Natural News

Has Tony Blair been reading this column? Remarkable to see him echoing my suggestions of two weeks ago when I suggested we take greater responsibility for our own healthcare. Just this week, to a gathering in Nottingham, the PM suggested: “people must take more responsibility for their health” to relieve pressure on the NHS.

What’s more, according to a BBC report, he said it was the job of ministers to “empower the individual, rather than command” saying that the NHS could be crippled by the cost of treating people affected by obesity, alcohol abuse and smoking. “Failure to address bad lifestyles was putting an increasing strain on the health service,” he added.

And taking a very holistic perspective, he is also reported to have said: “The truth is we all now pay a collective price for the failure to take shared responsibility. Health care could not just be about treating the sick, but helping people to live healthily, which required commitment from individuals, companies and the government.”

Can’t argue with that.

Other shock news this week emerged from the lips of Noel Edmonds, who on the Richard and Judy show, talked about his new book on the phenomenon of cosmic ordering and how he claims the success of his recent smash hit TV show (Deal or no deal) is all down to a cosmic order he placed when down on his luck.

What surprised me was his grasp of metaphysics when he said that if 10% of the viewers were to think positively, the country would be ungovernable by the morning – a view supported by his assertion that a negative population was easier to manage than the empowered populace Blair seems to have in mind. We’ll see.

Noel also mentioned that fact that his introduction to cosmic ordering – the latest personal growth fad of asking the cosmos to grant and deliver your wishes – came from his reflexologist. This got me thinking about the role of therapists and how they not only treat, but also tend to educate their clients, in their role as ‘light-workers’, bringing new, empowering and liberating ideas to those in need.

I met one such individual recently, Sue Fraser, pictured here holding my head. Sue has an amazing past, which I’ll go into. But I have to say, first and foremost, that her power of touch is outstanding. Held as I was for just a few minutes for the photo, I got good value! It’s lovely to he given that level of attention, but it’s even better when you’re in the capable hands of a gifted healer.

In conversation, I discovered how Sue realised her gift and found her vocation in helping particularly vulnerable clients.

“I originally experienced complementary therapies in 1987 when my life was falling apart,” Sue revealed. “I had 3 young children and a very abusive marriage. I was a victim, suffering from depression. My life up until this point was a history of abuse and pain, I had suffered enough.”

“I had booked an Aromatherapy treatment for a day, when looking back, I would have otherwise chosen to end my life,” Sue wnt on to say, “I don’t know how I made it to the appointment – I must have had a Guardian Angel looking after me that day. I turned up in a flood of tears, not knowing how I had managed to get there. I had no recollection of booking the appointment.”

“The therapist took me into her sanctuary and worked magic. She provided me with a safe space to crumble and fall apart. The combination of the treatment and the oils brought me back to reality. That therapist saved my life. At the end of the session she said she thought I would benefit from a few treatments, which I willingly agreed to.”

“This wasn’t someone solely out to make money, she really did have my best interests at heart. After a course of treatments she was so pleased at the way I had responded that she asked me if I would like to join her on an Aromatherapy course. Out of nowhere I said ‘Yes!’. I had found something that I really enjoyed and I wanted to know how to share it with others.”

I remember the first day of my course at the end of 1987. It was the first time I had sat in a circle and introduced myself. I went bright red and said ‘I’m no-one – just a mum’. Have I changed my mind now!!! I passed the course with distinction and became a qualified Aromatherapist .”

“Soon after the course ended I left my marriage and made a new home for myself and my 3 children. It was a long, hard road and the only housing available was on an estate for ‘problem families’. I accepted it because I needed to get away from the situation I was in.”

“Two years later I met and married my second husband and moved to Devon. That lasted 7 years. At the end of this marriage I promised myself that I would now find out who I really am. As if my life had been guided, I followed a new path. I trained as a Flower Essence Therapist at Findhorn in Scotland.”

“That was a cathartic experience for me, which helped me to explore my love for flowers and the ways in which they can help us to release all sorts of negativity, on many levels, in a very subtle and gentle manner. I also trained as an Advice Worker for a Disability organization and Plymouth Women’s Aid.”

“I felt that I had something to offer vulnerable people in particular. Since then I have set up and run a wholistic health centre, become a Reiki practitioner and a Colour therapist and teacher. “

“I am in the process of developing my own skincare products, ‘Essence of Light’, to use with my facials which combine essential oils and flower essences. I am concentrating on helping women to feel good and teaching them to nurture themselves with these treatments.”

“I teach a meditation and spiritual development group which will be starting on 2nd August in Newton abbot and I also run various workshops throughout the year.”

Sue describes herself as an “intuitive therapist” and will use any one, or a combination of, the therapies she is trained in whether it be aromatherapy, colour therapy, flower essence therapy or Reiki. She is also training as a facilitator for deep healing processes with something called the New Gaia Network.

If you want to savour Sue’s unique approach, you can book a treatment or enquire about classes and workshops by calling her on 07834 417 997.

Discussing his natural, non-drug-based, recovery from the ‘incurable’ and degenerative neurological disorder Multiple Sclerosis, Dermot O’Connor, recently revealed the role that Chi Kung or Qi Gong had played in his successful turn-around.

As well as reaching for various complementary thearpies, including Neuro-Linguistic Programming, nutrition and meditation, Dermot took up Qigong, an ancient Chinese form of exercise at Xi Yuan hospital in Beijing - the leading Chinese medicine hospital in fact – where he witnessed “very sick people move, breathe and meditate themselves back to health.”

Whilst arguing that while making one change to your life might not be enough to conquer an illness, the cumulative effect of various changes could tip the balance in your favour, Dermot spoke of how in the West, we often use exercise to build physical strength and external prowess, whereas in the East, exercise in the form of Tai Chi and Qi Gong is used to build health from within.

We all know exercise is ‘good for you’, but the Chinese - combining movement, meditation and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of Chi or Qi (the ancient term given to what is believed to be vital energy in the body), seem to be more aware of how it enhances immune function, as well as aiding recovery from chronic conditions.

Another definition of Qigong, from the National Association in America, calls it an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. Here again, the Chinese, show their command of holistic healthcare and the importance of ‘focussed intention’ in the healing process.

Whilst ‘Chi’ or ‘Qi’ is beginning to be understood in the West, the second word, Gong, pronounced gung, means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Apparently, Qigong methods can be classified as martial, medical or spiritual and whilst some forms “increase the Qi, others circulate it to cleanse and heal the body, store it, or emit Qi to help heal others”.

The beauty of it for me, is that the slow gentle movements of most Qigong ‘forms’ can be easily adapted, even for the physically challenged and can be practiced by all age groups. Like any system of health care, it isn’t a cure-all a panacea, but it is proving itself a highly effective health care practice as Dermot’s story shows.

“Qigong creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of our being that are not part of traditional exercise programs,” says America’s National Qigong (Chi Kung) Association. “Most exercises do not involve the meridian system used in acupuncture nor do they emphasize the importance of adding mind intent and breathing techniques to physical movements. When these dimensions are added, the benefits of exercise increase exponentially.”

“The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qigong reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions.

Those who maintain a consistent practice of Qigong find that it helps one regain a youthful vitality, maintain health even into old age and helps speed recovery from illness. Western scientific research confirms that Qigong reduces hypertension and the incidence of falling in the aged population. People do Qigong to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their minds, and reconnect with their spirit, “ they add.

Furthermore they reckon that when these three aspects of our being are integrated, it encourages a positive outlook on life and helps eliminate harmful attitudes and behaviours. It also creates a balanced life style, which brings greater harmony, stability, and enjoyment. Sounds good to me.

It’s thought that anyone can benefit, regardless of ability, age and belief system or life circumstances. Children can learn to channel their energy and develop increased concentration, workers can reduce stress and the elderly can use the gentle movements to enhance balance and their quality of life.

If you want to give it a go you won’t have to go to China as Torquay’s Kevala Centre offers an introductory course to “Qigong for Health and Vitality” via distance learning.
 
“My aim in writing this course is to introduce you to the practice and philosophy of Qigong in a way that is informative, supportive and inspiring,” says tutor Andrew Broadhead, who has over 15 years experience and has studied with international teachers.

This course may be started at anytime and you can find out more at www.kevala.co.uk or by calling 01803 215678

Dermot O’Connor’s natural road to recovery is detailed in his book - The Healing Code - published by Hodder Mobius.

Holistic marketing guru Pete Dickson’s passion for helping alternative and complementary therapists has reached a new level with the release of a new podcast, e-book and the announcement of a special UK business development workshop.

In association with Holistic Local, the world’s fastest-growing holistic directory and social network, Pete has created a free podcast that exposes the top three mistakes that therapists make in their marketing efforts.

“This format is ideal for busy therapists who I hope will be busier once they’ve listened to my interview with Holistic Local,” says Pete, “they can listen on their laptops or download to an i-pod and get over the three hurdles that hold most therapists back from big success.”

Pete is the author of “How to write effective adverts and flyers that will attract clients to your practice like a magnet”, which can also be downloaded absolutely free of charge in e-book format.

Both projects have been published in anticipation of a special workshop in August, where Pete will roll up his sleeves and show therapists how to create their dream business, using what he says is: “business boosting information that can be put into practice immediately”.

“It’s great to be working with Pete, he knows his stuff,” says Andy Metcalfe of Holistic Local. “The free podcast and e-book are a very generous gift to therapists who often need help growing their businesses. Pete keeps it simple, practical and achievable.” 

The podcast and e-book can be downloaded from www.holisticlocal.co.uk, further details about the workshop, which comes with a unique money-back guarantee, can be seen at: http://www.holisticlocal.co.uk/ukworkshops

Ends

Editors’ Notes:

You can hear the podcast interview (14:28 minutes running time) with Pete Dickson free at: http://www.holisticlocal.co.uk/podcasts

Information about Pete’s workshop “Boost Your Therapy Business” is available at: http://www.holisticlocal.co.uk/ukworkshops

The e-book “How to write effective adverts and flyers that will attract clients to your practice like a magnet” can be downloaded at: http://www.holisticlocal.co.uk/books/paid/howtowriteeffectiveadverts.pdf

Pete Dickson’s website: www.petedickson.com

Pete can be contacted for interview on 0121 288 7963

Known to the ancient cultures of Egypt, India and China, reflexology has increased in popularity over the last few years in the West and has gained respect as an important, safe and natural healing art.

Based on the theory that the human body has its own internal energy lines and that ill health can arise from an energetic imbalance, reflexologists use reflexology points on the feet, relating to different parts of the body, to restore balance, assist in the prevention of ill health and bring about relaxation.

Practitioners and clients alike say that reflexology treats mind, body and spirit and is a wonderful therapy especially for those who enjoy having their feet touched; it can also work for those with sensitive feet, as pressure is usually firm.

Working through the feet to help support and heal the whole person, not just the prevailing symptoms, reflexology has been shown to be effective for back pain, migraine, infertility, arthritis, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, sports injuries, digestive disorders and stress-related conditions.

During a treatment, the practitioner will usually begin by taking a case history, and having made the client comfortable, use their hands to apply pressure to the feet; application and effect will vary according to individual therapists. 

An experienced, well-trained reflexologist may be able to detect subtle changes in specific points on the feet, and by working on these points, affect the corresponding organ or system of the body.

Sessions usually lasts for about an hour and courses of treatment may be recommended depending on individual needs.

Suitable for all ages, reflexology can offer relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Clients, having completed a course of treatment for a specific condition, many find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments to maintain health and wellbeing. 

This introduction written for Holistic Local by kevala.com, the world’s favourite flexible learning holistic therapy school. More about their flexible learning reflexology training course at: http://www.kevala.co.uk/courses/reflexology.php

Holistic Local author and natural stroke recovery expert Walter Kocken offers new, non-pharmaceutical, help to stroke patients wanting to improve their mobility…

10 tips for improved walking for severely affected stroke patients who require the assistance of a stick or frame:

1. Do Not Rush
Learn to walk in a relaxed, calm manner and you will get to your destination more quickly.

2. Learn Relaxation Techniques
Incorporating relaxation techniques releases muscle tension in the affected leg allowing for easier movement and a better way of walking.

3. Try Not To Walk Or Stand For Long Periods
Walking or standing for too long creates additional muscle tension in the affected leg that will become very noticeable that same evening and into the next day(s).

4. Be Aware Of Slippery Or Uneven Surfaces
Walking tends to deteriorate when surfaces are slippery or uneven, especially if the patient is experiencing anxieties.

5. Try Not To Talk Whilst Walking
For the severely affected stroke patient attaining good levels of concentration and awareness whilst walking are essential. Talking is suggested after the patient stops walking and attains a balanced position.

6. Experiencing Negative Emotions Will Affect Walking
When the patient experiences anxiety/fear, anger, and/or depression this has a tendency to create additional muscle tension in the affected leg that will affect walking.

7. Talk To Yourself With A Silent Affirmation
The stroke patient can from time to time experience moments of panic. By using a silent affirmation in the form of “I am calm and relaxed” this can potentially override panic and improve walking.

8. Be Aware Of Climbing Steps And Steep Slopes
Maintaining balance, attaining good levels of concentration and awareness are essential when climbing steps and steep slopes. This activity is guaranteed to create additional muscle tension in the affected leg that will become noticeable later in the evening and into the next day(s).

9. Be Cautious When Walking In A Crowded Environment
The unpredictability of people in a crowded environment can make walking a difficult exercise for the stroke patient. If people are too close, it is advisable for the stroke patient to stop, attain balance, wait for the person to pass and then to move to forward.

10. Walking In Cold Weather Can Be More Difficult
Cold weather increases muscle tension in the affected leg and can make walking a more difficult exercise.

Walter Kocken is the author of Stroke: How to Reduce Risk and Promote Recovery – Naturally. Based on nearly 15 years of research, this book empowers readers to take positive action in reducing the risk of stroke and offers a natural treatment regime for those who have been affected – to stroke patients and their carers. See www.naturalstrokerecovery.com

This article was written for Holistic Local - the world’s fastest-growing holistic directory and social network. You can join Holistic Local and find more free holistic tips, tools and listings at www.holisticlocal.com