Please read the following carefully. By booking an appointment with “Astēr Wellness” you agree to the following terms and conditions. Astēr Wellness reserves the right to cancel bookings and end sessions if these terms are breached.

Treatments

All treatments shown on the website are subject to availability and the images and/or descriptions of the treatments on the website are for illustrative purposes only. Actual treatments may vary from those images and/or descriptions. It is the responsibility of Astēr Wellness to ensure that all services listed on the website are accurately described.

Timings and punctuality

Clients should plan to arrive on time for their appointment. I do not have a waiting area for clients in my home. There is time built into your appointment to allow time to agree the focus of the treatment, as not rushing either side. New clients will have an extra 10-15 minutes built in for an initial, free consultation. Their first treatment will follow this consultation.

Late arrivals

If a client arrives after their scheduled appointment time, the session will still finish at the scheduled end time in consideration of the next client. If a client is over 30 minutes late for their appointment, the appointment will be cancelled and full payment will still be required. 

Valuables

Clients are advised to leave their valuables at home. Astēr Wellness will not be held responsible for lost items. Before a treatment begins, clients can place their belongings in a provided container in the treatment room for safekeeping.

Minimum age requirements

All clients must be over 18 and give written consent to any treatment and understand fully what the treatment will involve. If a client is aged between 16-18, their parent or guardian will be required to sign a consent form and be present during the entire treatment. 

It is important to establish that the young person wants the treatment on a voluntary basis. If they give any indication that they do not wish to have a treatment, then the therapist will not treat them under any circumstances. It will be made clear to the young person that they are entitled to change their mind at any point during the treatment. Where a child lacks the capacity to consent, consent can be given on their behalf by a person with parental responsibility.

Client health

When a client makes a booking, they will receive a link by email to the following form for online completion:

• Client record form

It is the client’s responsibility to complete these the day before their appointment. 

If a client thinks they may have a condition that might affect their ability to receive their treatment (including pregnancy, chronic illness or high blood pressure), they must advise Astēr Wellness prior to booking a treatment. This is to avoid disappointment on arrival.  

If a client has an ongoing medical condition, they are advised to consult a doctor before booking a treatment. Massage should not be performed under certain medical conditions. By booking a treatment, clients affirm that they have checked with appropriate medical professionals regarding the suitability of a massage, and that they have disclosed on their questionnaire any medical or other allergy/health information before their appointment. The therapist will re-confirm this on the day of their treatment. 

During a client’s initial consultation and subsequent follow-up appointments, the therapist will ask questions about their health and overall wellbeing. They will re-confirm with the client that there are no conditions that are considered ‘contraindications’ which could restrict them from having a treatment. A contraindication is a condition that serves as a reason not to take a certain treatment due to the harm that it would cause a person. Some treatments may cause unwanted or dangerous reactions in people with allergies, high blood pressure or pregnancy. 

The client confirms their understanding and agreement that Astēr Wellness shall not bear any liability should they fail to seek and follow independent and appropriate medical advice in relation to their proposed treatment.

The client confirms their understanding that their massage therapist will not provide a service to diagnose illness, disease or any other physical or mental disorder. 

The client acknowledges that massage is not a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis or treatment, and that it is recommended that they see their own doctor for any such advice.

Alcohol and drugs

Alcohol and/or drugs are contraindications and do not mix with massage. You agree to refrain from alcohol and/or drug use for at least 12 hours prior to your treatment. If you are taking or have taken prescription drugs for pain management or anti-inflammatory purposes in the past 12 hours, please disclose this on your questionnaire.

Client comfort

The therapist will check during the client’s treatment that the level of pressure being applied is just right. If a client experiences any pain or discomfort at any point, they agree they will immediately inform the therapist so that appropriate adjustments can be made to their level of comfort. 

Astēr Wellness aims to help improve client health and wellbeing and to not under any circumstances cause a deterioration in any existing conditions.

Client orders with Astēr Wellness

There are two types of order clients can make:

(a) Orders for treatments;  

(b) Orders for gift cards. 

There are two ways a client can place and amend their order: online or via email.

The order process online allows clients to check and amend any errors before submitting their order to Astēr Wellness. 

A contract will be formed when Astēr Wellness sends a written confirmation (usually by email) for treatments and gift cards. The order confirmation is your receipt from Astēr Wellness.

Payment - upfront payment policy

Clients can choose to pay a 50% deposit upon booking, with the balance due on completion of the treatment, or the full amount of the treatment in advance. Deposits are non-refundable. You can reschedule your appointment and your deposit will be transferred over to your future booking. If you are unable to reschedule, please contact us at least 1 business days before your appointment. 

All payments are via a third party payment platform. Clients will be redirected to their site to process their payment and will be subject to their terms and conditions, privacy policy and other terms of use.  Any currency conversion costs or other charges incurred by the client in making a payment will be borne by the client in addition to the price due to Astēr Wellness. Access to the third party payment platform may be occasionally restricted to allow for repairs, maintenance or the introduction of new facilities or services.

Confirmation emails and texts

As a courtesy, clients will receive an email reminder of their appointment two business days prior to their appointment date. They will also receive a text reminder 24 hours beforehand. However, if Astēr Wellness is unable to reach the client, please understand that it is the client’s responsibility to remember their appointment dates and times to avoid late arrivals, missed appointments, and the cancellation fee.

Cancellation policy

Rescheduling or cancelling an appointment

Clients must make every effort to make the appointment. The slot will have been reserved. When a client gives limited notice to cancel an appointment, Astēr Wellness misses the opportunity to offer other clients that space.

Astēr Wellness understands that on occasion it may be necessary for a client to reschedule an appointment. As a courtesy, clients are asked to provide a minimum of 1 business days' notice. The client can reschedule their booking at any time, however Astēr Wellness charges the full fee if the client gives them less than 24 hours’ notice to cancel.  If a client does not show up for the appointment this will be considered a cancellation with the full amount payable.

Rescheduling policy

Clients are allowed to reschedule their appointments; however, if a client reschedules their appointment at the last minute (ie just before the 1 business day window) more than three times, the third appointment will be considered the final opportunity to reschedule. Any further rescheduling requests may not be accommodated.

This policy helps ensure fairness to all clients and allows me to manage my schedule effectively. Thank you for your understanding.

Notice period

It is very important that clients read the cancellation terms made available on the website and during the booking process before booking any treatments. If a client wants to reschedule an appointment (and provided that rescheduling (as applicable) is not prohibited by these Terms and Conditions this can be requested and completed by either:

•  following the link in the booking confirmation email;

•  directly via email to hello@asterwellness.co.uk;

•  making contact via the contact form

Astēr Wellness recommends that all postponements are made online via the booking confirmation email link at least 1 business days in advance, or by email - hello@asterwellness.co.uk 

Astēr Wellness understands that unexpected events happen to all of us, and in rare circumstances, Astēr Wellness has the discretion to make exceptions to the above terms.

Liability

Astēr Wellness does not accept any liability for the following types of loss, whether caused by breach of contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise, even if the loss is foreseeable: loss of income or revenue; loss of business; loss of profits; loss of anticipated savings; or waste of management or office time.

Astēr Wellness does not exclude or limit their liability for death or personal injury arising from its negligence, or for any other liability which cannot be excluded or limited under English law.

It is the sole responsibility of the client to communicate in advance any medical or health-related conditions and/or special needs to Astēr Wellness that might affect or be affected by any treatments (for example without limitation, allergy information and health issues). Failure to disclose any such information to Astēr Wellness means that Astēr Wellness shall not be liable to the client (or the recipient of the treatment) for any injury, loss or damages resulting from the treatment that could reasonably have been avoided if the client (or the recipient of the treatment) had disclosed that information prior to receiving the treatment.

General

This website is operated by Astēr Wellness whose office is at 51 Cormorant Way, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 4UY ("us", "we" or "our" for short).

All communications and notices from you must be sent to hello@asterwellness.co.uk, via this web form, or by post to Astēr Wellness, 51 Cormorant Way, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 4UY. 

Astēr Wellness reserves the right to change terms, conditions, hours of work, or pricing at any time by providing reasonable notice of such a change.

When a client purchases a treatment or gift cards, it will create a binding legal contract between them and Astēr Wellness in relation to the provision of services which the client books through the website. That contract is subject to certain provisions of these Terms and Conditions including the cancellation period which Astēr Wellness will notify the client of before they make a booking. 

Astēr Wellness amends these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Every time a client wishes to book an appointment on the website, they are encouraged to check these Terms and Conditions to ensure they understand the terms which will apply at that time

If any of these Terms and Conditions are determined by a competent authority to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable to any extent, such term, condition or provision will to that extent be severed from the remaining terms, conditions and provisions which will continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Governing law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Non-sexual massage therapy

All treatments provided by Astēr Wellness are entirely therapeutic and non-sexual. The private practice in Leighton Buzzard is for women and non-binary people only. Men are very welcome by referral from existing clients, or from within my network. 

Service etiquette 

Astēr Wellness reserves the right to refuse or discontinue our massages for any reason. The therapeutic relationship with any client will be immediately terminated if they:

• Sexualise or attempt to sexualise the treatment or environment, or

• Threaten or otherwise endanger the therapist, or

• Act in a way that is inappropriate or otherwise unacceptable in communications via phone or email, or in person

Astēr Wellness will deny treatment to a client where the therapist perceives their safety is at risk. We have the right to expect a safe working environment.

Personal hygiene

Massage therapy involves the use of touch and oils in a confined space. It is imperative for the health and safety of the client and therapist that both have a shower or bath on the day of a treatment. Should either part fail to uphold their hygiene responsibilities, services for that session will be postponed.

If you have any questions or concerns, or wish to book a treatment, please email hello@asterwellness.co.uk or use the web form.