International Therapist

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

The leading magazine for professional therapists

Wellness without walls A look at our 2020 FHT Green Therapy Business of the Year

The immersion effect – The physical and mental benefits of wild swimming Hearing impaired – Supporting clients with a hearing impairment

fht.org.uk

Winter 2021

Issue 135

“A heartfelt, poignant and thoughtful work on a topic that truly matters.”

—Daniel Gray, author of Saturday, 3 PM

“A must read for fans of the beautiful game.”

—Nancy Frostick, The Athletic

“Emotionally intelligent, devastatingly real and carefully constructed, Get Your Head in The Game is an absolute must read.”

—Hannah Albery, host of the The Mind Matters podcast

“This is a brilliant and important book about football and mental health. Stevenson writes with personal insight and real compassion about the problems of fans, players and clubs, but he also writes with great hope for a brighter future across the whole footballing community.”

—Doug Johnstone, author of The Jump

Available at all good bookstores and at www.watkinspublishing.com

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Contents i n t e r n at i o n a l

The leading magazine for professional therapists

Winter 2021

fht.org.uk

Issue 135

Wellness without walls A look at our 2020 FHT Green Therapy Business of the Year

Inside...

24

Winter 2021

23

The immersion effect – The physical and mental benefits of wild swimming Hearing impaired – Supporting clients with a hearing impairment

Cover feature Wellness without walls

Features

14

Wellness without walls We share insights from our winners of 2020 FHT Green Therapy Business of the Year, Anne Bramley and Helen Saunders, co-founders of Wellbeing at Whistlewood

20

2020 FHT Awards A look at our 2020 FHT Excellence Award winners, helping to raise the bar in therapy training and practice

24

The immersion effect We look at the physical and mental benefits of immersing yourself in cold water and share stories from members regularly enjoy wild swimming

28

A walk on the wild side In this short excerpt from his new book, Time to Heal, Dr Michael Dixon invites readers to discover the first time he realised the benefits of prescribing complementary therapies

34

Massage tools A guide to the best handheld massage tools on the market today and where to buy them

38

Microbes and massage Anne Ferguson, Peter Mackereth and Ann Carter take a look at infection control and massage

Winter 2021

58

42

Inspiring generations Katie Asgari, curriculum team leader at Rotherham College, writes about her work inspiring the next generation of hair and beauty therapists

44

Create your own A step-by-step guide to creating a beeswax wrap gift for your clients

46

Hearing impaired We look at the small changes you can make in your therapy practice to support clients who are deaf or hard of hearing

Regulars 8 News update 10 Things for Winter 11 Viewpoint 12 Top blogs 23 Essential oil profile – Lemongrass 31 Local groups 32 Here for you 37 Medical A-Z 52 A day in the life of… Jennifer Young, skincare expert and founder of Beauty Despite Cancer 63 Industry news 66 Guest column... Caroline Nokes MP reflects on the past year and discusses the importance of complementary therapies during the COVID-19 pandemic

28 Members' pages 49 Competition 53 Members news 54 New products

Learning 19 FHT Virtual Training Congress 50 Research 56 CPD questions 57 Reading room and spiral quiz 58 FHT learning 60 FHT accredited courses

44 International therapist 3

How are things?

Please let us know in our 2021 Member Survey Your feedback is really important as it helps us to make sure we are providing you with the support and services you need as a valued member of the FHT. We’d be really grateful if you could complete our annual FHT Member Survey, so that we can learn about what’s important to you and how you think we’re doing as your preferred professional association.

As a thank you, we’ll enter you into a free prize draw. One lucky winner will receive a £100 John Lewis & Partners gift card and a year’s free membership to the FHT, and five runners up will receive a £20 John Lewis & Partners gift card.* Visit fht.org.yk/FHT-survey

MEMBERSHIP CARD FHT membership card

2020 v5.indd 1

*Entries to be received by no later than 19 February, 2021. A prize of equivalent value to the John Lewis & 26/10/2020 12:3 8:10 Partners gift card will be provided if the winning member lives outside of the UK. Standard FHT competition terms therapist and conditions apply – please see fht.org.uk/competitions. If you would like a printed copy of the survey,Winter 2021 4 International please contact the FHT by post, telephone or email (see contact details on page 5).

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 – Spring 2021 (Issue 136) Editorial – 4 February Display adverts – 1 April Published – 23 April 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,

H

appy New Year to you all, despite the fact that coronavirus is still very much with us. I sincerely hope that by Spring, my opening comments will be about the tide finally starting to turn, as I know how much you want to get back to supporting all of your clients in person. In the meantime, hopefully some of the articles in this issue will help to give you a little boost and to think of better times ahead.

One of our features, The immersion effect, took me back to when I was working at my dad’s boat building business. Based in a drafty, rundown shipyard on the water’s edge at Bosham, West Sussex, we at least got to enjoy spotting lots of different birds and other wildlife during our tea breaks. Most of these we could identify, but there was one frequent visitor that baffled us - an elderly lady who would strip down to her swimsuit and go for a swim, whatever the weather. My dad and I discussed this strange ritual on numerous occasions, but always ended up shaking our heads and reaching the same conclusion: “she must be mad!"

As is often the case, research is now corroborating what this lady - and no doubt generations before her – already knew: that cold water immersion is actually good for your health and can help to improve sleep and mental wellbeing, boost the immune system, and reduce pain and inflammation. Research even suggests it can slow down the onset of dementia, which I find particularly ironic, as it was Alzheimer’s that claimed my otherwise very

healthy dad at the age of 72. While I’m confident this ‘new’ knowledge wouldn’t have encouraged either of us to take a dip in Bosham estuary 25 years ago, we perhaps wouldn’t have been so quick to shake our heads and conclude that the lady we watched doing this was “mad”. If you’re interested in ‘having a go’ yourself, read our feature on page 24.

Or if you prefer to enjoy the health benefits of nature on dry land, why not read Wellness without walls, on page 14. The winners of our very first FHT Green Therapy Business of the Year award, Anne Bramley and Helen Saunders introduce us to an initiative they launched in Derbyshire that connects people with nature to improve health and wellbeing. In fact, one positive I’ve certainly noticed about COVID-19 is that it has encouraged more people to exercise outside and enjoy nature. May this, along with a renewed sense of community, long continue once t his awful virus has passed.

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.

Winter 2021

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President's welcome

Welcome

W

As a result of the pandemic, we have all been forced to adapt and change what we do and we have seen some excellent examples of this in our 2020 FHT Award winners

elcome everyone, to 2021.

As I am writing this in early December, it’s hard to imagine what the situation will be by the time you receive this magazine.

While I suspect we are not completely out of the woods yet, I am sure there are many of you who will still be glad to see the New Year, after the rollercoaster ride that was 2020.

As a result of the pandemic, we have all been forced to adapt and change what we do and I have to say, we have seen some excellent examples of this in our 2020 FHT Excellence Award winners. My warmest congratulations to you all. And I know that just like our winners, many of you have also taken the extra time generated from the lockdowns to publish guidance and selfhelp booklets, increase your social media presence, support clients remotely, deliver online courses, carry out virtual meetings, and even reviewed your therapy practices and how these can be improved for the sake of the environment. While there is no substitute for treating clients in person and helping them to feel better, for many of us the pandemic has meant the unexpected opportunity to explore new avenues which we may not have ventured down otherwise.

I just hope that come Spring, we will be nudging our way ever closer to something that resembles ‘normal’ practice, as one thing is certain – the toll that coronavirus has taken on everyone’s health and wellbeing means our services will be in higher demand than ever before.

Like our members, the FHT has also had to adapt as a result of the virus, with many of our staff working from home.

This year, we also see one of our biggest technological improvements in the organisation’s history, as we launch a brand new client management system (database).

While I appreciate you will not see many of the technological benefits that staff will notice in-house, it will mean, for example, that in the future we will be able to email certain documents to you, rather than send these in the post, which will be more environmentally friendly.

I sincerely and whole-heartedly wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2021.

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) Winter 2021

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News

NEWS

The latest health, therapy and business news...

Survey reveals the emotional and physical impact of severe asthma

Results from the world’s largest study on touch revealed Commissioned by the Wellcome Collection and BBC Radio 4, the Touch Test was launched in January 2020 and looked to explore attitudes towards the physical experience of touch.

Almost 40,000 people from 112 different countries took the Touch Test. Results showed that the majority of respondents (72%) viewed touch positively and nearly half of us (43%) said society doesn’t enable us to touch enough.

Results also showed that 63% of respondents disliked being touched by a stranger and 61% said a hug from their partner before bed had a positive effect on their sleep.

Professor Michael Banissy from Goldsmiths University said, ‘We’re looking forward to sharing and building on the results to further understand the personal and social contexts that influence the impact of touch in our lives.’ n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-135-touch-test-results

A survey by the Global Allergy and Airways Platform (GAAP) which looked at responses from 128 people from countries across the world revealed how debilitating severe asthma can be.

In the month before completing the survey, 52% of respondents said they found it difficult to walk up the stairs without feeling short of breath, 45% couldn’t manage household chores and 29% relied on other people to help them with daily tasks.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the impact on ‘normal life’ for these sufferers was taking a toll on their mental health.

Over half of respondents (52%) reported feeling anxious or depressed as a result of the condition and 49% said that it was ‘taking over their life’.

Following the survey, the GAAP produced a guide with tips and advice for people living with severe asthma. n Read more at fht.org.uk/ IT-135-asthma

Museum resource to help carers working with older people Northumbria University and Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums (TWAM) have come together to show how museum collections can help older people.

They have created guidance for health and social care professionals on how museum resources can support a range of healthy ageing and rehabilitation needs.

It is suggested that carers' use of a variety of activities will help to stimulate cognitive stimulation and social interaction. The resource is also organised into categories such 8 International therapist

as Physical/Mobility, Social, Cognitive/Knowledge/Learning and Mindful/Emotional, which shows their relevance to specific health and wellbeing goals.

A multi-disciplinary team is in the process of developing more activities, with the aim of making this a long-term service. These additional activities will include online and in-person training, short instructional films, venue visits, teaching for nursing students and activity loans boxes. n Access the report at fht.org.uk/ IT-135-museum-activities Winter 2021

News

in brief Physically active children report improvements in schoolwork New research by Sheffield Hallam University has revealed that children show improvements in their schoolwork and overall behaviour as a result of physical activity.

More than 60,000 students and 4,000 teachers completed the study, which asked whether they felt physical activity helped with schoolwork. Of those respondents, 92% of teaching staff believe being physically active helps, and 91% of students reported feeling that physical activity can improve their mental and physical health.

As schools began to re-open in September 2020, experts hoped the programme would be able to help schools offer more choice for physical activity and ways to build it into the school day. n Find out more at fht.org.uk/IT-135sport-children

Early lockdown activity habits revealed Activity levels in England dropped during the first lockdown period, according to a report by Sport England.

During the lockdown period (mid-March to mid-May), 3 million people reported being less active compared to the same period in 2019. Sport England highlight the importance of organised sport for specific groups and that the restriction of activity choice may have played a role in these figures.

Walking was the most popular activity with more than 21 million adults walking at a moderate intensity. Cycling rose by 1.5% and exercising at home saw a boom, which is thought to be as a result of accessible online exercise classes such as Joe Wicks’ P.E. sessions.

Sports Minister, Nigel Huddleston, encouraged people to continue exercising during the winter months. He said, 'As we head into a critical winter, we need to get the whole country match-fit to beat coronavirus.

‘I encourage those yet to get active to feed off the spirit of the early morning walkers, the Wicks workouts and evening park runners earlier this year, and take up initiatives such as Sport England's 'Join the Movement' campaign that continue to boost our wellbeing.’ n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-135-activity-habits

Sales for vitamins and supplements predicted to grow by 8% A quarter of people in the UK (24%) are now consuming vitamins and supplements to improve immune health and mood, according to market research company, Mintel.

The majority of consumers (36%) say they take them to boost their immune system and 15% use them to improve their mood.

The sector is predicted to be worth nearly £500 million by the end of the year with a growth of 8%.

Experts say Vitamin D is the most purchased vitamin in the UK with it being taken by 38% of supplement users. It is also frequently used within 20% of new products coming to the market in 2020. n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-135-vitamins Winter 2021

Male body positivity project launched Campaigner, Kelvin Davis, is gaining momentum for the male body positivity movement through his blog, Notoriously Dapper.

Kelvin started the blog when he was told by a sales assistant that he was ‘too big’ to shop in a store. He said, ‘I started the blog after a shopping trip that unfortunately left a bad taste in my mouth. Ever since, I have vowed to never feel that insecure or ashamed of my size again.’

Since the movement began, celebrities such as cricketer Freddie Flintoff and actor Christopher Eccleston have talked about their experiences with body insecurity, shining a light on the fact that men are also prone to eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia and binge eating.

The Notoriously Dapper blog has 15,000 subscribers and Kelvin’s has 92,000 followers on his Instagram page. n Read more at fht.org.uk/IT-135-male-bodies

Bioprinting of human immune system aids COVID-19 research 3D-printing was used by scientists in San Francisco to help their understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the immune system.

Synthesising a functional immune system, researchers at the biotech company Prellis Biologics were able to develop a fully synthetic system of 3D-printed lymph nodes to produce anti-bodies.

Bioprinting was first introduced in the early 2000s and allows for research without the need for a living host. Though still in exploratory stages, it is thought that the use of this type of technology could be hugely beneficial to the future of scientific discovery. n Access the report at fht.org.uk/IT-135-3Dimmune-system

International therapist 9

Things for Winter

Things for Winter January

Birds need high-energy foods over winter to boost their fat reserves for the cold nights.

Establish a feeding routine with the birds in your garden by regularly leaving out some mealworms or mixed seeds.

4 February

We know a lot of our members support people living with and beyond cancer. This #WorldCancerDay, join us in raising awareness of the benefits that complementary therapies can have for people with cancer. fht.org.uk/world-cancer-day

1 March

Looking for some double positivity this month? Not only do we gain an hour of sleep when the clocks go forward on the 28 March but it’s also National Sleep Awareness Week from the 1-7 March.

Share information about how therapies can encourage a good night’s sleep with one of our features listed in the blog post linked below. fht.org.uk/blog-sleep

7 March

A perfect time to spring clean your treatment room! Why not try taking your time to make sure every inch of your room is just perfect?

In her blog (see URL below), FHT Vice President, Maria Mason, talks about her time visiting a monastery where she learned the art of cleaning mindfully. fht.org.uk/blog-maria-mason

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25 January

Don your best tartan and celebrate Burns Night with some traditional Scottish music and food.

Did you know? Bob Dylan once said poet Robert Burns was his greatest ever source of inspiration.

Kindness is like snow, it never fails to add beauty to what it covers” February

By now, you may have established a feeding routine with the birds in your garden.

Why not start a nature journal to keep tabs on the wildlife around you? If you don’t have many birds visiting, keep an eye out for foxes or even regular creepy crawlies.

14 February

Spread some love this season with handwritten letters to family and friends. A text can be nice but there’s something special about an unexpected letter through the door. You can even be creative and add a little extra sparkle with these craft ideas... fht.org.uk/valentine-crafts

5 March

Just 100 days to go until the FHT Virtual Training congress! Buy your ticket for two days of interesting webinars and to gain CPD points. fht.org.uk/training-congress

10 March

Need a health kick as we head into Spring? Why not try this delicious vegan recipe that is sure to be a hit with your loved ones...

SUPERFOOD BREAKFAST COOKIES Ingredients • 125g rolled oats • 3 tablespoons maple syrup • 65g cranberries • 65g pumpkin seeds • 1 tablespoon chia seeds • 1 large mashed banana • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Method • STEP 1 Heat your oven to 160º and prepare a tray with greaseproof baking paper.

• STEP 2 Put all your ingredients in a bowl, making sure to combine thoroughly.

• STEP 3 Take a small handful from the mix and flatten in your hand to make a cookie shape. Repeat this process, making sure they are all equal.

• STEP 4 Place in the oven for 15-20 minutes (dependent on the temperature of your oven), until golden brown on top.

Winter 2021

Have your say

Viewpoint Rethinking pain feature (Issue 134) 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

Thank you for the excellent feature article on pain (p.42, issue 134). Having learnt about this new way of thinking a few years ago, it has completely changed how I approach things for myself and clients. It would be great to see training and articles on this topic, so that therapists who have people coming to them with long term and acute pain can teach them how to manage their pain in the future. This approach might feel like we are doing ourselves out of business in some cases, but it's better to equip those in pain with the tools they need to improve their lives in the long run. n Alyson Tyler, MFHT

Accessible to all feature (Issue 134) ‘I enjoyed receiving my Autumn 2020 issue and was impressed to see that the issue of equality and diversity was being explored.

The survey offered interesting insights and highlighted the need for ongoing discussions, embedding inclusive practices and therapists being agents of change.

‘As a British Pakistani therapist who works with a variety of practitioners it is a rarity to see ourselves in a highly visible way. I could not help thinking what a missed opportunity this was for the magazine to engage the voice of more BAME

practitioners with firsthand experiences of the issues raised in the article.

‘It is not just training that supports change, but the visibility of diverse persons and voices expressed in the magazine that will be of greater significance.’ n Farrah Idris, MFHT

Editor's comment: Thank you for your feedback, Farrah, and we welcome BAME members to send in their comments and articles (see fht.org.uk/it for guidance on submitting articles).

Online chat Launching the 2020 FHT Excellence Awards Facebook @Carol Samuel At the end of the day, you are ALL winners.

Many congratulations to every single one of you. @elemitraining Good luck everyone

Support from the FHT during the COVID-19 pandemic The North Birmingham Local Support Group met to discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on their work. Attendees spoke about being grateful for the support that the FHT had provided and said they particularly liked the FHT Stay at Home series. n Alison Clamp, MFHT Each member of staff I have spoken to at the FHT recently has been encouraging and supportive through what has been an incredibly difficult year.

My business partner, Helen, and I were honored to be recognised as FHT Green Therapy Business of the Year and look forward to sharing our good experience to encourage our fellow FHT members. n Anne Bramley, MFHT

Twitter Pro-touch awareness month @MaryAtkinsonChi Delighted to be involved with this wonderful initiative. Look out for a special free Facebook event with a massage poem I've written about the importance of touching the lives of others.

LinkedIn @joannataplin Good luck everyone!

International Therapist Autumn 2020 @Dominika Laczkowska I have got it, beautiful design @janeeaton Yay! Got it thank you @mindbodyelement Mine has arrived just in time for the weekend! @Storymassage Looking forward to a good read. Thank you.

Winter 2021

Please keep in touch with us...

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

International therapist 11

FHT Blog

Top blogs

FHT regularly shares blog posts to keep members updated with the latest in the industry. We look at the most popular posts in recent months...

THE BENEFITS OF SCAR THERAPY FOLLOWING BREAST CANCER SURGERY Hannah Poulton, MFHT, talks about how scar therapy can support people with breast cancer after surgery.

As you may already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a month dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer as well as the treatments and support available.

Scar therapy treatment is a gentle technique that seeks to help the function and feeling of scars and can make a huge difference to people post-surgery.

the nature of scar tissue it can’t do this, and as the scar develops, it intertwines with the fascia through and underneath the skin. These fascial connections underneath the scar can often make them feel tight and restrict movement.

Scar therapy, aims to ‘release’ scars, which can pull against fascial connections. With a series of recognised techniques, the therapist is able to gently work on and around the scar in order to help soften the scar.

Fascia, what is it and how does it relate to scar therapy?

Fascia covers our whole body, it is a moveable web that covers our muscles, bones and is in our skin. It is the framework of our human structure and without it, we would fall apart.

As scars form, the scar tissue tries to mimic the skin and/or muscle that was there previously. Of course, due to

A holistic approach Scar therapists are taught to look at the whole person and treat accordingly.

Sometimes clients can have an instant response and have improved feeling and movement after the first treatment. For larger, more traumatic scars, the client may need a few sessions before feeling and seeing a difference.

Following the sessions, the therapist

STORIES ABOUT MEDITATION, WITH A TWIST A project showcasing unique places to meditate, and the benefits of the practice has launched on Instagram.

TWO.O was launched by Tommi Turunen, a business designer and photographer from Finland. Tommi thought of the project when on his way home when he noticed a young woman meditating in the middle of a busy street.

Tommi said, ‘I was amazed! I thought, how could she meditate there? And then it struck me. Why not?

'Most people are aware of the benefits of meditation, but it is still a sort of taboo – hidden from the busy everyday life, streets, kindergartens, schools and workplaces. TWO.O – meditation everywhere was founded to change all this.'

Discover TWO.O meditation anywhere stories at instagram.com/two.o_official

12 International therapist

will give aftercare advice and teach the client how to perform scar therapy massage techniques on themselves.

This not only helps the initial scar recovery phase, but it can also bring many psychological benefits too.

Hannah Poulton is a senior physiotherapist, scar therapist, acupuncturist and advanced rock tape practitioner. Hannah runs HLP Therapy, based in Narborough in Leicester.

DISCOVER STORIES ON DISABILITY WITH A NEW BBC FOUR SERIES To mark 25 years since the passing of the Disability Discrimination Act, which made discrimination against disabled people unlawful, BBC Four has launched a series sharing stories about disability.

The CripTales’ showcases a series of compelling and unexpected stories from disabled people. Each short episode brings to life the impact that having a disability can have on a person’s life, from the positives to the prejudices.

Just a few of the stories include an actor called Mat who talks about the discriminations he faced in auditions, a lady called Meg who forged an unexpected friendship, and a children’s writer who tells a tale of how she came to fall in love with her next door neighbour.

These short videos will be available at bbc.co.uk/iPlayer for a year.

Winter 2021

FHT Blog TAKE PART IN AN ONLINE SLEEP TREATMENT STUDY RUN BY EXPERTS AT NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY

HOW SOCIAL PRESCRIBING COULD BE USED TO TACKLE THE UK’S LONELINESS CRISIS Dr Michael Dixon, Chair of the College of Medicine and Integrated Health, addressed how social prescribing could be used to combat loneliness in a speech at the Westminster Insight conference.

He began by explaining that social prescribing is a useful tool when it comes to supporting those who are feeling isolated, as the scheme provides new opportunities for people to socialise.

He highlighted that the number of link workers is increasing in England, with the aim that within the next few years there will be up to three link workers assigned to every group of GP practices.

Link workers team up with local services and volunteers to extend their reach so that they are able to support all those who are referred to them or have been flagged as self-isolating.

Dr. Michael Dixon concluded by outlining that although social prescribing helps people build connections and gives them new opportunities, the approach needs to go deeper. He said, ‘Social prescribing is about inequalities and helping those who need help most.

The last Surgeon General of the US, Vivek Murthy, refers to the ‘Paradox of Loneliness’ which describes how those Winter 2021

who feel most lonely may, paradoxically, often be those who are most resistant to social approaches and opportunities.

‘It has been estimated, for instance, that lonely brains detect social threat twice as fast as unlonely ones.

Consequently, the unique strength of the social prescribing link worker is that they can do a ‘deep dive’ into the mind and lives of their clients and formulate a solution only when they thoroughly understand their background, challenges, hopes and beliefs – and this may often involve the link worker accompanying the client to the first few sessions of any new activity.

‘I also think social prescribing has a vital role as a catalyst for creating a community where people are less lonely to begin with. Social link workers often work alongside community builders, whose job is to increase the potential of the local volunteer and voluntary sector.

Indeed, some link workers do both jobs.

This results in a coming together of the voluntary sector, primary care and the local authority, which can increase local social capital and resilience and thus create a community where there are less lonely people altogether.’

Sleep experts at Northumbria University are looking for people who are experiencing issues with their sleep to take part in an online treatment study.

The programme has been launched following a review of COVID-19 sleep studies, which indicate that around 40% of people have been experiencing sleep problems as a result of the pandemic.

Phycologists from Northumbria University believe that they can stop sleep disruption if they are able to intervene at an early stage. The online study looks at educating people on how they can change their behaviour in order to sleep better, a method which has proven to be effective for people with insomnia.

There is no deadline in which to apply for the study, but participants are required to be aged 18 or over, have access to the internet and be able to read written English. Apply at fht.org. uk/IT-sleep-study

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

International therapist 13

Nature and wellbeing

Wellness without walls

14 International therapist

Winter 2021

Photogphraph: Daniel Douglas Montague Smith

Nature and wellbeing

Winners of the 2020 FHT Green Therapy Business of the Year award, Anne Bramley and Helen Saunders, provide an introduction to Wellbeing at Whistlewood.

W

ellbeing at Whistlewood is a unique initiative set within a 10-acre community-owned woodland, called Whistlewood Common.

We both work part-time at Wellbeing at Whistlewood, in partnership with a valued team of professionals in ways that allow us, as well as our guests, to spend time in nature to support our wellbeing.

Between the two of us, our experience includes working within private enterprise, NHS and higher education settings, and it was our busy work schedules that led us to seek balance in our own lives, and to put into practice what we have been preaching

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others about the importance of wellbeing.

Helen is an experienced homeopath and Certified Forest Bathing Guide, having previously worked in human resources for a multi-national company.

Anne is an aromatherapist and massage therapist and has enjoyed a long career in nursing and midwifery. She is a Certified Forest Bathing Guide and Forest Therapy Practitioner and holds a teaching qualification.

As well as being members of the FHT, we and a number of our wellbeing professionals are also members of the College of Medicine and Integrated Health. We are also actively involved

in local agendas to deliver green social prescriptions to diverse communities through our wellbeing experiences.

How it all began Whistlewood Common was formed from a parcel of land bought in 2013 by a group of like-minded individuals who wanted to form a community with a shared purpose: to protect nature, to manage land sustainably and to demonstrate green living. Whistlewood’s community of shareholders is now made up of approximately 400 people. The National Forest Company (NFC) also holds shares in Whistlewood Common and is proactive in International therapist 15

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Nature and wellbeing

supporting our wellbeing services.

A true permaculture project, Whistlewood Common is built on the ethics of Earth Care, People Care and Fair Shares and all of the shareholders encouraged our business formation. In 2019, we formalised our much-discussed ideas and Wellbeing at Whistlewood was born.

Since then we have partnered with other Whistlewood enterprises and experts to support our activities and business development, from offering training to our wellbeing professionals, to sourcing the very best ethical and local food supplies for our events.

About Wellbeing at Whistlewood When we both became shareholders of Whistlewood Common, it was obvious that this unique woodland setting was the perfect place to support community wellbeing. Many years of our health and wellbeing career experience has been based in medicalised ‘consulting rooms’. Our ‘Wellbeing without walls’ approach takes away those physical barriers, offering a place in nature to truly ‘be’ and experience calm within a supportive space, where there is a warm, community welcome.

Connection to nature and others is at the heart of the activities and experiences we offer, which incorporate the University of Derby's ‘Five Pathways to Nature Connectedness’: • Senses — tuning in to nature through the senses • Emotion — feeling alive through the emotions and feelings nature brings • Beauty — noticing nature’s beauty • Meaning — nature bringing meaning to our lives • Compassion — caring and taking action for nature.

Positive experiences of being supported in nature helps to improve physical and mental health, while simultaneously encouraging empathy and compassion for nature.

We take every opportunity to hold sessions outdoors and limit the number of places at each event, which means we can dedicate more time to supporting our guests. Our ‘screen-free’, off-grid environment offers tranquility, away from everyday life, and we support people in experiencing the rich benefits of connecting with nature and living fully, throughout the whole year.

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Our sustainable facilities, which guests are free to explore and enjoy throughout their visit, include exclusive use of the 10-acre permaculture food forest. Beautiful spaces include a straw bale roundhouse, yurt, timber shelter, and an indoor and outdoor kitchen. Our buildings are served with wood-fired stove heating, solar lighting and a purified rainwater system.

Our in-house catering relies on fresh ingredients, many of which are grown onsite or sourced from local suppliers.

Campfire circles, a pizza oven and barbecue facilities offer seasonal variety and opportunities to adapt our events to meet bespoke needs.

Relaxation and meditation spaces are abundant, and we have plans to create more under trees, in forest gardens and by water.

Activities and experiences at Whistlewood Forest bathing walks and forest therapy sessions offer a shared experience that facilitate connection not only to nature, but to fellow guests. Both of these activities recognise that social interaction is vital to our wellbeing and all of our experiences are created to strengthen relationships and to reduce social isolation. For example, sharing experiences during the talking circles, which are a key part of the forest bathing experience, helps to build a community of forest bathing participants.

If members of a group are already familiar with each other, then it will strengthen their bonds further. As individual participants share their experiences of being in nature verbally, they recognise through the talking circle that they are experiencing nature in similar ways, building on each other’s comments and making social connections.

Our retreat days offer opportunities to

connect with nature, walk, relax and be at one with the woodland, with our various spaces and buildings supporting group and self-led creative activities such as expressive arts, natural crafts and dance therapy.

Holistic treatments, classes and one-toone wellbeing sessions are offered within retreat and experience days, or as individual appointments. We offer wellbeing workshops, yoga, reflexology, Qi Gong, expressive arts, dance therapy, shiatsu, craniosacral therapy, barefoot running, aromatherapy, homeopathy, chronic condition management, mindfulness, life coaching and a growing number of other wellbeing experiences.

We also design bespoke events for social groups and corporate teams. Our corporate guests can experience wellbeing consultancy and design services, as well as group wellbeing events and experiences.

We provide inspiration, engagement and support for teams to work in new ways and embrace challenges.

Bespoke wellbeing education and support for leaders, teams and individuals is provided to meet individual team needs. We support networking circles and connection opportunities, in addition to face-to-face and online wellbeing opportunities.

Our wellbeing services can also be found at community locations and festivals. We travel light and are adaptable, offering

 Guests can enjoy activities in a variety of spaces including our straw bale roundhouse  Our pizza oven is popular all year round

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Nature and wellbeing

encouraged to seek out and share other product information for our team to evaluate.

Embracing diversity and connectivity

""We believe wellbeing in nature should be accessible for all people" opportunities to build a community for health wherever we go.

One of our greatest pleasures, however, is supporting the development of other wellbeing professionals, where we are able to offer our extensive experience of practice facilitation.

And we welcome all of our guests to become further involved in opportunities within the wider Whistlewood Common community, such as permaculture project volunteering, festivals, workshops, building projects, art, crafts, community gardens and even becoming shareholders.

About our wellbeing professionals Our services would not be possible without our valued team of highly trained, self-employed wellbeing professionals, which is why we are committed to investing in their wellbeing and personal and professional development. As well as learning to work with nature and to offer wellbeing services across all four seasons, our professionals are taught about Winter 2021

Whistlewood’s core values and ethical practices, and we always listen carefully to their suggestions as to how we can enhance their learning and the different experiences we offer our guests.

Each year we provide four professional development days at a very modest cost, which covers the accommodation hire.

Three of the days are active ‘learning and sharing’ days, which follow a varied team building and education program.

Our fourth development day is to become a professionals’ retreat day, where we can exchange therapies and wellbeing opportunities to enhance our own health.

Our team have become skilled in researching different therapy and business products. We have adopted a ‘less is more’ approach, using less products but seeking out brands that are high quality and have strong ethical values. Companies with local presence, such as Weleda, support our product knowledge, inspiration, experience, networking circles and guest support.

Our wellbeing professionals are also

Our guests come from diverse communities, across a wide range of backgrounds, ages and individual financial means.

Valuing and welcoming diversity is central to our ethics and vision of being an inclusive community for health. Our facilities support a wider range of needs than many other woodland settings, offering a secure place to relax and feel safe, and our wellbeing professionals have extended their training to include diversity and inclusivity.

We are working with other organisations and professionals to ensure that our events and facilities meet the needs of people from different communities. We believe that wellbeing in nature should be accessible for all people and each person should be included equally. The Whistlewood Common volunteer team have been working hard to extend the accessible paths from our car park up to the Roundhouse and onto an accessible composting toilet.

Supporting diversity is essential within nature for the survival of every living being. We strive to be an inclusive community where all in nature are valued and celebrated. In difficult times, it can be hardest for the people on the edges of communities. People have been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic and it has never been more important to provide support for each other’s individual needs.

As mentioned earlier, permaculture is a design process where the core ethics are to support Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share, and our business is built on these very foundations. Recognising that we are connected to nature, to other living beings and that we are indeed dependent on nature — trees for oxygen, for instance — is so vital to our health, wellbeing and healing. We are all part of the ‘web of life’. Spending time in nature helps us to recognise and experience this and build it into our wellbeing practices.

More recent models for health do recognise that humans are embedded within the natural world and that the health of the planet and the health of humans are interdependent.

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Nature and wellbeing

The impact of COVID-19

Our business development has been supported by a ten-week business skills course provided by our local Chamber of Commerce. Free webinars and support during 2020 has continued via Zoom, allowing us to stay connected within the local business communities. Contact and networking via LinkedIn and social media has been a lifeline during the pandemic.

Our wellbeing professionals have taken part in these opportunities, which has strengthened the sharing of knowledge and skills within our team.

Our learning and networking experiences allowed us to pivot our business to develop further outdoor opportunities for the future.

Ethical banking and products play an important part in every aspect of our business and sustainability is gaining pace as a priority within businesses that we network with.

Generous bursaries from the NFC have supported us to train with the Forest Therapy Institute to offer forest bathing and forest therapy experiences. Anne has been supported via Access to Work with a grant to provide adapted office equipment to support her wellbeing needs.

As for so many people, 2020 has been an unusual and challenging year for us and our wellbeing team.

Our outdoor wellbeing events such as forest bathing, forest therapy, outdoor therapies, yoga and meditation have continued when the weather and COVID-19 restrictions have allowed.

However, our indoor wellbeing services and events are usually held within our roundhouse and yurt, which has impacted our retreats in particular. But

Spreading the word Professional networking has become a major opportunity for us to market and promote our business. Partnership working with business, community and statutory organisations has led to increased word of mouth referrals, plus traffic to our social media and website. Local community news pages have also helped to raise our profile locally.

Hosting community wellbeing and networking events allows us to welcome people to experience our services in a relaxing way. During a period of less restrictive COVID-19 guidelines, our wellbeing professionals also met with us around the campfire, which offered opportunities to explore new ways of being hospitable and reaching new audiences.

has been further strengthened by training provided by the FHT and other partner organisations, including the excellent infection control course offered by Jennifer Young. Our practices incorporate robust risk assessments and PPE, with excellent guidance from the FHT, as always.

In these difficult times, we have found creative ways of expressing community, as it is so important for our health and wellbeing.

Plans for the future

Tea ceremony photograph: Jonathon O'Farrell (misterkaki.blog)

The business side

we have learned to adapt, for example, by incorporating campfires for our outdoor, socially distanced meetings and wellbeing experiences.

Social media groups and Zoom meetings have supported us in continuing our team’s development during the pandemic. It is no substitute for meeting in our woodland but has certainly kept us connected. Many of our team have also used the time to train in additional skills including teaching and coaching, mindfulness in nature, mental health awareness, business skills, social media and further holistic therapies.

Our commitment to safety and inclusion

‘Green Recovery’ is our nature-inspired plan, which will steer us onto a more sustainable and rewarding path for the future. Nature reminds us that change is inevitable and ‘to let go’, like a tree sheds its leaves. The leaves fall to the ground and change to become nourishment for the soil, which feed the tree roots and all other flora. This is part of life, where nature is diverse, ever changing and full of surprises. Finding meaning and purpose in each season can help us to become more aware of the wellbeing benefits and pleasure that each brings. This has supported our resilience and ability to adapt to the changes needed to thrive during the pandemic.

Our top priority for 2021 is to welcome our guests back in a safe way. We are especially looking forward to welcoming back our more vulnerable guests, as well as health professionals and key workers.

So many people are in need of wellbeing support in nature after spending long months being at home or after the pressure of adapting to COVID-19 at work. This will include the expansion of outdoor therapies and wellbeing services provided by our wellbeing team.

We are also working with professional partners towards the integration of holistic approaches to mainstream provision of health and wellbeing through green social prescribing. We are committed to being part of the positive changes and welcome community wellbeing opportunities ‘on prescription’. Exciting times ahead, indeed. T

Anne Bramley (left), MFHT, and Helen Saunders (right), MFHT, are the co-founders of Wellbeing at Whistlewood and winners of FHT’s very first Green Therapy Business of the Year Excellence Award, 2020. For more information about Wellbeing at Whistlewood, visit wellbeingatwhistlewood.co.uk and facebook.com/wellbeingatwhistlewood

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Training

2021 FHT Virtual Congress 13 – 14 June 2021 The FHT is delighted to announce that, for the first time, this year’s annual training event will be hosted virtually so that members can join us, wherever they are! The 2021 FHT Virtual Congress is a two-day event which will feature expert speakers, insightful seminars and show discounts for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

Don’t miss this affordable and flexible CPD event which will allow you to: n n n n

Develop your therapy knowledge Discover the next step in your career Unlock show discounts and offers Gain your annual CPD requirement

More information to follow soon! fht.org.uk/virtualcongress

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FHT Excellence Awards

And the

winner is…

Congratulations to the winners of our 2020 FHT Excellence Awards!

In this article, we share a short insight into their work…

F

irst launched 10 years ago, the FHT’s Excellence Awards showcase how therapists are making a difference to people living in their local community, from helping clients to improve their health and wellbeing, to providing excellence in education or supporting other qualified therapists.

This year we have also launched a new category – FHT Green Therapy Business of the Year – in recognition of the growing number of members embracing sustainability and nature, looking for ways to make therapy practices and products more environmentally friendly.

FHT President, Christopher Byrne, says: “At FHT, we know full well the incredible work you are all doing, on a day-to-day basis, to help others. The FHT Excellence Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate these achievements and show the world at large not 20 International therapist

just what ‘best practice’ looks like, but what a difference therapies can make to others, through real-life examples.

“Throughout COVID-19, I’m proud to say that our members have clearly demonstrated that we are a flexible, professional and safe workforce, willing and able to support not just our clients, but in turn, our much-valued health and care system. This year’s award winners are another fine example of the wonderful and varied types of support our members have to offer.

“Finally, I’d like to say thank you to our finalists and everyone who entered this year’s awards. Our judges found it a great privilege to learn about your work and wish you all the best for 2021, when we hope you’ll consider entering our awards again.”

Please look out for features in this issue, and future issues of International Therapist, as we share the great work being achieved by our 2020 FHT Excellence Award winners.

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FHT Excellence Awards

FHT COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIST OF THE YEAR

FHT SPORTS THERAPIST OF THE YEAR

Winner: Mary Atkinson, FFHT In 2013, Mary co-founded the Story Massage Programme, which is based on ten simple massage strokes that are used to illustrate the words of a story. As the UK entered the first lockdown in March, Mary immediately looked to find a way to continue sharing this simple form of nurturing, positive touch with as many people as possible. She produced a free booklet of 36 new massage stories and was overwhelmed by the initial response from over 2,000 people in schools, family homes and community groups. A teacher then approached her about starting live Facebook, Instagram and YouTube sessions, and so Mary and her trusty teddy, Emmanuel, took to the screen on a regular basis, to share different follow-along massage stories.

For many, and especially those with children with profound and multiple learning difficulties, her live sessions provided a focus for the week, bringing them connection, fun and relaxation in an uncertain world.

Speaking about her win, Mary says: “This is such an honour.

It felt a privilege to find a way of helping to bring comfort and reassurance to families at such a difficult time."

Finalists: Malminder Gill, Sal Hanvey, Andrea Lambell, Joy Shaw, Alexandra Skanderowicz.

Winner: John Molyneux, MFHT John treats clients of all ages and abilities but over the past few years, he has turned his attention to the more mature client, as he feels that the older generation is often overlooked by the health and fitness industry. This led him to write his first book, A Better You in Later Life, shortly after which he launched MolyFit.co.uk, a free subscription website for the over 65s to encourage older people to sit less and move more, and literally exercise their way out of the GP waiting room. As interest and momentum grew, so did John’s business – within a year, he had built a website with over 500 subscribers, published three books, and gone from 0 to 11,000+ followers on Facebook. During both lockdowns, John became a beacon of positivity, supporting isolated clients with fortnightly calls and online sessions so they could continue to exercise and stay healthy.

Speaking about his win, John says: “To be recognised in this way for the work that I do is a true honour and I am delighted.

This has been the most challenging of all years and it is wonderful to have some good news and spread a little joy. Thank you, FHT”.

Finalist: Leigh Edwards.

FHT BEAUTY THERAPIST OF THE YEAR

FHT LOCAL GROUP COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Stephanie Chaytor, MFHT Stephanie is the owner of Karma Beauty, a holistic beauty salon based on Mersea Island, just off the coast of Essex, where she employs six other therapists.

After initially qualifying in 2012, Stephanie started her career as a mobile therapist but with an ever-growing client base, decided to take the plunge in the summer of 2015 and open her own salon, at just 19 years of age. Since then, Karma Beauty has moved to bigger premises on two occasions, and currently boasts four treatment rooms, four pedicure stations and four nail desks, receiving the 2018 Best Holistic Beauty Salon in Essex award as part of the Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health Awards. Throughout COVID-19, she has supported her clients via social media, while the team wait to treat them again in person. She has also enhanced her business through a second initiative, Karma Boutique, which sells clothing and household accessories online.

Speaking about her win, Stephanie says: “It’s an absolute pleasure to win this award. I’m so proud of myself and my team here, at Karma Beauty, and what we have overcome in the past year. Thank you to our clients, my friends and family, and of course FHT, for your continued support”.

Finalist: Geraldine Flynn.

Winner: Tim Djossou, MFHT Tim created the South Manchester local group in 2017 and has modestly excelled in his role ever since. Each year, he organises a calendar of events with a wide variety of topics to support his local therapist community. Some of the subjects previously covered at Tim’s group meetings include sports injuries, aromatherapy, Chinese medicine and crystal therapy – clearly showing his dedication to educate and support therapists, whatever their specialism or area of interest. During lockdown, he organised a series of virtual meetings with a special focus on topics that would help members, and non-members, during the difficult period.

He put together a very successful three-part series on mental health and nutrition, which was very well attended and allowed group members the chance to explore and understand the connection between the two. For many, Tim’s sessions are something inclusive to look forward to at a time when keeping in touch has been so important.

Speaking of his win, Tim says: “I would like thank Alice, Jade and Claire at FHT, that deliver beyond expectation and make our meetings possible. I did not expect in my wildest dreams to be nominated and yet here I am, with this award. Thank you.”

Finalist: Jackie Hamilton. 

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FHT Excellence Awards

FHT STUDENT OF THE YEAR Winner: Anya Rae, MFHT At the time of her award nomination, Anya was studying for a HNC in complementary therapies. Her background was in sports and leisure management but when her son had to leave mainstream school due to autism and challenging behaviour, as a single parent she had to step back from her career and find a job to fit around his needs. Initially she started a dog walking business but when her son reached 18, Anya decided to retrain as a therapist, knowing first-hand how complementary therapies had helped her to manage ankylosing spondylitis, a condition that is part of the rheumatoid arthritis family. Anya found going back into education daunting, not least because she also discovered she had dyslexia, dyscalculia and other traits of ADHD. But with incredible support from Ayrshire College, Anya has now progressed onto a HND and aspires to open a multi-disciplined healing centre.

Speaking about her win, Anya says: “I am overwhelmed to be presented with this award, it really does mean so much to me."

Finalist: Tina Wilkinson.

FHT TUTOR OF THE YEAR Winner: Jennifer Young, MFHT When coronavirus reached UK shores, Jennifer drew on her expertise as a former inspector for HSE, international consultant, specialist skincare product developer and accredited training provider to create an online course to support professional therapists through the pandemic. As well as helping them to understand the nature of the virus, her userfriendly course walked therapists through how to create a risk matrix and prioritise appropriate actions when resuming

practice. In Jennifer’s own words, her aim was ‘to help therapists return to work with a spring in their step rather than fear in their hearts’. Since it was launched, Jennifer’s fully certified course, Control of Cross Infection in a Post-Covid World – Professional Standards of Hygiene, has been accessed by more than 5,400 therapists, completely free of charge, as she felt free access was the right thing to do in these ‘turbulent and trying times’.

Speaking about her win, Jennifer says: “After a very challenging year of lockdowns, furlough and industry closure, we are especially honoured by this recognition."

Finalists: Caroline Bradley, Marie Duggan, Dawn Morse.

FHT GREEN THERAPY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Winners: Anne Bramley, MFHT, and Helen Saunders, MFHT Anne and Helen are the cofounders of Wellbeing at Whistlewood, an ‘off grid’ initiative set in 10 acres of community-owned woodland in South Derbyshire. They help to facilitate a team of 29 professionals who offer a wide range of activities and experiences for their guests to enjoy — from holistic therapies and retreats, to wellbeing classes, creative workshops and forest bathing.

A key objective of Whistlewood is to help improve health and wellbeing by connecting people with nature and so most of the activities are conducted outdoors, across all four seasons.

But there is also a very strong focus on sustainability and giving back to nature, which is why their amenities use solar power, a purified water supply and composting toilets, among others. To learn more about Wellbeing at Whistlewood, read Anne and Helen’s article, Wellness without walls, on page 14.

Speaking about their win, Helen says: “Anne and I would like to thank FHT for this award, which celebrates wellbeing in nature, diversity and also developing positive partnerships.

Thank you to Whistlewood Common, The Forest Institute, The National Forest and of course, our wellbeing professionals, who we couldn’t do it without.”

Finalists: Tina Kent, Mani Kohli, Lucy Stevens. T

More online…

To hear comments from the judges and to see this year’s winners' acceptance speeches, visit fht.org.uk/blog and enter the name of the award winner.

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Essential oil profile

Lemongrass

(Cymbopogon citratus)

There are two types of lemongrass frequently referred to in aromatherapy texts, which have varying chemical profiles - West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and East Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). For the purposes of this article, we focus on the latter variety.

Lemongrass is a fast-growing, aromatic grass, with cane-like stems and blue-green leaves, that can grow over a metre in height. The essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh or partly dried leaves, which are finely chopped. It ranges from yellow to amber-brown in colour and has a top note and herbaceous, lemony perfume.

As well as being a popular culinary ingredient, lemongrass has been used in traditional Indian medicine for many centuries, to treat infectious illness and fevers, and as an insecticide. It has also been used throughout history as an aid to meditation and to this day, has a reputation for helping to clear the mind and aid concentration.

Therapeutically, lemongrass is useful for helping to tighten and tone the skin and for relieving muscular aches and pains, making it a popular choice in both skincare products and for sports massage.

Key uses Energising, uplifting

Botanical family Poaceae (Gramineae)

Chemical composition Aldehydes – geranial, neral (up to 80%) Hydrocarbons – myrcene, limonene Alcohols – geraniol, linalool Oxides – 1,8-cineole Esters – geranyl acetate The chemical composition of any essential oil can vary greatly, according to the plant species; climate, altitude and soil where the plant is grown; and when it is harvested. Refer to the manufacturer’s safety data sheet for a breakdown of an oil’s chemical profile.

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Analgesic, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, calming, carminative, deodorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, insecticide, sedative, tonic.

Indications Acne, athlete’s foot, body odour, cellulite, depression, fever, flatulence, headaches, insect repellent, muscular aches and pains, pessimism, poor concentration, skin (oily, slack), sprains, strains, sweating (excessive).

Blends with Geranium, rose, grapefruit.

Safety data In Essential Oil Safety, Tisserand and Young (2014) advise caution for hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin and to use a dermal maximum of 0.7% to avoid skin sensitization. As citral (geranial and neral) and geraniol inhibit the enzyme CYP2B6, they also state that “there is a theoretical risk of interaction between

lemongrass oil and drugs metabolised by this enzyme” which includes tamoxifen. For a list of all drugs metabolised

by CYP2B6, refer to Appendix B of their text.

Research Skincare products A randomised controlled trial published in Journal of Cosmetic Science (Leelapornpisid P et al, 2015), found that ylangylang absolute and the essential oils of ginger, lemongrass, Wan-sao-long leaf and holy basil, exhibited high antioxidant activity when tested individually in a laboratory, and when incorporated into a body cream and evaluated on healthy volunteers, over a period of four weeks. The

authors concluded that “the results indicate that the essential oils and absolutes from Thai plants may serve as potential sources of natural antioxidants for spa and cosmetic products designed to prevent or treat signs of skin aging.”

Prosthetics A study recently published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Sahal G et al, 2020) found that Cymbopogon citratus oil “has good potential to be used as an antifungal and antibiofilm agent on silicone rubber prostheses and medical devices on which C. tropicalis biofilms pose a serious risk for skin infections and may cause a shorter lifespan of the prosthesis.” 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 23

Illustrations: Shutterstock

Therapeutic properties

Nature and Sport

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Winrer Winter 2021

Nature and Sport

The immersion effect We look at the physical and mental benefits of immersing yourself in cold water and share stories from FHT members who are regular wild swimmers.

W

ith over 7.5 million people in the UK braving the cold water for a swim each day (swimming.org, 2019), we wanted to discover more about the hobby, so spoke to FHT members who take part in outdoor swimming and Sophie Hellyer, the face of the wild swimming community, Rise Fierce.

Sophie said, ‘Rise Fierce is a community of female-only* swimmers across the UK and Ireland. It all started when I was discussing the health benefits of cold showers with a couple of friends and we decided we should just jump in the ocean instead. So, we met up at 7:30am the next day and jumped in the sea for what was probably about 30 seconds. We said we would go once a week and within the first two weeks we were going every day.

‘I hadn’t predicted that Rise Fierce would become as popular as it has. I think there are a few reasons it has grown so quickly. The first is the epic feeling that comes from cold water immersion, it is indescribable and I think it is something everyone should try at least once. Secondly, there is a huge aspect of community, as it is unsafe to swim alone. And lastly, the mental and physical benefits are hard to ignore.

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‘Although the ritual is about swimming, the primary benefits come from coldwater immersion rather than length of time in the water– in the winter you don’t need to spend any longer than two to five minutes. It doesn’t matter where you decide to swim either, water is water!

‘Community is a big part of outdoor swimming, you end up forming quite a strong bond because you’re meeting for quite an intense ritual each day. Pretty much wherever you are in the UK you’re never more than half an hour away from somewhere that you can dip. It’s actually very popular in London — the Hampstead Heath ponds are a short ride out of central London and they’re amazing... you stumble across these bodies of water hidden by trees and every day of the year there are women swimming around.

‘The connection to nature is a huge part of it too. I think it’s inevitable that by doing it you start to notice the tangible effects of plastic pollution, sewage and other environmental issues. Wild swimming is helping people to become more aware and notice things like plastic bottles being washed up on the beach. It’s galvanizing communities, movements, political awareness, which is another thing I love about it.’ *Anyone who identifies as a woman.

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Nature and Sport

Dangers ‘There are a lot of dangers that come with wild swimming, so you have to make sure to swim respectfully and safely. Follow my tips below to make sure you keep yourself out of danger...’ n Research the location beforehand Don’t just jump into a body of water that you don’t know about. Research it, get some advice from other local swimmers or make sure to go somewhere lifeguarded. n Don’t go straight into the water.

You can risk getting cold shock if you immerse yourself too quickly. Ease yourself in gradually instead of diving straight in and if you’re new to it, make sure you stay close to the entry and exit point. When you first get into cold water, what happens is the blood leaves your arms and legs and goes to your middle to keep your core warm. Lots of people find that they can swim out fine, but that their arms and legs feel heavy and a bit limp after a while which makes swimming back to shore more difficult and puts you in danger. n If swimming in the sea, swim parallel to the shore. For increased visibility, wear a

brightly coloured swim hat and a tow float. n Prepare for when you get out of the water. Your core body temperature continues to drop for 15-20 minutes after you get out of the water. At first you feel like a superhero but very quickly your body temperature declines. Bring a dry robe and lots of loose woolen clothing that you can pull on and will help you get warm quickly.

FHT’s Wild Swimmers

We spoke to FHT members who have been enjoying the benefits of open water swimming.

Francois Widdicombe, has been sea swimming since she was a child. She said, ‘I first experienced open water swimming when on holiday with my parents and I have been enjoying swimming in the sea ever since. People enjoy walking, but they don't walk indoors, do they? I believe we should approach swimming in a similar way.

I swam one February with my mother who was 61-years-old at the time. The water always seems cold at first but your body gets used to it once you’re in. Sea water revitalises and relaxes you, helping blood and lymphatic circulations to evacuate toxins, in turn boosting the immune system. The feeling of sitting with a hot chocolate afterwards is so good too, it is a comforting feeling when the warmth slowly replaces the coldness in your body.’

Francoise Widdicombe is a reflexologist from West Sussex. She trained in reflexology for pregnancy at the age of 60 and has since launched her own practice, Reflexology Sompting. reflexologysompting.co.uk Jackie Hamilton, MFHT and 2019 FHT Complementary Therapist of the Year, has been open water swimming since August 2020. Jackie said, ‘I’d wanted to do open water swimming for a couple of years but didn’t know how to go about

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Sophie Hellyer is founder of the coldwater community, Rise Fierce. She is a spokesperson on ocean pollution, sustainability and ethical fashion and is a qualified surf instructor. risefierce.com

it. By an amazing coincidence, at the beginning of August, I rung an unpaid carer who told me that she goes open water swimming with a group each week. I jumped at the chance and asked if I could go with her and that was it, the next day I was in there with them and loved it.

‘The benefits have been amazing. The camaraderie of open water swimming groups must be experienced – the people I have swum with have been more than welcoming and friendly and there is never any pressure to stay in longer than you feel comfortable.

‘With all that has happened this year, I needed something positive to put my energy towards, and wild swimming is certainly that! It has improved my mental health for sure because it brings excitement to my day. The getting ready for it and looking forward to it is all part of the thrill, it makes me feel alive.

‘If anyone wants to start, I would say give it a go as soon as you can! Start by finding a local open water swimming group, there are Facebook groups for swimmers all over the country, simply type in the search bar ‘open water swimming’ or ‘wild swimming’, followed by your area.’

Jackie Hamilton, MFHT was named 2019 FHT Complementary Therapist of the Year. Jackie runs her own therapy teaching practice in Norfolk called the Jackie Hamilton School of Therapies, as well as a community interest company (CIC) called, Therapy Aid, which provides therapies to carers. therapyaid.co.uk

Winter 2021

Nature and Sport

SAFETY NOTE If you have a health condition that may be adversely affected by cold water immersion (eg. heart problem), please speak to your doctor first.

USEFUL RESOURCES RESEARCH Studies on the benefits of open water swimming are limited but there is increasing research being undertaken in this field. Experts particularly believe there is a strong connection between open water swimming and improvements in mental health, menopause and dementia.

Dementia Giovanna Mallucci, Professor of Clinical Neurosciences and Associate Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), is leading research on the neuroprotective effects of cold-water immersion. She found by studying mice that cooling increases the protein RBM3 which prevents against synapse loss, and helps to halt the degeneration of brain cells. When this was tested on a group of coldwater swimmers, Professor Mallucci and her team found that the cold shock response elicited an increase in the RBM3 protein. Though this is only a preliminary study, it is said to be a landmark one (Peretti et al, 2015).

Mental health A group of open-water swimmers from Devon are taking part in research looking at the benefits of cold-water immersion on mental health. Many open-water swimmers say that they have seen an improvement in their mental health, with a poll commissioned by Swim England reporting that 1.4 million adults believe that swimming has significantly reduced symptoms of their anxiety and depression (2018, Swim England).

Doctors hypothesise that the reported improvement in mental health could be down to one of two reasons. The

Winter 2021

first is that by getting into cold water the body is put under stress and it learns to adapt through repetition.

And the second is that the cold water has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. When interviewed by the BBC, Consultant Anesthetist, Dr Mark Harper, said, ‘You’re getting all the benefits of an effective treatment for mental health and it costs the NHS next to nothing.’

(BBC, 2020). Researchers hope to be able to publish the latest research in this field within the next few months.

Pain relief In a report published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), researchers followed a 28-year-old man after an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy surgical procedure. He was a keen openwater swimmer and reported feeling ‘no pain’ while he was in the water, stating that it helped to ‘restore his preoperative quality of life’. Researchers weren’t clear how this happened but concluded that ‘further exploratory investigation is need to assess the replicability and feasibility of cold-water swimming as a potentially effective natural intervention to support postoperative complications’ (BMJ, 2018).

A trial commissioned by extreme athlete, Wim Hof, who is known as ‘The Iceman’ for his records relating to cold exposure, looked at the benefits of his method for people with arthritis (axial spondyloarthritis). In the trial, researchers randomly divided 24 patients into a treatment and control group. The treatment group that received extensive cold exposure over eight weeks had seen a decrease in inflammatory markers. A reduction in inflammatory markers may support the pain effects of arthritis (Buijze et al, 2019).

There are a few resources available to help you prepare for your first open water swim and find a community near you.

Rise Fierce - A community of female-only swimmers across the UK and Ireland. n risefierce.com Mental Health Swims - A community for anyone struggling with their mental health who wants to take the leap and join a welcoming swim community in the UK. n mentalhealthswims.co.uk Open Water Swimming (OWS) UK - Find open water swimming venues, times, sessions and coaches for safe swimming across the UK. n facebook.com/groups/OWSUK The Outdoor Swimming Society - The Outdoor Swimming Society (The OSS) pioneers outdoor swimming in rivers, lakes, lido and seas. Here you can find helpful safety information and compelling stories. n outdoorswimmingsociety.com The Wim Hof method - Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof has broken a number of records related to cold exposure; on his website you can discover the first research into the benefits of cold-water immersion. n wimhofmethod.com Outdoor Swimmer - A magazine providing inspiration for people who swim outdoors. This publication aims to encourage its readers to live healthier and happier lives through outdoor swimming. n outdoorswimmer.com T

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

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Book Excerpt

A Walk on the

Wild Side

In this short excerpt from his new book, Time to Heal - Tales of a Country Doctor, Dr Michael Dixon provides an insight into the time he first realised the extraordinary benefits of prescribing complementary therapies alongside traditional medicine models.

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Book Excerpt

I

had been a GP in Cullompton, Devon, for ten years. I was driving to work one rainy Monday morning and experienced a deep sinking feeling. I was dreading another whole day of seeing patients who would be as frustrated as I was with how little I had to offer. I began to realise the huge limitations in what I could do for my patients. In too many areas of medicine there seemed to be ‘evidence gaps’ with conventional medicine having no answers. Patients come to see me with a vast array of symptoms such as chronic tiredness, back and neck pain, headaches, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, premenstrual tension, stress and depression.

Too often the medical model failed to explain their symptoms or provide a helpful answer. Too often, also, my treatment for such conditions was at best partially effective and sometimes not effective at all. I was depressed and on the road to burnout.

It was around this time that Gill, the wife of a local judge, asked to see me. By this time, we had moved away from the health centre with its leaky roof to a new surgery that we had built ourselves.

Gill was a Christian healer and she said she would like to treat patients at my NHS GP surgery. Initially I was reticent, to say the least, wondering what patients, my GP partners or the Family Practitioner Committee (our ruling body) would think if a surgery offered the services of a healer. Gill was a force to be reckoned with and ‘no’ was not part of her lexicon. We compromised, initially, with her seeing some of my patients outside the surgery and my observing what happened to them.

I was quite surprised by the very positive feedback that they gave me. I remember, in particular, a patient who was dying of widespread cancer and had been terrified throughout her ordeal. Having seen Gill, she far outlived her predicted time and died with an aura of happiness and calm.

So, I buried my reservations and with the support of extremely open-minded but rightly sceptical GP partners, invited her to come and do clinics within our GP practice.

It soon became clear that she was offering immense benefit to patients, and I was particularly fascinated because she didn’t have any of our conventional gimmicks such as pills or injections or even those of other complementary practitioners such as

Winter 2021

needles and medications.

Consequently, I started to study what was going on and the results of my research were eventually published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. The editor of that journal said in his leader of the issue which published my paper, that the healer had undoubtedly helped my patients, but he raised the question as to whether this might simply have been a ‘placebo’. This has been a debate that has raged ever since and involved many other areas of complementary medicine.

As far as I was concerned, my patients had been helped and were both healthier and happier than previously. Surely that was all that mattered? As far as the scientists were concerned, this was not legitimate if it had simply been a ‘placebo effect’. It seems a little odd that until a hundred years ago medicine almost entirely relied upon placebo and yet today it is regarded as fake, illegitimate and something that messes up good scientific experiments. I challenged this view in my book The Human Effect, written with the late Dr Kieran Sweeney, and feel today that medicine is missing a trick by ignoring the huge healing power of the doctor/patient relationship.

I was mesmerised by Gill’s ability to make people better using absolutely nothing (apart from herself). To find out more, Joanna and I signed up to her Wednesday evening sessions where we learnt about a different complementary method each week. I remember leaving surgery hot and sweaty, one Wednesday evening, when the session was to be on reflexology. Just something to do with reflexes, I assumed – so no need to change my clothes before going out. It was a decision that I was to later regret as I worriedly removed my socks to be a ‘demonstration patient’ for a therapy that turned out to have everything to do with feet.

From then on, I made a conscious decision to get out of my medical groove.

I did a week’s course on manipulation for necks and backs and then a day’s course on herbal medicine. The latter was the beginning of a fascination with herbal medicines and how herbs growing in our own garden could be used for a wide variety of conditions.

Shortly after the course, a patient phoned me early on a summer morning with abdominal pain. She had a history of  International therapist 29

Book Excerpt

irritable bowel and said that the pains were worse than ever. I had a good idea that it wasn’t serious but as she had no medication in the house, I asked her to go out into the garden and gave her instructions on how to make mint tea. As I sank back into precious sleep, I reckoned that it would take at least an hour for her to pick and prepare the tea and wait for any effect.

Later I woke in a sweat. What on earth had I done! I started rehearsing my wouldbe defence at a hearing of the General Medical Council. Then I phoned the patient. Ten rings and no answer. She must be dead. Then at last she answered. 'That was a great suggestion, doctor, it worked a treat and the pain has all gone. I was asleep when you called.'

I felt a similar feeling of panic a few years later when we had moved into our wonderful new ‘Integrated Centre for Health’.

In the carpark we have an organic fruit and vegetable garden and also a herb garden with a box hedge in the shape of a man, with all the various herbs growing according to the parts of the body that they are useful in treating. Bob, who kept the garden was keen to know the uses of the various plants and would walk round asking me to tell him each plant’s use: ‘Lemon balm, that’s very good for helping people to sleep, red sage helps ladies through the menopause, dill is excellent if you are getting stomach pain, rosemary is helpful with memory…’

Thinking no more of it, I wondered a few weeks later why there seemed to be less pressure on doctors’ appointments. One day I ventured outside the front entrance and round to the herb garden, where I found that Bob had lined up rows of pots for sale at £1 each labelled with their various uses – ‘rosemary if your memory is getting bad’, ‘lemon balm if you can’t sleep’, ‘red sage for those hot flushes’ etc… Furthermore, he had taken to intercepting patients before they got to the main door of the surgery, asking them what their problem was and then giving them the requisite herb and collecting a pound in the process for our equipment fund. Once again I saw myself being hauled before the General Medical Council with newspaper headlines saying ‘NHS Cuts – GPs tell patients to grow their own herbs’.

From manipulation and herbs, I graduated to acupuncture having found that it had virtually healed my own frozen shoulder.

Then I got interested in diets and the ‘human biome’. The gut with its trillion bugs of over a thousand different varieties clearly governs our bowels but also dictates our weight, our mood and many other things.

Around this time a patient, Karen, came to see me with what the surgeons were calling intermittent appendicitis. We used to call this a ‘grumbling appendix’ but the term is now frowned upon. With antibiotics and all the other medications that we had given her being unsuccessful, the surgeons had

Members prize draw

For a chance to win one of three copies of Time to Heal - Tales of a Country Doctor, by Dr Michael Dixon (published by unicornpublishing.org), email your full name and membership number to lsheill@fht.org.uk, writing ‘Time to Heal’ in the subject box by 15 February. Alternatively, send your details on a postcard to the usual FHT address (see page 5). Terms and conditions apply – please visit fht.org.uk/competitions

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COVID-19 AND RESTORING THE FAITH Covid has given us time to slow down, to reflect and to evaluate. It has essentially stopped the clock on the rush and the roar of our everyday lives. It has shown our collective strength – on all levels – locally and nationally, even globally. If we want medicine that is more human and more effective, then we must fight for it, and we must contribute what we can to our communities to make them healthier and happier. There is a developing body of evidence that those who ‘give’ live healthier and longer lives. Covid has shown us the crucial importance of social connectedness at a time of physical isolation.

Every society should be judged by what it does for its weakest. We are one of the world’s wealthiest nations.

Restoring the family doctor is partly a question of investment but also a question of will. Do we care enough to make it happen? I hope that my tales have shown that we do. It was Gandhi who said, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others’. The future health of ourselves, our communities and the planet itself will depend upon us rediscovering a common humanity. I have witnessed enough kindnesses over my years as a doctor to believe that we can.

finally listed her for interval appendicectomy (removal of the appendix). With my newfound interest in diets in full flow, I gave her a dietary regimen — written in fountain pen on headed notepaper to give it authority. The pain has never recurred since and she never had her operation.

My interest in complementary medicine was not only helping several of my patients but also giving me a renewed interest as a doctor. I was beginning to fill in those evidence gaps — diseases or problems for which there was no known conventional treatment. Inevitably, the evidence was usually less robust than with conventional remedies but provided they were cheap, safe and didn’t stop patients getting conventional treatment where it was effective - I couldn’t see any problem. The first tenet of the Hippocratic oath is ‘do no harm’. T Winter 2021

Local Groups

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

Content creation workshop at Cheltenham The Content Creation workshop was all about providing therapists with the tools they needed to come up with ideas of their own, writes Cheltenham Coordinator, Adam Manhertz.

Everyone in the group came up with one or two simple ideas and looked into them in greater detail. Taking the time to do

this has helped to give group members enough social media ideas for months, if not longer. During the workshop, we gained inspiration from others and were open and honest with our thoughts on ideas. Ever since I have seen some great content being shared by members of the Cheltenham local group!

The unexpected benefits of virtual group meetings Distance has been no issue for speakers or attendees which is all thanks to virtual meetings, writes Joint Coordinator for Norwich, Jackie Hamilton. We have had visitors from as far as Canada, Cornwall and Preston, so it really has been the perfect opportunity for networking. We have held meetings more frequently and always made sure to record them for people who couldn’t attend. We even had some members who could attend but had to quickly finish their dinner with the video off – now that’s something that would be impossible for our normal meetings!

Since we have started virtual meetings, we have noticed an abundance of benefits, write Joint Coordinators of Wigan, Leigh, Rainford & St Helens, Jane Gallimore and Janet Cairnie. Going online has helped us reach more therapists than before, bringing a wealth of experience to the conversations. We’ve managed to fit meetings in at lunchtimes and easily record them so that members can watch at another time. Seeing other therapists has helped lift our spirits and give us hope in these horrid times.

You can’t go wrong with a meeting where it’s OK to wear your pyjamas! Writes Chester Coordinator, Dee Kelsall. We can all bring a refreshment of our choice and the meeting can be enjoyed by the whole household. It’s fantastic that we have been able to have unlimited attendees and people from all over the world join in.

Virtual meetings have meant that I have been able to continue coordinating my local group, despite having a baby, a couple of months ago, writes Joint Coordinator of York, Louise Black. For those people with childcare issues, it is much easier to attend a virtual meeting. Another benefit is that because we no longer have to consider venue hire fees, we have been able to offer free sessions to the public and spread the word of therapies.

The main benefit of our virtual meetings has been that they have helped keep us all in touch, something that has been especially important for sole workers, writes Dartford, Gravesham & Medway Coordinator, Christine Ravine. It has been great for networking and bouncing ideas off each other. We have found that we have been able to have some interesting speakers which encourages further learning and discussion on available training.

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. Find your nearest local group at fht.org.uk/local-groups

Winter 2021

International therapist 31

T

Local Groups

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

A fresh start for your business We couldn’t be happier to welcome the New Year and to celebrate, we’re offering 10% off FHT branded products in the FHT shop.

Your members’ shop includes a range of FHT branded products to support your business and promote your professional status.

Members’ favourites include our therapy leaflets, consultation forms, gift cards and appointment cards. You’ll also find handy accessories, such as posters, candles and room sprays for your therapy practice, along with cotton shoppers, polo shirts and lanyards to display your credentials.

Products are exclusive to FHT members.

To access your discount, simple apply the code HELLO2021 at the checkout. Offer ends 28/02/2021. shop.fht.org.uk

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Keeping you informed during COVID-19 While we all hope to see a return to ‘normal’ practice at some point this year, please be assured that we are still working hard to support and represent your interests, as long as the pandemic lasts. As well as regularly updating our coronavirus statement and sending direct emails to our members when there are significant changes that might impact your practice, other ‘behind the scenes’ activities include: n Working with other industry stakeholders as a member of the Integrated Healthcare Collaborative, All-Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty Aesthetics and Wellbeing, and Beauty Industry Group. n Liaising with government contacts in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, when we need clarification on guidance issued that affects our members. n Conducting member surveys to gather

statistics and case studies that illustrate how our members support health and wellbeing in their local community and the impact that COVID-19 and government restrictions are having on both our members and their clients. n Working with an SMP to lobby the Scottish government about mobile therapists being unable to work in areas in Protection Levels 2 and 3, while mobile hairdressers can, even though both follow the same government guidance for close contact services.

For more information, visit fht.org.uk/coronavirus

Q&A Ask an expert

Chaperones being present for treatments.

A member recently got in touch with us, expressing concern over a recommendation the FHT made in the previous issue of International Therapist, regarding whether chaperones need to be present when treating children or vulnerable adults.

Based on content from the FHT Code of Conduct and Professional Practice, the FHT recommended that “members can base their decision to have a parent or guardian present on a common sense/ case-by-case basis, taking into account the age or vulnerability of the client, and the type of treatment being given.”

For the sake of clarity, please note that the FHT strongly recommends that a parent or guardian should be present when treating a child or vulnerable adult in what would otherwise be a one-to-one situation, in order to both safeguard the client

?

Q&A

Ask an expert and in case an C Q allegation should be made against the therapist.

Examples C Q of a where a I Q chaperone may I Q not be necessary L might include Q at events where other parents/ adults are present and no disrobing is required, such as at a children’s pamper party where make-up and nail treatments are being applied, or providing pitch-side first aid to children at a sporting event. Similarly, if treating a vulnerable adult in a room where other staff or health professionals are present, and again, disrobing is not required, then we would not consider it essential to have a parent or guardian present.

When the FHT Code of Conduct is next reviewed, we will add further clarification to this particular section.

Throughout COVID-1 9, we of your frequently asked have been answering some questions in our ‘Coronavi statement’ and ‘Preparin rus g to return to practice available at fht.org.uk guidelines’, /coronavirus

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

an I carry out hot stone massage treatments?

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

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 recommenda tions 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.

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 to leave between treating/seein of time g clients when providing close ’ve read that only the contact services. client should be This is probably because explaining their decision present in the treatment there are so to treat without a room. What if many variables, depending parent or guardian present.” a chaperone is required? on the type of business, context and If you believe a chaperone A: In the FHT Code type of treatment. of Conduct and is required, However, what is key then ideally this should Professional Practice, is that your be someone we recommend: leaven ample time between from the client’s own “When treating a child household/ support clients to or vulnerable adequately clean, prepare bubble or a care worker, adult, it is advisable and ventilate and you should to have a parent or your treatment area. both remain two metres guardian present for away from each the consultation other at all times. If and treatment, and the government their details recorded guidance for the country on the client’s consultation where you form. This ocal restrictions have practice requires the is to safeguard the member been put in client to wear a against any place where I live – face mask or covering, allegations of inappropriate what should I do? we would also behaviour.

A: Even after your country’s recommend the chaperone “However, members government wears this can base their has confirmed that too, just to err on the decision to have a parent you can resume work, side of caution. or guardian it is possible that certain You would also need present on a common businesses to ensure that the sense/case-bymight be asked to temporarily chaperone doesn’t have case basis, taking into any symptoms of close account the age again or restrict their COVID-19. or vulnerability of the services, on a client, and the national or regional All of the above should type of treatment being basis, if there is a be noted given. Members rise in the number of in your risk assessment should make a note coronavirus cases. and on the on the client’s record, As we are likely to see client’s records. regional restrictions emerge with more frequency 26 International therapist

Autumn 2020

Winter 2021

Local Groups

While FHT’s Combined Medical Malpractice, Public and Products Insurance policy and International Therapist magazine remain FHT’s most popular membership benefits, there are many more for you to access and enjoy at the touch of a button, including… n Professional status and recognition – as well as your membership card, certificate and lapel badge, you can download logos to use on your marketing materials that show you are a member of the FHT and are also listed on… n FHT’s Accredited Register of Complementary Therapists – independently accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (eligibility criteria apply). n A listing on our FHT Directory - where you can update your own profile page and add a photograph or company logo, and your clients can submit testimonials. n Therapy articles and industry news – as well as International Therapist magazine and regular e-updates, we have a blog where we feature original articles and news items every week at fht.org.uk/blog n Local meetings with like-minded therapists - with locations across the UK. Even during the pandemic, when meeting in person hasn’t been possible, many of our local groups have continued to run virtual meetings, covering a variety of great topics. n Seminars, workshops and qualifications - including our annual training congress, which this year we are moving online, enabling members from across the UK and overseas to learn from the industry’s leading experts. n Discounted products from the FHT shop - from therapy leaflets and appointment cards, to high-quality equipment and therapy supplies, and lots more, all available at shop.fht.org.uk n Our prestigious FHT Excellence awards - that recognise and reward the great work you do – entries for our 2021 awards open in April, so look out for more information!

Log in and learn more at fht.org.uk/members-area Winter 2021

FHT IN THE PRESS

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

11-page

Complementary Therapy

Special

10

Body + Food + Ageing + Beauty + Special + Healing + Living 7. It can help you achieve balance In the modern world, many of us live in a heightened state of arousal, juggling work and family commitments, and constantly checking our mobile phones, emails and social media accounts. Complementary therapies can help us to restore the balance in our lives and bring us back to a place of calm and tranquility.

reasons to embrace complementary therapies

8. It’s more hands-on As humans, touch is so important to us that if we are deprived of it as newborns, we can literally fail to thrive and grow. Even as adults, positive touch helps us to feel nurtured and cared for, and encourages us to respect and feel connected to our bodies.

Here’s why you should give holistic medicine a whirl, if you haven’t already…

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icture the scene: You’re sitting on a comfortable sofa with the sound of soft music gently drifting into your consciousness. The smell of clary sage fills the air and in just a moment you’ll be ushered into a private room. There, your therapist will listen intently and assess you as a whole, for who knows which of your ailments may be linked? It’s the promise of this experience that lures some people into trying complementary therapies, but for others it’s simply the chance to explore their wellbeing in a more gentle, holistic way.

“Complementary therapies are very much focused on the person ‘as a whole’, with the therapist taking into account all aspects of your general health and wellbeing, so that they can choose and adapt a treatment to suit your individual needs,” says Mary Dalgleish, vice president of the FHT and a complementary therapy practitioner and teacher with more than 20 years’ experience.

“As well as helping to restore balance to the body and mind, complementary therapies can often help to address problems that modern medicine struggles to treat effectively, from lower back pain and chronic fatigue, to a raft of stress-related complaints.”

If you’re not already sold, here are 10 reasons why we think you’ll love it.

1. It treats the underlying cause Over-the-counter medicines have their place, but tend to be a ‘quick-fix’ approach that address the symptom and not the cause. If a

9. You can take an active role in your care

build-up of muscular tension in your back, neck and shoulders is responsible for those headaches you keep experiencing during a stressful time at work, wouldn’t it be better to have regular massages and address your working patterns, rather than keep reaching for painkillers?

2. It’s natural Another challenge with certain medications is that they may come with undesirable side effects or even become addictive over time.

Complementary therapies work naturally with the body to help restore balance, but bear in mind that just because something is ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s safe. Always book with a professional therapist.

3. It improves sleep Most complementary therapies are excellent at helping us to enjoy a good night’s slumber, the power of which should never be underestimated. Regular poor sleep can affect your mood and also put you at an increased risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes, and it can even shorten life expectancy.

4. You’ll have time to discuss your concerns in depth

Sometimes, there is nothing more empowering than knowing you have the ability to take charge of your own health, rather than be a ‘passive’ patient who has little or no control. Complementary therapies can be that vital first step in taking back the reins and will often prompt people to make other positive lifestyle changes, too.

10 minutes and usually focuses on one health problem. When you visit a complementary therapist, they will spend time listening to all of your concerns, no matter how big or small.

You’ll also enjoy continuity of care by seeing the same therapist each time.

5. It considers you as a whole, not just your ailment The holistic nature of complementary therapies means that, even though you hope to address just one particular health issue, over time you may find that other little niggles start to improve, too. Most therapists will also offer you some general tips to improve your wellbeing. And what’s more, they’ll even show you some self-help techniques that you can use at home.

6. It can help you mentally as well as physically We all know that the mind and body are intrinsically linked, with the health of one usually impacting that of the other. In a recent survey of professional complementary therapists*, it was revealed that 82 percent regularly support clients with stress and anxiety, while 37 percent help with a diagnosed mental health condition, such as depression.

Around 50 percent of those who regularly have complementary therapies are doing so not because they want to get better, but because they want to stay well. Taking good care of our physical and mental health helps to support a healthy immune system and makes us more resilient when faced by life’s challenges.

The average doctor’s appointment lasts just

naturalhealthmagazine.co.uk

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10. It works on prevention

“Taking good care of our physical and mental health helps to support a healthy immune system”

STAY SAFE Always use complementary therapies •alongside standard medical care and not as an alternative.

If you are currently receiving care from •your doctor, midwife or another health professional, make sure you tell them which complementary therapies you are using.

When looking for a professional •therapist, choose someone who is suitably qualified and insured. Find a professional complementary therapist in your area at fht.org.uk

*2020 FHT Member Survey, 623 respondents.

FHT membership feel the benefit

naturalhealthmagazine.co.uk

NATURAL HEALTH With a readership figure of 85,000, this monthly magazine provides readers tips on how to look and feel their best, naturally.

In the October issue of Natural Health, the FHT was delighted to contribute to a double-page feature, called ‘10 reasons to embrace complementary therapy’.

This was a great opportunity to highlight to readers some of the many benefits of trying a more holistic approach to tackling everyday complaints, with FHT Vice President, Mary Dalgleish, quoted throughout the introduction.

Among other things, the feature highlighted how complementary therapy can help to address the underlying cause of a problem (such as stress or muscular tension) and not just the presenting symptoms; that clients have more time to discuss their concerns with a therapist and receive continuity of care; that holistic treatments work on mental and emotional level, as well as physical; and that complementary therapies encourage clients to take a more active role in managing their own health and wellbeing.

The article concluded with some safety tips for readers, before driving them to the FHT website to find a professional therapist. Read the full article at fht.org.uk/NH-10-reasons.

In each issue of Natural Health, the FHT also provides a plant profile, highlighting the benefits of a plant typically used in aromatherapy practice and again, driving readers to the FHT website. In the October, November and December issues, we covered helichrysum, melissa and clove bud.

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

In the October issue, FHT’s Heidi Hinton explained why continuing professional development (CPD) is about more than ‘just ticking boxes’ - from helping therapists to improve their skills and keep up with current practices, to being able to step back and reflect on what’s worked well and what could work better in the future.

International therapist 33

Hand-held tools

Massage tools In this feature we take a look at some of the most popular hand-held massage tools available on the market. We review important qualities such as the feel for clients, ease of transportation and how best to disinfect.

T

he power of touch is at the core of the work we do as therapists, but the use of hand-held massage tools can bring great benefits for ourselves and our clients.

Three key benefits for therapists: 1. Prevents joint problems From a self-care perspective, massage tools can take some of the pressure off the hands and wrists, helping to prevent common joint concerns such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) and arthritis.

2. Easy to transport SAFETY NOTE Ensure you are cleaning and disinfecting your tools in between clients and that you refer to manufacturer guidance on how to clean your tools appropriately.

34 International therapist

In our 2020 FHT Members Survey, 42% of members said they carry out treatment in their client’s homes. One great benefit of hand-held massage tools is that they are small in size so you don’t need to worry about carrying around a heavy bag.

3. Quick to disinfect It is important to ensure all tools are

properly cleaned and disinfected after use.

The massage tools listed below are all small and made of non-porous material, making them easy to clean between clients.

Three key benefits for clients: 1. Deeper treatment Hand-held massage tools often allow you to go deeper with your massage strokes, giving a more effective treatment for your clients.

2. Self-care Some of the tools outlined below can be purchased for home-use, which is handy for times when you might not be able to provide hands-on treatments. Show your clients how to use these tools safely and effectively, so that they can practice some self-care if they need to.

3. Something different For your long-term clients, using a new tool might be the perfect way to mix up your treatement sessions. Why not give it a try!

Winter 2021

Hand-held tools

The WaveStone The WaveStone was designed by Adrian Jenkinson, MFHT, who discovered the benefits of White Jade while travelling in China and was inspired to use it to create a massage tool.

Adrian had been searching for a way to reduce the stress and strain on therapists’ hands, wrists and fingers. While in China, he was introduced to a local stonemason who had the raw materials, skills and understanding to create the product he was looking for. Adrian asked the stonemason to create a few prototypes for him, which he brought back to the UK to trial with clients.

Adrian said, ‘While I would never say that therapists should stop using their hands, they should look after them very carefully – after all, they are the key tools of their trade.

The real advantage of the WaveStone is that, when used properly, it can treat the majority of soft-tissue problems and, in addition, the client benefits from an enhanced experience, not least the fact that the stone retains heat or cold for a significant period’.

About the tool: This handmade tool allows for deeper pressure when used, reducing the risk of strain injuries and allowing the therapist to work longer. It is used by massage therapists, sports therapists, reflexologists, physiotherapists and chiropractors. The WaveStone is a registered medical device and is also regularly used in clinical environments such as care homes and hospitals.

It is ergonomically designed to fit the contours of the body, which means it can be

LEAD CONTRIBUTOR About WaveStone WaveStone Therapies is owned by Adrian Jenkinson, MFHT, who has been a sports therapist for over 20 years. WaveStone works with training venues around the country and major wholesalers such as Physique. The WaveStone is used in several large UK spas, as well as small salons and by individual therapists. n thewavestone.co.uk

Winter 2021

used for a range of different massages. The properties of the stone allow it to easily be heated or cooled, which also supports its use in a variety of treatments.

How to use heated: The WaveStone can be heated by using hot tap water, the heat is then transferred to the client through Far infrared. If using the correct water temperature, this tool can be warmed in less than a minute and doing so will support a relaxing massage.

How to use cooled: Similarly to when you are heating the tool, hold The WaveStone under cold water for a few minutes before using on your client. *Therapists are required to undertake the appropriate training before using The WaveStone in a professional setting. The WaveStone training academy can be found on the FHT’s accreditation list (p60).

RRP: £130 from thewavestone.co.uk

Knobblers There are a variety of non-electrical massage tools available on the market and some of the most common of those are knobblers.

Knobblers apply pain relieving pressure to various parts of the body, enhancing trigger point therapy and protecting the therapist's fingers against injury.

Available in a range of colours, knobblers tend to have a similar look whereby they have a ball on one end and space to hold on the other. While being comfortable to use, these tools are also said to relieve clients’ sore muscles, improve circulation and stimulate blood flow.

Home-use: Though as therapists it is important for clients to continue to attend sessions, knobblers can be a fantastic tool for homeuse if clients are unable to make a treatment session. Teaching your clients how to use one of these tools at home can support clients who are suffering with tension in the back, neck and shoulders.

A range of knobblers can be found at physique.co.uk

Gua Sha The Gua Sha is a flat ‘S’ shaped beauty tool made from Jade. It comes from East Asian and Chinese medicine, with the first part of the name ‘Gua’ meaning ‘scrape’ and the second, ‘Sha’ meaning ‘sand’ in Chinese.

Treatments involve the application of a massage oil before scraping the tool in

short and long strokes to stimulate the microcirculation of soft tissue, which increases blood flow to the face. It is said that this helps to promote tissue drainage, relieving inflammation in the short-term and supporting the reduction of wrinkles in the long-term.

It is believed that the stone helps to balance energy (chi) and it can be used on the face, back, neck, arms and legs. The Gua Sha is also said to relieve muscle tension so could be a useful tool for a broad range of therapies.

The tool is widely available and can be used at home by clients, though it is advised that treatments are carried out by a professional.

RRP: £10 at beautybay.com

Lava Shells Lava Shell massage treatments involve using tiger clam shells to boost blood circulation and soothe aches and pains. Shared Beauty Secrets, founded by Clare Anderson, are the exclusive trainers and distributors of Lava Shells in the UK and Ireland. Clare discovered the power of Lava Shells when on a trip to the Philippines.

These shells can be used to relieve muscle tension and are gently heated using an activator liquid. Though the heat plays a big part in supporting muscle relaxation, the natural minerals in the shells such as dried sea kelp and algae are also thought to support this. *Therapists are required to undertake the appropriate training before using Lava Shells in a professional setting. Details for Shared Beauty Secrets training academy can be found on the FHT’s accreditation list (p60).

RRP: £70 at sharedbeautysecrets.com T International therapist 35

The WaveStone, the ergonomic Massage Stone. Hand Carved from White Jade made to give a unique Massage Experience for your clients whilst saving stress on the Therapists Wrists, Hands and Fingers.

FHT & IMA accredited courses earning CPD

WaveStone Online Workshop

New for 2021 WaveStone Heated case

WaveStone Spheres

Courses are done either online, on location or with one of our approved instructors at various location in the UK. Why not look into doing a course ASAP so that you will be able to offer WaveStone treatments as soon as lockdown is over.

WaveStone Vegan

friendly Balms For further information visit www.thewavestone.co.uk

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Winter 2021

Medical A-Z

VERTIGO Vertigo is the false sensation that you or the environment around you is spinning or moving. It is considered a symptom, rather than a condition.

CAUSES Many conditions can cause vertigo, of which there are two types; peripheral and central vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is more common and is caused by abnormalities in the inner ear, when balance mechanisms are not functioning correctly. These issues with equilibrium are usually caused by head injuries, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, Ménière's disease, vestibular neuronitis or as a side effect from taking medication. BBPV, for example, can occur from head movements while getting out of bed, leaning over, standing up suddenly or crossing the road, and can also follow ear surgery, long-term bed rest, an ear infection or head injury.

Conversely, central vertigo can be caused by problems in the brain, such as migraines, multiple sclerosis, a brain tumour, stroke or acoustic neuroma.

ORTHODOX TREATMENT Treatment for vertigo varies depending on the underlying cause and severity.

Some cases may be resolved by lying down in a quiet and dimly lit room. This should ease feelings of nausea and reduce the spinning sensation. Stressful situations should be avoided, as this can make vertigo worse.

If the cause of vertigo is labyrinthitis (an infection of the inner ear) treatment may not be needed as the problem will be resolved when the virus has cleared up. However, if it is caused by a bacterial infection a GP may prescribe antibiotics.

Those suffering from BPPV should avoid situations and activities that cause vertigo until symptoms disappear. Getting out of bed slowly and avoiding activities that involve looking up may help.

Medication can be prescribed when vertigo is caused by vestibular neuronitis, Ménière's disease or if the cause is unknown.

The Epley manoeuvre is another orthodox treatment available. This Winter 2021

involves a series of head movements that are designed to clear debris in the ear canal. Symptoms should improve shortly after but a full recovery may take up to two weeks.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY Kinesiotherapy in the form of the Epley manoeuvre is a common treatment for vertigo. The manoeuvre can be carried out at home but it is advised that a kinesiologist teaches the technique to begin with (Medical News Today, 2017). It involves a series of head movements which help to move the calcium crystals that can cause Vertigo to occur. A systematic review looking at five randomised control trials on the effectiveness of the Epley manoeuvre on vertigo found it to be an efficient treatment when compared to placebo and/or drug therapy alone and/or without intervention (Teixeira, 2006).

A systematic review on the use of craniosacral therapy to improve symptoms of vertigo found that it was ‘a powerful evaluative and treatment modality for vertigo patients who have not found relief from medical treatments.’ However, the review did conclude there is a need for further clinical trials to verify craniosacral

therapy as an effective treatment for vertigo (Christine DC, 2009).

Acupuncture may help to reduce the discomfort of vertigo, according to a pilot study in 2015. In the study, 60 participants were divided into two groups, an acupuncture group and a control group. Heart rate variability was measured, providing researchers with information about the balance of autonomic nervous system which reflects physiological, hormonal, and emotional balances within the body.

It was concluded that acupuncture demonstrated a ‘significant immediate effect’ in reducing discomforts of both dizziness and vertigo (Chiu, 2015).

NB: The information provided in this article is not all encompassing and intended as an overview only. It should not be used for the purposes of ‘diagnosis’. Members or clients presenting with any symptoms should always consult a GP or other relevant health practitioner. The advice of a doctor, pharmacist or other suitably qualified person should be sought before taking any form of medication or treatment. T

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

Safe Practice

Microbes and massage

Anne Ferguson, Peter Mackereth and Ann Carter take a look at infection control and massage.

O

ver the past year, COVID-19 has rightly dominated our concerns about staying safe and preventing cross-infection, but there are other potentially nasty bugs that we need to bear in mind as professional therapists.

Microbes include bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi, which are part of the world’s ecosystem — from the forest floor to the human gut — and we would not be able to survive without them. While we generally think of microbes as a problem in health and therapy care, the majority are harmless; their presence can even have benefits, such as being protective or taking part in the production of essential nutrients and digestive processes.

However, some microbes are known as ‘opportunistic’ and a few as ‘pathogenic’, meaning that they can cause disease, particularly if the immune system is unable to mount a successful defence.

The terms ‘endogenous’ and ‘exogenous’ are used to describe where microbes are found. Endogenous are those found in and on the body and are referred to as ‘normal flora’, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis,

38 International therapist

Corynebacterium spp.

Exogenous micro-organisms live outside the body, typically in water, soil and buildings. Examples include Legionella pneumophila, which can be found in plumbing and air conditioning systems, and Tetanus bacilli, a micro-organism found in soil.

The chain of infection The way in which micro-organisms spread is referred to as ‘the chain of infection’ and consists of the following: A source and/or reservoir; An exit point; n A means of spread; n An entry point; n A susceptible host (for example, someone with a compromised immune system). n n

The ‘source’ is where the micro-organisms live permanently, for example, the human body or the environment. Reservoirs are where they can temporarily survive and multiply, such as standing bowls of water.

Experts often use the terms ‘source and reservoirs’ interchangeably, however, it is useful to note the distinction. A source is

where a micro-organism normally resides, but as therapists, we can create reservoirs unintentionally through unsafe practices, for example, preparing lotions and creams with unwashed hands.

Like any living organism, they require a food source and water, so the potential reservoirs already mentioned in this article provide the perfect environment for microorganisms to survive. Some are tougher than others and can even survive in dry conditions, on bedding and surfaces, such as Staphylococcus aureus, a micro-organism found on the skin of approximately 30% of the population. As the human body has entry and exit routes, these can be used to identify ways of breaking the chain of infection. For example, with a Norovirus — a virus that can be spread when people have diarrhoea and/or vomiting — entry can be via the mouth, through contaminated food and drink (oral route) or from contaminated hands or utensils.

Method of spread The method of spread is described as indirect and direct contact, droplet and airborne.

Direct spread involves body-to-body contact, as with skin diseases such as impetigo.

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Safe Practice

Indirect is most commonly via the hands, which is why hand decontamination is so important in preventing the spread of infection. Areas of frequent surface contact, such as light switches, curtains, keyboards, handles, containers and worksurfaces provide opportunities for the spread of micro-organisms.

Droplet is the spread of micro-organisms by talking, sneezing or coughing. The droplets land either directly on someone else or on objects that we touch, which enable indirect spread to ourselves or others. An example of indirect spread is the common cold, which is spread not only by people coughing and sneezing, but also by contamination of objects we touch, hence the need to wash our hands.

Airborne is when the infectious particles are so small, they can be carried widely in air currents and stay in the air for hours, as happens with the Tuberculosis bacilli.

Multidrug-resistant organisms Factors that increase the risk of severity of infection are the ease of spread of the organism, its virulence and the susceptibility of hosts. Multidrug-resistant organisms Winter 2021

make it difficult to provide invasive investigations such as arthroscopy, surgery, cancer treatments and accommodating the person in clinical and therapy settings.

For example, a hospital or treatment room would need to be deep cleaned if it had been used by a patient with Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Staphylococcus aureus has two forms – Meticillin-sensitive (MSSA) and Meticillin-resistant (MRSA). It is estimated that about 1% of the population carry the resistant strain, MRSA. Samples are taken for screening from the nose, throat, armpits and perineum, as the organism is generally found in these areas, though not every site will necessarily be colonized. However, if the nose and nasopharynx are implicated, this is generally taken as evidence of carriage.

Hands can be temporarily contaminated, as can wounds, and this can eventually develop into colonisation and then infection.

In the context of providing massage in hospitals, hospices and domiciliary care, there is the possibility of therapists encountering clients with medical devices, stomas, wounds, ulcers or damaged/broken skin. These clients have reduced barriers to microbes entering and causing infection,

which might be life threatening. Additionally, anything that weakens the immune system puts the patient at increased risk, including: Being elderly or very young Underlying disease, e.g. cancer or chronic respiratory conditions n Medication that interferes with the normal functioning of the immune system, e.g. chemotherapy or steroids n Irradiation, e.g. radiotherapy n Surgical wounds n Medical devices in place, e.g. catheters, feeding tubes n Obesity, due to skin folds and poor mobility. n n

Infection can be localised to a defined area, such as a wound, or the nasopharynx, in the case of the common cold. With sepsis, the infection spreads from the initial site to the whole of the body, causing an overwhelming immune response. If this happens, the patient will become acutely unwell and can develop signs of circulatory shock and possibly organ failure. The most common sites where these serious infections originate from are the respiratory and urinary systems.

Other sources are surgical sites, skin and wounds, medical devices, central ďƒ International therapist 39

Safe Practice

nervous system, and less frequently, septic arthritis, but this list is not exhaustive (see references for further reading).

Reducing the risk of infection during massage During the course of the day, we often contaminate our skin by touching objects or people. Contamination means that there is evidence of the organism being on the body, but there are no clinical signs and it can be easily removed. Where the hands are affected, decontamination can be achieved, preferably, through washing with running water and soap; if this is not available, alcohol gel may be used. We would advocate training in infection control with a focus on hand decontamination as an essential component of therapist’s preparation/ updates for clinical practice (see Box 1).

In our opinion, there is no place in either health care or hands-on therapy for wearing gloves when touching intact skin in healthy people. Gloves are a protection against contact with blood and body fluids and for when nursing infectious patients.

In reality, we do not know the infectious status of all our clients, at all times. Indeed, a client may fail to disclose or not know they have an infection, or not exhibit any symptoms. As authors, all three of us have been questioned by therapists as to whether they should avoid skin contact with those known to be MRSA positive, whether they should see an infected patient last to avoid passing it on to other clients, or if infection is

40 International therapist

a blanket ‘no’ to any touch therapies.

A key issue with skin contact work is the displacement of skin cells and the risk that any contaminants become airborne and settle on surfaces, from where we can transfer them to ourselves or onto others. Routine steps we can take are hand decontamination, using clean linen and single use oil dispensers.

Problems arise when we encounter clients who fail to disclose a confirmed diagnosis but are clearly exhibiting signs of infection – this is when further measures need to be taken, such as wearing a disposable single use apron. Gloves are a debatable point as they can give a false sense of protection, for example, if you wear these as you go between clients and activities, they become a vector in the chain of infection. Added to this is the risk of skin irritation from constantly wearing disposable gloves and inadequate hand washing between (Mackereth & Ferguson, 2015). If hands and nails are well cared for, without cuts and abrasions, then the risk of invasive skin infections is minimised.

Overuse of harsh soaps and alcohol gels without emollients risk damaging skin (WHO, 2009).

Massage equipment* Equipment can also be contaminated and the level of cleaning or disinfection required depends on the level of use – high, medium or low. Low risk is if the massage equipment comes into contact only with

*FHT comment: Please note government and FHT guidelines for COVID-19 may differ in terms of the required methods of cleaning/disinfection and what equipment can be used. Therapists must follow government and FHT guidance at this time. intact skin and there is no contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. This would be couches, blankets and bolsters.

Disinfectants and alcohol wipes are not usually required, as most treatments that therapists provide will be low risk. Cleaning with fresh warm water and detergent will be sufficient as this removes visual dirt and contamination; in most cases this method is effective for decontaminating both equipment and the environment.

If equipment can neither be washed nor decontaminated using wipes, single use disposable equipment should be used. Alternatively, it can be covered with a disposable cover as is the case with couches and bolsters. Linen such as blankets and privacy gowns should be washed at a temperature suitable for the item. Only if there is the risk of it coming into contact with an infectious patient does it require a temperature of 60o for at least 10 minutes (DOH, 2016).

It is possible for a therapist’s uniform to become contaminated by skin cells, bodily fluids and droplet contact. While no evidence is available showing organisms can be transferred to clients, there is

Winter 2021

Safe Practice

always a potential risk. Uniforms can be washed at 60ºC although low temperature washes at 30ºC have been shown to eliminate MRSA and most other harmful microbes (DOH, 2010).

Medium risk means equipment comes into contact with intact mucous membranes or the client is immunosuppressed (making them more susceptible to infection). All equipment coming into contact with the client will require disinfection — this is the process of killing bacteria and viruses following general cleaning. An approved disinfectant and/or very hot water (usually above 82ºC) will be necessary. If using a disinfectant, then a chlorine releasing one (household bleach) is preferable, however it can damage some materials and surfaces. Wipes containing alternative disinfectants are widely available. While many essential oils do have disinfectant qualities, it is best to use a recommended agent for cleaning and disinfection.

If soiling (with blood and/or bodily fluids) is evident, then general cleaning should be followed with a disinfectant clean, using a chlorine releasing product/sodium hypochlorite or a chlorine dioxide solution.

High risk applies to equipment which is to be used on broken skin or in sterile parts of the body, such as urinary catheters, and such like. Items used by therapists are generally disposable, for example, acupuncture needles, so the need for sterilization facilities does not apply.

Mask and visor wearing Surgical masks prevent spread from the wearer and their loose fit renders them unsafe to wear as protection when delivering care to people who have a highly infectious respiratory disease. It is most unlikely that therapists will have to

Case history for UV light and hand washing Therapists were invited to attend a two-hour training session on hygiene and infection control. The session was facilitated by an infection control (IC) nurse and, much to everyone’s surprise, she began by asking the group to give their hands a really thorough hand wash, as though they were going to do a treatment. On their return, the IC nurse produced an ultraviolet camera and explained that UV light would cause bacteria to ‘fluoresce’. The therapists would be able to see the parts of their hands where the soap had not touched.

Under the UV light the therapists’ hands appeared purple and the areas which had been missed were much lighter in colour. The main areas missed were the nails, the inside of the fingers and much to everyone’s

surprise, not one therapist had washed the areas around their wrists.This simple practical lesson really brought home to therapists the importance of handwashing, which is effective, given that our hands are the main tools of our work.

deal with these but for more information, visit fht.org.uk/microbes-table. Where therapists are working in clinical settings with infectious patients, they should be fit tested for the appropriate respirator mask.

These are worn to protect the wearer when in high risk situations. As nurses deliver essential and intimate health care, they are more likely to be exposed to infectious material than therapists who, some may argue, are delivering nonessential but extremely helpful treatments. While therapists can refuse to treat heavily infected clients, nurses cannot.

care have learnt to shorten sessions to accommodate patient fatigue and other health and mobility concerns, so we need to include an assessment of risk with regards to infection. In clinical settings we are advocating providing short sessions using covered touch, such as holding over towels, The HEARTS Process, reiki or reflexology, over clean thin socks. In addition, there must be agreement from clinical staff for therapists to provide interventions to patients and therapists must adhere to additional infection control procedures (Carter & Mackereth, 2019). T

Practice points We live in challenging times which require thinking outside the box. It may be that for the foreseeable future, providing a 50 to 60-minute massage is not always doable.

Therapists working in health and social

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

Anne Ferguson (pictured left) has a long career in healthcare education and now works as an independent lecturer in tissue viability and infection control. She created the first officially recognised tissue viability course for qualified nurses in the UK. Peter Mackereth was the clinical lead of the complementary therapy and wellbeing service at The Christie, a specialist cancer centre in Manchester, for over 15 years and is currently an honorary lecturer/researcher. Peter continues to work as a volunteer therapist at a local hospice.

Ann Carter has a background in training and health promotion, working as a complementary therapist and teacher since 1989. For ten years she was the co-lead for The Christie complementary therapies training programme and also created The HEARTS Process.

Winter 2021

International therapist 41

Beauty

42 International therapist

Winter 2021

Beauty

Inspiring generations

Katie Asgari talks about her work in supporting the next generation of hair and beauty therapists as a curriculum team leader and internal assessor at Rotherham College.

M

y first part-time job, when I was still in school, was working in FHT Vice President Judith Hadley’s hair and beauty salon and I absolutely loved it, I knew I had found the career for me. After leaving school, I achieved the qualifications I needed and it didn’t take long before I took the step to become a selfemployed hair and beauty therapist.

I never saw myself becoming a teacher but I wanted to qualify as an assessor and training to become a teacher seemed to come hand-in-hand. My full-time role is now teaching at Rotherham College but I am lucky to still be able to offer treatments to my clients externally.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching and sharing my experiences with students. I love meeting the next cohort of learners each year and watching them develop. I deliver theory and practical sessions in hair and media make-up to learners from school level up to Level 6. I assess all learners throughout these levels working towards VRQ, TLQ and BTEC qualifications at VTCT and Pearson standard, and I work as an internal verifier at the college.

Extracurricular activities A big part of my job role involves organising enrichment activities, working on location and educational visits. This additional experience really helps students with employability, especially those looking to pursue a career in the make-up industry.

We regularly work with theatre companies and local school drama departments and have supported projects run by the NHS and emergency services.

In 2016, our students travelled to London to support the emergency service’s largest training exercise to date. The activity was an enactment of a collapsed building on Waterloo station and our students worked on the hair and make-up of 800 ‘casualties’ every day, for five days. These extracurricular activities can take me a great deal of time to organise but seeing the huge benefits to students makes it all worthwhile.

Winter 2021

Creating a higher education course I was asked to work with an awarding body to create a higher education (HE) course as the HE programmes set previously could be quite restrictive. At times I found the creation process quite stringent but came to find that staff from the awarding body were always open to listening and considering new ways of delivering courses.

There were firstly several things to consider, such as funding and resources, and to take into account what learners would gain from their training. Questions I often found myself asking were, will the students be employable afterwards? And are they gaining the skills, knowledge and expertise they need to succeed once they gain their qualification? I would be lying if I said it wasn’t difficult to do this alongside my full-time job, but the end result was worth it. I feel the course we run now is more bespoke and knowing it was approved by a university helps me feel confident in what we are delivering for our students.

Inclusivity in the beauty industry I feel equality and diversity is something that is embedded within FE and HE hair and beauty courses. It is written into the curriculum from a very early level to work with a broad range of clients. As you progress, it goes into more depth; looking at different skin tones and types, how to provide beauty treatments to all genders and generally building students’ confidence in working with a range of different clients.

I think the pandemic will have a longlasting impact on our industry, but I have hope that it will recover and one day flourish again.

Achievements and the future In 2015 my department won a Beacon award for outstanding teaching and learning. The Beacon awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice in UK further education (FE). After winning this award I presented our work to the organisation and attended many meetings on how to improve FE offerings across the country.

This year the course has been selected for the second time to take part in research project for the Edge Foundation, an independent charity dedicated to shaping the future of education in the UK. As our contribution to the project, we discussed how our course has progressed and what new developments have been made. I was very fortunate to have had my paper published by the Edge Foundation in 2018 and I went on to share this at a conference in Birmingham. My most recent achievement is that I have been chosen to work as a trainer for the World Skills Centre of Excellence, whose main objective is to make a positive difference to young people in technical education.

Thinking about my next steps, I would like to become an external verifier, where I can work further afield and share knowledge and expertise with others outside of my workplace. T

COVID-19 Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we have luckily still been able to take our students out for extracurricular activities but wearing the correct PPE is so important. We have recognised that our students need a higher knowledge of health and safety at a critical level so there is now a separate module on COVID-19 that varies across levels and that each student must pass.

Katie is curriculum leader in HE and hair and media make-up at Rotherham College, where she also works as an internal verifier. Katie also runs her own private practice, Inspire Hair and Beauty, based in Rotherham.

International therapist 43

Environmentally-Friendly Gift

C R EAT E YOUR OWN -

Beeswax

wrap gifts

WHAT YOU NEED • An old pillowcase • 100% natural beeswax pellets • Fine detail paint brush • Scissors • A selection of coloured acrylic paints • Natural dye ingredients (red cabbage, spinach, turmeric, berry tea) • Containers for dyeing your fabric • Option: scalloped fabric trimming shears Cost: approximately £15.00

Working on a craft project is proven to have many benefits including helping us to 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 create your own beeswax wraps, which you could share as a small ‘thank you’ gift with your clients.

A personalised enviromentally-friendly gift

1

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Cut your pillowcase to your desired shape and size Tip! Cut your fabric using scissors and trim any loose ends with scalloped trimming shears to give a professional finish.

Prepare your dye ingredients depending on what colour wraps you would like to make We used turmeric for yellow, berry tea for pink and red cabbage for purple. Alternatives could be spinach for green, blueberries for blue and onion peel for an orangey brown colour.

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Put your natural ingredients and fabric in a container of boiling water and leave for 24-hours Tip! Use a higher quantity of your ingredient to create a stronger dye.

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44 International therapist

See the results Take your fabric out of the container and strain any excess water. Hang somewhere to air-dry, as a radiator may leave unwanted stains such as heat lines on the fabric.

Start painting You might already have an idea in mind, if so, give it a try! If you are looking for inspiration, a nice idea might be to paint your business logo as a friendly reminder of your services, to write a thank you message or quote, or a decorative pattern. We painted these wraps by hand, but you can create a stencil to work from or buy a stamp from a shop like The Range or Hobbycraft.

Once finished, leave your designs to dry for at least an hour.

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Winter 2021

Environmentally-Friendly Gift

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Put your oven on a medium to high heat 160 —180 degrees, depending on the temperature of your oven.

Place your fabric on a baking tray and sprinkle your beeswax pellets on top Put enough pellets on to cover the surface of your wrap — be generous but don't over-do it!

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Put your wraps in the oven for a 2-5 minutes, making sure to check them regularly Take them out when the wax has melted over the fabric to form a shiny layer.

You’re all done!

Fold your wraps neatly and tie with some string to give to your clients as a little appreciation gift.

Aftercare advice If cared for properly, your wraps should last up to a year. Make sure to follow and disseminate the following advice... Use cold water and a mild dishwashing soap to clean, wipe your wrap down and make sure not to leave them to soak. Simply hang them to dry and use again. T

9

Take the fabric off the tray, being careful not to burn yourself, and wave in the air to cool The cooling process should take no longer than 1-2 minutes.

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

Winter 2021

International therapist 45

Advice

Hearing

impaired

In this feature we look at the small changes you can make in your therapy practice to support clients who are deaf or hard of hearing.

I

magine life without your hearing. A world without the sound of birds, waves crashing, and your favorite song seems hard enough, doesn’t it? But the daily communication barriers that come with being hard of hearing can make life all the more challenging for those affected.

There are an estimated 11 million people in the UK with hearing loss and with the World Health Organisation (WHO) stating that exclusion from communication can have a ‘significant impact on everyday life’, we wanted to share some tips to help you improve

46 International therapist

communication with your hearingimpaired clients. In this feature we share some helpful advice from Action on Hearing Loss and speak to someone who was born Profoundly Deaf.

Action on Hearing Loss write, ‘People who are deaf or have hearing loss have individual communication needs and you should ask someone how best you can communicate with them. Not every tip below will be appropriate for every person who is deaf or has hearing loss... n Make sure you are facing the person you are talking to and speak clearly,

avoid shouting, speaking too fast or unnecessarily slow. n If someone doesn’t understand you, repeat what you said or phrase it differently, use plain language. n If you are in a noisy place, move to a quieter area if possible. n Use simple gestures such as pointing or waving to get someone’s attention. n Write things down – use pen on paper, text on device screens, or whiteboards.

Tony Sheill, 55, is a social worker from London who was born Profoundly Deaf.

Tony speaks about what he would look for Winter 2021

Advice

after they have acquired speech tend to speak rather than use BSL. The largest group of people are those who have lost some of their hearing in later life and tend to reply on what residual hearing they have left in combination with lip reading. It is normal for these people to speak in a different pitch to what you might be used to, please listen carefully and try not to draw awareness to this.'

Additional tips n Provide your clients with printed information, so that they can get an understanding of the treatment you are going to provide. n Keep in mind not to use jargon when discussing your treatment. Before the consultation, consider how you could explain what you are doing without the use of jargon. n Don’t rush the sessions, sometimes hearing-impaired people take time to absorb what is being said.

Tony Sheill is a social worker who lives in London and works as an integrated team manager in a hospital discharge team. Tony has been Deaf since birth and relies on BSL for communication but supplements this with lip reading when working with others.

Clear Type II face mask The rise in face masks during the pandemic has created another communication barrier for deaf and hard of hearing people. Action on Hearing Loss told the BBC that people could feel ‘even more isolated and scared’ at an already difficult time. The charity continues to say that ‘most hearing-impaired people rely on visual cues for communication, whether it’s lip reading or facial expressions’ (BBC, 2020).

As part of the PPE requirements for close contact services, government guidance for all four nations require therapists to wear either a Type 2 face mask (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or a face covering (Scotland).

CLEARMASK is the same brand of clear Type II face mask as supplied to NHS staff, they are deemed clinically safe and improve accessibility for deaf and hard or hearing people (gov.uk, 2020).

CLEARMASK is a US-based company but do offer shipping to the UK if contacted in advance. RRP £51 for a box of 24. n theclearmask.com

Winter 2021

How do you score?

Test your knowledge on deafness with this short quiz How many decibels of hearing do you need to have lost to be considered to have a hearing impairment? a. 30db b. 15db c. 25db What is the correct term for someone who has lost their hearing in later life? a. Deafened b. Deaf c. Acquired hearing loss What does BSL stand for? a. Broad Sign Language b. British Sign Language c. British Speaking Language A cochlear implant (CI) is a small surgically fitted device to improve hearing. On average, how much better can someone with a CI understand a sentence than with hearing aids? a. Ten times better b. Five times better c. Eight times better When writing the word deaf, what is the difference between using a capital D and a lowercase letter? a. Deaf (uppercase) refers to people who are members of the Deaf community and who communicate almost exclusively with sign language, while deaf (lowercase) refers to people who mix well in the hearing world, may communicate orally and may also be users of sign language. b. Deaf (uppercase) refers to people who are born with hearing loss, while deaf (lowercase) refers to people who lose their hearing later on in life. c. Deaf (uppercase) refers to people who have not been fitted with a cochlear implant while deaf (lowercase) refers to people with a cochlear implant.

Answers: 1c, 2a, 3b, 4c, 5a

from a professional therapist.

Tony said, ‘I have not had first-hand experience of seeing a therapist, but my son (who is also Profoundly Deaf ) broke his leg quite badly and the therapist who has been working with him has been excellent. He booked interpreters for all his sessions which worked well for us.

‘I would say it is important to approach your deaf clients differently as not all deaf people communicate in the same way. Using your consultation form to gauge what level of hearing your client has before meeting them may be useful. If your client visits before you have a chance to establish how they like to communicate, make sure to relax, welcome them into your practice and use the signs outlined in the box below to ask them what method of communication works best for them.

‘Profoundly Deaf people tend to use British Sign Language (BSL) so knowing the everyday signs is useful, as well as signs for areas of the body that you are treating and the types of treatment you are carrying out.

‘Deaf people who have been brought up using oralism often rely on lip reading. When you are seeing a client who relies on lip reading, it is important to face them, to speak normally without exaggerated lip patterns and to ensure the light is not behind you as this will make your face darker and difficult to lip-read.

‘Those people who become deaf

International therapist 47



Advice

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

Useful Phrases comfortable?

how are you?

pressure all right?

movement: Move hand

movement: Move the flat of your hands upwards (sign one) and

backwards and forwards signbsl.com/sign/comfortable

then push them forwards with thumbs up (sign two) british-sign.co.uk/british-sign-language/how-to-sign/how-are-you

pressure movement: Once in

appointment?

would you prefer to talk or sign?

movement: Tap two curved fingers downwards onto your palm signbsl.com/sign/ appointment

talk movement: Touch your

sign movement: Keeping a gap between

fingers together two or three times signbsl.com/sign/talk

your hands, move in a circular motion simultaneously, in opposite directions signbsl.com/sign/sign

after care advice

ok movement: Thumbs up signbsl.com/sign/ok

thank you

after movement: Move hand as

care movement: Move hands up and

advice movement: Move your

though it is going over a bump signbsl.com/sign/after

down with fingers in a V shape, making sure to hit your fingers together. signbsl.com/sign/care

clenched hand towards your finger and back again signbsl.com/sign/advice

48 International therapist

contact, move the hands back and forth two or three times Signbsl.com/sign/pressure

movement: Move fingers from chin in a forwards direction and mouth 'thank you' signbsl.com/sign/thank-you

Winter 2021

T

Competition

Competition Win one of six Base Formula essential oil mood gift sets, worth £17.50 each

B

ase Formula is a leading aromatherapy supplier offering professional therapists a wide range of quality essential oils, carrier oils, pre-blended massage oils and cosmetic bases.

Their essential oil mood gift set contains three pre-blended, 100% pure essential oils to support your mood throughout the day.

Uplifting combines rosemary, elemi and grapefruit to lift the mood and revitalise energy. Relaxing is blended with frankincense, cedarwood, mandarin and yarrow to encourage balance and calm when feeling anxious or stressed. Sweet Dreams contains lavender, chamomile, valerian, cedarwood and mandarin to support night-time relaxation and restful

sleep. The oils come with three aromatherapy inhalers which offer an easy and practical way to enjoy the scents wherever you are.

NB: Never ingest oils or apply neat to the skin. If you have a history of allergies, are taking medication or you are pregnant, speak to a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils.

To enter, please answer the following question: What benefits does Base Formula’s ‘Relaxing’ blend encourage?

A) Feeling awake and invigorated B) A feeling of balance and calm C) Lifting mood and a good night’s sleep

Simply email your name, address, membership number and answer to Leanne Sheill at lsheill@fht.org.uk, typing ‘FHT competition’ in the subject box.

Alternatively, send your answer and details on a postcard to: FHT competition FHT 18 Shakespeare Business Centre Hathaway Close Eastleigh Hampshire SO50 4SR The closing date is Saturday 27 February 2021. For full competition terms and conditions, visit fht.org.uk/competitions for full T&Cs

Competition winners -

International Therapist, Issue 134

Illustration: Shutterstock

Do we have your latest email address?

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

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

Winter 2021

Seven Highland Wax Company massage waxes and a reflexology balm, worth £100 and two Highland Wax starter packs, worth £40 for runners-up (p53) Winner: Lauren Hough, MFHT Runners-up: Gary Daniels, MFHT Carole Jackson, MFHT Spiral quiz (p57): £20 Joh Lewis & Partners gift card and a copy of The Sensory Herbal Handbook, by Fiona Heckles and Karen Lawton.

Winner: Alex Gwinnell, MFHT

International therapist 49

Research

Thermal imaging during reflexology lymph drainage (RLD) treatments

Thermal images: Judith Whatley, Cardiff Metropolitan University

A

study recently published in British Journal of Community Nursing (Whatley and Kay, 2020) explored the use of thermal imaging during reflexology lymph drainage treatments, developed by FHT Fellow and 2012 Excellence Award winner, Sally Kay. Breast cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL) occurs when treatment for breast cancer causes damage to the vessels or lymph nodes in and around the axilla, causing fluid retention in the arm, chest and shoulder area. It is believed that one in five patients can experience BCRL, which can impact functionality of the affected areas, as well as body image and overall quality of life.

Reflexology lymphatic drainage (RLD) is a specialist reflexology protocol that closely follows the pattern of manual lymphatic drainage, which is commonly used in the treatment for BCRL. However rather than directly treating the chest, arms and shoulders of the client, RLD works corresponding reflexes of the feet.

During initial research into the effects of RLD on clients with BCRL (Whatley et al, 2016), a number of the study participants commented on sensations of a change

in temperature as fluid that had been retained in the arm moved into the neck and chest area.

This reported temperature change was further explored in an extension to the primary research, by taking thermal images of the arms of two participants as they received an RLD treatment. This was to determine whether the thermal camera would be able to track changes in fluid retention and temperature. Limb volume circumferential measurement (LVCM) of both arms was also taken directly before and after the RLD treatment, and the next day. The thermal images were examined for both visual and temperature changes.

The images showed temperature changes in the affected arms of both patients over 45 minutes (see Images A, B and C for Participant 1 and Images D, E and F for Patient 2). LVCM also showed a loss of limb volume in the arms of both patients, which continued to decrease for a further 24 hours. The authors concluded that 'thermal imaging may be useful in tracking temperature change during treatment for BCRL'.

With thanks to Judith Whatley, Sally Kay, Cardiff Metropolitan University and BJCN.

Participant 1

Participant 2

A

D

B

E

C

F

50 International therapist

Effects of lavender on children during dental treatment

D

ental anxiety is said to develop mostly in childhood and adolescence and can lead to the avoidance of necessary dental care and poor oral health (Sharma and Tyagi, 2011).

A recently published crossover randomised clinical trial evaluated the effects of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on stress and pain perception in 24 children, aged seven to nine years, receiving dental treatment at a clinic in Iran (Ghaderi and Solhjou, 2020).

All of the children attended two dental appointments, one week apart, and were treated with lavender aromatherapy at one appointment (intervention session) and without it in the other appointment (control session). For the intervention session, two drops of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil were added to 100ml of water in a humidifier and diffused in the air for 30 minutes before the patient’s arrival. To measure the children’s anxiety levels, pulse rates, salivary cortisol levels and a face rating scale were used at different stages of the appointments.

According to the authors, the findings ‘showed that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil can significantly result in reduced pulse rate and salivary cortisol level in children during dental treatment. The results also found the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy on the reduction of pain perception during dental injection; therefore, it could be considered as a method for stress and pain control in dental settings in children’ [sic].

They did however comment that part of the anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect of the lavender essential oil may have been due to it masking dentistryrelated odours, such as eugenol, which patients can find distressing.

As such, the authors highlight in their conclusion that further research using a non-therapeutic odour as the placebo is needed, in order to assess the therapeutic effect of lavender.

Winter 2021

Research

Auriculotherapy as a means of managing nausea during pregnancy

N

ausea and vomiting is a common complaint in the early stages of pregnancy. While mild cases are unlikely to harm the baby, for some women it can severely impact their quality of life and therefore effective, nonpharmacological interventions that carry no side effects are of importance.

A double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial (Negarandeh et al, 2020) looked at the effectiveness of auriculotherapy (ear acupressure) as a means of easing symptoms in 128 pregnant women with mild to moderate nausea and vomiting, alongside routine measures to reduce their symptoms, including eating more frequent but smaller meals and avoiding greasy and spicy foods.

Participants randomly assigned to the intervention group had magnetic seeds applied to auricular points associated with controlling nausea and vomiting, namely shen men, sympathetic autonomic, point zero, stomach and cardia. They were advised to apply pressure to these points three times during the day for 30 seconds,

and to remove the magnetic seeds after the fourth day. Those randomly assigned to the sham control group were asked to do the same, but the magnetic seeds were applied to auricular points not associated with nausea and vomiting (the vision,

knee, shoulder and eyes). The Rhodes’ nausea and vomiting index was used by participants to log and measure nausea, vomiting and retching.

The results of the study, published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, showed that ear acupressure using magnets produced a significant reduction for nausea in pregnant women but it did not lead to a significant reduction in vomiting. In their conclusion, the authors write: “based on the results of this study, it is suggested that health care providers, nurses and midwives recommend this method to pregnant mothers along with other therapeutic methods to alleviate nausea during pregnancy. However, further studies are necessary to investigate the efficacy of this inexpensive, appropriate, non-invasive and convenient method for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy with larger sample sizes. It is also recommended to compare the different methods of acupressure in controlling nausea and vomiting.”

Exercise preferences and mental health in people with fibromyalgia

F

References For full references, go to fht.org.uk/IT-references Winter 2021

ibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body, but it can also cause increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness, difficulty sleeping, poor memory and concentration, headaches and irritable bowel syndrome (NHS, 2020).

Although people with FMS are said to have low aerobic endurance, limited range of movement and low muscle resistance, exercise is considered an important component of holistic treatment and is well-known to help improve mental health and quality of life (QoL).

A non-randomised controlled trial involving 36 participants looked at the effects of preferred exercise on the QoL, depression and mood states of patients with FMS (Andrade et al, 2020).

Those allocated to the experimental group (22/36) could choose whether to take part in walking, resistance training or stretching for a 12-week period, consisting of 36 one-hour sessions, performed three times per week. Those in the control

group (14/36) did not perform any form of exercise during the 12 weeks of the study.

Participants were assessed at baseline and after four, eight and 12 weeks, using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Brunel Mood Score.

The results showed that 12 weeks of preferred, personalised exercise sessions (walking, resistance training or stretching) reduced the impact of FMS on QoL, decreased depression and improved mood states of patients with FMS. The authors of the study went on to suggest that preferred exercise should be recommended to FMS patients for three reasons: “First, participants who performed their preferred exercise had a 100% adherence rate and none dropped out of the program.

Second, the preferred exercise program was safe; no patient reported pain or exacerbated discomfort. Third, according to the theory of self-determination and self-efficacy, patients are more likely to continue exercising after intervention with their preferred exercise.” T International therapist 51

Profile

A Day in the life of…

Jennifer Young, 2020 FHT Tutor of the Year, accredited course provider, skincare expert and founder of Beauty Despite Cancer.

I am an early bird and naturally wake anytime from 5:30am. If I am the first up, I get dog and chicken duties.

7:00am -

I was a gym addict before lockdown and as soon as they closed, my addiction turned to Peloton spin classes. If I am not on my bike, sweating while going nowhere, I can be found taking a slow run through nearby woods.

9:30am –

After a shower, I get to the office and start the day with a jasmine tea.

10:00am –

The whole team at Beauty Despite Cancer, including those who work remotely, join a short meeting. It covers product despatch, wholesale and retail order progress, manufacturing plans, anything we want to raise, top three risks, key data, successes and how we are all feeling.

The ‘feel-o-meter’ helps us to look after

each other and balance workload.

Making sure the team is well is my number one work responsibility. If new risks are identified during the meeting, I make sure that we know who will lead a risk assessment team, who will join the team and by when we will have actioned the findings.

10:15am – My workdays

are varied but usually begin with problem solving. For example, a delay in deliveries from a supplier which results in having to change our manufacturing schedule, or a website not working as it should. Anything that can’t be solved by a member of the team comes to me.

The good things will find their way to me too. We are very lucky with the work that we do to be able to make a difference to people’s lives, in fact some of my most memorable work moments have been hearing stories like this. A recent example is ‘our ten thousand gifts’ project where, thanks to small charities, hospitals, hospices and support groups, we gave ten thousand gifts to those living with and beyond cancer.

Another example of good news I receive is when one of our products has improved a skin or nail condition for someone, I reply to these communications and encourage the team to share stories online.

Throughout the day I also receive emails from folk who have become friends through work as well as bloggers, therapists and clients. I love to fit those into the day, along with any writing I have for magazines or other publications.

1:00pm I try to find time to use

our outdoor seating as I have to spend

52 International therapist

Photo credit: Tom Griffiths

6:00am –

time outdoors during the day or I wilt without sufficient daylight. I have been known to be sat in the rain, but of course prefer sitting in sunshine.

2:00pm A big part of my day

consists of writing the learning materials and recording the audio for our, now online, training. Our qualifications help therapists to work, hands on, with people affected by cancer. As all our post-graduate diplomas are now online, which has enabled me to include reallife stories and experiences more easily than before. I am lucky enough to spend a lot of my afternoons interviewing people affected by cancer and those who support them. The videos are included in our FHT accredited training courses, as well as being available in the blog section of our website.

4:30pm I switch jobs and

become mum again. Many ‘mum jobs’ are peppered through my day but sometimes jobs such as lifts to sports and social events have to happen at a certain time. It is my favourite role no matter how good a day at work, a mum moment beats it hands down. T Winter 2021

Members News

Members News Linda Hall, AFHT, talks about her career as a spa consultant in the UK and the Caribbean.

T

his Spring will mark 40 years of me having worked in the spa industry, a career that I am still as passionate about as when I first started. I can remember the day I passed my exams (with distinction!) like it was yesterday — I knew it was going to be the start of an amazing journey.

Throughout the 80s and 90s I soaked up all the training, knowledge and experience I could. Being from a workingclass background I often struggled to afford the cost of training, but I knew I had to gain as much as possible at the beginning of my career. I would select one area to study per year and eventually, in addition to all the traditional beauty therapy training, I had qualified in an abundance of other therapies.

This was the beginning of the 80s, a very different time for young women dreaming about a career, let alone aspiring to one day open their own business. I took the opportunity to join the FHT as soon as it launched, and having a supportive organisation behind me as the industry grew was amazing.

Once I had started to establish my business, I allowed myself a few well-deserved breaks where I would stay at hotels with great spas. I was lucky enough to often find myself in the right place at the right time; chatting to hotel owners resulted in the offer of a free holiday in exchange for my ideas on improving or providing training in their spas. It was during this time my love affair with the Caribbean started and I had the realisation that I wanted to become a spa consultant, create my own spa brand and design my own spas.

This felt like a natural progression in my Winter 2021

career, so I completed the study required to make my dream a reality.

After 20 years of working my way up to owner of a day spa in the UK, I felt ready for my next chapter in the Caribbean.

It was scary to think about starting over when my UK business was so successful but the big push to pursue things abroad came in 1999 when I was diagnosed with cancer.

The first couple of years were far from easy. Money was low, there was little work coming in and it was a time full of self-doubt and fear. Finally, in 2003 my perseverance paid off and my luck started to change. I pitched my ideas to the owner of a trendy boutique hotel in Negril, Jamaica, called the Rockhouse Hotel & Spa, and little did I know it, but it was to become a marriage made in heaven.

This marked the beginning of a portfolio of career successes spanning 17 years, including the creation of several spas and wellness programmes in the Caribbean, the pinnacle of my career becoming a partner with Rockhouse & Skylark Hotels and going onto winning the World Travel Spa Awards for two consecutive years.

After ten years in the Caribbean, I decided I wanted to return to the UK and launch my brand on home turf. Now I divide my time between running my own spa brand and private practice in the UK and my partnership with Rockhouse Hotel & Spa and its sister hotel Skylark Beach Hotel in the Caribbean. I am incredibly lucky to have projects on both sides of the world that still fulfil me creatively.

Whether you’re a therapist at the start of your journey, or like me, someone who has been in the industry a long time, my advice is to always have a vision or dream and stay focused, even when you fall. We are facing a major global fear right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic and as we emerge from these tough times, the world will need amazing, compassionate, dedicated complementary therapists more than ever. That’s you! I am confident that our industry will be the ‘go-to' in 2021. T

Linda Hall, AFHT, is a spa consultant and wellness expert who runs her own spa brand, Linda Hall Spa Consultancy, providing consultation for hoteliers in the UK and Caribbean. lindahall-spaconsultant.com

International therapist 53

New products

1

TREE FREE NOTEBOOK

Write your 2021 notes on paper that has been created without cutting down trees. The Pangaia Tree Free notebook is made from bamboo fibres and sugarcane production waste to create a fully carbon neutral product.

For each Pangaia product purchased, the brand vouches to plant, protect or restore one tree. The A5 notebook is plain inside and includes a pocket to store any loose notes.

RRP: £20, available from thepangaia.com

New products

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

3

KIND KIND BEEUTY TURMERIC AND LEMON SCRUB

Exfoliate and brighten dull skin with Kind Beeuty’s nourishing turmeric and lemon body scrub treatment.

This moisturising body scrub is infused with energising lemon and orange essential oils. Packaged in a glass jar with a metal lid, this product is an effective plastic-free body scrub.

RRP: £12.50, available from wearthlondon.com

2

ESSENTIAL OILS MOOD SET BY BASE FORMULA

MEMBER COMPETITION! For a chance to win one of six Base Formula Mood Sets, see page 49 in this issue of International Therapist.

These 100% pure essential oils are blended to support your mood throughout the day.

Includes Uplifting, Relaxing and Sweet Dreams blends and three aromatherapy inhalers which offer an easy and practical way to enjoy the benefits of the oils wherever you are. Simply add up to 15 drops of oil to the cotton wadding, insert into the stick and inhale as required.

RRP: £17.50, available from baseformula.com

4

A LITTLE BIT EXTRORDINARY BY ESTHER ROBINSON

This book is narrated by a little girl called Juliette who has Down’s syndrome.

Juliette shares her feelings, hopes and dreams in a story which aims to delight and inspire young readers, encouraging them to discover their talents, reach for the stars and behave with love and kindness.

Heartfelt rhyming words and captivating pictures help young readers understand Down’s syndrome in a simple and engaging way. Juliette encourages people to celebrate difference, create a caring community and prevent bullying.

Price: £11.99, available from estherrobinson.co.uk 54 International therapist

Winter 2021

New products

5

TERRACYCLE WASTE BOX

6

KNOW YOUR BODY – THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY BY MARY DALGLEISH

Recycle your face masks safely with this Terracycle waste box. Simply fill up your box with any of your disposable face masks and ship it back to Terracycle with their pre-paid return label located on the box. Terracycle then processes and recycles the materials in a COVID-19 safe way.

Please note: a small box (25 x 25 x 46cm) fits approximately 433 units of waste.

RRP: £127.42, available from zerowasteboxes.terracycle.co.uk

7 8

This book is ideal for anyone interested in the human body and how it works. Whether you’re a student therapist, an aspiring medical, healthcare or fitness professional, or just someone who’s curious about the human body and how it works, this book offers an accessible and enjoyable way to understand the basics of anatomy, physiology and pathology.

Written in a clear, user-friendly style, it provides all the information necessary to meet and exceed the anatomy and physiology curriculum requirements of international awarding bodies.

Price: £19.99, available from anatomyandphysiology.co.uk

NEALS YARD NATURAL DEFENCE HAND RUB Delicately fragranced with a purifying blend of essential oils, this natural hand rub contains 70% alcohol and kills 99.9% of bacteria for hygienic hands on the go. With niaouli, lemongrass and witch hazel, this product leaves hands smelling fresh and feeling clean, with no sticky residue. In a convenient travel size bottle, it’s perfect to keep close to hand.

RRP: £5.75, available from nealsyardremedies.com

HYDROTHERAPY FOR BODYWORKERS: IMPROVING OUTCOMES WITH WATER THERAPIES, SECOND EDITION BY MARYBETTS SINCLAIR In the latest edition of her book, MaryBetts Sinclair explores hydrotherapy; the use of water (hot, cold, steam or ice) to relieve discomfort and promote physical wellbeing. MaryBetts looks at how the therapy can soothe sore or inflamed muscles and joints, help to rehabilitate injured limbs, lower fevers, soothe headaches, promote relaxation, ease labor pains, and address skin problems.

The second edition includes revised and updated content, updated scientific research, inclusion of new treatments, more information on incorporating herbs into treatments, new case histories, colour illustrations and hydrotherapy handouts to support clients in making progress between sessions.

RRP: £49.95, available from handspringpublishing.com

We love

FHT Deputy Editor Leanne Sheill shares her favourite latest read with members.

‘Despite the title of this book, the content is neither a step-by-step guide or aggressively written.

It instead uses fact and science to teach you how to calmly put across your views to someone who may not fully understand the biases that exist across the world.

'Adam is a geneticist and begins by explaining that all humans are a mix of genes that make us who we are, debunking myths such as ‘black people are better runners’ or ‘Asian’s are good at maths’. How to Argue with a Racist is a compelling short book that is impossible to put down.’

Price: £8.99, available from amazon.co.uk Please note that product descriptions featured on these pages are provided by the supplier/manufacturer.

Winter 2021

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.

Q

In their article, Anne and Helen talk about how Whistlewood connects people with nature to benefit their health and wellbeing. Do a little research into the mental health benefits of spending time in nature and green space and provide an overview of your findings.

Q

Dr Michael Dixon writes, ‘The gut with its trillion bugs of over a thousand different varieties clearly governs our bowels but also dictates our weight, our mood and many other things.’ Look into the gut and the different aspects of our health and wellbeing that can be affected by a poor diet.

HEARING IMPAIRED (P46-48)

Q

There are an estimated 11 million people in the UK with hearing loss. Explain the different ways you can communicate with someone who is hard of hearing, detailing which method of communication might be best suited to each type of hearing loss.

MICROBES AND MASSAGE (P38-41)

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE (P28-30)

Q

What are multi-drug resistant organisms and why are they a cause for concern?

Q

In the excerpt from his book, Time to Heal, Dr Michael Dixon reflects on the time he realised the health benefits of plants. Research three plants with well-known health benefits and outline their medicinal properties.

56 International therapist

6 Discounted continued professional learning.

7 The UK’s largest local group network.

8 FHT branded products and member discounts on therapy supplies.

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

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

THE IMMERSION EFFECT (P24-27)

Q

Drawing on the research in this feature, explain the key health benefits of cold-water immersion. T

For more information about how to gain CPD points by reflecting on your favourite articles, visit fht.org.uk/cpd

2021 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

WELLNESS WITHOUT WALLS (P14-17)

4 The industry’s leading professional therapist magazine.

Winter 2021

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 to log in and have a browse.

Articles by our 2020 FHT Excellence Award Winners Learn about the earlier work of some of our 2020 FHT Excellence Award winners in these articles, previously featured in International Therapist.

Mary Atkinson – Story Massage Story Massage uses simple massage movements, which are associated with spoken words to build up an engaging story. In this article, Mary and Sandra Hooper explain the roots of Story Massage, what it involves and its many benefits, particularly for children. They also share a short Story Massage routine, Hickory, dickory dock, which was first published in their ebook, Once Upon a Touch - Story Massage for Children. fht.org.uk/IT-135-RR-Atkinson

Jennifer Young – Beauty Despite Cancer As well as being a training provider, Jennifer is the founder of Beauty Despite Cancer. Jennifer’s

FHT Spiral No. 37

entry into the world of cancer support came when she was asked by her local hospital to work with them to create a skincare line that would be safe and help tackle some of the skincare issues associated with cancer treatment. In this article, she talks about her involvement in setting up an appearance and wellbeing clinic at Guy’s Cancer Centre in London. fht.org.uk/IT-135-RR-Young

John Molyneux – A grey revolution In this short article, John explains how his fascination of the human body and how it works began as a small boy, watching his grandfather doing breathing exercises and working on his posture.

But it was witnessing how his grandad was treated as he got older and started to decline that spurred John on to working with older clients, and to write his first book, Better You in Later Life. fht.org.uk/IT-135-RR-Molyneux 1

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

10

The winner will also receive a copy of Pilates for Rehabilitation, by Samantha Wood, RRP £39 (human-kinetics.co.uk).

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 muscle.

13

6

15 5

12 9 14

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

Entries to be received no later than 28 February 2021.

CROSSWORD CLUES 1. Muscle that flexes the elbow joint (10) 2. Food passes from the oesophagus into this j-shaped organ where it is broken down (7) 3. Organ containing a bicuspid and tricuspid valve (5) 4. Trunk of the body (5) 5. Muscles found around the eyes (11,5)

11 7 2

6. - - - - - - of Langerhans (6) 7. Shoulder bone (7) 8. Largest artery in the human body (5) 9. The A in ADH, this hormone regulates water in the body (12) 10. Coagulation (8) 11. Originating from or relating to the stomach, eg. ulcer, juices, band (7)

8

4

3

12. - - - - - - tunnel syndrome (6) 13. Type of acid produced by the muscles during intense exercise (6) 14. Arch art (anag.) A build-up of mucus in an airway or cavity of the body, eg. the nose, throat or sinuses (7) 15. Personal, dental or food - - - - - - (7)

Where’s the solution for spiral no. 36?

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 four points per year). Turn to page 49 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 134 (Autumn 2020).

Winter 2021

International therapist 57

Courses

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 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

Winter 2021

Courses

Discover how the EMMETT technique addresses pain and body movement.

This course contains eleven moves which have been specially selected from the EMMETT techniques practitioner course.

Course tutor: Various Course dates: n 18 April 2021 – Swindon n 12 June 2021 – Guildford n 28 March 2021 - Harrogate Prices start from: £110

OSTEOPATHIC TECHNIQUES: SPORT AND SPINE 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: 13 – 14 March – Anywhere Prices start from: £160

SCIATICA: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT In this webinar Jane will describe what sciatica is and the causes of it, as well as describing how it differs from piriformis syndrome. With the crux of the webinar being on the treatment of sciatica.

Course tutor: Jane Johnson Course dates: n 19 March - Webinar Prices start from: £9

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

TRIGGER POINTS FOR BEGINNERS This workshop will teach you how to identity and deactivate trigger points, how to teach clients to deactivate their own trigger points and the theory surrounding them.

Course tutor: Jane Johnson Course dates: n 5 June – Manchester n 26 June – Bristol Prices start from: £100

TAPING FOR BEGINNERS

INTRODUCTION TO PRACTICAL MYOFASCIAL RELEASE This face-to-face course is suitable for any bodywork or movement therapists interested in learning more about fascia and myofascial release. Learn about the properties of fascia, how chronic pain develops and practice simple yet effective techniques for the whole body.

Course tutor: Amanda Oswald Course dates: n 5 June 2021 - London Prices start from: £120

RELAXATION, MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS FOR THERAPISTS

This course will teach you how to safely and effectively use elasticated theratape for clients with common musculoskeletal conditions.

Course tutor: Jane Johnson Course dates: n 24 July – Manchester Prices start from: £100

SIMPLE STRETCHES FOR THE LOWER LIMB

ADVANCED CRYSTAL THERAPY FOR PRACTITIONERS AND HEALERS – LEVEL 1

This webinar is jam-packed with Jane’s favourite lower limb stretches. Learn how to incorporate stretches into your treatment routine and give your clients an effective stretching programme they can do at home.

Course tutor: Jane Johnson Course dates: n 19 February - Webinar Prices start from: £9

This course will enable therapists to gain an understanding of what crystal therapy is, how it works and how they can be incorporated into a wide range of complementary therapies to enhance and refine treatments.

Course tutor: Shirley O'Donoghue.

Course dates: n 20 – 21 March - Basingstoke Prices start from: £220

Main picture: Shutterstock

EMM-TECH SHORT COURSE

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

Winter 2021

International therapist 59

T

Courses

FHT accredited course providers NEWS

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

Judging at a spa and talent massage competition Adrian Jenkinson, an FHT member, accredited course provider and creator of massage tool, the WaveStone, was invited to judge at the International Spa Talent Massage competition in Zurich last year.

Several of the competitors were using the WaveStone and the organisers felt it should be Adrian who judged the competitors’ skills, as he could

bring his expertise of the tool to his judging.

Adrian said, ‘Jennifer Dahlgren was one competitor who used the WaveStone and she came third overall. I was very impressed with her use of the tool. It was a little emotional to see something that I had invented being used in such a prestigious event. It brought a lump to my throat, I felt proud.’ thewavestone.co.uk

Celebrity foot reader sees surge in e-learning demand during lockdown Jane Sheehan, accredited course provider and celebrity foot reader, saw demand for her e-learning foot reading course increase by more than 600% during the first few weeks of lockdown. Almost as many students signed up during April and May as did for the whole of last year.

Jane said, ‘We saw a huge and unexpected rise in

IRELAND

Deirdre Murray Holistic Sligo deirdremurrayholistic.ie 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 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

60 International therapist

Holistic Ecosse makima@hotmail.co.uk Rosslyn Alternatives rosslynalternatives.co.uk New Shiatsu and Thai Massage Training Scotland stmts.co.uk Start with Touch Ltd startwithtouch.co.uk The Glasgow School of Massage theglasgowschoolofmassage.com Therapia School of Reflexology therapiagourock.com

NORTHERN IRELAND

Angel Haven angelhaven.co.uk Body and Sole School of Complementary Therapies bodyandsoleschool.co.uk Dorothy Kelly Academy of Reflexology dorothykellyacademyofreflexology.com

demand, which we attribute to people looking to use their down time productively and learn a new skill to add to their client offering when lockdown rules are eased.’

‘We all very quickly became used to communicating online, so my e-learning course format was familiar and therefore an ideal way to learn safely.’ footreading.com

Elaine Curry Wellness Academy with Calm Confident Kids calmconfidentkids.co.uk elainecurry.com Logan Fertility Centre loganfertility.com New Beginnings School of Natural Therapies angelsanctuary.co.uk Sheila Nugent School of Reflexology sheilanugentschoolofreflexology.co.uk

NORTH WEST

Acupuncture Training for Therapists Ltd acupuncturetrainingproviders.co.uk Alternatively Better alternativelybetter.co.uk Angela Pollard Therapies angelapollardtherapies.co.uk BodEquality New www.bodequality.com Breathworks breathworks-mindfulness.co.uk British Academy of Crystal Healing britishacademyofcrystalhealing.co.uk

Winter 2021

Courses Dorn Method Academy UK (Jacqui) dornmethodlakedistrict.co.uk Dorn Method Lake District dornmethodlakedistrict.co.uk Female Fitness Academy the-ffa.com Gaia School of Natural Health gaiaschool.org.uk KORE Academy Ltd koretherapy.com Natural Touch Training naturaltouchtraining.co.uk Reiki Tradition reikitradition.me.uk The Master Academy/ Urban Body Balance urbanbalance.co.uk

NORTH EAST

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

YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER

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 NHS Natural Health School nhsnaturalhealthschool.co.uk Pain Care Clinic paincareclinic.co.uk The Sound Therapy Company New thesoundtherapycompany.co.uk Total Therapies Training totaltherapies.co.uk

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/ Pressure Point 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

Winter 2021

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 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 II Intuitive Ltd 2intuitive.co.uk JemmaCo Limited jemmaco.com/training

Lovegrove Essentials Ltd lovegroveessentials.com Massage for Dementia massagefordementia.co.uk 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 Aromalyne aromalyne.com Brighton Holistics brightonholistics.co.uk Brighton School of Massage brightonschoolofmassage.co.uk Calming Influences Ltd calminginfluences.com Centre for Nutrition Education and Lifestyle Management cnelm.co.uk Cherubs Training Academy Hampshire cherubsbabyhealth.com College of Classical Massage Ltd collegeofclassicalmassage.com New College of Functional Kinesiology functionalkinesiology.co.uk 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

International therapist 61

Courses Shakra Centre shakracentre.com Shared Beauty Secrets sharedbeautysecrets.com Story Massage storymassage.co.uk The Advanced Attraction Company Ltd 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 Cameron Reid Training cameronreidtraining.co.uk New Culinary Medicine College culinarymedicinecollege.com Functional Reflex Therapy functionalreflextherapy.co.uk Gladwell School of Massage gladwellschoolofmassage.com Helen Mary Perkins helenperkins.com Ingrid Perrin New 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 Holistic Academy holistic-academy.co.uk The Lancaster System lancastersystem.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 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 Essential Training Solutions Ltd essential-training.co.uk Gateway Workshops gatewayworkshops.co.uk Health Kinesiology UK hk-uk.co.uk Jennifer Young and Beauty Despite Cancer beautydespitecancer.co.uk London School of Massage londonschoolofmassage.co.uk Stonebridge Associated Colleges stonebridge.uk.com The Balance Procedure Limited thebalanceprocedure.com The College of Bowen Studies thebowentechnique.com The Chrysalis Effect thechrysaliseffect.com

Vitali-Chi Headquarters v-chi.com Wavestone Therapies Ltd thewavestone.co.uk Womb & Fertility Massage fertilitymassage.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL

American Fitness Professionals & Associates afpafitness.com Beijing ReStart Biotech Ltd 5restart.com Blossom & Berry Baby Massage & Yoga Training blossomandberry.com Butterfly Touch Therapies Limited butterflytouchtherapiestraining.com Cosmo Kemp School of Thai Yoga Massage cosmothaiyoga.com Extraordinary Kinesiology extraordinarychannels.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 Institute of Aromatherapy aromashoppe.com Wellness Cosmetology Sdn Bhd. beaubelle.com

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

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

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News

Industry news

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

Promoting physical activity to be a key priority for the EU The use of physical activity as a preventative healthcare measure has been listed as a top priority in the European Union’s next five-year strategy.

The EU’s work plan for sport (20212024) lists three priorities, one of which is the ‘promotion of participation in healthenhancing physical activity’. To achieve this, the plan calls for cross-sectoral cooperation with relevant institutions.

Though the UK's deal to leave the EU came into effect on 31 December 2020, the process may take some time, meaning this strategy could impact the UK's approach to physical activity in the next few years. n fht.org.uk/IT-135-EU-Strategy

Innovative beauty company reuses ten natural ingredients in its products UpCircle Beauty rescue and reuse ten skin-loving natural ingredients from varied industries across the globe, including argan, tea, juice, date, olive and wood industries. These ingredients are brought back to life as organic, vegan skin products with 100% recyclable packaging.

FHT MEMBER DISCOUNT 15% off with code INTERNATIONALTHERAPIST15 until Sunday 31 March 2021.

T&C’s: Discount code entitles you to 15% off. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, subscriptions or bundles. Minimum purchase £10. One use per customer.

Offer expires Sunday 31 March 2021. n upcirclebeauty.com

New book published about mental health in football Beauty industry pays its respects to Habia’s Alan Goldsbro Former CEO of standard-setting body, Habia, Alan Goldsbro, has died following a battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

He has been remembered as a ‘visionary’ of the hair and beauty industry, achieving milestones such as the first National Occupational Standards for hair, beauty, nails and spas, the launch of NVQs and SVQs for the sector, and the development of frameworks for apprenticeships.

Former deputy chief executive of Habia, Andrew Darby, said, ‘Alan was a big-picture visionary and could see opportunities constantly. Like other exceptional leaders, he built a talented and loyal team around him to crystallise these ideas.

As he saw it, the best way to predict the future was to make it happen.’ n fht.org.uk/IT-135-habia Winter 2021

In his new book, Get Your Head in the Game: An Exploration of Football’s Complex Relationship with Mental Health, Dominic Stevenson tackles mental health and its relationship with football.

Dominic writes, ‘Football is more than a sport. The pitch reveals emotion in the extreme: from the glory of goals and the rollercoaster of club loyalty, to the immense pressure of expectation, fear of injury, and crushing defeat.

But when players commit suicide, or poor mental health derails careers, there can be a stunned silence and lack of connection in the community.’ n RRP: £12.99 from watkinspublishing.com

Environmental group calls for ban on sample sachets in the beauty industry In a bid to reduce the waste created by the beauty sector, the environmental group A Plastic Planet has written an open letter to UK and EU officials, calling for a ban on single use sachets.

The letter brings awareness to the fact that sachets used to package moisturiser, face wipes, shower gel, body wash and shampoo create 122 billion items of waste every year. It is said that by 2030, the use of plastic sachets across all industries is expected to reach one trillion.

Members of EU parliament and British politicians have shown support for this letter which was sent in November 2020. n fht.org.uk/IT-135-sample-sachets

BEAUTY

International therapist 63

ABSOLUTE AROMAS

Experts in Aromatherapy Since 1994 Absolute Aromas offer an unparalleled range of over 140 essential oils and a wide selection of carrier oils and base products for the discerning therapist. Our Organic range is 100% organic and certified by the Soil Association.

Tel: +44(0)1420540400

www.absolute-aromas.com

Email: sales@absolute-aromas.com

CPD Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care

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

Harness the power of aromatherapy 100% pure essential oils | hydrolats | carrier oils pre-blended massage oils | cosmetic bases 10% off for registered FHT members* www.baseformula.com

*Visit website for more information.

64 International therapist

Winter 2021

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

Accredited by ABT, FHT, CThA, Holistic/Beauty Guild, IPHM, ITEC, ThinkTree & Towergate Insurance

in

f

Link, like & follow US

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

Award Winning Training School Visit Web Site for Regular Dates

www.gatewayworkshops.co.uk

CranioSaCral Therapy Training 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

Winter 2021

“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 International therapist 65

Guest column

If we are going to have to get used to a new normal, then there is a significant case for further support for the sector.

There is clearly a massive connection between what therapists offer and the benefits on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. We have all discovered over the last 10 months that we need to be physically fit to fight off infection. We also need to be mentally fit to be able to cope with the deprivation of physical contact. Having had a pretty tough 2020 and finding a myriad of different ways to boost my inner resilience, I have a suspicion I am going to be preaching holistic wellbeing for the rest of my days.

and finally...

Caroline Nokes MP reflects on the past year and discusses the importance of complementary therapies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

N

obody can pretend 2020 was not the most challenging year for decades. I know we have all discovered new coping strategies, whether it’s to combat the tedium of lockdown, adapting to working from home or the stress of not knowing when financial certainty and stability will return. There is no hard and fast rule for what got any of us through, for some it was baking, for others it was crafts, exercise, meditation — there was no right or wrong way.

will be in pandemic management come January, but I am remaining optimistic.

However, what became clear to me very quickly was the role that different therapies could play in helping us recover from the storm. I am conscious as I write this we are back in lockdown, so only therapists who can make a case for their treatment being medically beneficial can be open, and that this article will be read some time from now. Sadly, I don’t have a crystal ball and have no idea where we

On which subject, two things I am certain of are that therapists know their clients and putting in place rigorous COVID-19 safety measures is second nature to them. Therapists are very aware that if a transmission occurred in their premises it would see them lose business and so are the most well-equipped to provide test and trace information (certainly more so than your average burger van).

66 International therapist

Last summer I discovered first-hand the enormous benefits of massage. I will admit to having been a bit of a sceptic, but when a local therapist promised me the ‘most relaxing massage of my life’, she was not wrong.

For three nights afterwards I slept through the night, which was something I hadn’t managed in possibly a decade.

So, I am converted and determined for treatment rooms to remain open under the current circumstances.

In Parliament there has been a great deal of discussion about body confidence, the new obesity strategy and how we can inspire people to be more active without body shaming them. It is a difficult balance to strike and one I think therapists can play a role in supporting (as we all can). I encourage you to begin by speaking positively about your own bodies and seeking ways to promote ‘normal’ bodies within your therapy space, whether that’s through marketing materials or the images displayed on your wall.

One of the benefits of lockdown for me was the time I spent cooking with my daughter, passing to her some of the skills that my mother taught me. I hope that this is a similar theme for others and that it might rekindle a positive relationship with food, in turn, leading to a healthier society. This Winter, I encourage you to spend time considering the nutritional value of your meals and encourage your loved ones and clients to do the same. T

Caroline Nokes was elected MP for Romsey and Southampton North in 2010. Caroline is the Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, having previously served in the Cabinet as Immigration Minister. carolinenokes.com

Winter 2021

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