research has shown that the receptors within muscles, tendons become confused and shut down. Bowen allows breaks so that the body can go into introspection in order to make the required changes. This is what makes Bowen so profound and the results can be immediate or progressive over the course of a few days.
Bodywork is a therapy where I can pull on all of my tools including hot stones, cups, ultrasound, dry needling & joint mobilisations. I use aromatherapy oils within every session and I can adapt between Remedial / soft tissue, sports, clinical, deep tissue, lymphatic bodywork, energy healing, Bowen, reflexology and kinesiology often applying a mixture.
This allows us to work together to chose a mixture of tools that are best suited to your needs on that day. Making each session varied, creative and what you need according to your current emotional, psychological and physical needs.
I work with soft tissue injuries, health conditions, emotional fatigue and trauma as well as post surgery work, scar tissue release, maintenance and realignment.
This allows us to work together to chose a mixture of tools that are best suited to your needs on that day. Making each session varied, creative and what you need according to your current emotional, psychological and physical needs.
I work with soft tissue injuries, health conditions, emotional fatigue and trauma as well as post surgery work, scar tissue release, maintenance and realignment.
These sessions blend hands-on therapy with whole-person support, tailored to your needs on the day. Using a client-centred approach, I combine techniques such as hands on therapies, acupuncture, lymphatic, vagus nerve work, Bowen, scar tissue therapy, reflexology, and infrared light to reduce pain, restore function, and support.
Sessions may also include personalised movement, breath-work, nutritional tips, and simple daily habits to ease stress and inflammation—supporting your physical, emotional, and hormonal wellbeing.
Sessions may also include personalised movement, breath-work, nutritional tips, and simple daily habits to ease stress and inflammation—supporting your physical, emotional, and hormonal wellbeing.
These sessions blend hands-on therapy with whole-person support, tailored to your needs on the day. Using a client-centred approach, I combine techniques such as hands on therapies, acupuncture, lymphatic, vagus nerve work, scar tissue therapy, reflexology, and infrared light to reduce pain, restore function, and support healing.
Sessions may also include personalised movement, breath-work, nutritional tips, and simple daily habits to ease stress and inflammation—supporting your physical, emotional, and hormonal wellbeing.
Sessions may also include personalised movement, breath-work, nutritional tips, and simple daily habits to ease stress and inflammation—supporting your physical, emotional, and hormonal wellbeing.
Using gentle hands on Therapies. This treatment will help to relieve the associated symptoms and side effects of your cancer treatment. When so many appointments are clinical and can often feel out of your control. This treatment supports you to feel nurtured and deeply relaxed and pampered.
For individuals who need temporary frequent top up treatments to create positive change from pain and restrictions.
Lymphatic Bodywork
lymphatic massage / drainage
lymphatic cupping
lymphatic brushing
The lymphatic system has a huge role in your immunity, supporting digestion, the circulatory system, cognitive function, the thyroid, kidneys, the heart, bladder and liver function. When it is not working well, it can cause many symptoms and leave you feeling sluggish and under par.
We are exposed to a huge amount of environmental toxins in plastics, furniture, the food we eat, chemicals in our skin products and cleaning products affecting the amount of work the lymphatic system needs to do to support our health immunity.
The lymphatic system fights disease and plays a large role in managing inflammation. Lymphatic cells live within every organ to protect us from infections and viruses. When it is not working effectively we experience low-level inflammation,
.
We can experience:
Headaches, musculoskeletal pain - Bloating - Weight gain and excess belly fat - Brain fog - Allergies/sinus problems - Skin issues - Puffy hands, feet and face and generally feeling under par.
This treatment aims to clear blockages and the assist the flow of lymph from vessels to lymph nodes to be cleaned and returned to circulatory system, restoring health and vitality.
lymphatic massage / drainage
lymphatic cupping
lymphatic brushing
The lymphatic system has a huge role in your immunity, supporting digestion, the circulatory system, cognitive function, the thyroid, kidneys, the heart, bladder and liver function. When it is not working well, it can cause many symptoms and leave you feeling sluggish and under par.
We are exposed to a huge amount of environmental toxins in plastics, furniture, the food we eat, chemicals in our skin products and cleaning products affecting the amount of work the lymphatic system needs to do to support our health immunity.
The lymphatic system fights disease and plays a large role in managing inflammation. Lymphatic cells live within every organ to protect us from infections and viruses. When it is not working effectively we experience low-level inflammation,
.
We can experience:
Headaches, musculoskeletal pain - Bloating - Weight gain and excess belly fat - Brain fog - Allergies/sinus problems - Skin issues - Puffy hands, feet and face and generally feeling under par.
This treatment aims to clear blockages and the assist the flow of lymph from vessels to lymph nodes to be cleaned and returned to circulatory system, restoring health and vitality.
This soothing and relaxing treatment works by stimulating reflex points on the feet to encourage healing and whole-body equilibrium.
Reflexology has been known to help with a variety of conditions including fertility issues, menopause, PMT, stress and anxiety, IBS, and reducing side effects of cancer treatment as well as many other conditions.
It helps the body to restore its natural state (homeostasis). As your therapist, I will use a combination of acupressure points and massage techniques on areas specific areas on your feet, relevant to your individual needs. Usually, after a treatment, you will feel more relaxed and have a positive sense of wellbeing and improved mood.
Reflexology has been known to help with a variety of conditions including fertility issues, menopause, PMT, stress and anxiety, IBS, and reducing side effects of cancer treatment as well as many other conditions.
It helps the body to restore its natural state (homeostasis). As your therapist, I will use a combination of acupressure points and massage techniques on areas specific areas on your feet, relevant to your individual needs. Usually, after a treatment, you will feel more relaxed and have a positive sense of wellbeing and improved mood.
This session is for preventative and maintenance. Effective in supporting you through sport training schedules, managing work loads and daily life activities.
Working in partnership, we can assess lifestyle stressors, muscle imbalances and look for creative ways for you to train efficiently, avoiding repetitive strain injuries and optimising your health
.
Working in partnership, we can assess lifestyle stressors, muscle imbalances and look for creative ways for you to train efficiently, avoiding repetitive strain injuries and optimising your health
.
A vigorous, blissful head, neck, face and shoulder massage, with aromatherapy oils. Releasing tension from key areas of neck, shoulders, TMJ and your head. Relieving tension headaches, jaw pain, upper body lymphatic issues and promotes healthy hair.
PREGNANCY MASSAGE
This bespoke treatment using 100% safe essential oils specially chosen for pregnancy, will adapt to your ever-changing needs. You can choose whether you wish to be pampered or need relief from the aches and pains of carrying your precious bump.
As a Mum of four children, I remember well the rollercoaster of both the emotional and physical journey of pregnancy.
Every mother experiences pregnancies uniquely and no pregnancy is the same.
Massage is so important for both the duration and postpartum.
When we give so much of ourselves to nurture a baby, it is fundamental to receive care and nurture for ourselves.
The 9 month journey of emotional transitioning and hormonal, physical and lifestyle changes can take around two years to fully rebalance and recover.
Massage and Bowen can help support physiologically and emotionally throughout, allowing you to be in the best physical, emotional and mental, condition to nurture your baby.
During my pregnancy I found I really missed lying prone and didn’t enjoy side lying massage as much. Consequently I found treating side lying difficult, so I have invested in an pregnancy bolster system which allows you to lie prone comfortably, aiding full relaxation and optimal access to treat the aches and pains of pregnancy.
This bespoke treatment using 100% safe essential oils specially chosen for pregnancy, will adapt to your ever-changing needs. You can choose whether you wish to be pampered or need relief from the aches and pains of carrying your precious bump.
As a Mum of four children, I remember well the rollercoaster of both the emotional and physical journey of pregnancy.
Every mother experiences pregnancies uniquely and no pregnancy is the same.
Massage is so important for both the duration and postpartum.
When we give so much of ourselves to nurture a baby, it is fundamental to receive care and nurture for ourselves.
The 9 month journey of emotional transitioning and hormonal, physical and lifestyle changes can take around two years to fully rebalance and recover.
Massage and Bowen can help support physiologically and emotionally throughout, allowing you to be in the best physical, emotional and mental, condition to nurture your baby.
During my pregnancy I found I really missed lying prone and didn’t enjoy side lying massage as much. Consequently I found treating side lying difficult, so I have invested in an pregnancy bolster system which allows you to lie prone comfortably, aiding full relaxation and optimal access to treat the aches and pains of pregnancy.
Bodywork is an integration of fascial work, lymphatic cupping, vagus nerve work, gentle soft tissue work, scar tissue release.
Bodywork is done by individual assessment and need on the day. Depending on presentation I can pull on aspects of my 12 years continuous training and experience to enable positive change.
Example therapies are fascial, lymphatic, soft tissue, remedial and clinical therapies. I may use props such as hot stones, cups, infrared lamps, acupuncture, mobilisations, ultrasound and electro muscle stimulation if applicable and appropriate.
Bodywork is done by individual assessment and need on the day. Depending on presentation I can pull on aspects of my 12 years continuous training and experience to enable positive change.
Example therapies are fascial, lymphatic, soft tissue, remedial and clinical therapies. I may use props such as hot stones, cups, infrared lamps, acupuncture, mobilisations, ultrasound and electro muscle stimulation if applicable and appropriate.
The heady scent of the Thai herbs and oils induces such a deep relaxation
The Thai Herbal Compress technique offers several potential health benefits: It induces deep relaxation, relieves stress and fatigue, boosts both emotional and physical well-being, assists alignment and postural integrity of the body, improves circulation of blood and lymph, and stimulates the internal organs.
The hot compresses are ideal for alleviating pain, stiff, or sore muscles and ligaments, chronic backaches, arthritis, even skin conditions, migraines, and chronic stress or anxiety. The blend of traditional Thai herbs used in these compresses has a relaxing and invigorating effect on the body and mind, soothing sore and overworked muscles while giving the body’s energy reserves a huge boost.
The herbs in the compress possess properties that are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, and antioxidant. They are used to address sprains, bruises, and sore muscles, cleanse and heal the skin by promoting cell growth, and aid upper respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, asthma, and the common cold.
The Thai Herbal Compress technique offers several potential health benefits: It induces deep relaxation, relieves stress and fatigue, boosts both emotional and physical well-being, assists alignment and postural integrity of the body, improves circulation of blood and lymph, and stimulates the internal organs.
The hot compresses are ideal for alleviating pain, stiff, or sore muscles and ligaments, chronic backaches, arthritis, even skin conditions, migraines, and chronic stress or anxiety. The blend of traditional Thai herbs used in these compresses has a relaxing and invigorating effect on the body and mind, soothing sore and overworked muscles while giving the body’s energy reserves a huge boost.
The herbs in the compress possess properties that are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, and antioxidant. They are used to address sprains, bruises, and sore muscles, cleanse and heal the skin by promoting cell growth, and aid upper respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, asthma, and the common cold.
A wonderfully soothing treatment using Volcanic Basalt warm stones to glide over the body as an extension of the hands.
The stones warm the muscles and relax any tension stored in the muscle and myofascial tissue. The treatment will leave you feeling soothed, comforted and ultimately relaxed.
The stones warm the muscles and relax any tension stored in the muscle and myofascial tissue. The treatment will leave you feeling soothed, comforted and ultimately relaxed.
Book
Deposit for: Chronic Health Support: Build Strength, Balance & Resilience
. Duration:1 hr··. Price:£60
Living with a complex or chronic health condition can be frustrating and isolating. You might feel as though your body has turned against you, and traditional care doesn’t always offer the whole-person support you need.
At Coastal Health, we take a coaching-first approach to help you understand your body, uncover root causes, and create sustainable changes that improve daily life.
Your 6 week coaching experience will include:
Nervous system regulation for pain, fatigue, and overwhelm
Nutrition and recovery strategies to support energy and immune health
Reframing unhelpful patterns and rebuilding self-trust
Practical self-care tools you can use every day
Optional therapeutic support is available to complement your coaching and provide targeted relief:
Acupuncture for pain, sleep, and energy balance
Reflexology for stress reduction and nervous system reset
Lymphatic Therapy & Cupping for swelling, detox, and immune support
Scar Tissue & Fascia Work to restore movement
Vagus Nerve & Breathwork techniques for deep calm and regulation
When your body moves out of chronic stress, we can then look at:
Building routines to reduce stress and flare-ups
Strengthening safely with tailored movement plans
£450.00
At Coastal Health, we take a coaching-first approach to help you understand your body, uncover root causes, and create sustainable changes that improve daily life.
Your 6 week coaching experience will include:
Nervous system regulation for pain, fatigue, and overwhelm
Nutrition and recovery strategies to support energy and immune health
Reframing unhelpful patterns and rebuilding self-trust
Practical self-care tools you can use every day
Optional therapeutic support is available to complement your coaching and provide targeted relief:
Acupuncture for pain, sleep, and energy balance
Reflexology for stress reduction and nervous system reset
Lymphatic Therapy & Cupping for swelling, detox, and immune support
Scar Tissue & Fascia Work to restore movement
Vagus Nerve & Breathwork techniques for deep calm and regulation
When your body moves out of chronic stress, we can then look at:
Building routines to reduce stress and flare-ups
Strengthening safely with tailored movement plans
£450.00
Samantha James
About
MSK Pain and Injury Therapist- Lifestyle and Health conditions Coach.
Helping you recover, rebuild, and reconnect with your body.
My approach combines:
• Hands-on therapy (Bowen, manual therapy, acupuncture, reflexology)
• Strength and mobility rehab (including Pilates and gym-based work)
• Lymphatic, Vagus nerve & breathwork techniques
• Personalised coaching for lifestyle, nutrition, and stress management
Specialisms
• Injury rehab & musculoskeletal recovery
• Chronic condition support (autoimmune, post-cancer, CVD, fatigue)
• Nervous system-informed care for pain and overwhelm
• Midlife & menopause coaching and hands-on support
• Vagus nerve, breath work & lymphatic therapy for healing and balance
Good to know
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Reviews
, Highest rated
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5.0
140 reviews- Anna Wakefield··from Google
Sammy is so knowledgeable, she is very good at explaining what you need to do and will always answer any questions you have. Her plans are very good at explaining what you need to do. I would highly recommend her.
- Jules King·
Sam is an all round excellent therapist. I have received excellent care for injury, as well as lovely therapeutic massages in my quest to get my equilibrium back. She is a rare find, and I highly recommend her!
- Mark Hales·
Sam is an outstanding massage therapist and always seems able to repair whatever I have managed to break! I always come away from my sessions with her feeling so much better, both physically and mentally, than I did when I went in.
- Pip Vipond·
Sam is an incredible therapist with a lot of knowledge and varied skills. She is very good at listening to the problems and I always walk away feeling a lot more energised and reduced discomfort.
- Callum Mullen·
I saw Samantha last year for some back pain I had, she was very knowledgeable and welcoming and great at what she does. I’d definitely recommend booking in, in fact I recommend her to anyone dealing with muscle issues like I was!
- penny parsley·
first time I've been to Sammy and it was wonderful to leave feeling as I did. Never had hot stones before they felt amazing.
Friends I know spoke so highly of her and quite rightly so .
Opening hours
- Sunday
- Closed
- Monday
- 10:00 - 14:30
- Tuesday
- 10:00 - 14:30
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 14:00 - 19:00
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed