International Therapist - Summer 2020

Summer 2020

Issue 133

Man Kind Supporting the wellbeing of male clients

+

Down at heel – An introduction to plantar fasciitis The skin collaborative – Two FHT members come together in business

Contents

48

Summer 2020

Issue 133

Man Kind Supporting the wellbeing of male clients

+

Down at heel – An introduction to plantar fasciitis The skin collaborative – Two FHT members come together in business

Inside...

19

summer 2020

Cover feature Man Kind

Features

14

Man kind We look at some member case studies that shine a light on how physical therapies can support men’s mental health

34

20

Still and calm Janet Cairnie, MFHT, on the benefits of a complementary therapy service available to dialysis patients at Salford NHS Trust

23

Essential oils Kate Mulliss, MFHT, shares some ways that essential oils can be used at home to support the mind and emotions

28

Down at heel FHT accredited course provider, Dawn Morse, provides an introduction to plantar fasciitis

34

Forest bathing Carlos Ponte and Emma Wisser from Universe Mindfulness introduce members to the benefits of Shinrin-yoku

38

The skin collaborative FHT members Vanessa Jane Davies and Emma Holly join forces so their clients can benefit from skin camouflage and ScarWorkTM

42

Mindfulness in sport How the Harlequins rugby team have crossed the advantage line in connecting sport and mindfulness

44

Rethinking therapy A look at some therapeutic approaches that may reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission Summer 2020

03-FHT-Contents.indd 3

20 Regulars 8 10 12 19 24 26 31 32 41 50

52 65 66

News update Viewpoint Things for Summer Essential oil profile – Juniper berry Here for you Ask an expert Six ways to...

Top blog Local groups A day in the life of… Claire Best, charity volunteer Medical A-Z Industry news Guest column... Dr Michael Dixon discusses the unexpected benefits of virtual consultations

31 Members' pages 53 Competition 54 New products

Learning 46 48 56 57 58

FHT learning Research CPD questions Reading room and spiral quiz FHT accredidited courses

66

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17/07/2020 10:22

The evaluation of healthcare is increasingly based on Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS)

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Easy to use for both you and your clients, the questionnaire can help you to discuss and monitor progress together.

The WHHQ is underpinned by academic research and was developed in conjunction with C.A.M. practitioners and clients.

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Summer 2020

17/07/2020 10:29

Letter from the editor

Federation of Holistic Therapists 18 Shakespeare Business Centre Hathaway Close Eastleigh Hants SO50 4SR T. 023 8062 4350 E. info@fht.org.uk W. fht.org.uk Editor Karen Young Deputy Editor Leanne Sheill Creative Director Peter Davies Advertising Stewart Dymock T. 01727 789 194 E. stewart@centuryonepublishing.uk Deadlines – Autumn 2020 (Issue 134) Editorial – 31 July Display adverts – 25 September Published – 16 October Senior management team Beverley Bartlett, Trevor Cleal, Jade Dannheimer, Julie McFadden, Annie Walling, Karen Young.

This magazine is wrapped in carbon neutral polythene called PolyAirTM It is the only 100% recyclable carbon neutral material currently available. Please dispose of this in your plastic recycling bin.

International Therapist is printed on FSC© responsibly sourced paper. If you can bear to part with your copy please pass it on to a friend to read or recycle.

Hello,

I

I hope you are all keeping well, despite the fact that COVID-19 is still very much a part of our lives and no doubt will be for many months to come.

As I type, the FHT has literally just submitted evidence to the government (the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy), outlining the impact that the continued lockdown and COVID-19 has had on our members and the therapy industry as a whole. Thank you so much to all of you who responded to our COVID-19 survey. We had a total of 2,042 responses within 36 hours and the strongest sections of our submission were undoubtedly those underpinned by the information you kindly shared with us.

While we will obviously have to wait and see if our combined efforts help the industry to reopen any sooner, at the very least it was a welcome opportunity to stress to government the vital role that professional therapists play in supporting the health and wellbeing of others. Let’s hope that by the time you are reading this, all of you at least have the option to cautiously tread your way back into practice (if you feel ready and comfortable to do so, of course).

Whatever situation we find ourselves in on publication day, as always, we hope you enjoy the articles in this issue of International Therapist. I have to say, there has been quite a lot of deliberation over how much of the content should be related to COVID-19 and how much should focus on ‘normal practice’

(look out for the special Pre-Covid-19 symbols). We hope we have got the balance right, but please do let us know your thoughts and if there are any particular topics you’d like us to cover in the next issue or two.

Meantime, we’ll leave you to read about how hands-on therapies can support male mental health; the wellbeing benefits of forest bathing; working collaboratively to support clients with scars; bringing calm and comfort to those having dialysis treatment; different ways to treat plantar fasciitis; and how members of the Harlequins rugby team have embraced mindfulness (I know – who would’ve thought?). And finally, our guest columnist, the lovely Dr Michael Dixon, talks about the unexpected benefits of virtual consultations. Enjoy!

Karen Young, Editor

Useful FHT contacts Accreditation – Annie Walling E. accreditation@fht.org.uk W. fht.org.uk/accreditation

CPD requirements – Heidi Hinton E. cpd@fht.org.uk W. fht.org.uk/cpd

International Therapist – Leanne Sheill E. lsheill@fht.org.uk W. fht.org.uk/it

Membership and insurance – Beverly Bartlett E. info@fht.org.uk W. fht.org.uk

Press and media – Karen Young E. kyoung@fht.org.uk W. fht.org.uk/press-and-media FOLLOW FHT on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, LINKEDIN & INSTAGRAM

FHT is a trading name of the Federation of Holistic Therapists, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under fi rm reference number 502095. You may check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the FCA’s website, register.fca.org.uk or by contacting the FCA on T. 0800 111 6768. Registered in England and Wales, No. 02864349. Registered offi ce: Chilworth Point, 1 Chilworth Road, Southampton SO16 7JQ. This issue of International Therapist has been published on behalf of the Federation of Holistic Therapists by Century One Publishing, Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Rd, St Albans AL3 4DG. The Federation has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the magazine. Except in respect of death or personal injury caused by the Federation’s negligence, the Federation shall not be liable, by reason of any error in or omission from the information contained in this or any previous editions of the magazine, for loss or damage whatsoever arising therefrom. Neither FHT, Century One Publishing nor the authors can accept liability for errors or omissions. Neither the Federation nor Century One Publishing necessarily associates itself with any views that may be expressed in this magazine, to which readers are invited to submit articles of general interest for publication. Responsibility cannot be accepted for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs either as prints, digital or transparencies. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical or optical without written permission from the Federation.

Summer 2020

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Presidents welcome

Welcome

I

n these rapidly changing times, I hope you are all in good health and spirits and have enjoyed some of the unseasonably hot weather we have been having.

As a practising therapist myself, I was deeply frustrated and disappointed with the governments in England, Scotland and Wales not allowing therapy businesses to reopen, in line with other close contact businesses, such as hairdressing. This clearly shows that they still do not understand exactly what it is that we do and more importantly, the huge benefit we give to our clients, helping the healthcare system in general.

“

I was deeply frustrated and disappointed with the government’s decision to not allow therapy businesses to reopen, in line with other close contact businesses.

At the time of writing, more than 1,680 of you have just completed an FHT survey in less than 48 hours, to help us put together evidence for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), outlining how the continued lockdown and COVID-19 has impacted the therapy industry. While the results made difficult reading at times, we are truly grateful for the information you provided, which will hopefully take us a step closer to reopening our therapy doors.

In the paper we submitted to BEIS, we also highlighted the various ways

that our members support the health and wellbeing of those in their local community, and that while the beauty sector has had some mention (albeit often in a derogatory way and lumped in with ‘nail bars’), the complementary therapy and sports therapy sectors seem to have been completely overlooked. We hope our submission will go some way to addressing that.

And while we have raised the matter in a letter to the Prime Minister, another issue we will be tackling with the government is their use of the archaic and completely inappropriate phrase ‘massage parlours’.

It’s one thing being told that you cannot reopen your business – it’s another thing entirely when the language used to describe our profession by the people at the very ‘top’ then suggests we’re on a par with the sex industry. It seems our battle is far from won, but rest assured we’ll be keeping up the good fight to protect the reputation of our members.

Christopher Byrne, President

FHT Governing council President

Vice presidents Christopher Byrne ICAT (International Council of Acupuncture Therapists)

To learn more about the work of the FHT Governing Council and the individual board members, please visit fht.org.uk/about-us

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Gerri Moore IFHB (International Federation of Health and Beauty Therapists)

Herman Fenton HFST (International Council of Health, Fitness and Sports Therapists)

Mary Dalgleish ICHT (International Council of Holistic Therapists)

Judith Hadley ATL (Association of Therapy Lecturers)

Maria Mason HBEF (Health and Beauty Employers Federation)

Dr Kaur Thandi Birinder PACT (Professional Association of Clinical Therapists)

Lay member

Helen Chambers (representing the interests of the public) Summer 2020

17/07/2020 10:31

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CranioSaCral Therapy Training “This will change the way you work at a fundamental level” You may be a massage therapist, or other type of bodyworker, with various tools already in your therapy kit. Here are some you will be really glad you added. Participants repeatedly tell us how incorporating CST changes the way they work, at the most fundamental level, giving them new insights into how the body functions and how they treat.

There are five core classes starting with CST1: running in Brighton, London, Manchester and Perth.

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International therapist 7

17/07/2020 10:32

News

NEWS in brief

Two million enrol on Yale happiness course Professors at Yale University have seen enrolment figures in their online 'Science of Wellbeing' course rise from 539,000 to 2,286,980 since the coronavirus pandemic.

Taught by psychology professor, Laurie Santos, the 19-hour long course is built to support students to increase their own happiness and create better long-term habits.

Course content includes quizzes, videos, lectures and surveys.

Professor Santos told Yale News, ‘The interest in the class in just the last few days has been incredible and a bit surreal. I think that just as people are focused on evidenced-based ways for staying physically healthy during the coronavirus crisis, so too are people looking for evidence-based ways of improving their mental health.' n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-133-happiness

The latest health, therapy and business news...

Activity levels in England at all time high before pandemic Nearly 30 million adults in England were doing at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week before November 2019, according to research by Sport England.

This number accounts for 63.3% of the nation’s population and has increased by 404,600 people from the previous year.

The increase has been driven by a rise

in the number of women, adults aged 55+ and disabled people or people with long-term health conditions taking part in exercise.

Results show that inequalities in sport linked to affluence and ethnicity still remain with those in lower socio-economic groups less likely to be active. n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-133-activity-levels

Close up imagery of tumours reveals new cancer biology

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Time spent indoors leading to lack of Vitamin D Experts warn that a spending more time inside due to the coronavirus lockdown measures could lead to a lack of vitamin D. When outdoors the skin creates vitamin D from sunlight, an essential vitamin that helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body.

A lack of these nutrients can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children and a condition called osteomalacia in adults.

To protect bone health, people should consider eating a diet with oily fish and eggs or taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day. n Access the report at fht.org.uk/IT-133-vitd

Pictures and illustrations: Shutterstock

An analysing technique called single cell RNA sequencing has led to a new discovery in the make-up of cancer cells.

Researcher, Brad Bernstein, has found that tumours are not masses of identical cancer cells but made up of non-malignant cell types which somehow support the growth of the tumour.

Bernstein highlights that this new finding could make treating cancers more effective, as scientists could test a new mixture of drugs to try and kill the non-malignant cells at the same time as the cancerous ones. n Access the report at fht.org.uk/IT-133-cancer-biology

Summer 2020

17/07/2020 10:33

News

Prostate cancer death rates predicted to fall this year Experts predict that the number of deaths from prostate cancer in the UK is due to fall by 9.5% in 2020.

The positive forecast is said to be as a result of improved diagnosis and prevention measures.

In recent years awareness of prostate cancer has increased and there has been more publicity to encourage men to visit their GP when they spot symptoms.

This, paired with up-to-date surgery, radiotherapy techniques and androgen depravation therapy (ADT), are among the measures predicted to support the downfall.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with around one in eight being diagnosed in their lifetime. n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-133-prostate-cancer

Beauty consumers embrace live streaming More customers are tuning into live streams of beauty products before purchasing, according to research by Mintel.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 14% of beauty customers said live streaming and videos are their go-to before investing in a product.

The innovative approach to live streaming is said to help deliver more diverse and entertaining messages, which in turn helps to create a community of people with similar beauty needs.

Mintel predict that live streaming will continue to be an important e-commerce driver for the beauty industry. n Find out more at fht.org.uk/IT-132-live-streaming Summer 2020

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Poor mental health costs UK employers ÂŁ45 billion per year A recent study has found that a sixth of workers experiencing mental health issues could be responsible for almost half of working days lost in Britain.

Mental health is costing the British labour market ÂŁ45 billion each year due to a combined issue of presenteeism (individuals going to work and being unproductive as a result of poor mental health) and leaveism (improper use of sick leave).

Employers who invest in mental health interventions could see a 5:1 return, according to Deloitte, the researchers who led the study, with large-scale initiatives such as technology or diagnostics providing the highest investment returns.

Mental health charity, MIND, are working with Deloitte to communicate these benefits to UK employers and encourage increased support for mental health in the workplace. n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-133-mental-health

The chip that could make hearts beat better Researchers believe a new chip that reads the body’s breathing signals to control the heartbeat could be more effective than a pacemaker.

A heartbeat naturally varies with each breath; it is faster when inhaling and slower when exhaling.

Pacemakers are set to a regular heart rate which prevents the heart from beating too quickly, too slowly or irregularly.

However, researchers believe that the new chip could facilitate more controlled heartbeat. When tested on rats, the chip boosted the blood being pumped around the body by one fifth.

The British Heart Foundation is funding

the research with the hope that the chip will one day revolutionise the design of pacemakers. n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-133-chip International therapist 9

17/07/2020 10:33

Have your say

Viewpoint

Star Communication: Supporting the emotional health of frontline workers during COVID-19 I first became aware of Frontline 19, a service offering emotional support to frontline workers, via The Terence Watts BrainWorking Recursive Therapy Association (BWRTA).

Frontline 19 has 2,000 mental healthcare volunteers providing a free and confidential service to around 300 frontline staff. The skills I have from the BWRTA allow me to provide effective remote mental health support during this very distressing pandemic. I offer a range of modern solution-focused therapies which include relaxation, trauma release and resilience coaching.

In 2018 my husband and I were involved in a major accident; we were both severely injured and I spent weeks in a specialised trauma care-unit, cared for by all the amazing staff. By supporting Frontline 19, I feel a great sense of both

personal and professional pride in being a small part of such an important voluntary service in this time of need and, in some small way, I am repaying

Marie Duggan shares her sunrise meditation to support people during COVID-19 Sunrise Meditation evolved as I created my FHT accredited eLearning course, Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care.

In my training I describe to therapists how patients can feel isolated, lonely, overwhelmed, stressed and anxious when diagnosed with cancer. For some it can be a dark place where they feel disconnected from family and friends, life and nature. As therapists, we help to facilitate deep relaxation, supporting the reduction of stress and anxiety and promoting calm and stillness.

With Sunrise Meditation my intention was to guide patients from a place of darkness to one of light. I incorporated images of nature to encourage them to feel the sensation of the earth beneath 10 International therapist

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their feet, grounding and connecting them to the light of a new dawn and day.

When COVID-19 hit the world, so many people were experiencing similar emotions such as isolation, fear, anxiety and stress, this seemed the time to share and release Sunrise Mediation freely to help maintain and support good mental health.

Sunrise Mediation lasts approximately 40 minutes and can be played alongside a therapy treatment or on its own. It can be found on Spotify, iTunes and Podbean and on FHT's blog at fht.org.uk/blog type in Sunrise Meditation. n Marie Duggan, FHT accredited course provider

the support and the professional care that had been bestowed upon me when I needed it most. n Dawn Stemmer, MFHT

Product giveaways as part of Aromatherapy Awareness Week I was encouraged

by FHT to promote Aromatherapy Awareness Week to my clients. I decided to send them a free bar of my gentle GlowRevival soap with every order, communicating to them the therapeutic benefits of the product. The soap is made with glycerine, antioxidant spices and frankincense essential oil which makes it perfect for all the extra handwashing! I thought it might be nice for them during the pandemic to use their moments of handwashing to get in touch with their senses of smell and touch, to slow their breathing down and to focus on the silky texture and bubbles. n Wendy Gardener, MFHT Summer 2020

17/07/2020 10:34

Have your say

New look International Therapist - your thoughts Facebook

@SophieMorgan Love the new fresh look. Modern, clean and full of fantastic content that kept me engrossed with my coffee this morning! Great job.

Thank you to FHT for your support during the pandemic I just wanted to say a big thank you to all at FHT for keeping us therapists informed with prompt, accurate and appropriate information/guidance. Your information has enabled me to start planning for my reopening and I feel confident my clients will appreciate the care with which they will be treated. n Diksha Chakravarti, MFHT

Apology - Dementia research summary (Issue 131) The FHT would like to apologise for publishing a quote from a study on dementia (page 38) which referred to patients as ‘demented’. More sensitivity could have been given when selecting quotes from the original text, or 'sic' could have been inserted directly after the phrase. As one of our members rightly highlighted to us in an email, the correct phrasing to have used would have been ‘people affected by dementia’.

Instagram @TheLongBarn The new look international therapist magazine is great! Spent a bit of time out in the sunshine yesterday whilst having a good read through. @Reactiv8Therapy It’s lunchtime at Home School... a perfect chance to open the brandnew-look The Federation of Holistic Therapists International Therapist Magazine. #metime At first glance, it looks packed with brilliant articles.

Online chat Facebook CPD from home @Caroline Treby I am loving the Stay at Home series.

I've done four so far. All goes towards our CPD! @Mary Atkinson Thank you for sharing this. Hope people are enjoying it. I’ve heard such great feedback for the Stay at Home Series. Such a great idea.

Twitter Tips for working remotely @JingMassage Working remotely with clients - great blog by the FHT! @ FHT_Org https://bit.ly/3aldIqn

Summer 2020

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@mirandamaywellness My #internationaltherapist magazine arrived today and I just had a quick flick through (I’ll save the long read for the weekend).

To my delight there was a three-page article all about @therapyaid and the wonderful Jackie Hamilton I’m super proud to be involved with TherapyAid- as a volunteer coordinator and therapist- which provides free complementary therapies to unpaid carers It’s a great article and really shines a light on the fabulous, sometimes life changing, support being offered.

Twitter @sunshinethesoul LOVE the new look @FHT_Org International Therapist magazine!

Thank you for my feature too - It has made me smile lots today!

Instagram Social media challenge @eastanglianaturalhealth I’m starting a social media challenge for therapists and health and well-being professionals, and you are more than welcome to join me. It’s a way to keep in touch with our clients, past, present and future, allowing them to find out more about us - who we are, what makes us tick, what are passions are.

Please keep in touch with us...

Email lsheill@fht.org.uk Facebook facebook.com/fht.org.uk Instagram @internationaltherapistmag Twitter @fht_Org FHT website fht.org.uk write to 18 Shakespeare Business Centre, Hathaway Close, Eastleigh, Hants, SO50 4SR

International therapist 11

17/07/2020 10:34

Things for Summer

TRAVEL WITHOUT LEAVING THE SOFA n Visit far flung areas of the world from home with nature relaxation films on YouTube youtube.com/ watch?v=9Ks1TwwZkM0 n Keep up to date with all things space, thanks to NASAs live stream youtube. com/watch?v=u5QavktMPOg& feature=emb_logo

n Learn about the architecture and history of Rome virtually with this free online course which takes you around a 3D model of the city. futurelearn.com/courses/rome/8/ register?return=b5vf4pil

TRY ONLINE n Spark joy into your life by organising your home, Marie Kondo style.

Konmari.com n Dance through summer with hundreds of free online classes to choose from.

Will it be ballet or salsa this week?

Youtube.com @charise_renouf_ youtube.com/watch?v=icKayVGayYs

STAY CLOSE TO PEOPLE WHO FEEL LIKE SUNSHINE

Things for Summer MAKE SOMEONE SMILE In the Spring issue of International Therapist, we looked at how doing things for others can make you happy. Why not use the summer months to work on a project for others such as upcycling plant pots or making bird houses?

RAISE AWARENESS Show the world at large the benefits your therapies have to offer through awareness days, weeks and months. n August Psoriasis awareness month n 21 September World Reflexology Week FHT will be producing a range of resources for members to use. Please see page 24 for more information.

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TAKE A BITE Eating seasonal produce is said to be better for our health due to increased nutrient qualities in foods.

Look out for locally grown products over the next few months, like Bramley apples, strawberries and courgettes.

TUNE IN Embrace happy with Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast. Featured guests include Ricky Gervais, Joe Wicks and George Ezra. calmmoment.com/ podcast/

Summer 2020

17/07/2020 10:35

Running your own business?

Protect it.

Our business stock and equipment insurance can provide cover from £1,000 to £10,000 for accidental loss and damage. It includes: • business contents used and kept at the premises, or in your employee’s home, for business use • any stock or equipment in transit • the personal belongings of your employees or visitors to your business premises It also covers glass breakage, personal assault, rent of business premises and loss of money.

Not yet taking advantage of our insurance policy?

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17/07/2020 14:44

Wellbeing

The health and wellbeing of my clients is important to me, not just in recovery of their physical issues but also their mental health happiness. I would say that 8/10 clients I see suffer with their mental health.

2020 FHT Member Survey response 14 International therapist

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Summer 2020

17/07/2020 10:36

Wellbeing PRE-COVID-19

Man Kind

We look at some member case studies that shine a light on how physical therapies can support male mental health

E

vidence suggests that the majority of those who access complementary therapy treatments are female. However, in a special survey conducted in April this year, 64% of our members reported seeing an increase in male clients. In the our latest 2020 FHT Member Survey, mental health also appeared for the first time in the top five values most important to members, with numerous comments on the importance of supporting client mental health and overall wellbeing.

We wondered whether the link between therapists seeing an increase in male clients could be linked to an increase in male

mental health awareness. Perhaps they could have a physical concern made worse by an underlying feeling of depression, stress and/or anxiety. To find out more, we asked our members to tell us about their male clients in our 2020 FHT Male Client Wellbeing Survey.

In this feature we share some interesting statistics from this survey, as well as case studies from members who have supported male clients with their mental health, and tips on what to do if you spot signs that a client is feeling particularly low.

SURVEY RESULTS

Thank you to the 471 members who took the time to respond to our 2020 FHT Male Client Wellbeing Survey. Your feedback has given us insight into your practices, your thoughts on the mind/body connection and an understanding of how you approach client wellbeing.

Have you seen an increase in the number of male clients you treat?

64% YES

42% NO

27% 73%

NO

YES

What therapies do your male clients come to you for?

24%

Pictures and illustrations: Shutterstock

14%

If yes, have they indicated what they think might have caused or exacerbated their stress, anxiety or mental health issue?

Body massage

18%

Sports massage

37%

Reflexology

17% 34% Sports injuries

29%

Stress relief/ reduction

Summer 2020

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Muscular tension/ imbalances

Have any of your male clients indicated, at any stage of their treatment session, that they might be struggling with stress, anxiety or another mental health issue?

17% Thinking back to the consultation stage, what are the primary concerns that lead your male clients to visit you for a treatment?

15%

Work related issues Long-term injury Relationship or family problems

Have you ever signposted your client to a counsellor or other mental health professional for support?

50% YES

50% NO International therapist 15

17/07/2020 10:36

Wellbeing

CASE STUDIES

Below are just a handful of short case studies to highlight how to spot when a client may be struggling with their mental health. Please note that names have been changed to protect the identify of all the clients, and permissions has been obtained to include their case studies in this article.

Case study Beverly Chilson, MFHT Working in palliative care is not for everyone, but it is rewarding and far removed from the doom and gloom you may expect. It is such a privilege to be able to work with people at such a vulnerable time in their life knowing that what you are doing is making a difference and helping them to maintain a measure of independence, control and dignity.

My client, who is in his early 60s, initially came to me with neck and shoulder tension. He was also struggling with a poor sleep pattern. The initial assessment showed forward, kyphotic posture and an equal range of neck movement on both sides, though limited by tension.

We agreed on a treatment plan of massage for his back, shoulders, neck and arms, with some home rehabilitation work, including neck and shoulder stretches and a five-minute back extension to help let go of tension and stress.

On his second visit the client mentioned his recent bereavement and associated anxieties. With my background as an occupational therapist in palliative care, this was an area I felt comfortable discussing and a rapport was soon established.

Within three months of regular visits, the client reported reduced tension, increased range of movement, improved sleep and reduced anxiety levels. This may have been part of the natural grief cycle, however the client reported that having someone to discuss feelings within a safe space every few weeks had a massive impact on his coping mechanisms, and of course he

Case study Kelly Foord, MFHT My client is in his 40s and came to me for reflexology under strict orders from his wife. He was suffering with long-term chronic pain that was having an impact on his sleep and in turn, his mental health. He reported severe arthritis affecting his neck, shoulders and lower back, and more recently has been suffering additional pain in his hips and experiencing numbness going down his thighs. In our initial consultation he stated that he was only attending sessions because he was desperate, making it clear that he had low expectations of reflexology.

During the first treatment he reported pins and needles in his hands. When he stood up following the treatment, he crouched slightly, and we heard a very loud crack in his ankles – after which he said he felt a pleasant sensation going up both calves. I explained that these were the hip and sciatic reflexes. When I followed up 24-hours later he

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looked forward to the massage treatments.

Being able to explore a person’s feelings and link this with the impact of an injury or problem is not something that comes naturally to everyone, but it is something that can be learned and reflected on to hone your skills and feel more comfortable with every step you take. I have been fortunate in my NHS career to have had the opportunity to complete an Advanced Communications Course and nurture these skills over my years as a therapist to develop them into what they are today.

These skills enabled me to encourage conversation with my client about his feelings and to know when and how to close a discussion safely if it isn’t going in the right direction.

The main thing is to be honest with your clients about your limitations and if any

reported feeling looser and having slept well.

In subsequent sessions he began reporting pins and needles, night sweats and sleeplessness, all signs that things were starting to release and balance.

In our first few sessions, my client was very closed about his condition and the effect it was having on him, reporting he was OK when I knew that it possibly wasn’t the case. Now he is much more honest about the level of pain he encounters and how it impacts him psychologically. In doing this, my client has opened himself up to a wider support network including his family, friends and work colleagues, who can now all be much more effective in their approach towards him.

I have a close network of therapists and we regularly swap knowledge and ideas; another great benefit is being able to refer clients who need it. I suggested my client should get in touch with a colleague I know who is trained in somatic experiencing, as I thought this could help to address the psychosomatic aspect of his condition. He has told me he is going to consider this during the lockdown period.

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Wellbeing

conversation is having an impact on you as well. We all relate to people and situations based on personal experience and we need to be mindful of this when exploring difficult conversations with our clients.

Most importantly, remember this is just having a conversation about an emotive subject in a safe space and not in any way a counselling session.

Having a good network of people that you can signpost to, should you feel out of your depth, is so important. I was able to signpost my client to his GP and the local NHS Wellbeing service for further support, but in the end, he didn’t feel this was needed as both his physical and mental wellbeing were improving with each session.

Without a doubt, mental and physical health are strongly linked. The key elements of holistic assessment consider the physical, social, environmental and psychological needs of the person you are working with. Everything is interlinked and you can’t really make progress in one area without considering them all. There is a closely linked concept of ‘total pain’ which was first defined by Dame Cecily Saunders in 1959 where it was noted, ‘Much of our total pain experience is composed of our mental reaction.’ (Saunders, 1959).

In this case study, the bereavement increased tension and anxiety which led to a pain response along with a reduction in movement. Being in the home environment of constant reminders and an immediate impact on social norms also amplified the situation. Being able to talk about experiences at his own pace and in a safe space, the client’s presenting condition improved to enable him to think more clearly, return to work and to start thinking about what the options were for his future. I’m happy to report that 18 months on, the client remains a regular and has a renewed social life.

We all approach problems differently, so there is no perfect formula for every client you work with. However, in my experience as a massage therapist, it can be easier for people to speak to someone outside of their social circle, and it might help that you are never looking directly at each other, for example when they are lying on their front speaking through a couch face hole! This means that complementary therapists can play a key role in dealing with the mental wellness of our clients, as well as the physical.

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Case study Catherine Wood, MFHT Will is a gentleman in his 70s who was referred to the local hospice complementary therapy outpatient clinic by the motor neurone disease (MND) specialist nurse. He was referred to me at the local hospice with a view of providing an opportunity for him to relax, to learn coping strategies, to help him come to terms with his recent diagnosis and perhaps to ease his symptoms.

Will was diagnosed with MND only six months ago. At the initial assessment he presented with good upper body function but described rapidly deteriorating lower body function, resulting in increasingly reduced mobility and difficulty performing simple tasks such as dressing.

Will has bilateral foot and ankle oedema, consistent with his decreasing lower limb mobility.

Will spoke of the shock of his diagnosis for himself and his family, as well as the practical implications of his rapidly changing physical abilities. Perhaps even more sadly, he spoke about how his expectations and aspirations in life were suddenly taken away. Will also had to instigate the selling of his business and re-locating to be closer to family members. He described how he now spent his days sitting and that he needed constant distraction to cope. He said he thought a course of reflexology sessions would help as it would give him something to look forward to.

Gradually, through our course of

Case study Adele Appleton, MFHT Jamie was 35 when he first came to see me for Indian head massage and reflexology in August 2013.

He had been visiting another therapist until then who had recently stopped practising, so was looking to find someone who he felt comfortable with.

He has always been open and honest at his visits. In the initial consultation he stated that he suffered with anxiety and

sessions Will spoke about his frustration at being unable to perform the practical tasks that were an important part of his personal and business life. At other times he would simply say ‘I’m fine thank you’ before climbing straight onto the therapy couch. Tears were a regular release as he became more physically and emotionally relaxed. Normalisation and reassurance were given as the slower strokes of aromatherapy foot massage and reflexology continued, interchanged with foot holding, then followed with suggestions of relaxing breathing techniques and self-guided imagery. In such situations I find it best to allow disclosure to happen naturally, enabling the patient to talk when they feel that trust and familiarity have been developed.

Despite weekly deterioration we agreed that it was important for Will’s sense of independence that he continued to transfer himself from scooter to couch, so I made sure that sufficient time was given for him to safely perform these tasks.

In our fifth and final session, Will admitted that he had been able to fully relax and partially visualise a relaxing image. He said that the sessions had indeed given him something to look forward to during this overwhelming time.

depression, he also said he experienced tension headaches and often felt tired.

He did not want to take medication for his anxiety, preferring to manage it himself through therapies, a tool he found particularly helpful.

Jamie has been coming to me now for over six years and during this time we have built a strong but professional relationship. I found a pattern developed; if life was going well for Jamie, I would see him monthly but if he was experiencing stress, the sessions would be weekly.

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Wellbeing sessions also tend to be more regular in winter.

At the start of each visit, Jamie and I have a brief discussion about how he is feeling and what he is looking for from the session.

This can vary from deep massage on the shoulders and neck, to a much gentler, nurturing massage with relaxing oils and some reflexology. All sessions include a 10-minute head massage as Jamie finds this particularly relaxing. Sometimes he will chat and other times he falls silent; I’m always guided by him as to whether to feed the conversation. As a trained ‘Heal Your Life’ coach, I believe many people lack self-love, so I do encourage this when I feel it’s appropriate. Jamie can arrive to some sessions in a tense and anxious state, but always walks out calm, relaxed and in a more positive frame of mind.

Over the years I have talked to Jamie about other ways he can support his mental health. As a nutritional therapist I’ve recommended eating more oily fish, fruit and vegetables and reducing sugar and alcohol intake. During a particularly anxious time for Jamie I also recommended gratitude journaling, which he responded positively to and still uses as a tool.

Jamie himself says that his anxiety and depression are much better controlled since finding holistic therapies. His body feels a lot more relaxed after a session and when his body is relaxed, he feels better able to control his mood.

I believe that mental and physical health are connected. The mind has a huge impact on the body (consider the placebo effect, for example) and science shows the majority of serotonin is produced in the gut, so gut health is hugely important for people with mental health issues.

Despite social improvements, I think men feel pressure to hide their feelings so I think it’s crucial for a therapist to develop a strong bond of trust with their client and create an environment which allows them to feel safe enough to open up.

The tips I would give on spotting when a client is feeling low are: • A change in behaviour, for example if they’re usually chatty but suddenly quiet, or vice versa.

• Increased muscle tension.

• Mention of a stressful event during conversation.

I try to use open language to give them the opportunity to talk about how they are feeling if they want to.

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Conclusion With suicide being the biggest killer of men under 45 (CALM, 2020), encouraging the men closest to us to be open about their mental health is an important step towards seeing change in this statistic.

In the press we have seen more men than ever before talking about their mental health. From members of the royal family to sportsmen and comedians, men have been speaking on a global stage about how they feel and the things that affect them.

TV shows such as BBC 3s Normal People and Netflix’s Sex Education shine a light on men suffering with poor mental health and the societal pressures they experience that might lead to them choosing to hide it.

Given the statistics from our most

recent surveys, it is evident that men are becoming more open to physical therapies. What is on the surface could be all there is to their reason for visiting, but as the case studies above show us, emotions can be known to cause a physiological response, which is why the holistic approach used by our members is so beneficial to clients.

As therapists it is important to work within the scope of your training and not to try and provide counselling to a client, unless appropriately qualified. Offer a listening ear if they are beginning to speak openly, keep a professional relationship and consider when it might be best to refer them to another health professional for extra support. T

USEFUL RESOURCES There are lots of resources available for those wanting to seek support for their mental health, including helplines, podcasts and online resources and communities.

ORGANISATIONS & WEBSITES Accredited Registers programme If there isn’t an FHT member in your area offering counselling or another talking therapy, there are a number of other Accredited Registers that list these practitioners. n professionalstandards.org.uk MIND A mental health charity that provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. n mind.org.uk CALM The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day. n thecalmzone.net NHS Every Mind Matters Created by Public Health England, Every Mind Matters provides tips and advice developed with experts and approved by the NHS. n nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters

Samaritans A 24-hour helpline for anyone struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure and not just in the moment of crisis. n samaritans.org

BLOGS/PODCASTS Man Talk with Jamie Day A podcast in partnership with CALM to tackle men's mental health and begin to normalise the conversation. n adayinthelifedad.com/man-talk The Hilarious World of Depression with John Moe A series of funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with depression and anxiety. n hilariousworld.org 10% Happier with Dan Harris Harris and his guests look at happiness in its many forms and ask whether striving for success and enlightenment are mutually exclusive. n tenpercent.com/podcast The Mental Illness Happy Hour Ex-alcoholic comedian Paul Gilmartin talks to his peers about negative thinking, trauma and addiction. n mentalpod.com

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Essential oil profile

Juniper berry (Juniperus communis)

Native to Europe, juniper is an evergreen shrub that produces bluey-green, needle-like leaves and small yellow flowers.

The female plant produces small black berries which are said to take two to three years to ripen, from which the essential oil is steam distilled. With a middle note, the oil is mobile and pale yellow or green in colour, with a sweet, woody aroma that has balsamic undertones.

Traditionally, juniper was used to treat urinary infections, gastrointestinal issues and respiratory problems, and up until the mid-twentieth century, it is said that sprigs of juniper and rosemary were burnt in French hospitals to ward off infection. Even today, thanks to its antiseptic properties, it remains a popular ingredient in household cleaning products.

In aromatherapy, juniper berry essential oil is perhaps best known for its detoxifying and diuretic effects. It is considered to be particularly useful for those with oedema, rheumatic conditions and problems affecting the urinary system, such as cystitis. It is also said to be beneficial for joint and muscle pain and have an affinity with the female reproductive system.

Juniper berry essential oil can be valuable for addressing skin problems (particularly where inflammation is a factor), stress and anxiety, nervous or mental fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Key uses Detoxification

Botanical family Cupressaceae

Chemical composition Monoterpenes (up to 80%) – α-pinene, γ-terpinene, limonene, sabinene, β-myrcene, β-pinene, ρ-cymene, α-thujene Sesquiterpenes cadinene, caryophyllene, germacrene Alcohols terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol

Analgesic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, depurative, digestive tonic, diuretic, litholytic, soporific, stomachic, vulnerary.

Indications Acne, amenorrhoea, anxiety, appetite (loss of), arthritis, bladder/kidney stones, cellulite, cellulitis, cystitis, dandruff, diabetes, eczema, fatigue (mental), fluid retention, gout, insomnia, joints and muscles (painful), obesity, oedema, PMS, prostate (enlarged), psoriasis, rheumatism, sciatica, stress, uric acid.

Blends with The chemical composition of any essential oil can vary greatly, according to the plant species; climate, altitude and soil where the plant is grown; and when it is harvested. Refer to the manufacturer’s safety data sheet for a breakdown of an oil’s chemical profile.

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Grapefruit, ho leaf, lavender, rosemary.

Safety data Juniper berry oil may cause skin sensitisation if oxidized.

Many sources cite that the essential oil should be avoided where pregnancy or kidney disease is indicated,

however Tisserand and Young (2014) in their second edition of Essential Oil Safety question the rationale for both of these cautions, stating ‘We believe there is no reason to regard (unoxidized) juniperberry as hazardous’.

Aromatherapists interested in learning more about the safety of this oil are advised to refer to the text for more information.

Research Joint pain and inflammation In a recent study (Bais S et al, 2017), an extract from Juniperus communis was found to possess ‘useful antiarthritic activity’.

Another study published in the American Journal of Chinese

Medicine (2015), found that

α-pinene (a key constituent of

Juniperus communis) ‘has an anti-inflammatory effect and that it is a potential candidate as a new drug to treat various inflammatory diseases’.

Stress and sleep A small study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2017) involving 14 adult stroke patients found that a footbath and aromatherapy massage using a blend of juniper, lavender, orange, patchouli and rosemary essential oils in jojoba, reduced stress and increased body temperature and sleep satisfaction in those receiving the intervention. T

NB: Only members who hold an appropriate aromatherapy qualification, accepted by the FHT for membership and insurance purposes, can make, use and supply aromatherapy blends and other products containing essential oils.

For references and further reading, visit fht.org.uk/IT-references

Illustration: Shutterstock

Therapeutic properties

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Therapy PRE-COVID-19

Still and calm

Janet Cairnie, Cairnie MFHT, talks about the benefits of a complementary therapy service available to dialysis patients at Salford NHS Trust

Janet Cairnie (back row, third from left) with the complementary therapy team and hospital staff

I

It all started back in 2015, when Janet Hegarty, a Renal Consultant Doctor at Salford NHS Trust, wanted to find a way to reduce the discomfort experienced by patients receiving renal dialysis. Dr Hegarty had witnessed how massage and other complementary therapies benefitted patients being treated for cancer and felt confident that dialysis patients could benefit in the same way, if they had access to a similar service.

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Having sourced funding for a full-time therapist, I was brought on board by Dr Hegarty in December 2015, to recruit, train and lead a team of volunteer complementary therapists. I had our first therapists in place by April 2016, all working exclusively on the five dialysis units within the North West of the UK (Salford, Wigan, Bolton, Oldham and Rochdale).

Today, we are a team of 20+ therapists, offering a range of therapies to patients while they are receiving dialysis, without

getting in the way or compromising the medical procedures being carried out by the health professionals we work alongside.

At present, we are only able to offer our therapy service to unit-based dialysis patients, but the aim is to attract additional funding so that patients dialysing at home can also benefit.

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Therapy

dialysis and for them to experience the benefit of a range of different complementary therapies.

The complementary therapy team I am fortunate to lead a very happy and engaged team of volunteers, who come from a variety of backgrounds.

One member of the team, Rebecca, is employed outside of the hospital as a beauty therapist, but finding this employment a little unrewarding at times, she wanted to find a way to use her experience in complementary therapies to help patients with chronic illnesses. She also came to the hospital to volunteer her expertise to victims and their families following the Manchester terrorist attack in 2017.

Another team member is Cindy, an external verifier for the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT), who goes into colleges to assess the student’s capability in practicing complementary therapies.

We also have a talented musician in our ranks, who loves to help out on the renal units.

The therapists volunteer on the dialysis unit at least one shift (three hours) per week. My role as complementary therapy lead is to support them in their work, alongside

the Renal Manager of each unit, who they are encouraged to approach with any issues they may encounter during their shift.

They also have a closed Facebook group page where they can communicate with one another in confidence.

All treatments are documented by the team and then I collect and collate the data. As part of an ongoing service evaluation, helped by a Quality Improvement Manager, we have conducted our own surveys to assess both the patients’ and practitioners’ experiences of delivering complementary therapies in the dialysis unit.

We get to know our patients as well as possible and wait until they are settled into their dialysis session before we go along to see if they would like to book a treatment with one of the therapists.

Some patients find a relaxing head and shoulder massage extremely comforting, as they are required to lie or sit in one position for their entire four-hour dialysis session. Others may ask for a lower leg and foot massage to help them relax and ease severe muscle cramps and ‘twitching legs’. To date, several patients have reported a marked improvement in their ability to sleep after a therapy, with some who had suffered with excruciating night

Ann Critchley receiving complementary therapy during dialysis sessions Ann Critchley is an 80-year-old patient who travels to the Salford Hope dialysis unit three times a week for her four-hour dialysis sessions.

She was quick to praise Christine, one of the complementary therapy team members who regularly treats her. ‘It’s such a treat for me,’ says Ann. ‘I have a session with Christine

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every Tuesday morning and now I really look forward to coming into the unit for this.’

Dr Hegarty “Sitting still for four hours is enough to test a person’s endurance even if they have good physical health. Why wouldn’t you look at ways to ease the back and neck pain associated with sitting still for long periods of time and the sometimes awful leg cramps suffered by a large proportion of dialysis patients who have to come in and sit still for this length of time, three times a week?”

cramps also reporting these had eased considerably after a leg massage from one of our team members.

Aromatherapy The team mainly use one of two preblended massage oils that I prepare and securely store at the units, which only they can access. Both contain essential oils that won’t interact with the many medications that renal patients are required to take. As many patients also suffer with dry skin, as well as sinus and nasal congestion, rose (Rosa damascena) hydrolat is also available for facial care and facial massage, which is especially appreciated by female patients.

I have currently created two aromatherapy blends that are used on the dialysis units and I am researching a third. Both blends contain three essential oils at a 3% total concentration in grapeseed oil (see Table 1 on the next page). The patients and staff love the aroma these emit when a treatment is being carried out and the blends are selected according to patients’ needs and aroma preferences.

Spreading the word Alongside my work on the units, I also visit local colleges to share my knowledge and to give the complementary therapy  International therapist 21

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Blend

Essential oils

Comments This was the first blend to be introduced to the units. Vetiver and sweet marjoram have good

Relax Massage Blend #1

analgesic properties and can help ease the

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana)

symptoms of muscular pains/spasms and bone pain, which are commonly experienced by dialysis patients. They can also help reduce feelings of stress and help calm and soothe the nervous system. Basil has antispasmodic properties which is useful for muscle tension and pain Eucalyptus is uplifting, stimulating and has useful antimicrobial properties, which is potentially

Relax Massage Blend #2

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

helpful for renal patients, whose immune system is often weakened. It is helpful for fatigue/ lethargy and to fight off coughs and colds. The bergamot is mostly for relaxation, which is one of the key objectives of our treatments. We find it is good for depression and treating stress, nervousness and anxiety, which many of the patients experience.

Bergamot can also help with certain skin conditions the renal patient may have.

Table 1: Pre-blended aromatherapy massage oils used by the complementary therapy team

and spa students an insight into what it’s like to work in a clinical setting. It’s a great opportunity to show them that the spa and hospitality industry isn’t their

only career option when they qualify, and that they can help people who are suffering from chronic medical conditions.

Very often, once the students understand how their treatments can help these patients, a number of them will offer their help on the project. I hope this represents the tip of the iceberg and that soon students from across the country will choose to spend some of their formal training on hospital wards, treating patients with chronic conditions.

Case study I was called to a patient attending the Wigan unit who had excruciating pain in his legs. Using one of the relaxing aromatherapy oils I pre-blend for the dialysis patients, I began to massage his feet and legs. Within minutes his muscles started to relax and he was showing signs of relief. It was reported back to the team that later that same day, the patient went on his usual walk with his dog. Normally he could only manage a short distance, due to chronic burning sensations on the soles of his feet. His wife called him

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on his mobile, concerned that he hadn’t returned home at his normal time. He explained he was enjoying the wonderful environment around him so much that he’d lost track of time, as his leg and foot pain were considerably reduced. The patient had spent years battling against chronic leg cramps that had rendered him unable to walk unaided outside of the house. With regular foot and leg massage treatments, his symptoms considerably reduced and I’m happy to report he is now able to walk without his stick.

The future…

Prior to COVID-19, my role at the hospital had expanded and I am now part of the ‘MAGIC’ team, assisting vascular nurses with needle phobic or needle sensitive patients when they are working with fistulas and grafts for dialysis. While the team and I are sadly unable to provide therapies at this time, my ultimate aim remains the same - to try and promote the benefits of complementary therapies within Salford NHS Trust and hopefully make these available to the patients on all renal dialysis units across the UK. T Janet Cairnie, MFHT, gained a BSc (Hons) in Integrated Therapies in Clinical Practice from Salford University in 2012. She is complementary therapy lead on the dialysis units of Salford NHS Trust, where she manages and supports at team of 20+ volunteer therapists. If you would like to know more about her team’s work, with a view to introducing a similar programme at another NHS Trust, or if you are local to any of the five dialysis units in the North West and can offer assistance, please contact Janet at janet.cairnie@srft.nhs.uk

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Aromatherapy

Essential oils for self-care Kate Mulliss, Mulliss MFHT, shares some ways that essential oils can be used at home to support the mind and emotions.

W

hether we need something to lift our spirits, support our meditation or mindfulness practice, help us sleep, or just instil a sense of peace and calm during the current situation, now is an ideal time to consider the psychotherapeutic effects of certain essential oils.

Below, I have outlined some ‘aroma families’ and their potential uses. The essential oils can be vaporised into the room using a couple of drops in a diffuser, or gently inhaled from a cotton ball or tissue (again, using just one or two drops).

Because of the idiosyncratic nature of aroma, the following are suggestions only, and it’s important to ensure that you adhere to any relevant safety guidelines if using these at home. Please read the safety notes at the bottom of this article.

Florals Aroma: sweet, soft, rich, intense, heady, light, delicate, fresh.

Suggested use: may help promote rest, sleep and balance mood. Comforting and uplifting. Use for stress, anxiety, nervous tension and irritability.

Examples: rose (otto/maroc), jasmine, lavender, chamomile, geranium, neroli, frangipani, geranium, ylang-ylang, petitgrain.

Citrus Aroma: fresh, light, crisp, sharp, fruity.

Suggested use: for anxiety and nervous tension, mental or physical fatigue, uplifting the spirits. Use for clearing negative thoughts and low mood.

Energising and uplifting.

Examples: lime, orange, lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, tangerine.

Woody and earthy Aroma: grounding, calming, deep, warm, lingering.

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nervous tension and irritability. Use to promote feelings of well-being and security.

Useful for when we feel insecure, scared and out of touch with what is going on around us.

Calming, grounding and harmonising.

Examples: sandalwood, rosewood, patchouli, cedarwood, cypress, pine, vetivert, valerian.

Herbaceous Aroma: balancing, regulating, cooling, relaxing, clearing, clarifying.

Suggested use: emotionally balancing and grounding. Can help us breathe and ‘let go’ when emotions and feelings are cluttering our minds and our thinking. Use to help promote positivity.

Examples: clary sage, fennel, marjoram, rosemary, chamomile, thyme, yarrow.

Resinous Aroma: rich, warm, deep, earthy, sweet, earthy, smoky.

Suggested use: use for meditation or with mindfulness practice to promote relaxation and a sense of inner calm.

Emotionally balancing and grounding.

Examples: frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, peru balsam, elemi.

Camphoraceous Aroma: medicinal, penetrating, purifying, clarifying.

Suggested use: stimulating, revitalising and refreshing. Use for lethargy and low mood. Energising and strengthening to help with clarity and direction.

Examples: eucalyptus, cajeput, spike lavender, lavandin.

Spicy Aroma: pungent, warm, dry, sweet.

Suggested use: stimulating, invigorating and awakening. Can be used to provide strength and stamina and focus with a particular situation.

Examples: clove, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon bark, cardamom, turmeric.

Some important safety notes…

• If you have allergies, sensitive skin, or are pregnant or on medication, consult a professional aromatherapist for advice before using essential oils.

• Never ingest (swallow) essential oils or apply them neat to the skin.

• Buy high-quality essential oils from a reputable supplier or stockist, to ensure these are 100% pure and unadulterated.

• Buy in small quantities, in dark glass bottles with a dropper at the top, and store in a cool place.

• Dispose of the oil safely, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines, which might be before the ‘use by’ date, once the bottle has been opened.

• Aromatherapy and essential oils should only be used alongside standard medical care and not as an alternative.

• Consult your GP or other health professional if you have questions or concerns about any medical matters.

Kate Mulliss, MFHT, qualified in aromatherapy in 1993.

She has worked as a complementary therapy lecturer and assessor at her local FE college for over 10 years and now currently teaches aromatherapy and reflexology courses in London and for FHT Accredited course provider, TEACH Therapy www.teachtherapy.co.uk

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Support

Here for you On these pages, we highlight some of FHT’s activities that aim to get you and your therapies the recognition they deserve

Keeping you informed during COVID-19 Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been working hard to provide regular updates and useful resources to support our members, including: n A coronavirus statement – first published on 18 March, this statement has been updated more than 26 times as the situation has evolved and there has been new and relevant information to share with our members. n ‘Preparing to return to work’ guidelines – things to consider that will help minimise the risk of contracting or spreading coronavirus when the government indicates it is safe to return to full practice. n Special FHT member e-newsletters – sent regularly, linking through to a range of online articles and resources to support our members and to share with clients, friends and family, ranging from self-help techniques, to advice on how to support your clients remotely. n A ‘Stay at Home’ video series – providing our members with a free source of CPD, with more than 20 videos to choose from, all kindly

World Reflexology Week – good for the sole This year’s World Reflexology Week runs from 21 to 27 September. In this challenging year, it’s a timely opportunity to show potential clients how reflexology can help to relieve anxiety and tension, encourage relaxation, improve mood and aid sleep.

Here are some helpful resources to help you spread the word: n Get involved with our ‘good for the sole’ campaign and download the FHT’s free promotional material which includes an image to post on social media and a cover/banner image for use on your social media profiles. n Contact your local newspaper or radio station, or send a press release, telling them what you are doing to promote World Reflexology Week – remember to insert your special Accredited 24 International therapist

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Register mark (if eligible). n Contact your regular clients and businesses during World Reflexology Week, offering a discount or offer of your choice that applies to their next or first treatment with you. n At the time of going to press, face-toface meetings are not possible due to current social distancing measures, however, you can still chat with other FHT members from your local group on a digital platform.

Please send any short write-ups and pictures to Leanne at lsheill@fht.org. uk writing ‘World Reflexology Week’ in the subject box, so that we can share this with our members in International Therapist and online.

supplied by FHT speakers and accredited course providers. n A COVID-19 'return to work' resource pack – including an email template; a multi-purpose resource that can be used as a poster, information leaflet or checklist; a social media graphic; pre-treatment questions; and a COVID-19 policy template. n Lobbying the government – through working collaboratively with the Integrative Healthcare Collaborative (see opposite) and All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Aesthetics and Beauty (APPG-BAW), and working directly with government.

To access all of the above and more, visit fht.org.uk/coronavirus

Thank you for entering our 2020 FHT Excellence Awards Thank you to all of you who nominated someone for this year’s FHT Excellence Awards. Our judges are now busy working their way through a shortlist for each category and we will be announcing our 2020 finalists in August. Each finalist will receive a special logo and be listed on the FHT’s website. Please keep an eye on your regular FHT e-newsletters for updates or visit fht.org.uk/awards. Good luck!

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Support

FHT IN THE PRESS

FHT regularly contributes to a number of consumer and trade publications, to help promote you and the therapies you offer, and to reinforce the importance of best practice. Recent highlights include: IN THE MOMENT

FHT a core member of the Integrated Healthcare Collaborative (IHC) The FHT is pleased to announce that it is a Core Member of the recently formed Integrated Healthcare Collaborative (IHC), which has already been busy lobbying the government to represent the interests of complementary therapy practitioners during COVID-19 (see fht.org.uk/coronavirus).

The IHC is a collection of more than 20 leading professional associations and stakeholders within complementary, traditional and natural healthcare, working together on common areas of interest, to increase access to these therapies, promote greater integration within conventional Western medicine and improve patient outcomes.

In December 2018, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Integrated Healthcare (PGIH) published a report entitled Integrated healthcare: putting the pieces together (available at fht.org.uk/PGIH-report).

One of the key recommendations in the report was that: ‘professional associations […] should work more closely together on common issues and to share knowledge and experience. A formal collaborative should be established which brings together major associations to take the field forward collectively.’

It is from this that the IHC was formed, with the aim of achieving better health outcomes through greater integration of healthcare services.

The IHC builds on over 30 years of work and collaboration between the former PGIH and the leading organisations in the field.

For more information see theihc.org.uk Summer 2020

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welcome

HAVE YOU TRIED

Craniosacral therapy

Always seek advice

light touch to Craniosacral therapy uses and mind restore balance to the body and support self-healing

Craniosacral therapy should only be used alongside standard medical or care. Consult your GP other health professional for medical attention and advice.

Words: Karen Young

in the techniques to unwind kinks straightening eveloped by osteopath body’s fascia – a bit like 1970s, quite straight, Dr John Upledger in the out a sock that isn’t on a with craniosacral therapy is only the fabric we’re working is said to non-invasive therapy that is soft tissue. nervous the gently work with the central “An important aspect of function in is system, helping to improve is that the practitioner treatment ability its what is ‘wrong’ the body while supporting not trying to figure out problem,” to self-heal. with you or ‘fix’ a specific on specific simply tuning By placing their hands says Caroline. “We are and then parts of the body, a craniosacral in to what your body needs to in’ ‘tunes state of therapy practitioner helping it to return to a by the As the the subtle rhythm created balance and optimum health. bathes the that fluid you the of movement body’s fascia is interconnected, is contained practitioner brain and spinal cord and may also find that your are not in a thick membrane. treats an area where you as our Often referred to as the experiencing any symptoms, gentle in how they ‘craniosacral rhythm’, this bodies can be very clever fluid movement in the cerebrospinal adapt to stresses and strains.” mental is linked to physical, emotional, Following a full consultation, anything that on a therapy and spiritual health and you will be asked to lie to affect on your side, or up restricts its flow is believed face either couch, the body’s throughout the our overall wellbeing and remaining fully clothed practitioner will then natural capacity to self-heal.

The treatment. we feel on your head, “Using our ‘listening hands’, gently place their hands rhythm is and other how well the craniosacral neck, the base of your spine of the body clients report reflecting out to the rest areas of the body. Many techniques in the body and from there, use gentle heat or tingling sensations says treatment and to help improve its function,” during the course of the or Caroline Barrow, a craniosacral feeling either deeply relaxed training therapy practitioner and energised afterwards. hour and provider (upledger.co.uk).

Sessions typically last an on the “This could mean simply cost £40 to £100, depending path, similar and encouraging it along its location, length of treatment a sticky to flushing more fluid through seniority of the practitioner. using gentle pipe, or it could involve

D

Four benefits of craniosacral therapy Many describe this as a deeply relaxing therapy, which can help to ease stress sleep. and anxiety and improve

1

Craniosacral therapy is said to release tension the and restrictions affecting to soft tissue, which can help and reduce associated aches

2

pains and restore function.

As a ‘holistic’ therapy said to affect and benefit the have whole body, some clients of regular treatments as a form ‘preventative’ healthcare.

3

Many people who try craniosacral therapy find that it supports both their physical health and emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

4

The Federation of Holistic is the Therapists ( f ht.org.uk) UK’s leading professional association for complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapists.

CalmMoment.com 61

In The Moment is a monthly lifestyle magazine covering wellbeing, creativity, good living and travel, with a circulation figure of 50,000 readers.

As part of the magazine’s regular ‘Have you tried’ series, we put a spotlight on different therapies practised by FHT members. Each full-page feature includes an overview of the therapy, what a session typically involves and five key benefits of treatments. In the March, April and May issues, we covered craniosacral therapy, kansa wand face massage and hypnotherapy.

NATURAL HEALTH With a circulation figure of 40,000, this monthly magazine provides readers tips on how to look and feel their best, naturally.

In each issue, the FHT provides a plant profile, highlighting the health benefits of a plant typically used in aromatherapy. In the March, April and May issues, we covered clary sage, marjoram and lavender.

In the run up to Aromatherapy Awareness Week in July, we also contributed to a special aromatherapy feature, with FHT Vice President Mary Dalgleish providing an introduction to how the therapy works, how essential oils can be used safely at home, and five oils that are particularly useful for reducing stress and aiding relaxation and sleep.

HOLISTIC THERAPIST MAGAZINE Holistic Therapist Magazine is a quarterly trade magazine offering a balance of business and industry features, with a circulation figure of 15,000.

In the April 2020 issue, FHT’s Leanne Sheill offered readers some tips on how to boost personal morale and make the therapy space a more satisfying place to work.

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Q&A

Ask an expert Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have answered some of your frequently asked questions on our blog (fht.org.uk/blog), and in our coronavirus statement and ‘Preparing to return to practice' guidelines, available at fht.org.uk/coronavirus

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Q

oes my insurance with the FHT cover me for providing food and drink to my clients?

A: FHT’s Membership and Insurance Manager, Beverly Bartlett, says: Before COVID-19, your Medical Malpractice, Public and Products Liability insurance policy with the FHT would have covered you to handle and serve basic refreshments to your clients – such as a herbal tea or snack – providing these were pre-packed and free of charge.

However, in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, we would strongly recommend that this is an area of your business that you review as part of a fresh risk assessment,

C

Q

an I share information from FHT’s blog and International Therapist that I think will be helpful for my clients?

A: FHT’s Editor and Communications Manager, Karen Young, says: FHT’s blog is in the public domain, which means we are happy for anyone to access the articles we have posted on there. However, rather than copy and paste the content, please share the URL or ‘link’ to the item you want to pass on to a client or feature on your Facebook page. Firstly, it ensures that whoever you are sharing the information with knows where it is sourced from. Secondly, you can be confident that any links embedded in the post will still work and that if any corrections are made in the future, your client sees the latest 26 International therapist

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before returning to practice (see our ‘Preparing to return to work’ guidelines at fht.org.uk/coronavirus).

One simple solution would be to ask your clients to bring their own bottle of water with them, which means you don’t have to handle any refreshments at all. If they forget to bring their own drink, you could provide them with a small unopened bottle you have pre-purchased, but make sure that you wipe the bottle clean before storing it and you thoroughly wash your hands before placing it down or passing it to the client (from the base).

As with many of the new health and safety measures you will need to apply going forward, much of it comes down to good hygienic practice and common sense, and just constantly looking at ways to keep the risk of cross-infection to a minimum.

version. And thirdly, it means that if the blog post was provided by someone outside of the FHT, they remain credited for their work.

Sharing information from the magazine is a little more complicated, as some of the articles will involve permissions from the contributors about how their copy will be shared and picture licences, which can be particularly strict.

Taking a photograph of an article and sharing this on social media is fine, and if we have shared a link to the article on our blog then, again, as we have put this on a public platform, we’d be happy for you to the share the link. You can also quote a paragraph (up to 100 words) from an article, providing you give this a credit - for example, ‘Dr Michael Dixon, published in FHT’s membership magazine, International Therapist, Spring 2020, Issue 132’.

If in doubt, please just drop me an email at kyoung@fht.org.uk

Q

I’ve been providing remote support to my clients during the lockdown. When we go back to providing hands-on treatments, can I still offer these services?

A: FHT’s Registrar and Compliance Manager, Julie McFadden, says: While there is no substitute for positive touch, one ‘good’ thing that has come out of COVID-19 is that it has encouraged lots of our members to find new and innovative ways to reach out and support their clients when hands-on treatments haven’t been possible (see fht.org.uk/ members-remote-support).

Going forward, we appreciate that some of you may want to continue supporting clients remotely – maybe because it suits you and/or your client; you don’t feel quite ready to go back to providing hands-on treatments yet; your client is in self-isolation or is ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ and needs shielding; or your client lives with someone who requires shielding.

We’re pleased to say that your Medical Malpractice, Public and Products Liability insurance policy through FHT will still cover you to provide the following remote support to existing clients: n Remote consultations, over the phone or online. n Giving general health and wellbeing tips that they can use safely at home, for example, via the phone or email, or providing them with links to general information and tips from a trusted source (for example, from FHT’s blog – see the Q&A to the left). n Live online support via apps such as FaceTime, Zoom or Skype (for information and links, visit fht. org.uk/remote-tools). This could be an entire therapy session, such as counselling, nutritional advice or mindfulness, which could also

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be done via the phone, or it could be bespoke, therapy-specific self-help techniques – from exercises and stretches, to self-massage techniques and pressure point work. n Recorded video demonstrations that cover techniques for the client to follow, for example, as outlined above in ‘live online support’. n Mailing out or delivering products, that you are insured to make or retail, such as an aromatherapy blend or skincare product. If you are making the product, ensure you include relevant information and instructions for use in writing, covering everything you would as standard (e.g. a list of ingredients, how to use and store the product safely, its use-by date, and so on).

Please bear in mind that while you are not seeing your client in person, it is still important to check if there have been any changes to their health

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Q&A

status before you provide them with remote support, as this may impact whether or not the support you intend to provide them is suitable at this time. This would include asking them questions about COVID-19 and whether they currently have any symptoms or have tested positive/ been treated for the virus (see our guidelines at fht.org.uk/coronavirus).

As you would with any face-toface treatment, make sure you log everything on the client’s records/ notes. This would include the type of support you offered, any products you sent or recommended, aftercare advice, client feedback, and so on.

You will also need to record their consent to treatment, whether it’s via email or as part of an online consultation form.

If you are looking to provide remote support to clients on an ongoing

basis, you might want to consider investing in some online clinic management software. As well as enabling you to carry out and store your client consultations (and their consent to treatment), you could also benefit from other features, such as appointment reminders, invoicing, gift certificates, and email marketing, which should all be GDPR compliant.

When working remotely, be conscious about client confidentiality and data protection at all times – whether it’s ensuring there are no third parties who can hear you conducting a consultation or counselling session, or sharing payment details. T If you are unsure whether your remote support would be covered for FHT membership and insurance purposes, please contact us at info@fht.org.uk for guidance.

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Sports injury

W

ith the longer days and road running season in full force, many therapists (ordinarily) start to see an increase in injury rates within their clinic.

One injury which is often linked to an increase in training load is plantar fasciitis. It is considered one of the most common causes of heel pain and involves inflammation and sometimes micro-tears of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis

FHT member and accredited course provider, Dawn Morse, Morse provides an introduction to plantar fasciitis and some techniques to aid rehabilitation

Cause and symptoms of plantar fasciitis The usual aetiology of this overuse condition is repeated plantar flexion of the ankle, combined with dorsiflexion of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints.

It is commonly seen in runners, especially those who have recently started running or who have increased their training load.

It is also common in dancers and martial artists, who typically exercise on hard surfaces with little or no footwear; people who are on their feet all day, such as shop workers and nurses; and those who are overweight or have shoes with inadequate support.

Active children can also suffer with plantar fasciitis, especially if they are playing sport during growth spurts.

Although this is an overuse injury and linked to stress of the plantar fascia, it is also associated with tension and shortening of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. These muscles form the Achilles tendon, which inserts onto the calcaneus, near the plantar fascia.

Symptoms • Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel.

• Pain is usually worst with the first few steps after waking and in severe cases, the foot may not be able to support bodyweight until the area has been stretched and warmed up.

• Pain may also be triggered by long periods of standing or when getting up after sitting for a long period of time.

• Pain is usually worse after exercise, but often eases during exercise.

• Pain is usually felt on stretching the 28 International therapist

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Heel bone (calcaneus)

Site of pain

Plantar Fascia

plantar fascia, along with tightness in the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles.

• Weakness or tightness may also be found in the tibialis anterior muscle.

• Biomechanical abnormalities may be evident during observation and testing.

Injury assessment Palpation, pain questioning, postural observation and walking/running gate are all useful for identifying plantar fasciitis.

Active, passive and resisted testing should be conducted on plantar flexion, dorsi flexion, inversion and eversion, along with muscle testing to the gastrocnemius,

soleus and tibialis anterior.

The windlass test is also useful for confirming tension within the plantar fascia. Passive dorsiflexion of the toes will reproduce heel pain if the test is positive (see diagram to the left).

There are two methods used for conducting the windlass test, which are essentially weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing. The key difference between the two methods is that the level of sensitivity experienced by the client is higher using the weight-bearing method.

Testing therefore usually starts with the non-weight-bearing method, to assess for sensitivity, and then moves onto the weight-bearing method as required.

Non-weight-bearing windlass test Passively raise the toes of the client while they are in a seated position, with their knee flexed to 90°, to assess for pain.

The therapist stabilises the ankle (with one hand placed just behind the first metatarsal head) and extends the MTP joint. The test is positive if pain is felt at the end range of the MTP extension.

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Sports injury

m. plantaris m. plantaris m.m. peroneus peroneus longus longus

m. tabialis m. tabialis anterior anterior m. gastrocnemius m. gastrocnemius

m. peroneus m. peroneus brevis

plantar fascia

m. gastrocnemius m. gastrocnemius caput mediale

caput mediale

m. soleus

m. soleus

m. gastrocnemius m. gastrocnemius caput laterate

caput laterate

plantar fascia

brevis

m. extensor m.longus extensor digitorum

digitorum longus

m. extensor m. extensor hallucis longus

hallucis longus

great toe dorsiflexes

m. soleus

m. soleus

m. soleus

m. soleus

arch hight increases

great toe dorsiflexes

plantar fascia tightens arch hight increases

tendo calcaneus tendo

plantar fascia tightens

calcaneus

Weight-bearing windlass test With the client in a weight-bearing position, toe extension is created through movement.

The client is asked to stand on a step and position the head of the metatarsals just over the edge. With the client placing equal weight on both feet, the therapist then passively extends the first MTP joint.

Passive dorsiflexion of the first MTP joint is continued to its end of range or until the client’s pain is reproduced.

Treating plantar fasciitis Massage techniques

Sports or deep tissue massage can be used to reduce tension in the plantar fascia and associated muscles around the foot and lower leg.

Warming the area first with an infrared lamp or using other heat modalities such as hot stones may help to reduce superficial tension and enable deeper massage techniques to be better tolerated by the client.

Often massage techniques such as active movement, manual compressions, or trigger point and soft tissue release work are effective at releasing deeper tension within the soft tissue of the foot and wider region.

Treatment should be applied to the surrounding muscle groups first, such as the soleus, gastrocnemius, peroneus group and tibialis anterior, to help reduce associated tension in the foot.

Treatment to the plantar fascia itself should be monitored, to assess the client’s pain levels and focus on increasing pliability within the tissue.

If manual massage techniques can’t yet be tolerated by the client due to pain levels, dry cupping, dry needling and joint Summer 2020

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mobilisation techniques can work well to help reduce pain and increase blood flow and mobility.

Research has also shown that therapeutic ultrasound on the plantar fascia may be beneficial for this condition, as the sound waves help to promote blood flow, improving oxygenation and nutrient levels around the injury site.

Time permitting, treatment should also include working the wider leg, such as the quadriceps hamstrings and gluteals, as compensation may have occurred due to pain and an altered walking gait, especially in more chronic cases.

Closing the treatment with passive or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching to the gastrocnemius, soleus and tibialis anterior can also help address muscle memory and function, while improving range of motion at the ankle joint.

Rest and active rest Advising rest from sport or exercise programmes while symptoms cause pain will give the condition time to heal. However active clients often find rest difficult, therefore active rest can also be advised. This would involve reducing activities that involve the lower limbs, such as running and cycling, and switching to upper body exercise, such as swimming with a float between the legs, or using an arm bike or rowing machine but without completing any lower body movement.

foot and maintain mobility. If the ball is too intense for the client, then a plastic bottle filled with cold water or ice can be used instead to help roll out the foot.

Stretching As plantar fasciitis can be linked to reduced flexibility in the lower limb, which limits movement of the foot, stretching should be advised to help maximise treatment effectiveness.

The stretches in Table 1 will help to maintain muscle function and length, and reduce muscle tension. While symptoms are present, ideally these stretches should be completed once or twice daily, to aid muscle memory and movement. Each stretch should be held for between 15 to 60 seconds and repeated one to three times, when time allows.

Self-treatment

Picking up a pencil

To maximise therapy benefits between treatments, the client can use a myofascial release ball to help reduce tension in the

The client picks up a pencil using the toes, between three to five times, building up  to between 15 to 20 repetitions.

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Sports injury

Strengthening exercises

Writing with the foot

Longer term, it is advisable to maintain and develop foot and calf strength.

When the symptoms have started to settle down, foot mobility exercises can be introduced, such as picking up a pencil with the toes, foot writing and calf raises.

The client starts by completing each exercise once and gradually builds up to three sets of each exercise, with between five to 20 repetitions.

The client starts by writing two or three letters and gradually builds up to five or more words.

Table 1: Stretches Stretch

Objective

A. Standing gastrocnemius stretch

To help stretch out the rectus femoris, iliopsoas and the tensor fasciae latae

B. Standing soleus stretch

To help reduce tension in the gluteus maximus

C. Anterior tibialis stretch

To help lengthen the adductor muscle group

D. Plantar fascia stretch

When the condition starts to settle down and is less painful, start to introduce the seated plantar fascia stretch to help lengthen the fascia and maintain blood flow and flexibility

Standing gastrocnemius stretch

B

Standing soleus stretch 30 International therapist

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C

Anterior tibialis stretch

The client starts with between five to 15 repetitions on a flat surface. As their strength improves, move on to calf raises from a step, so that the area can be stretched in between each lift. T All of the above stretches and exercises should be performed on both sides of the body to help maintain function and balance.

Dawn Morse, 2018 FHT Highly Commended Tutor of the Year, is a sports science and therapy lecturer, and director of Core Elements Training.

She offers a range of FHT accredited qualifications and short courses, including sports massage therapy (L3&4), sports and clinical therapy (L5), dry needling, dry cupping, manual therapy, electrotherapy and ultrasound. coreelements.uk.com

D Main picture and Illustrations: Shutterstock

A

Calf raises

Plantar fascia stretch Summer 2020

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Advice

O

Our 2020 FHT Member Survey highlighted that 87% of our members are self-employed.

There are many benefits to working for yourself but it can sometimes be lonely, and we know that the far-reaching effects of COVID-19 have taken a toll on many of our members over the past few months. Below are six simple steps you can take to clear the mind and boost your personal morale at this time.

Putting pen to paper can be a perfect way to get your thoughts out of your head and to reflect on your day. The beauty of it? There is no ‘correct’ way to journal, simply jot down whatever is at the forefront of your mind.

Writing can be a helpful way to organise your thoughts and prioritise those niggling voices in your head. If you’re feeling particularly emotional, writing down how you’re feeling can help you to reframe the situation, either at the time, or by returning to it a few hours later.

2

Connect with nature Exposure to nature is a great way to boost your health and wellbeing. The Japanese believe in a wellbeing ritual called ‘Shinrin-yoku’, which translates to ‘forest bath’. Studies have found that time spent among nature can help to lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol levels, and improve quality of sleep (see our feature on page 34 for more information).

Try scheduling time over your lunch break to go for a walk or sit outside.

It might not always be possible but allocating daily time to connect with nature will help to make it part of a routine.

3

6

Bring the outside, in

Decorating your indoor space with house plants is said to boost mood, productivity and even creativity. Did you know that indoor plants also help to clean the air we breathe by absorbing toxins and boosting oxygen levels?

The most popular indoor plants include the Monstera deliciosa (otherwise known as a cheese plant), spider plants and the waxy leaved peperomia. These plants

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ways... to boost personal morale

In this new regular, we’ll be offering six top tips to support you, personally and professionally.

can live a long time if well looked after, providing beautiful indoor greenery for your home and therapy space as well as the other fantastic benefits mentioned above.

4

Acts of kindness Kindness stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain, creating a similar effect to medical antidepressants.

Doing a kind act doesn’t have to cost money, why not send one of your clients a supportive or motivational message? It could be the thing that makes their day a little brighter. Alternatively, you could support another therapist by sharing their business on social media and highlighting three things you love about what they do.

5

Connect with others Being self-employed often means spending a lot of time on your own and it is common to feel lonely at times.

Connecting with other therapists through online forums and groups is great but human contact is much

nicer – it’s probably a key reason you’re a therapist. COVID-19 and social distancing permitting, a fantastic way to meet other therapists is by joining one of our 68 local groups across the country – you can view our full list at fht.org.uk/local-groups.

If your local group isn’t able to offer ‘physical’ meetings at this point in time, it’s still worth getting in touch, so that they can let you know as soon as possible when they are back up and running, and if they are holding any virtual meetings in the meantime.

6

Spruce up your workplace walls In the ancient Eastern practice of Feng Shui, positive energy is created through changing the look of a space. Embrace this idea by creating some uplifting images for your home or treatment room walls for you and your clients to enjoy.

Why not try making your own art for your therapy space that fits with the theme of your practice? T

Illustration: ©Shutterstock

1

Write

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FHT Blog

Top blogs

The past few months have been a difficult time for so many of us as a result of the social distancing measures put in place by the government. Below are just a few of the blogs we've shared during the COVID-19 pandemic to support members during this difficult time.

How members have been supporting their clients during lockdown

Since lockdown members have found all kinds of inspiring ways to support clients from afar. In this Top Blog special, we feature just a few of the members who have got in touch with us about their work.

Jackie Hamilton, MFHT, talks about how she is supporting the unpaid carers who access treatments through her not-for-profit organisation, TherapyAid. Jackie is hosting weekly group fitness classes on Zoom by streaming Joe Wicks and has set up a book club where unpaid carers discuss Dr Chatterjee’s book, the 4 Pillar Plan.

Grace Harrop, MFHT, has been keeping in contact with her clients over the phone and has been sharing short videos to guide her clients through gentle exercises they can try at home. Grace has also been having one-to-one consultations to talk through any physical issues clients are experiencing.

Jacqueline Bailey, MFHT, has been sharing regular 30-minute videos with clients and students, and holding weekly meditation classes and reiki share and healing circles. She has continued to support clients online via Skype and Zoom.

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Lisa Hopper, MFHT, has been phoning her clients regularly, to stay in touch, and offering Bach flower consultations over the phone instead of face-to-face.

Wendy Gardner, MFHT, talks about how she has been providing clients video tutorials so they can practice self-care at home, for instance how they can use different products to carry out a gentle and calming facial massage.

Jane Swallow, MFHT, has been giving hand massages at home to her mum who is living with Alzheimer's. She has been holding consultations with clients over Skype and sharing relaxation techniques online.

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FHT Blog

Supporting our members’ health and wellbeing

Over the past few months, FHT has been sharing blogs to keep you updated with the latest COVID-19 news and offering business support and tips to help you manage your own health and wellbeing.

TIPS FOR GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Since lockdown many people have reported struggling with their sleep.

This isn’t surprising when we have a natural sleep rhythm tuned to our normal routines. We all know dealing with change can cause stress and anxiety, so in the current climate this may well be another roadblock to a good night’s sleep.

Without sleep our bodies don’t function as efficiently and a lack of sleep can make us more prone to injury when we exercise, lowers productivity and can lead to overeating.

If counting sheep isn’t doing the job, we’ve put together a helpful list of tips to sleeping well. n Stick to a routine n Spend time outside in the morning n Only drink caffeine in the morning n Meditate n Exercise n Eat before it gets dark n Avoid alcohol n Write a journal before bed n Limit your amount of blue light before bed Read an article FHT contributed Sleep Well magazine about the sleep benefits of natural therapies at fht.org.uk/SleepWell

FHT VICE PRESIDENT MARY DALGLEISH SHARES A SELF-CARE RITUAL FOR THE HANDS 'Every day our hands do amazing things without us giving them a second thought.

As a bodywork therapist, my hands are the tools of my trade and it wasn’t until I had an accident that left me without the use of one of my hands, that I realised how much I depend on them.

'A regular self-care ritual for the hands is a wonderful way to thank them for all they do for us. My favourite includes an exfoliating scrub followed by an Ayurvedic massage working on the marma points of the hands.'

In this blog, Mary details her full ritual and includes a helpful video demonstration.

FHT VICE PRESIDENT JUDITH HADLEY INVITES MEMBERS TO JOIN IN WITH SHARING HEALING FROM A DISTANCE ‘During this very worrying time, many people are in need of healing energy more than ever. The good news? Sending reiki from a distance can be just as powerful as a ‘hands-on’ reiki healing session', Judith wrote in her blog piece.

‘I invite all of FHT’s Reiki Level 2 practitioners to join together in a 15-minute session of distance healing at 10pm each night in aid of all coronavirus patients, NHS staff and key workers, in addition to their friends, families, neighbours, communities, planet and every living thing. Together, hopefully, we can make a difference. Thank you.’

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FHT'S MARIA MASON TALKS ABOUT HER BUSINESS ACTIVITIES DURING COVID-19 Maria Mason is an FHT Vice President and owner of a multi-award-winning salon, BeautyTime, in Bristol. In this piece, Maria talks about what she has been doing to support her clients during the COVID-19 lockdown and to start getting her salon ready for business, when government guidelines allow…

‘Like all of our members, I was initially shocked and saddened when it became apparent that I would have to put my business on hold as a result of COVID-19.

I knew it was the right thing to do, to help protect my clients and staff from this awful virus, but it was still incredibly hard to say farewell to my team and close the salon doors at the time.

‘However, in the back of my mind, I had already considered what I would need to do if I had to shut down the business for any length of time, so it didn’t take long to put an action plan in place…

• The personal touch • Remote support for clients • Professional development and salon upkeep.’

Maria concludes her blog with helpful business tips for other therapists including maintaining professional boundaries and not offering the same support to every client.

To read more, visit fht.org.uk/blog and enter a title to the search box.

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Nature and Wellbeing

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Nature and Wellbeing

Forest bathing Carlos Ponte and Emma Wisser from Universe Mindfulness provide an introduction to the benefits of Shinrin-yoku

S

hinrin-yoku is a Japanese term that literally translates as ‘forest bathing’. It refers to immersing oneself in a forest and deeply connecting with this natural environment through the senses.

The term was coined in 1982 by the director of the Japanese Forestry Agency, Akiyama Tomohide, as part of an initiative to attract people to Japan’s forests. The aim was to stimulate relaxation and improve wellbeing in forest visitors, with the hope that if the woodlands were considered as a source of health restoration rather than just a resource, it would also spark a sense of protectiveness and encourage conservation.

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The place where it all started is called Akasawa Forest, located near Agematsu Town in the Nagano Prefecture. It comprises 1,800 acres of coniferous forest and is largely made up of the Kiso Hinoki cypress. There are eight active trails with an average length of two kilometres, one of which is fully wheelchair accessible.

This forested area has been protected since the mid-1600s. In 1970, it became the first natural recreation forest in Japan and the first forest bathing event was held there in 1982. approximately 100,000 people visit Akasawa Forest, mostly workers sent on a regular basis by major corporations based in Tokyo. 

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Nature and Wellbeing

After two hours of…

Seated forest viewing (eg. for those with mobility issues)

Forest walking

Cortisol concentration (from saliva)

 13.4%

 15.8%

Pulse rate

 6.0%

 3.9%

Systolic blood pressure

 1.7%

 1.9%

Diastolic blood pressure

 1.6%

 2.1%

Parasympathetic nerve activity (which calms the body)

 56%

 102%

Sympathetic nerve activity (which stimulates the body)

 18%

 19.4%

Dr Miyazaki and Carlos Ponte

Physiological benefits of forest bathing Intuitively, most of us feel great when we go into the woods. However, there is an abundance of scientific data telling us why that is and what happens to our bodies when we spend time being mindful in the forest, or in nature generally.

It was Dr Yoshifumi Miyazaki who pioneered and led the very first studies into the physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku, back in 1990. At the time, he was fortuitously approached by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, NHK, which funded his early research as part of a documentary programme.

Dr Miyazaki created the term ‘forest therapy’ in 2003, after years of scientific findings backed the positive physiological effects of Shinrinyoku on the human body.

While it would be exceedingly difficult to condense the findings of 30 years’ research into one short sentence, the table left, from a book

by Dr Miyazaki, summarises the key results (Miyazaki Y, 2018).

I (Carlos) had the great honour of meeting Dr Miyazaki during a trip to Japan in 2018 as you can see from the picture above. He famously tells people, ‘Humans and our direct ancestors have evolved in nature for approximately seven million years. Migration to urban environments began during the industrial revolution, only a few centuries ago, so in essence we have spent over 99.99% of our 36 International therapist

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existence in nature’. In other words, nature is in our DNA and it is our original, ancient home.

Furthermore, research by Dr Qing Li, President of the Japanese Society of Forest Medicine, has shown the positive effects forest bathing has on the immune system (Li Q, 2010).

How forest bathing differs to other outdoor activities Shinrin-yoku does not involve strenuous physical exercise, in fact, it is practically the opposite. The essence of forest bathing is to perform a very slow walk – usually two hours in length – with frequent pauses along the trail, to allow a deep connection with the environment through the senses.

The reason for this is because even the anticipation of exercise can spark a rush of

adrenaline, which the body would interpret as a signal for the ‘fight or flight’ response, which can result in stress.

Using the senses to connect with the environment might include feeling the texture of tree bark and leaves; watching insects or other woodland creatures go about their business; noting the different smells of the forest; feeling the movement and temperature of the water in a small stream; or offering participants a tea made solely from spruce needles, sourced from our local herbal store. Forest bathing is both a body and mind experience, which induces relaxation and is an important preventative healthcare practice. It is also defined by many as a deeply spiritual experience.

Shinrin-yoku is not mutually exclusive to physical exercise and can, in fact, complement the well-known health benefits of a moderate or strenuous form of outdoor physical activity, if incorporated towards the end of a session, as part of a ‘wind down’.

Emma explains the benefits of reconnecting with nature through forest bathing and mindfulness…

Stress is the root cause of many modernday diseases. Richard Louv, the author of Last Child in the Woods, speaks of ‘nature deficit syndrome’ as a phenomena in modern societies, which has negative effects on our bodies and psyche, causing deterioration of sensual experiences,

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Nature and Wellbeing

attention deficit problems and different physical and emotional illnesses.

Research has shown that people who live in cities are 40% more likely to suffer from depression compared to people living in the countryside or rural areas (Lederbogen F et al, 2011).

It seems obvious that reconnecting with nature will help to reduce stress and will show us a way to reconnect with ourselves and become whole and fully

Beginner tips for forest bathing As well as signposting you to local forests, Forestry England’s website (forestryengland.uk) offers some beginner’s tips for forest bathing… n Turn off your devices to give yourself the best chance of relaxing, being mindful and enjoying a sensory forest-based experience. n Slow down. Move through the forest slowly so you can see and feel more. n Take long breaths deep into the abdomen. Extending the exhalation of air to twice the length of the inhalation sends a message to the body that it can relax. n Stop, stand or sit, smell what’s around you, what can you smell? n Take in your surroundings using all of your senses. How does the forest environment make you feel?

Be observant, look at nature’s small details. n Sit quietly using mindful observation; try to avoid thinking about your to-do list or issues related to daily life. You might be surprised by the number of wild forest inhabitants you see using this process. n Keep your eyes open. The colours of nature are soothing, and studies have shown that people relax best while seeing greens and blues. n Stay as long as you can. Start with a comfortable time limit and build up to the recommended two hours for a complete forest bathing experience.

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Enhancing the effects of holistic treatments Forest bathing is considered as a form of holistic medicine in its own right, but the measurable and deeply effective physiological effects generated

by Shinrin-yoku could be a highly valuable way of preparing a client to receive any other form of holistic treatment. Where a holistic therapy can be done outdoors, specifically in a forested area, it would be much more effective, as the body and mind

human again. Forest bathing is a way of reconnecting with nature, based on its foundation, which is mindfulness.

A Shinrin-yoku forest walk comprises mindfulness and focused attention exercises, mainly by using our senses. As we take in the atmosphere of the forest, nature draws our attention towards its beauty, its display of diversity, its wonder and magic. We find that we naturally want to be present and awake, which takes us away from our thoughts and worries and into the present moment.

Mindfulness in nature also guides us towards our ‘inner home’ – the stillness, peace, and love that is always at our core.

Like Eckart Tolle says, ‘Watch a tree, a flower, a plant, let your awareness rest on them, how still they are, deeply rooted in Being. Allow nature to teach you stillness.’

Shinrin-yoku, as well as mindfulness in nature, are not necessarily limited to being physically in a forest. Research carried out at University of Exeter and Uppsala University in Sweden showed that people who spend two hours a week in nature are ‘significantly more likely’ to report good health and psychological wellbeing. And there is always nature around us, even in cities. So just stop from time-to-time and look up to the sky, feel its spaciousness.

Watch birds in the trees or spend a minute and explore the shape of a tree, its leaves.

Watch grasses and flowers moving and swaying in the wind and feel the wind on your face. There are limitless possibilities to connect with nature in the heart.

Although Mother Nature is not always friendly and peaceful, and can even be threatening, we can still find important qualities in her that help us as human beings to navigate through our lives and difficult times, in particular – think of nature’s resilience, unstoppable power

become more receptive to the effects of the treatment. If the type of holistic therapy is not portable, the treatment outcomes could still be enhanced if a two-hour Shinrin-yoku session was completed first. Alternatively, therapists could bring the forest into the treatment room, by asking if the client would like pine essential oil placed in a diffuser or to hear a recording of sounds from the forest.

of renewal, unconditional giving, joy and wisdom, to name but a few.

Being out in nature with an open mind and heart is like looking into a mirror – the mirror of nature. We receive nature’s qualities effortlessly. By feeling these qualities in nature, we feel them in ourselves, such as non-judgmental and accepting presence, unconditional generosity, and love. This again can enhance our own mindful abilities.

The forest is our ancient home – so is this planet. What are we inspired to do to protect our home, inside and outside? T References For full references, go to fht.org.uk/ IT-133-forest-bathing

Carlos Ponte has always had a passion for forests, studying Shinrin-yoku techniques in England, Germany and Japan.

He also developed a Forest Therapy program, influenced by his mentor, Dr Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Emma Wisser is a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) trainer and for the past 16 years has taught mindfulness and self-compassion at her practice in Germany and at various public organizations and private corporations. Carlos and Emma co-founded Universe Mindfulness, offering wellness escapes throughout Europe with the main theme of Mindfulness in Nature. To access some free resources, including a nature meditation, and discounts, visit universe-mindfulness.com/fht

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Beauty Harley Street entrance

FHT members Vanessa Jane Davies and Emma Holly join forces so their clients can benefit from skin camouflage and ScarWorkTM.

The Skin

Collaborative

H

oping to hit the ground running when life returns to normal, Vanessa Jane Davies and Emma Holly have come together at Vanessa’s Harley Street practice, Skin Camouflage Services, to offer their clients a truly unique service.

Inspired by an article written by Emma about ScarWork (published in International Therapist, Issue 125), Vanessa decided to attend Emma’s fourday course on the therapy to discover the benefits first-hand.

Vanessa is a para-medical skin camouflage consultant providing skin camouflage consultations, rehabilitation assessments and expert witness opinion to the Courts. She holds clinics in five locations across the country, including her flagship clinic at 10 Harley Street. Vanessa also receives referrals to treat serving military personnel affected by scarring.

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Considering a collaboration Vanessa said, ‘Before attending Emma’s training, I had not been able to signpost my clients to scar massage therapy because there were no therapists with this skillset in my area. It became clear from observing, listening and following Emma’s techniques that ScarWork could offer a pathway for my clients to access specialist support for their scars. It was a light bulb moment when I realised if myself and Emma were to collaborate, we could offer a truly holistic service to those affected by scarring.’

Emma said, ‘Vanessa attended my ScarWork course in November 2019 and we immediately had a mutual respect. On the day of the final class, we had lunch together to discuss how ScarWork could be incorporated into legal reports and recommendations. Vanessa said that for years she had read medical reports advising patients to have scar massage and scar management, but she had no contacts to refer them to for treatment.

'Vanessa posed the question on collaboration, highlighting that she alone wouldn’t have the time to handle the anticipated demand for ScarWork treatments in her Harley Street clinic.

I took time to consider the offer and quickly realised it was too good an opportunity to turn down. I got in touch with Vanessa in December to see if she would be happy for us to work together.’

The finer details Vanessa said, ‘Soon after Emma called to take up my offer on collaborating, I invited her to my Harley Street practice.

Our ideas began to flow, with discussions about how clients at Skin Camouflage Services could benefit from Emma’s experience. By February 2020 we had agreed our ways of working and had a contract put in place.’

Emma said, ‘It is easy to get used to working alone and to be cautious about letting someone into a business you have spent years building. I think it’s Summer 2020

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Beauty

VANESSA – SKIN CAMOUFLAGE My career as a para-medical skin camouflage expert began to take shape many moons ago when I was approached by an incredibly innovative self-funding GP practice in Yorkshire. The team recognised gaps in the availability of services and therapies they could signpost their patients to, one of those services being skin camouflage.

Seeing the difference I was making to the lives of those affected by visible skin issues motivated me to share the benefits of skin camouflage more widely.

It was at that point I sold both my salons and began developing standards and innovations into the practical application of para-medical skin camouflage.

I then qualified as a higher education lecturer and assessor, enabling me

important to find someone who you can be completely honest with, as freedom to speak easily and frankly without fear of upsetting them is essential. Having similar expectations on timescales is Summer 2020

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to take this specialist field to UK and International students. In 2007 I launched Skin Camouflage Services in Harley Street which was the first and only provider of services such as rehabilitation assessments, tuition and expert opinion to the courts relating to para-medical skin camouflage. Skin Camouflage Services quickly drew attention from health care providers, medical professionals and the legal profession.

Always searching for the ultimate skin camouflage colour match, I wanted to offer my clients the perfect match coverage for their particular skin difference whether due to scarring, birthmarks or pigment disorders such as vitiligo. I worked with chemists to develop my own unique formulas and colour matching system, with Varma Cover Cream launching in 2010. By 2015 Varama had become Varama International Ltd

very important, so one person does not feel like they are doing all the work, or forever awaiting a response. What was different about Vanessa over other opportunities for collaboration, was ďƒ

selling cover creams worldwide.

My medico-legal work began in 2007.

As a practicing vetted member of the UK Register of Expert Witnesses and first tier member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, my role brought me into the field of personal injury, clinical negligence and case management across the UK. I am an individual member of the Expert Witness Institute and have maintained my expert witness training with both EWI and Bond Solon. Furthermore, I am proud to raise the profile of my profession as a Guest Speaker across a range of medical, military and legal audiences.

Above: Vanessa, fourth from left in the back row, finishing her ScarWork course with Emma, far right in the bottom row.

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Beauty

EMMA - SCARWORK I attended Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork training in 2015, when it was virtually unheard of in the UK. After becoming certified, I found myself offering a totally new therapy service which came with positives and negatives; people aren’t looking to book a treatment if they have never heard of it but on the plus side, there was no competition.

ScarWork is a gentle management technique used on scar tissue to help promote change. It doesn’t just work to support the visible scar, but also the fibrosis (thickening) and adhesions (sticking) that can occur in the underlying tissue. The therapy is ideal for scar tissue from any trauma such as surgery, injury or a burn.

Having completed ScarWork training I was suddenly seeing astounding results in clinic. Clients with scars decades old were reporting improvements such

as colour change, pain reduction and improved sensation. Emotionally there were improvements as well, clients previously unable to touch the scar started to self-massage the area. Clients were able to look in the mirror and speak about the scar without becoming tearful.

My days in clinic suddenly became much more varied and much more rewarding.

I was driven to become more vocal, I realised that I needed to raise awareness so began networking and started to gain a reputation. In 2016 I had an article on ScarWork published in the Daily Mail and launched my own YouTube channel to communicate the benefits.

At the end of 2016 Sharon Wheeler asked if I would consider teaching, I felt privileged to be asked and completed my training in 2017. A year later, my teaching business had begun to grow, I had 150 therapists attend my courses and almost 450 members of the public use the course clinics to access free scar treatments.

The administration was mounting, and I felt exhausted trying to balance this

Benefits to clients

that her commitment and ambition matched mine.

‘Both of us are very motivated individuals; once we are going to do something we don’t sit around. Talking finances took a little time, but we were both able to be honest and transparent about what we needed for each of us for the project to be mutually beneficial.

By January 2020 I was submitting documentation to complete the Harley Street licence application, and everything was finalised by early March.’

Emma said, ‘Many of Vanessa’s clients have scars that are tight, uncomfortable and cause ongoing problems. They need scar management, physical therapy, to improve their situation and better manage the complications as a result of the injury. A ScarWork treatment, delivered by an experienced therapist trained in these specialist techniques was a perfect solution.’

Vanessa said, ‘Since 2015 we have been prescribing the use of silicone scar therapy products to help soften and flatten scarring alongside our skin camouflage applications, to ensure clients can still reap the benefits of silicone therapy for their scars without compromising the quality of their skin camouflage. Until now, we have not been able to signpost our clients to specialist scar massage therapy. With the addition of Emma and ScarWork to our repertoire of scar management techniques we can together offer a truly holistic service to those affected by scarring.’

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The future Vanessa said, ‘Emma and I are both itching to begin our work together but are currently curtailed by the COVID-19 virus. In the meantime, we are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that with our combined skills, we are ready to help those living with scarring to feel more comfortable with their appearance both physically and aesthetically.’

Emma said, ‘I was planning to be working in Harley Street from the end of March. It is regretful I have not yet started treatments in London due to the COVID-19 crisis but in the meantime, I have been working to create more

alongside additional voluntary projects and offering ScarWork for Invictus Games participants.

By 2019 I realised I had to reduce my clinic hours to redress the balance in my life. Rather than lose my client base, I invited a handful of the therapists I had trained to come work at my Harpenden clinic. Kirsty Birnie, John Baker and Rachel Gray joined Restore Therapy and I reduced my clinical time down to two days a week. n Emma Holly contributed an article about ScarWork therapy in International Therapist, issue 125.

Read the full article at fht.org.uk/ international-therapist-archive

promotional opportunities to promote the growth of the new Harley Street clinic.’

Conclusion Vanessa said, ‘Despite taking very different careers paths, it is clear from our stories that Emma and I are both motivated by the same goal – to improve the lives and confidence of people living with skin differences. We are successful businesswomen both facing the challenge of balancing work and family life, while determined to share the benefits of our therapies with the world.

‘We believe this collaboration will offer a unique and highly professional para-medical service to those affected by scarring. Professional standards are incredibly important to us, which is why being members of FHT is key in ensuring that our clients are protected from those who fall short with their professional education and training standards.

‘I encourage any therapist considering a collaboration to give it a go if they feel it is right for them, their clients and their therapy. My advice would be to take the time to consider every aspect but never rule it out due to being afraid of the risk, if we don’t innovate how will we grow?’ T Summer 2020

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Local Groups

Local groups The COVID-19 lockdown has meant that sadly, FHT local groups have been unable to meet face-to-face in recent months. This issue of International Therapist, we are bringing a special focus to the innovative ways our local groups have come together, bringing a much-needed sense of community and togetherness.

Norwich holds weekly Zoom meetings

FIND YOUR LOCAL GROUP Local groups are a valuable hub for all those with a passion for therapies.

Hear from excellent speakers about the latest therapies and business ideas, take part in outings and social events, enjoy treatment swaps and share best practice.

EAST MIDLANDS Alfreton Leicester Lincoln Northampton Nottingham EAST OF ENGLAND Colchester Ely Essex Hertfordshire Luton Newmarket Norwich

FHTs Relationship Executive, Alice Mort, emailed all local groups about the potential of organising online meetings during the lockdown, writes Norwich coordinator Jackie Hamilton.

My post on Facebook received quite a few replies and we have been running weekly Zoom meetings ever since. I am delighted to say that we now have attendance from members in different

parts of the country as well.

Each week we have a different speaker and often they introduce a brand-new subject area to us all. I make sure to advertise each meeting outside of our local group, as we welcome other therapists and members of the public to attend. Sharing the knowledge is something I think we all need in these difficult times and I am so grateful to the speakers for having given up their time.

Acupuncture and qi gong at Chester When I realised we couldn't hold our regular monthly meeting, I thought why not go 'live' on Facebook, writes Chester Coordinator Dee Kelsall.

I formed a Facebook group for Kirsty’s talk on acupuncture and qi gong and was

amazed at the response from FHT members.

We had a total of 126 people join the meeting – a lot more than our usual 10 to 20 attendees! It went really well, and I have kept the group open as we have already got a speaker lined up for our next meeting.

Bournemouth discovers the Hawaiian technique of Hakalu Hakalau is a Hawaiian technique that uses vision to switch our nervous system from a stress response to a relaxation response, writes Bournemouth Coordinator Teresa Rich.

For our first online local group meeting, we were very excited to welcome David Shephard all the way from Hawaii. David explained the concept of ha breathing, which uses rhymical diaphragmatic breathing to create heart-brain coherence Summer 2020

41-FHT-Local Groups.indd 41

and vibration in the throat. This in turn is said to stimulate the vagal nerve at the centre of the parasympathetic nervous system.

David also explained a psycho-sensory technique, sometimes called havening, which creates a low frequency delta wave in the brain. This technique has been demonstrated to be very effective in removing amygdala-based symptoms like anxiety, fear and panic.

SOUTH EAST Basingstoke Brighton and Hove Chichester Dartford, Gravesham and Medway Eastbourne and South Downs Horsham and Crawley Isle of Wight North Kent Oxfordshire (South) Waterlooville Worthing

NORTH EAST Durham Newcastle Tees Valley

SOUTH WEST Bath Bournemouth Bristol Ipplepen NORTH WEST Mendip Chester Liverpool and Rainhill Plymouth Salisbury Manchester (North) Manchester (South) Swindon Morecambe Bay Taunton Preston Wigan, Leigh, WALES Rainford and St Newport Helens Pontyclun and District NORTHERN Swansea IRELAND Wrexham Antrim Belfast and District WEST MIDLANDS Lisnaskea Birmingham (South) South Tyrone Coventry Hereford IRELAND Stoke-on-Trent Donegal Stourbridge and Dudley SCOTLAND Ayrshire YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER LONDON Calderdale Brixton and Harrogate Kennington Kirklees North London Leeds North West London South East London York

DID YOU KNOW?

Attending a local group meeting can gain you two CPD points if the subject relates to professional development.

Find out what subjects are covered as CPD at fht.org.uk/cpd.

CAN'T FIND A GROUP IN YOUR AREA?

Why not become a local group coordinator?

It is a very rewarding role, and there is a range of additional benefits available exclusively to coordinators. Go to fht.org.uk/create-your-own-local-group for more information.

MORE INFO

For group contact details and information about forthcoming meetings, go to fht.org.uk/local-groups

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Mindfulness

Mindfulness in rugby Inspired by feedback from FHT members about the wellbeing of their male clients (see our Man Kind feature on page 15), we speak to Head of Medical Services for premiership rugby team Harlequins, Mike Lancaster, about how they have crossed the advantage line in connecting sport and mindfulness.

A

s Head of Medical Services for Harlequins and someone who practices meditation regularly, I have discovered first-hand the benefits of meditation sessions. The pressure that a top athlete can experience is immense but we’ve all been there and can relate to feeling anxious; an important work pitch or a key interview, for example, something that you’re desperate to get right and could reflect well or badly on you.

On game day the pressure that a player might put on themselves could be down to the importance of the game, the quality of the opposing team, or the opposition player they’re matching up against.

All these things can make a player feel worried about stepping up to the plate and it’s vital that they don’t allow the thought of the situation to get on top of them.

This is what the mindfulness sessions we 42 International therapist

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have introduced helped us to achieve, the cliché of controlling the controllable and allowing the players to be fully in the moment when they need to be.

mindfulness before asking the entire team what they thought about the idea of group sessions. Needless to say, the rest was history.

Introducing mindfulness

What does it entail?

We first introduced the team to mindfulness in 2018 and players responded as you might expect from a team of alpha males. They’re used to approaching problems with a headstrong mindset of ‘don’t overthink it, just do’, so naturally it took a while to bring them around to the idea of meditation and mindfulness.

Any sports club is a society and we welcome that not everybody wants to do the same thing. Instead of making it mandatory for everyone, we first earmarked a handful of players who were open to the idea. Curiosity began to build interest and we encouraged the first few players who tried it, to talk about the benefits with the rest of the team. We then launched a fourweek education block about the benefits of

We have mindfulness group sessions every Monday after breakfast, which last 30 minutes and are split between the forwards and the backs. Our mindfulness coach, Luke Doherty, stays around all day on a Monday for one-to-one sessions and is available for remote support throughout the week.

Luke’s sessions range from diaphragm breathing to full-body relaxation, where he starts at the shoulders and works through each part of the body from head to toe.

They’re probably the two key sessions available, but Luke can offer a lot of different techniques and support.

We have a few players that swear by mindfulness and practice it daily, we also have some who mainly use it for performance support. For those with an Summer 2020

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Mindfulness

Supporting clients

Emotional intelligence is a key skill for any practicing therapist to have in their toolkit. Ultimately the first step is reading the signs and encouraging clients to talk. Offer strategies if you’re qualified to do so or refer them onto another health specialist. There are some very good mindfulness apps available - you can find Luke’s at mindfulpeakperformance.com important role on game day, Luke will ensure they have the strategies they need to put themselves in the right headspace for that one specific task and he will provide support pre-game or even at half-time.

Navigating new territory At the time of writing this, it has been three weeks since we made the decision to shut the doors to the club due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the moment we closed, we made sure players had access to everything they needed to maintain effective training. That week, each member of the team picked up their own sterilised strength kit from a drivethrough service we put together. Players were given strength and conditioning, running and rehab programmes to follow, which we catch up on virtually to discuss each aspect of training.

Mindfulness has really proven its importance at this time. Each week Luke Summer 2020

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shares slots for one-to-one FaceTime sessions, so players know to book in with him if they want one-to-one support. Group sessions are arranged on Zoom where Luke will take them through a 20 to 25-minute meditation practice.

Ultimately, the goal is to mitigate the impact of lockdown on the body and mind.

They’re both intrinsically linked and to maintain and grow their health, we’ve all got to continue working on them.

It isn’t to say that the team is going to be at its optimum when we return to ‘normal’, but neither are any of our opponents. The aim is to do the best that we can under the circumstances and to be in a place where we are able to inform the coach about each player’s level of preparedness, so we can set up the most effective strategies to start bringing the players back up to their best.

Conclusion Sports psychology has been used for many years but we’re the first premiership team to implement mindfulness sessions and have a coach available twice a week for players.

Thankfully, we are seeing more athletes opening up about their mental health and I think that will only continue to go from strength to strength. We have a few young players who are big advocates of Luke and the mindfulness strategies we’ve put in place. Marcus our flyhalf is very open about how it’s helped him, not just with the performance side of things but with external stresses outside of work too - that’s

something we really encourage.

The Rugby Players Association (RPA) have been so impressed with Luke’s work and the feedback from the players that they’ve asked him to put together a learning tool that they can send out to the players in clubs across the country. I think that just shows how much weight is being put on mental health in sport and the huge benefits of mindfulness.

The role of a therapist in supporting an athlete, or any client, is to talk about how their wellbeing could play a key role in changing the stigma around mental health in sport and society as a whole. T

MIKE LANCASTER is Head of Medical Services for Harlequins rugby club. Mike trained as a physiotherapist and went on to complete a masters in sports and exercise medicine. He has previously held positions as head of medical services at Worcester Warriors, England rugby senior men’s program physiotherapist and head physio at GWS Giants AFL team. He was first introduced to meditation while working at a GWS Giants in Australian rules football in Sydney and still practices it daily. www.quins.co.uk

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Advice

Rethinking hands-on therapy We take a look at some therapeutic approaches to support clients’ health and wellbeing that may reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

A

s therapists, we all understand the benefits of positive touch. However, one thing COVID-19 has brought home to many of us is the need to find alternative approaches to support health and wellbeing when hands-on therapies are sadly not an option.

Dr Peter Mackereth, a qualified nurse and former complementary therapy lead at The Christie, Manchester, told the FHT, ‘Now, more than ever, we need to communicate and collaborate with other complementary therapists in exploring new ways to learn, adapt and grow from this pandemic. As the lockdown eases and we contemplate booking in clients or going back to providing volunteer or paid services in hospices and healthcare settings, how do we manage our risk and bring comfort to others? Perhaps we need to look at our toolbox and think creatively; some options include using gentle touch over textures, investing in the therapeutic use of the voice, and teaching self-soothing techniques to our clients and their partners/family members.’ (To read Peter’s full article, Losses and lessons in a COVID-19 world, visit fht.org.uk/covidmackereth).

Needless to say, as therapists we will need to be particularly cautious before treating anyone while COVID-19 is still in general circulation, such as screening the health status and vulnerability of both ourselves and our clients, following enhanced hygiene measures, and wearing personal protective equipment (if this is a 44 International therapist

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requirement). In this article, we take a look at some therapeutic approaches that can also help to reduce the risk of transmission, both now and in the future, in case COVID-19 starts to peak again or we are faced with another health crisis that forces us to rethink the way work.

Of course, there will be lots of other therapies and techniques that would be worthy of a mention, that we unfortunately didn’t have the space to include. Please bear in mind that the purpose of this article is to simply encourage you to think about how you might adapt your toolkit so that you can continue supporting others and earn an income if a more ‘hands-off’ approach is needed.

Exercise, movement and mindfulness It was interesting to note that as the various countries eased their way out of lockdown, business activities that could be conducted outside (where the risk of transmission is lower) and without the need for physical contact (to ensure social distancing was possible) were among the first to get the ‘green light’. From an FHT membership point of view, this covered modalities such as personal training, sports coaching, aerobics, kettle bell training, Nordic walking, yoga, tai chi, mindfulness and meditation.

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Advice

Reducing treatment times Throughout COVID-19, the scientific advisors have made it clear that the nearer you are to a person and the longer you are in close proximity to them, the higher the risk of transmission. If you are carrying out close contact treatments, where possible, you may like to consider sticking to shorter treatment times until the government has announced that the Alert Level for COVID-19 has been lowered to Level 2 (present in the UK, but the number of cases and transmission is low) or Level 1 (not known to be present in the UK).

It’s good to talk Talking therapies, such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), have been able to continue throughout the pandemic, when provided over the phone or via a video communication platform, such as Zoom, Skype or FaceTime.

Similarly, members have been able to provide remote consultations for therapies such as homeopathy, flower remedies and nutritional therapy, for which tailored products could then be posted out or safely collected from a drop-off point.

And of course, once it is safe to return to practice, and particularly indoors, none of these modalities involve working in close proximity to the client, which means social distancing measures can be maintained throughout the entire session.

clothing, or a sheet or blanket), empathy, aromas, relaxation, textures and sound.

Working through textiles Some therapies can be conducted through clothing or other textiles, which means having limited or no direct contact with the client’s skin. These might include shiatsu, seated acupressure and Indian head massage. Those working in a hospice or hospital environment may also be familiar with the HEARTS Process developed by Ann Carter, which is a gentle, sensory experience that draws on handson contact (which can be done through

Energy and being present Reiki and healing are very gentle treatments which can be carried out through clothing, or a sheet or blanket, by holding the hands a short distance away from the client, or even remotely.

Sometimes, simply placing your hands on a client’s back, arm or feet and maintaining a ‘holding position’ can be incredibly therapeutic and comforting.

This can be combined with a guided visualisation or breath work, to help calm the body and mind. T

Optimal positioning With viruses such as COVID-19, the risk of transmission is higher when in close proximity to an infected person, and particularly when face-to-face. This is because the virus is primarily spread from person to person through droplets that come from the nose or mouth of someone infected, usually when they cough, sneeze or speak. A number of close contact therapies can be conducted further away from the face, which will carry a slightly lower risk of infection. These might include reflexology, pedicures and other foot treatments. Similarly, treatments that involve the therapist working from behind the client will carry a slightly lower risk, such as back massage, seated acupressure and Indian head massage.

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Looking to train in something new?

Whether you are looking to train in person (when hands-on training resumes) or online, before you book on a course, please check that it will be covered by the FHT for membership and insurance purposes. Please contact the FHT team at info@fht.org.uk

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Courses

Ready, skill set, go!

Upcoming courses hosted by the FHT, helping you and your career flourish.

Please check online for updates...

Please note that due to coronavirus (COVID-19) there may be some changes to FHT Hosted Courses scheduled to take place over the coming months. We will be closely monitoring the situation and let members know as soon as possible if any courses are affected and explain the options available to you. For the latest information, please visit fht.org.uk/training.

FHT hosted courses give you the opportunity to develop your skill set and grow your treatment offering.

The courses gain you one continuing professional development (CPD) point per hour and FHT members benefit from a discount of at least £10 on each course!

Take a look at some of the courses we’re hosting. Visit our website to find more information on prerequisites, finer details and to discover further courses before securing your place.

OSTEOPATHIC TECHNIQUES – SPORT AND SPINE

CANCER AWARENESS FOR HOLISTIC AND BEAUTY THERAPISTS This CPD introduction to working with those affected by cancer covers the condition, the treatment, side effects and the ways in which therapists can help.

Course tutor: Jennifer Young.

Course dates: n 6 September – Milton Keynes n 18 October – Cardiff n 29 November – Liverpool Prices start from: £65

Learn the most useful osteopathic soft tissue and articulation techniques, including techniques for the spine, pelvis and some peripheral joints, and how to personalise your treatments for different clients.

Course tutor: Cameron Reid.

Course dates: n 12 – 13 September – London n 26 – 27 September – Manchester n 10 – 11 October – Belfast n 21 – 22 November – Colchester Prices start from: £205

INTRODUCTION TO PRACTICAL MYOFASCIAL RELEASE This one-day course is suitable for any bodywork or movement therapists interested in learning more about fascia

Couch required Model required

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Courses

FOOT READING This course will give you another dimension into understanding the imbalances in your client’s feet when the physical imbalances don’t align with any problems that your client has.

Course tutor: Elie Pettitt.

Course dates: n 24 October – Milton Keynes Prices start from: £115 and the practical approach to supporting chronic pain using myofascial release.

Course tutor: Amanda Oswald.

Course dates: n 3 October – London Prices start from: £120

FIRST AID FOR THERAPISTS – EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK This course, which covers the full content of the emergency first aid at work training, is specifically designed for therapists in the therapy and salon environment.

Course tutor: Karen Murrell.

Course dates: n 17 October – Portsmouth Prices start from: £110

DISSECTION WORKSHOP

DORN METHOD AND BREUSS MASSAGE Learn this non-manipulative treatment to correct misalignments of the spinal column and joints for clients who suffer from conditions such as sciatica and common back, neck and joint issues.

Course tutor: Alexandra Schneider.

Course dates: n 26 – 27 September – Leeds Prices start from: £200

This unique opportunity allows you to see the structure that you massage daily at King’s College dissection lab before you are free to enjoy the Gordon Museum.

Course tutor: Jane Johnson.

Course dates: n 23 October – London Prices start from: £135

TABLE THAI STRETCH MASSAGE

THE HEARTS PROCESS

Prices start from: £205

Learn how to use your body weight to apply a deeper, more effective massage and integrate Thai yoga techniques to give a massage that clients will love.

Course tutor: Kathryn Ellis.

Course dates: n 28 – 29 November – Peterborough

Main picture: Shutterstock

Learn how to bring about a sense of calm with well-intentioned touch and the sound of a calm voice, for situations when massage and aromatherapy is inappropriate.

Course tutor: Angela Pollard.

Course dates: n 12 – 13 September – Sunderland n 17 – 18 October – Leicester Prices start from: £200

Visit fht.org.uk/training for our full list of courses and to book your place. T

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Research

Bergamot essential oil reduces anxiety in patients prior to gallbladder surgery

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urgery is an invasive procedure and widely considered to be a stressful event for most patients. Furthermore, ‘preoperative anxiety can result in several problems, including intravenous access problems, jaw tension, and coughing during anaesthesia induction’ (Paysar et al, 2020).

A small controlled trial study conducted in an Iranian hospital (Pasyar et al, 2020) looked at the effects of bergamot essential oil on anxiety and salivary cortisol and alpha amylase levels* in 60 patients prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal).

In the study participants were randomly allocated to an intervention or control group. Prior to surgery, the intervention group received two drops of bergamot oil (Citrus bergamia Risso) on a cotton ball, attached to their collar, and asked to breathe normally for 20 minutes. The control group received two drops of grapeseed oil on a cotton ball, attached to their collar, and asked to breathe normally for 20 minutes. Anxiety and saliva cortisol and alpha amylase measures were taken immediately before and after the 20 minutes.

During the study, no complications or side effects were reported, and the results showed that while there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of saliva cortisol levels, the bergamot group saw a significant decrease in anxiety and alpha amylase levels after the intervention compared to the control group.

The authors of the study concluded that while further studies are needed,

‘considering the positive effects of aromatherapy using bergamot essential essence on anxiety and salivary alpha amylase activity, this aroma can be used as an available, effective and inexpensive material in patients prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy’. *The level of cortisol and alpha amylase in saliva can be considered biomarkers of stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness improves pain perception and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

R

heumatoid arthritis (AR) is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It is the second most common form of arthritis in the UK, affecting around 400,000 adults over the age of 16 (Versus Arthritis, 2020).

A systematic review and meta-analysis recently published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice explored the effect of mindfulness interventions in improving outcomes for patients with RA. Six randomised controlled trials (RCTs), involving 337 RA patients, met the inclusion criteria (Zhou B et al, 2020).

Patients were randomly assigned to either a control group, receiving

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routine nursing, or an experimental group, adopting mindfulness interventions through formal exercises (for example, meditation, body

scanning, yoga, attention to emotions, listening to meditation, mindfulness breathing) or informal exercises (for example, practising mediation, natural meditation, eating meditation).

The results indicated that, compared to routine nursing care, mindfulness interventions – which are ‘relatively inexpensive, easy-to-operate, noninvasive, without adverse reactions’ – can significantly improve pain intensity, depression and symptoms in patients with RA. However, the authors conclude that ‘in the future, high-quality, multi-centre, large sample and long-term RCTs are needed to provide more reliable evidence for clinical practice’.

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Research

Reflexology reduces anxiety and improves quality of sleep in informal carers

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amily and friends are very often the primary caregivers for patients with cancer, despite not being paid or having any formal training, and can commonly experience sadness, anxiety, fatigue and sleep disorders (Toygar et al, 2020).

A recent randomized controlled trial carried out in an oncology unit of a university hospital evaluated the shortterm effect of foot reflexology on sleep and anxiety in 66 informal caregivers. The subjects were randomly allocated to either an intervention (reflexology) group or control (placebo) group.

The caregivers in both groups had their feet bathed and wrapped in towels before their 30-minute treatment sessions, which were carried out on three consequent days after the patient was hospitalised.

The reflexology group had a warm-up and cool-down applied before and after treatment (including cycling, treadmill, stretching exercises), with the treatment

itself focusing on the deep stimulation of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, brain, pineal and solar plexus reflex points on both feet, with the aim of reducing anxiety and promoting sleep. Those in the placebo group had the surfaces of both feet rubbed without any deep stimulation. Sleep and anxiety measures were taken at baseline and one day after the last session in the hospital.

The results of the study showed that foot reflexology had a large effect on

Kinesio taping improves somatosensory tinnitus associated with neck complaints

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innitus can be described as the perception of noise – such as humming or ringing in the ears – that is not caused by an external source.

It is believed that for around 65% of patients, tinnitus may originate from ‘complex somatosensoryauditory interactions related to the musculoskeletal system rather than the ear, which is defined as ‘somatosensory tinnitus’. Temporomandibular joint, craniocervical junction, cervical vertebrae and neck and shoulder muscles, especially the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae, are the anatomic sites for the symptom’ (Atan et al, 2020).

A small randomised controlled trial conducted in Turkey investigated the efficacy of Kinesio taping (KT) in 30 subjects with somatosensory tinnitus associated with neck complaints (Atan et al, 2020).

The subjects were randomly assigned

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to a KT group or sham taping (ST) group.

In the KT group, tape was applied to the SCM, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae muscles by inhibition technique (from insertion to origin points of muscle), as defined by Dr Kenzo Kase. In the ST group a placebo taping method, considered to be ineffective, was used.

The tape was applied to both groups, once a week, for four weeks, with various measures taken at baseline and at the end of the treatment (week four).

The results showed that tinnitus severity, tinnitus handicap, cervical pain intensity and self-reported neck function all significantly improved in the KT group compared to the ST group. The authors highlighted that ‘these results are promising, as tinnitus is known to be an untreatable symptom that adversely affects patients’ daily activities and overall quality of life. Somatosensory tinnitus, a specific subgroup of subjective tinnitus, is completely underdiagnosed due to lack of relevant research’.

anxiety and medium effect on sleep. The authors concluded that ‘foot reflexology was found as an effective intervention to reduce anxiety and improve the quality of sleep of informal cancer caregivers. The effect of placebo on reducing the anxiety of informal caregivers was found, but it wasn’t as effective as reflexology.’

CBT helps to reduce anxiety and depression in patients with Parkinson’s

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ognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a problem-focused, talking therapy commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but it can be useful for other mental and physical health problems.

A recently published systematic review and meta-analysis that looked at a total of seven studies (191 patients) found that CBT is effective in helping to relieve depression and anxiety in patients with Parkinson’s disease (Zhang Q et al, 2020).

The authors of the study highlighted that ‘in the clinical care of patients with Parkinson’s disease, CBT can be used as a first-line, nonpharmacological intervention to reduce depression and anxiety levels’.

However, they also stressed that due to poor study quality and small sample sizes, more research in this area is needed.

References For full references, go to fht.org.uk/IT-references International therapist 49

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Profile PRE-COVID-19

A Day in the life of…

Claire Best is an FHT member who works as a massage therapist from her home in Herne Hill. Last year she trained as a volunteer clinical massage therapist at Full Circle Fund Therapies in St George’s Hospital, Tooting.

12:00am – I enter the first

ward and introduce myself to the nurse in charge. She gives me an update on both patients and checks their current platelet count for me as it is protocol not to massage someone with a platelet count of less than 20k.

12:15pm –

5:30am –

I go downstairs for a mug of decaf coffee and watch the birdfeeder; two long-tailed tits visit today!

7:30am –

After showering I get my son up, dressed and fed before school, it only takes five times asking for him to clean his teeth and get his shoes on.

9:30am –

Back from dropping my son off at school, l cycle 45 minutes to my new volunteer role at the Full Circle Fund in St George's Hospital (fullcirclefund. org.uk). I find cycling wakes me up and clears my head. I smile to myself about feeling like one of the midwives in Call the Midwife but with a lot more traffic.

10:30am – I settle in my

favourite café and fuel myself with brunch. I collect my thoughts and respond to client enquiries for later in the week.

11:30am – I arrive at

St George's, sign my name in the volunteer register, change into my uniform and head off to the Full Circle Fund office where I receive a list of patients. Today I have patients from two wards, on the first there is someone with thyroid cancer and another with oesophageal cancer and on the second, two patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and two with sickle cell disease (SCD).

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The first patient, who has thyroid cancer, smiles at me and writes down that they are feeling low. We agree to massage their lower legs and feet, so I begin rearranging their pillows to support their head and shoulders. I raise the safety rails on the bed and remove their compression socks to check for any contraindications. I begin a light-touch, effleurage-based massage using grapeseed oil, which is known for its non-allergenic properties. The patient smiles and nods to give feedback before closing their eyes. The massage lasts 20 minutes and by the end they have drifted off to sleep.

12:45pm –

I introduce myself to the patient with oesophageal cancer but they are being seen by medical staff, so we agree that I'll return later.

01:00pm –

I head to the next ward. The nurses seem pleased to see me and I feel glad that I’m becoming a familiar face. I collect an updated ward list and check for lines, contraindications and infectious conditions – I always make sure I see infectious patients last to avoid cross infections. I speak to a nurse who updates me on each patient and provides me with their current platelet counts.

01:10pm –

I see a patient with SCD who explains they have had a recent issue in the thoracic region of their back.

I draw a curtain around the bed to give us privacy, they remove their t-shirt and lay down on the bed. I give them a 20 minute back, neck and shoulder massage. My pressure is gentle and my speed slow.

They are quiet but tell me how good it feels. Towards the end I let them know that I'm finishing but they are already sound asleep. I cover them in a blanket and leave them sleeping

01:45pm –

Between patients I like to ground myself and I've discovered that taking time over handwashing is not only protocol but extremely mindful. I also write up a few notes on each patient to record later.

01:50pm –

I go to see another patient with SCD but they’ve been taken for an x-ray. Instead I go and see a new patient with AML who I find subdued and they mention feeling low. They are keen to have a back massage but there is a Hickman Summer 2020

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Profile

their shoulders massaged. We agree on a seated massage, so I collect a chair, draw the curtain for privacy and massage their shoulders, neck and head, being cautious to work posteriorly. Smiling, they mouth, ‘fantastic, thank you.’

03:20pm –

In the office I have a debrief with my mentor before recording the times of my treatments and noting any details in the patient files. I munch on some shortbread biscuits and note to myself that I should start making some healthy energy balls.

04:45pm –

The admin takes me a while and I'm the last to leave so I do some stretches, change back into my cycling clothes and lock up the office.

05:00pm –

The cycle ride home gives me an opportunity to reflect on my day. I feel a rush of joy and gratitude at having been given the opportunity to work with people at their most vulnerable.

06:00pm –

line delivering medication on the right side of their chest. We agree that the safest option is not to remove their t-shirt and for them to lie on their left side in bed. I start with gentle holding techniques to reassure and calm. I then use gentle petrissage on their shoulders and neck, avoiding working near their line, and finish by gently massaging their head. The patient is sleepy throughout and whispers thank you as I cover them in a blanket and let down the bed.

02:15pm –

I write a few notes on the last patient and see that I have time for one more treatment on this ward. I give myself a moment to do some slow breathing, connect with my feet and stretch out.

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02:20pm –

This time it's a patient I've seen before with AML. They are just waking from a sleep and expecting visitors but agree that a foot massage would be lovely. The patient is wearing their own socks, which I remove.

They are very talkative throughout; I listen and occasionally interject but maintain my focus. At the end I return their socks and cover their feet in a blanket.

02:35pm –

I write more notes and pass on information to the nurses before having a drink of water. I regularly drink throughout the day, to stay hydrated.

02:45pm –

Back on the first ward, the patient with oesophageal cancer writes that they are keen on having

My husband kindly carries my bike through the house, I throw my hospital clothes in the washing machine, have a long shower, moisturise my hands and eat dinner. I read Winnie the Pooh to my son and catch up on a pottery show I love. Today has been a good day!

At the time of writing this, the country hadn’t yet been put into lockdown due to COVID-19. The Full Circle Fund project has now moved online to a Wellbeing Hub until the service is safely able to return. fullcirclefund.org.uk/ wellbeing-hub. T

To read an article published about the Full Circle Fund, founded by Suzanne Ruggles, MSc, DipHE, MFHT, please visit fht.org.uk/IT-130-full-circle

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Medical A-Z

TENNIS ELBOW Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow and in the back of the forearm (Peters, 2008).

CAUSES It is caused by inflammation of the common extensor tendon that attaches the forearm muscles to the humerus (upper-arm bone).

The inflammation can be as a result of the overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm, near the elbow joint.

As its name suggests, tennis elbow can be caused by playing tennis, but it is also just as frequently caused by other activities that place stress on the same joints.

Other repetitive activities that can cause tennis elbow include gardening, decorating and swimming.

SYMPTOMS Clients with tennis elbow may experience a pain on the outside of their forearm, just below the bend of the elbow.

They may experience more pain when carrying out daily tasks such as gripping a pen or holding small objects.

Tasks that involve twisting the forearm can cause pain, such as opening a jar or twisting a door handle.

Symptom severity and frequency can vary.

ORTHODOX TREATMENT Tennis elbow can be improved by resting the arm, applying ice packs and taking anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen.

Implied by encouragement to rest the arm, clients should refrain from carrying out the activities that caused the pain in the first place and are encouraged to rest the affected arm.

Taping the arm can help to support the muscle fibres and alleviate pain in the area.

COMPLEMENTARY AND SPORTS THERAPIES Manual therapies including as physiotherapy can benefit people with tennis elbow, according to a study on the benefits of eccentric training on lateral epicondylitis published in the 52 International therapist

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Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports (Svernlov B and Adolfsson L, 2001). In this study, 38 participants were randomly allocated into two treatment groups, one on a stretching programme (group A), the other with an eccentric exercise programme (group B). Eccentric training refers to tension being applied to a muscle as it lengthens and is when the muscle’s force-producing capacity is most optimal (O’Rourke, 2018). Of the participants in group B, 86% reported complete recovery or improvement (Svernlov B and Adolfsson L, 2001).

Acupuncture can be an effective method of supporting the symptoms of tennis elbow. It is said to help relieve symptoms by stimulating nerves located in muscles and other tissues, reducing inflammation and improving muscle stiffness (BAcC, 2015). Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the 'analytical' brain, which is responsible for anxiety (Wu 1999).

Another therapy considered to alleviate the pain of tennis elbow is

shockwave therapy. A clinical trial study on the short-term effects of shockwave therapy on tennis elbow found the pain score of participants to decrease after receiving 2000 pulses of extracorporeal shockwave.

Essential oils such as lavender can have anti-inflammatory effects and safe use could support the symptoms of tennis elbow. A study assessing the effect of Lavandula angustifolia on the acute inflammatory response found that the essential oil possesses an anti-inflammatory activity when applied topically (Cardia G et al, 2018).

NB: The information provided in this article is not all encompassing and intended as an overview only. It should not be used for the purposes of ‘diagnosis’.

Members or clients presenting with any symptoms should always consult a GP or other relevant health practitioner. The advice of a doctor, pharmacist or other suitably qualified person should be sought before taking any form of medication or treatment.

References For full references, go to fht.org.uk/IT-references Summer 2020

17/07/2020 11:05

Competition

Competition Win a body bolder positioning aid and a three-part sheet set courtesy of Affinity worth

over £200

A

s a well-respected manufacturer of massage therapy equipment for nearly 20 years, Affinity therapy couches and equipment have been created to meet the most demanding of standards. Affinity’s ergonomic designs offer professional, market leading products that are used by therapists all over the world.

Whether you are just starting out on your therapy journey or have been a therapist for several years, working with quality equipment will help you to convey a professional image and will instil trust in

your clients.

Affinity products are sold through a network of UK distributors who have been carefully selected to ensure the best customer care (most of which have great discounts in place for FHT members).

Contact us at therapyessentials.co.uk for more information.

To enter, please answer the following question: How long have Affinity been manufacturing therapy equipment?

A) Nearly 10 years B) Two years C) Nearly 20 years

Simply email your name, address, membership number and answer to Leanne at lsheill@fht.org.uk, typing 'FHT competition’ in the subject box or complete our simple online form at fht.org.uk/IT-competition. Alternatively, send your answer and details on a postcard to: FHT competition, FHT, 18 Shakespeare Business Centre, Hathaway Close, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4SR The closing date is Saturday 29 August 2020.

Visit fht.org.uk/competitions for full T&Cs

Competition winners -

International Therapist, Issue 132 FHT candle and room diffuser competition (p53) Jean Eatoe, MFHT Brouch Boggon, MFHT Julie Elder, MFHT Lucy Dibble, AFHT Emma Krumbein, MFHT Rosalind Rodger, MFHT Claire Betteridge, MFHT Hattie Prior, Student Member

Sole Trader competition Brenda Oxlee, MFHT Jayne Thomson, MFHT Spiral (p55) Winner: Nicola Duffield, MFHT

Illustration: Shutterstock

Do we have your latest email address?

Throughout COVID-19, we have been sending regular emails to our members, providing up-todate information and advice, as well as links to useful resources for when it is safe to return to practice.

If you have not been receiving these, make sure we have your latest email address by visiting fht.org.uk/email

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New products

1

PURPLE FLAME COCONUT OIL This organic extra virgin coconut oil is 100% natural and cold pressed, has a pure white colour and a natural coconut aroma. When at room temperature it resembles a butter, which then melts into an oil in the warmth of your hand and is readily absorbed into the skin.

Used as an all over body moisturiser it helps to reduce skin dryness and aids the removal of the outer layer of dead skin cells. It also helps to increase the skin’s elasticity and promotes a smoother, more youthful looking complexion.

RRP: £5.50, available from purpleflame.co.uk

New products

2 4 5

A look at some of the latest products that might be of interest to our members...

 BORN TO WALK (SECOND EDITION) BY JAMES EARLS

Born to Walk is designed to help movement therapists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists and bodyworkers understand gait and its mechanics, and will appeal to anyone with an interest in evolution and movement. It offers a concise model for understanding the complexity of movement while gaining a deeper insight into the physiology and mechanics of the walking process.

This second and revised edition provides new research on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment approaches to enhance gait efficiency. Changes include updated information and research on myofascial continuities, clear arrangement according to planes of movement, new informative illustrations based on phases of gait with EMG readings and a clear listing of the essential events.

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3

CHILDREN’S YOGA PICTURE CARDS

Children’s yoga can be a key component of any physical education programme in preschool and primary school settings.

The combination of coordination, awareness and concentration can enrich and support a child’s fundamental need to move and relax.

Elke Gulden, Gabriele Pohl and Bettina Scheer have created 30 yoga cards that include poses and sequences tailored to children’s gymnastics. Each card offers a short description of the exercise and provides child-friendly illustrations, along with a simple visualisation aid to support the exercise.

Price: £10.99, available from lotuspublishing.co.uk or amazon.co.uk

ECO-DENTA ORGANIC TOOTHPASTE This organic certified and vegan toothpaste with coconut oil helps to whiten teeth, prevent tartar formation and refresh breath. Its ingredients of coconut oil, aloe vera juice, xylitol and peppermint essential oil helps prevent the formation of plaque and dental tartar. It guarantees long-lasting freshness in your mouth and is formulated without fluoride.

RRP: £4.99 hollandandbarrett.co.uk

 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THE WHOLE BODY BY HEATHER DAWN GODFREY A practical guide to the topical application of essential oils for physical and emotional health. Written for healthcare professionals and for self-care, this hands-on guide shows readers how to incorporate essential oils into daily life to help improve physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

Presenting scientific profiles for the 15 main essential oils discussed, author Heather Godfrey, MFHT, also explores the complementary therapies that can increase the effectiveness of essential oils, including Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, and she details the colours, chakras, gemstones, and crystals that correspond with each oil.

RRP: £15.19, available from amazon.co.uk Summer 2020

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New products

 THE GURUS’ GUIDE TO REFLEXOLOGY

BY JANE SHEEHAN

The Gurus’ Guide is designed to show both experienced reflexologists and those just starting out, the many varied forms of reflexology that now exist, to enable readers to identify a reflexology specialism that interests or suits them and their skillset.

It is the first time in the reflexology field that a compendium of so many of the top reflexologists has been produced. Jane invited a group of reflexology gurus to write a chapter each, including FHT members, Lynne Booth, who writes about Vertical Reflex Therapy, and Susan Quayle, on the Children’s Reflexology Programme.

Price: £29.99, available from footreading.com

DERMALOGICA ACTIVE CLAY CLEANSER

9 7

This prebiotic cleanser helps balance oily skin with its mineral-rich clay and charcoal formula. The kaolin clay absorbs excess oil and when combined with activated binchotan charcoal, it powerfully adsorbs impurities to help balance skin.

Botanical lipids and murumuru seed work together to attract and remove excess oil while helping to protect the skin’s natural lipid barrier and promote a healthy microbiome. A rich complex of citrus, aloe and broccoli extract help purify pores while leaving skin smooth and revitalised.

Price: £35, available from dermalogica.co.uk

8

CORK YOGA BRICK

The cork yoga brick supports balance, helping you to explore new poses and comfort in your practice. Ideal for both beginner and advanced yogis, this block is made from firm, durable and renewable cork, an investment into an eco-conscious product which offers superior traction, so you don’t have to worry about accidental slips.

For those experiencing injury or other physical limitations, the cork yoga brick helps bring awareness to your body so that you can feel the engagement and necessary muscle support.

Price: £12.98, available from physique.co.uk

 THE PATIENT REVOLUTION BY DAVID GILBERT

The NHS is in crisis – it's in record demand and care services are at breaking point – but what if the solution to rescuing the NHS is in the hands of the patients themselves?

In this refreshingly positive book, David Gilbert shares the powerful real-life stories of 'patient leaders' – ordinary people affected by life-changing illnesses, disabilities, or conditions, who have all gone back into the fray to help change the healthcare system in necessary and inspiring ways.

Filled with hard-won wisdom and everyday heroism, The Patient Revolution challenges current discourse and sets out an empowering vision of how patient leaders can change the future of healthcare.

RRP: £12.65, available from amazon.co.uk

We love

We asked FHT Vice President Judith Hadley to share her favourite product with IT readers.

‘Heliocare offers a sun cream with a difference. It’s the only skincare range I know that has products with SPF90 and I swear by it; the salons and clinics I know use it and it’s recommended by dermatologists. I buy the sun cream for my husband and the tinted moisturiser (SPF-50) for myself. The tinted moisturiser is a one stop shop in a cream, it’s fantastic. It's a product I would advise to use all year around because the UV rays can damage the skin even when the sun isn’t visible.’

Price: from £15, available at amazon.co.uk Please note that product descriptions featured on these pages are provided by the supplier/manufacturer.

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Continuing Professional Development

CPD questions Below are questions relating to key articles in this issue of International Therapist. To gain three CPD points (unless otherwise stated), answer one or more questions relating to the same article, using a minimum of 300 words in total. If you don’t think the questions are helpful, don’t be afraid to pose your own, to any of the articles featured in the magazine.

FOREST BATHING (P34-37)

Q

Q

When helping a client struggling with their mental health, explain some techniques you could use to encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling, that are within your scope of practice. For example, active listening.

Q

CALM released statistics this year that showed suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45. Referring to the useful resources cited in the article, research some of the reasons why men might be more reluctant to talk about their feelings than women.

Shinrin-yoku is a Japanese term that translates to ‘forest bathing’.

The term was coined in 1982 by the director of the Japanese Forestry Agency, Akiyama Tomohide, as part of an initiative to attract people to Japan’s forests. Research the history behind forest bathing and explain the benefits of the therapy.

Q

3 Professional representation.

4 The industry’s leading professional therapist magazine.

5 Tailor-made comprehensive therapist, salon and clinic insurance policies.

6 Discounted continued professional learning.

7 The UK’s largest local group network.

8 FHT branded products and member discounts on therapy supplies.

THE SKIN COLLABORATIVE (P38-40)

10 FHT is a not-for-profit organisation run by therapists, for therapists.

Q

Scar experts, Vanessa Jane Davies and Emma Holly, explain some of the techniques they use to improve the look and feel of scars for their clients.

Research the ScarWork and skin camouflage techniques and explain how these can be used to help a client living with a skin difference.

Provide a case study of how you have supported a client affected by plantar fasciitis. (This activity would be worth 5 CPD points – for more guidance and a case study template, see fht.org.uk/cpd).

RUGBY MINDFULNESS (P42-43)

Q

Mike Lancaster, Head of Medical services at the Harlequins, talks about the benefits of mindfulness.

Research mindfulness techniques and explain how these can be used to support the health and wellbeing of your clients. T For more information about how to gain CPD points by reflecting on your favourite articles, visit fht.org.uk/cpd

2020 Annual membership fees*

56-FHT-Summer_CPD.indd 56

2 Campaigning, promoting and protecting your interests as a professional therapist.

9 Free listing on FHT’s Accredited Register, independently approved by the Professional Standards Authority (if eligible).

Q

56 International therapist

1 Professional status and recognition.

Explain how you could improve your holistic treatments by incorporating nature, either within or outside of your therapy space.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS (P28-30)

FHT Member: £62.99 FHT Associate: £68.24 Student Member**: £24.99 FHT Affiliate: £36.74 Overseas Member: from £73.49 Qualified Combined Medical Malpractice, Public and Products insurance: from £46.81

reasons for being an FHT member

*Ask our membership team about paying by Direct Debit – it could save you 5% on membership fees. **Includes case study insurance cover. £24.99 deducted from full membership fee on qualifying and upgrading.

Terms and conditions apply.

For membership and insurance information or an application pack, visit fht.org.uk or call T. 023 8062 4350.

FHT is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Ref: No. 502095

Illustrations: Shutterstock

MAN KIND (P14-18)

10

Top

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Learning

Reading room

In the reading room section of the FHT website, you will find more than 450 therapy and business-related articles and research summaries, with more added regularly.

Visit fht.org.uk/readingroom log in and have a browse.

Finding your voice in a pandemic

The HEARTS Process – a case study

Dr Peter Mackereth and Ann Carter talk about the power of the voice in creating a calm and relaxing space for clients during COVID-19. They write, ‘due to the possibility of spreading infection, our main means of communication – the therapeutic use of touch – is no longer available. To survive and thrive, we have to become more creative and find alternative approaches to offer our skills and abilities.’ In this piece, they provide useful tips such as person generated guided imagery (PGGI), incorporating sensory language and pre-planning. fht.org.uk/IT-133-RR-voice

HEARTS is a very gentle therapeutic approach devised by Ann Carter while working in a hospice. Based on sensory experience, a HEARTS session typically lasts between five and 25 minutes, and draws on Hands-on contact, Empathy, Aromas, Relaxation, Textures and Sound. In this case study, FHT member Tracy Morrow, a complementary therapist at the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast, explains how the process helped to soothe an agitated female patient with advanced rectal cancer, who she had previously been treating with reflexology. fht.org.uk/IT-133-RR-hearts

FHT Spiral No. 35

1

6

Test your A&P knowledge and win a £20 John Lewis & Partners gift card

10 11

The winner and four runners-up can also choose a pack of FHT Gift Cards (there are four designs to choose from – see shop.fht.org.uk/collections/cards).

Write your answers in a spiral from the start, working in an anticlockwise direction, towards the centre of the grid. The last letter of each answer is the first letter of the next.

The shaded diagonal line will spell out a bone.

15 13

5

14

TO ENTER Simply email the word that appears in the diagonal shaded boxes to kyoung@fht.org.uk (writing Summer spiral in the subject box) or send your answer on a postcard to the usual FHT address. Please include your name, address and membership number. Standard competition terms and conditions apply (visit fht.org.uk/competitions).

Entries to be received no later than 31 August 2020.

2

7

9

12 8 3

4

CROSSWORD CLUES 1. Lower jawbone (8) 2. Reddening of the skin (8) 3. Limb where you would find the humerus, radius and ulna (3) 4. Type of skin cancer (8) 5. Car ocean sea (anag.), chronic skin condition characterised by redness, papules and pustules (4,7) 6. Hormone associated with 'fight or flight’ response (10)

7. Protects the eye from debris and sweat and aids facial expressions (7) 8. Lacking strength (4) 9. Common name for largest sesamoid bone in the human body (7) 10. Thrombocyte (8) 11. The right atrioventricular valve, found in the heart (9) 12. Situated away from the centre of the body, opposite of proximal (6)

13. Islets of - - - - - - - - - - , found in the pancreas (10) 14. Car grins (anag.), natural healing process after tissue damage e.g. from burn, injury or surgery (8) 15. Refers to group of three muscles that make up the buttocks (7)

Where’s the solution for spiral no. 34?

We do not publish the spiral solutions in International Therapist, as completing spirals from the magazine can count towards your CPD (one CPD point per spiral quiz, a maximum of five points per year). Turn to page 53 for the name of the member who sent in the first correct spiral solution to be independently drawn from all eligible entries sent in by the allocated closing date for spiral no. 34 featured in issue 132 (Spring 2020).

Summer 2020

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Courses

FHT accredited course provider NEWS

FHT ACCREDITED COURSE PROVIDERS Q FHT accredited qualification(s) SC FHT accredited short course(s)

Natasha de Grunwald, Grunwald founder of Learn to Massage, shares ten key steps to getting online training together quickly and successfully With over 30 years’ experience in the wellness sector, Natasha de Grunwald has always managed a successful business, online and in person. ‘COVID-19 accelerated the need to deliver additional courses online, to reach more practitioners,’ says Natasha. ‘I think when this pandemic is over, the demand for highly skilled practitioners will be huge, so getting started online right now seemed like an important way to support people moving into or growing in this industry.’

In the first four days of lockdown, Natasha

developed three comprehensive online training options; two accredited Thai massage modules and a six-week business and marketing course for practitioners wanting to take their business to the next level.

To help other training providers create professional online training quickly and successfully, Natasha has shared her 10 key steps online. Download the complete checklist at learntomassage.co.uk/freechecklist-to-take-your-training-online

Marie Duggan, Duggan founder of Butterfly Touch Therapies, develops eLearning course in conjunction with clinical experience Over the past three years, Marie Duggan has developed an online course, Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care for Massage, Reflexology and Reiki to help provide therapists the opportunity to gain clinical experience from local healthcare centres in exchange for their professional services and time.

'My aim was to create an accessible learning pathway for therapists to gain clinical experience, under the guidance of a clinical or complementary therapy lead,’ explains Marie.

'This enables both parties to benefit from a respectful exchange of skills, which of course also benefits the patients.’

IRELAND

Deirdre Murray Holistic Sligo deirdremurray2@gmail.com Golden Egg Holistic goldeneggholistic.com Irish Institute of Nutrition & Health Ltd iinh.net Kerry School of Reflexology kerryreflexology.com Pyramid Holistic Centre pyramidholisticcentre.ie Saint Martin’s College of Orthopaedic Therapy stmartinscollege.ie Soul Balance Holistic Training soulbalance.com Tara School of Reflexology & Therapies maureenholistictherapies.com The European College of Reflexology and Massage ecrm.ie

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SCOTLAND

NEW Calm Academy calmacademy.com Hailey Dallas Brows Ltd Haileydallasbrows.com Holistic Ecosse makima@hotmail.co.uk Rosslyn Alternatives rosslynalternatives.co.uk Start with Touch Ltd startwithtouch.co.uk The Glasgow School of Massage theglasgowschoolofmassage.com Therapia School of Reflexology therapiagourock.com

NORTHERN IRELAND

Angel Haven angelhaven.co.uk Body and Sole School of Complementary Therapies bodyandsoleschool.co.uk

The course was launched in February 2019 and Alison Hughes from Edinburgh became the first therapist to enrol on for Reflexology.

Alison said, ‘I am so grateful that I can now offer treatments to support patients living with or recovering from cancer. A huge thank you to Marie for all her hard work and dedication and making this possible so anyone in any part of the world can do this e-learning without the need to travel.’

To read an unabridged article about the Marie's course, please visit fht.org.uk/ marie-duggans-course Dorothy Kelly Academy of Reflexology dorothykellyacademyofreflexology.com Elaine Curry with Calm Confident Kids calmconfidentkids.co.uk Logan Fertility Centre loganfertility.com New Beginnings School of Natural Therapies angelsanctuary.co.uk Sheila Nugent School of Reflexology sheilanugentschoolofreflexology.co.uk

NORTH WEST

Acupuncture Training for Therapists Ltd acupuncturetrainingproviders.co.uk Alternatively Better alternativelybetter.co.uk Angela Pollard Therapies angelapollardtherapies.co.uk Ashwood Beauty & Holistic Academy ashwoodacademy.co.uk

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Courses

Breathworks breathworks-mindfulness.co.uk British Academy of Crystal Healing britishacademyofcrystalhealing.co.uk Dawn Alderson & Co Training Academy dawnalderson.co.uk Dorn Method Academy UK (Jacqui Hamer) dornmethod.org Dorn Method Lake District dornmethodlakedistrict.co.uk Female Fitness Academy the-ffa.com Gaia School of Natural Health gaiaschool.org.uk KORE Academy Ltd koretherapy.com Natural Touch Training naturaltouchtraining.co.uk Reiki Tradition reikitradition.me.uk The Master Academy/ Urban Body Balance urbanbalance.co.uk

NORTH EAST

Anna-Louise Haigh anna-louisehaigh.com Eve’s Garden (Alison Valerie Peart) eves-garden.co.uk Jong Baik Education jongbaik.co.uk NHS Natural Health School nhsnaturalhealthschool.co.uk Pain Care Clinic paincareclinic.co.uk The No1 Pain Relief Clinic theno1painreliefclinic.co.uk Total Therapies Training totaltherapies.co.uk

EAST MIDLANDS

Cameron Reid Training cameronreidtraining.co.uk Chi Medics ™ chi-medics.com Extraordinary Kinesiology extraordinarychannels.com Fertility Massage fertilitymassage.co.uk Helen Mary Perkins helenperkins.com Infinity Training Academy infinitytrainingacademy.co.uk Lindsey Lodge Hospice lindseylodhehospice.org.uk Lumiere College lumierecollege.co.uk Penny Price Aromatherapy Ltd aromatherapy-courses.co.uk/ Progressive Kinesiology Academy UK progressive-kinesiology.co.uk Shibashi Training Academy New shibashitraininguk.co.uk Shirley Price International College of Aromatherapy shirleyprice.co.uk The Abbeyfields Clinic theabbeyfieldsclinic.co.uk The Active School of Complementary Therapy ukmassagecourses.com Total Body Therapy gentlereleasetherapy.com Tri-Dosha tri-dosha.co.uk Vitali-Chi Headquarters v-chi.com

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WEST MIDLANDS

Ascent Therapies Training Academy ascent-therapies.co.uk Bespoke Beauty and Holistic Training bespokebeauty0@gmail.com Central School of Massage centralschoolmassage.com Chakrascension™ Centre chakrascension.org.uk Core Postural Alignment coreposturalalignment.com Just BE (Butterfly Experience) with Jacqui Mexson Jacqui.mexson@virginmedia.com Lorraine Davis Holistic Healthcare and Education Centre lorrainedavistraining.com Lymphcare UK CIC lymphcare.co.uk Lymphoedema Training Academy Ltd lymph.org.uk Meridian School of Massage & Bodywork naturalhealth-centre.com Microsystems Therapies and Training annavenables.com Paadena School of Yoga & Thai Yoga Massage Therapy paadena.co.uk The UK Dorn Method Centre dornmethod.co.uk Time and Fitness for You timeandfitnessforyou.com/bt-workshop/ Timeless Partnership Ltd timelesspartnership.co.uk Tranquil Heart Training Academy tranquilheart.co.uk

WALES

Angela Green Complementary Therapies angelagreen99@yahoo.co.uk De Prez Training challengeconquered.com Gaia Education gaiaeducation.com Glyndwr University glyndwr.ac.uk Gower College Swansea gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk HB Training Wales Ltd hbtraining.org In The Pink! Therapies and Training inthepinktherapiesandtraining.co.uk Pembrokeshire College pembrokeshire.ac.uk Physiotherapy and Complementary Therapies Ltd nwcom.co.uk Sally Kay reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk Seren Natural Fertility serennaturalfertility.co.uk TEACH Therapy teachtherapy.co.uk The School of Naturopathic Nutrition Lovenaturopathy.co.uk

SOUTH WEST

Abbigail Langstone-Wring Weymouth Dorset dorsetclinicalreflexology.co.uk Amethyst Trust amethysttrust.co.uk Barnes School of Sports Therapy barnesclinic-school.com Cheltenham School of Complementary Therapy & Beauty thetherapyschool.co.uk

Coastal Therapies coastaltherapiesdevon.co.uk Core Elements coreelements.uk.com Cotswold Academy of Health and Beauty cotswoldacademy.co.uk Devon Academy of Complementary Therapies devonacademy.co.uk Devon School of Massage and Bodywork dpt.nhs.uk/locations/link-centre-ilfracombe II Intuitive Ltd 2intuitive.co.uk JemmaCo Limited jemmaco.com/training LMC Training massagefordementia.co.uk Lovegrove Essentials Ltd lovegroveessentials.com Spanu Massage spanumassage.com Sue Chinn Holistic Training Academy suechinn@btinternet.com Sunshine Hair & Beauty Training Academy sunshinetraining.co.uk The Children’s Reflexology Programme kidsreflex.co.uk The Good Hand Holistic Therapy Instruction thegoodhand.info The Seed Institute theseedinstitute.co.uk Touchline Training Ltd touchlinetraining.co.uk Tranquillity Zone Training tranquillityzonetraining.co.uk University of St Mark & St John marjon.ac.uk Weston Hospicecare westonhospicecare.org.uk With Intention Healing withintention.co.uk

SOUTH EAST

Academy of Advanced Beauty academyofadvancedbeauty.com Accredited Massage Courses Ltd accreditedmassagecourses.co.uk Aquamassage Ltd aquamassagetherapycushion.co.uk Ayurveda Institute of Europe ayurvedainstitute.org Ayurveda Pura Academy ayurvedapura.com Brighton Holistics brightonholistics.co.uk Brighton School of Massage brightonschoolofmassage.co.uk Calming Influences Ltd calminginfluences.com Centre for Nutrition Education and Lifestyle Management cnelm.co.uk Cherubs Training Academy Hampshire cherubsbabyhealth.com College of Classical Massage Ltd collegeofclassicalmassage.com CPD Health Courses cpdhealthcourses.com Elemi Training elemitraining.co.uk Freedom Therapies Training freedomtherapies.co.uk Functional Reflex Therapy functionalreflextherapy.co.uk Gladwell School of Massage gladwellschoolofmassage.com

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Courses Gong Bodywork doewarnes.co.uk Hawaiian Massage UK Training Centre huna-massage.com Holistic Beauty Academy holisticbeautyacademy.co.uk HypnoTC: The Hypnotherapy Training Company hypnotc.com Innamincka Training Services itsperou@depinaperou.plus.com Jane Sheehan footreading.com Jivita Ayurveda Ltd jivitaayurveda.com Kneads Must / Kneader Massage (KOM) kneadsmust.com London College of Massage/ Massageworks londoncollegeofmassage.co.uk London Institute of Thai Yoga Massage learntomassage.co.uk London School of Complementary Health Ltd lsch.co.uk Lucis College lucisgroup.com Mark Stevens, Hands on Holistics hands-on-holistics.com Mary Atkinson Holistic Therapy Courses maryatkinson.org.uk Murrells Hall vibrozone.com Neal’s Yard Remedies School of Natural Medicine nealsyardremedies.com Nicki Lee Massage Therapy & Training nickileemassage.com On the Spot Training Centre sallymorris.co.uk Peter Symonds Adult and Higher Education College psc.ac.uk Purple Turtle Academy ptmassagetherapycourses.com Reflexmaster reflexmaster.co.uk RJ Buckle Associates rjbuckle.com School of Natural Therapies schoolofnaturaltherapies.co.uk Shakra Centre shakracentre.com Shared Beauty Secrets sharedbeautysecrets.com Shen Mantra shenmantra.com SKN-RG Academy skn-rg.com

St Mary’s University smuc.ac.uk/shortcourses Story Massage storymassage.co.uk The Advanced Attraction Company carolynebennett101@gmail.com The Five Key Programme keyworkshops.co.uk The Holistic Academy holistic-academy.co.uk The Lancaster System lancastersystem.co.uk The School of Abdominal Sacral Massage abdominal-sacralmassage.com Time for a Change timeforachange.uk.com Total Release Experience (TRE UK®) treuk.com TouchPro touchpro.co.uk Training4Healthcare training4healthcare.co.uk UnitedMind Ltd unitedmind.co.uk Ziggie Bergman with the London School of Reflexology zonefacelift.com Ziggie Bergman zonefacelift.com

NATIONAL

Anatomy and Physiology Online anatomy-and-physiology-online-courses. co.uk Dynamic Massage dynamicmassage.co.uk/ handsfreemassage.com Essential Training Solutions Ltd essential-training.co.uk Gateway Workshops gatewayworkshops.co.uk Health Kinesiology UK hk-uk.co.uk Jennifer Young and Beauty Despite Cancer beautydespitecancer.co.uk London School of Massage londonschoolofmassage.co.uk Stonebridge Associated Colleges stonebridge.uk.com The Balance Procedure Limited thebalanceprocedure.com The College of Bowen Studies thebowentechnique.com The Chrysalis Effect thechrysaliseffect.com Wavestone Therapies Ltd thewavestone.co.uk

Womb & Fertility Massage fertilitymassage.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL

American Fitness Professionals & Associates afpafitness.com Beijing ReStart Biotech Ltd 5restart.com Blossom & Berry Baby Massage & Yoga Training blossomandberry.com Butterfly Touch Therapies Limited butterflytouchtherapiestraining.com Cosmo Kemp School of Thai Yoga Massage cosmothaiyoga.com Health Coach Institute, LLC healthcoachinstitute.com Institute of Transformational Nutrition (ITN) transformationalnutrition.com Jari Jari Spa jarijari.com.my Liddle Kidz Foundation liddlekidz.org MSTR mcloughlin-scar-release.com New Vision Therapy newvisiontherapy.co.uk PureAroma Healing Academy purearoma.com.tw Rapid NeuroFascial Reset rapidneurofascialreset.com Rinalda Therapeutic Kneads rinaldatherapeutickneads.com Shenzhen Hui Yun Aroma Health Consulting Co. Ltd huimeichiang@gmail.com Shiny Forest Ltd shinyforest.com Singapore SPA Institute spainstitute.com.sg The Arvigo® Institute LLC arvigotherapy.com The Glam Factory Salon & Academy the-glam-factory-salon-academy.business. site The Institute of Aromatherapy aromashoppe.com Wellness Cosmetology Sdn Bhd. beaubelle.com

Please visit fht.org.uk/accreditation for more information about FHT accredited qualifications and short courses.

Stay up to date with all the latest news by following us.

Facebook facebook.com/fht.org.uk • Instagram @internationaltherapistmag • Twitter @fht_Org 60 International therapist

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Promote your professional status

with our branded products.

We’ve produced a range of FHT branded products to support your business and promote your professional status, available to purchase from your Members’ Shop.

Members’ favourites include: therapy leaflets, consultation forms, gift cards and appointment cards. You’ll also find handy accessories, such as cotton shoppers, lanyards and notebooks.

Products are exclusive to FHT members and start from just £2!

Find out more at shop.fht.org.uk

61-FHT-Industry-News.indd 61 Shop advert 0618.indd 1

17/07/2020 12:54 12:52

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倀爀攀最渀愀渀挀礀 䴀愀猀猀愀最攀 簀 䠀漀琀 匀琀漀渀攀 吀栀攀爀愀瀀礀 䴀礀漀昀愀猀挀椀愀氀 䌀甀瀀瀀椀渀最簀 吀爀椀最最攀爀 倀漀椀渀琀 吀栀攀爀愀瀀礀 䐀攀攀瀀 吀椀猀猀甀攀 簀 䤀渀搀椀愀渀 䠀攀愀搀 䴀愀猀猀愀最攀 伀渀ⴀ匀椀琀攀 䴀愀猀猀愀最攀 簀 䬀椀渀攀猀椀漀氀漀最礀 ☀ 匀瀀漀爀琀猀 吀愀瀀 椀渀最 䄀氀猀漀 愀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀㨀 䐀椀瀀氀漀洀愀猀 椀渀 刀攀昀氀攀砀漀氀漀最礀Ⰰ 匀瀀漀爀琀猀 䴀愀猀猀愀最攀 ⠀䰀㌀ ☀ 䰀㐀⤀Ⰰ 䄀爀漀洀愀琀栀攀爀愀瀀礀 ☀ 䠀漀氀椀猀琀椀挀⼀匀眀攀搀椀猀栀 䴀愀猀猀愀最攀 ㄀ ㈀ 㠀 㔀 㠀 㠀 㔀 ㄀ ㈀ ㈀ 簀 椀渀昀漀䀀挀漀琀猀眀漀氀搀愀挀愀搀攀洀礀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀

眀眀眀⸀挀漀琀猀眀漀氀搀愀挀愀搀攀洀礀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀

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62 International therapist

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Training By Professionals VTCT Approved Centre

Sports • Remedial • Holistic Courses & Workshops For All Course Details Contact:

tel: 07796 297071

www.prestontherapycentre.co.uk Summer 2020

17/07/2020 11:13

Advertise in the next issue today

International Therapist has a circulation of 16,000 per issue and oers a broad range of articles - from aromatherapy and electrolysis, to sports injuries and regulation updates. The magazine is a membership beneďŹ t and is not available o-the-shelf or by subscription.

It is predominantly read by professional therapists and students who are members of the FHT, and is distributed to colleges and universities, private therapy training providers, NHS authorities and other parties interested in therapy training and practice.

To see your advertisment in the leading magazine for therapists contact us today: Stewart Dymock stewart@centuryonepublishing.uk 01727 739194

Summer 2020

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International therapist 63

17/07/2020 11:13

Looking for a professional therapist to join your team?

Advertise your job opportunity with us Listing your job opportunity with the FHT is a great way to reach qualified, insured therapists who are passionate about the work they do.

By doing so, you’ll benefit from: A listing on the FHT website, which has more than 12,500 users a month A direct link to your job listing on the FHT’s monthly newsletter, sent to more than 11,000 members who have opted in to receive it An announcement linking to your listing on our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages, which together have more than 34,000 followers

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62-65-FHT-Ad page.indd FHT job opps FP.indd 1 64

17/07/2020 19:37 11:13 16/07/2020

20 19:37

News

Industry news

The latest news from leaders within the health and wellbeing industry…

Australian Bodycare launches new extra hygienic wax As salons start to welcome clients back, hygiene is going to be a top priority with personal and intimate services, such as waxing, requiring extra attention. When it comes to waxing, ‘cross-contamination’ has always been an issue in terms of hygiene and safety, which is why Australian Bodycare innovated the hy-wax system. This ingenious system heats specially designed tubes of tea tree oil crème wax, or clear ‘soft honey style’ wax, that each require a hygienically sealed dispenser head.

Simply pop the tubes into the hy-wax digital heater to warm the wax, open, attach a new dispenser head and squeeze to apply directly to the client’s skin before impressing a waxing strip on. Fiona Peerless, Director of Australian Bodycare, said, ‘Hy-wax is designed to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.

We’ve been leaders in this field for over 20 years because hy-wax delivers that extra hygiene guarantee that protects both salons and their customers.’

Australian Bodycare is known for an infusion of tea tree oil in all its products and, as Fiona explains, this is an essential part of the hygiene mix. She said, ‘Tea tree oil is a natural extract that is known for its therapeutic properties. In particular, its inherent antibacterial and antiseptic qualities make this a key part of salon hygiene and the hy-wax system. Our tea tree oil crème wax ensures a pleasurable waxing experience while imparting extra safety and protection, as well as addressing skin issues and imperfections. When the treatment is finished, our after wax lotion with tea tree oil soothes and protects too.' n australianbodycare.com

At-home wellness platform added to Samsung smart TVs Samsung has made their wellness platform free to users with smart TVs to keep them motivated and help them achieve their fitness goals.

Services available on the platform include yoga, mindfulness, strength training, stretching, barre pilates, dance and cardio workouts.

Users are also given access to a free personalised dashboard, allowing them to set goal-based challenges and review their progress.

Won-Jin Lee, Executive Vice President of service business at Samsung Electronics said, ‘The aim of launching Samsung Health is to motivate customers to live healthier lives. Given the current climate, we hope that the launch of Samsung Health makes it easier for our consumers to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing on a daily basis.' n fht.org.uk/it-133-samsung

New celebrity-favourite massage gains FHT accreditation Shared Beauty Secrets’ (SBS) new online course in Sensory Retreats Divine Escape Massage has recently gained FHT accreditation.

Already available at the Samudra Spa in Necker Island and Urban Retreat in Knightsbridge, the massage routine is proving a favourite with celebrities.

The treatment is designed to take each client on a transformative journey of profound relaxation and deep discovery as they relax, rebalance and reset, tapping into the restorative power of all five of their senses.

The treatment combines therapeutic aromas, crystal singing bowls, rose quartz crystals, a lavender wheat eye pillow and rejuvenating massage techniques from around the world, before concluding with an infused herbal tea to complement the enriching experience. n sharedbeautysecrets.com

ECIM extends deadline for abstracts Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Congress for Integrative Medicine (ECIM) has been postponed until 26-28 February 2021.

The congress will continue to take place at the QE2 centre in London and the format will remain the same, however with the extended dates the organisers have also extended the call for abstracts deadline and anyone who is interested in presenting results of their latest research and/or clinical application, now have until 28 August 2020 to submit a paper. n ecimcongress.com/submit_abstract Summer 2020

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International therapist 65

17/07/2020 11:13

Guest column

understood, the more effective the treatment, suggestions or reassurance you provide.

Furthermore, for the first time in my medical career, I have begun to enjoy these consultations because they now provide the mutual returns of a relationship, despite being virtual.

and finally...

Dr Michael Dixon, chair of the College of Medicine and social prescribing lead for England, discusses the unexpected benefits of virtual consultations.

A

General practice will never be the same after COVID-19 and many consultations that were previously face-to-face will take place online or over the phone. That is less likely to happen for therapists, where physical presence, touch and intonation, for instance, are all so important in the treatment.

For me, the lesson has been that time really does matter and, paradoxically, virtual consultations may allow me more time for my other patients, and

s an NHS GP I often envy the very positive relationships that so many of my therapist colleagues enjoy with the patients at our practice. I also envy the amount of time that the therapists can spend with the patient, which enables them to build up a friendly rapport.

Too often medical consultations are designed to do the opposite, with our limited consultation time providing the underlying message, ‘you are not worth it’.

Having been a GP for well over 35 years, I can compensate a little because I have known many of my patients for a long time, if not decades. The sum effect of ten-minute consultations, three or so times a year, over many years – as well as delivering babies, caring for relatives or attending emergencies – enables me to build a relationship with these patients that can withstand the time pressures of an average GP consultation. It has also made virtual consultations during COVID-19 more effective, because I know the patient well.

Things are different when it comes to virtual consultations with patients 66 International therapist

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that I have never met before. Before COVID-19, I would find this ‘doc in a box’ type of consultation quite frustrating because it limited my ability to really understand what was going on or to provide a comprehensive answer to the patient’s problems.

However, the move from face-toface to virtual consultations as a result of COVID-19 has enabled me to have much longer ‘appointments’ than before and this has been a huge learning experience for me. I have found that if you give sufficient time to a virtual consultation you can discover a great deal about a patient, and the more they feel listened to and

the potential to continue ongoing relationships with patients in a cost-effective way. T

Dr Michael Dixon, LVO, OBE, is a GP, chair of the College of Medicine (collegeofmedicine. org.uk) and national clinical champion for social prescribing. He was chair of the NHS Alliance for 17 years and is a past president of NHS Clinical Commissioners.

Summer 2020

17/07/2020 11:14

In your next issue of I N T E R N AT I O N A L

The leading magazine for professional therapists

fht.org.uk

Autumn 2020

Issue 134

Equality and diversity – a look at how members promote equality and diversity in their practices and the steps that the therapy industry could take to become more inclusive

Rethinking pain – an overview of how our psychology is entwined with our physical health and how to use this knowledge to support clients Create your own – a step-by-step guide on how to create your own art to decorate your therapy space

Illustration: Shutterstock

Supporting IBS – an introduction into how aromatherapy and reflexology can be used to support irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

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