IT magazine

Autumn 2020

Issue 134

Accessible to all A look at equality and diversity in the industry

Digestive aid – Reflexology and aromatherapy for clients with IBS

Break the fall – Exercise interventions to prevent injury in the elderly

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Experience. 16 years specialising in the professional therapist sector OUR LOCATION

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I see clients at locations, in Amersham and Watford, covering teh local area of north

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west London

020 864 1135

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Juliet Sims

HYPNOTHERAPY, NLP & COACHING IN LYMINGTON, HAMPSHIRE

North East Therapies

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Hypnotherapy, NLP & Coaching in Lymington

Reflexology, Massage & Aromatherapy treatments in Newcastle

Hello and welcome to my website.

Welcome to our website Muiatem quis verita auda quam, nate si ium quas a ne pror ad que sunt, accum, que re odis sequid untemquodi vel maximint vel in eatestestem rerferrum etur aliquib usdaerat qui nitatur? Igent od quiae natiant volorestia nonsed magnat.

Ex eosam quae volupta tibuscidelis dellacc aborit exerioribus magnihi liatur alignim ilitas quatem sit abori dolupta nimi, con eversperci cupta il ilic tempor audit ex exped quam explandaecum quam inullup tatur?

Aborpore eum que ea sectur, ut ullecum era velecullab ipienduntus dolorepel il iumquia debis ventur, samendam, tem at optas nist untur? Idellatem quatur aut aut qui offici netur, con natesed ut et maiore aceat harum utem debit, sitatest, quaest quis eiciminciet latur minverum alique rempost voluptat doluptat aut reriones expeles

OUR LOCATION Our Therapy Clinic is based in Newcastle and covers the local area and all of North East England

077 2864 135

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My name is Juliet Sims and I am a fully qualified, experienced Clinical Hypnotherapist, Master NLP Practitioner, Master Time Line Therapy® Practitioner and Life & Business Coach. My practice is based in Lymington, on the edge of The New Forest, close to Southampton, Hampshire.

I am committed to helping people overcome their personal challenges and achieve positive change in their lives, whether this be on a personal or professional level. I am experienced in working in many areas and I use advanced techniques to help people achieve the change they are looking for.

Is there something in your life you would like to change?

Most people live their lives wishing that at least one part of it could be different. Whether this is something of a personal nature such as overcoming anxiety, breaking a habit or increasing self-confidence, or it is a goal or career move they want to achieve, people can look for some assistance at one time or another. I can combine my advanced skills in Hypnotherapy, NLP, Time Line Therapy® and as a Life & Business Coach to either assist you on a journey of profound change or simply help you in overcoming challenges you currently face in your life.

The website provider for professional therapists * Google analysis independently verified by Private Practice Hub. See www.webhealer.net/blog for details.

MY LOCATION I work from my private consultation room in Lymington, Hampshire and also offer Coaching sessions over Skype and FaceTime.

07768 183543

Juliet Sims HYPNOTHERAPY, NLP & COACHING IN LYMINGTON, HAMPSHIRE

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Contents

12

Autumn 2020

Issue 134

Accessible to all A look at equality and diversity in the industry

Digestive aid – Reflexology and aromatherapy for clients with IBS

Break the fall – Exercise interventions to prevent injury in the elderly

Cover feature Accessible to all

Inside...

Autumn 2020

33

Features

14

Accessible to all We share responses from our 2020 FHT Equality and Diversity survey and take a critical look at equality and diversity within the industry

20

Break the fall Members Sarah Catlow and Dr Lance Doggart explain how exercise-based interventions can prevent injury in the elderly population

28

Going digital A look at how digital systems can make ‘doing business’ easier, postCOVID-19

34

Digestive aid Kate Mulliss, MFHT, looks at how qualified reflexologists and aromatherapists can support clients with irritable bowel syndrome

38

Create your own A step-by-step guide to creating a canvas for your treatment room wall

Regulars

34

8 News update 10 Viewpoint 12 Things for Autumn 24 Here for you 26 Ask an expert 32 Six ways to...

33 Essential oil profile – Lavender 40 Top blog 41 Local groups 47 Industry news 50 A day in the life of… Vanessa Jane Davies, skin camouflage expert 52 Medical A-Z 66 Guest column... Dr Michael Dixon discusses boosting immunity

40

Members' pages 51 Members news 53 In my opinion... by Leonora Wells 54 Competition 55 New products

Learning 48 Research 56 CPD questions 57 Reading room and spiral quiz 58 FHT learning 60 FHT accredited courses

20

42

Rethinking pain Rachael Watson, MFHT, looks at the psychology behind pain

44

Blemish removal Gill Morris and Janet Turner from Sterex write about how advanced electrolysis can help to address unwanted blemishes Autumn 2020

International therapist 3

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4 International therapist

Autumn 2020

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 Leanne Rowley T. 01727 739183 E. leanne@centuryonepublishing.uk Deadlines – Winter 2020 (Issue 135) Editorial –31 October 2020 Display adverts – 31 December 2020 Published – 22 January 2021 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

hope you are safe and well and, dare I say it, still providing support to your clients in person.

At FHT, we are very aware that there are still numerous government and local restrictions in place that are impacting your work, and for this we are truly sorry. However, it is important that as professionals, we follow relevant guidelines and do all we can to protect the health and safety of our clients, ourselves, our friends and family, and the wider community. Thank you for your continued efforts and adhering to best practice at this very difficult time. It makes us very proud to have you as a member of the FHT. On a personal level, I was fascinated to learn how COVID-19 has highlighted, or even exacerbated, some of the inequalities that exist when accessing health and social care. I was attending a virtual Westminster Health Forum Conference on ‘the next steps for social prescribing’ - an amazing initiative, spearheaded by Dr Michael Dixon (see page 64) and colleagues, that enables patients to access non-medical care and support within the wider community to improve their health and wellbeing.

By all accounts, I’m pleased to report that social prescribing is doing incredibly well, but it was interesting to hear some of the speakers talk about how COVID-19 has impacted different individuals and minority groups accessing services. As well as patients literally not having the right tools or knowledge to tap into digital support, there are lots of people who need help that still aren’t been successfully reached – children and young people (particularly with

mental health problems), people in prisons, the homeless, the elderly, patients with complex health needs, and people with physical disabilities or learning difficulties. And even when some of these people have been able to access support, it’s often in a ‘segregated’ rather than an ‘integrated’ way, with the latter being more inclusive and bringing together, for example, disabled and able bodied people to play the same mainstream sport, or take part in another health benefiting activity.

While COVID-19 has obviously absorbed much of our attention in recent months, as it has forced us all to review our practices, now is the ideal time to look at how inclusive we are as individual therapists, as an organisation (FHT) and as an industry. At FHT we have made a start, but appreciate this is an ongoing commitment, which is exactly what it should be. Please have a read of our lead feature (page 14), to learn about some of the steps we can all take to become more inclusive. And there will be more to follow…

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.

Autumn 2020

International therapist 5

Presidents welcome

Welcome

L

ike many of you, I was glad to finally be able to return to practice after an extended period of lockdown but the past couple of months have certainly been far from ‘normal’. There have been new processes and procedures to put in place and introduce clients to, which for many of us has included moving away from pen and paper to online solutions (if you are yet to make the leap, you might be interested to read about some of the advantages in our ‘Going digital’ feature on page 28).

Things will be different – and difficult - for some time yet, but we will get through this.

Following government guidance, we’ve also had to plan in extra time between clients to ventilate and thoroughly clean and disinfect our treatment rooms and equipment, all of which reduces the number of clients we can see and obviously has cost implications.

Working in masks and visors also took some getting used to, though now the guidance on this has become more flexible, to allow those of us working in England to use goggles instead of the full visor, in addition to a Type II mask. I’m happy to report that, alongside other stakeholders, the FHT helped to bring about that change, after advising the government that many of our members were reporting that their visors were steaming up and actually producing droplets that could easily fall onto their clients, and particularly

when carrying out more labour-intensive treatments. But it does highlight another important point – that the guidance keeps evolving.

For that reason, whether you are in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, it is important to keep up to date with the current government guidelines for the country where you work, as well as any local restrictions that come into effect in your area. And while I appreciate that some of you are unable to return to full practice because of regional or national restrictions, please rest assured we are in regular contact with the government to help support you in getting back to work as soon as possible.

Things will be different – and difficult - for some time yet, but we will get through this.

On a personal level, I am happy to report that my clients so far have been very upbeat, keen to get back to their treatment plans and have an incredibly positive outlook. I for one am encouraging this wholeheartedly.

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

6 International therapist

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) Autumn 2020

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Autumn 2020

International therapist 7

News

NEWS

The latest health, therapy and business news...

Impact and resistance training boosts bone strength and muscle function in those with Crohn’s disease

Multi-million UK investment into research looking at COVID-19 and ethnicity An investment of £4.3 million has been allocated to explain the disproportionate death rate of people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority (BAME) backgrounds as a result of COVID-19.

Six projects in the UK have been funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to carry out this research.

Evidence has shown that BAME people are almost twice as likely to die from COVID-19 than white people and research is needed to look at why, in order to better protect the health of people from BAME backgrounds.

The projects will involve working with BAME communities to create targeted digital health messages, looking at the impact of the virus on migrant and refugee groups and the introduction of a new framework to ensure the representation of people from BAME backgrounds in clinical trials focused on testing new treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-133-activity-levels

Researchers from Northumbria University have found that certain types of exercise can support bone loss, fatigue and muscle dysfunction in people with Crohn’s disease.

For six months, 47 patients with Crohn’s disease took part in an impact and resistance training programme which included impact exercises such as skipping, squat jumps, broad jumps and high-effort resistance exercises such as lunges, press ups and bicep curls.

Participants showed significant improvements in bone and muscle health, with a bone mineral density improvement of 3.8% on average and 2.3% at the lumbar spine and femoral neck.

Other recent research has found that just a 2% improvement in lumbar spine or femoral neck bone mineral density was associated with a 28% reduction in vertebral fracture risk, and a 15-22% reduction in hip fracture risk. n Find out more at fht.org.uk/IT-134-crohns

Blood test could spot early signs of Alzheimer’s disease Studies in the US and Sweden suggest that measuring the protein p-tau217 in blood could predict early signs of Alzheimer's with an accuracy of 96%.

It is thought that this test could predict the disease as early as 20 years before symptoms develop.

Researchers also found that looking for this protein allowed them to distinguish Alzheimer's from other degenerative brain conditions.

Experts say more research is needed but they are hopeful this test could one day be offered as a more effective alternative to the memory tests and brain scans that are currently used to detect signs of Alzheimer's. n Find out more at fht.org.uk/IT-134-Alzheimers 8 International therapist

Autumn 2020

News

in brief Changes in consumer behaviour around protein and produce

UK government releases obesity strategy The UK government has outlined key steps to reducing obesity with the hope of ‘beating COVID-19 and protecting the NHS’.

This includes measures such as, a ban on TV and online adverts for unhealthy food before 9pm, an end to ‘buy one get one free’ deals on unhealthy food, calories in foods to be displayed on menus in restaurants and changes to calorie labelling on alcohol.

However, the government's strategy has been criticised for putting responsibility on the shoulders of individuals instead of tackling structural inequalities.

A similar government-backed report was published just 48 hours later entitled the ‘National Food Strategy’.

Created by Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of the restaurant, Leon, this report advises expanding the free school meals scheme, increasing the value of healthy start vouchers and an extension of the work of the Food to the Vulnerable Ministerial Task Force.

A second part of the National Food Strategy is set to be published in 2021 and will look closely at climate change issues and bioscience in the workplace. n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-134-obesity

New rare blood cancer treatment gets green light for NHS in England A new drug called brentuximab vedotin has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to treat adults living with a type of fast-growing lymphoma.

Used in combination with chemotherapy, the drug could give people more time before their disease progresses, helping them to live longer.

One clinical trial found that participants using brentuximab with chemotherapy were almost twice as likely to survive beyond the 5-year evaluation period than participants only receiving chemotherapy.

This new treatment will be offered as a first treatment option for people with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-134-cancer-treatment Autumn 2020

The research company Mintel predicts that as we enter a post-COVID-19 era, consumers will buy meat in smaller quantities and less frequently.

The change in consumer behaviour is thought to be due to ethical and environmental motivations for eating more plant-based products as well as more awareness that protein can be gained from plant-based foods.

Researchers say that health and disease prevention through eating well will be important to consumers in the long-term as a result of the pandemic. n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-134-protein

47% of women don’t feel ready for the menopause A study by the beauty company, Avon, has found that 47% of women feel unprepared and uninformed when it comes to the menopause.

Over 700 women aged between 45 and 54 years old from countries across the world took part in the quantitative study.

Of those participants, 44% were unaware of perimenopause with nearly six out of ten British women saying they were not aware of perimenopause when it started.

To conclude, Avon encouraged women to help themselves and future generations by speaking up and sharing their experiences. n Access the report at fht.org.uk/IT-134-menopause

E-bikes are a good way of exercising A US study on the effects of electronic bikes has found that they increase the heart rate enough to provide individuals with the opportunity to meet physical activity guidelines.

Participants of the study were asked to complete moderate to vigorous intensity mountain biking using an e-bike and a mountain bike for 5.5 miles.

They were asked to fill out a questionnaire pre- and post-ride, and heart rate data was collected and compared against each other.

The average heart rate for 31 of the 33 participants during the e-bike ride was 94% of the average heart rate during a conventional mountain bike ride. Therefore, the e-bike still achieved a high exercise response and exceeded physical activity thresholds. n Access the report at fht.org.uk/IT-134-bikes

International therapist 9

Have your say

Viewpoint Early member of the FHT returns with associate membership

Summer 2020

Issue 133

Man Kind

I first became a member of the FHT in the 1980s and then left in 2000 to pursue a career in the Caribbean as a Spa and Wellness Consultant. I achieved some incredible things while in the Caribbean; becoming a spa partner for the world travel award winning, Rockhouse Hotel and Spa and Skylark Beach Hotel were key highlights of my time there! When I returned to the UK in 2010, I rejoined the FHT. I remember speaking to a man on the phone and asking him if I could have my old membership number back, he politely said "Linda, I’m not sure our membership records go back that far!". Now, in 2020, I am pleased to have rejoined the FHT again as an associate member. n Linda Hall, AFHT

The skin collaborative – Two FHT members come together in business

Summ

er 20

Ma Kindn

Issue

Suppo wellb rting the male eing of client s

+

Down An in at heel – plantatroduction r fasc to iitis The sk – Tw in collabo come o FHT memrative businetogether in bers ss

International Therapist redesign I N T E R N AT I O N A L

The leading magazine for professional therapists

Spring 2020

Issue 132

fht.org.uk

Health and happiness

Mindful beauty – A look at an eco-friendly beauty salon

rds · Nom wa

rds · No wa NOW m

ellence A xc

+

Fuelled by plants – Plant-based diets and sports performance

cellence A Ex

Promoting happiness in ourselves and others

OPEN

tions fo r ina

2020 SEE PAGE P55

FHT E the

10 International therapist

Down at heel – An introduction to plantar fasciitis

tions for t ina

I loved your article, Mindful Beauty, in the Spring issue. I think it’s important for us as therapists that we look at and think about issues around the products we use for our clients.

I have been an aromatherapist for six years now. I work with private clients and have worked in a hospice with patients who have cancer, COPD, MSD and other conditions. As a therapist I love using candles when carrying out treatments to create a warm, comforting and inviting environment, but a few years ago I had a hard think about all the unnatural substances we are inhaling every time those candles were lit. So, I decided to create my own range of soy wax candles using essential oils.

It’s been a year in the making and finally I have my own range of kensho candles. No doubt this year has been incredibly hard for therapists like me, it’s still hard to tell how we will be able to

+

2020 FHT he

Mindful beauty feature (Issue 132)

Supporting the wellbeing of male clients

operate safely, so this concept that was born from the idea of providing clients natural products has really kept me going through this tough time, and I think that we will all be looking at ways of adapting when we do go back to work. n Manjit Kohli, MFHT.

Sincere credit where it’s due, the Summer issue is lovely. From an aesthetic point of view, the front cover is spot on. My husband has even picked it up to have a read, which is a great compliment in itself!

I genuinely look forward to receiving my copy and can’t believe how quickly time has gone during lockdown from receiving the last issue to receiving this latest issue. I love flicking through it to start, then I head to the featured essential oil page, then to the book recommendations. Once I’ve done my scanning, I settle down to read it methodically cover to cover with a calming cup of herbal tea. It’s a precious ritual that truly gladdens my soul and lifts my spirits.

I value feedback and hope you all can take the time to sit back and be proud of what you’ve created, seeing how much of a valued and cherished quarterly gift the magazine is. It’s been quite a lonely and rather bleak few months - being locked away from clients, friends and family and your magazine is like a hopeful conversation with a like-minded friend.

Thank you. n Emma Livingstone, MFHT. Autumn 2020

20

133

Have your say

Nature and Wellbein Nature and Wellbein

g

g

Fuelled

by Plants feature

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

called it all started is The place where located near Agematsu a Japanese hinrin-yoku is Akasawa Forest, Prefecture. It translates term that literally Town in the Nagano of coniferous . It refers to acres as ‘forest bathing’ comprises 1,800 in a forest made up of the immersing oneself forest and is largely with There are eight and deeply connecting t Kiso Hinoki cypress. of an average length this natural environmen active trails with is fully one of which two kilometres, through the senses. by the 1982 in accessible. coined wheelchair The term was Agency, has been protected Japanese Forestry This forested area director of the In 1970, it became as part of an initiative since the mid-1600s. in Japan Akiyama Tomohide, The recreation forest to Japan’s forests. the first natural was to attract people bathing event relaxation and and the first forest 100,000 aim was to stimulate approximately in forest visitors, there in 1982. held wellbeing improve Forest, mostly that if the woodlands people visit Akasawa by major with the hope health a regular basis as a source of workers sent on it were considered in Tokyo.  than just a resource, corporations based ss restoration rather a sense of protectivene would also spark conservation. and encourage

S

l therapist 35

Internationa

(Issue 132)

Summer 2020

Summer 2020

l therapist

34 Internationa

Forest bathing feature (Issue 133)

I enjoyed my Spring issue of International Therapist and was pleased with the nonglossy cover and the redesign. The non-glossy cover feels more sustainable and I liked that the plastic wrapper is recyclable and carbon neutral - thanks to the FHT for making steps to go green.

I read the article ‘Fueled by Plants’ feature with interest, having been a vegan for about 20 years, and vegetarian for some 5 years prior to that. I felt that it was generally a well-referenced balanced article, although I would argue that it’s actually not difficult to get the necessary vitamins and minerals from a plant-based diet.

Generally, people who eat a vegan diet have a much greater awareness of their food intake and are more likely to be eating plenty of natural products that contain what they need and are also more likely to ensure they have a balanced diet. Many people, particularly if reliant on ready meals, are often not really aware of what’s actually in their food, tend not be eating very healthily, and are less likely to be eating the minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Plant-based diets are not just a good idea for athletes, the whole population could benefit from reducing meat and dairy intake and increasing plant-based protein, grains, fibre and fruit and vegetables, and also the planet would benefit as well (as recommended by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). n Alyson Tyler, MFHT

Online chat Facebook IT Summer 2020 @Mary Atkinson Great to see a man on the front cover - so important to help support wellbeing for male clients. Thank you for another excellent magazine. I am probably old fashioned but I like flipping through a hard copy.

Sign a petition and template to write to your MP @Victoria Jackson Well done FHT. not just about getting back to work, it’s about recognition and getting more financial help if we can’t open.

Instagram Sign the IHCs petition to the government @leytonsportsmassage I’ve signed the petition, shared it in FB groups (including my own Massage Mentor Free Therapist group) and written to my MP. Next up: sharing it with clients!!

Autumn 2020

The Summer International Therapist magazine was full of good things as always, but I wanted to thank you for the forest bathing article on pages 34-37. As we gradually return to work, many have been forced to make changes to therapy rooms and use our healing spaces in different ways. I found this article very inspirational.

I have started working with windows and internal doors open more than usual and I'm now offering a forest bathing style reflexology session. I’ve placed some bamboo outside which provides lovely greenery and gentle sounds when the window is open, and the bamboo is moved by the breeze. I’ve also been prepping my room with subtle woodland aromas and using warm Weleda pine bath milk foot wraps before a treatment session.

I have also carefully chosen tracks from the wonderful I Chill music selection. These were all simple, inexpensive, changes that have been achievable since re-opening after the COVID-19 lockdown and they have been met with very positive comments. n Hazel Curtis, MFHT

Twitter Tips for working remotely @FullCircle_Fund So grateful to our kind friends@FHT_Org, @urbanveda and @nelsons_press for giving us 50 #WellbeingPacks for our #NHS colleagues who are supporting #Cancer, #Transplant & #SCD patients #RightNow #NHSstaff #Wellbeing #resilience #whenitmattersmost @StGeorgesTrust #BuildBackBetter

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

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Things for Autumn

Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dance on a windy day"

Things for Autumn

SHIRA TAMIR

18 October

October

Sow your cold-hardy vegetables such as carrots, kale, cabbage and Brussel sprouts. If you plant them now, they should be ready in time to make a perfect accompaniment to your Christmas dinner.

November

Did you know that small animals such as hedgehogs and field mice can sometimes hide in bonfires?

Raise awareness and encourage people to check for animals by sharing these ten top tips for protecting wildlife. fht.org.uk/wildlife

26 November

Though typically a tradition celebrated in America, Thanksgiving is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the year so far and give thanks to loved ones. Take the time to send a message and tell a friend or family member why you are thankful to have them in your life.

A recent survey by beauty company, Avon, found that 47% of women don’t feel ready for the menopause.

This World Menopause Day, make a difference to future generations of women by breaking the stigma around talking about the menopause.

5 November

Try something new this bonfire night and watch a drone display instead of fireworks.

Check if there’s anything local to you or marvel at the incredible drone shows across the world from the comfort of your home. fht.org.uk/light-display

31 October

Decorating your home doesn’t just have to be at Christmas.

Go spooky with pumpkins, bats and ghouls for the kids, or use Halloween as an excuse to bring autumn inside with leaf garlands and seasonal flowers. fht.org.uk/autumn-crafts

November 22 - December 21

Did you know that you can find essential oils corresponding to birth dates in astrology? Sagittarius corresponds with the essential oil ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata).

Known for its sweet scent and soothing properties, ylang-ylang can be perfect for relieving emotional stress during tense times - why not try a few drops in a diffuser or oil burner?

View our articles on aromatherapy for information on safe use of essential oils at fht.org.uk/reading-room.

01 December

Cold water swimming is said to boost the immune system and improve mental health. Invigorate yourself by taking a dip in your local sea or river this December. Please note: it is important to warm up slowly when exiting the water and to seek GP advice if you have an existing condition that may be impacted by the shock of cold water.

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Autumn 2020

CPD Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care

The evaluation of healthcare is increasingly based on Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) The Warwick Holistic Health Questionnaire is a valuable tool to assess complementary, alternative & integrative approaches to healthcare. Capturing outcomes of importance to clients and practitioners, the WHHQ uses positive statements to measure mental, physical, social and spiritual wellbeing.

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.

For further information visit www.warwick.ac.uk/whhq

eLearning for Massage Reflexology or Reiki Adapt Your Therapies To Treat Patients With Cancer .

Unique eLearning course created from award winning Cancer Care Workshop Also suitable for healthcare professionals working within Oncology.

Learn in your own time, in your own home, at your own pace www.butterflytouchtherapiestraining.com E: marie@butterflytouchtherapiestraining.com

Autumn 2020

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Therapy practice

Accessible to all

We share responses from our 2020 FHT Equality and Diversity Survey, take a critical look at equality and diversity within the industry and discuss actions we can all take to improve inclusivity.

T

he death of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement led us to consider the actions that the FHT can take to promote anti-racism within the industry. It also drove us to question where the gaps lie when it comes to equality, diversity and inclusivity and to consider the steps we could take to create change.

We identified three key areas to look at: the diversity of therapists, the diversity of clients and the adequacy of training to cater for a diverse client base. To find out more, we asked our members to fill out the 2020 FHT Equality and Diversity Survey and tell us their views.

STATISTICS FROM OUR DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY SURVEY

Thank you to all of you who took the time to respond, below we have highlighted some key feedback from the survey.

Diversity of therapists

We asked survey respondents, ‘do you consider yourself part of a minority group?’

78% NO

22% YES

Though the overwhelming response was 'no', it led us to consider that the term ‘diversity’ may mean different things to us all and that ‘diversity of client base’ should be considered in relation to the area where a service is being provided.

Challenges when promoting diversity

We asked survey respondents, ‘have you faced any challenges when trying to promote diversity?’

60% NO

17% YES 23% NOT SURE

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‘Apart from including my friends and family in my own photos for the website, it has been quite challenging to find good quality photos that I can use for my digital and physical marketing materials.’ Survey respondent, MFHT.

Training

We asked survey respondents, ‘During training did you learn to offer treatments that support a wide range of clients?’

7% NOT

‘The only diversification in practice that was covered during my training was age related, and generally related to pressure application.’

Survey respondent, anonymous.

30% NO

SURE

63% YES

‘Most basic training seems to be how to deal with a typical “cookie cutter” client. Apart from addressing health issues in the initial consultation, there was very little discussion around, for example, adjusting your massage table for a wheelchair user, or communicating with a person who is deaf. I believe diversity training needs to be added to all Level 3 courses.’

Survey respondent, MFHT. Though it is positive that 63% of respondents felt their training was adequate for equality and diversity, it is important to consider that this may only relate to certain courses and that respondents might be unaware of the gaps that exist.

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Therapy practice

Caroline Boulton, MFHT, talks about creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive therapy space...

Inclusivity

We asked survey respondents ‘do you think there are inclusivity gaps within the therapy industry as a whole?’

‘We live in a society with systemic racism so there is no reason to think it wouldn’t NOT exist in our industry as much SURE as any other. It’s probably more evident in the beauty sector, as beauty ideals and fashion tend to be focused on white people. But without anti-bias and race awareness training, most white people are unaware of their own privilege and don’t actively challenge racism.’

Survey respondent, MFHT.

25% 39% NO 36% YES

The fact that the highest response to this question was ‘not sure’, made us consider whether there has been enough research on equality and diversity within the industry.There are indications that research in this area is being undertaken, with organisations such as the British Beauty Council having recently published their diversity and inclusion report. It is also worth mentioning that inclusivity gaps may be visible if we broaden our awareness of what an inclusive industry could look like and work to address those using the tips outlined in this feature.

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I believe treatments that improve physical and mental wellbeing must be accessible to everybody and delivered in an inclusive and safe environment. This is why being able to offer an LBGTQ+ inclusive therapy practice is so important to me.

My current client base includes people from the LGBTQ+ community, from a range of ethnic backgrounds and people with health conditions. At my practice, we treat everyone as individuals and without preconception.

Making small changes within your therapy practice can go a long way to making your LGBTQ+ clients feel immediately comfortable, this is hugely important because they are likely to be feeling more anxious on initial assessment.

A few examples of the anxieties that someone from the LGBTQ+ community might be feeling are, being misgendered or being asked their medical history in a non-trans-affirming way, they may also have had a previous discriminatory experience within a healthcare setting. A trans or non-binary* client may not be comfortable in their own body, leading to anxieties about their treatment. They may pick up on any uncomfortability felt by the therapist or notice intolerant reactions of others working within the practice, they may also be concerned about the availability of appropriate toilet facilities.

All our clients will have different experiences of being LGBTQ+ so we always ensure to ask what something means to them, rather than us making assumptions. If a client feels seen and validated from the moment they walk through the door, their experience of treatment is more likely to be positive and effective in enhancing wellbeing. *People who understand their gender in a way that goes beyond simply identifying as either a man or a woman.  International therapist 15

Therapy practice

Creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive practice

1

Disclosing gender

It is important that the decision to disclose gender remains up to the individual. Within the clinic we have tailored our paperwork to include all pronouns (she/her, he/him, they/them), as well as the spectrum of gender identities. Some clients who come for treatments may also be exploring their gender so there is acknowledgement that pronouns or name may change during a course of treatments. In rare cases of misgendering, apologies are made swiftly and confidently.

2Approaching treatment collaboratively Treatment is approached collaboratively to ensure the treatment room is a safe space for my clients.

Trans clients may never have experienced positive touch before and may feel worried about being judged if their body image does not ‘match’ ingrained societal expectations. I will always ask the client to wear the clothing they are comfortable in and alter my techniques to work around this. I will assume the client may not be comfortable in their own body so will explain the steps of my treatment as I carry it out, working to how their body responds to treatment and regularly asking how they are feeling.

3In and around your practice

Having rainbow and trans flags in our front window communicates to the LGBTQ+ community that our centre is inclusive and welcoming. Our toilet is gender neutral too, which we make clear on our website.

4Professional development

Therapists can improve their own knowledge by researching online for relevant articles on how LGBTQ+ clients can benefit from therapies and the common barriers.

Trans-awareness training courses are also delivered in certain cities and online.

Conclusion In the future I would like to see a therapy industry where diversity is no longer a surprise and where everyone feels confident to access therapies. I would also expect training on how to work with diverse bodies to become an integrated part of our industry and an expectation of every course.

Caroline Boulton has been a sports therapist for 26 years. She runs her own clinic in Wilmslow, Cheshire and is an expert in sports injury rehabilitation, watt bike coaching and training. handforthsportsinjurycentre.co.uk

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Denise Berwick, MFHT, looks at using localisation to increase diversity and how to support clients from a low socioeconomic background...

I worked as a youth worker and project manager before training as a reflexologist and was given a broad range of equality and diversity training.

This training, paired with having worked in a diverse community, helped shape me and increased my understanding of inclusivity. It grounded me in good practice, such as being aware of the language I am using and the language that is being used around me, indirect discrimination, unconscious bias, emphasising the benefits of diversity and offering appropriate support.

When I became a reflexologist in 1997, my aim was to make reflexology inclusive to the community that I lived in. As a reflexologist in rural Gloucestershire, I believe that localisation is a sustainable way for therapists to build business. Working locally strengthens our ability to withstand ups and downs, to contribute to the local economy and to respond to the needs of our communities.

My current client base includes people living with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, men, older people, full-time carers and people struggling with their mental health. I currently only treat one person from the BAME community which reflects the area I live and work in. I find it helpful to use the demographics of my local community as a measure of how diverse my client-base is (this information is available through your local council).

Supporting clients financially Years ago, I made connections with local GP surgeries by contacting local health visitors and speaking to them about reflexology and the way I wanted to work. From these conversations it became clear to me that those who might benefit the most from reflexology treatments may struggle to pay for the service. I decided that the best way to ensure I could continue to support these clients was to come to an arrangement, below are just a few of the ways I support my clients financially: n Working collaboratively to decide what they can pay at the time. This also means that when they are in a financial position to be able to pay more, they are often honest enough to do so. n Offering a gift economy where a client can exchange goods or services in return for a treatment. n I provide an agreed number of free treatments to clients who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening health condition.

Overall, I find that there is a financial flow and I have a steady income to meet my needs. How much I charge where there is financial hardship is done case by case, nobody so far has abused this and it helps that I have a steady stream of clients who don’t have difficulty paying.

My vision for the future is to see a richly diverse multicultural industry where practices are regularly reviewed and reacted to where necessary.

Denise Berwick, MFHT, is a reflexologist, stress management practitioner and natural mindfulness guide based in Gloucestershire. deniseberwick@icloud.com

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Therapy practice

Hinna, MFHT, explains the steps she takes to make her therapy practice more inclusive for her BAME clients...

I have a diverse client base with people from Indian, Pakistani, blackCaribbean, Bangladeshi, British Asian and black-British backgrounds. The majority of my clients are either in fulltime employment or are retired.

I have always loved languages and am fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi and French, I also speak a variety of regional dialects. I am often approached by a family member of a potential client to ask if I can communicate with their relative. One of the first things I am usually told is, ‘my mum can’t speak English, she has mobility issues would you be able to help?’ I use my listing on the FHT therapy directory to raise awareness of the different languages I speak, I also list my qualifications and I have uploaded photos of myself so that people can familiarise themselves before they meet me. When I meet my client in person I sit and have a chat with them in a language they feel comfortable speaking in. I ask them

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what they would like their treatment to entail, how they are feeling and if they have any concerns.

Many clients are nervous but when I do communicate to them in their mother tongue, they begin to open up.

It is important that as a therapist I can empathise with my clients and create a space where they feel comfortable.

Accessing complementary therapies is normal in many cultures but language barriers can make it a struggle for individuals to find a replacement once a person has left their native country. Being able to communicate effectively has led to me making incredible bonds with my clients and a strong feeling of connection.

Above and beyond language, I am aware that I need to promote complementary therapies in a way that my BAME clients can relate to.

Below are just a few of the ways I achieve this: n R elating my treatments to ones my clients may be familiar with in their own native countries. n U sing products and oils that my clients have grown up using. n Being careful of not using technical jargon. n Explaining why I am using certain techniques during the treatment.

I am optimistic about the future in terms of equality and diversity in our industry. If therapists are able to support clients from different backgrounds, then why is this not the norm? I hope the industry can take note and move with the times because these conversations are here to stay.

Hinna, MFHT is a complementary therapist with over 12 years’ experience. She has a diverse range of clients varying from athletes, the corporate sector and those with learning difficulties. facebook.com/hinna_relaxology

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Therapy practice

Creating change

Conclusion

We had some helpful feedback on the actions that the FHT and the industry as a whole can take to improve equality and diversity. From this feedback, we have outlined some of the short-term actions we pledge to take. n Training and CPD focused on how to increase equality and diversity within your therapy practice. n Regular articles within International Therapist magazine on equality and diversity and sharing stories from therapists from a diverse range of backgrounds. n Recognising the contribution of therapists from a diverse background at FHT events. n Continuous review of the imagery used in FHT marketing materials both in print and online. n Regular reviews of policies and practices.

This has been a difficult time for many as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the incredibly sad and angering news about George Floyd. These events have made us all take a broader look at the way we live and the impact it has on the world around us. The FHT is no different, we have taken an inward look at the way we operate and outlined our own commitments to anti-racism.

Going forward, we will continue our efforts to support and encourage inclusivitiy, across all levels of the industry. In the meantime, as well as the tips provided by members in this article, we have highlighted a few simple changes you can make to create a more inclusive practice in our 'six ways to' regular (page 32).

Though we are at the start of the road when it comes to initiating wide-scale change, it is positive that each step we take could make a difference to more people accessing therapies and feeling comfortable doing so. T

The FHT has produced six antiracism commitments that embed into everything we do. This document is available to view at fht.org.uk/antiracism-commitments We will be keeping members informed about our long-term ambitions to creating change in the industry in future issues of the magazine, please keep an eye out for the latest from us.

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We have also considered what a fully inclusive industry could look like and how that could one day be achieved.

To gain five CPD points, visit fht.org.uk/CPD and download a reflective practice on this feature.

What are your thoughts?

We would love to know what you have been doing to increase equality and diversity within your therapy practice.

Do you have any information you’d like to share with other members on this topic?

Please email Leanne Sheill at lsheill@fht.org.uk writing ‘equality and diversity’ in the subject box.

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Therapy practice

USEFUL RESOURCES There are lots of resources available to increase your own awareness of equality and diversity, including online training and resources, tests, podcasts, books and communities.

ORGANISATIONS & WEBSITES Your local council - Through your local council website you can find helpful statistics on the diversity in your area. n gov.uk/find-local-council Harvard implicit bias – Any of us could have an unconscious bias as a result of the environment we are brought up in.

Harvard have created a series of short free tests to check your unconscious biases, educational links are provided at the end for further information. n implicit.harvard.edu/implicit Future Men – A charity looking to break the social constructs around male behaviors and expectations. This website includes information on community groups and how to contact these for support on encouraging men to access therapies. n futuremen.org/who-we-are Black Lives Matter – Resources to support the Black Lives Matter movement. n blacklivesmatter.com Scope UK – A charity focused on achieving equality for disabled people with useful resources and information. n scope.org.uk FHT Education– Find training that offers guidance in supporting clients with

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additional needs. Please be aware that the FHT is looking to broaden its scope on equality and diversity but we do have training in cancer care, mental health and working with babies and young people.

FHT.ORG.UK/TRAINING Articles to help you diversify your business n fht.org.uk/diversity-best-practice n fht.org.uk/forbes-business-advice n fht.org.uk/workplace-diversity

PHOTOGRAPHY Free stock images of people from BAME and LGBTQ+ backgrounds. n nappy.co n eyeforebony.com n genderphotos.vice.com

APPS Duolingo - A free gamified language learning app that helps you to learn languages such as Polish, Hindi, Japanese and Swahili. n duolingo.com British Sign Language (BSL) - This free app provides level 1 sign language tutorial. BSL has also been providing their level 1 course at a discounted rate over the pandemic. n british-sign.co.uk

PODCASTS Nancy - Stories and conversations about the LGBTQ+ experience today. Prepare to laugh and cry and laugh again. n wnycstudios.org/podcasts/nancy About Race - Reni Eddo-Lodge, author of the book ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking

to White People About Race’ looks at the recent history that has led to the politics of today. n aboutracepodcast.com Diversifying the Wellness Industry by Yoga Girl - Rachel Brathen discusses how making a change begins with recognising just how far we are from equality and diversity within the wellness industry and taking active steps towards change every day. n yogagirl.com/podcast

BOOKS Biased: The New Science of Race and Inequality by Dr Jennifer Eberhardt In this book, Jennifer explains how these unconscious biases affect every sector of society, leading to enormous disparities from the classroom to the courtroom to the boardroom. n fht.org.uk/inequality-book Complementary therapies for older people in care by Sharon Tay - A book for complementary and beauty therapists working with older people in care, this book offers unique information and practical advice on the issues that are often overlooked in training. n fht.org.uk/older-clients-book Unlocking generational codes by Anna Liotta – Generational expert, Anna Liotta, explains how to overcome the ‘generation gap’ to effectively communicate and develop meaningful relationships with members of all the generations in the workplace and in everyday life. n fht.org.uk/generational-codes-book

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Your Anatomy body& Physiology

Break the fall

Sarah Catlow and Dr Lance Doggart look at how exercise-based intervention can prevent injury in the elderly population

T

he number of people aged 65 and over is projected to rise by over 40% in the next 17 years to more than 16 million (Office of National Statistics, 2015). Thirty percent (30%) of people aged 65 and over will be treated for an injury at least once a year and for those aged 80 and over, this figure rises to 50% (NICE, 2013). The most common cause of injury within the older population (65 and over) is falls, with the overarching mechanism being that of the severity and magnitude of the impact from the fall. This can have a devastating impact on the individual and significantly affect their health, wellbeing, independence and confidence.

Older people generally lose muscle strength as they age. This reduction in muscle strength and associated weakness means that older people are more likely to have problems carrying out their daily activities (Liu and Latham, 2009).

The resultant injuries from falls have a

20 International therapist

sizeable impact on the healthcare system, estimated to cost the NHS around £1 billion a year (Leal et al, 2016). Falls later on in life are often dismissed as an inevitable part of the aging process, however the reality is many of these can be prevented. There is substantial empirical evidence to suggest that appropriately prescribed exercise interventions can help prevent falls, with sports therapists playing a crucial role in their prevention (Martin et al, 2013).

Risk factors There are a large number of risk factors associated with injury and falls in the elderly including: • a history of falls • muscle weakness • poor balance • visual impairment • environmental hazards • high alcohol consumption • specific medical conditions - arthritis, cognitive impairment, depression,

diabetes, incontinence, Parkinson’s disease, and strokes.

Fall prevention exercise interventions There is strong evidence to support the use of exercise in the prevention of injury in the older generation.

The use of exercise, as a prevention intervention method, is important as a loss of muscle strength in advancing age is the primary limiting factor for functional independence (Dinan-Young and Skelton, 2016). Multi-component strength and balance activities, including flexibility, are key to improving physical function (Jadczak et al, 2018). In addition, balance and mobility are essential to the successful performance of most activities associated with daily living, as well as the ability or confidence to take part in recreational activities.

The Health Survey England (NHS Digital, 2016) found that in adults aged 19-64, only 34% of men and 27% Autumn 2020

Anatomy & Physiology

of women met both the aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines. This number declines rapidly with age. For those aged over 65, 13% of men and 10% of women meet both guidelines, with those over 75 both reporting closer to 5%.

Given the lower levels of physical activity amongst the population of older adults (Strain et al, 2016), small increases in the volume of daily physical activity can produce important health and functional benefits. Even once-weekly training would represent a substantial increase in physical activity among the frailest and could be expected to help in the prevention of age-related loss of muscle strength (DiFrancisco-Donoghue et al, 2007).

Evidence-based strength and balance

Exercise Intervention

exercise programmes reduce fall rate and risk. They can be cost-effective and will increase confidence and general wellbeing (Sherrington et al, 2017).

These programmes could be group or home-based, with strength and balance activities embedded within everyday activities. The table below suggests methods that can be recommended and delivered by a sports therapist, to help reduce the loss of muscle strength and mass, focussing on reducing the number of falls by improving balance and gait ability. These exercise interventions would promote neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations and therefore help to improve functional capacity in the elderly population. Furthermore,

because muscle power is an important predictor of functional capacity, strategies to develop skeletal muscle power in this population group are important.

The therapist has to correctly assess the individual and design a programme that is unique to the situation and will yield the biggest outcomes. The Otago Exercise Programme has been shown to be most effective for older adults with significant loss of capacity, aged 80 years and over (Robertson, et al, 2002); Tai Chi for those with mild deficits in strength and balance (Gillespie et al, 2012) and falls management exercise (FaME) for independently living frequent fallers (Skelton and Mavroedi, 2018). ďƒ

Definitions

Gait, balance or functional training

Gait and balance problems are common with advancing age; these are particularly important because they compromise independence and contribute to the risk of falls and injury. Problems with balance and gait does not allow the individual to compensate for stance/gait perturbations (reactive balance) and capacity to stand and walk (steady-state balance).

Many of these exercises can be incorporated into activities of daily living (ADL) tasks.

Resistance training

A properly designed resistance training programme can improve mobility, physical functioning, performance in activities of daily living, and preserve the independence of older adults. Studies on resistance training in the elderly have shown that this type of exercise intervention can improve neuromuscular activity, muscle mass, strength, power, and functional capacity, as well as enhance cardiovascular function when prescribed in combination with aerobic training.

Tai chi

Tai chi emphasizes continuous slow and flowing movements, unilateral to bilateral shifts of body weight, and rotation of the trunk, head and extremities, combined with a deep diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation. During these movements, the individuals have to control their centre of gravity and remain very stable. It is a suitable exercise for the older generation because of its low impact and slow speeds.

Dance

Dance can be modified for the individual. It is easily accessible, fun and invigorating, as well as having a social element. Older individuals who dance on a regular basis have greater flexibility, postural stability, balance, physical reaction time, and cognitive performance than older adults who do not dance on a regular basis (Kattenstroth et al, 2011).

Aqua- aerobics

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Water-based exercise has been shown to have similar cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits for older people as land-based aerobic exercise.

It is low impact, improves flexibility, strength and balance, and has a positive psychological effect.

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Your Anatomy body& Physiology

Recommended exercises to prevent falls Below is an example of best practice guidelines, adapted from Sherrington et al (2011), which highlight features of exercise programmes which are likely to be associated with greater fall prevention effects.

1

Exercise must provide a moderate or high challenge For example, balance exercises should: • reduce the base of support • move the centre of gravity • reduce the need for upper limb support.

Care should be taken with exercises to challenge balance to ensure it is carried out in a manner that does not increase the risk of falling.

5

Falls prevention exercise should be targeted at all individuals over 65 as well as those at high risk of falls There is a larger relative effect from programmes offered to the general community than programmes offered to high-risk groups, yet high-risk groups have more falls, so a greater number of falls can be prevented in this population.

6

Falls-prevention exercise may be undertaken in a group or home-based setting Group sessions should be supplemented with additional home-based exercise in order to obtain the recommended exercise dose. Group sessions will also add a social element for individuals who live alone.

2

7

3

8

Exercise must be of a sufficient dose to have an effect Exercise should follow guidelines set out by the government, ie. two hours a week.

Ongoing exercise is necessary The benefits of exercise are rapidly lost when exercise is ceased.

4

Exercise must be of a sufficient dose to have an effect Exercise should follow guidelines set out by the government, ie. two hours a week.

Walking training Walking training may be included in addition to balance training, but high-risk individuals should not be prescribed brisk walking programmes.

Strength training Strength training may be included in addition to balance training. Effective strength training overloads the muscles by providing an amount of resistance that ensures an exercise can only be carried out 10 to 15 times before muscle fatigue.

Examples of exercise that could be prescribed It is never too late to start an exercise programme. The positive benefits of exercise can be seen across all populations of older adults - active and inactive, those in good health and those managing chronic health conditions. The therapist should encourage individuals to engage with the exercise, by explaining both the physiological and psychological benefits and by setting the programme at the correct level to encourage adherence.

Exercise

Description

A. Sit to stand Some elderly adults may struggle to stand up from low chairs or from soft couches. Sit to stand - a precursor to squats - can help these individuals gain or maintain the ability to get in and out of chairs independently, improving leg strength, functional balance, and control.

• Start seated in a sturdy chair, feet planted on the floor about hip-distance apart.

• Using as little assistance from hands or arms as possible, engage the core, and tip forward from the hips.

• Press the weight through all four corners of the feet and push up to stand, extending the knees and hips fully.

• Reverse the movement, pressing the hips back and bending the knees to carefully lower into the seated position.

B. Single-leg calf raises Calf raises can increase strength and mobility through the lower leg and can be done sitting down.

• Sit tall in a chair with feet planted flat on the floor about hip-distance apart, engage the core and look straight ahead.

• Start with the right foot and lift the heel from the ground as high as possible, trying to rise up onto the toes, making sure to engage the calf while performing the exercise.

• Lower the heel back to the floor and complete three sets of 10 repetitions.

• Repeat the movement with the left leg, making sure to complete three sets of 10 repetitions.

• After performing the initial sets, add two more sets of 10 repetitions, this time lifting both heels simultaneously. At the end of the last set, hold the heels lifted from the floor for 20 seconds.

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Anatomy & Physiology Exercise

Description

Heel-to-toe walking To encourage normal gait, this exercise works on improving strength, balance, sensation and coordination.

• Practice heel-to-toe walking as if on a tightrope.

•P lace the heel of one foot just in front of the toes of the opposite foot each time a step is taken, with arms out at the side for balance if needed.

• Walk the length of a hallway/room, then turn around and walk back.

Rock the boat This is a lower-body strength-training exercise which can also help improve balance.

Ankle and wrist rolls Elderly people can struggle with poor circulation through the extremities, which can contribute to challenges with balance and mobility.

Modified burpees Being able to squat is a fundamental skill - getting out of a chair, off the toilet, getting in and out of a car or just standing up are things we do every day.

Hip marching These exercises improve flexibility and mobility through the hips. They will increase walking endurance and the ability to pick up objects from lower surfaces. Individuals who need a modified option for performing this exercise can do it seated.

Hip extension This exercise will help with strengthening the hip joint and muscles. It will improve the ability to walk and propel the individual forward or upstairs.

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• Stand with the feet apart, so that the space between each is the same width as the hips.

•M ake sure both feet are pressed into the ground firmly. Stand straight, with the head level.

• Transfer the weight to the right foot and slowly lift the left foot off the ground.

•S it tall on a sturdy chair, with the back straight, making sure not to lean against the chair back.

•F lex the fingers, opening and closing the fists several times, before making fists and rolling the wrists 10 times in each direction.

•P erform the same exercises with the feet. First, flex and point each foot independently as they simultaneously curl and straighten the toes.

•O ne at a time, roll each ankle to the outside 10 times, then one at a time, roll each ankle to the inside 10 times.

• Push a sturdy chair against a wall so the back is to the wall and the chair isn't at risk of sliding or moving.

• Stand facing the chair, feet roughly shoulder-distance apart.

• Press the hips back and bend the knees to enter a half-squat position.

• Place both hands firmly on the chair's seat, arms fully extended and the palms aligned under the shoulders.

• Step one foot, then the other, behind, so the body forms a straight line from heels to head in a modified chair plank position.

• Reverse the movement and step each foot forward to the starting position.

• Press through the feet and extend the knees and hips when rising to a standing position.

• Do six to 10 reps and two to three sets.

Standing exercise • Standing straight, lift the right knee as high as possible.

• Lower it, then lift the left leg.

• Lift and lower the legs 20 times.

Chair exercise • Sit tall on a sturdy chair, feet flat on the floor, hip-distance apart.

• Grasp the edges or armrests of the chair with both hands and engage the abdominal muscles to help keep the torso tall.

• Lift the right leg with the knee bent as high as possible/comfortable, as though doing a high-knee march.

• Lower the right foot to the floor with control.

• Repeat on the opposite side.

• Perform at least 20 alternating marches in succession, two to three times.

• Stand, using a chair to balance.

• Extend the leg backward, keeping the knee straight.

• Return to the start position and repeat 10 times with each leg. T

International therapist 23

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

Supporting you during COVID-19

Congratulations to our FHT 2020 Excellence Awards finalists

Thank you to everyone who entered and nominated in the 2020 FHT Excellence Awards. It’s never been more important to showcase your work and show the many ways professional therapists can make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of others. In August, we were delighted to announce this year’s finalists…

FHT Complementary Therapist of the Year • Mary Atkinson • Malminder Gill • Sal Hanvey • Andrea Lambell • Joy Shaw • Alexandra Skanderowicz FHT Sports Therapist of the Year • Leigh Edwards • John Molyneux FHT Beauty Therapist of the Year • Stephanie Chaytor • Geraldine Flynn FHT Student of the Year • Anya Rae • Tina Wilkinson FHT Tutor of the Year • Caroline Bradley • Marie Duggan

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been working hard to provide regular updates and useful resources to support our members and represent your professional interests, including: n Coronavirus statement and FAQs - providing you with new and relevant information as the situation evolves and sector-specific government guidelines are published and updated. n ‘Preparing to return to practice’ guidelines – outlining key things to consider that will help minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus when working with clients during COVID-19. n Special FHT member e-newsletters – highlighting significant changes to our statement and guidelines, and providing links to online articles and resources.

24 International therapist

n A COVID-19 ‘return to work 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 Preferential prices on PPE – through FHT Partner Brand, Physique Management, and Medisave, covering a range of PPE. n Access to infection control courses – provided by FHT accredited course providers, Brighton Holistics, Gateway Workshops, and Jennifer Young's FREE FHT-accredited course, Control of Cross Infection in a Post-Covid World. n A ‘Stay at Home’ video series – providing you with a free source of CPD, all kindly supplied by FHT speakers and accredited

• Dawn Morse • Jennifer Young FHT Local Group Coordinator of the Year • Tim Djossou • Jackie Hamilton NEW category! FHT Green Therapy Business of the Year • Anne Bramley and Helen Saunders • Tina Kent • Mani Kohli • Lucy Stevens The winners will be announced in November and their work featured in future issues of International Therapist. Each category winner will also receive a certificate, trophy, logo for marketing materials and PR support to help spread the word in their local area, and nationally.

Good luck!

course providers. n Working with the government – throughout the pandemic, we have been in direct contact with the English, Welsh and Scottish governments, supporting them with information and feedback on their guidelines and to answer our members’ queries. n Lobbying the government – as part of the Integrative Healthcare Collaborative, we have supported various petitions and letters to government, with the latest asking for clearer guidance for therapists when local restrictions are announced.

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

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Support

FHT IN THE PRESS

FHT proudly sponsors the 2021 World Championship in Massage

NATURAL HEALTH

The FHT is delighted to be a sponsor of the 2021 World Championship in Massage, taking place on 19-20 June in Copenhagen.

The Championship was sadly postponed in 2020, due to COVID-19 and we look forward to seeing the event return next year, with measures in place to ensure the safety of competitors.

As the UK’s largest professional association for complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapists, we acknowledge the innovative techniques each competitor brings to this Championship from across the world. It’s an extraordinary learning opportunity for those taking part and we will support members attending the event with CPD support materials worth 10 CPD points.

At the last Championship, Tamer Morsy, MFHT, took home a gold medal, after finishing first place in the Freestyle Massage Western inspired category.

Speaking to the FHT after his win, Tamer said, ‘Participating in championships allows me to meet fantastic therapists from all around the world. I’ve seen a lot of new techniques and types of treatment and it gives me the opportunity to be judged by more experienced therapists and get their feedback about ways to improve my skills. For those considering entering, they should definitely go for it. Everyone who participates in similar championships gains something - it opens unexpected doors for career development and progression and can easily boost your business.’

For more information about the World Championship in Massage, visit worldchampionship-massage.com Autumn 2020

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 benefits of a plant typically used in aromatherapy. In the July, August and September issues, we covered mandarin, black pepper and hyssop.

SHARE YOUR VIEWS ON PPE IN NEW SURVEY Developed by FHT member, Andrea Lambell, and funded by the Durham University COVID-19 Response Fund, the Behind the Mask survey aims to discover the effects of PPE and social distancing on communication in health, social care and wellbeing services.

The questions are focused on the experiences and opinions of anyone who gives and receives care under COVID-19, and FHT members are invited to share the survey link with their clients and colleagues.

Behind the Mask is completely confidential and the findings will shape recommendations for policy, practice and product development, with the aim of making communication easier in the delivery of health and social care during COVID-19 and beyond.

For more information and to access the survey visit fht.org.uk/PPE-survey

LIGHT UP THE WINTER MONTHS WITH OUR FHT SHOP OFFER! As the nights draw in, why not enjoy the relaxing aromas of our natural candles and room spray with our special ‘buy two, get one free’ offer.

Handmade in the UK, these lovely products also make ideal Christmas gifts for you and your clients.

Our candles, available in three varieties – Relax, Meditate and Inspire – are made with a soya and rapeseed vegetable oil blend from raw and sustainable sources, are naturally coloured and subtly scented with essential oils. Each candle has an approximate burn time of 50 hours and is packaged in recycled glass and gift box.

And to match the range, we have the Relax therapy room spray, scented with geranium, sweet orange, lavender, lavandin and ylang ylang essential oils. Available in 100ml bottles, the spray is vegan, alcohol and VOC free, and non-flammable.

All priced at £9.99 each, simply add three products to your basket and the third will be discounted. Offer ends 15 December 2020.

Visit shop.fht.org.uk

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?

Q&A

Ask an expert Throughout COVID-19, we have been answering some of your frequently asked questions in our ‘Coronavirus statement’ and ‘Preparing to return to practice guidelines’, available at fht.org.uk/coronavirus

Q

Here are the answers to some questions that we hope will remain consistent over time but if anything changes, we will of course let you know.

Q C

an I carry out hot stone massage treatments?

A: As far as the FHT is aware, there is no reason why hot stone treatments shouldn’t be carried out at this time, providing the stones you use have a polished finish and are non-porous (please contact the manufacturer/supplier for confirmation) and the stone heater/bath is in good working order. All of the stones and equipment must of course be appropriately cleaned and disinfected between clients.

The same principle applies for any other tools or equipment used to perform a massage treatment.

Q I

’ve read that only the client should be present in the treatment room. What if a chaperone is required?

A: In the FHT Code of Conduct and Professional Practice, we recommend: “When treating a child or vulnerable adult, it is advisable to have a parent or guardian present for the consultation and treatment, and their details recorded on the client’s consultation form. This is to safeguard the member against any allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

“However, members can base their decision to have a parent or guardian present on a common sense/case-bycase basis, taking into account the age or vulnerability of the client, and the type of treatment being given. Members should make a note on the client’s record,

26 International therapist

explaining their decision to treat without a parent or guardian present.”

If you believe a chaperone is required, then ideally this should be someone from the client’s own household/ support bubble or a care worker, and you should both remain two metres away from each other at all times. If the government guidance for the country where you practice requires the client to wear a face mask or covering, we would also recommend the chaperone wears this too, just to err on the side of caution.

You would also need to ensure that the chaperone doesn’t have any symptoms of COVID-19.

All of the above should be noted in your risk assessment and on the client’s records.

C

an I treat two clients in the same house, at consecutive appointments?

A: Providing you leave enough room between your clients to adequately clean, prepare and ventilate your treatment area, we don’t see this as a problem because, theoretically, two members of the same household could just as likely visit a spa or salon and have consecutive appointments with the same therapist.

What is key is that you put all the necessary measures in place to protect the health and safety of you and your clients, including: • following government guidelines on close contact services for the country where you are practising, as well as any separate guidance on working in other people’s homes; • following any local restrictions put in place, if there is a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in your area; • following recommendations in FHT’s preparing to return to practice guidelines; • and ensuring that no-one in the same household/support bubble is self-isolating or has symptoms of COVID-19.

Q I

s there a set amount of time that I should leave between clients?

A: As far as we are aware, no government guidance has been issued in terms of the ‘optimum’ amount of time to leave between treating/seeing clients when providing close contact services.

This is probably because there are so many variables, depending on the type of business, context and type of treatment.

However, what is key is that your leaven ample time between clients to adequately clean, prepare and ventilate your treatment area.

Q L

ocal restrictions have been put in place where I live – what should I do?

A: Even after your country’s government has confirmed that you can resume work, it is possible that certain businesses might be asked to temporarily close again or restrict their services, on a national or regional basis, if there is a rise in the number of coronavirus cases.

As we are likely to see regional restrictions emerge with more frequency Autumn 2020

? over the coming months – with each area imposing and easing restrictions very differently – we urge members to follow guidance from the government and their local authorities as and when this happens.

Q C

an I treat a client who has just come back from abroad?

A: It is best to refer to the government website to see if clients returning from a particular country are required to self-isolate, as this very much depends on infection rates in that country at any given time. Please see the following weblink for more information: gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19travel-corridors

Q C

an I talk to clients about using essential oils to combat COVID-19?

A: While we can see no problem talking in general about the anti-viral properties of different essential oils and how to use these safely at home (if you are qualified in aromatherapy), we wouldn’t encourage any member to talk about their use or potential benefits in relation to COVID-19.

This could be seen to imply that certain essential oils may be effective in tackling or eliminating this specific virus and to the best of our knowledge, there has been no robust research into the anti-viral potential of any essential oils in relation to COVID-19.

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Q&A

W

hy haven't I received any email updates about COVID-19?

A: There are a few reasons why you may not be receiving emails from us, though it’s certainly worth checking your spam and junk folders first, just in case they have been delivered there and need redirecting to your main inbox.

Otherwise, it may be that at some point, you told us that you wanted to ‘opt out’ from our emails (perhaps over the phone or when you applied for or renewed your membership) or you have clicked ‘Unsubscribe’ or ‘Unsubscribe me from ALL mailings’ at the bottom of one of our emails in the past. Either way, this will stop you from receiving any further emails from the FHT. You can opt back in at any time at fht.org.uk/opt-in Finally, it may be that we have an old email address on record for you, that you no longer use or access.

If you would like to receive emails from us going forward, please simply fill out the simple form at fht.org.uk/email In the long term, it might also be worth checking that we have your latest email address on record for you, and that this also appears on your FHT Directory Listing. To do this: • Log in to the Members area at fht.org.uk/members-area (if you haven’t changed your log in details, your Username is your surname and membership number, without a gap, and your Password is your membership number on its own) • Under ‘Manage your membership’, select ‘Update your membership details and FHT Directory profile’ • Click the ‘edit button’, type your new email address into the ‘E-mail address’ field and click ‘save’ at the bottom of the page when you have finished.

Your new email address will then appear on your membership record and directory listing within 24 hours.

Thank you for following the guidelines We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our members who have been diligently following government and FHT guidelines throughout COVID-19.

We fully appreciate the many challenges you have faced returning to practice – from learning to work in the required PPE, to having to make some difficult choices about who it is safe to treat at this time. Thanks to your professionalism and diligence, you are helping to protect people in your local community from COVID-19 and ensuring that therapists can continue to work and provide a much-needed service. T

International therapist 27

Advice

Going digital Returning to practice following the COVID-19 lockdown has meant taking a different, often more technological, approach to business. We take a look at some of the digital systems that can help to make business processes simpler.

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Advice

I

t is fair to say that while strict government guidelines are essential for everyone's safety, these have made returning to work very challenging for professional therapists. For many, offering the 'normal' service that was possible pre-COVID-19 is unimaginable at the moment.

At the time of writing, daily life seems to be normalising but on the horizon is the possibility of subsequent waves and challenging economic conditions.

Keeping this in mind, there has never been a better time to consider bringing digital systems into your practice. In April, the CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, said ‘the world has seen two years’ worth of digital transformation in just two months’, as a result of businesses needing to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use this time as your chance to make positive changes and equip yourself with the tools to help you continue supporting your clients and generating income.

What does going digital look like?

Change can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t need to be. Digitising your practice can be achieved gradually, allowing you to go at a pace that feels right for you and your business. ‘Going digital’ really is as simple as it sounds, bringing all your processes online. Most likely this will be in two streams, cashless payments and client management — with some digital systems offering both.

Most digital systems work in the ‘cloud’ which means that you can log in via the internet to a portal. Some systems also provide apps for you to download onto your devices. Whichever system you choose, the providers should have an easy, step-by-step guide to setting up.

Whether that’s through YouTube videos or a customer service helpline, make sure to use these support systems should you need them.

Not every system will be right for everyone, so if you can, make use of free trials to test what works for you.

Keep in mind that each platform may be created to help you achieve a different goal, for example some might be tailored towards helping you to communicate with your clients, while others focus on helping you to keep an organised client information base.

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Setting up When setting up your online client practice management system, the first thing to do is to input your clients’ personal information into the system you have chosen. When you are happy that you have inputted this information securely, it is important to destroy the paper copies of your clients’ information using a paper shredder (if you are concerned about GDPR, please see our section on this at the bottom of this feature).

We go on to explain some of the other features that are common for digital systems and how you would set these up to work for your therapy practice.

Online booking Online booking systems allow your clients to book in for a treatment from home by simply selecting a date and time that suits them. The system should automatically block out times that are booked and as the business owner, you can select for confirmation to be sent to your client, letting them know the full details of their appointment.

This can also be a useful tool for therapists working in a practice, as it can prevent clients from waiting in a reception area to book in for an appointment. Simply ask your clients to check in via their device before entering the practice or invite them in and provide a device, making sure to adhere to social distancing measures and to clean the device after use.

Automated client communications

communications to your clients. In the FHT’s returning to therapy practice guidelines (fht.org.uk/coronavirusguidelines), we set out that it is good practice to let your clients know the processes you put in place before reopening, to provide COVID-19 pretreatment questions in addition to their standard consultation form, and to make clients aware of any preparation they need to do before an appointment.

These steps can be streamlined through the use of digital systems. An effective system will make it easy for you to upload the relevant documents and simply select whether to send to clients individually, or to all clients over a set period of time. For example, sending COVID-19 health check forms to clients prior to an appointment.

Automated communications can also make it easy for you to send nice gestures to your clients, such as a ‘thank you for returning’ or a ‘how are you?’

Take your time when putting these together to ensure they are genuine, as all-client communications can run the risk of coming across as ‘blanketed’.

Digital consultations During lockdown many therapists turned to supporting their clients digitally via apps such as Zoom and FaceTime. While these apps provide many benefits (namely being free and easy to use), some client management systems provide an in-built video feature, allowing you to keep all your digital communications in one place.

There has never been a more important time for clear and effective

International therapist 29

Advice

Below are some key points to look out for when choosing a system for digital consultations: • End-to-end encryptions • Simple to use software • Screen sharing • Recording capabilities.

Cashless payments Cashless payments are perfect for limiting the amount of surfaces you and your clients come into contact with. Some digital systems offer builtin integration of checkout services such as Stripe or PayPal, allowing you to take payment in person or, to minimise contact even further, to send an electronic invoice so your client can pay through the click of a button.

If you’re looking to use a separate payment system from your client management system, make sure to look into the different options available and choose the one that’s right for you.

More information can be found at softwareadvice.com/uk/ online-payment

Data protection (GDPR) Understandably, anyone considering a new digital system will be mindful of GDPR. GDPR is a series of rights and regulations that must be upheld for all EU and UK citizens. These include things like the right to be forgotten, the right to correction, the right to access and the right to be informed.

It is important to keep in mind that GDPR isn’t restricted to digital systems, it includes all personal information regardless of media. The regulations outlined above can prove difficult to uphold if you don’t have a digital

30 International therapist

system, for example, the right to access requires you to provide every piece of information you hold about your client, within 28 days of their request.

Using digital systems this can be achieved through the click of a button, but for paper-based practitioners this could involve scouring files before beginning the pain-staking job of pulling it all together.

Similarly, the right to rectification requires you to correct any errors in your records with anyone that you have sent those records to. Often digital systems can provide a helpful audit trail of every communication relating to a client, making this process easier.

Understanding roles and responsibilities is also key when it comes to GDPR. As the therapist, you are seen as the data controller and your digital systems operator will be seen as the data processor. Using a digital system doesn’t automatically mean you are complying with GDPR but your processor will provide you with tools and the support to do so.

Conclusion In this feature we hope we have been able to show that you don’t need to transform your practice overnight — as with everything, slow and steady wins the race. Set aside some time to consider the first steps you could take towards implementing digital systems that work for your business and make a plan for how you will action those steps. Sit back and feel positive in the thought that you have taken the first steps towards being ready for any challenges that might lie ahead. T

This information has been supplied by digital systems providers, WriteUpp and Power Diary, discover more about the services offered by the providers below.

LEAD CONTRIBUTOR About WriteUpp WriteUpp will help to streamline your practice, saving time and supporting you in staying connected with your clients. It’s an easy to use, affordable practice management system made for clinics and healthcare professionals. Featuring a whole host of tools to help you go digital, including, video consultation, 24/7 online bookings, automated reminders and much more. writeupp.com

About Power Diary Power Diary is a complete practice management system, designed specifically for health clinics. Their software offers pre-written note templates, advanced messaging tools, online bookings and a built-in video call system called Telehealth. powerdiary.com

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International therapist 31

Advice

T

here are small changes that we could all make to offer a more inclusive service, which in turn will attract a more diverse client base. Below are six simple steps you can take to make your therapy practice more inclusive.

1

Set realistic commitments

2

Imagery

Seeing images that a client can relate to can help them to instantly feel more comfortable. When choosing images to promote your therapy practice, keep an eye out for photos with diverse models.

In the resources section in our main feature (p18) you can find free stock image websites focused on promoting diversity. If you feel that these photos won’t communicate your therapy in the way you’re looking for, why not arrange to take photos yourself?

Alternatively, you can try searching for illustrations or use images that reflect how a client might feel after a therapy, such as a picture of a calming scene or relaxing colours.

3

Additional knowledge Sadly, people who form part of the BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) community can be more prone to certain health issues including sickle cell disease, kidney failure and getting seriously ill or dying from viruses such as COVID-19. It is important to be aware of these health complications and to have a good knowledge of how they impact those affected. Where appropriate, communicating to your

32 International therapist

6

ways... to make your therapy practice more inclusive

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

BAME clients that you have considered such matters will help to increase their confidence in you as a therapist.

4

Reach out People from diverse groups sometimes prefer to stay within their own communities because they feel more comfortable and readily accepted. Try researching if there are any groups or charities locally that could help you reach out to another group of people.

When contacting these groups, look to focus on the benefits that your therapy practice can bring to them and make it easy for them to share the information more widely.

Top tip: try contacting these groups via Facebook or via your local community centre.

5

Tailor your products Skincare products naturally work better on some skin types than others. Think about whether you could introduce a

new product that works well for your BAME clients. Make sure to do some research on these products too, what is it about them that makes them work well for different skin types? The more understanding you have, the more your clients will see that you care about them and the overall effectiveness of their treatment.

6

Language The language you use to promote your practice and within your premises will go a long way to encouraging a diverse range of clients to use your services.

Not everyone will resonate with the same approach, a good tip is to look at what language your diverse groups of clients might surround themselves with and take the time to tailor the way you communicate with them. For example, technical jargon might be stressful for certain clients or you might like to consider learning some basic sign language for clients who are hard of hearing. T Autumn 2020

Photography: shutterstock.com

It's not unusual for businesses to share equality and diversity policies, only for these good-intentioned documents to go by the wayside a few months later.

It’s often not through lack of caring but because the policies outlined were unrealistic in the first place and/or there was a lack of structure to maintain these commitments. Use the resources outlined in our lead feature (p18) to check your unconscious biases and where your therapy practice really stands in terms of inclusivity. Take a critical look at your processes, outline simple actions you can take to make a difference and just as importantly, set regular dates to review your progress.

Essential oil profile

Lavender

(Lavandula angustifolia)

Native to the Mediterranean, lavender is a well-known evergreen shrub, producing narrow leaves and long, unbranched stalks with dense spikes of violet-blue flowers. The essential oil, which is steam distilled from the flowering spikes, has a middle note, is colourless to pale yellow in colour and has a floral, herbaceous aroma with a woody undertone.

Introduced to England by the Romans, lavender’s name is believed to come from the Latin word ‘lavare’, which means to ‘wash’ – a fitting descriptor for a plant that was used extensively in Roman bathing and for cleaning wounds. Today, it is considered one of the most versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy and remains a popular ingredient in both cosmetic and cleaning products.

Therapeutically, lavender essential oil is excellent for calming and balancing the body, mind and spirit. It is particularly useful for ailments linked to stress and anxiety and is often the first choice for sleep problems. As well as helping to soothe headaches and calm the nerves, it is beneficial for many skin problems, ranging from acne, eczema, and dandruff, to burns, wounds and insect bites and stings.

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of lavender make it ideal for muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, arthritis and menstrual pain. It is also a useful insect repellent.

Key uses Balancing, calming, relaxing

Botanical family Lamiaceae

Chemical composition Esters – linalyl ecetate (up to 46%), lavandulyl acetate, geranyl acetate Alcohols – linalool (up to 34%), terpinen-4-ol, borneol, α-terpineol Hydrocarbons β-caryophyllene, ocimene Ketones - octanone

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.

Analgesic, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, balancing, calming, cardiotonic, carminative, cicatrisant, decongestant, emmenagogic, fungicidal, restorative, sedative, tonic, 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 Bergamot, geranium, jasmine, marjoram, orange, rose, rosemary, sandalwood.

Safety data No known hazards. Tisserand

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and Young (2014) in their second edition of Essential Oil Safety comment, ‘Considering the high usage of lavender oil on the skin in aromatherapy, the reported incidence of skin reactions is low’.

Research Sleep disturbances Blood melatonin levels typically decrease with age, which can result in older adults presenting with insomnia and other sleep disturbances. A study recently published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine (Velasco-Rodríguez R et al, 2019) found that aromatherapy with Lavandula angustifolia produced a significant increase in blood melatonin in both

male and female subjects.

Another study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Nasiri Lari Z et al, 2020) found that inhaled Lavandula angustifolia Mill improved sleep quality and quantity, quality of life and mood in diabetic patients suffering from insomnia.

Menopause A systematic review published in Complementary Therapies and Clinical Practice (SalehiPourmehr H, et al 2020) found that aromatherapy with lavender in postmenopausal women may cause an improvement in most of physical and psychological symptoms, but the authors call for further high-quality studies. 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 International therapist 33

Illustrations: Shutterstock

Therapeutic properties

Anatomy & Physiology

Digestive aid Kate Mulliss, MFHT, looks at how qualified reflexologists and aromatherapists can support clients with irritable bowel syndrome

I

rritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal (GI) condition characterised by abdominal pain and disturbances in bowel habits. While the condition is commonly diagnosed around 20 to 30 years of age it may begin in childhood and women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with IBS compared with men. In the UK around 10 to 20% of people are believed to have IBS. Individuals diagnosed with IBS will have their own unique experience of the condition, which can significantly alter 34 International therapist

their quality of life. Typical symptoms include: • Bloating, trapped wind, abdominal pain • Indigestion, frequent burping • Diarrhoea or constipation • Alternating diarrhoea and constipation • Excessive or offensive flatulence • Urgent need to pass stools, faecal incontinence • Fatigue, insomnia, general tiredness • Stress, anxiety or depression.

It is not clear as to the exact cause of IBS, but a number of triggers have been

identified which include: • Consumption of particular foods (especially fatty and sugary foods) • Previous gastrointestinal infections, such as gastroenteritis • Long-term use or overuse of antibiotics • Episodes of stress, anxiety, depression or trauma • A genetic component.

In addition, individuals with the condition often experience a worsening of symptoms when under stress, anxious, or unwell with other health conditions.

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Anatomy & Physiology

The diagnosis of IBS The multifactorial aetiology and similarity of symptoms with other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel and celiac disease, means that IBS is diagnosed by an exclusion of other conditions (Defrees D and Bailey J, 2017). One of the current gold standards is the Rome IV protocol (June 2016) which provides an updated definition for functional GI disorders: “Functional GI disorders are disorders of gut–brain interaction. It is a group of disorders classified by GI symptoms related to any combination of the following: motility disturbance, visceral hypersensitivity, altered mucosal and immune function, altered gut microbiota and altered central nervous system processing.”

Previously, three main sub-types of IBS were identified — IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M — along with IBS-U, for those individuals who did not fall into one of the other main sub-types. It is now believed that subtypes are not separate conditions, and that IBS exists on a spectrum of symptoms, so that as the individual’s bowel habit changes, the sub-type can be re-categorised.

Benefits of a holistic approach The main focus for pharmacological treatments for IBS very much depends on the main symptom(s) being experienced by the individual.

Medications taken to relieve troublesome symptoms can include anti-diarrhoeals, antispasmodics, laxatives, over-the-counter medications to assist with heartburn and indigestion, and antidepressants.

Other approaches to managing IBS may include changing or following particular diets (for example, a lowFODMAP diet), omitting lactose/gluten containing foods, increasing soluble fibre consumption and probiotics (Hadjivasilis A et al, 2019). Importantly, the Rome IV criteria recognises the importance of psychological factors such as stress, psychological state and coping ability in the management of IBS. As complementary therapy practitioners, this is where we can have an impact in helping clients with IBS, as we take a holistic, person-centred approach to our client and their complaints.

Autumn 2020

A reflexology treatment approach to IBS Like any complementary therapist, as reflexologists, we cannot claim to ‘treat’ IBS but we can certainly say that we enhance wellbeing through the release of tension and improvement in sleep, relaxation and mood.

This in itself can have a huge impact on clients with symptoms associated with IBS. The reflexology map below highlights many of the key reflex areas when treating clients with IBS. However, before providing a treatment it’s important to understand the individual client and not just the symptoms of their current sub-type of IBS diagnosis. At the first appointment it might be prudent to use a lighter pressure (especially if you tend to work quite deeply) and possibly reduce the total treatment time in order to gauge any reaction to the reflexology treatment.

As reflexologists we also tend to have slightly different treatment sequences and routines from one another, depending on when and where we have been trained.

However, when working on the digestive system it can be quite effective to work the system as a whole – starting at the mouth reflexes, working down through the digestive reflexes (stomach), accessory organs of digestion (liver, pancreas, gallbladder), then small intestines/large intestines, through to the anus. This would mean working the left and right together (rather than one foot at a time).

The direction of thumb/finger walking should be in a clockwise direction following

2 1

2 1

3

3

4

4

5

6

the movement of the peristaltic wave, focussing on any areas that feel out of balance. Pay particular attention to the hepatic, splenic and sigmoid flexures which can often feel ‘congested’ in clients with IBS. It is also suggested that particular attention is paid to the reflex areas listed below which may enhance the treatment outcomes: The spinal column: We often work up and down the spinal column for the spinal muscles and vertebrae, but be mindful that when we work this area, we also include the reflex areas for the nerves of the autonomic nervous system.

The vagus nerve point: In recent years much more has become known about the role of the vagus nerve and its role as a modulator of the gut-brain axis. This parasympathetic nerve has a major role in the normal functioning of the digestive tract.

The brain area: Working the brain area includes the pre-frontal cortex and limbic areas, both key areas for emotions and perception of pain.

Sphincters and valves: The ileo-caecal valve is probably the one that most reflexologists are aware of, but also consider the anatomical position of the cardiac and pyloric sphincters, particularly relevant for clients with upper gastric issues.

Lymphatic reflexes: Boosting the immune reflex areas may also be a good idea as gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is the prominent part of mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) which represents almost 70% of the entire immune system.

20 7

8 9

7

10

19 18

11 13 12

13 14 15

17 16

1 Pituitary 2 Brain 3 Oesophagus 4 Vagus Nerve Point 5 Liver 6 Gall Bladder 7 Adrenal Gland 8 Stomach 9 Pyloric Sphincter 10 Duodenum 11 Hepatic Flexure 12 Ileocecal Valve 13 Small Intestine 14 Anus 15 Rectum 16 Sigmoid Flexure 17 Descending Colon 18 Splenic Flexure 19 Pancreas 20 Cardiac Sphincter



International therapist 35

Your Anatomy body & Physiology

An aromatherapy treatment approach to IBS As with the reflexology treatment, before commencing any aromatherapy massage, we need to be clear about our client’s individual symptoms, expectations and treatment goals. As aromatherapists, there are lots of great oils at our disposal to blend for the relief of stress and anxiety, and a great number of oils that can be antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic.

As the symptoms of IBS are extremely individualistic, an aromatherapy session may focus around a number of treatment aims, such as: • stimulating digestion • reducing nausea • strengthening the immune system • soothing muscle spasms • promoting normal bowel movements.

Appropriately applied abdominal massage – to either soothe or encourage peristaltic movements - can also be very effective, to help ease symptoms such as constipation, spasm and trapped wind.

While a particular blend may be effective at treating one troublesome symptom of IBS, it may not be the solution to all IBS symptoms. Don’t underestimate essential oil blends to help with reducing emotional stress and anxiety, for promoting deep and restful sleep, or for balancing hormones, and the positive effects that this can have on reducing the severity of some IBS

Essential Oil

symptoms.

Oils that we think of as good for digestive issues often come from seeds. Such oils are generally rich in ethers and phenyl methyl ethers and, while they need to be blended carefully, they provide strong antispasmodic properties. Most also have good analgesic properties due to their high monoterpene content. Seed oils also impart a spicy or earthy aroma which can be mentally uplifting and comforting.

Citrus oils high in monoterpenes are antimicrobial and can assist with detoxification (Dosoky N and Setzer W, 2018), so are also good choices to incorporate in blends for digestive issues. In addition, they add an uplifting quality to a blend, making them ideal for low mood and depression.

Oils extracted from roots and rhizomes (for example, ginger, turmeric and vetivert) contain sesquiterpenes. While not found in large quantities, these are useful therapeutically due to their tonifying, sedating, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic qualities.

Oils from resins are composed of complex combinations of functional groups, but they are generally regarded as relaxing and

grounding and recommended when stress, nervous exhaustion and nervous tension are an issue.

Peppermint oil is probably one of the most well-known essential oils for IBS. A meta-analysis undertaken on the impact of peppermint oil on IBS concluded it to be a safe and effective therapy for pain and other symptoms in adults with IBS (Alammar et al, 2019). This was attributed to the high levels of L-menthol in the peppermint oil, which was believed to have an antispasmodic effect on the GI tract along with an anti-inflammatory effect on the immune system. Peppermint, lemon balm and coriander seed also showed antibacterial activity and could be considered useful where IBS symptoms were due to an overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO) (Thompson A et al, 2013).

Similarly, it has been suggested that anise is effective for IBS (Mosaffa-Jahromi et al, 2016), as have curcumin and fennel (Portincasa P et al, 2016).

However, in the above examples, the oils were taken internally in the form of enteric coated capsules. In the UK, aromatherapists are generally not qualified or insured to make up and supply capsules or any other products for internal use, and treatment options are confined to aromatherapy massage, the application of a compress, or possibly the blending of an individualised oil, cream or lotion product for the client to use at home following an individual consultation.

Essential oils that are commonly indicated for symptoms of IBS are shown in Table 1 below, along with a rationale for use.

Key constituents

Actions and uses

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Phenyl methyl ethers (90%)

For reducing bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux

Cardamom seed (Elettaria cardamomum)

Esters (40%), oxides (40%), alcohols (5%), monoterpenes (5%)

Traditionally used for nausea, bloating and flatulence

Coriander seed (Corriandrum sativum)

Alcohols (60-80%), monoterpenes (10-20%), ketones (5-7%)

Stimulates appetite. Use to help relieve digestive cramps. Antispasmodic

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Phenyl methyl ether (6-10%), monoterpene alcohols (19%) monoterpenes (50-55%)

Nutmeg is a strong analgesic and good carminative. Use for sluggish digestion, bowel spasm and diarrhoea

Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var dulce)

Phenyl methyl ethers (50-65%), alcohols (3-4%),monoterpenes (3-4%), ketones (<1%)

Antispasmodic. Use for digestive cramps and spasm. Relieves trapped gas and wind

Oils from seeds

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Autumn 2020

Anatomy & Physiology

Oils from citrus Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

Monoterpenes (60%), esters (30%), alcohols, aliphatic aldehydes, furocoumarin

Calming, relaxing, sedating. Acts as an antispasmodic. Good for agitation, stress and insomnia

Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi)

Monoterpenes (90%)

For low mood, stress and anxiety

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

Monoterpenes (70-85%), alcohols (5%), furocoumarins (2%)

For low mood, tension, insomnia. Digestive tonic, wind

Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)

Monoterpenes (80%), alcohols (5%), aliphatic aldehydes (2%), furocoumarins (2%)

Use for sluggish digestion, stress, anxiety and nervousness

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Sesquiterpenes (50%), monoterpenes (20%)

Often inhaled to ease feelings of nausea. Use for digestive cramps

Plai (Zingiber casssumunar)

Monoterpenes (65%), alcohols (25%), sesquiterpenes (2%)

Use for digestive spasm and cramps. Helps ease nausea and soothe irritable bowel

Vetivert (Vetivera zizanoides)

Sesquiterpenes (30-40%), sesquiterpenols (20-30%), sesquiterpene ester, sesquiterpenones

For anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Monoterpenes (60-70%), sesquiterpenes (20%)

For general health and wellbeing. Use to help support the immune system

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol)

Sesquiterpenes (40%), hydrocarbons (5%), ketones (5%)

Anti-inflammatory, emotional grounding. Can be used for diarrhoea

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Monoterpene alcohols (40-50%), ketones (3060%), monoterpenes (5-15%), oxides (5%), esters (5-10%)

Antispasmodic. Commonly used for colic and symptoms of IBS

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Esters (75-80%), ketones (10%), alcohols (5%)

Antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, soothing, calming and sedative. Good for painful spasms

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana)

Monoterpene alcohols (45-50%), monoterpenes (35-40%), sesquiterpenes (3%)

Smooth muscle relaxant and vasodilator. Tonic to the parasympathetic nervous system

True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Monoterpene alcohols (35-50%), monoterpenes (5%), esters (45-55%)

Antispasmodic, calming, relaxing and sedating.

Also use for stress, worry and anxiety

Oils from roots and rhizomes

Oils from resins

Some final thoughts…

In a situation where a client feels they did not get an enormous benefit from treatment, don’t be afraid to adjust the reflexology techniques/pressure, or change/adjust the aromatherapy blends.

Clients may also not be aware of the small changes that gradually build up over time, so it might be worth thinking about using some form of outcome measure, such as a Visual Assessment Score (VAS) or Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM), which are ideal ways of evaluating changes in a client’s symptoms or general wellbeing over time. Not only is this useful for the therapist but also for the client.

As professional reflexologists and aromatherapists, we acknowledge that our clients are unique individuals so the outcome of a treatment cannot be absolutely guaranteed. IBS is a complex multifactorial condition for which there is no one correct treatment sequence or blend. However, helping to release or reduce emotional stress and tension can in turn help unblock muscular tension – this is particularly pertinent to the musculature of the GI tract. T

Autumn 2020

Kate Mulliss, MFHT, has been qualified in reflexology and aromatherapy for more than 25 years. 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)

References For full references, go to fht.org.uk/IT-references International therapist 37

Mindfulness

CR EAT E YO UR OWN -

Treatment WHAT YOU NEED • Canvas (50x60cm) • Paint sample strips – We recommend at least 10 of each colour and mixture of bright colours and greens.

• Pencil • Eraser • Ruler or tape measure • Scissors • Glue stick • Printer and tracing paper (optional) Maximum cost £10.00

room art

Working on a craft project is proven to have many benefits including help us relax and taking our minds away from the stresses of daily life. We thought there is no better time to share a step-by-step guide to help you create your own art for your treatment room wall

Stand out succulents

1

Find an image that you like We used this image of succulents, but you can apply the same technique to any image.

2 2

38 International therapist

Plot where your main image will sit on the page • In pencil, lightly mark out a 3cm border around the canvas.

• Mark a small placer at 35cm down the height of the canvas, this way your plants will sit at exactly a third of the canvas.

• Add small placers along the bottom edge of the canvas at 19cm, 22cm, 38cm and 41cm. This

will guide the width of your plant pots, ensuring there is a 3cm gap between each pot.

3

Using the pencil, lightly draw the image on the canvas If you don’t feel confident drawing straight onto the canvas, try printing your photo and tracing it.

Autumn 2020

Mindfulness

4

4

Decide your colour pallete Look through your paint sample strips and decide where you might use the different colours. You might find different variations of a colour on the same strip, why not use these colours together?

Note: You don’t need to have it all figured out, but it helps to have an idea of the finished product before you get started.

5

5

Next, cut out the shapes you need for the soil Cut out very small triangular shapes from the paint strips, browns or creams work well.

8 7

Cut out the shapes you need from the paint strips We started with the pots and used different colours and shapes to make them different from each other. Get creative and try different styles!

Finally, the plants Go bigger with the shapes you cut out for the plants and layer them. When layering, look to alternate the colour tones so you don’t have the same colours next to each other.

9 10

Use the eraser to rub out any visible pencil marks on your canvas

6

Start gluing The best thing about this project is that it doesn’t have to look particularly neat.

You can put your shapes in place before you glue but it can get fiddly. If you have two pieces that don’t quite match up, stick one somewhere else or glue it as it is and stick a different piece on top.

7

8

You’re all done!

Hang your new art in your treatment room for you and your clients to enjoy. T Did you enjoy working on this project?

Show us what you created by emailing our Deputy Editor, Leanne Sheill at lsheill@fht.org.uk.

This is first in a series of creative projects that we will be sharing, keep an eye out on our blog for the next project from us!

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Autumn 2020

International therapist 39

FHT Blog

Top blogs

The past seven months have been a difficult time for so many of us as a result of COVID-19 and government restrictions on close contact services. During this period, we have been sharing regular blogs with the latest updates from the industry and tips to support you throughout the pandemic.

BRITISH CHILDREN ARE SUFFERING WITH SKIN PROBLEMS DUE TO FREQUENT HANDWASHING distress and pain of bleeding hands.

Dr Paula Beattie, British Skin Foundation spokesperson and dermatologist at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow says, “Keeping hands clean is a key part in the fight against COVID-19. Although it’s concerning to hear of children suffering with skin problems due to frequent handwashing, thankfully this can be alleviated with the regular use of an un-fragranced moisturiser. Encourage your child to get into the routine of moisturising after every hand wash.”

This advice is worth therapists sharing with adult clients, if they indicate during a treatment that they are experiencing skin problems as a result of more frequent handwashing and sanitiser use.

TOP TIPS FOR MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS Finding yourself struggling to meditate or implement mindfulness strategies?

In Dr Chatterjee’s 115th podcast, he speaks to a handful of experts for some top tips for calming the mind and how to teach the brain to switch off.

Research the science If you haven’t tried mindfulness before and have pre-conceptions about it, take the time to research the science before jumping in.

Understanding the benefits and going in with a positive mindset can help to better embrace the practice.

Treat your mind as an ally of meditation Often, people will get annoyed with their brain if 40 International therapist

thoughts pop up while trying to meditate. Embrace the thoughts that go through your mind, rather than focusing on dismissing them.

Make it a daily practice A lot of people will try to meditate once a week for a longer period. The experts on this podcast advise that the best practice is to build ten minutes into your day and to make mindfulness a part of your routine.

Reference: British Association of Dermatologists. 2020. Atopic Eczema [ONLINE] Available at fht.org.uk/IT-134-bad

FHT VICE PRESIDENT JUDITH HADLEY TALKS ABOUT RETURNING TO WORK FHT Vice President, Judith Hadley, has recently returned to work and wanted to share her experience of opening her doors again for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown.

Judith said, "These are pictures from my first reflexology treatment! I found my client felt confident enough to come in for a treatment, which is something that has been built through ‘a mutual trust’ between myself and my client over time.

"My client’s comments afterwards were, ‘I’d forgotten how much better these treatments make me feel, the relaxation benefits are immediate and I know I’ll sleep better tonight than I have since my last appointment in March.’

"He subsequently booked weekly treatments for the next four weeks, as opposed to his usual once a month treatment prior to COVID-19."

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

Autumn 2020

Please note: Judith (pictured) is adhering to the full PPE requirements at the time of publishing this blog. To read our full Coronavirus (COVID-19) statement and FAQs, please visit fht.org.uk/coronavirus.

With the increased need for handwashing during COVID-19, the British Skin Foundation recently asked 250 parents of young children about the effect this has had on their skin.

The results showed that 56% of children are experiencing some type of skin problem associated with their hands.

Further still, 1 in 4 children (24%) are now believed to be suffering from hand eczema due to increased handwashing – a significant rise since before the pandemic, when it was estimated that 1 in 5 children experienced eczema at some stage in their childhood.

In addition, 38% reported dry skin, 17% reported cracked skin and, more alarmingly, 6% are experiencing the

Local Groups

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

Tees Valley celebrate one-year anniversary

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, and chat to like-minded therapists.

EAST MIDLANDS Alfreton Leicester Lincoln Northampton Nottingham

South East London

EAST OF ENGLAND Colchester Ely Essex Hertfordshire Luton Norwich

*Please note this image was taken pre-COVID-19

We held our first Zoom meeting recently - it was good to catch up with everyone and to acknowledge our first anniversary, writes Tees Valley Coordinator, Amanda Kirton Tees Valley local group has been running for a year now and we have held eight meetings, with a total of around 90 attendees.

In our meetings we have enjoyed

learning about acupuncture, mindfulness, Emmett technique, Korean hand therapy, Indian head massage, lava shells, sound therapy, crystal therapy and aromatherapy.

Considering our last two meetings couldn't go ahead as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown, we felt as a group we had achieved a great deal over the past twelve months.

Lunchtime series on the relationship between food and mental health at South Manchester The months of June and July have been busy for the South Manchester local group, writes Manchester coordinator, Tim Djossou.

It all started with a talk on the psychological impact of COVID-19, where we discussed the latest research on the effects of the pandemic on mental health.

We concluded with how complementary therapists could play an essential role in the solution.

This talk led to a series of three lunchtime talks about how to use food to improve our own mental health and that of our clients.

We talked about new research on diet and mood and looked at the topic from the perspective of Chinese medicine. At the end of the three talks, participants went away with tools to improve their mood and strategies to adapt their approach to food using Chinese medicine principles.

Autumn 2020

NORTH EAST Durham Newcastle Tees Valley

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

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Attending a local group meeting even a virtual one - 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?

The first talk lasted two hours and the subsequent talks were just one hour. Despite the length of these talks, 10-15 people joined in each time. As an offshoot of these talks, one of our participants has launched an evening series specifically focused around male mental health.

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

International therapist 41

Rethinking pain Rachael Watson, MFHT, looks at the psychology behind pain.

I

n 2013, a woman with fibromyalgia visited me for a GP consultation and told me everything hurt. She was desperate for help as she had been through multiple investigations, hospital referrals, injections, prescriptions and exploratory surgery and in the end, she still didn’t have a definitive diagnosis and not one of the treatments had worked. I had ten minutes to think of a new way to support her with her pain. I tried asking about her life, but she interrupted, stating this was proof that I thought the problem was ‘in her head’ and that the pain wasn’t real.

She stormed out, telling me I was a useless doctor.

Modern medicine is based on the biomedical model; if you look closely enough at a person’s biology, you will find a physical cause for their symptoms. This

42 International therapist

wasn’t true for my patient who came to see me in 2013, and it’s not true for almost half of the people who visit their GP. That evening my thoughts went to a quote by Greek physician, Hippocrates.

He once said, ‘It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has’. I started looking into modern scientific findings that reflect Hippocrates’ statement and that might help to support my patients. Here are some of the secrets I discovered…

Secret one: What most of us think we know about pain is wrong Four hundred years ago, philosopher and scientist, Descartes, suggested that there are pain receptors in the body and that a single nerve transmits the pain signal to the brain to produce pain.

Ultimately, his model was based around the idea that the more pain someone is experiencing, the more severe their injury or disease. But this can’t be right.

Patients with fibromyalgia, irritable bowel, interstitial cystitis and chronic prostatitis experience awful pain but no doctor can find much evidence of ‘disease’ in their tissues. Amputees experience excruciating phantom limb pain but have no nerves or pain receptors as there is no limb. So, what is going on?

Secret two: Pain has little to do with tissue damage or severity of disease Australian physiotherapist and neuroscientist, Lorimer Moseley, has some of the answers. He describes pain as our early warning system for danger, a fast and effective method of stopping us in our tracks and protecting us from injury Autumn 2020

Mindfulness

It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has" HIPPOCRATES

in his leg where he had once been injured, despite his wounds having healed years before.

Listen to Lorimer Moseley’s TEDx talk ‘Why Things Hurt’ at fht.org.uk/lorimer-moseley

Secret three: Chronic pain is a signal that you’re constantly in danger Why do people experience chronic pain when they don’t seem to be in danger? Our conscious brains rationalise, minimise and normalise the psychological threats we encounter in our busy modern lives, whereas our unconscious brain can’t tell the difference between physical and psychological danger.

My patient with fibromyalgia denied any stress in her life, despite her recent divorce, looking after her elderly father who had dementia and her youngest son being bullied at school. She had kept emotions of sadness, anger, worry, guilt, frustration and fear inside her for so long that she had forgotten how to recognise or even feel them, let alone admit them to me.

Secret four:

and death.

Science has proven that there is no such thing as a pain receptor, instead we have nociceptors or danger receptors that detect changes in our chemistry, temperature, inflammation or tissue damage. Any changes are fed to the unconscious brain via the spinal cord, tied in with information from our five senses and our memories. Our brains ask, ‘is this activity likely to be dangerous and if so, what’s the best action to take?'

This early warning system is incredibly advanced and can anticipate pain. If you see a photo of a hand being burnt on a hot stove, functional MRI scans show that the same areas of your brain light up as if you’d actually burnt your hand. One study on a Vietnam war veteran found that just the sound of a helicopter overhead triggered a pain Autumn 2020

Chronic pain is driven by fear If we fall and break an ankle it is painful, which prevents us from walking around with a broken bone and gives our body a chance to heal.

Now imagine ankle pain that lasts for months or years after the bone has healed. X-rays and MRI scans are normal but don’t result in any concrete findings. Pain killers don’t help for long and medical professionals begin running out of ideas. Sometimes the pain comes on when you’d least expect it and sometimes it’s OK doing things that should make the pain worse. It’s unpredictable. You begin to worry you’ll never be free of the pain and that worry turns to fear. The fear spreads into every aspect of life and so the circle begins.

Secret five: Pain and fear of pain lead to central sensitisation Fear stimulates the sympathetic part of your autonomic nervous system responsible for fight and flight,

flooding your body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Remember how you feel just before a job interview?

Butterflies in your stomach, sweaty hands and a speeding pulse. When the interview is over, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks back in and everything gradually starts returning to normal, allowing you to rest and recover.

Pain that continues for weeks, months and years leads to central sensitisation of the nervous system. Nerve endings and nerve fibers become twitchy, the spinal cord turns normal neural pathways into high speed motorways for pain messengers, the brain is constantly alert for bodily sensations and misinterprets normal sensation as dangerous activity.

It’s like having a fire alarm in your house that goes off whenever you light a candle for dinner. A fire alarm emits the same deafening shriek, regardless of the trigger.

Secret six: Moving and breathing Dr Tracy Jackson explains the importance of complementary treatments in her most recent TEDx talk. Anything that shifts the body from sympathetic to parasympathetic drive can help to reverse the effects of central sensitisation.

Complementary therapy sessions have been shown to help but activities that a person can carry out themselves, such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness, for example, are found to be more effective as they help to re-wire the brain to feel less pain. T

Listen to Dr Tracy Jackson’s TEDx talk ‘The hardest pill to swallow’ at fht.org.uk/tracy-jackson

Dr Rachael Watson qualified as a doctor in 1992 and has spent the last 20 years working as a GP. She runs the Abergavenny Baker school of artisan breads and is planning to open Dr Watson’s Mind Body Medicine Centre in September.

International therapist 43

Blemish removal

Gill Morris and Janet Turner from Sterex look at how advanced electrolysis can help to address unwanted blemishes

44 International therapist

Autumn 2020

Beauty

M

Level 4 blemishes include telangiectasia (red veins, spider naevi and blood spots), skin tags and milia.

Level 5 blemishes can be further divided into six groups, as the techniques employed to treat these are similar.

• The wart family (common warts, plane warts, verrucae and filiform warts) • Seborrhoeic keratosis and dermatosis papulosa nigra • Syringoma and xanthelasma palpebrarum • Sebaceous conditions (including sebaceous cysts, epidermoid cysts, pilar

Seborrhoeic keratosis removal

Before treatment

Categorising blemishes Blemishes can be divided into two groups, based on the training and qualification level required to treat them – namely Level 4 and Level 5.

Autumn 2020

After treatment

cysts and sebaceous hyperplasia) • Pigmentation conditions (including age spots and poikiloderma of Civatte) • Moles (pigmented and non-pigmented – these are reduced by treatment, not removed).

Each blemish has its own causes and contraindications (both preventative and restrictive) and these are covered in training. For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on one of the second group of blemishes, namely, seborrhoeic keratosis and dermatosis papulosa nigra, which are commonly seen on both the face and the body and are quite distinctive in character.

Seborrhoeic keratosis removal Seborrhoeic keratosis (SK) are benign, non-viral proliferation of epidermal cells which can have a distinctive ‘warty’ or ‘dry crumbly’ surface texture.

Their colour can be light goldenbrown, mid-brown through to black, due to the varying levels of melanin in the skin. Generally, the longer that the blemish has been in situ, the darker and rougher the surface. They have a neat defined edge, which gives the illusion that they can be easily picked off. This, however, is not the case, as the older blemishes can have a strong connective core at the centre and can prove a little more challenging to remove.

SK can appear on the face, particularly around the hairline, cheeks, neck and may even appear on the eyelids. They are most common on the front and back of the torso and regularly seen on both upper and  International therapist 45

Pics: Janet Turner, Sterex

ost men and women have blemishes of one sort or another on their face or body; it may be something as simple as a red vein around the nose, a skin tag under the arm or milia around the eye. These basic blemishes are perfectly harmless but when in abundance can cause embarrassment, affecting a person’s choice of clothing, confidence or body esteem.

There will be many holistic therapists that will have encountered and observed blemishes that they may not easily recognise and best practice dictates to avoid working over these, as they may feel uncomfortable when touched and can be easily irritated.

Clients may also be self-conscious of these blemishes and request that these areas are not exposed during treatment.

Many holistic therapists will have some knowledge of superficial skin abnormalities and would like to offer a solution to their clients. However, they may not know what ‘type’ of practitioner can help and what types of treatment are available to help resolve the issue.

The NHS stopped treating benign blemishes some years ago, concentrating on malignant blemishes and ones that cause psychological distress. As a result, the treatment of blemishes in electrolysis and medical aesthetic clinics has become more and more popular in recent decades, with electrologists and medical aestheticians carrying out ‘removal and reduction’ treatments for benign blemishes only.

Having an awareness of what an advanced electrologist can do (qualified to Level 4 or 5), will give a holistic therapist another tool to help their clients feel more comfortable in themselves. Advanced electrologists are trained in the recognition of many nonbenign blemishes and will know when to refer on for medical observations or, if suitable, offer a quick and safe treatment solution by diathermy.

Beauty

lower legs. A newly forming keratosis will tend to appear flesh coloured, becoming darker with age. They can be singular or more commonly multiple, if there is a family history of development.

The most recognised cause of SK is through the natural ageing process on skins that have a predisposition to this type of growth. It has been suggested in some studies that they may be more prevalent on skins that have been exposed to the human papilloma virus (HPV) or that have had extended sun exposure, although ageing is still arguably the main cause.

The treatment of seborrhoeic keratosis by diathermy is very precise and effective. Using a low-level short-wave diathermy current, an individually sterilised probe (metal filament) is used to firstly work around the edges of the blemish to loosen and lift. Then the probe is moved gently back and forth skimming under the loosened flap of skin to completely lift it away. The treated area is then dried and cleaned with antiseptic and a sterile dressing is applied.

Post-treatment care is an important factor in how the healing tissue resolves. The client will be provided with written and verbal instructions on the use of a recommended aftercare product. The treated area will develop a healing crust within a couple of days of treatment and should remain in place, undisturbed, until the skin sheds it naturally. If the scab is not knocked or picked off prematurely, the client can expect to see pink, smooth, new skin, which over time will fade to give excellent results, as seen on the photos on the previous page.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra removal Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a common papular disorder that is histologically identical to seborrhoeic keratosis but, in contrast, develops in adolescence and only in darker skin types (Fitzpatrick V and VI). The actor Morgan Freeman has many DPNs on his face and these are almost considered his trademark. Others, however, seek treatment by diathermy as they consider them to be unsightly, particularly when they become multiple.

DPNs are seen commonly on the face of darker skinned people, particularly around the orbital area, cheeks and occasionally on the neck and upper body. They present as small, firm, smooth papular blemishes that are dark brown to black in colour.

The main cause of DPNs is acknowledged to be genetic, with 4050% of those affected having a familial history. The number of DPNs become more prevalent as the individual ages and are generally more common in females.

Treatment by diathermy can give excellent results, as the techniques used are very precise and carefully administered. A very low shortwave current is used, in a similar way to the removal of seborrhoeic keratosis.

However, DPNs have a very ‘loose’ connection to the skin’s surface, and therefore only the gentlest upward gliding movements are used to lift the blemish free of the surface.

Again, the outcome of the treatment will be reflected by the correct use of post-treatment aftercare. A healing scab will be seen to develop within 24- 48

hours and must not be interfered with until the skin’s natural healing process is complete. Daily application of the recommended aftercare should be applied, commonly witch hazel, aloe vera or calamine powder. In the vast majority of cases, the client will find it hard to differentiate the treated area from the surrounding skin, giving a very pleasing result.

With both SK and DPNs, even though the blemish may have been treated successfully, new ones can appear in similar areas over time but can be easily kept in check by diathermy treatments, as required.

Treatment times are generally carried out, and charged for, in multiples of 15 minutes. The initial consultation is normally 30-40 minutes and needs to be comprehensive and in-depth, with plenty of time given to assessing a potential client’s needs and expectations, uncovering the causes, discussing contraindications and the aftercare that they must carry out at home.

With all advanced blemish removal treatments, clients will be offered a follow-up visit, to assess the results and whether any further treatment is required. If there are multiple blemishes to deal with, then a course of treatment may be required to achieve the required results, generally at four to six weekly intervals. With the exception of some vascular conditions, a single troublesome blemish is very likely to be successfully treated in one visit. T

Gill Morris (left) is Director of Commercial Development at Sterex.

Janet Turner (right), is a clinical electrologist and senior trainer for Sterex and co-wrote the Level 5 Advanced Blemish Removal Course for Nonmedical Aesthetics. For more information on Sterex Level 4 and Level 5 electrolysis courses visit www.sterex.com or email training@sterex.com

46 International therapist

Autumn 2020

News

Industry news

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

Online training launched

by Phoenix Training Phoenix Holistic and Complementary Therapy Training has created a blended training provision to help therapists achieve the City & Guilds Level 3 qualification in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology.

The interactive online learning portal provides video, audio, activities and testing which caters for every learning style.

This new method of training helps busy therapists to upskill and gain recognised qualifications.

Students can choose from three levels of support, including a dedicated Facebook group and weekly Zoom revision sessions.

The final exam can be taken at a variety of assessment centres. n phoenixhbnt.co.uk

Amazon launches new fitness tracker Amazon has launched a fitness tracker which includes a wellness band and subscription service.

The new ‘Halo band’ is said to be able to give reliable and accurate results thanks to an inbuilt accelerometer, temperature sensor and heart rate monitor.

Additional features that Amazon say make this product stand out from the crowd, include the ability to track a user’s emotional state by analysing the tone of their voice and a feature which provides a 3D rendering of the user's body, alongside an estimated body fat percentage.

Halo is only currently available in America for $64.99, which includes six months of Halo membership (regular price: US$99.99). The membership will be priced at US$3.99 per month after the first six months. n fht.org.uk/IT-134-halo

Autumn 2020

Elemis mark 20 years of breast cancer support To commemorate their partnering with Breast Cancer Now for over 20 years, skin and spa brand, Elemis, has launched a Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, the proceeds of which will go to the charity.

For each purchase of the product, £10 from the price of each limited edition super-sized moisturiser sold will go to Brest Cancer Now. Carrie Green, Assistant Director Corporate Partnerships at Breast Cancer Now, said, ‘We are so proud of our partnership with Elemis and are delighted to be celebrating our 20-year anniversary of working together this year.

‘The money raised so far during our partnership has had such a huge impact on our vital work for people affected by breast cancer and will help us continue to make life-changing breast cancer research and care happen now and in the future. We can't thank Elemis staff and customers enough for their ongoing and generous support and look forward to continuing our work together.’ n elemis.co.uk

New Weleda product wins Vogue beauty award Weleda’s Skin Food Light moisturiser was named as ‘The Natural Skincare Phenomenon’ in the Vogue Beauty Awards 2020 - an annual celebration of the very best in beauty across the UK. In May, Vogue readers were asked to vote for their favourite products across 25 categories, from nominees compiled by the Vogue beauty team.

This year’s awards include winners from budget skincare to hair products and fragrances.

The magazine’s judging panel of beauty experts commended this product for providing ‘luminous skin in a flash’.

Weleda skin food has an 100% natural formula and is a firm favourite within the beauty industry. An affordable product at just £12.95, Skin Food Light comforts skin affected by daily stresses and restores radiance. n weleda.co.uk International therapist 47

Research

Honey better than usual care for coughs and colds

U

pper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are illnesses caused by an acute infection, typically involving the nose, sinuses, pharynx or larynx.

The majority of URTIs are viral, making antibiotic prescription both ineffective and inappropriate, yet URTIs are the most frequent reason for antibiotic prescription. Furthermore, antibiotic over prescription for URTIs in primary care exacerbates antimicrobial resistance.

A recent systematic review published in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine found that honey is more effective and less harmful than usual care and would therefore provide a useful alternative when doctors want to prescribe something to safely treat upper respiratory tract symptoms.

The authors of the study (Abuelgasim et al, 2020), from University of Oxford, concluded, “Honey is a frequently used lay remedy that is well known to patients. It is also cheap, easy to access, and has

limited harms.”

Honey should not be used in children under one due to the risk of botulism. n Access the full study at fht.org.uk/ IT-134-research-MSK

Progressive muscle relaxation alleviates anxiety and improves sleep in COVID-19 patients

H

ospital patients with COVID-19 are treated in isolation due to the highly infectious nature of the virus. It has been observed that anxiety and sleep disturbances increase significantly when patients are in isolation and some sleep-promoting drugs can increase respiratory depression.

A study conducted in a hospital in China looked at whether asymptotic muscle relaxation training could help alleviate anxiety and improve the sleep quality of patients with COVID-19 (Liu K et al, 2020).

A total of 51 patients who entered the isolation ward were included in the study and randomly assigned to either an experimental group or control group. The experimental group were 48 International therapist

shown how to use Jacobson's relaxation techniques (progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing), and after determining that they had learned how to relax, the patients performed this for 30 minutes per day for five consecutive days. During this period, the control group received routine care and treatment only. Before and after the intervention, measures were taken to record patient anxiety and sleep quality.

The results of the trial showed a statistically significant improvement in the average anxiety score and average sleep quality score in the intervention group compared to the control group.

The authors concluded, “progressive muscle relaxation has a positive effect on improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety in patients with

Peppermint reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting in cardiac patients

A

study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice examined the effects of peppermint essential oil on postoperative nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects in patients in the first four hours after cardiac surgery (Maghami et al, 2020).

The clinical trial involved 60 cardiac surgery patients, who were divided into control and intervention groups.

The intervention group received peppermint essential oil through a nebulizer before the endotracheal tube was removed after surgery and their nausea and vomiting assessed using a checklist.

The results of the trial showed significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of the frequency of nausea, its duration and severity, and in the frequency of vomiting episodes in the first four hours after having the endotracheal tube removed.

The authors concluded that “Peppermint essential oil inhalation has beneficial effects on reducing nausea and vomiting after open-heart surgery. Using peppermint essential oil inhalation for managing postoperative nausea and vomiting is recommended.”

COVID-19. Due to the strong contagion of COVID-19, isolation treatment and the effects of drugs on patients increase their levels of anxiety and sleep disorders. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that the progressive muscle relaxation regimen be taught to the caregiver and done by the patient, and compared with other adjuvant therapies.” n Access the full article at fht.org.uk/ IT-134-research-COVID Autumn 2020

Research

Open access studies…

M

ost peer reviewed journals publish one or two open access articles each issue.

Below are just a few we thought might be of interest to members: n Cupping therapy and CFS Title: The effectiveness of cupping therapy on chronic fatigue syndrome: A single-blind randomized controlled trial (Meng X-D et al, 2020) Journal: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (Volume 40, August 2020) In summary: Cupping therapy significantly relieved fatigue symptoms and improved emotion and sleep condition of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Quick link: fht.org.uk/IT-134research-cupping

n Futureproofing triathlon Title: Futureproofing triathlon: expert suggestions to improve health and performance in triathletes (Kennedy et al, 2020) Journal: BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation

(Volume 12, January 2020) In summary: Triathlons have numerous potential health benefits however participants also have a high prevalence of health issues including overuse injury, illness, fatigue, and burnout. This article looks at the development of five strategic objectives deemed necessary to ‘futureproof triathlon’.

Quick link: fht.org.uk/IT-134research-triathlons n Dancing and health Title: Lights out, let’s dance! An investigation into participation in No Lights, No Lycra and its association with health and wellbeing (Foley BC et al, 2019) Journal: BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation (Volume 11, July 2019) In summary: Dancing in the dark appears to be a safe, flexible, inclusive and enjoyable approach to increase dance and physical activity participation among physically inactive women.

Quick link: fht.org.uk/IT-134research-dance

Alexander technique reduces pain and other risk factors in music students

P

rofessional and student instrumental musicians experience high rates of playing-related pain and other playing-related musculoskeletal disorders, which strongly indicate the need for preventive education at college level.

The Alexander technique (AT) teaches improved posture and movement, which helps to reduce and prevent problems caused by unhelpful habits. A study published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (Davies, 2020) examined the self-reported effects of AT classes specifically for music students on: • playing-related pain levels • associated risk factors for playingrelated pain (poor posture, excess muscle tension, stress, performance anxiety) • students' perceptions of any changes in the quality of their technique, practice

Autumn 2020

and performance.

Twenty-three music students at an Australian university took part in the study, who undertook weekly AT classes for one semester, following a programme specifically designed to address the occupational needs of orchestral players.

The results of the study showed that “purpose-designed AT classes for music students may beneficially influence performance-related pain and the associated risk factors of poor posture, excess muscle tension, stress and performance anxiety. […] More research is needed to corroborate these results and confirm the possible significance of AT training for playing-related pain prevention.” n Access the full study at fht.org.uk/ IT-134-research-Alexander

Exercises can reduce neck and shoulder pain in office workers

M

usculoskeletal (MSK) disorders affect many office workers and there is strong evidence to suggest that workplacebased resistance training can prevent several upper extremity MSK disorders (Saeterbakken et al, 2020).

A recent study published in BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation examined the dose response relationship between resistance training frequency and pain relief among 30 office workers with moderate neck and shoulder pain.

The study participants attended a 16week intervention, which started with an eight-week control period followed by an eight-week training period. After the control period, the participants were randomised into either a once-daily 10-minute or twice-daily 10-minute workplace-based, high-intensity neck and shoulder resistance training programme, five days a week.

Four exercises were carried out within the 10-minute sessions, using elastic bands: one-arm row; upright row; onearm reverse flies; and one-arm lateral raise. Each exercise was conducted with two sets. Measurements were taken for pain, health-related quality of life and isometric strength of the neck and shoulder region.

The results of the study showed that “daily bouts of specific high-intensity resistance training of the shoulder and neck region at the workplace reduced neck and shoulder pain and improved quality of life of office workers. However, 10-minute bouts were equally effective as 2 × 10-minute bouts per day. The authors recommend office workers to perform daily neck and shoulder resistance training to possibly prevent and/or decrease pain in the neck and shoulder area.” n Access the full study at fht.org.uk/ IT-134-research-MSK

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

Profile PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 guidance has been strictly adhered to throughout, including: wearing a visor, gloves and type II face mask; pre-treatment checks and ensuring the room is cleaned thoroughly between clients.

A Day in the life of…

Vanessa Jane Davies, MEWI, MFHT, LCGI, Skin Camouflage and Scar Therapy Consultant I consult at six locations across the country where I see those who self-refer or are referred by clinicians, the military, or as part of court proceedings. Every day is different but today is a fairly typical day in the clinic.

6:30am –

I am in Harley Street today which means an early start from Rutland. Once on the train I go through my notes for today’s clients and check emails.

9:00am –

I have consulted at 10 Harley Street since 2007 and love working there. I arrive with my mask on, say a quick hello to our reception team and head up to my room with has already been prepared for me. Hands washed, I lay out my equipment and camouflage pigments and am ready to go.

9:15am – A first consultation for a

man who sustained injuries in a motorbike accident and was referred subject to court

proceedings. He has multiple injuries so I start by asking what he would most like help with. He tells me he that before the accident he loved sport and going to the gym but is now very self-conscious about the scars to his right upper arm and shoulder, which are hot metal burns and also a scar on his lower leg which is long, stretched and red. On examination there is enough colour difference in both areas for skin camouflage to be effective.

We work on the colour match and technique. It is important that the result is achievable at home, so I take the time to show him how to apply the camouflage product to himself. He tells me he is pleased with the result and leaves armed with our SCS Essentials Kit so he can start immediately at home.

11:45am –

My next client was referred through the courts following a traumatic dog attack. She is now a bubbly 14 year old and quite different from the shy girl I met nearly six years ago.

Today is a review consultation to ensure that her regime is still working well as she grows. We talked about how she can use make-up over her skin camouflage regime, just like other teenagers, without losing any of the efficacy of her skin camouflage. A minor adjustment to the colour matching for one area of scarring was all that was needed. My client and her mum were happy in the knowledge that she can come back whenever she needs support.

1pm –

My next client was involved in an accident which resulted in lacerations and burns. She returned today following scar revision surgery 50 International therapist

so we can reassess her skin camouflage needs. We talked about additional scar management options and agreed that she should start silicone therapy and a course of scar massage with my colleague Emma Holly. We agree that I will see her again in six months, as the scars will have changed again by then.

2:45pm –

Last for the day, a two-hour consultation with a lady referred as part of court proceedings who has hyperpigmentation of her arm as a result of an intravenous iron infusion. As the pigmentation is flat and dark, I ‘block’ the rogue colour using a highly pigmented cream, before applying a colour that matches the surrounding undamaged skin.

Finally, we were both pleased with the result. With tuition, she felt confident that she will be able to achieve the same effect at home.

5:30pm –

I head back to Kings Cross grabbing a bottle of water and a sandwich before boarding the train - somehow, I forgot lunch again! Once settled there is time for a catch up with the office to see what has come in during the day and check my notes from today’s consultations. The peace and quiet of Rutland is most welcome when I finally reach home. T Autumn 2020

Members News

Members News Emily Boyle, MFHT, talks about supporting patients at the Trinity Holistic Centre in Middlesbrough remotely, during the COVID-19 pandemic

I

graduated from university with a degree in journalism but decided to make a career change into complementary therapy after my grandma was diagnosed with a lifelimiting condition called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). In 2015 my mum pointed me in the direction of a volunteer role at Trinity Holistic Centre, based in the hospital where she is a nurse and a year later, I became a paid member of staff.

A few years later I started volunteering for the charity Look Good Feel Better and remember the regional coordinator speaking very highly of the benefits of skin camouflage. My patients have told me that camouflage make-up gives them a sense of regaining control, it gives them the power to decide whether they want to show off their scars or keep them private. My role at the hospital helps people feel more at ease during times of stress and to be themselves, instead of being 'seen’ as their condition.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, everyone was somewhat bewildered. I worked from home and the patients who I had been working with were told to self-isolate. As therapists, we spend a lot of time listening to clients and we all had to find a new way of doing this when face-to-face contact stopped.

At the hospital, a system of kindness calls was created as a way of checking in; initially we only called cancer patients, now we call people with all medical conditions and speak to patients’ families.

We never know what to expect at the other end of the phone and calls can last Autumn 2020

from 5 minutes to an hour. Our priority is to make sure people have enough food, then we try to lessen their feelings of isolation from the world. I realised how vital these calls are and how much they are appreciated. I support family members after their loved ones have died. I help patients get access to talking therapies and make sure that food parcels and medications are being delivered. Even by simply making someone laugh I know I am making a valuable contribution to their wellbeing.

Until this pandemic the words ‘How are you?’ had become just another way of saying ‘hello’. Now when people ask it, they genuinely mean it and I hope this is something that continues. When I ask patients ‘How are you?’, many say, ‘Thank you, it’s lovely to know that someone cares.’ This is rewarding and gives me the resolve to continue calling patients.

I took the big step into self-employment four years ago. I love my job within the NHS and would never dream of leaving, so I now work two days a week within the NHS and the rest of the week in my own premises, Amethyst Therapies. Within the NHS I

hope to develop my camouflage clinic to benefit even more patients. I also hope to expand my own business to have multiple treatment rooms and offer new services, such as acupuncture.

To anyone struggling with re-opening their business in these strange times, try to stay positive because I’m confident things will improve. The benefits that therapies can offer will be even more appreciated after the pandemic because of the difference it can make to people’s wellbeing. My final advice would be, don’t give up on your dream! T

Emily is a beauty and complementary therapist who supports cancer patients at the Trinity Holistic Centre in The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough. Emily also runs her own therapy business, Amethyst Therapies, where she provides facials, nail treatments, massage, reflexology and aromatherapy. facebook.com/ amethystcomplementarytherapies

International therapist 51

Medical A-Z

URTICARIA Urticaria, also known as hives, wheals, welts or nettle rash, is a raised, itchy rash that appears on the skin. It may appear on one part of the body or could be spread across large areas. The rash is usually very itchy and ranges in size from a few millimetres to the size of a hand (NHS, 2020).

CAUSES The cause for urticaria is often unknown. The most known cause is an allergic reaction, often to a food or a drug.

Fresh foods are more commonly known to cause urticaria, such as nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, and milk. Drugs that can cause urticaria include aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, high blood pressure drugs or painkillers such as codeine.

Exposure to heat, cold or sunlight can be causes of urticaria. It can also be associated with another disorder such as vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus or cancer.

SYMPTOMS Urticaria is generally harmless and lasts only a few hours, but sometimes a persistent or recurrent form develops which is otherwise referred to as chronic urticaria.

Pink or red swellings, otherwise known as wheals, appear as a rash on the skin typically in a round shape. They can be extremely itchy and have a red flare around them.

The wheals usually occur on the face or the extremities, including the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes.

Symptom severity and frequency can vary.

ORTHODOX TREATMENT The application of calamine lotion or taking antihistamine drugs can prevent itching.

If urticaria does not go away with treatment, referral to a dermatologist may be needed.

Urticaria often goes away without treatment within 24 hours. Identifying and avoiding trigger factors can help prevent future allergic reactions.

52 International therapist

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES Clients with an urticaria can be advised to ease the itching sensation by having frequent tepid showers and applying soothing lotions that include 0.5-1% menthol or calamine in aqueous cream and 10% crotamiton lotion (Yadav and Bajaj, 2009).

Acupuncture is often suggested to support the symptoms of urticaria.

A systematic review of six trials looking at the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for chronic urticaria found that all the trials resulted in an improvement of symptoms and no adverse effects were reported (Yao et al, 2016).

Essential oils are popular for managing the effects of urticaria, for instance by working as an anti-inflammatory or calming agent. One controlled study of 161 individuals found chamomile cream to be equally as effective as a 0.25% hydrocortisone cream for the treatment of eczema (Tabassum and Hamdani, 2014). A 2016 study on the effects of peppermint essential oil (Mentha balsamea) found a reduction in severity of itchiness when 50 participants were

asked to apply a topical peppermint oil preparation twice a day for two weeks (Elsaie et al, 2016).

A study on the effects of NB-UVB phototherapy on 81 people with chronic urticaria found it to be an effective treatment. Over the course of 20 treatment sessions, participants were asked to report the number of wheals they had and the severity of the itch.

The results found the urticaria activity score had reduced significantly (Engin et al, 2007). T 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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;diagnosisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

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 Autumn 2020

Opinion

In my opinon...

Leonora Wells, MFHT, gives her personal opinion on the lack of black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) representation within complementary therapies

Autumn 2020

forms. The responsibility lies with historic racism but there are also many other recent factors.

In the UK, and US, complementary therapies are often privately run and marketed to self-referring clients, so indirect discrimination and lack of advertising to attract a BAME client

base could be part of the issue. When engaging any marginalised group with complementary therapies, we must address wider socioeconomic factors.

Some factors which, irrespective of ethnic background, predispose people towards using complementary therapies are being middle class, middle aged and female (results of US 2012 National Health Interview Survey).

An obvious answer is to actively outreach in communities and groups who are under-represented in the complementary therapy sector. This is time consuming and requires networking with people in the places they live, socialise and work. Locating services in areas where larger proportions of people who have BAME backgrounds live is one way to enable easier access, as clients are more likely to use a service if it is close to where they live.

This brings me to the under representation of BAME people practicing complementary therapies (Thai and Ayurvedic massage being exceptions, as they are practiced globally by people of many different backgrounds). If a person doesn’t see complementary therapies being practiced or accessed by someone who looks like them, it is less likely they will use the service, or train to practice as a therapist. There is little research on this, but we know this is true of other activities, such as sports participation.

One thing we as therapists can easily change is to source promotional images to attract a diverse client group. This can be difficult if you rely on free images, but it is possible if you take the time to look. Alternatively, you can set aside a small budget to source a diverse range of images or create your own by gaining permission to take your own photos of clients and/ or friends.

In terms of my own approach to equality and diversity, I completed several online courses when employed by the University of Manchester and have read the guidance on p22 of the FHT Code of Conduct and applied it to my own practice. The rise of the antiracist movement has prompted me to undertake further CPD in anti-racism and equality and diversity. T

Leonora Wells is an FHT member who works as a self-employed sports therapist, based in Manchester.

Leo specialises in injury rehabilitation, providing deep tissue techniques, facilitated stretching, kinesology taping and pregnancy massage. Find Leo on Facebook at facebook.com/imassageleowells/

International therapist 53

Pictures: Shutterstock

G

lobal protests over the murder of George Floyd and the anger over inequality and racism in our society inspired me to investigate ways that I could make my own practice, and the complementary therapy sector, actively inclusive and anti-racist.

A US National Health Survey conducted in 2012 showed that black Americans were the most likely to experience moderate mental distress and were much less likely to use complementary therapies. The reason black American’s are less likely to use complementary therapies is unlikely to be a result of lack of awareness, as these therapies have long worldwide traditions and are widely advertised.

There is a clear lack of visibility of any black African massage tradition in the UK and globally, which might lead people to assume this is the reason that fewer black people access alternative therapies - lack of tradition equals lack of awareness.

However, there are West, East, Central and South African massage forms dating back centuries, but they’re hardly known outside their regions of origin and aren’t widely practiced.

It seems that black African massage traditions have been undervalued. The tourism industry, in the past, encouraged the replacement of African massage with globally popular Swedish and Thai massage, but this is changing, with South African massage now being advertised and available in South Africa and the Caribbean.

The most obvious reason for lack of awareness and practice of massage forms originating in black Africa, is the ‘othering’ of black African people i.e. racism worldwide, history of slavery, colonialism, the suppression of black African culture and the subsequent whitewashing of available massage

Competition

Competition Win seven Highland Wax Company massage waxes and a reflexology balm, worth £100, and two runners up will win a starter pack worth £40 each

H

ighland Wax Company produce a range of fantastic massage waxes, offering professional therapists a choice of specially formulated blends.

Massage wax is an outstanding massage medium providing excellent grip, while offering the required glide.

Sustainability is at the heart of Highland Wax Company, plastic use is minimised, all packaging is recyclable, and all products are 100% natural. All Highland Wax Company products are made using

Scottish beeswax including from their own hives.

More information about Highland Wax Company products can be found at highlandwax.co.uk.

To enter, please answer the following question: Where does the beeswax used in Highland Wax Company products come from?

A) Australia B) Scotland C) Ireland

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 Monday 30 November 2020.

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

Competition winners -

International Therapist, Issue 133 Affinity body bolster positioning aid and a three-part sheet set (p53) Winner: Nikki Edgar, MFHT Spiral quiz (p57) Winner: Louise Edwards, MFHT Runners-up: Beverley Williams, MFHT Trevor Street, MFHT Sarah Barrington-Kendall, MFHT Josephine Jones, MFHT

Illustration: Shutterstock

Do we have your latest email address?

Throughout COVID-19, we have been sending regular emails to our members, providing up-to-date 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

54 International therapist

Apologies Viewpoint (Issue 133, p10) The FHT would like to apologise to Dawn Stemmer, MFHT, for publishing ‘The Terence Watts BWRT Association’ (page 10). The text should have read, ‘The Terence Watts BWRT Institute’.

Viewpoint (Issue 133, p11) The FHT would like to apologise for stating the wrong page number in

an apology regarding a quote from a research study on dementia in issue 131. The feature which referred to patients as ‘demented’ had been quoted by FHT in a research summary (on page 47 of issue 131) and not in Nicolle Mitchell’s article on dementia and trauma (page 38 of issue 131), as cited in our previous apology.

Autumn 2020

New products

1

 NUTRITION BROUGHT TO LIFE BY KIRSTEN CHICK This complete guide brings to life the science and research behind nutrition. While providing opportunities to reflect on what you have learned, you can also explore new ways of eating and thinking about food, and new recipes. Rather than imposing rules that may only work for some, this book is designed to help you to find your way, with clear guidance and a myriad of useful tips and support.

Nutrition is not just about what food to put on your plate, but how well you digest, absorb and use it. It’s also about how food makes you feel, physically, mentally and emotionally. Kirsten takes readers through every step of the process and explains how diet impacts every aspect of your health and wellbeing.

Price: £20, available from alchimiapublishing.com

âTHE VITAL NERVES BY JOHN GIBBONS

2

The Vital Nerves is a roadmap to the functional anatomy of the nervous system. Full of anatomical drawings and detailed explanations, it explains neurological testing, common neuropathies, and differential diagnoses, and is an indispensable resource for physical therapists and bodyworkers.

The author provides an accessible introduction to the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Alongside real case studies and guidelines for hands-on work with clients and patients, The Vital Nerves demystifies and makes everything accessible, from how to spot different nerve conditions to understanding how our cells communicate.

RRP: £19.99, available from lotuspublishing.co.uk

New products

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

4

COLD THERAPY COMPRESSION SLEEVE

ALGENIST BLUE ALGAE VITAMIN C DARK SPOT CORRECTING PEEL Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel is an exfoliating peel that reduces the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. The peel is formulated with alguronic acid from algae vitamin C from spirulina, the antioxidant phycocyanin and our tripleacid complex of AHAs/BHA/ PHA. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) from spirulina is naturally sourced, sustainably produced, renewable and vegan.

RRP: £64.74, available from algenist.com

3

Available from FHT Partner Brand, Physique Management, the cool sleeve is a cold therapy compression sleeve that can help aid sore muscles and joints while relaxing or moving around. The cool sleeve provides 360-degree cold coverage treatment around the limb to help your client recover faster, providing up to 20 minutes of cold compression.

Created with a comfortable flexible compression fabric and solid solution gel that shapes around the limb, it is easy to use by simply pulling it up over the muscles or joints, allowing your client to either relax with it on or move around.

Price: £26.00, available from physique.co.uk

We love

We asked FHT Vice President Maria Mason to share her favourite product with our members.

‘I love the FHT Relax Therapy Room Spray. I have it in my home and in every treatment room at the salon, including at reception, it always gets a lot of attention from my family, friends and clients when visiting the salon!

We all understand the power of aromatherapy and how uplifting essential oils can be, I think this is the perfect spray to lift the mood and create a sense of calm for clients returning to our therapy spaces.’

Price: £9.99, available from shop.fht.org.uk Please note that product descriptions featured on these pages are provided by the supplier/manufacturer.

Autumn 2020

International therapist 55

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.

10

Top

reasons for being an FHT member

1 Professional status and recognition.

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

3 Professional representation.

DIGESTIVE AID (P34-37)

Q Q

Clients from diverse backgrounds may feel more anxious when seeking a treatment. Research the different anxieties these groups may face and explain the steps that you as their therapist can take to make them feel more comfortable.

Q

When outlining commitments to creating an inclusive therapy practice it is important that they are achievable. Research the inclusivity gaps that might lie within your practice and the steps you can take to set realistic actions.

BREAK THE FALL (P20-23)

Q

Thirty percent (30%) of people aged 65 and over will be treated for an injury at least once a year and for those aged 80 and over, this figure rises to 50% (NICE, 2013). Explain the exercise-based interventions you could use to help prevent injury in your elderly clients.

Q

56 International therapist

6 Discounted continued professional learning.

7 The UK’s largest local group network.

Provide a case study of how you have supported a client affected

by IBS. (This activity would be worth 5 CPD points – for more guidance and a case study template, see fht.org.uk/cpd).

8 FHT branded products and member discounts on therapy supplies.

RETHINKING PAIN (P42-43)

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

Q

Nociceptors that detect changes in our chemistry, temperature, inflammation or tissue damage help us anticipate pain. Referring to the TEDx talks mentioned in this article, research the science behind pain and the role of complementary therapists in supporting people living with chronic conditions.

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

BLEMISH REMOVAL (P44-46)

Q

Describe the five types of Level 5 blemishes, researching the causes and contradictions related to each type of blemish. 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* 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

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

*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 023 8062 4350.

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

Illustrations: Shutterstock

ACCESSIBLE TO ALL (P14-18)

In the UK around 10 to 20% of people are believed to have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Research the condition and outline how therapies other than aromatherapy and reflexology can be used to support clients with IBS.

4 The industry’s leading professional therapist magazine.

Autumn 2020

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.

Equality and diversity – supporting contributions To supplement our lead feature, four members contribute their thoughts on equality and diversity in the therapy industry…

Hinna talks about racist behaviour she encountered when training, as well as when providing massage for companies and at exhibitions, where delegates would walk past her on a stand to have a treatment with a white therapist. fht.org.uk/IT-134-RR-Hinna Before training to be a therapist, Kyra Fisher worked for the NHS for nearly 20 years, where equality and diversity became second nature. She explains the actions she has taken to ensure her practice is welcoming to all. fht.org.uk/IT-134-RR-Kyra

FHT Spiral No. 36

Sue Bond is an aromatherapist and talks about how sharing knowledge about different cultures could benefit therapists, and how cultural and ethnic differences should form an integral part of therapy training rather than treated as an ‘add-on’. fht.org.uk/IT-134-RR-Sue In her contribution, Sheri Werner explains that her reiki training is looking at how clients from different ethnic groups may interact with complementary therapy differently, based on their cultural practices, values and attitudes, and how self-care is not always accessible to all. fht.org.uk/IT-134-RR-Sheri

1

6

Test your A&P knowledge and win a £20 John Lewis & Partners gift card The winner will also receive a copy of The Sensory Herbal Handbook, by Fiona Heckles and Karen Lawton, who invite you to connect with the medicinal power of local plants. RRP £16.99 (watkinspublishing.com).

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 type of bone tissue.

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 30 November 2020.

10 13

5 15

9

7 14

2 11

12 8 3

4

CROSSWORD CLUES 1. Dead skin found at the base of the fingernail or toenail (7) 2. Type of pregnancy occurring outside of the womb (7) 3. Painful muscle spasm (5) 4. Mat support (anag.) Phrase that means ‘occurring shortly after birth’ (10) 5. - - - - - - - oblongata (7) 6. Hormone released by the adrenal glands and linked to the fight-or-flight

response (10) 7. Redness of the skin, caused by blood capillaries dilating (8) 8. Surgically removed, usually a limb (9) 9. First and shortest segment of the small intestine (8) 10. Lower jawbone, the strongest bone in the face (8) 11. Term given to the earliest stages of human development, before the unborn

baby is classed as a fetus (6) 12. Part of the alimentary canal which connects the throat to the stomach (10) 13. Ice bass (anag.) common skin infestation caused by a tiny burrowing mite (7) 14. - - - - - apnoea (5) 15. Kneecap (7)

Where’s the solution for spiral no. 35?

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 54 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. 35 featured in issue 133 (Summer 2020).

Autumn 2020

International therapist 57

Let your skillset grow!

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 will 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 point per hour to go towards your continuing professional development (CPD) 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.

Couch required Model required

58 International therapist

Autumn 2020

EMM-TECH SHORT COURSE

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 14 – 22 November – Anywhere Prices start from: £160

MTAT EAR ACUPUNCTURE FOR STRESS AND ANXIETY PROTOCOL LEVEL 1

TABLE THAI STRETCH MASSAGE 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 – Anywhere Prices start from: £160

PREGNANCY MASSAGE Learn a relaxing pregnancy massage and have confidence in understanding pregnancy and the best ways to treat at all stages, including positions, acupressure points and much more.

Course tutor: Jemma Cooper.

Course dates: n 28 – 29 November – Anywhere Prices start from: £160

Autumn 2020

This course offers full practitioner status to deliver an ear acupuncture protocol with a wide clinical application.

This evidence-based treatment supports symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Course tutor: Anna Venables Course dates: n 15 – 16 February – Solihull Prices start from: £200

HEARTS PROCESS

RELAXATION, MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS Discover relaxation, meditation and mindfulness skills to benefit your treatments and enhance your personal development. Learn techniques and advice to help your clients reach deeper levels of relaxation.

Course tutor: Christine Browne Course dates: n 17 April – Bristol Prices start from: £100

FREE CPD RESOURCES Due to the success of our FHT Stay at Home Video Series, these CPD resources will remain available for you to continue to enjoy. The resource bank is full of CPD videos provided by our fantastic accredited course providers and activity sheets for you to refresh your knowledge or learn about a new therapy and gain CPD points. Find out more: fht.org.uk/stay-at-home-video-series.

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 20 – 21 February – Bolden Prices start from: £200

Main picture: Shutterstock

OSTEOPATHIC TECHNIQUES – SPORT AND SPINE

Discover how the EMMETT technique addresses pain and body movement.

This course teaches eleven moves that have been specially selected from the EMMETT techniques practitioner course.

Course tutor: Various Course dates: n 22 February: Swindon n 6 February: Guildford n 28 March: Harrogate Prices start from: £100

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

International therapist 59

Courses

FHT accredited course providers NEWS

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

Mary Atkinson shares success of her Story Massage Programme during the COVID-19 lockdown Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, FHT Fellow and accredited course provider, Mary Atkinson, has been sharing the benefits of the story massage programme through the power of social media.

‘It’s been amazing how my story massage live sessions have really taken off during the lockdown’, says Mary. ‘It was wonderful to know that Emmanuel (my trusty teddy) and I were shared in schools, colleges and family homes across the country - and overseas! To the left is a photo that was shared on Twitter from

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 www.taraschoolofreflexology.ie The European College of Reflexology and Massage ecrm.ie

SCOTLAND

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

60 International therapist

NORTHERN IRELAND

Cherry Garden Special School in London. In the tweet they commented on how much the pupils and staff were benefitting from sharing positive, nurturing touch at such a challenging time. I've had positive feedback on Instagram too, with people even massaging their pets and saying that it made them feel calm.

'The programme has proved a gentle and effective way of supporting health and wellbeing, and I just wanted to share a little bit of good news at a time that has been difficult for so many.’

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

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

Jong Baik Education jongbaik.co.uk The No1 Pain Relief Clinic theno1painreliefclinic.co.uk

NORTH WEST

YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER

Acupuncture Training for Therapists Ltd acupuncturetrainingproviders.co.uk Alternatively Better alternativelybetter.co.uk Angela Pollard Therapies angelapollardtherapies.co.uk Breathworks breathworks-mindfulness.co.uk British Academy of Crystal Healing britishacademyofcrystalhealing.co.uk Dorn Method Academy UK (Jacqui) dornmethod.org Dorn Method Lake District dornmethodlakedistrict.co.uk Female Fitness Academy the-ffa.com Gaia School of Natural Health

NORTH EAST

Anna-Louise Haigh anna-louisehaigh.com Ashwood Beauty & Holistic Academy ashwoodacademy.co.uk Chi Medics ™ chi-medics.com Dawn Alderson & Co Training Academy dawnalderson.co.uk Eve’s Garden (Alison Valerie Peart) eves-garden.co.uk Extraordinary Kinesiology extraordinarychannels.com NHS Natural Health School nhsnaturalhealthschool.co.uk Pain Care Clinic paincareclinic.co.uk Total Therapies Training totaltherapies.co.uk Autumn 2020

Courses

EAST MIDLANDS

Fertility Massage fertilitymassage.co.uk 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/ SC Pressure Point New pressurepoint.me Shibashi Training Academy shibashitraininguk.co.uk Shirley Price International College of Aromatherapy shirleyprice.co.uk The Active School of Complementary Therapy ukmassagecourses.com Total Body Therapy gentlereleasetherapy.com Tri-Dosha tri-dosha.co.uk

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 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 Autumn 2020

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 Massage for Dementia massagefordementia.co.uk Lovegrove Essentials Ltd lovegroveessentials.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 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

New SC Aromalyne aromalyne.com Aquamassage Ltd aquamassagetherapycushion.co.uk 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 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 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 Nicki Lee Massage Therapy & Training nickileemassage.com Peter Symonds Adult and Higher Education College psc.ac.uk Purple Turtle Academy ptmassagetherapycourses.com Reflexmaster reflexmaster.co.uk RJ Buckle Associates rjbuckle.com Shakra Centre shakracentre.com Shared Beauty Secrets sharedbeautysecrets.com Story Massage storymassage.co.uk The Advanced Attraction Company carolynebennett101@gmail.com The Five Key Programme keyworkshops.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 Training4Healthcare training4healthcare.co.uk

EAST OF ENGLAND

Academy of Advanced Beauty academyofadvancedbeauty.com Blossom & Berry Baby Massage & Yoga Training blossomandberry.com Cameron Reid Training cameronreidtraining.co.uk Essential Training Solutions Ltd essential-training.co.uk Functional Reflex Therapy functionalreflextherapy.co.uk Gladwell School of Massage gladwellschoolofmassage.com Helen Mary Perkins helenperkins.com



International therapist 61

Courses

New Ingrid Perrin roseonthegreen.co.uk Murrells Hall vibrozone.com On the Spot Training Centre sallymorris.co.uk Progressive Kinesiology Academy UK progressive-kinesiology.co.uk SKN-RG Academy skn-rg.com The Abbeyfields Clinic theabbeyfieldsclinic.co.uk The Balance Procedure Limited thebalanceprocedure.com The Holistic Academy holistic-academy.co.uk The Lancaster System lancastersystem.co.uk Vitali-Chi Headquarters v-chi.com Womb & Fertility Massage fertilitymassage.co.uk

LONDON

Accredited Massage Courses Ltd accreditedmassagecourses.co.uk Ayurveda Institute of Europe ayurvedainstitute.org Ayurveda Pura Academy ayurvedapura.com Gong Bodywork doewarnes.co.uk 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 Massage londonschoolofmassage.co.uk Neal’s Yard Remedies School of Natural Medicine nealsyardremedies.com

School of Natural Therapies schoolofnaturaltherapies.co.uk Shen Mantra shenmantra.com Spanu Massage spanumassage.com St Mary’s University smuc.ac.uk/shortcourses TouchPro touchpro.co.uk UnitedMind Ltd unitedmind.co.uk Ziggie Bergman zonefacelift.com Ziggie Bergman with the London School of Reflexology zonefacelift.com

NATIONAL

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

INTERNATIONAL

American Fitness Professionals & Associates afpafitness.com Beijing ReStart Biotech Ltd 5restart.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 T Please visit fht.org. uk/accreditation for more information about FHT accredited qualifications and short courses.

Enjoy more original articles and content by following us @FHT_Org Facebook facebook.com/fht.org.uk • Instagram @internationaltherapistmag • Twitter @fht_Org 62 International therapist

Autumn 2020

Multi Award Winning National Massage, Beauty & Holistic Training School Come & Join The Thousands Of Therapists & Complete Beginners We Train Every Year n 60+ Professional, Accredited, Certified and Insurable Massage, Beauty & Spiritual Venue Courses n 20+ Venues UK, Scotland & Ireland n Excellent Online Professional Courses Manual/Videos/Tutor Support n Professional Qualifications - We Train Bobbi Brown, Top Hotels/Spas, CH4 Make up Artists & Celebrities n NEW! Award Winning Online Platform; Hosting Your Courses To Sell For Your Business

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in

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Link, like & follow US

Award Winning Training School Visit Web Site for Regular Dates

www.gatewayworkshops.co.uk

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.

Get in touch & find out more.

TRY OUR FREE 5-PART ONLINE INTRO www.upledger.co.uk 0800 690 6966

A family run business developing and producing 1 00% natural Beeswax based products.

• Our Massage Wax range offers professional therapists a variety of delicately formulated aromatic blends - one to suit every client!

• A fantastic alternative to massage oil - with no spills!

• Leaves skin nourished and hydrated without feeling oily • Protects delicate skin, perfect for Baby massage (Be Sensitive) • Recyclable packaging • 1 00% Natural Ingredients.

Visit our website to see our great multibuy offers and for more information on our product range

www.highlandwax.co.uk Highland Wax Company, Foynesfield Cottage, Nairn IV1 2 5SA 01 667 451 736 info@highlandwax.co.uk

Autumn 2020

International therapist 63

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

64 International therapist

Autumn 2020

Before you book To check whether a training course will be accepted by the FHT, please contact our membership and insurance team before you book your place.

Prerequisites may apply.

FHT Accredited Courses by

Core Elements

Level 3 & 4 Sports Massage Therapy Level 5 Diploma in Sports & Clinical Therapy CPD courses including: Electrotherapy, Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilisations, Rehabilitation, Dry Needling, Dry Cupping, Taping, and Clinical Yoga - Online Live CPD courses now available To find out more email: Dawn@coreelements.uk.com or visit: www.coreelements.uk.com

Award winning Reproflexology™

Reproductive Reflexology Training Best-selling book ‘Reflexology for Fer.lity’ By Barbara Sco7 MBRA

If you have a passion for helping couples try to conceive and would like to transform your practice...

The Menstrual cycle and the importance of BBT charting - Male fertility issues - Develop an integrative practice; understand and utilise medical tests - Support all forms of assisted conception … then book a classroom based or webinar course now.

All classes now available online

www.serennaturalfertility.co.uk Email: nicola.serentraining@gmail.com

Training By Professionals VTCT Approved Centre

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

tel: 07796 297071

www.prestontherapycentre.co.uk Autumn 2020

International therapist 65

Guest column

and vitamin C may also convey some protective effect, if you want to pull out all the plugs.

and finally...

Dr Michael Dixon, chair of the College of Medicine and social prescribing lead for England, looks at how to boost the immune system in the run-up to winter

W

e know that lifestyle can affect our susceptibility to winter bugs – we all bore witness to the reduction in colds, flu and of course COVID-19, as a result of social isolation in Australia during its winter. However, little has been said about the beneficial effects of food and herbs, and as neither can be patented (which is what attracts money for expensive research) we are left to make up our own minds, based on the limited but suggestive evidence available. This is an area that government and the research establishment really must address, post-COVID-19.

All that said, I believe there are a number of things that we can do for ourselves, and encourage our patients and clients to

do, which may reduce the likelihood and ameliorate the effects of getting colds, flu and possibly COVID-19.

We know that diet is crucial and if you can reduce your weight to the average, then you halve your chances of dying from COVID-19. For most of us this means cutting back on carbohydrates, sugars, fats and alcohol. A diet rich in polyphenols may also be protective, so eat plenty of dark greens, coloured root vegetables and berries. Blackberries, blueberries and black elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are particularly excellent and the latter can be bought in liquid form from chemists and health food shops. I grow autumn raspberries and believe that eating them until the very last one is helpful to the immune system - the mankier and more covered in fungus the better! The allium family (garlic, onions and leeks) have been traditionally used to ward off infections and are also rich in polyphenols, as is green tea. When you are cooking, turmeric, ginger and cinnamon can also play a role in protection.

As for supplements, there is some evidence that vitamin D may protect against COVID-19 and as we enter the sun-deprived winter months, there seems every reason to take it. Zinc

66 International therapist

As well as keeping your weight down, moderate exercise and keeping relatively fit also helps the immune system, and yoga, Pilates, tai chi and mindfulness are good for keeping stress at bay, as is simply having a hobby. Natural killer cells (a part of our immune protective system) provide our first line of defence against infections and are emotionally dependent, which explains why problems such as colds, thrush and cold sores can flare up when we are at our lowest or under pressure.

Finally, on a personal level, if I have been in contact with someone with a cold, I think that Pelargonium sidoides (African geranium) can provide some protection and especially if taken with the very first symptoms of a viral infection. There is also quite good evidence that simply doing something ‘you believe in’ is itself efficacious, which should dispel the doom-mongers and nihilists.

Avoiding COVID-19 is a case of mitigating reasonable risk. Diet and lifestyle – quite apart from physical isolation – must have a role and it is surprising to me how silent the scientific community has been on this.

If you would like to access self-care resources and further information about some of the things I have mentioned in this column, search online for the College of Medicine’s ourhealth.directory 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 president of the NHS Clinical Commissioners.

In the next issue of IT, we are delighted to be featuring an excerpt from Michael’s new book, Time to Heal – Tales of a Country Doctor (unicornpublishing.org), published 2 November 2020.

Autumn 2020

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