A new complementary therapy centre - comprising acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic treatments - has opened in Ballasalla.

Called Rushen Abbey Complementary Clinic one of the therapists, chiropractor Sukie Davies, is a very familiar face having practised in the island for 20 years.

The last 15 years were spent in Castletown, but she had to find new premises when the building in Hope Street was put up for sale.

Meanwhile Maria Karabova was looking for new premises for her ’Three Treasured Acupuncture’ practice. She was at Bodycraft in town but found the gym too noisy.

She and Sukie had already made contact and referred patients to each other so joining forces ’seemed like the right thing to do’ said Maria.

The Slovak, who left Slovakia to study at the international College of Oriental Medicine in East Grinstead, has been building her practice since graduating in 2015. A series of events came together prompting the move to the island, where her partner has family, in late 2016, and the island ’felt right’ she said.

Aromatherapist Jenny James recently moved here with her family from London.

She said: ’I spent many happy holidays here visiting my parents. I was also at school here as a teenager and we wanted to give our children the opportunity to grow up in the countryside. We love the health benefits of the clean air, abundant aromatic plants, outdoor activities and the peace and quiet.’

’Having originally worked in the corporate world of luxury cosmetics and finance I qualified in holistic aromatherapy and essential oil science in 2008 with Neal’s Yard Remedies and have continued with my professional training since, specialising in organic facials and massage, pregnancy and postnatal care, yoga and yoga for kids.’