Holistic Therapist Magazine - Issue 44 by holistichealthmag

FOR PROFESSIONAL COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE PRACTITIONERS

OCT/NOV/DEC 2022 ISSUE 44 £6.00

SPECIAL:

Healthier aging

Connecting with customers on social media

Converting prospects in to clients Refresh your website

for better results

Shamanic archetypes

What clients really want Get into the customer mind-set

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Contents 7

Editor’s Letter

Business News

38 Selenium for healthier aging

22 Time for a website refresh?

BUSINESS

Looking at your online shop window through fresh eyes

YOUR HEALTH

24 Discover the RCCM Leading the way in CAM Science research

10 CAM Coach Mark Shields on converting prospects into

clients 12 Innovate or stagnate Elizabeth Ashley explores the need for the

42 Astrology LunaClair looks ahead 44 Fast family food No-fuss recipes from Rebecca Wilson 47 New Frontiers

new

Our roundup of the latest research

14 Understanding what clients really want

48 Shamanic Archetypes

The key to building your business

Shamanic instructor Shanon Harwood

17 Consultation tips

introduces shamanic archetypes 26 Technique: Discover Aura-Soma

Get off to the best start

A system of colour, plant and crystal

19 Building an online community Donna Booth shares how she does it 20 Connecting with customers on social media

energies that enhance happiness and vitality. 28 Journeys

Ran Janda provides a masterclass

Meet the multitalented Jo Hanby

32 Special: Working with older customers Understanding the needs of older clients 34 Healthier aging The concept of healthspan 36 Stress management for healthier aging Jordi Mascio looks at the latest research

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Bjorn Falck Madsen reviews the evidence

52 Autumn bookshelf Our pick of the latest new releases 54 The Good Gift Guide Our pick of the best gift ideas 58 Back Page All the bits we couldn’t fit in elsewhere

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Managing Director Jason Firmager jay@holistictherapistmagazine.com Managing Editor Alison Daniels alison@holistictherapistmagazine.com Art Director Richard Hejsak Sales Team +44 (0)1795 479 957 sales@holistictherapistmagazine.com

Editor’s Letter Hello again, I’d really have liked to have been able to write a cheerful opening letter, but it’s only too clear that getting through the next few months is not going to be easy for any of us. Inflation and rising prices for essentials like food, housing and heating are already impacting people’s physical health and mental wellbeing. Everyone is on edge, anxious and many are desperately worried. Over 2.17 million people used a food bank in the UK last year. Over 13% of households in England were classified as fuel poor in 2020, the latest figures available. How many will it be now? We know that single parents and families with children are disproportionally likely to be affected, as are the elderly and those in housing with is not energy efficient, particularly in the rental sector. If this is a cold winter then many more than the estimated 63,000 excess winter deaths that occurred in England and Wales in winter 2020 to 2021 will happen. Given that many holistic therapy businesses have not yet recovered from the pandemic, the increasing cost of living will further squeeze both therapists themselves and clients. Even

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those who can cope with the rising prices will have less to spend on what may be considered non-essentials – even when those non-essentials are the very things that improve health and wellbeing and bring a little joy into their lives. So, how do you ensure your business thrives in almost impossible circumstances? Holistic

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Therapists who do well will be those who focus on customer service, essentially building and maintaining strong relationships with their clients, so that their treatments are considered

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an essential rather than a luxury. That’s why this issue focusses on customer service, from converting enquiries into new customers, to revamping your website, connecting on social

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Holistic Therapist Magazine is published quarterly (four times per annum) by Media Edge London Ltd. No part of Holistic Therapist Magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without permission. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Media Edge London Ltd. During printing, images may be subject to a 15% variation. © Copyright belongs to Media Edge London Ltd. All rights reserved. Please either keep this magazine for future reference, pass it on for somebody else to read, or recycle.

media and understanding the needs of older clients. We’re here to help you create the future you deserve. Love,

Alison and everyone at Holistic Therapist x MANAGING EDITOR

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BUSINESS

News & Dates

Openers All that’s new and interesting in the world of holistic therapy… AWAKENING FESTIVAL RETURNS TO COWES The Isle of Wight’s popular weekend festival of wellbeing, self-care and connection made a triumphant return to Cowes in late September after a two year hiatus. The line-up of speakers included Laura Brand and Rosie Wolfenden. An eclectic selection of over 50 sessions was presented over the weekend, including wellbeing workshops, self-care sessions, inspirational talks,

CORNISH GPS TO TRIAL SOCIAL PRESCRIBING Residents in the Corning towns of Bodmin, St. Austell and Penzance could find that their GPs prescribe walking and cycling in order to combat poor mental health and

US HOSPITAL OFFERS CHILDREN’S ACUPUNCTURE

yoga, movement, sound healing, meditation, creativity and crafting sessions, as well as holistic therapies. The opening day culminated in a Glitter Party yoga rave, followed by Soulful Sunday. Find out more about future events at awww.wakeningfestival.co.uk.

selected long-term health conditions. The areas have been selected as part of a three year national trial which would see some patients referred to activity groups, rather than given pills. The scheme is targeted towards adults with poor mental health and wellbeing, poor physical health including long-term health conditions, disabled people, unemployed adults and adults over 50.

WORDS OF WISDOM… Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Buddha

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US hospitals are increasingly trying to avoid prescribing synthetic opioids, which are responsible for widespread addiction and an estimated 75,000 overdose deaths in 2021. Now, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida has added an acupuncturist to its staff as part of its pain management clinic. Dr. Mohamed Rehman, the chair of the department of anaesthesia and pain medicine said they wanted to provide treatment that was narcotic sparing, meaning no morphine, codeine or other narcotics. “We owe it to the children to make

them pain-free and to provide them the best care that we can,” explained Dr. Rehman. The hospital uses acupuncture as a complementary therapy, along with treatments like physical therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy and cupping.

HOLISTIC MILITARY CARE CENTRE PROPOSED FOR LIVERPOOL A Liverpool charity which specialises in addiction recovery for ex-military personnel struggling to adjust to civilian life, has submitted plans for a holistic care facility to the city council. If approved, the new therapy centre would operate on a daily basis, offering specialist recovery programmes, a therapy room, community room, and kitchen. The first floor would contain a relaxation room, storeroom and

bathroom, and the second floor is to comprise of an art room and quiet room.

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News & Dates

TRY THIS… NATURAL CLEANING If you’d prefer to use natural cleaning products, take a look at The Seep Company. They offer copper scourers, cellulose sponges, bio-degradable bin bags, organic cotton tea towels and even an eco- household cleaning kit. Find out more at theseepcompany.com/ collections/all

LGBT+ TREATMENT ROOM OPENS IN WOLVERHAMPTON A new holistic treatment room designed specifically for the LGBT+ community has opened at School Street in Wolverhampton. The space, which is run by registered charity Wolverhampton LGBT was supported by generous donations from local businesses. Kelly Walker-Reed, chair and trustee, explained, ‘The room will be used to offer holistic therapies, things such as massages, reiki, beauty treatments, hair barbering, and in the future hair removal. ‘It is really important for the community to have a safe place where they won’t be misgendered or see the wrong pronouns used. The community often finds it difficult to find services which are inclusive and understanding. All of

our therapists are LGBT+ trained and have enhanced DBS checks, which you won’t see in most places. ‘And the room is not only for the LGBT+ community, it is for anyone and everyone who wants to access beauty or holistic therapies in a warm and welcoming building.’

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SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST JAILED FOR FOUR YEARS A Wymondham-based sports massage therapist has admitted sexually assaulting two women. Leon Tomasso, was jailed for four years after admitting two counts of assault by penetration. The first assault took place on a regular client at a clinic in Acle and the second occurred the following day at a gym in Norwich, where Tomasso also practiced. Both clients reported the assaults to the police. The first victim reported that Tomasso had said he had “misread the signs” when she challenged him immediately following the assault. Then, when she questioned him over which “signs” had made him think that was ok, he told her: “I’m sorry, it was my male urges that took over. It won’t happen again.” The second victim told officers how Tomasso had said the assault was “part of the wind-down” and how he thought she “would enjoy it,” when she challenged him. He later told her he knew he’d “crossed

the line” and that he’d “let his emotions get away from him.” Detective Constable Hollie Blaker, who led the investigation, explained, ‘The victims will never forget what happened, but I hope today’s sentence brings some closure to their ordeal. I know this has been distressing for them and their loved ones. ‘Tomasso exploited and abused their trust when they turned to him for help and were at their most vulnerable. Today it is because of the bravery and determination of these women that we have been able to put Tomasso behind bars.’

MULTI-MODAL HOSPITAL OPENS IN INDIA India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has performed the opening ceremony at Asia’s largest private specialty hospital, which combines AYUSH treatments with allopathic medicine. The hospital, which has 2,600 beds and cost Rs 4,000 crore was founded by spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, on a 130-acre site on the outskirts of the capital. The hospital complex includes a four star hotel, medical college, helipad and a 498-room guest house for

the family members of patients. When fully functional, the hospital complex will be have around 12000 staff including 700 doctors and will blend alternative medicine, especially ayurveda, yoga, and homoeopathy, with pharmaceutical approaches and also includes outreach services to villages within 50km of the site.

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BUSINESS

CAM Coach

HOW TO ATTRACT, CONVERT AND RETAIN QUALITY CLIENTS Gaining a sufficient number of quality clients is the life blood of any business. CAM Coach Mark Shields shares his strategy for converting enquiries into paying clients…

OMETIMES it can take months for a

client to find the right practitioner for them. Some have been on this journey for several years if not longer. It’s therefore vital that you ensure you are the right fit for the potential client and vice versa. It’s also essential to recognise the importance of building rapport quickly and confidently to create a lasting relationship between therapist and client. That’s why I advise using the Know, Like, Trust, Buy model. This three step process aims to ensure you win every client that gets into contact with you. The CAM COACH client attraction model used when describing the ratio between client enquiries and conversions is called the proficiency model. For

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example, if you convert half of your enquiries into paying clients, your proficiency rate would be 50%. Once practitioners follow this model it is common to experience proficiency rates of 90% and more For this exercise I’ll assume you already have a website for handling enquiries. If not, then creating a website should be a vital project.

Example case study highlighting the 3 step process Richard is 27 years old and has suffered with mild stress related depression for about three months. He has reached a point where he has been advised by his family and friends to see his GP and take some professional help.

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CAM Coach

Richard has seen his GP who has suggested Richard try to adopt some lifestyle changes and possibly see a professional before trying medication. Richard goes on line and completes enquiry forms for four practitioners after looking at their websites. You are the fourth he emailed. He emailed you all at eight o’clock on Friday night after returning home from work.

Implementing the CAM COACH 3 step process Step 1 Acknowledge and Respond Always carry a mobile device that has an electronic version of your diary on it and enables you to pick up emails. Assuming you check your phone for emails every hour or so, email a confirmation response immediately. In Richards’s case it would be around 9PM or 10PM on Friday night. Give your client the option to take a call from you within the next 24 hours so you can

Note that this conversation stage also applies to

immediately, perhaps some recommended

therapists offering physical modalities, not just

reading to help him understand his situation

talking therapies. In the majority of cases the

better, or something he can buy or some

client will take you up on this offer immediately,

exercises he can do, to help him before his

if not you simply make the appointment for a

meeting with you.

more convenient time.

In addition ask him to drop you an email of a

In any sales or service industry rapport is key in establishing trust and relaxing your client, enabling them to make sensible decisions.

This lets the client know you have received

understand their specific needs and begin to give some thought about

symptoms Explain that this information will help you prepare for your session together and you can spend the full hour working on helping him rather than fact finding. Then use what I can either an assumptive close or also sometimes referred to as an alternative close. it’s urgent, Richard I can fit you in next Thursday at 10.00AM or Friday evening at 7.00PM. If it can wait and isn’t so urgent, how about a week on Wednesday at 10.00AM or a week on Thursday at 5.00PM. All you are doing is asking for the appointment.

from your perspective

If you follow this process exactly as I have

it gives you the

described it and each step goes accordingly to

opportunity to build

plan you will have secured Richard as a client

high levels of rapport and get to know your client. During this conversation you need to ensure three things happen

and have your first appointment booked. Imagine if you used this technique with every enquiry. Once you had mastered each step you could be confident in achieving a practitioner proficiency rate of enquiry to appointment of 100%

You are genuinely interested in Richards’s requirements. Re assure Richard you can help and he

really do look like a practitioner that puts their

will be fine

client first. After waiting months, Richard has an

Explain to Richard you are running a

appointment to speak with you in person

very busy practice however due to his

at 11.00AM the following morning, and he

circumstances you will fit him in, even

can relax and talk at his own pace as it’s a

if it has to be over the weekend or late in the evening.

Imagine what that would do for your practice. You would simply then need to review your strategy of getting clients to your website and the enquiry stage; because once they enquired you would be completely confident in securing an appointment. n

Mark’s best-selling CAM Coach book can be found on the “in

practice” degree syllabus at numerous colleges and universities. It is often

Call Richard promptly at 11.00AM as arranged.

Step 3 Offer something for free

Ensure you book out at least thirty minutes

During your thirty minute consultation with

for the call. Explain to Richard you offer a free

Richard you will be continually building

initial thirty minute telephone consultation and

rapport and listening him. Give him some free

would he like to conduct that now with you.

tips as you speak on strategies to help him

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first started experiencing stress and depression

them. Very importantly

immediately, even late on a Friday night. You

Step 2 Your thirty minute free initial consultation

it, including a full time line so to show when he

how you might help

their enquiry and wow you’ve responded

Saturday morning.

full description of their situation as how he sees

How urgently would you like to be seen? As This helps you really

discuss through their requirements in more detail.

BUSINESS

described as the world’s leading resource for those looking to set up in private practice and work 1-2-1 with clients. Contact mark@lifepractice.co.uk

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Innovation

INNOVATE OR STAGNATE Elizabeth Ashley explains why it’s time to introduce some new ideas into your business…

OST people have got a post covid story of woe concerning how different their business looks, I think. My own business has changed, but I am not sure the pandemic economy had anything to do with it. I spent lockdown home schooling and panicking about my paramedic daughter’s health and safety, whilst I was researching a book about Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis. I’d begun it after creating the Professional Pain Practitioner - an online course for qualified therapists who wanted to specialise in dealing with chronic pain. In each of the twelve lessons, I’d explored the relevant

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scientific evidence of a different essential oil. Lemon Balm had been exciting because it acts in three different ways on our body’s main neurotransmitter GABA. It encourages the body to make more GABA, makes extra receptors available to catch it, then prevents a process called reuptake, that means rather than being cleared away and recycled, the GABA remains in play to eventually find its way onto a receptor and be used. Repeatedly, the same piece of information kept resurfacing in the ancient herbals, “The Melissae were priestesses of the ancient Greek goddess Demeter.” Why was that important and what did it mean? The next four years were spent looking for,

finding and studying the ways of these bee shamans and womb shamans of antiquity. At the end of it, I had zero interest in returning to aromatherapy industry that I had worked in for thirty years. The marketplace bored me, and I was sick of the same old debates every day. So how could I continue in a way that meant there was a home for my research on the priestess, in the world of essential oils? The answer was, of course, to innovate. The outcome of my innovation was to bring the idea that the first ever aromatherapist must have been a bee and exploring scent through inhalation and stories – Aromythology. Aromythology has been the single most successful thing my business has ever done, and I attribute that to innovation planning. Let’s be clear, innovation is hard. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it is often not a one off scenario. Where, in days gone by, we might have attributed mass industry disruption to tech giants, I think everyone now recognises the need to have some kind of edge. In fact, if COVID showed us nothing else, it showed us how clever we could be in the face of adversity. When the world went into lockdown, the rug was pulled out from under most people and everything they knew about their businesses was taken away. Innovation was the new norm.

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Innovation

BUSINESS

Create an innovation culture There was a child in my class, at senior school, who would always say he wanted to be an inventor in our careers class. The teachers smiled a tad mockingly, and I was frankly perplexed. I thought it was the oddest and silliest thing to say. Surely, I thought, everything had already been invented? I had wanted to be an Egyptologist, but decided that all the pharaohs must have been found, and I talked myself out of that. Today, I marvel at how whole cities are found beneath the sand, pinpointed by satellites in space. Mummies are analysed using MRI, and whole lifetimes of information about famine and nutrition can be found by forensic science. Looking back, I feel quite angry that no teacher put me right. How many opportunities had I missed not understanding that invention was happening every day? In the same way, when my son gained a place at Oxford University to study maths, I was reluctant to go and visit him, terrified of seeming dumb. Andy told me something that changed my life. “Everyone you meet knows something you don’t know,” both empowered me to speak up more and to listen to people around me.

I had wanted to be an Egyptologist, but decided that all the pharaohs must have been found, and I talked myself out of that. Steve Jobs may have been one of the most successful innovators of our time. One of his core beliefs was that hire people who can show you how to do new things, not people that you plan to tell what to do. What does your team know about? Discover everyone’s strengths, play to them and allow them to plug where you see yourself as having weaknesses. No-one expects you to re-invent the wheel, but one that goes faster, stronger and steadier will always have a customer waiting to buy.

Customer centred In the big market, Amazon boomed. On the streets, it was food delivery. These companies

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excelled in identifying people’s pain points and they delivered what people needed. Innovation should never be about what you want, what you need; for it to work it must solve a problem that a customer has. On that note, it also understands the current trend within that marketplace. Food delivery will always have a place, but it would likely not be as profitable now as it was in those first terrifying weeks of 2020. Be clear that any projections are based on now, not then.

Simplify, simplify, simplify One pitfall of great teamwork around innovation is complexity. Everyone wants to add extra value or a weave something new in. The customer isn’t really that interested in how clever you have been, only what it will do for them. Make things as easy for them as you can. In some ways, the less you have to explain to them the better. The more seamlessly they can slot it into the way they are doing things currently, the better. Most people don’t need to understand how it got results; they simply want to experience their life being better for it. A 2020 report by Fortune.com disclosed that 100,000 businesses that had temporary shut their doors during covid had then gone on to close them permanently. That we are still here is

something to be celebrated to be sure. But we must remain current, exciting and perhaps most important, we must remain profitable. As a business owner, our job is to work on the business, rather than in the business. We need to continually refresh and renew. Add value, interest and customer engagement in everything you do. But most of all, to engage your staff. Empower them as stakeholders who are invested in whether your business innovates or stagnates and to guarantee fulfilment across the company. n

ELIZABETH ASHLEY is a professional aromatherapist

with over 30 year’s professional experience. She is the author of The Secret Healer Manuals and the creator of the latest inhalation trend, Aromythology. Her book about the Melissa officinalis is available from Amazon. You can find details of all her work at

www.thesecrethealer.co.uk

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Understanding clients

UNDERSTANDING

WHAT CLIENTS REALLY WANT Each client is unique, but understanding what makes them tick can help you to help them on their journey to better health…

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Understanding clients

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They are fed up and want to feel better

diabetes. They are not whiplash cases, but

treatment to explore how your client is feeling

rather people who have suffered whiplash. Just

and responding to the treatment.

Many holistic therapists come to the industry

because two people share symptoms, doesn’t

after suffering from issues with their own health

mean that their health problems are identical,

and well-being, so should be particularly well-

nor that they should be treated in the same way.

They need guidance as to your expectations

placed to understand the frustrations of many of

People experience pain very differently, they

Sometimes we forget that new clients may

those who seek holistic care.

deal with problems differently and have different

not be familiar with the processes involved in

motivations, expectations and goals.

treatments. For example, people may expect

Some new clients will have been through the mill, but it is important to build trust and

The focus needs to be on the client as an

that a full-body massage includes the front

rapport and to foster the belief that together,

individual with a unique lived experience.

torso, or they may not be aware that shiatsu

you can help them get better. Clients who are

People are not embodied symptoms. This

is delivered to a clothed client, where as other

encouraged to develop this self-efficacy and

means that holistic therapists need to focus

forms of massage may involve clients removing

optimism tend to have better outcomes than

on the client as a unique being with a

the majority of their clothing. Similarly, if your

those who assume the situation is helpless and

unique lived experience. This is facilitated by

modality is less well known, it’s essential to

therefore make no effort on their own behalf.

empowering the client to become involved in

provide a detailed explanation of what will

making treatment choices where possible and

happen during a treatment session. Ideally,

beyond bodywork, talking therapies or energy

taking account of their attitudes, values and

this can be delivered as part of an information

work. Clients need to be able to make real

beliefs by using active and reflective listening

package a couple of days before their first

and lasting behavioural change, whether that’s

techniques which encourage investment and

session which will help assuage doubts and put

starting to exercise by walking round the block

engagement with their healing journey.

them at their ease.

The journey back to good health often goes

Doing something for the first time can leave

each day, not hitting the biscuits when things aren’t going well, or stopping home exercises because of a twinge. Research shows that clients who take an active part in deciding their treatment plans develop a sense of personal responsibility towards their wellbeing goals and making changes in their lifestyle. Reassuring clients that if plan A doesn’t get the result that they were after, plans B, C, or D may do the trick, can help build confidence that, in the longer term, life will improve. It’s important to help clients realise that their health problems may have taken years to manifest, so they are unlikely to disappear overnight. This is

Use a structured approach to your sessions that involves checkpoints before and after treatment to explore how your client is feeling and responding to the treatment.

people feeling vulnerable and anxious. No-one likes feeling foolish or that they are stupid for not knowing what to do. If you are continually pulling them into positions without stopping to explain why this is important, they may not want to come back again. You could be costing yourself customers. Think about your treatment session from a first time customer’s viewpoint. What do they need to know beforehand to get the most out of their session.

They want you to respect their boundaries and confidentiality

attributed to a number of underlying causes, or

They respond to interest and empathy

where several issues are in play.

We’ve established that your new client has

of your new clients come to you because

probably run the gauntlet of conventional

existing clients have been singing your praises.

books an appointment, they make be

medicine before coming to you. The chances

It’s tempting, therefore to chat about your

experiencing conflicting hopes and fears that

are that they don’t feel that they’ve been given

mutual connection, but you need to remain

may need to be addressed to create the correct

an adequate chance to explain how they feel

mindful of breaking the boundaries of what’s

conditions for successful treatment.

or how their illness is affecting their life. It’s

confidential. If you’re constantly talking about

important to show that you’re listening carefully

They want to be treated as individuals, not a collection of symptoms

people you’ve treated in the past, your client

as this demonstrates empathy, rapport and

will feel that they too will inevitably become

helps build trust. These are vital foundations if

the subject of future gossip. Clients need

your client is to have the confidence to make

to feel they can talk to you about personal

This one should be obvious, but it often escapes

lasting change.

matters without fear that you will repeat

particularly true where symptoms can be

Recognise, then, that when a new client

the notice of allopathic practitioners. People are not diabetics, they are individuals with

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Use a structured approach to your sessions that involves checkpoints before and after

If you are a good therapist, it’s likely that many

confidences or pass them on, even in an abstracted form.

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Understanding clients

They are unlikely to feel comfortable about if

help them

they feel you do this and may stop providing

overcome

you with feedback about how they feel,

self-imposed

meaning that treatments become less effective.

barriers to

Similarly, it’s important to recognise that not

being healthy,

all clients are touchy-feely people and may feel

particularly

that being hugged or touched too much is a

if they have

source of anxiety. Establish where your client’s

let a health

boundaries lie and do not cross them.

problem define

You’re not their first port of call

and limit their lives. Becoming healthy, or recovering

Generally, your clients will have tried a

from trauma can be

conventional allopathic approach before

quite scary, particularly if it

coming to you. They may have felt that their

means we can no longer rely on

GP was disinterested, treated them like a

comforting, but negative behaviours

symptom rather than a person, or dismissed

or self-imposed limitations. It can be

their issues as being psychosomatic or

easier to do nothing in the belief that we can’t

‘Women’s problems.’

do something rather than take the first steps to

Recognise that they may have been on a journey that has taken several years and

proving ourselves wrong.

engage with you fully. This is normal and healthy. Try using gentle questioning to create a sense

realise that a problem that took years to create

Sometimes, they find it difficult to talk or to explain their issues

is unlikely to be resolved in a session or two.

Health and wellbeing are intertwined. Our

judgemental, and will do what you can to help

Ge4tting back to health can be a journey and

mental and emotional state can impact on

them achieve a positive outcome. Many clients

there may be setbacks along the way.

our physical health and on the outcomes of

get stuck in a cycle of negative thought patterns,

treatment. Those with a resilient outlook tend

telling themselves that things will never change

to recover more quickly and more completely

or get better, so you may need to challenge their

than those who feel unable to talk or who resist

thinking and the behaviours holding them back.

When a new client arrives, it’s a sign that they

sharing the full extent of the problem, perhaps

Encourage them to share their issues with those

have accepted a need for change. The extent of

due to cultural conditioning, psychological

around them who would be supportive, such as

this change is something you need to explore

trauma or past rejection. It’s a defence

their friends, family or even a pet, or to practice

with them. Obviously, small changes, like say

mechanism, designed to keep the client feeling

self-forgiveness and meditation.

cutting down on smoking or drinking may

safe and insulated from difficult issues.

they may have given up hope of feeling well. Be positively encouraging, but allow them to

They are ready to change, but need help to do so

be easier to manage that an abrupt change that involves a morning run and only eating plant-based foods from now on. The degree and pace of change needs to be negotiated. It should be slow enough to be manageable, but fast enough to ensure measurable results in a short time span.

where your client can share their issues in the knowledge that you will understand, without being

Sometimes, if you remain silent, your client will feel the need to fill this space by

Sometimes, if you remain silent, your client will feel the need to fill this space by talking about their issues

Similarly, people are complex and there may be emotional blockages or psychological issues

of safety, making the practice room a place

talking about their issues, which can lead to a breakthrough. For others, though, it can ramp up anxiety levels, causing physical tension and potentially meaning your client will not return for further sessions. Providing exercises which chart the emotions alongside physical and mental symptoms between sessions can help

This resistance can sometimes manifest

prevent this.

which make change more difficult to achieve.

as not talking about themselves, or changing

You need to help clients understand that

the subject, particularly to talk about you.

treated as an individual, really listened to,

although there may be barriers to change and

Sometimes, they won’t mention what’s really

challenged and helped to become engaged in

that sometimes their progress will be slow, that

been bothering them until the session is

their own voyage of recovery and encouraged

you have every faith in their abilities to achieve

almost over and they are halfway out the door.

and supported throughout that journey, but

their health and wellbeing goals. Sometimes we need to empathise with the client to

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

Firstly, you will need to accept that until your client feels safe and comfortable, they may not

In summary then, a new client should be

always within the boundaries of confidentiality and their personal comfort zone. n

holistictherapistmagazine.com

Consultations

BUSINESS

CONSULTATION TIPS The initial consultation may be the first time you’ve spoken with a new client, so it’s important to get it right. Here are our top tips…

ONSULTATIONS are not just about gathering information in order to provide appropriate treatment, they are also an opportunity to understand what your client needs from you, what their approach to health and wellbeing is and what their expectations are. It also gives you a chance to build rapport from the start. This is particularly important as US research suggests that, for talking therapies, half of new clients do not book a second session, because they don’t feel the therapist ‘gets them’. The figures are not quite so extreme for holistic therapists, but it would be worth going back through your diary to calculate what percentage of clients that only come once.

Build in extra time to the first appointment One of the reasons that clients come to you is that they feel they need more time than

a GP appointment offers. Given that many clients have chronic complaints, often with intermittent or varying symptoms, it’s not surprising that they often feel fobbed off or that their doctor can’t do much except offer pills. In order to gather information and get a feel for your new client, you need to add time to the initial consultation appointment for this. Longer appointments should cost more. It’s important that the client should also experience some treatment during this first session, so factor that in too.

Really listen Your client is almost certain to have tried other things before coming to you. These things will not have produced the results they were hoping for, so it’s important to really listen and get to the root of the problem and understand the main issues it causes to your client. Give them time to talk.

Reassure and discuss outcome expectations Use the consultation information as a baseline for treatment, so you and your client can evaluate subsequent progress. Reassure your new client that real and lasting positive change is possible, but be realistic. Change takes time and requires work.

Gather information quickly Gathering information during a consultation is a balancing act. Too little and you won’t deliver the optimal tailored treatment plan, too much and your client may feel intimidated. Consider what you really need to know and gather this quickly using a form with check boxes. Print this out rather than recording it electronically as some clients find the lack of eye contact when their therapist is glued to their computer rather off-putting. Your focus should be on the client and building rapport. Remember to ask for permission to send information and keep in touch by various methods as part of the process.

Ask open and qualitative questions Although it’s tempting to ask a series of yes/no questions, this can be pretty dispiriting for your new client and also provides a less complete picture than qualitative information. Remember they want to be treated as a person and not a walking collection of symptoms. They are not simply a case. Rather than, ‘Does that hurt?’, ask questions like, ‘On a scale of 1-10, how painful is your shoulder?’, ‘How would you describe the pain?’, ‘Is the pain worse when you do certain things, or at certain times of the day?’ This open questioning may take a little longer, but will give you a much better idea about your client’s health and your best treatment options. Even though you’re asking open questions, it’s still possible to record this information quickly using checkboxes and location diagrams. Continue asking questions during your treatment session, but also build in quiet periods. A good consultation technique can improve client outcomes and your retention rates. n

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HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

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Online communities

BUILDING A STRONG

ONLINE COMMUNITY Donna Booth explains why building an online community can help build your brand…

N online community is somewhere you can meet with like-minded people, learn new things, and share your knowledge. It is the ideal way to ‘pandemic proof’ your brand and to keep your client base strong, but there are pros and cons with every option.

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Social media is probably every therapist’s go to. It is free advertising for what seems like an endless source of potential clients. All is not as it seems. The attention span for social media users is fleeting and you have to have a powerful hook to catch their attention. The rules and algorithms change almost constantly, and it seems like every second week you have to relearn the software to create a Facebook advert. It is time-consuming, often frustrating and you never actually own your connections. I’m sure we all have a horror story of a business page shut down without reason and all those connections lost. It can, however, be a very effective way of reaching a new audience. Consistency, personality and usefulness are key. Post regularly, let people get to know the real you and make sure you are sharing something helpful for them. Focus on building a community rather than selling. Experts recommend no more than one sales post in every four. The mailing list is a seriously underutilised method for building an online community. If people are on your mailing list, they are already engaged in what you are doing. It provides the opportunity for conversation and personalisation. Best of all, these contacts are yours! They won’t disappear in a social media blip.

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You do have to gather and manage your contacts though, and the best way to do this is through one of the mail management systems. A good system will help you keep track of contacts, design emails, comply with legal requirements around data and can even create targeted mailing for different sections of your audience. They can be a bit fiddly to set up, but can be one of the best investments for managing your client base. My booking system links directly to Mailchimp, so it automatically collects my client emails in my mailing system. You might send a monthly newsletter, advertise last minute spaces or cancellations or collect feedback for a new therapy. The possibilities are endless and the response rate for an email is much higher than any social media engagement. If I advertise something through email, I will always get bookings and often people will email me to say how lovely it is to hear from someone not on social media. You can develop your customer offering even further with an actual online community or membership. This can be done effectively through Facebook groups. These can also be great testing ground for a more in-depth membership offering. I began my membership in a Facebook group and it has developed into Vitality’s Inner Sanctum, a dedicated membership website with members from all over the world. These methods have their own benefits and best purpose. My tip to you is to use them all in whatever way most benefits your business. Above all make sure that you are keeping your contacts, even if it’s just in a spreadsheet. And get to know your community … connections are only as good as the use you make of them. n

Donna is an award winning wellbeing specialist who

helps her clients manage stress, build resilience and prevent / recover from burnout, through therapy, yoga, mindfulness and retreats. Find out more at

www.vitality-retreat.com or

www.vitality-inner-sanctum.com.

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

BUSINESS

Social media

CONNECTING

WITH CLIENTS USING SOCIAL MEDIA Ran Janda explains how to connect with clients online…

OU may find that fewer people are seeing your social media posts. That’s because organic social media reach is in decline. It’s simply not as easy as it was before social media platforms started to utilise paid advertising. It is no longer beneficial for them to show non-paid for posts to many people since it doesn’t make them money. But it isn’t all doom and gloom and there is still plenty that you can do to increase your number of followers, encourage engagement and most importantly, turn followers into fans who won’t think twice about purchasing your products and services.

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

Become friends with analytics You don’t need a degree in data analytics to understand how your social pages are performing. You don’t even need to purchase additional software to analyse the results. What you do need to do is keep an eye on your posts’ insights, this will show you how well each post is performing. After monitoring insights for a few months, you can start making assumptions such as what posts create the most engagement, what images lead to the most likes, posting on what days and times lead to the most traffic. Just noticing these simple things, can help you turn your page

from low performing to a hive of activity that leads to more customers and clients. Posting without measuring results is like throwing mud at the wall and hoping it sticks. Data allows you stay informed so you can stay ahead of the competition.

Action: Schedule around an hour a week to review your posts analytics and insights. Make note of recurring themes where you see high engagement so it can help you plan for future posts. Also, are there any specific days or times you post that show increased activity? Make a note and test this theory the following week to see if you get similar results.

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Social media

Meaningful and informative Understanding what your audience wants to see is essential in creating an effective social media strategy. Meaningful means that it relates to you, something you would talk to friends and family about. Informative content will be interesting to your followers. These will obviously vary by user; however, you should be well versed in your audience’s interests and behaviours so tailoring posts to their needs is something that should always be front of mind.

Action: If you haven’t already, do some research on followers of similar accounts to better understand what your audience are engaging with. Make a note of the types of posts that receive the most likes and comments and build them into your strategy.

Engage with Your Audience If someone takes the time to comment on your post, don’t waste the opportunity. Making them feel heard significantly increases the chances of them engaging with you again, which in turn will increase the chances of them buying from or booking with you.

Action: Before publishing a new post, review the last one you posted and like and reply to every comment you received. Building a habit like this ensures that you remain consistent with your replies.

Action: Pick a theme and try it out for a while, for example you could start recording a short video every Friday highlighting a self-care or wellbeing act that you will be doing over the weekend. If your followers decide to do it too, then ask them to comment on the post afterwards and let you know how it made them feel. Keep the suggestions simple, you don’t want to suggest anything too time consuming or that requires a lot of equipment. If the posts are meaningful and informative for your followers, they will start to look forward to your Friday suggestion and your videos will start being shown to more people. Consistency is key here, if you go on holiday for 2 weeks, then use a social media planning platform to schedule in the posts before you leave so you don’t disappoint your fans. Don’t forget to respond to any comments as soon as you can.

Calls to action If you want your followers to respond in a certain way, then you need to be specific. Creating polls and asking questions are a great and easy way for followers to engage with you and see how other followers feel about the topic in question. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about your audience. Perhaps you’re struggling on what to focus your next blog post on, create a poll and get your followers to decide. This way you are creating content they want to read.

Action: People buy from people People connect with people more than products and services, so who is the person behind the posts? Build trust by showing your face and personality so people can see that you are not a robot. This is where posts with a photo of you in or a short and informative video can really help to boost your profile, highlight your expertise in your industry and turn more followers into customers or clients.

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What would you like to learn from your audience? The opportunities here are endless. Take some time to write a list and keep adding to it when a new idea pops into your mind. This way, you are never short of questions or content for polls.

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bookings. An easy way to do this on social media is to ask clients if they can share feedback on their purchases or treatments, so you can post it on your page. Offer to keep it anonymous if they prefer, but by showcasing the results your clients achieve, will help inform new clients of what to expect.

Action: Send an email out to your customer or client list and ask if they would like to share their experience with purchasing from you or from working with you. If you want to incentivise them, you could offer a discount on their next purchase or booking. Provide guidelines on what you would like them to address in their feedback. The guidelines will be based on what your audience will likely want to know about working with you.

Using social media to create loyal fans who turn into customers or clients is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires posting regularly and consistently to build relationships with followers. Understanding what your audience want to see from you, is the first challenge in deciding what to post. Once you are clear on this, then building a strategy becomes easier. By responding to every comment to ensure that followers are seen and heard will establish a level of trust that is hard to achieve from a website alone. By showing the person behind your business, you humanise your work and increase the chances of people reaching out to you to enquire about your products or services. n

RAN JANDA is the Founder of

www.holisticroom.com,

a holistic health booking platform that promotes the services of practitioners across the UK. Email Ran at ran@ holisticroom.com with “Practitioner

Be the authority

free trial” in the subject line to try us

By being seen as an expert in your industry will go a long way in getting sales and

out for free!

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

BUSINESS

Websites

TIME TO

refresh

YOUR WEBSITE Is your website still bringing in new clients? If not, it’s time for a refresh…

EBSITES, like many other things in life, can sometimes look a bit dated or old-fashioned and lose their appeal. You may not need anything as radical as an entirely new design or completely new copy, but a few updates can make a big difference. Think of it as being like having a mini-makeover because your old relationship has run its course and you’re ready for something new. Just as a new hair colour, or some new clothes can make you feel more confident, so giving your website a quick refresh can help revitalise your business!

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

Start with a long hard look When did you last look at your own website? Really look? Start at the home page and work through the entire site. How does it make you feel? Do the words and images accurately portray the key messages you want to send to potential customers? Does your authentic voice come through? Are you telling prospective clients what they want to know quickly, or do they have to wade through paragraphs of your life philosophies before they find what they are looking for? Start by making a list of everything that is no longer accurate or that could

be better. This might include updating straightforward things like your practice opening hours, services offered, staff member details or session prices. It can also involve more subtle changes when your business has evolved, but the website doesn’t reflect this. Perhaps, for example, you now specialise in certain treatments, no longer practicing others, or you have higher demand for some services that should therefore be given more prominence.

Consider your customer base and your competitors One of the keys to getting your website refresh right is to realise that it’s not your website, but it’s your customers’ website. You need to look at things through their eyes. How do they feel about your website

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Websites

and what do they feel could be better about it? The simplest way to do this is to ask them what they think, but remember that many people prefer to be polite rather than offering constructive criticism. You can also ask friends or family members for their critical feedback, but you should also try to look at your site as if you were a potential client. Another useful exercise at this stage is to look at the websites of some other holistic therapists. This can be a mix of your local competitors and also some therapists you admire. These may be therapists who have more experience but you can also discover the latest website looks by checking out sites belonging to new therapists. Make a list of what you like and don’t like.

Changing expectations If you haven’t refreshed your website in the last couple of years, you may need to make some tweaks to optimise the user experience. One thing to keep in mind is that the majority of people now access websites from mobile devices. This means that your website needs to be optimised for mobile usage. People also have incredibly short attention spans, staying on a page for just six to ten seconds, so you have a very limited time in which to captivate a potential client and get them to read more and contact you. Anything that is slow loading or difficult to navigate will simply be cast aside in favour of another option. Similarly, people have come to expect instantaneous gratification, such as online booking and payment, video consultations and chat functionality, so you may want to incorporate these as part of a bigger website project.

Creating the right image Images sell services. It’s important to use images that convey your expertise and integrity. Potential customers often connect more readily with images of the actual therapists and surroundings than stock photography, so using a photographer can be a worthwhile investment. Good angles and lighting make a huge difference.

holistictherapistmagazine.com

If you’d rather stick with stock images, then there are many sites and many price points to choose from. Consider the diversity of your customer base and reflect this in your image choices – not every image needs to be some blissful-looking young white woman lying on a massage couch with an orchid tucked behind her ear. Changing colour themes can also help refresh your website. Greens are associated with all things natural, dark blues are professional, pinks are thought of as fluffy and feminine. So, if you deal in Angel Readings, you may not want to adopt a black and grey colour scheme or use images with a threatening aura. Fonts and layouts, too, convey meaning about professionalism so choose wisely. You may want to purchase a site template where you can simply drop in suitable images and copy.

Mind your language Aside from obvious things like spelling errors, there are three main considerations when it comes to the words used on your website. The first of these is complexity, the second is effectiveness and the last is tone of voice.

In the UK, somewhere between 16 and 20% of adults have problems with reading and writing, with levels increasing according to the National Literacy Trust. Language complexity can be measured using the Gunning-Fog index. For example, a commercial magazine is said to be likely to fail if the Fog index is over 14.

BUSINESS

The Sun Newspaper is pitched at 7.5, which means the average 7 ½ year old can understand it. The scale goes up to 15. Normally only academic journals or textbooks have scores higher than this. The complexity of this page so far is just under 12. You can copy the words from your web pages into the free calculator at http://gunning-fog-index.com/index.html to check this. In the UK, somewhere between 16 and 20% of adults have problems with reading and writing, with levels increasing according to the National Literacy Trust. This means it’s important to keep your website copy simple and easy to understand. Your website also needs to be persuasive, so the choice of words matter. Focus on the problems people experience and the solutions you offer. Use descriptors to help set a mood and convey benefits. Check that your words match the services you offer. If most of your clients come for sports massage or to deal with chronic pain, dial back on words like relaxing and luxurious in favour of effective, targeted, deep muscle, relief and similar choices. In fact, other people’s words can be more powerful than your own. Using testimonials builds credibility in the eyes of potential customers. In terms of tone of voice, aim for copy which is friendly and accessible, but which conveys your expertise and authority. Strip out anything which isn’t needed from your home pages and store it elsewhere. The best way of testing for tone of voice and persuasive language is to ask someone to read the copy aloud to you or do so yourself. Lastly, if you find that you want to make a great many changes, then it may be time to redesign your website from scratch. n

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

BUSINESS

Research

The work of the

RCCM

Dr. John Hughes, Co-chair of the Research Council for Complementary Medicine shares the aims of the organisation…

HE Research Council for Complementary Medicine (RCCM) is a charity founded in 1983, dedicated to developing high quality research in complementary medicine. Ultimately our vision is to widen the availability of and access to safe and effective complementary therapies for patients within the National Health Service and across the UK, in order to help in preventing disease and improve patients’ health and quality of life. The RCCM does not believe that CAM should replace conventional medical

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

care, but rather complement it. There is a growing research evidence base that CAM therapies have a valuable and effective role to play in the treatment of many diseases – from yoga, massage and acupuncture to mindfulness and meditation. We’re seeing a shift in the NICE treatment guidelines for many illnesses – especially chronic and lifestyle diseases – that mean CAM is becoming more accepted within the NHS. Indeed, there are holistic therapists and healers working as part of patient care teams in several NHS trusts. Globally, the World Health Organisation has declared the validity of traditional medicines alongside allopathic treatments.

holistictherapistmagazine.com

Research

Personally, I’d prefer to see CAM treatments offered before pharmaceuticals. We all know that conventional medicine sometimes comes with a downside. In can be incredibly effective, but sometimes brings unpleasant side effects as a result. Where people are on multiple medications, we know quality of life is reduced, so it make sense to promote a healthier lifestyle to reduce chronic illness. For me, that means we should be looking at effective self-management of symptoms, then non-pharmacological solutions, with a pharmacological approach being last in the treatment strategy. This would not only improve quality of life, but also be more costeffective. Our members are researchers, practitioners and non-commercial organisations involved with the complementary medicine sector; both the CNHC and the CHP are members. Subscribing members have access to extensive resources for CAM research and access to our LinkedIn network. Individual memberships cost £50 per year, with corporate memberships being £200 each year. We advocate high-quality research into complementary medicine using appropriate and rigorous research methods and peerreviewed protocols and publications. Recent research findings from Australia and New Zealand have reinforced our experience that holistic therapists and CAM practitioners often have restricted or no access to research resources, such as academic journals and there are difficulties translating research findings into clinical practice, so we aim to address this via the information hub on our website and through our training events. We’re also trying to facilitate the involvement of industry membership associations in research through our corporate membership scheme and to break down the barriers to collaboration between practitioners and academic researchers, particularly in multi-disciplinary research. Twenty of the leading professional bodies spanning all sorts of modalities are members, from hypnotism and homeopathy to shiatsu and aromatherapy. If we are to achieve our aims of incorporating evidence-based CAM within the NHS, we need to work together to break the barriers to collaboration within the CAM industries and to form bonds between practitioners and associations and researcher in universities and other institutions. We

holistictherapistmagazine.com

hope that our members’ discussion space on LinkedIn will facilitate this. One of the main challenges CAM researchers face is the difficulty in accessing research funding. We’d like to see more projects that objectively measure the effectiveness of CAM treatments in an NHS setting. There’s also the problem that there are very few universities in the UK which focus on research and teaching in this area. Over the past decade, we’ve made considerable progress in beginning to see CAM becoming more integrated into the NHS. There are holistic therapists working alongside surgeons and in specialist palliative care settings and helping offset the side-effects of cancer treatments, but there are, clearly, many more areas where integrating appropriate CAM treatments into patient care would be beneficial. For example, the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (RLHIM), where I am Head of Research, is a centre for evidencebased practice, education and research, specialising in chronic and complex medical conditions. Our mission is to provide a person-centred, holistic approach, including self-care, in order to help people with chronic and complex medical conditions live well and feel better. In order to achieve this, we provide a combination of lifestyle strategies, medical, physical and psychological treatment, as well as advice on safe and appropriate use of complementary therapies. It’s an out-patient only facility. We also deliver and encourage self-care approaches which can continue to be used by patients after discharge. It’s an approach I, and everyone involved with the RCCM, hopes will become more commonplace. At RCCM, we see our goals as looking outwards, engaging with regional, national and international organisations who share our values and working with them to continue to build an active and empowered community of UK CAM researchers. That

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means reaching out to CAM practitioners and researchers working across the UK, and looking further afield to strengthen our international presence through collaborating with international organisations and events. We’d like to set up regional groups to be hosted in established CAM research centres to facilitate engagement with holistic therapists and researchers. This September, the charity’s conference included presentations on topics as diverse as a feasibility study on the effect of virgin coconut oil on the cognition, brain function and quality of life in older people with dementia and the integration of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) into the Czech healthcare system. Other papers spanned wearable technologies, yoga for IBS, the trial of a pulsed EMF device to improve feelings of wellbeing among those with Type 2 diabetes, nutritional knowledge and menopausal symptoms, the attitude of Fertility Physicians to TCM, and hand selfshiatsu as a sleep promoter. Abstracts of the papers and poster presentations are available from https://www.rccm.org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2022/09/RCCM-2022-ConferenceAbstract-Booklet.pdf. n

DR JOHN HUGHES is the Head of Research for the Royal

London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, UCLH NHS Trust. He is also an Associate Professor with the University of West London, and co-chair of the RCCM.

To find out more about the work of the RCCM, the events the organisation holds, membership and how to become involved in research, please visit www.rccm.org.uk

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

BUSINESS

Technique

TECHNIQUE:

Discovering

Aura-Soma Aura-Soma provides a way for people to connect with nature’s vibrational life force and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Aura-Soma’s Chairman, Mike Booth, explains the company’s ethos and what’s involved in becoming a practitioner…

T Aura Soma we believe that improved personal consciousness in a time where the world is cluttered with the unconscious, will build momentum for more conscious communities and organisations. Our mission is to encourage greater cooperation among all beings in the care of each other and the Earth that sustains us. Our intention is manifesting conscious change on the planet and enabling people to be the best version of themselves.

What is Aura-Soma? Aura-Soma is a system of colour, plant and crystal energies that enhance happiness and

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

vitality by harnessing the vibrational powers of Mother Nature. Our most popular product is our Equilibrium bottle, a unique wellness tool which can be applied in a similar way to body oil, but works in a much more powerful way. There are 122 bottles in the range, with new bottles added when the time is right. Think of wellness therapies like Acupuncture, Reiki and Reflexology. Like them, Aura-Soma brings ease, balance and calm to your energetic system, whilst strengthening and protecting the aura to empower and elevate consciousness, bringing the client closer to self-understanding. Using bespoke alchemic processes and homeopathic principles, if used regularly our products hold the potential to increase your vitality.

What happens during a session? There are now accredited Aura-Soma practitioners in over 40 countries. For over 30 years, hundreds of thousands of people across more than 90 countries have been drawn to use Aura-Soma Equilibrium, the dual coloured combinations at the heart of Aura-Soma. The bottles are created to correspond with the seven chakra centres in the body that energy flows through, Equilibrium brings ease, balance and calm to the energetic system, while strengthening and protecting the aura to empower you and elevate your consciousness. When you trust your intuition while selecting the Equilibrium bottles and apply them regularly, they have the capacity to support you to a deeper consciousness and promote your total wellbeing. Your body knows on an instinctual level what it requires to thrive. We wholeheartedly believe that no-one knows you better than you know yourself. The client stands in front of the various colour combinations contained within the Equilibrium bottles and selects those which they feel drawn to most. The colours a person is drawn to are

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BUSINESS

Technique

many of the ingredients for our products, Shire Farm is farmed biodynamically to Demeter certified standards, a far more comprehensive standard than is required for organic farming; it is one of the largest farms of this type in the UK. Biodynamics views the entire farm as a self sustaining living organism and recognises the importance of each component functioning together as a whole. Our commitment to high quality agricultural and manufacturing methods extends to our relationships with trusted suppliers, who share our premium standards. Under no circumstances do we do any testing on animals. We are 100% cruelty free and have been since 1983. Our products are only available from our accredited practitioners and authorised distributors. In addition to our Equilibrium bottles, we also offer Aura Soma Pomanders designed to cleanse and refresh

the colours they need. Four choices are made, which correspond to the client’s soul bottle, their gifts and talents, where they are coming from emotionally, and what is emotionally required for their future. It is important to stand in front of the bottles and choose them as you will energetically connect to them, rather than choosing by your favourite colour for example, or because you feel a certain bottle means something. If you trust your intuition; the colours you are drawn to are the colours you need. Together the client and practitioner then review the chosen colours and explore their meanings in the context and depth of the client’s journey to discover which Aura-Soma products are best suited to help build and maintain happiness and vitality in their every day. A one-to-one consultation lasts up to ninety minutes and costs from £75.

Our products and ethos Our ‘soil to soul’ philosophy influences everything we do and why we do it. This intention is expressed on Shire Farm and is where we lovingly cultivate

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the energetic system. Their vibrational qualities act to re energise, strengthen and protect the aura, empowering you and elevating your consciousness. Our Quintessences facilitate the eternal flow of positive energy, enabling empowerment and greater access to what and who you are to be present. They can be used to support mindfulness practices such as meditation and contemplation. Aura-Soma’s Colour Essences support the connection of emotional and mental self with your physicality. Colour preferences are very personal and influence many aspects of life’s conscious and unconscious choices. Finally, our Archangeloi correspond to the Archangels; a higher level of Angelic mediators between the Human and the Divine. Introducing the Archangeloi into the energy field can help to activate light seeds in the aura to aid connection to and expression of your ongoing soul purpose and highest possibility

for this life. They also help to focus your intention and better recognise your accomplishments during times of change.

Training as a consultant There are three stages to becoming a fully accredited Aura-Soma practitioner. The Level 1 Foundation Course runs over 4 days and covers the principles of Aura Soma as a non intrusive, self selected, soul therapy. Colour Theory: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary colours, Complementary colours, Hidden colours. An introduction to the three stars in the Subtle Anatomy. The visible spectrum and the chakras. The Consultation Process: The Colour Code of the Soul through time and the significance of the position of each bottle in the Equilibrium selection. The course also includes demonstrations and practical work with the aura and subtle energies, as well as interpreting the Equilibrium selection. The intermediate Level 2 course takes a further four days, allowing the student to gain a deeper understanding of Colour and consciousness in relation to The Law of Three and the inherited tendencies and their gifts and to make connections between the Aura Soma colour system and other wisdom traditions such as Buddhism and Numerology. The advanced course allows the student to explore the deeper aspects of colour theory through the Master sequence, developing a fuller understanding of the Subtle Anatomy of Man from an Aura Soma perspective. It will also nurture consultation skills through practical participation; developing the connections between colour and consciousness to help your intuition connect to Equilibrium in a deeper way. After completion of this course, it is possible to register as an accredited Aura Soma practitioner. In order to assimilate the information provided during the courses a 30 day break between each level is required. n

You can find out about our courses at

https://www.

aura-soma.com/en/courses-events. There are courses available all over the world. Find out more about Aura-Soma at

www.aura-soma.com

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

JOURNEYS: BUSINESS

Journeys

JOURNEYS:

JoHanby

My main challenges have been about overcoming physical setbacks.

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

Find out how Jo Hanby juggles a career in marketing, PR, Virtual Assistance, Spiritual Coaching and Reiki…

became self-employed almost 20 years ago, when a car accident halted my long-term career as a desktop publisher. I realised I was going to be physically unable to work for quite some time and jobs were scarce, so I slowly set up a Virtual Assistant business. After a few years this had expanded into a media agency and publishing house. Aside from editing magazines, I ran the marketing consultancy side and managed our team of 8. I also opened a day spa and beauty salon. At this point, I became more interested in holistic therapies. In 2015, I was drawn to learning reiki. I completed my Level I shortly after, then Level II. I had recently adopted a dog who had never been in a house or lived a normal dog’s life. She enjoyed reiki and it was helping her become more confident, so I trained in Animal Reiki, to Master Practitioner / Teacher level, before completing Master Practitioner / Teacher level in Reiki, for people. I love teaching reiki and showing people how it can make a difference to their lives, and how it can help pets too. Reiki can often start you on a spiritual journey, so I trained as an NLP Master Practitioner to discover

how people think and behave, and as a Happiness Life Coach, a Spiritual Coach and Law of Attraction Coach. I like that I balance working with people on a practical level (using my NLP, life coaching and counselling training) but I can also pick up what is going on in their energy. I met some brilliant mediums who encouraged me to work with psychic energy and spirit, so I often incorporate this into my spiritual coaching sessions. I also freelance in PR, plus I offer VA and marketing support, often for wellness businesses. I enjoy helping business owners, whether it is by getting them seen in the media, by writing copy for their marketing, bouncing strategy ideas, or providing support. I have my masculine energy work and my feminine energy work. I love all the things I do but it is hard to balance. I enjoy the flexibility being self-employed gives – I can catch up on work at evenings or weekends if I want to have some “me” time during the day. My main challenges have been about overcoming physical setbacks. I’ve had several accidents with serious back and neck injuries, leaving me unable to walk for long periods, spanning 25 years. This has affected every aspect of my life. I sometimes struggled with remembering to listen to my body, but I know how important it is to know when to stop, to spend more time “being” and less time “doing” and to trust my intuition. I’d like to have a platform that empowers women to strive for what they want in life. There’s such a wonderful energy wherever women share their wisdom and experience – and if you power that with collaboration and a united passion for improving lives – well, I’d love to see how that could help people. For me personally, I hope to keep healthy and doing work that I love. n

You can find out more about Jo and her work at

co.uk and

www.essexreikihealing.

www.spirituallifecoachuk.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

Vitamin D

APPEARS TO PROTECT AGAINST DEMENTIA By increasing everyone to normal levels of vitamin D, as much as 17 percent of dementia cases could be prevented in some populations, according to a whole new study. The figures represent a major breakthrough in the battle against this dreaded condition.

OST of us know someone with dementia; a condition that is normally associated with growing old, but nonetheless one of the major causes of disability and dependence in old age. Now a first-of-its-kind study from the University of South Australia shows a direct link between dementia and lack of vitamin D. The study – published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – has come up with several key findings. Besides mentioning that low vitamin D status is associated with lower brain volume and an increased risk of dementia and stroke, the study points to genetic analyses that support a causal effect of vitamin D deficiency and dementia. Specifically, the researchers mention that in some populations, up to 17 percent of dementia cases could be prevented simply by raising people’s vitamin D in the blood to 50 nmol/L, which is considered to be the normal level.

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Affects 55 million people globally Dementia is a potentially devastating condition that affects over 55 million people worldwide. Every year, 10 million new cases are diagnosed. The current study is based on data from 294,514 participants from the UK Biobank; a comprehensive biomedical database and research resource with in-depth genetic and health information about half a million UK participants. The scientists underline that their study is the first to examine the impact of very low levels of vitamin D on the risks of dementia and stroke by using robust genetic analyses among a large study population. Specifically, in this UK population from the UK Biobank, they observed how 17 percent of dementia cases may have been avoided by boosting vitamin D levels so they reach their normal range.

Supplementation may be advisable There is no official health claim for vitamin D and mental health. Still, science has found vitamin D receptors (VDR) in virtually all bodily tissues, including the brain, so there is reason to assume that good brain health depends on adequate amounts of the nutrient just like it is the case with bones, teeth, muscles, and other tissues. However, sun awareness campaigns, indoor living, and other factors contribute to the low vitamin D status in many individuals. More and more people have become aware of the importance of having adequate levels of vitamin D in their bloodstream, and therefore take a daily supplement to be on the safe side. It is always a good idea to choose a vitamin D supplement that is documented in published studies. Pharma Nord’s D-Pearls has been used in multiple studies in different countries, and has been shown to provide good bioavailability and a reliable effect. n SOURCE: Vitamin D and brain health: an observational and Mendelian randomization study, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2022;DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac107

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BUSINESS

Older Customers

WORKING WITH OLDER

CUSTOMERS Working with older clients can be particularly rewarding, especially if you take account of the special needs of the elderly…

OR many holistic therapists, particularly those working with bio-mechanical issues, older clients represent the bread-and-butter aspect of their business. The chronic illnesses, pains and lifestyle diseases that many of us suffer as we age means that older clients are often regular clients. Depending on their individual circumstances, many older people are better off financially than the young and are happy to pay for the care and treatment that means they live a healthier life for longer. Just as with any other client group, taking the time to understand the needs of the elderly can pay off and help you build a great customer base. Keep in mind that just because someone is in their sixties or beyond, being old now is not the same as being old was a generation or two ago. Many people in their late twenties still live with their parents. Where women married in their early twenties a generation ago, now the average bride is a decade older. Older people are younger and expect to lead full an active lives and will, provided they have the disposable income, happily spend some of this on things that keep them looking and feeling young and healthy.

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

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Older Customers

BUSINESS

Mobility issues

and perhaps factor this in to your treatment

since,’ offer the opportunity to make positive

Many of your older clients may have mobility

sessions.

suggestions and perhaps gain a referral.

Stoicism

your treatment protocol, then go with this, but

issues. Practical measures, such as ground floor treatment rooms, access ramps or shallow steps and a lack of different levels to be

There are generations of older people who

If their talking can be accommodated within perhaps include some periods of quiet so they can relax.

negotiated can all make accessing the practice

have been taught not to moan about how they

room easier. Some clients may benefit from a

feel. This stoicism can lead to several challenges

higher chair or one which is firmer and roomier

in the practice room. Firstly, your client may

Hearing loss

so they do not suffer the embarrassment of

underplay the severity of the issues they

Hearing loss is usually gradual and it’s often

struggling to get up.

experience and how this impacts on their day

the case that someone with the condition may

to day life. Careful, open questioning is the way

not notice any changes straight away, but will

to go here.

rather complain about people mumbling or the

Similarly, an electric treatment table can be lowered for easy mounting and dismounting

sound quality on the TV.

and raised to allow for your own comfort during the delivery of treatment. You might want to consider a roomier changing area, complete with seating or support bars to steady your clients as they undress or move to the treatment table. If you see a client struggling, ask how you can best help, rather than rushing them. Many elderly clients dislike being fussed over or treated as, ‘poor old dears’.

Hot and cold

If you see a client struggling, ask how you can best help, rather than rushing them. Many elderly clients dislike being fussed over or treated as, ‘poor old dears’.

Obviously, hearing loss affects communication, and thus, the effective delivery of a treatment session. Many people will get offended if you ask if they are going deaf, so it’s best not to do so. If you can find a way to speak at an increased volume without shouting so you can be heard in the next treatment areas, then do so.

Money issues At a time when the costs of gas, electricity and food are spiralling, many of these on a

Elderly people experience extremes of hot and cold more than most, so it’s vital to check

The stoic will often suffer in silence, not telling

fixed income may face difficulties which mean

that the practice room temperature, couch

their therapist when a movement causes

they have to put basics above their health and

temperature and the coverage afforded by

pain, or discomfort. As with any client, goof

wellbeing.

towels and blankets is relaxingly soporific

therapists are attuned to non-verbal indicators

rather than causing your client to shiver.

of discomfort, such as pulling away, an indrawn

age, who says they will have to stop treatment

breath or a wince. Learn to read your client and

for an ongoing chronic issue, it can be worth

check in with how they are feeling regularly.

finding out why they have to stop. All holistic

Depending on your modality, you could factor in extra heat in the winter, with a microwavable wheat bag for the feet, or a

If you have a regular client, of state pension

therapists treating the elderly should familiarise

warm wet flannel on the face or neck. Such

Chatty Cathy

little extras can elevate a routine session into

If some clients are closed-mouthed, there are

a non-means tested benefit which is specifically

something more luxurious without adding

others who want to talk through their entire

designed for older people so they can live

significantly to the cost of treatment.

treatment session. Given that the number of

independent lives in their own homes. There are

themselves with Attendance Allowance. This is

In the summer heat, older clients may feel

over-50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach

two levels of benefit, with recipients being given

the heat more than younger clients, so look at

two million by 2025/6 compared to around 1.4

either £61.85 or £92.40 a week depending on

ways of keeping them cooler.

million in 2016/7, loneliness can be regarded

the severity of their disability. The disability can

as an epidemic. Half a million older people go

be mental or physical, with a huge list of eligible

at least five or six days a week without seeing

conditions such as arthritis. The allowance is

Elderly clients may need a few extra minutes

or speaking to anyone at all and 38% of those

designed to be used by the recipient on any

if they have to undress or get dressed during

aged 75-84 live alone, rising to 59% of over

services of their choice. For example, someone

a session, particularly if they have joint issues

85s. You may well be the only person they

with arthritis may use their payment to pay for

or arthritic fingers or have several layers of

speak to beyond saying, ‘Good Morning’ or

a cleaner, gardener, physiotherapist or massage

clothing to navigate. Similarly, getting up from

chatting about the weather.

treatments. The application process is very

A little extra time

a treatment couch too quickly can lead to

In some cases, elderly clients will talk about

simple and being in receipt of Attendance

momentary dizziness or orthostatic hypotension,

the ailments of people they know. In some

Allowance can also open the doorway to other

so a guiding arm may provide additional

cases, stories like, ‘Poor Mrs Davidson, she fell

benefits such as Pension Credits or lowered

support. Encourage them to take their time

the other week and she’s been limping ever

Council Tax bills. n

holistictherapistmagazine.com

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

BUSINESS

Healthier aging

HEALTHIER AGING Turn on your TV, open a newspaper or women’s magazine and you’ll be bombarded with advertisements for anti-aging products. While a miracle cream may deal with a wrinkle or two, healthier aging is not just about the surface.

susceptible to disease and wear and tear, yet many people are remaining healthy and active for longer than ever before. Figures for England show that a sixty five year old man can expect to live, on average, a further 8.9 years in good health, before the problems associated with old age, such as frailty, disease or dementia kick in. For a sixty five year old woman, the average healthspan is 9.8 years – just under half their average remaining lifespan. Unfortunately, the pandemic and its associated social and health problems,

ATHER it’s about a

combination of factors that can increase the healthspan – that period of life before the trials and tribulations of old age catch up with us. We look at the latest research and statistics to see how holistic

90. Fast-forward to 2041 and official forecasts suggest that there will be 3 million people aged 85 or over. As we age, we become more

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

therapists can help their clients enjoy a longer healthspan… Aside from a blip caused by the pandemic, there has long been a trend towards more people living for longer. Almost a quarter of the UK population is aged sixty or over, with 3.2 million over eighties and 600,000 over

combined with economic hardships mean that the average healthspan has started to decline. Around 4 in 10 people aged 65 and over have a limiting long-term illness or disability, and it is estimated that this will rise to over 6 million older people by 2030.

holistictherapistmagazine.com

Healthier aging

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Current research

Previous studies have shown that people

often puts an end to an autonomous lifestyle

It’s tempting to think that healthspan may

with low scores in childhood are more likely

for many elderly people, who must then rely

be entirely down to genetics, but this is not

to have a steeper cognitive decline in old age

on family or the healthcare system for daily

the case. Rather a combination of factors

than people with high scores. Ref: 10.1212/

support. By the age of 80, we have lost about

– everything from where you live, your socio-

WNL.0000000000200928. Other studies such

a third of our muscle mass, but experiments in

economic status, whether you live alone,

as have shown that meditation, Kirtan Kriya

mice suggest that both calorie restriction and

smoke or drink, your education level, nutrition,

and spiritual wellbeing also help preserve

the drug rapamycin have a positive effect on

mental outlook and physical activity – all

cognitive function in aging. Ref: 10.3233/JAD-

influence how long an individual’s healthspan is likely to be.

201433

aging skeletal muscle. Ref: 10.1038/s41467-02229714-6

An important piece of research from Japan

Unlike genetics, many of these factors can be

shows that taking

modified and holistic

ownership of your health by

therapies have

making healthy

a role to play

How can holistic therapists help improve healthspan? The NHS spends remarkably little of its budget on measures and programmes designed to improve health and wellbeing. Only around

in facilitating

lifestyle

4% of the UK health budget is spent on

changes

choices

preventions designed to reduce preventable ill

in support

relating to

health. Even these paltry amounts are being

of a longer

diet, exercise,

reduced as funds are switched to short-term

healthspan.

alcohol intake,

solutions. This represents a huge opportunity

smoking status,

for many forms of holistic therapy as there are

sleep duration,

research has shown

and weight

that low physical

management result

activity and greater time spent sitting are associated with a higher risk of death and hence a curtailed healthspan. University

in a longer lifespan. The researchers found that adopting five or more healthy lifestyle

modalities available which can tackle many of the underlying behaviours and health choices that shorten healthspan. Healthspan improvement may be best tackled with a co-ordinated approach. A combination of exercise programs designed

of California researchers recently reported

behaviours increased life expectancy even

to improve strength and suppleness, yoga,

that higher levels of light physical activity

for individuals over 80 years of age and,

mindfulness and meditation, nutritional and

and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity

importantly, including those with chronic

supplementation plans, talking therapies

were associated with lower risk of death.

conditions. The lifetime gains were highest for

or hypnotism to reduce stress and reliance

Higher sedentary time was associated with

reducing alcohol intake, not smoking, losing

on tobacco, alcohol or eating badly, group

higher risk of mortality. These associations

weight, and increasing sleep, adding up to

sessions to encourage an increase in social

were consistent among women who had

6 years of life for healthy 40-year-olds. Ref:

interaction and generate a feeling of purpose

different levels of genetic predisposition for

10.1093/ageing/afac080

and belonging, alongside treatments such as

longevity. This demonstrates that lifespan can be extended by engaging in positive lifestyle behaviours such as regular exercise and sitting less. Ref: 10.1123/japa.2022-0067 Similarly, the American Academy of Neurology has concluded that education, job, and social life may help protect from cognitive decline. They found that factors such as taking part in clubs, religious groups, sports or artistic activities, along with educational attainment by age 26, occupation and

Previous research has shown that low physical activity and greater time spent sitting are associated with a higher risk of death and hence a curtailed healthspan.

reading ability, may affect the brain’s cognitive

massage or bodywork to counter chronic pain and relaxation treatments could be packaged as a mid-life to later life healthspan overhaul. This would work best in a spa as an intensive holiday programme or in a holistic centre as a series of weekly sessions. That said, many people are not in a position, or of a disposition, to tackle every poor health behaviour in one go, so there are plenty of opportunities for single-modality specialists or those who offer a combination of treatments to specialise in helping with any of the underlying

reserve. The study suggests that continuing

Another issue as we age is the loss of muscle

factors affecting healthspan. How this is

to learn over a lifetime may help protect the

mass, but research from the University of

implemented will depend on understanding the

brain, which is true even for people who have

Basel suggests that a combination therapy

needs of this client group and what will appeal

lower scores on cognitive tests in childhood.

could delay the onset of sarcopenia, which

to them. n

holistictherapistmagazine.com

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

BUSINESS

Healthier aging

STRESS MANAGEMENT

FOR HEALTHIER AGING A

Jordi Mascio looks ways to manage stress as we grow older…

GING is an inevitable process each individual has to encounter at some point in life. The changes associated with aging begin to occur during early adulthood. This gradual process is characterised by a multitude of changes in the structure and function of the body. The structural decline includes tooth loss and increased thickness of the lens of the eye. Functional decline associated with aging includes a mild decrease in mental function.

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

However, this is different from functional and structural decline demonstrated by individuals suffering from health disorders. This article elaborates on what normal and healthy aging looks like, the challenges to stress management in aging, and how individuals can combat these challenges.

The concept of healthy aging According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthy aging is a

process involving the maintenance and development of functional ability to ensure well-being in advanced age. Functional ability is referred to as the capabilities of individuals to perform their desired tasks. Functional abilities enable an individual to move from one point to another, fulfill their basic needs, maintain or develop relationships, make decisions, grow, learn, and contribute to the wellness of their society.

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Healthier aging

BUSINESS

environment, lead to the development of

problems in the body, which may often go

several symptoms. These include anxiety, sleep

unnoticed in routine activities. A complete body

problems, overeating, emotional instability, poor

exam along with psychiatric evaluation can

levels of concentration and attention, irritability,

help both the elder adults and the physicians

tension headaches, heart palpitations, eating

in treating or managing the problem in the

problems, and indigestion. These problems

early stages. Increased social interactions

in turn exaggerate stress, leading to a vicious

and engagement in activities associated with

social components, spiritual components,

cycle of stress and subjective health problems.

pleasure and joy may also improve the ability of

and person-specific components. Person-

[Subhead] Improving stress management

Environmental and internal factors interact together to determine the functional ability of an individual. The environmental factors include society, home, and community whereas internal factors include the physical and mental capabilities of an individual. The characteristics of healthy aging include

specific components are of prime importance

and healthy aging

an individual to manage stress.

symptoms, independent management of self-

the healthy aging of an individual. To minimize

The role of glutathione, magnesium, vitamin C, and D

care, cognitive well-being, and good psycho-

stress levels and increase the ability of older

Glutathione is an anti-aging component in

emotional health.

adults to cope with physical, mental, and

dietary supplements. It has antioxidant and

emotional stress, they need to adapt to the

detoxifying properties, which help in slowing

necessary tools and techniques. Increased

down the process of aging. Glutathione

physical activity such as performing appropriate

promotes the optimal activity of the immune

As an individual grows older, it becomes

exercises helps maintain weight, ease mobility

system, heart, and brain. It maintains high

harder to manage both physical and mental

and reduce the risk of associated chronic

levels of energy and helps the body fight off

stress. The heart, brain, lungs, bone, gut,

disorders including heart diseases. Increased

internal and environmental stressors.

and immune system are less able to fight off

physical activity reduces both physical and

physical stress, and it also becomes harder

mental stress on an older individual.

and include the absence of disease-related

The barrier to healthy aging: stress management

for an elderly person to cope with mental and

Neutralising the health stressors is integral to

In addition to increased physical activity,

In addition to glutathione, magnesium is also integral to the aging process. The deficiency of this mineral leads to impaired energy

emotional stress. This stress may be associated

a nutritious diet and dietary supplements

production and increased oxidative stress,

with events that have occurred earlier in life or

also alleviate mental and physical stresses

which can be improved by restoring magnesium

due to events associated with old age such as

associated with aging. Health practitioners

levels in the body.

sleeping difficulties. In contrast to their younger

recommend the intake of a healthy and

Vitamin C supplementation improves the

counterparts, older adults are less resilient to

well-balanced diet which replenishes the

visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine

physical, emotional, and mental stress.

levels of vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins,

lines as well as supports antioxidant enzymes,

and carbohydrates in the body. It is also

the immune system, and cardiovascular

such as the onset of chronic diseases (heart

recommended to replace sugar with healthier

function. Another important nutrient, vitamin

problems, gut-related issues, psychological

alternatives, as sugar is associated with an

D supplementation helps prevent and

disorders, and neurological disorders) as

increased risk for obesity and diabetes.

treat osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes,

Increased burden on the body during aging

well as the increase in the levels of stress

Older adults can apply breathing techniques

hormones contribute to increased difficulty in

to combat stress. Meditation and yoga can

managing stress. In addition to impaired stress

also promote stress management. These

management responses, older individuals find

exercises and techniques induce a relaxation

it harder to progress into the normal state after

response in the body. The relaxation response

being subjected to mental, emotional, and

is characterised by a reduction in the levels

physical stress.

of stress hormones, blood pressure and rate

cardiovascular diseases, and other comorbid conditions. n

JORDI MASCIO has more than 14 years’ experience in

Another important factor associated with

of breathing, heart rate, and consumption of

the Bio Medical industry both in highly

stress management in the older population

oxygen by the body. Prescribed medications

technical positions and in distribution

is the change in the nature of triggers as

including anti-depressants are also useful

compared to when an individual is in childhood,

for reducing mental stress. Psychological

and managing roles. He holds an MSc

adolescence, or early adulthood stage. Death

interventions such as cognitive behavioral

of a loved one, alterations in relationship with

therapy assist older adults in the identification

MSc in Molecular Physics. He provides

spouse, children, and others, and physical

of negative thought patterns and the

courses and seminars on liposomes

disabilities including loss of vision, mobility,

substitution of these thoughts with positive

and hearing make it difficult for older adults

and innovative molecules to many

ones.

to modulate stress effectively. The inability

Older adults shall also focus on getting

of individuals to reduce stress and cope

routine checkups. Routine examinations are

with changes in the internal and external

a useful strategy for identifying underlying

holistictherapistmagazine.com

in Bio Medical engineering and an

practitioners around Europe. Find out more at

www.goldmanlaboratories.

com.

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

BUSINESS

Healthier aging

Selenium

and biological aging

Bjorn Falck Madsen explores the benefits of selenium on biological aging…

HERE is the age on your birth certificate and then there is your biological age. The two do not necessarily match up. Scientists have discovered that the micronutrient selenium may help slow down your biological clock, and that observation is particularly interesting for people living in the UK and across Europe as their average selenium intake is comparatively low. In the UK, Selenium intakes have been falling over the past fifty years and it thought that the average selenium intake may be as low as 30–40 μg/d, or around half the recommended level. Every year, there is one more candle in the

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

birthday cake. We grow older and the aging process leaves visible footprints on the surface of our skin, and our vital organs are also affected. Still, some people look surprisingly young and fit despite their age, while others look a lot older than their peers. Besides our actual age, we have what is known as a biological age that is determined by our physical and mental state. Biological aging does not necessarily go hand in hand with chronological aging. Our biological age is influenced by such factors as lifestyle, diet, genes, and the environment in which we live.

Selenium protects our telomeres Certain nutrients have been seen to play a major role in our aging process. For instance, the trace element selenium, which is found in Brazil nuts, whole grains, fish, and shellfish. Selenium is primarily known for its beneficial effect on the immune system, male fertility,

and the thyroid function but now, a ChineseAmerican research project has demonstrated that the nutrient may also have an dampening impact on the speed at which we humans age. It turns out that higher dietary selenium intake is linked to greater telomere length, and telomeres are used to determine the body’s biological age.

Telomeres: Like protective plastic tips on shoelaces You can compare telomeres to the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces that prevent the laces from fraying. All chromosomes in our cells are equipped with telomeres that get shorter every time a cell replicates. Once the telomeres are used up, the chromosomes unravel like a fraying shoelace, and the cell dies. This loss of cells is one of the hallmarks of aging. Also, the death of cells can lead to the onset of chronic diseases that are typically associated with old age. Therefore, having

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Healthier aging

Europeans get too little selenium The new study, which is published ahead of print in the February issue of Clinical Nutrition, is particularly relevant for Europeans, as the farmland in vast parts of Europe is low in selenium. This means that many Europeans have difficulty with getting enough of this vital nutrient through diet alone.

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biological processes that normally set in with increasing age. For example, they found that there was a lower tendency among the supplemented participants to develop so-called cardiac fibrosis, which is a thickening of the cardiac muscle that reduces its range of motion, thereby decreasing heart muscle strength. Also, they could see that the people who took selenium and coenzyme Q10 had improved kidney function, showed less inflammation and oxidative stress, and appeared to have a better quality of life and physical and mental wellbeing in general than those in the group that got dummy pills.

Powerful antioxidants that support each other

longer telomeres means that it takes longer before your cells throw in the towel – and that is a sign of youth and vitality.

More selenium could increase the lifespan of your cells Scientists from Guangdong Medical University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China studied 3,914 American adults and their diets. The participants were already participants in the so-called NHANES study (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) where American researchers looked at diet and its influence on health. The Chinese researchers have simply borrowed study data from the American trial and looked specifically at selenium intake and how it affects telomere length. They were able to measure that telomere length increased with increasing selenium intake. In other words, selenium had the potential to postpone the ageing at a cellular level. There are different theories about what mechanisms are at play here, but various studies suggest that telomeres are vulnerable to inflammation and oxidative stress. Selenium has documented anti-inflammatory properties and also protects cells against oxidative stress, so this may be part of the explanation.

holistictherapistmagazine.com

It is hardly a coincidence that other studies have shown a positive effect of giving selenium supplements to middle-aged and older men and women. For example, the Swedish KiSel-10 study found that there was a 54% lower cardiovascular mortality rate, significantly higher quality of life, and improved heart muscle function in seniors, who were given tablets with highly bioavailable selenium yeast in combination with coenzyme Q10. In this particular study, the scientists looked at other health markers but not telomere length. Still, it is plausible that the selenium tablets in this study also contributed positively to the biological age of the study participants.

The KiSel-10 study The team of scientists behind the groundbreaking KiSel-10 study has followed up the original trial with no less than 20 additional sub-studies. This included additional analyses of the more than 50,000 blood samples from the original study to see how selenium and coenzyme Q10 affect, among other things, markers of ageing. They found some rather interesting examples of how these two nutrients can counteract

Inflammation is a common thread in most aging processes. As we humans grow older, levels of inflammation in the body go up. One of the really devastating types of inflammation is known as chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and is tricky because we do not necessarily notice it. Both selenium and coenzyme Q10 have powerful antioxidant properties and are therefore crucial for fighting inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. These two compounds appear to go well hand in hand, especially because they have a mutually dependent relationship. The number of studies showing the importance of these two nutrients is constantly increasing, and a growing number of seniors have already incorporated the two compounds in their daily regimen for a healthier life with increased longevity. n Source: “Association of dietary selenium intake with telomere length in middle-aged and older adults”, Clinical Nutrition, February 2020

BJØRN FALCK MADSEN is a Danish-American health

and science writer with a keen interest in micronutrients, disease prevention and lifestyle management. He writes articles, news bulletins and health notes for various magazines and websites.

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Micronutrient sufficiency Seaweeds produced to a very high standard provide a natural source of all the minerals and trace elements, many deficient in large populations, rare vitamins, ideal ratios of Omega fatty acids, valuable antioxidants, and soluble dietary fiber. For 25 years the Seagreens® project has been producing our native wild seaweeds specifically for human nutrition, organic from the start and from 2016 certified to the Nutritious Food Seaweed standard by BDA Certification. Nutritious seaweeds are best used in tiny amounts - a few grams - as a daily ‘dietary supplement’. This has been their traditional use in Japan and elsewhere. Larger amounts, weekly or still less frequently, do not make their unique contribution to human nutrition. Daily use is important because their most valuable micronutrients are not readily manufactured nor stored in the body. Seagreens makes it easy to include between a quarter of a teaspoon (1 gram) and a heaped teaspoon (4 grams) in the daily diet as dried granulated or chopped pieces or in vegetable capsules. For 25 years, Seagreens research and production has brought the most nutritious seaweeds into the population daily diet in more than a dozen countries. Not only to provide sufficiency in ‘seaweed’ nutrients like iodine, but to address major health concerns including obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and dementia. Seaweeds for human nutrition must meet rigorous safety and quality standards, their composition must be known and closely monitored, and the nutritional profile must be consistent, with no harmful contaminants or allergens. Seagreens® nutritional profiles are published at www.seagreens.co.uk/nutrition Only in this way, can you know what you are eating, and nutritional therapists be confident of potential outcomes. Seagreens® are traceable to sustainable wild beds in the British Isles and Nordic region which are husbanded to conserve the native stock. Independent analysis of every harvested batch ensures the quality of every nutrition product.

Christmas Gift Cards and Vouchers are available from www.Seagreens.Shop. Seagreens Ltd, The Warren Estate, Handcross, West Sussex RH17 6DX +44 (0)1444 400403 | post@seagreens.co.uk | www.seagreens.co.uk Administered in the interests of our Partners and Customers by Seagreens Trust

YOUR HEALTH

In the stars

MARS IN GEMINI:

COMMUNICATION GETS FIRED UP Astrologer Luna Clair shares the implications of a retrograde Mars in Gemini…

ARRIOR Mars enters Gemini in August beginning his unusually long stay in the sign of the twins. This season will not come without its challenges especially when the retrograde motion begins. This phenomenon is observed from the earth as the planet’s apparent backward movement, due to the relative position of Mars and the Earth in relation to the Sun. What does that mean? Let me walk you through this celestial season, that is about to make significant changes in many aspects of our life. Mars is retrograde from 30th October - 12th January and only leaves Gemini at the end of March.

Mars in Gemini In the sign of Gemini, Mars expresses itself through communication, travelling, ideas and socialising. Mars fires up our exchange of ideas, words, mind, intellect and the way we connect to each other through, especially on social media. We can be more physically active, move around a lot, sprinting, and weights. Forceful expression of ideas, passionate ventilation will be likely. The digital world will be fired up, writing a blog, designing websites, activity in the neighbourhood, road rage, social media debates are all to be expected.

Mars retrograde When Mars appears retrograde in heavens, the action, the will and ego are reigned in. It’s time to deal with the past and karma, rather than being a time to start new ventures, relationships, and businesses.

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Mars’ energy is limited and restricted in some way but, because he hates being reined in and forced to deal with the past, he will be irritated and frustrated. The retrograde period offers us a chance to learn from the past to come into a proper relationship with our Mars in Gemini, the divine masculine within us. Responding with passion and learning assertive communication without offending other people will be on the agenda. Piers Morgan who’s Mercury and Mars are closely intertwined said, ``We are all walking on eggshells, terrified of offending people, terrified of losing our job over a misspoken tweet or a comment on Facebook. It has got to stop!’ Mars’ backtracking in Gemini urges us to deal with past mistakes and learn to interact on social media even with fiercely energised intellect.

Mars retrograde through the zodiac The predictions are working best if you look for your rising sign. Find this at lunaclair.com/ calculate-your-chart.

Aries Mars moves into the communication, siblings, short trips, writing, and studies area. This placement brings you immense energy to multitask and learn new skills. It makes you direct, even combative, without a filter in communication. Frustration and irritation can come from siblings and neighbours. Sibling rivalry, even denial of brothers may arise.

Taurus Mars fires up the area of finances, which drives you to gain material assets and resources. From October to January put extra effort into your active pursuit of earnings. You will want to find new ways or at least make changes in how you create your material safety and security.

Gemini Mars fires up your image and appearance, making you energetic, active with a warrior spirit to go after your long term goals and wishes. From October however your vitality lowers. Make sure you check up with your physician. You may find it difficult to hide your frustration and irritation and you will have to put extra effort into your work.

Leo From October frustration and irritation may come from mysterious sources to you. You will need to seek out the heart of these mysteries because they are draining your vital energies. Hidden anger can cause communication meltdowns. Assert yourself towards retreats and spirituality, write your frustration out in a journal.

Cancer Your friends and networks could be a source of irritation and frustration the last few months of ’22. Your communities are draining your vital energies. Working with a large group of people proves

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In the stars

YOUR HEALTH

challenging now, teamwork may suffer and blame games, gossip may hurt your popularity. Proceed and communicate very cautiously and fix past mistakes with your groups so from the New Year things can run smoothly.

Virgo You may find this winter that your boss, your career is draining your vital energies. Frustrations, blockages are challenging your patience and you may not find the right way to assert yourself and act appropriately. Be cautious with how you proceed as every single step you make is very visible and wrong assertion can quickly backfire.

Libra Foreign trips, learning and teaching may drain your vital energy now and can be a cause of frustration, blockage and irritation. You may even end up fighting for your beliefs. Ask yourself, what is inhibiting your expansion of your horizon and make the necessary steps to unlock that. Strategise your future growths and make the first move whether that is to go back to school or publishing that novel you wrote.

Scorpio Shared finances, or a crisis situation may drain your vital energies during the Mars retrograde season. Extreme mental situations may create havoc in your life but once you overcome it you can become a healer that can lead others through similar scenarios. You may go through a radical transformation of your identity. Let the process happen it will be a breakthrough on the other side.

Sagittarius Confrontations in relationships are in the picture and can cause frustration and irritations during this period. Make sure you don’t assert yourself too much in your long term partnerships unless they are business ones. Use this energy best by

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travelling with your partner. If you have a legal situation you can win this time with lots of effort.

Capricorn Mars fires up your work and health houses and gives you the upper hand in dealing with enemies and competitors. You may have to battle with a disease, infection or inflammation or may become a workaholic. Frustration and blockage appears in your everyday life, work & health routines. Avoid being confrontational at work, however you will have the spirit to fight who serve injustice.

Aquarius You’ll become a daredevil or adrenalin junkie, who works hard and plays hard. Mars gives you excess energy in performing, acting, sports, having fun, dating. During the retrograde some frustration, blockage can be felt. Drained vitality and wrong type of assertion or children and creativity may cause irritation so proceed cautiously.

Pisces You may look like you are not so driven, but this is not the case. There is a storm underneath. Your passion and drive may only be expressed at home and the emotional turbulence may cause domestic troubles. Working from/at home and physical work/out is a must during this transit if you want to avoid temper tantrums, heavy storms and ruffled feathers during the season. n

LunaClair is a professional astrologer, a teacher and a

forever student of eastern philosophies. Her approach to astrology is rooted in ancient traditions but embraces contemporary techniques too. I focus on allowing the soul’s evolutionary journey through healing and remedial work. For more detail visit

www.lunaclair.com

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

YOU & YOUR HEALTH

Recipes

Fast

Family

favourites

Rebecca Wilson’s latest book features recipes the whole family will love… 3 large carrots 2 low-salt beef or chicken stock cubes* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce* 2 tbsp tomato purée 2 tsp garlic paste 2 tbsp cornflour 500g (1lb 2oz) passata

add the chopped carrots, passata and mixed herbs. Stir well, then top the pot up with boiling water out of the kettle to reach about 1–2cm (1 ⁄2–3 ⁄4in) over everything. Try not to add too much water, though, as the potatoes on top will sink down below the sauce once baked, which is not a bad thing taste-wise, but it won’t look as pretty. Stir well and allow it to bubble while you slice the potatoes into 0.5cm (1 ⁄4in) thick rounds – don’t bother to peel them. Scrape the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon to loosen any stuck-on bits, then take the pot off the heat to add the potatoes. Layer the sliced potatoes over the top of the pot carefully, as the sauce will be hot. Try to overlap them a little to give a pretty design, then drizzle over a little garlic oil to help the potatoes crisp up. If you’re using a narrow, deep pot, your potatoes may sink into the sauce, so in this case just add an extra layer or two of sliced potatoes on top. Bake for an hour, uncovered in the oven. Stand for 5 minutes before serving carefully as it is very hot! Skim any surface lamb fat away using a spoon.

2 tsp dried mixed herbs 3–4 large all-rounder potatoes, washed

LAMB AND TOMATO HOT POT With succulent lamb and tender veg in a rich tomato sauce topped with crispy scalloped potatoes, this is a real one-pot wonder! The minimal washing up is such a bonus.

Serves 2 adults and 3 kids, Prep 10 minutes, Bake 1 hour, Freezable Note: Leftovers will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat in a hot oven for approx. 15–20 minutes or in a microwave on HIGH for a few minutes or until piping hot. You can also freeze cooled leftovers.

Ingredients 500g (1lb 2oz) lean minced lamb 1 brown onion

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2 tsp garlic-infused oil, plus extra if needed *potential allergen

Method Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C/400°F/Gas 6) and put the kettle on to boil. Place a large casserole pot on the hob over a high heat to heat up. Add the lamb mince and let it cook for 1 minute without touching while you dice the onion. Now, break up the mince using a wooden spoon and add the onion, stirring it in. If your mince is very lean and looks like it is sticking, add a drizzle of garlic oil. Let the meat cook while you peel the carrots and cut them into chunks. Turn your attention back to the pot and crumble in the stock cubes, add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato purée, garlic paste and cornflour. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute, then

FAJITA NO-BOIL PASTA BAKE This is perfect when you haven’t got much time to cook. It’s comforting, creamy, flavourful and delicious.

Serves 2 adults and 3 littles, Prep 10 minutes, Bake 1 hour, Freezable

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Recipes

Note: Leftovers will keep for up to 2-3 days, tightly covered, in the fridge. Add a splash of water over the pasta and bake, uncovered, at 180°C fan (200°C/400°F/ Gas 6) for around 15 minutes until piping hot throughout. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

Ingredients 2 low-salt chicken or vegetable stock cubes* 500g (1lb 2oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs*, cut into strips or diced

and ass the remaining cheese and a little black pepper. Increase the oven temperature to 200°C fan (220°C/425°F/Gas 7) and place the uncovered dish back in the oven. Bake for a further 10–15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the top of the pasta bake is beginning to char. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, lime wedges and a sprinkle of salt for the adults. For little taste testers, cut the chicken into finger strips or blend up baby’s portion with a little milk or water.

YOU & YOUR HEALTH

Add the prunes and their juice, to a mixing bowl. Remove pits if not already done. Mash to a puree using a potato masher. Add the almond extract and ground almonds, stir well. Sir in the oats and melted butter, ensuring that all the oats are coated and starting to soak up the liquid. Pour evenly into the prepared tin. Use the back of a tablespoon to even it out. Scatter the frozen cherries over the top (no need to defrost) and, using your palm, press the fruit into the flapjack to embed it into the oats.

1 tsp ground cumin

Bake for 17–22 minutes until the edges of the oats are turning golden and the cherries have burst their juices into the flapjack. Remove from the oven, cool 5 minutes and then lift the flapjack using the baking paper to lift onto a chopping board. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy warm or cold

1 tsp ground coriander

with a little yogurt, if you like. n

1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced 2 tsp garlic granules 2 heaped tsp smoked paprika

350ml (1 1 ⁄2 cups) milk* 500g (1lb 2oz) tomato passata (strained tomatoes) 240g (2 3 ⁄4 cups) dried penne pasta* 120g (4 1 ⁄2 oz) Cheddar cheese*, grated freshly ground black pepper

To serve (optional) guacamole sour cream* lime wedges

Method Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C/400°F/Gas 6) and boil the kettle. Crumble the stock cubes, then add 100ml of boiling water. Stir well, then leave to dissolve for a minute or so. Add the chicken, peppers, garlic granules and all the herbs and spices to a large, high-sided baking dish (approx. 25 x 35cm/10 x 14in). Add the milk to the stock, stir to dissolve, then pour into the baking dish. Stir well, then add the passata, pasta and half of the grated cheese. Stir, mixing until well combined and all submerged under the liquid. Cover with foil, bake for 40 minutes, then check. If the pasta is soft, remove the foil, and stir well. If it’s still hard, recover and bake for a little longer. When ready, remove the foil, stir

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CHERRY BAKEWELL FLAPJACKS Perfectly yummy for breakfast, as an afternoon snack and even for pudding – a tasty low-sugar treat!

Makes 16 flapjacks, Prep 10 minutes, Bake 17–22 minutes, Freezable, keeps 3 days in an airtight container. Ingredients 1 x 410g (14oz) can of prunes in fruit juice 2 tsp almond extract

Fast Family Food by Rebecca Wilson is published by DK.

Available for £18.99 from

dk.com.

Rebecca Wilson is the award-winning

100g ground almonds

Sunday Times bestselling author,

350g rolled porridge oats*

Instagram sensation and mum behind

150g unsalted butter, melted *

the phenomenally popular family food

200g frozen dark sweet pitted cherries (unsweetened)

account

@RebeccaWilsonFood with

over half a million followers. Passionate

Method -

to reduce stress for families, particularly

Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C/400°F/Gas 6) and line a 20cm (8in) square brownie tin with non-stick baking paper.

around meal times, her recipes are developed so they can be enjoyed by anyone aged six months and over.

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WHY YOU SHOULD SWITCH YOUR PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP TO COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Exclusive Premier Membership Benefits: (we are a multidisciplinary association)

• access to our fantastic discounted insurance scheme • use of our logo on your marketing materials • free lapel badge (worth £4) • 10% discount off Physique therapy products • 15% off essential oils and aromatherapy supplies at Base Formula • exclusive therapy illness insurance cover option with PGMutual that also gives you a lump sum on retirement • free to call from a mobile therapists advice phone line - there is always an experienced therapist to talk to • free access to CNHC Registration as we are one of the CNHC verification organisations • use of MCHP after your name • directory for public referral • London Special Treatment Licence exemption • full support in the event of a complaint • access to benefits and support materials for your practice in the Member Login area of our website • regular newsletter with up-to-date information on regulation and legislation as part of a free copy of Holistic Therapist Magazine (worth £24 per year), • discount accountancy scheme for your accounts and tax return • unlimited expert advice whenever you need it and free reviews of your marketing materials • discounts on CPD courses from our accredited schools—see our Events page for course dates • Regular expert blogs on the website in a range of complementary therapies • Facebook forum to share information

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0333 577 3340

Research round up

YOUR HEALTH

NEW FRONTIERS NEW FRONTIERS:

RESEARCH ROUND UP

THE LATEST SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF INTEREST TO HOLISTIC THERAPISTS AND THEIR CLIENTS… MENTAL HEALTH: HIGH-DOSE VITAMIN B6 TABLETS OFFERS BENEFITS Researchers at the University of Reading report that taking high level doses of Vitamin B6 for a month resulted in young adults feeling less anxious and depressed. One group of participants in the test received approximately 50 times the normal RDA in each dose. Recent theories have connected mood disorders and some other neuropsychiatric conditions with a disturbance of the brain’s neurochemical balance, often in the direction of raised levels of brain activity. Vitamin B6 helps the body produce a specific chemical messenger that inhibits impulses in the brain, reducing anxiety. Ref: 10.1002/hup.2852

PAIN: A BETTER WAY THAN PAIN SCALES One of the difficulties facing both clients and holistic therapists is the difficulty in conveying the nature and severity of pain being experienced. A study in Frontiers of Pain Research suggests that using pain scales alone “displaces the patient’s own story, sidesteps the issue of pain’s private meaning, and disrupts the potential for humane communication between patient and doctor.” The research team found that using pain cards, a set of laminated images representing aspects of pain that feature images and poetry, can encourage patients to volunteer descriptions of their experience without solicitation by the practitioner. They rely less on language and more on visual imagination and could help patients from different backgrounds to better express how they feel.

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Similarly, creating pain portraits -- a visual description of pain -- could help patients relay information and help clients make sense of their pain. Ref: 10.3389/fpain.2022.895443

NUTRITION: EATING MORE ULTRAPROCESSED FOODS INCREASES DEMENTIA RISK People who eat the highest amounts of ultraprocessed foods may have a higher risk of developing dementia than those who eat the lowest amounts, according to a new study in Neurology. Researchers also found that replacing ultra-processed foods in a person’s diet with unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with a lower risk. The study does not prove that ultra-processed foods cause dementia. It only shows an association. Ref: 10.1212/ WNL.0000000000200871

GUT HEALTH: GREEN TEA EXTRACT LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR A study from Ohio State University suggest that consuming green tea extract for four weeks can reduce blood sugar levels and improves gut health by reducing inflammation and decreasing leaky gut in those with metabolic syndrome. The extract dosage was equivalent to five cups of

green tea. Results showed that fasting blood glucose levels for all participants were significantly lower after taking green tea extract compared to levels after taking the placebo. Researchers also noted decreased gut inflammation and that small intestine permeability favourably decreased. Ref: 10.1093/cdn/nzac068.010

HEALTH COSTS OF ‘FOREVER CHEMICALS’ Daily exposure to a class of chemicals - per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - used in the production of many household items may lead to cancer, thyroid disease, and childhood obesity, a new study shows. The resulting economic burden is estimated to cost Americans a minimum of $5.5 billion and as much as $63 billion over the lifetime of the current population. PFAS are a group of over 4,700 human-made chemicals that have been found in human blood for several decades. The chemicals are used in the production of water- and oil-resistant clothing, electronics, and non-stick cookware, and people are thought to ingest them as food comes into contact with packaging. The substances are believed to disrupt the function of hormones. Ref: 10.1007/s12403-022-00486-0 n

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

YOUR HEALTH

Spirit

SHAMANIC

ARCHETYPES Shamanic instructor and practitioner Shanon Harwood introduces shamanic archetypes…

ET’S begin by defining an Archetype as

a building block of the universe. This ‘building block’ is an energy that is so repeatable, so constant, that its energy has been consistently recognised and described by humans around the world since before recorded history, though the Archetypes used will often vary with the region and the ethnicity of the practitioner. Archetypes have been a focal point of conversation and debate for centuries. Plato first wrote about them in the fourth century BC, describing them as patterns or forms of energy. Plato’s protégé Aristotle called them spheres -“disembodied messengers that emanate from the divine unmovable mover”. It is often thought

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

that Aristotle was referring to angels and when he used the term ‘unmovable mover’ it was a very general reference to The Creator. Archetypes showing up in astrology in the first century BC where they were identified with the planets and the constellations. In the tarot, dating from the 15th Century, the Archetypes virtually came to life when they were represented by the twenty-two cards of the major arcana. Fast forward to the 20th Century when Dr. Carl Jung, one of the pioneers of modern psychology, recognised that the Archetypes derived from the collective consciousness. Later, Jung concluded that rather than being a part of our psyche, the Archetypes are energies that are influencing upon us and completely autonomous from us.

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Spirit

YOUR HEALTH

Today, at our school, The Kimmapii School

Archetypes. First we identify which archetypal

America where some Shamans use the deer as

of Shamanism, we teach and work with the

energetic will most benefit our client and then

the Archetype of shedding. As you no doubt

Archetypes routinely. We help our clients and

work with them to make the necessary shifts

know, the deer sheds its winter coat, and/or its

our students recognise when and where they

in their lives.

antlers, when it no longer serves them.

may be out of alignment with an Archetype and work to help them come back into balance.

Identifying the Archetypes

Let’s look at another example. Ares - The

A further example of the Archetypes used

God of War is the label that Greek mythology

by Andean Shamanism is the use of the

has for this Archetype, but he’s also known as

jaguar. This Archetype is used to teach how

Mars in both Roman mythology and astrology.

to overcome the greatest fear of all - the fear

The first step is to identify the Archetypes

In numerology he is the number seven, while

of death. The jaguar, named Otorongo, in

themselves.

in ancient Persia he was known as Bahram.

addition to teaching about fear, also teaches

This Archetype is all about propulsion and

the value of stillness and how to conquer the

of Mercury is associated with attributes

fearlessness; aggression and spontaneity. He

tendency to engage in meaningless battle.

such as quick wit, agility, decisiveness,

is the courageous one who values honour and

articulation, communication. This Archetype

valour and regardless of which of the above

transcends regional boundaries, I will cite the

is also something of a trickster as well as a

labels one uses, we see the same repeatable,

eagle. Whether in South America or North

community builder who is extremely adaptable

identifiable, quantifiable set of energetics.

America, the eagle represents rising above the

Let me give you an example. The Archetype

to his environment. Depending on what

Now imagine how difficult life would be if

As a final example of an Archetype that

mundane, conferring the ability to see the big picture of life’s journey.

ethnicity or Shamanic practice is looking at

your relationship with this Archetype is out of

this Archetype, he has been given a number

balance in either direction. It could manifest

of labels, namely the planet mercury in

as not being able to stand your ground when

How shamans use Archetypes

astrology, the magician in tarot, number one

you need to, or conversely, the inability to

Shamans use Archetypes both as teaching

in numerology, Hermes in Greek mythology,

control your anger and aggression. In either

tools and healing tools. When an individual

Mercury in Roman mythology, and many

situation, life would be extremely difficult.

who is experiencing difficulty in life seeks help

more. The key, however, is that regardless of

Moving now to South American Shamanism,

of a Shaman, the Shaman will often endeavour

the label given, or the region /methodology you

we again find the use of birds and animals

to first determine where the individual may

are working with — the energy and attributes

as Archetypes. In the Andean Shamanic

be out of alignment with the energy of one or

of this Archetype are the same.

practice for example, you will find the serpent

more of the Archetypes. Once determined,

— Sachamama is used to teach the lesson

the Shaman may employ a variety of methods

and animals are often used as Shamanic

of shedding. As the serpent sheds its skin

to help that individual come into a more

Archetypes. The reason for this is, once

regularly it teaches us to shed things that no

favourable balance with the energy of the

again, birds and animals have repeatable

longer serve us. We can now segue to North

identified Archetype(s).

Taking this concept a step further, birds

characteristics and behaviours that are used by Shamans to teach people important lessons and help them heal when they are out of balance. In some indigenous cultures the coyote is the Archetype used to teach the same attributes that other ethnicities would teach with The Magician. Coyotes are quick-witted, intelligent, and agile and can appear and disappear at the blink of an eye. They are extremely family oriented and can be found thriving in mountains, deserts and cities alike. By studying and emulating the behaviours and characteristics of Archetypes, people can take these lessons and attributes and use them to improve their daily lives in dramatic ways. Imagine stepping into and embodying the energetics of coyote — that carefree adaptability when your life feels rigid or you feel unable to fit into your surroundings. This is how the Shaman works with

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HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

YOUR HEALTH

Spirit

In our Shamanic school we use numerous

an over-abundance of the Archetype’s energy

in their life, why it was going wrong, and what

types of Archetypes to help people experience

showing up? Is there a lack of crucial energy?

they need to do to change it. Throughout

a more enjoyable journey through life. We

the entire process the Shaman is constantly

are teaching and working with both Animistic

An image will begin to take shape

Shamanism and Energetic Shamanism.

The next step is a review of the client’s birth

Archetype they are working with because this

information. Similar to an Astrologer, we will

in-depth knowledge is part of what makes this

of Destinistic Shamanism we have developed

look at all the elements of the individual’s birth

program so successful.

and will use a system loosely related to the

data. We then compare these elements to

major arcana in tarot. The healing mechanism

what we learned from our tracking. Taking the

a profound influence on our lives. Sometimes

of our system is based on ten Primary

attributes, characteristics and energetics of the

their influence is over the top, sometimes it

Archetypes and twelve Directing Archetypes.

Archetype that we perceive the client needs to

feels just right and sometimes it leaves us

The entire system consists of three well-tested

work with, we begin to form a plan to assist

wanting and needing more. Nevertheless,

methodologies that we have developed into

the individual to regain their balance. Further,

it’s an extremely powerful influence. We

proven programs that quickly bring people

at this stage, we overlay the influence of the

recommend that whenever you are working

back into alignment and balance.

Directing Archetype who is also feeding into

with any of the Archetypes, do so with extreme

the energetics at play. Typically, we are able to

caution and complete respect. They are

programs One on One with an Archetype.

very rapidly narrow down where we perceive

powerful beyond our comprehension. n

In this program, when a person presents to

our client needs to focus their attention.

us with difficulty in life, we begin with an

Armed with all of this information we are then

intensive investigation into what is not working

in a position to help our client create their

in their life. Our investigation includes an in-

healed mythic-map.

use the bird and animal Archetypes when we

Conversely, when we are working in the field

We have entitled the first of the three

depth interview with the individual using a long

Another one of the programs, is a very

working with the client to help them embody the characteristics and energies of the

Each of the Archetypes independently exert

SHANON HARWOOD is a shamanic instructor and

practitioner who has devoted the last 35

series of probing questions. Here is where

intense ten day healing journey that we call

Shamanic skills come into play. We know that

The 10 Boot Camp. In this program we

the individual can only report their perception

have incorporated a variety of intense rituals

of what’s not working in their life and what

that were developed over more than twenty

they are telling us is simply their perception

years of research. These rituals successfully

of how it is manifesting. We also know that

bring clients back into the alignment they

today and can be purchased on the

the truth behind what is happening, the actual

are seeking, coming away with an in-depth

book’s website

cause of what is not working, is typically far

understanding about what was going wrong

com as well as online retailers.

years of her life to shamanic teaching, writing and practice. Her latest book, Currency, is a speculative fiction that takes aim at social injustice in the world www.currencythebook.

more complex and multi-faceted than what the individual is able to report. As they are speaking, the Shaman will be halflistening to what the client is saying (and is not saying), but the Shaman will be far more focused on ‘tracking’ as the client is speaking. Tracking is a Shamanic skill that is used to seek out the true drivers of a problem. The Shaman will then make comprehensive notes. All the while, in their mind the Shaman will be reviewing all of the attributes, characteristics and energetics of the 10 Primary Archetypes. What we are searching for in our knowledge base of the Archetype is a correlation between the client’s ‘real’ issue and the Archetype’s energetics. As we engage with the client, we shift to what is known as The Mythic Level of Engagement. It is here, at this level, that we can begin to ascertain the truth behind the client’s situation with an Archetype. Is there

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

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YOUR HEALTH

Bookshelf

BOOKSHELF:

Autumn reading Our pick of the latest titles to entertain and educate…

free approach is more effective. Here,

1870s up to 1920. A century later, we

she outlines her approach which includes

tend to forget, or are perhaps encouraged

returning the body’s biochemistry to balance

to forget, that homeopathy was once a

Plant-based Nutrition in Clinical Practice

with natural medicine (lifestyle, nutrition,

much more mainstream therapy than it

homeopathy and botanicals) and allowing

is now. Kantor points out that there were

survivors to tell or reframe their personal

over a hundred homeopathic hospitals

story through talking therapies and the

in the USA, more than a thousand

creative arts solutions to regain control of

pharmacies and 22 homeopathic medical

their lives.

schools.

The Power of Switchwords

York’s Middletown State Homeopathic

Editors Dr. Zandra Kassam, Dr, Shireen Kassam and Registered Dietician Lisa Simon, have produced an impressive evidence-based guide to the uses, benefits and practical application of a plant-based diet. The book is designed for all health professionals,

liver, gut) approach. The book draws on

a treatment regime with thousands of

power of self-

successful outcomes. This was based

limiting thoughts,

on KIrkbride’s moral treatment principles

either in ourselves,

nutrition and homeopathic prescriptions.

The Virus and The Host

us, so Franziska

We’ve all learned

Krattinger’s book

rather a lot about

makes interesting reading. She argues that

viruses over the

certain words, called switchwords, have a

past few years.

stronger influence on our subconscious and

Naturopathic

and also for the benefit of the planet.

energy fields. By using them intentionally,

Doctor Chris

she believes you can harness the power

Chlebowski

Transforming Trauma

of the Law of Attraction to reprogram your

believes we can

Rates of post-traumatic stress disorder

reality and manifest your desires. For each

Plant-based nutrition course. They make a compelling case for shifting to plant-based eating, both for the sake of individual health

the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been increasing as diagnoses become more common. Often the associated mental health issues are treated with pharmaceuticals. Experienced naturopathic doctor, Heather Herington who has 30 years of experience of working with survivors of traumatic events in Canada and the US, believes that a pharmaceutical-

Hospital for the Insane which utilised

familiar with the

those around

(heart, respiratory system, diabetes, kidneys, the University of Winchester’s renowned

Most of us will be

our clients or

taking both a holistic and a systems-based

Kantor examines the records from New

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

take control of

of her 67 switchwords, she suggests using

our health and decrease susceptibility to

repetition, sometimes with a certain rhythm,

infectious viral disease before it strikes.

as well as word combinations for specific goals and tips and tricks to succeed.

The book demonstrates how robust health, good immunity, low inflammation, low toxic burden and freedom from

Sane Asylums

stealth infection and chronic disease This is a strangely

is our best defence against infectious

fascinating book

viral disease. There are no quick fixes,

from Jerry M.

rather it’s an approach based on taking

Kantor, which

better care of our health before disaster

looks at the use

strikes: improving our diets, losing weight,

of homeopathic

exercising and managing stress.

treatments in

The book serves as a great introduction

US psychiatric

to the emerging science on the virome

asylums from the

as well as how toxic exposure, chronic

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YOUR HEALTH

Bookshelf

inflammation, stealth infections and

essential oils in a carrier oil, trigger point

guidebook provides divinatory insight into

chronic diseases interact and predispose

and reflexology massage, and diffusion

56 animals all from northern climes, from

us to poor outcomes from acute viral

in an aroma lamp. The authors include

including salmon, magpie, badger and bear.

infection.

recommended oil mixtures targeted to

The fatigue book Lydia Rolley’s The Fatigue Book is an engaging

The deck comes from publishers

alleviate specific dental and oral ailments,

Llewellyn Worldwide, who offer an

such as periodontitis, oral herpes, ulcers,

enormous range of tarot cards and

bad breath, teeth grinding, and toothache.

divination decks to suit all tastes.

Findhorn Spirit Oracle Cards

Melissa officinalis - The Initiation Plant of The Ancient Greek Bee Shamanesses: And The Essential Oil of Everyday Miracles

and charmingly

This new oracle

illustrated

deck from Swan

practical guide to

Treasure came to

managing chronic

life in the gardens

fatigue. The

and sanctuaries

Let’s start with

combination of proven tips for fatigue

of the well-

a confession.

management tips, combined with a

known Findhorn

Since the author,

self-management approach that applies

Foundation on the

Elizabeth Ashley, is

the principles of Pacing and Activity

coast of Scotland’s Moray Firth.

a regular columnist

The cards were created through a

with the magazine

latest NICE guidelines, make it ideal for

special technique called touch-drawing,

and a sheer delight

anyone suffering from Long Covid, CFS

whereby the images are allowed to appear

or ME. What’s particularly good is the

from her hands onto paper, trusting the

with, there would be a temptation to give

all-encompassing holistic approach that

powerful energy that asked to be made

her latest book a good review even if it

recognises differing physical, mental and

visible.

were a bit disappointing. Luckily, it’s a

Management as recommended by the

emotional/spiritual needs of individual.

Essential oils for Dental Health

Each card depicts a spirit being as they

to know and work

really interesting and well-researched piece

chose to reveal themselves, in order to

of writing, so we have no problem adding it

pass on wisdom to help us navigate these

to our recommendations.

Aromatherapy

times of transition. The cards function

Keen aromatherapists will be familiar

expert Karin Opitz-

as energy activators and, through their

with Melissa Officinalis, or Lemon Balm,

Kreher and holistic

messages and energies, offer support,

which is used for a host of complaints,

dentist Jutta

companionship, and practical guidance

including depression and menstrual

Schreiber explore

that can be applied to the challenges

problems. This book takes us beyond

the benefits of and

of daily life. They can also assist us in

aromatherapy and into what Elizabeth

best methods of

establishing and deepening a partnership

calls aromamythology, looking into the

use for well-known

with the divine.

history, lore and traditions associated

dental care oils such as peppermint, tea-tree, and clove as well as the lesser

Winterseer Animal Oracle Deck

with the plant from the ancient world through to the medieval period. This

known oral benefits of oils like cinnamon,

Siolo Thompson’s

is centred on medieval herbals which

manuka, and oregano.

charming

mentioned that priestesses of the ancient

illustrations make

Greek goddess, Demeter, were also

oils in an oral care routine supports the

this a deck to

known as Melissae. These were bee and

alkaline-acid balance inside the mouth,

treasure, drawing

womb shamans who worshipped female

helping to create an ideal environment

on Norse and

deities as aspects of the insect world.

for healthy teeth, good breath, and

Celtic mythology

It’s a skilful blend of myths and ancient

preventing infections. Different techniques

as a foundation

wisdom with modern science, all told in

They explain how daily use of essential

for safe internal and external use are

for transmitting the ancient wisdom of

Elizabeth’s personal and readable style.

presented, including oil pulling, diluting

the animal kingdom. The accompanying

Available from Amazon. n

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HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

YOUR HEALTH

Feeling festive

The Good

gift guide

When times are hard, gifts take on a special meaning, brightening the lives of those around us. Here’s our pick of thoughtful gifts that won’t cost the earth… Quoridor wooden strategy game Quoridor is an elegant wooden game that’s suitable for anyone over eight. Quoridor has previously received the Mensa Mind Game award and was the Game of the Year in the USA, France, Canada and Belgium. It can be played by two or four players and is one of those games that’s easy to learn, but can involve deeper strategic gameplay. Players try to strike the right balance between building a wall to create a maze for their opponents and moving their pawn across the board to reach the other side first. Around £35 from www.amazon.co.uk or hobby retailers.

A taste of the East from Dorset’s Wasabi Company IF you’re looking for a consciously considered gift, then turn your thoughts to the east and Japan. Dorset’s Wasabi Company stocks a range of over 400 Japanese homewares and ingredients, alongside products made from their own home-grown wasabi. There are beautiful ceramic bowls for miso or ramen, some amazing food kits for making matcha, sushi and even vegan ingredient hampers which adventurous cooks will love. There are some amazing table barbecues, sake sets and wasabi plants too. See the gift range at www.thewasabicompany. co.uk/gifts-and-kits

Vibrant textiles from Stitch Saint Luce Stitch Saint Luce is a UK based charity that helped set up a women’s sewing co-operative in Madagascar, which makes some fantastic products including embroidered tablemats, bags, cushions, purses, friendship bracelets, glasses cases and even bow ties all in cheerful and dynamic colour combinations. Every piece is unique and hand made. Find them at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ StitchSainteLuce

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

holistictherapistmagazine.com

Feeling festive

Edifier GX Gaming Headset

Bramley Gift Sets Bramley’s products are made in the UK using 100% natural ingredients and sustainable materials. There are lots to choose from including a Set for gardeners that includes flower snips and this £25 Revitalising Shower Gift Set which combines Bramley’s bestselling Body Wash and a Round Bamboo Body Brush to help cleanse, exfoliate, and rejuvenate the skin. Explore the range at www.bramleyproducts. co.uk

One for the gamers in your life. The Edifier GX is a high fidelity gaming headset that offers truly immersive audio, so it feels you’re really at the heart of the action. Fully-loading with the latest tech spec including 50mm titanium diaphragm drivers, designed by Edifier’s renowned team of audio engineers, a frequency response of 20Hz-40KHz and a 24-bit decoder, the GX produces almost true-to-life audio fidelity. It’s compatible with PC, Laptop, Smart Phone, Pad, PS4 and other gaming devices. Find it for £69.99 at Amazon www.amazon.co.uk

YOUR HEALTH

Lund London Water Bottle This beautifully minimalistic stainless steel water bottle is perfect for work or at the gym. It’s gloriously tactile and is free of BPA, PVC and Phalates too. At, £30, it comes in a presentation box and can be engraved with a name or message to make it even more personal. It’ll also last for years. You can find it – and a host of other cool customisable gifts at www.engraversguild.co.uk

Lovevery’s toys for tiny tots Lovevery’s award-winning toys are made of natural materials and designed by child development experts to provide exactly what children want and need at every stage. They’re also fun, simple, engaging and built to last with sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, nontoxic paint and baby-safe plastics. They offer 14 different play kits designed to teach new skills as the child develops as well as a Block Set for £80 and their Pull Pup for £30. Discover the range at www.lovevery.co.uk

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Lilliputiens My First Farm One for little ones over 18 months, this amazingly cute playset from Lilliputiens encourages a love of nature, endless storytelling and creative play. The soft fold-open barn comes with the farmer on his tractor, a duck, pig, sheep, chicken, donkey and the world’s most adorable purple cow. Find it at www.johnlewis.com for £45.50.

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

YOUR HEALTH

Feeling festive

The gift of a good night’s sleep

Noted Aromas designer duplicate perfumes

Acala DIY Tinted Lip Balm Kit Crafty DIY gifts always go down well since they combine an experience with a tangible end product. Acala’s DIY Tinted Lip Balm Kit costs £19.99 from acalaonline.com. It’s reusable and zero waste, and uses natural, organically sourced ingredients and beetroot powder for colouring. It’s a good choice for friends that like a bit of pampering or teenagers who are exploring natural beauty. Alternatively, treat yourself and gift the finished tins as stocking fillers.

Noted Aromas offer designer duplicates of some of the world’s leading perfumes and aftershaves, so you get all the fragrance with none of the marketing hype and exorbitant price tags. There are a wide range of options in unisex, masculine and feminine fragrances, from Monte Carlo, inspired by Baccarat Rouge, to New York, inspired by Santal 33 and a whole host inspired by Tom Ford’s perfume range. 50ml fragrances start from just £19.99 and are available from www.notedaromas.com

Crane’s 4-in-1 Top Fill Drop Cool Mist Humidifier with Sound Machine would be a great choice for anyone on your list with a need for better sleep. The award-winning design is attractive and would suit all decors. It provides up to 500 sq. ft. of coverage over 24 hours of soothing moisture exposure, refreshing the air to help anyone sleep better. Add in the night light function, with a choice of seven colours, the aroma tray to add sleep-enhancing essential oil pads and a choice of three soothing sounds – white noise, rain, and ocean waves – it’s the perfect way to nod off. Find it at www. cheekyrascals.co.uk for £110.

Bird & Blend Teas The UK gets through about over a hundred million cups of tea every day, so the chances are that at least one person on your gift list is a major fan. Bird & Blend is an indie tea company with some interesting gift selections this festive season. The 30 Days of Tea Chest Selection Box, £35, from www. birdandblendtea.com is billed as the ultimate tea taster box featuring a single serve of tea, every single day, including Jelly & Ice Cream, Peppy Mint, Butter Brew, Dark Choc Chilli Chai and many more. They also do Matcha and Chai selections and a Christmas Tea Selection Gift Box, £24, which can be made to order or pre-packed with the Christmas flavour selections.

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

Farhi Luxury Chocolate What’s Christmas without a little overindulgence? Family owned luxury confectionery brand, Farhi, is known for its gourmet nuts, indulgent truffles and stuffed dates. Nut lovers will appreciate Farhi’s Cocoa Dusted Milk Chocolate Caramelised Pecans with a hint of gianduja, which come in two sizes at £15 or £30, or choose one of their hand-painted Bonbonnieres, £17.50 or £25 from www.farhi. co.uk These little keepsakes come filled with a variety of treats including dark chocolate covered coffee beans, chocolate covered almonds or chocolate covered ginger.

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Feeling festive

YOUR HEALTH

ToucanBox crafts for kids

Comforting cushions South African based artist Shelley-Anne Graham creates beautiful prints and PRINT cushions inspired by African women. The cushions, which are around £27 each are manufactured in the UK. The limited edition prints are around £64 and have a serene, almost haunting, beauty that would be great for any practice room or meditation space. See the range at www.shelley-anne.com

Little luxuries from Little Print Gifts Little Print Gifts offer a range of hair and other accessories products are made with bright Liberty Tana lawn or silk, are vibrant, sustainable and fun. They are all made in owner Victoria’s home studio. You’ll find everything from custom silver fingerprint cufflinks, to silk hair scrunchies and the cutest rabbitshaped lavender pouches, all at remarkably good prices, with hair bobbles from just £2. We loved this Liberty of London silk knot headband at £28. See the range at www.littleprintgifts.co.uk

Vegan handbags and accessories from Vendula London Award-winning ethical fashion brand, Vendula London, make luxury vegan handbags and accessories including phone cases and notebooks. The bags are fabulously quirky, beautifully made and very original, often with a vintage theme or designed as shop fronts. There are also key chains, headbands and jewellery that would make good stocking fillers. You might even bag a bargain in the outlet section with prices reduced by up to 50%. See the range at www.vendulalondon.com

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If the kids you buy for get too many gifts at Christmas, consider toucanBox, which is a subscription service delivering a craft kit every month for those aged 3-8. It’s a great way to foster imaginative play. You can buy individual kits for £9.95 each, or take out a subscription from £6.95 a month. If you need a preChristmas activity, try the limited edition Christmas toucanBox for £14.95. The company has also donated kits to over 10,000 disadvantaged children. All from www.toucanbox.com

Neideregger Marzipan There’s always someone on your list with a love for marzipan. Neideregger have the widest selection around and all of it is deliciously scrumptious. So it should be, given that this family firm has been around since 1806. We were taken with these little marzipan Santas. Find them at your nearest old-fashioned confectionary shop, Lakeland, John Lewis or online.

Arran Sense of Scotland Advent Calendar Advent calendars are a great way to make someone feel special in the run up to Christmas. Opening up a little gift each morning gets the day off to a good start. You can buy them prefilled with everything from socks to beer, LEGO Minifigs to cheese. Alternatively, Hobbycraft has a good selection of DIY versions you can fill yourself. Our pick comes from Arran Sense of Scotland, which comes packed with everything from scented mini-candles to soaps, body lotion, shower gels and hair products in their amazing islandinspired scents. Retailing at £70, there are £140 worth of products, so it’s great value. Find it at www.arran.com/ products/advent-calendar-2022

Whatever you choose, we wish you all a great festive season and the happiest New Year. HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

YOUR HEALTH

Back pages

Back

PAGES All the stuff we wanted to share but didn’t have room for elsewhere…

Sound healing: Study finds sound plus electrical body stimulation could treat chronic pain A study funded by the US National Institute of Health has found that electrical stimulation of the body combined with sound activates the brain’s somatosensory cortex, increasing the potential for using the technique to treat chronic pain and other sensory disorders. Currently, the non-invasive technique is being tested on guinea pigs, but the research team hope to move to clinical trials on humans in the near future. Essentially, the research builds on the use of electrical stimulation devices, such as TENS machines, but adds in broadband sound to the treatment protocol. In doing so, the researchers activated neurons in the brain’s somatosensory cortex, which is responsible for touch and pain sensations throughout the body, lessening the experience of pain. The team hopes that this will lead to a cheap, safe and accessible way of managing chronic pain. Ref: 10.1088/17412552/ac7665

HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022

London Fashion Week: Weleda provide a holistic home from home Weleda hosted a sustainable sanctuary for models to rest and relax in between shows, fittings and photo-shoots at London Fashion Week. This is the 14th year Weleda has sponsored The Model Zone in collaboration with the British Fashion Council. Weleda’s team of Wellbeing Advisors provided complimentary mini massages and 1:1 skincare consultations in The Model Zone each day.

Business consolidation: Learning Curve acquires White Rose Yorkshire-based White Rose Beauty Colleges, one of the largest beauty therapy training providers in the UK, has been acquired by Learning Curve Group (LCG). LCG already has hair and beauty academies across the North East of England

and London and it is expected that this will add a further 3,500 learners each year. As well as beauty therapy course, White Rose offers Make Up Artistry, Holistic Therapy, and Sports Massage courses.

Malaysia: Health Ministry to decide on integrating healthcare The Malaysian Ministry of Health is considering two reports advocating that TCM and allopathic medicine should be allowed to be practiced in an integrated form. Currently, the country’s law specifies that the two cannot be practiced under the same roof. If accepted, TCM and alternative medicine facilities would become regulated. Currently, TCM treatments such as traditional massages, acupuncture, herbal therapy, shirodhara, external basti therapy and varmam therapy are offered at 15 hospitals nationwide to patients experiencing discomforts such as chronic pain, post-stroke conditions, radiotherapy and chemotherapy side effects, depression, insomnia, anxiety, stress and pain, and stiffness in the lower back, knee or neck. One of the reports being considered suggests that medical doctors with formal training in their chosen TCM modalities to incorporate their skills into their practice and that non-doctor practitioners should undertake clinical attachments with recognised teaching institutions to achieve certification and become registered to practise TCM. n

WORDS OF WISDOM… Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.. Leo Buscaglia

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It feels like the right time Looking to nurture your business? If you would like to develop your interest in holistic health and beauty, to expand your skills or support your work as a therapist, you might like to consider being trained by Weleda and working with us on a part-time self-employed basis. We would love to hear from you.

To discover more, email us at opportunities@weleda.co.uk or call us on 0115 944 8698

Holistic Therapist Magazine - Issue 44

Articles inside

Shamanic Archetypes

New Frontiers

The Good Gift Guide

Autumn bookshelf

Selenium for healthier aging

Stress management for healthier aging

Healthier aging

Astrology

Journeys

Special: Working with older customers

Connecting with customers on social

Building an online community

Technique: Discover Aura-Soma

Consultation tips

Discover the RCCM

Time for a website refresh?

CAM Coach

Understanding what clients really want