Holistic Therapist Magazine by Nick Brown

T h e

I n d u s t r y ’ s

N o . 1

B u s i n e s s

g u i d e

jan/feb/mar 2013 Issue 5

Maybe Baby with Dr Marilyn Glenville Elen Rivas makes a splash Surf the web

It’s Raining Clients

Grow your business

Win!

A brand new work outfit for 4 winners worth over

£600

water special

contents 38

For Your Business 8 Industry News & Diary Dates Including 5 ways to use Valentine’s Day to entice business 10 Make a Splash and Enjoy the Ripple Effect Jayney Goddard’s letter to therapists 11 Totnes Truth Dr Stephen Hopwood reviews his event 12 Till divorce Us Do Part Jane Sheehan helps you divorce-proof your business 13 Nurse Your Business David Balen on keeping your business healthy 14 Complementary Therapies Help Young Offenders Jane Giddings takes an innovative approach to counselling 16 Surfing the World Wide Web More media tips from JP 17 It’s Raining Clients Ara Eden Lee prepares you for floods of business 18 Keep Your Head Above Water Ten top tips on staying afloat through rough waters in business 20 It’s Good to Grow Louise Jensen continues her journal on how her business has grown

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21 Grow Your Business Business growth expert, Annette Du Bois shares her marketing knowledge 22 Focus Your New Year Business Resolutions Focus your business with Sue Masters’ class 23 Happy New You Simona Hart speaks on New Year’s resolutions for therapists 24 Ask Sandy More therapists’ questions for Sandy Newbigging to tackle 53 Buyer’s Guide

For You and Your Health 26 Who Can We Trust? Rosanna Kalliabetsos argues on the varied advice given to pregnant women 28 New Year, New You! Win therapist attire courtesy of Asquith London 30 Reiki and Conception Rosemary Pharo helps couples trying to conceive 31 Maybe Baby Dr Marilyn Glenville guides couples through future-proofing their fertility

32 I’m Totally BIRTHFIT A Mother’s Day review by young model-mum, Oreke 33 Fit for a Bump Fitness expert and mother, Michelle Smith shatters myths relating to exercise during pregnancy 34 Blooming Beauty Emily-Rose talks makeup during pregnancy 35 Sunshine in a Bowl More Food Therapy from Charlotte Palmer 36 A Vital Mix of Fruit & Veg Retail Therapy with Vicky Downes 37 What Water is H2Okay? Karen Watkins tells us water facts 38 Editor Six: Elen Rivas 40 Soap Suds Vicky Downes reviews the art of soap making 41 Magnetic Pull Lorna Howe shares the benefits of magnetising water 42 Editor Mix: TV continuity announcer, Gavin Inskip has sound therapy 52 Editor Pix: Professional Panel try products 54 Editor Fix: The editor kicks starts the New Year with personal training

holistic therapist 2013

B e a u t Y • H e a lt H • i n n o vat i o n • t R a i n i n G

Managing Director Jay Firmager jay@holistictherapistmagazine.com

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Editorial Assistant Eleanor Jones editorial@holistictherapistmagazine.com Sales Team +44 (0) 208 668 5423 sales@holistictherapistmagazine.com

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Photographer: RobinConway.co.uk Model: @MsElenRivas Hair: VickiLord.co.uk MUA: EmilyRoseMakeupartist.co.uk Stylist: NinaSobers.com Dress Designer: Comarama.com HolisticTherapistMagazine.com

YouR success is ouR passion REgistER FOR YOUR FREE tiCkEt At www.pROFEssiONALBEAUtY.CO.Uk/FLAgship AND qUOtE LUCkY tiCkEt NUmBER spA3

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Twitter.com/HolisticTMag facebook.com/HolisticTMag Proud supporter of Breakthrough Breast Cancer GO PINK. RAISE MONEY. SAVE LIVES. Breakthrough.org.uk

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

With a special thank you to Jan Firmager

JOiN thE CONvERsAtiON ON .FB.mE/pRO_BEAUtY AND @pRO_BEAUtY

Holistic Therapist Magazine, in memory of Pat and Bill Firmager.

Dear therapist, It’s 2013, and our one-year anniversary! A big gorgeous happy new year to you all… and we made it through the winter solstice: 21/12/12… Whoopee! Whilst the world didn’t end, as predicted, (phew!) - I think many people are certainly beginning to see the world in a new light… more holistically, with more gratitude, focusing on what is real and gaining more perspective – they seem to be taking a leap of faith in different directions, but one that is true to their core and essence, and this, to me, is a small, but definite shift in humanity. And a fantastic time for the holistic industry, and for you as therapists to reach out to these people and share with them your knowledge of a more holistic way of being, perhaps even bringing about the end of the world, as we have previously known it. Talking of sharing knowledge, we have plenty of business tips as always; with JP’s social media advice on surfing the web (page 16); ten top tips to keep your head above water in business (page 18); Simona Hart’s New Year’s resolutions for therapists (page 23); focus yourself with Sue Masters’ class (page 22); and how to grow your business using Annette’s marketing advice (page 21). You may have noticed some of the water metaphors already – well, that’s because it is the water special, and I just cannot resist splashing droplets of wet words… I thoroughly enjoyed reading Karen Watkins’ article this issue about water consumption (page 37), and working with modelcelebrity, and mother, Elen Rivas – who took an elegant plunge in to Kentish Town’s swimming pool in-between answering my Editor Six questions (page 38). To all of you mums out there, including Elen - Happy Mother’s Day – it is a lovely day of the year, and also a fabulous opportunity for business in the holistic industry. My four-year-old son (pictured with me above) loves yoga, and mediation, and massages… so maybe hold a family day, or provide mother and daughter offers? It is even worth opening your doors for business on Mothering Sunday, for a special day of pampering and treats. Express to your clients that it is great to involve family in their holistic hobbies, and for those that have clients who are pregnant, or if you are indeed carrying a baby yourself, then you’ll love the fitness and pregnancy interview with expert YMCAFIT teacher, Michelle Smith. Rosanna Kalliabetsos delivers a wonderful article on ‘who to trust’ when you are pregnant, with great advice that you can pass on to your clients (page 26). As always we have a super lot of content packed in our pages especially for you, your business and your health – so once again, I’ll leave you to it, but I’m just a click away on Jordan@holistictherapistmagazine.com, if you want to share stories, case studies, advice, products or photos. Chat soon – and on behalf of the HTM team, I wish you a warm, and wonderful New Year, for business, and for health to you and your family. Warm Regards

Jordan x

Managing Editor

HolisticTherapistMagazine.com

na pri l

Managing Editor Jordan Martin jordan@holistictherapistmagazine.com

Ne xt Iss Ou ue ti

Art Director Nick Brown nick@nickbrown-design.co.uk

t & ax ev & e a & n m cco fo o un r y re ts ou fo , m & r yo or yo u e ur r b DI he us Y P al ine R, th s s,

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editor’s letter

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Jayney Goddard

Dr Stephen Hopwood

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Sandy Newbigging

Rosemary Pharo

Karen Watkins

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Sue Masters

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A special thank you to our new judge for the Editor Pix page, Paolo Fernandez of Urban Retreat.

OTHER ISSUE 5 CONTRIBUTORS

Caring for the carers

Annette Du Bois, Ara Eden Lee, Charlotte Palmer, David Wiliamson, Elen Rivas, Gavin Inskip, Gowri Motha, Jane Giddings, Lorna Howe, Lucy Jane, Matt Bristow, Michelle Angus, Marilyn Glenville, Michele Hancock, Michelle Smith, Oreke Mosheshe, Omar Q, Rosanna Kalliabetsos, Simona Hart, Eric Monjoin, Vicky Downes, & Vicki Lord.

business | news & dates

remember this?

camexpo celebrates successful 10th anniversary

ways to entice custom on Valentine’s Day 1 Discount for couples 2 A free organic chocolate or glass of organic wine 3 A ‘lovers’ package with treatment options 4 A ‘singles’ pampering date 5 Speed dating promotion evening, with mini treatments

What are Your Watery Ways?

The Golden Month: Mark’s book, The CAM Coach is out now!

January is in my opinion the golden month in the life of a therapist and practitioner. This is because 76% of the UK decide they are going to embrace their New Year’s resolutions, and many seek help within the CAM arena

to support them. While this percentage sounds admirable, only 12% actually achieve the desired change, which shows that there is a mountain of opportunity every year for therapists… So go get it! lifepractice.co.uk

Thank you

Thank you to Tracey of Urban Retreat for being a judge on the Professional Pix page throughout 2012, and a warm welcome to her colleague Paola Fernandez, a Group Stock Merchandiser at Urban Retreat Ltd, who joins the panel this issue, along with Karen Watkins, and guest judge, Michelle Angus. Check out page 53 for their thoughts of this issue’s products.

holistic therapist 2013

Bath or Shower? Tap or Bottled? Still or Sparkling? Surf or Swim? Sip or Straw? Storm or Shower?

WINNER

London’s Earls Court was transformed into a vibrant showcase of the very best in complementary and natural healthcare products and services, as camexpo celebrated its tenth anniversary edition on 20-21 October 2012, with 5,492 total attendees. The HTM team also attended, and met many of our readers – which was a pleasure… Visit holistictherapistmagazine.com for more on the event and camexpo will return to Earls Court, London, 5-6 October 2013, camexpo.co.uk.

Paola

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Foot-reading Workshop 2nd & 3rd, Maghera 9th & 10th, Derry 23rd & 24th, Swansea footreading.com Mind Body Spirit Event 9th & 10th, Stockport Masonic Guildhall Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 3UA rosemarydouglas.com

MARCH Reiki Taster Every Friday from 1st – 29th Life Solutions Urban Retreat, London, SE6 1BJ lifesolutions.co.uk

of last issue’s competition

“I still can’t quite believe I have won and how incredibly lucky I am to have received this amazing opportunity. I’m completely indebted to Holistic Therapist Magazine and Essentials for Health. This will be nothing short of life changing for me. I’m so excited and itching to embark on a new challenging journey to a complete career change and direction in my life. Thanks so much, Zoe”

JANUARY

Tai Chi for Arthritis Every Tuesday from 1st - 29th Brookside Residential Centre Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 3BH amovingdifference.co.uk

ReEmpower Towards the end of last year, an event took place in the capital’s Trafalgar Square, hosted by Chiara Irvine and Lynn Morris. It stood for togetherness and people empowerment - the people of London joined forces and helped clear the heavy, built-up energy and

Diary Dates

Mind Body Spirit Event 2nd & 3rd, Nantwich Civic Hall Beam Street, CW5 5DG rosemarydouglas.com Foot-reading Workshop 16th & 17th, Woodbridge, Suffolk footreading.com

Zoe

holistictherapistmagazine.com

holistic therapist 2013

business | Jayney Goddard’s Letter

business | Dr Hopwood’s Soapbox

Make a Splash and enjoy the Ripple Effect Firstly, I’d like to say a big ‘hello’ to all of my wonderful complementary medical and holistic healthcare colleagues. I hope that his letter finds you well – and raring to go, to make 2013 your most successful year yet! As you’ll know, I’m only too aware of the challenges facing us as individual practitioners, and our profession as a whole. You’ll know for instance that the organisation that I have the immense privilege of heading -The Complementary Medical Association (The CMA) – was instrumental in taking the Advertising Standards Authority head on, when they launched an attack on our profession. I’m passionate about

holistic therapist 2013

protecting this profession, and the rights of practitioners to practise. The reason for this passion? I believe that complementary medicine and natural healthcare really

If we are free to practise then this ripple effect can be truly world changing do make a huge difference to the well-being of society as a whole – I believe in the ‘ripple effect’, such that when we practitioners help just one person to make healthy changes, which lead them to being able to realise their optimal levels of health, this has the effect of spreading that healing energy out to that person’s direct family, friends, colleagues, and beyond. If we are free to practise then this ripple effect can be truly world changing. True, my passion and dedication to the cause of complementary medicine and holistic healthcare have got me into hot water – after one live mainstream TV show (FIVE’s The Wright Stuff), where I debated with Dr Simon Singh, I received numerous death threats and so much

hate-mail from representatives of Big Pharma that I could have wallpapered my upstairs bathroom with it. (Watch the YouTube video of the debate on JayneyGoddard.org). But, we can’t let these sad people destroy what we are working so hard to achieve. We also have to pause for thought... If – as the detractors would like everyone to believe – complementary medicine and holistic healthcare is dying out, why then are they so aggressive in their attacks? Well, the reason is plain... Our profession is growing – exponentially – and not just in the UK but further afield too. We just have to hold the vision, we have to be as professional as possible, and continue to offer our clients a superb service – but we have to make the leap into viewing ourselves and our practices as a ‘business’, this way, we can make profit, ethically, in order to grow our businesses – and therefore continue to deliver an outstanding service to our clients. As part of my ongoing commitment to this profession I am running a series of master classes in London starting on the 14th January 2013, which will cover everything you need to know – and do – to grow your practice and be outstandingly successful as a practitioner ‘in business’. The topics I teach are all

Totnes Truth

Doctor Stephen Hopwood reviews last year’s “Treating People Not Cancer” event, held at the Totnes Cancer Care Clinic

A geared toward the unique requirements of practitioners and are realistic in this current economic climate. Subjects include business development from the ground up, marketing, giving talks to grow your practice (I even write the talk for you and give you the promotional posters!), website design and search engine optimisation (SEO), marketing to grow your practice with e-newsletters, social media for practitioners and so much more. I’ve been running these special events for over four years now and have strong evidence to show that what I teach really works – in the real world. I deliberately limit the numbers of attendees so that you can get my individual attention. I also follow my students up after the event, so that you, and I can be sure that you’re able to implement all the valuable training I have given you, easily, fast and effectively. If you’d like to know more about my master classes drop me a line at jayney@ The-CMA.org.uk explaining a bit about yourself and why you’d like to be included in these very special events.

Warmest wishes Jayney holistictherapistmagazine.com

cold weekend in midNovember 2012 saw the smooth passage of an uplifting two days of exchanges among doctors, practitioners, scientists and cancer patients in the heart of sunny Totnes. The “Treating People Not Cancer” conference, which was held in the town’s Civic Hall, was hosted by the Totnes Cancer Care Centre, and given the green light by local Trading Standards officers. The conference went ahead for the second time, and agreement was found among experts that holistic approaches involving diet and lifestyle management, nutritional and herbal products, stress transformation, management of emotional states, and identifying antecedents and mentors are urgently needed. There was a lot going on during the course of the twoday conference that will be long remembered by many. The practitioners showed their years of experience in using a whole-body approach when dealing with people with cancer. This approach contrasts starkly with conventional oncology, which regards cancer much as if it were an infectious disease that should be cut out, irradiated or poisoned. Among the practitioners speaking were Dr Patrick Kingsley, Dr Rosy Daniel, Dr Julian Kenyon, Barbara Wren and myself.

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Those looking at the bigger picture that faces cancer patients, included Dr Robert Verkerk from the Alliance for Natural Health Campaign, speaking about

patients need every voice they can get his organisation’s excellent international campaigns; South African holistic science philosopher, Claudius Van Wyk PhD; Robin Daly from the Yes to Life charity; and Patricia Peat from Cancer Options. Given the feedback from many of the delegates present, it was the heart-felt story of a patient that perhaps left the most powerful impression: Janie Martel recounted, in her own words, her ‘riches to rags’ story, and a journey that has been recently supported by Yes to Life. Janie’s story entails a horrendous car accident in 1991, followed by meningitis, septicemia, pneumonia, a pulmonary embolism, cardiac arrest, brain damage – and if that were not enough – very aggressive breast cancer… Janie has spent over twenty-

one years in the hands of doctors and hospitals. She has been in-and-out of comas, her heart has stopped more than once, and she claims to have almost glowed from the x-rays and scans she has sustained. I believe it’s fair to say that most people would probably have not survived her ordeal. Her tale reveals the best and the worst of what is on offer in conventional medicine. On her journey, she has become acutely aware that it is the insights, skill and experience of an oncologist or practitioner that is more important than the name of the hospital or clinic, or the number of qualifications. She has become a passionate supporter of more holistic approaches that help support the body. In so many ways, she is the quintessential example of

help positively shape the future of healthcare what treating the person, rather than the cancer, is all about. Janie laughs off the fact that, when diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, she was too ill to receive chemotherapy.

It would have killed her, and thankfully there was a very senior oncologist at the Royal Marsden who recognised this. This same oncologist also told her, “just keep taking whatever it is that the German doctors are giving you”, knowing full well this included a host of immunemodulating natural products. Janie’s story will soon be told in a book. There’s also talk of a film being made. We firmly believe that patients need every voice they can get. While medical licensing boards and regulations often prevent doctors and practitioners from speaking out, patients need every opportunity to tell their stories. It’s stories like Janie’s that can do so much to help positively shape the future of healthcare. So from medically qualified doctors specialising in Integrative Cancer care, to PhD doctors, to complementary therapists, to philosophers and down to the very patient themselves even, there is now an established and growing consensus, that is increasingly substantiated, and is calling for real recognition and integration into our health services of these natural ways to create health and wellbeing, for all to benefit. Conference footage can be seen at totnescancercare.org With special thanks to Robert Verkerk of Alliance for Natural Health Campaign; anh-europe.org n

holistic therapist 2013

business | Divorce-proof with Jane Sheehan

business | David Balen’s Business Advice

Nurse Your Business

Till Divorce Us Do Part Author of Sole Trader: The Holistic Therapy Business Handbook, Jane Sheehan shares words of wisdom on how to divorce-proof your business

holistic therapist 2013

breadandshutter.com, vickilord.co.uk, lucyjaynemakeup.co.uk

ou fall in love and you think it will last forever… However, please take these words of advice: Think about the worst-case scenario and plan accordingly. One of the biggest reasons for businesses to fail is due to divorce. To divorce-proof your business, make sure you don’t make your lover your business partner. It may be very tempting, but in business, it’s best if there is only one boss and even better, if that boss is you! If you’re setting up a Limited company, then there may be reasons why you want your lover to be a director and have shares in your company. If this is the case, think very carefully. If you were to split up, just making them a 1% shareholder would mean that you have controlling interest in the business, and you would still be able to operate and wouldn’t be liable to pay over all your money to what may essentially be a silent partner. However, if you were to make them a fifty per cent shareholder, how would you resolve any disagreements and what would happen if you could not reach an agreement at all? How would your business fair in this circumstance? Seriously, take some good legal advice and hire a great accountant. You can’t afford to get starry-eyed if you want your business to survive.

Interesting statistics relating to divorce:

don’t make your lover your business partner Set up a separate bank account for your business, with only you as the signatory. If the worst happens, your soon-to-be-ex-partner won’t be able to empty all your coffers of cash. Your business will still be able to flourish when your relationship is floundering. Consider drawing up a pre-nuptial agreement which stipulates what would happen to the business if the worst was to happen. Whilst this may not be legally watertight it does show your intent at the outset, and if you both sign it, this will carry some weight when considered at time of divorce.

David Balen provides valuable advice on how to avoid your business from weakening or becoming terminally ill

I know of one business where the couple had divided up their skills and agreed which tasks should be tackled by whom. However, once divorced, they went their separate ways, the person left holding the business realised that they did not know how to do some of the essential tasks in their business. They’d relied so much on their partner doing these chores that they did not have the skills or knowledge to take over this part of the business. Make sure that even if you delegate, you at least know what is being done and how it is being done so that you could take over if necessary. n

• More than one third of Fortune’s “50 most powerful women in Business” have a stay at home man. • In 1993 there were 300,000 marriages and 165,000 divorces in England and Wales. In 2010 that reduced to 241,000 marriages and 119,589 divorces. • Divorce rates in the UK have gone down by 27 per cent when compared with 1993 and applications for divorce by women in the first three years of marriage had gone down by 51 per cent. • The number of divorces in England and Wales in 2010 was an increase of 4.9 per cent since 2009, when there were 113,949 divorces. • The divorce rate rose in 2010 to 11.1 divorcing people per thousand married population from 10.5 in 2009. • 22 per cent of marriages in 1970 had ended in divorce by the 15th wedding anniversary, whereas 33 per cent of marriages in 1995 had ended after the same period. • The number of divorces in 2010 was highest amongst men and women aged 40 to 44. Source: Office for National Statistics

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t is easy to think of your financial platform for earning a living as a “practice” rather than a “business”. However, as discussed in a previous article for HTM there is a difference between your practice and business (Issue 4). For me, business is an exchange mechanism for goods or services. You trade time, knowledge, experience but above all, you share and communicate your qualities as a human being. Your business is, or should be, a reflection of your values, ethics and aspirations. For your business to work you have to shift from the “Yin” polarity which is intuitive, passive/receptive, responsive and reflective to a “Yang” one of being outgoing, dynamic, purposeful/focussed, grounded and active. In this article I would like to outline some of the areas that can trip you up, demotivate and ultimately derail you if you fail to take that “Yang” approach. Failure to plan Vision it, then map it out. Think in stages and figure out your initial destination, put numbers and dates into your planning and be specific and practical with this, rather than vague and visionary. Goals and plans should be SMART – specific, measurable, agreed upon, realistic and time-based. Not taking care of the money flow Set up systems to audit your finances on a regular basis... know what you are spending versus what you are receiving. Many businesses with full order books fail due to cash flow problems. Getting into debt It is easy in today’s society to purchase things on credit. Taking on loans without thorough forward planning and based on assumption which may or may not materialise, is not

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good business sense. Be cautious about these things and creative to find lower cost or alternative exchange options. Tax or legal problems Have resilient, efficient recording systems, get professional advice and do things as ethically as you can. Manage this side of the business or get help if required, leaving you to focus on what lights your light.

audit your finances on a regular basis Inadequate investment of time or money, passion or thought Even when there is no money coming in, use your business time to think creatively, make contacts, network etc. In the early stages you need to build up the soil fertility so growth can take care of itself- this may mean going without and putting back, commonly known as “investing in your business”. Not evolving Work can be seen as a spiritual discipline, a path to pursue whatever philosophy or world view you have, as well a way of paying the bills. Don’t be content to be complacent – we can always evolve and grow. Standing still in an everchanging world is not really an option! Failure to grow people you work with As well as nurturing the business you need to nurture people under your wing, colleagues or employees. They need a progression path and motivation, together with decent pay and working conditions.

Failure to build relationships based on good communication and trust As a professional health and lifestyle advocate you have to be congruent – walk the walk don’t just talk the talk. If you don’t have good people or communication skills, work on them, and seek help if you can’t do it yourself. Your work isn’t just about you transmitting a manifesto to the eagerly expectant public and potential clients, or selling your wares, it is about how you relate and engage with the outside world, with lots of little steps, decisions, and conversations over time, where you embody and demonstrate your values. Being over-arrogant Pride comes before a fall. Having humility doesn’t mean that you are a walk over; none of us have the answer to everything. Keep your mind open, and watch out for this one – it can creep in when you are not looking and trip your business up. Attitude failure = business failure! Taking without giving back Remember to keep the chain of virtue flowing. Once you get success (whatever that means for you), find ways that you can give back and help the next generation, allowing things to evolve. In closing, I would like to reiterate the message I intone – mantra-like – whenever I get the appropriate occasion… “Never give up!” Remember why you studied your subject, and remember why you got qualified, despite obstacles you may have had to overcome. Don’t let the difficulties in the “marketplace” discourage you, rather treat these as learning opportunities and ways to be resourceful and get stronger. Trust in yourself and whatever else is important to you in life. n

holistic therapist 2013

business | NEWS

help young offenders Read how Jane Giddings has taken an innovative approach to counselling

orking with young offenders at Ashfield Young Offenders Institution, Jane Giddings has introduced the use of complementary therapies as an aid to her therapy sessions, and as a result has seen a vast improvement in the troubled teens she has set out to help. Jane incorporates traditional therapy and counselling techniques with complementary therapies such as Indian head massage, Reiki and reflexology with aims to not only relax the young people she works with but also to reduce aggression and tension and to create harmony within the session. Jane has been working with young people for over fifteen years in youth clubs, schools and secure units and with children of all ages who have a wide variation of behavioural issues for over a decade. Four years ago she also worked with the ‘Lads and Dads’ scheme funded by children’s charity Barnardo’s, showing young offenders, who are fathers, how to calm their babies by using baby massage. The main therapy technique used by Jane is Indian head massage – the results of this approach show a decline in aggressive behaviour and report that the young people feel calmer and more able to cope with daily stresses, also a reduction in adjudications, fights and bad comments were noted. Indian head massage is very successful in helping the

holistic therapist 2013

More About VTCT

the results of this approach show a decline in aggressive behaviour young people to physically relax and feel less inclined to fight and be aggressive; it also helps to reduce anxiety, insomnia and feelings of depression. Another approach commonly used by Jane is the use of Reiki combined with massage; this helps to restore the balance, which aids Jane in creating harmony and a truly relaxing therapy experience. She uses these techniques for five minutes at the end of each session, meaning that the young people leave the session in a positive, calm state of mind. “During the sessions, I encouraged the young people through a variety of means to discuss their feelings and their lives. They were very open and

talked in detail about their families, friendships and gang culture. This enabled them to reflect on their situation and see their errors clearly. This was sometimes a painful experience but it really did help them see what went wrong, and how they can change and put their lives right.” This unique style of therapy has proven incredibly successful and has allowed the young people with whom Jane works to be able to gain the support that had often lacked as they were growing up, and has enabled them to develop the self-confidence required to take up the opportunities to develop their emotional, personal and educational skills that will assist them in the long-term. n

VTCT is a government approved awarding body offering National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and other vocationally related qualifications (VRQs). VTCT has been in existence for over forty years and has been at the forefront of developing the vocational system of qualifications in the United Kingdom. VTCT is the specialist awarding body for the hairdressing and beauty sector and the first non-unitary awarding body accredited to offer the Principal Learning for the new Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies. The full qualification package covers complementary therapies, sports and active leisure and business skills. With a head office in Eastleigh, Hampshire, the company employs around forty staff and has a field force of over fifty external verifiers working on a contract basis. VTCT will continue to strengthen its presence in the vocational qualifications market in the United Kingdom, where qualifications from VTCT are offered at over 500 colleges of further education and private training centres. Further expansion into overseas markets is one of VTCT’s next goals. vtct.org.uk

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C= 50 M= 0 Y= 100 K= 20

Gift offer closes: April 30th 2012. The free gift is subject to availability, and the image shown is just one title available; offer limited to UK addresses only. So to guarantee your copy delivered to your door each quarter, simply subscribe using the easy payment method on our website:

holistictherapistmagazine.com/subscribe If you do not have access to the Internet, then you can arrange your subscription via telephone by calling 0208 668 5423 *Holistic Therapist Magazine is free to industry professionals, however there is an online charge for subscription, which covers the cost of postage and packaging, and people power. Prices vary for subscriptions sent to Europe and to the rest of the World.

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holistic therapist 2012

business | JP’s Social Media

business | Prepare for floods of clients

Surfing the World Wide Web

Social media expert of Intranet Future, Jonathan Pollinger provides tips on how to search the net, and how potential clients can find your business online

urfing the web can help you find relevant news, information and new clients for your business and of course they can find your business too. The World Wide Web is a massive ocean of content, data, and information that’s expanding all the time; and it can be difficult to find what you’re looking for. Below are some tips to help you surf and search efficiently, as well as some advice on what you can do to help people find you and your business. Surf and Search Have you ever had to scroll through several pages of search results to find what you’re looking for? Or perhaps drawn a complete blank? Here are a few ideas that can help… The daddy of search is Google, and it’s a great starting point for finding relevant content. You can make Google work harder by using what are called operators. These help you filter your search, and provide more accurate results. For example, if you wanted to search for the exact phrase “London holistic therapist” you can put it in quotation marks. If you just searched for ‘London holistic therapist’ without the quotation marks, then Google will display results for ANY of those words, which will total 3.29 million websites. Searching for the exact phrase “London holistic therapist” displays a more manageable 46,800 websites, and gives you more relevant websites in the displayed results. You can also exclude certain content by using the minus sign. For example, if you wanted to search for the word “therapy” but to exclude results relating to the band named ‘Therapy’, you would enter “therapy – band”. Again, this helps filter the number of websites displayed and provides you with more accurate results.

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It’s nowhere near as popular, but it’s worth trying Bing for a different set of results. Another useful alternative is Twitter, which is particularly good if you’re interested in news, current affairs and business. If you are looking for suppliers or clients in your area try Twitter Advanced Search (twitter.com/search-advanced), which lets you search tweets by location. Be found People looking for holistic therapy are increasingly turning to the web to research practitioners. It’s therefore really important for you to ensure your business has a strong web presence. As well as your website you should be on at least one social network (check out my tips in Issues 1,2,3 and 4) and if you work out of a venue you should have profiles on Google Local (previously called Google Places), Yelp and Foursquare. Each of these should provide useful information and valuable content to prospective and existing clients. As well as each site being

important in its own right, all of them can be found through search engines. So when someone searches for you or your services on Google as well as your website, your profiles on social networks, Google Local and Yelp may show up too. You’ve created more content for Google to find. To improve the chances of your website and profiles being displayed, it’s important to optimise each of them for search engines. The main ways to do this are through addition of key words and links. You should ensure that your website and profiles contain key words related to your business and services, particularly in headings and opening paragraphs. You should also add links to your website and profiles to ensure that your web presence is connected. For example, your website should have links to your Facebook Page, Twitter account, Google Local, Yelp and Foursquare. For more web and social media tips, examples and news, you can read the blog section of my website at intranetuture.com/blog. n

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It’s raining clients Ara Eden gives sound advice on preparing for the long-awaited influx of clients

S an independent therapist you may find yourself struggling to keep your head above water. Starting out often means having a ‘conventional’ day job and building your holistic business on the side. But what happens when the customers start flowing in? It can be overwhelming to cope with the sudden flood of interest in you and your holistic services. Take a moment to stop and remember that all the new interest is a result of your hard work, effective marketing, and solid PR and advertising. With a few deep breaths, a relaxed approach, and a little time juggling, you can handle the extra custom and take your business to the next level – After all, this is what you have been waiting for… Be Upfront A full schedule shows your clients that you are a soughtafter therapist with an effective treatment. Be honest with your clients: you want to give them the full healing benefits of your treatment but are fully booked for the next few weeks. You can take their details and make an appointment. If there is a cancellation and an opportunity for an earlier time slot then you will call and let them know. How many hours in the day? It’s true: you can only treat so many clients in a day, however

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resist the temptation to turn away new potential clients. There is a reason they have come to you. Welcome the interest and find out what your clients want. A brief consultation may reveal that your customer would benefit from a thirty-minute energy boosting aromatherapy massage instead of the two-hour relaxation therapy (that can come later). Maybe a thirtyminute reflexology session is more effective for a particular client than an hour-long Shiatsu massage? Connect with your customers to help better understand their needs and maybe even save time. (This may be easier with some of your existing clients to start with). Tap into your creativity Explore novel ways to create time without over-burdening your schedule. Consider

opening for business on one Sunday a month or work later on a Thursday evening. Your existing customers will embrace your flexibility and you will be making time for new customers in the process.

notice the benefits to your business bank balance A helping hand The more customers you have, the more you will get. When you realise that it is no longer possible to manage the demand it may be worth hiring help. A trainee therapist is one way to improve your availability. How about hiring an expert to manage the books or an assistant to help manage your diary and relieve you of those mundane admin tasks? This way you can also easily keep on top of ordering the additional product supplies and stock you will need to

deal with the extra customers. By learning to delegate selected elements of your workload you will free yourself to do what you do best: treat your clients. As the workload increases so will your revenue. Eventually, you will have the resources to spend on hiring some support. Growing the right way As your customer base expands and your diary is booked regularly for weeks or months ahead you will start to notice the benefits to your business bank balance. This is the time to review your business status: You may benefit from taking that step from being a ‘sole trader’ and upgrading to a ‘limited company’. Maybe your annual turnover has exceeded the stated ‘VAT’ capped amount, so be aware of the VAT rates, and of any other red tape, which may apply to your business. Your accountant will be able to help review your options. You can visit: gov.uk, for small business advice. Healthy balance The stress of trying to coordinate your schedule and fulfill increasing obligations and work commitments can become especially draining on you. Be sure to take enough time out for yourself in-between travelling to appointments, to rebalance your energy levels and enjoy all the fruits of your growing success! n

holistic therapist 2013

business | Ten Top Tips

Ten Top Tips | feature

Keep Your Head

Above Water

Businesses have natural peaks and troughs, sometimes the troughs seem deeper and last longer, and whilst it’s important to quit while you’re a head, it is not always good to throw in the towel at the first hurdle – especially in the world of business. Here are some tips on how to keep your head above water when things get a tad choppy…

Money matters: A job many of us procrastinate on is finance, whether it’s bookkeeping, budgeting or simply popping to the bank to deposit a cheque, but it is often failing to thoroughly deal with money matters that lead us to the tougher stints in business. So allocate some time, and focus on your accounts. If you are really struggling in this area, it might be worth bringing onboard an expert. The point is; give your finances attention, and reply to important letters or phone calls. Take charge again, and stay on top of your incomings and outgoings.

Make cutbacks: You may realise that after carefully analysing your finances that cutbacks are required. If it means downsizing, or going mobile to reduce overheads of rent and energy bills, then it is worth doing. You can always work from home, or return to a rented situation later down the line. Sometimes in order to move forward or to grow, we have to take re-directions, but that’s better than giving up. By considering other routes you could be led to brighter paths. Remember, that cutting back in certain parts of your business may be all that is needed to get yourself afloat again.

PHOTOGRAPHER: MattBristow.net

Put the record straight: As a therapist you will have to hold up-to-date records of your clients’ details for insurance and account purposes. When business travels through stormy weather, it is the paperwork that often gets left to one side for another day, and that day seldom comes – so dedicate a certain amount of time periodically; weekly or monthly, whatever suits you best, to ensure all data is accurate and current. This will avoid any potential sticky situations.

Avoid stress: As you know, this magazine is for your business, but also for you and your health, and as a therapist it is vital that you practise what you preach by keeping your stress levels down, even in times of adversity. These times are testing, but we always come out stronger, because we have the experience that we can share

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with others or apply to future situations. Only you know how to look after your own health, as you advise your clients daily, so take a leaf out of your own book – relax, and de-stress. This does not mean going in to a denial state, as work still needs to be attended too – it is about balance; so work hard, play safe, and rest well.

De-clutter: This is fantastic for business and for your personal life. Chuck any unwanted items or clothing in the recycling, or give to charity, or even sell it online. Clear environments allow for a clear mind. Again, allocate a certain amount of time to do this, do not do it as a distraction from business difficulties – use it as catharsis, and even listen to your favorite music to combine it with ‘me time’. You want to feel refreshed, with a sense of achievement and clarity, so you can battle the thrashing waves with full force.

There is no ‘I’ in ‘Team’: Don’t suffer alone. If you have business worries, then share them in a productive way. Ask friends, family and experts for advice. Even join our forum and Facebook conversations. People want to see you succeed, so ensure you don’t block them out. If you can financially validate keeping staff, shareholders or contractors onboard, then ensure you allow them to work with you to help the business to flourish once more; after all it is in their benefit to support you and your business.

Look after your clients: A simple correlation: if you look after them, they will look after you. Avoid other unimportant distractions, remember it is your clients that allow your business to operate, so put in place inexpensive and effective ways to keep them coming back. There are tips on holistictherapistmagazine.com, as well as useful articles in previous issues, including how you can advertise for free. Next issue there will be more on DIY PR too.

Exceed client expectation: This comes up a lot in our business advice and tips sections, which means hopefully the message will really sink in, because this is the key to gaining repeat business, and repeat business means calmer waters and smoother sailing. So still go the extra mile for your customers. Don’t take the regulars for granted, and continue to entice the first-timers to return by making their holistic experience memorable, in a positive way.

Remain professional: Sometimes when things get tough, it is easy to allow your professional mask to slip. While it is vital to be sincere and open with your clients, especially in this industry, it is a big business ‘no-no’ to show signs of despair. Do not share you fears and worries with your clients, just continue being professional and allow your skills to shine through. • Use these tips to help you sail out of rough waters and back in to the high seas for continual business success.

Consider joining forces: You may know somebody in the same industry, or a complimenting industry that could help you with your business. If another business is healthy, and they see the potential in yours, then you could come up with a mutual beneficial agreement. This could include sharing treatment space, or a client base, or even merging into one bigger business and forming a partnership. If you sail this course, ensure you trust the other party, and that you are happy with the final deal. Remember to get any contracts looked over by a professional.

holistic therapist 2013

business | LJ’s Journal

business | Marketing

Grow your Business

Louise Jensen continues to share her advice from personal experience, in her business journal

rowing my business is something I never used to worry too much about. I previously worked from a clinic who advertised me, and this, coupled with word of mouth recommendations, meant I was kept pretty busy. Changing locations, and taking the opportunity to rebrand, led me to really think about steps I could take to expand. Since I started as a holistic therapist twelve years ago times have radically changed, especially with the emergence of social networking and online resources. I recognised that some of my previous advertising methods were quite outdated. The easiest way was to start by culling all the things I had tried in the past that I felt didn’t

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work for me. Yellow Pages, and other pay-to-advertise publications were the first to go. Professional body membership was the cause of much deliberation. Often expensive, but can give you credibility as a therapist and reassurance to prospective clients. I realised that over ten years I had had only a handful of clients come through my memberships, so after checking this would not affect my insurance, direct debits were duly cancelled. Leaflet drops, much to the relief of my children, are now also obsolete. Out with the old! What’s the new? Before I could grow, I needed to be clear where I wanted to be. I love being a therapist,

but I wanted to diversify into other areas within this field. The Happy Starfish was born to bring like-minded people together to celebrate all things ‘health’, ‘happiness’ and ‘peaceful living’. However, a subject very close to my heart is coping with chronic pain and debilitating conditions, and I wanted to spread the message of how I manage this on a day-to-day basis to the largest audience possible… enter the World Wide Web. I started to write articles for thehappystarfish.com and regularly blogging. It wasn’t long before I was asked to guest blog on other sites. This led me to being approached to do talks - to local groups, and being interviewed for various websites. This is something I found massively scary. Being a naturally shy person, public speaking was something I avoided. It was a gamble that paid off though, as my business is growing, almost daily. I regularly post on social networking sites and as a result have received various requests to speak to people suffering with chronic pain. Subsequently, I now carry out consultations via Skype, another new avenue for me. Predominantly, I love what I do and I hope this shines through. I will regularly keep evaluating where I am and where I want to be in order to continue growing. n

My top 5 tips for growing your business are:

Be absolutely clear on what your objectives are. Are you happy with the direction you are heading in? What areas would you like to grow? Write a plan so you never lose focus, and regularly reassess. If advertising somewhere isn’t working for you, don’t leave your direct debit going ‘just in case’. There are plenty of other options to explore. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Ask busier therapists where the majority of their business comes from. Most people in this field aren’t competitive and are happy to help. Ask for recommendations from current clients. Every patient leaves my clinic room with a leaflet and an offer of a discount off their next treatment for every new customer they recommend. Be brave. You may have to step out of your comfort zone to get your message across, and may have to diversify - but people will appreciate your passion and courage if you do – so go for it!

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Annette Du Bois, the Small Business Growth Expert, and author of ‘Big Profit Thinking To Stop Your Small Business Sinking’, gives five marketing strategies to help you grow your holistic business in 2013:

f you’re feeling frustrated with a crawling business, constantly competing with tightly squeezed budgets then you’re not alone - But, fear not, as there is plenty for you to look forward to in building a stronger and more sustainable business this year, even on a tight budget. Any business relies on two critical elements for success: marketing, and retention. Here’s how you can achieve both:

Effective Marketing of your business is less about budget, and more about innovation. Some of the best results come from creative ways to get noticed, including: • Free trials • Host an open evening, with great offers • Flyers - opt for an unusual shape, with an irresistible offer • Social media • Fresh, informative website, with capture data function • Offer services for free at events, shows, fetes etc • Special discount for employees of local businesses

Keep in Front of your clients with regular personal communication to incentivise their return. Add value to them with helpful hints, tips and advice. Build trust and create long term customer loyalty with: • Newsletters

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• Follow up phone calls/emails • Blogs • Vlogs (short videos) • Product announcements, offers • Latest research, etc

• Guest blog on your subject • Local radio contribution • Sponsor a good cause • Speak at events • Write a book on your subject • Local TV appearances

This is the ultimate guidance and direction to achieve significant growth even in a challenging economy.

Referrals significantly increase your business. When a client expresses their thanks or delight for your services use this… “Thank you, it’s my pleasure to help you feel so … (special/ relaxed, etc). Do you know anyone else who might appreciate feeling like you do? Simply hand this (card/ flyer) to anyone you know, if they book and mention your name you’ll receive a complimentary (treatment/ session, etc) on your next visit.” Ensure the complimentary offer is of high perceived value to acknowledge their help.

Promotional Partnerships, also known as a Joint Venture (JV) should be mutually beneficial to both parties. This is where your services synergise and add value to other industry professionals’ clients, if you offer therapies they don’t. For example, an Acupuncturist could add value to a practice that doesn’t already provide this service. Once terms and remuneration have been

photographer: mattbristow.net

It’s Good to Grow

Keep in Front of your clients agreed, the effective combining of marketing and promotions should lead to a great result. For any JV to be successful there must be alignment, fair and equal for both parties.

Expert Positioning can instantly boost your business. Being a trusted expert in your field is the perfect way to achieve far greater results than relying on marketing alone. You could… • Write articles for industry magazines

Win Free personal coaching! Two readers can receive my personal One-on-One coaching via email, worth £59.95 each. For your chance to get free personal help to grow your holistic therapy business just go to this page. smallbusinessgrowthexpert. co.uk/htm/ FIVE EXTRA TIPS TO ENSURE YOU GROW WITH YOUR BUSINESS 1 Constantly expand your industry and business knowledge by doing regular and relevant CPD. 2 Practise what you preach by maintaining your own health and wellbeing. 3 Embark on a new ‘me’ hobby, ensuring a work-life balance. 4 Expand your network, either online or by attending exhibitions, events and seminars. 5 Be productive and make every day count, both personally and for your business. n

holistic therapist 2013

business | Sue Masters’ Class

business | New Year Case Study

Happy New You

Focus Your New Year Business Resolutions

Sue Masters shares her secret to success, and it’s down to six simple words

“

tart with the end in mind’: On the surface these six words seem very simple, but together they form the best business advice ever given to me, and the making and success of my training academy owes a great deal to this suggestion. Every therapist’s aim will be different, and personal to them – some will want to be fully booked with clients, or have financial freedom, others will want a salon, spa or well-being retreat, or to work part-time in a charity or hospice – whatever your goal the advice is the same: Start with the end in mind. Karren “My dream is to run a successful holistic therapy and organic skincare business in Italy! I am moving swiftly towards realising it by retailing products from NYR Organics to my clients and hosting parties. Having an end in mind enables me to guide my business in the direction of my dream. I am passionate about offering a first-class service, treating all my clients as individuals, whilst using the best products in my treatments.” renesdream.co.uk I was in my fifth year of lecturing for a college when the life-changing piece of advice floated into my sound waves: “Start with the end in mind”. I always wanted my own training academy, but the answer to

holistic therapist 2013

my curiosity was always ‘One day’. Following this suggestion I started visualising my ideal training academy – the design, colour scheme, ethos of the business, courses on offer, and our unique selling points (USP) on a daily basis. Three years later I can honestly say my dream is now my reality. I observe many therapists in the industry meandering sideways, rather than moving their business forward in any specific direction. If this is you, or you feel you need some business advice, then ask yourself: • What do I want to achieve? • What is my business dream? • What is your number one priority? (Extra income, freedom, helping others etc). Tracey It was after working with Infinity at the holistic health show, I realised I excelled at on-site deep tissue work of corporate massage, and fell in-love with bamboo fusion massage! I had an idea and focus to build my business. I started to attend networking events, I used Twitter to connect with local businesses, I now offer taster-treatments in the workplace. After only two different networking events, I obtained my first corporate contract. I now have regular corporate clients, which has fed my now very busy home-based practice. plumessencetherapies.co.uk

You’ve got to have a dream in order to have a dream come true

Once you have identified your objective – visualise it, feel it, spend five minutes every day living like you have your objective. What would it feel like to be fully booked with clients five days a week? How would you feel if you were earning your dream income from your therapy business? Or running a wellbeing retreat abroad? Evoke that feeling daily. My granddad use to say “You’ve got to have a dream in order to have a dream come true”. This may sound very cheesy to some but it is so true, you have to see and feel what your heart desires to make your dream a reality. When you possess the vision and clarity your attention and focus (or energy) will shift in a new direction and as a result you will start making decisions leading to your objective.

Claire “I have achieved my objective of becoming a full time complementary therapist, and see on average of eighty clients monthly. If you love what you are doing, everything falls into place. I offer the best treatments possible at great prices, using a business tool where the first appointments are a reduced rate, followed by a further offer for three treatments within a four-week period. After which a maintenance programme of one to two appointments per month is very often taken, on a special standing order rate. This has been really successful in helping me build my practice.” soulstonetherapies.co.uk

visualise it, feel it Try what I’ve suggested, every day; feel your desire with all your heart, with the same desire an athlete has to win gold, what have you got to lose? If you do this exercise half-heartedly with an air of ‘this won’t work for me’ you’ll prove yourself right, it won’t work. Start with an end in mind, combined with hard work, and mixed with determination, you could make 2013 your best business year yet. n

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Hypnotherapist, Simona Hart of British Therapy, shares how you as a therapist can achieve your New Year’s resolutions, improving your own lifestyle and practising what you preach

ew Year’s Day that lovely time for celebration and for nice customs to ensure good luck in the coming year – has just passed. Whether it is improving wellbeing, losing weight, stopping smoking, or developing our career or improving ourselves - It’s now the time to commit to one or more personal goals or the reforming of a habit. A 2007 study by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol involving 3,000 people shows that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions fail, despite the fact that 52% have been confident of success at the beginning. In setting a resolution, we plan to do so for the whole of the following year, which means the motivation needs to be sustained throughout that time. This might seem a huge mountain to climb in one go, but still, some of the resolutions are crucial to our wellbeing, and can’t be overlooked. So how do we make them happen? And why does motivation dry out? If we look at the resolutions people set, like eating healthy or exercising more, we realize that they aren’t just requirements for the following year: their benefits are so great that we would actually need to reinforce them for the rest of our lives. So, why not break them into smaller, more manageable goals, which are attainable, and then transform them into

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succeed in all things we want to achieve day-to-day habit? The Wiseman study shows that men achieved their goals 22% more often when they engaged in goalsetting (a system where small measurable goals are being set; such as, a pound a week, instead of saying “lose weight”). Women succeeded 10% more when they shared their goals with family and friends. Quoting Frank Ra (author of the New Year’s resolution book, “A Course in happiness”): “Resolutions are more sustainable when shared, both in terms of with whom you share the benefits

of your resolution, and with whom you share the path of maintaining your resolution. ‘’ So, if we are willing to discuss our lifestyle issues, strategize and keep open to suggestions, we can find effective ways to succeed in all things we want to achieve. And when it comes to wishing to set New Year’s resolutions, therapists are no different to anybody else. For one of my patients, Claire, 61, a fellow therapist in London, who came to see me in 2011 weighing twenty stones, her lifestyle wasn’t looking that bright. She wanted to get down to fourteen stones and have a healthy lifestyle at last. We developed a strategy to achieve and maintain her target weight. With Gastric Band Hypnotherapy, Claire learned to eat smaller portions of healthy food, including fruits

and vegetables every day. We also addressed deeper issues concerning her relationship with food, and our monthly sessions offered reinforcement and motivation to exercise regularly. Each new weighing noted a drop down in her waistline. Claire now weighs under thirteen stones, feeling happier and fitter, and more confident and energetic than ever before. Her healthy lifestyle has so many positive effects on her practice, affecting other people in a positive way too. Similarly, Mike, a hypnotherapist in London, came to see me for quitting smoking. He had been a smoker for fifteen years and tried stopping in the past, but the tipping point came when his grandfather, also a smoker, had just passed away to lung cancer. With only one hypnotherapy session, Mike became a nonsmoker. He said: ‘Previously smokers would come to me for inspiration and motivation and - as a smoker myself - I couldn’t provide this. But now, as a non-smoker, I’ve not only gained my life back, but I’m helping others save theirs too!’ Sharing goals and making them manageable and timelimited are crucial factors in starting the New Year as we mean to go on. With a little perseverance, nurtured by people who care, we can achieve all our goals and venture to newer heights. n

holistic therapist 2013

business |Ask Sandy

ask sandy Why do people quit meditation? Countless people miss the massive benefits possible from maintaining a regular meditation practise because they think they are doing it wrong or it’s not working. They believe they have to ‘still’ their mind, feel peaceful, never fall asleep, surround themselves with candles, incense sticks and sit like a pretzel in full lotus position. Nothing could be further from the truth! The reality is that it is natural to have thoughts when you meditate, you will experience a range of emotions, you may fall asleep if your body needs the rest and you don’t need any external props or to sit in any uncomfortable positions to benefit. Ultimately, meditation is about changing your relationship with your thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and it is all about exploring your inner experience of life. When you are meditating, you are learning the new habit of being present and cultivating unconditional allowing. It is vital to let whatever happens to happen when you are meditating. Let go of any preconceived expectations as to how your meditation should look and feel, and most importantly do whatever it takes to make it an enjoyable experience.

it is natural to have thoughts when you meditate How can I gain better rapport with my clients? One of the most important skills you can develop in order to be an effective therapist is rapport. Rapport is experienced when a connection is shared between two or more individuals. Your work may require your client to share things with you that they have possibly never told anyone else. This is an honour, but for the person to open up and

holistic therapist 2013

Sandy Newbigging answers therapists’ questions on meditation and client rapport

A new quickly absorbed, deeply penetrating cream designed to be used on skin that has been damaged by eczema, dermatitis, dryness or ageing. An organic cream utilising four natural, effective ingredients from Polynesia and the UK:

Rejuvenating Kukui Oil

Nourishing Wheat Germ Oil go to ‘places’ in their past that are potentially uncomfortable, it is vital that they trust you, feel safe and most importantly, like you. Before embarking on any chance work, you must ensure you are in rapport with your client. In a nutshell, people like people who are like themselves. Therefore, you need to be able to flex your communicative behaviour, so that you are more likeable to a range of different people and personalities you work with. To gain rapport you can ‘mirror’ or ‘match’ your client’s physiology, tonality and key phrases. Here are some of my top tips for gaining rapport: • Use similar facial expressions to your clients, including smiling, looking interested and surprised. • Does your client use certain hand gestures or arm movements when they talk? If they do, then you can use similar gestures when you speak to them. • Does your client have their legs crossed, feet flat on the ground or some other sitting position? Aim to sit in a similar way. • Is their chest up and out, or concave and lowered? Are their shoulders even or slanted? If they are negative postures, use similar ones near the beginning of the consultation and

then improve your posture as the session continues. If you are in good rapport, you will notice they will copy you and improve their posture too. • If they comfortably look you in the eyes, then hold a comfortable gaze back at them. If they tend to look around when they speak, then you can look around a bit when you speak too. • Some people like to sit or stand very close while others prefer space. If you are meeting your client while standing then stop a few steps away from them and let them walk the final steps towards you. This way they will stop and stand where they are most comfortable. • You can also aim to speak with a similar speed, tonality and volume to your clients. Also, using similar phrases and words is very effective too. If they use terms like ‘peace of mind’, ‘free’, ‘rock bottom’ then use these phrases when speaking to them. This can help your client feel understood and increase the levels of connection between you both. Always remember, be subtle with the above ways to gain rapport. Be comfortable and natural. If you are acting, then your clients will sense you are not being yourself and it can end up breaking rapport! n

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business | Feature

Who can we trust?

Mother, yoga teacher, birthlight tutor, and founder of InJoy; Rosanna Kalliabetsos provides an insight in to the reasons why advice varies so much from midwife to GP or obstetrician; she advises on how to support your clients to make informed and empowered decisions about their pregnancies, births and their babies’ health

ny expectant Mum realises quickly that advice from those involved in her antenatal care varies greatly. This can impact on her decisions relating to the care she takes during her pregnancy and also in the choices she makes regarding the birth of her baby. Common scenarios include: ‘My GP has prescribed me iron tablets’; ‘The midwife told me my baby is measuring too small’; ‘My GP told me I should eat dairy products for calcium intake’; ‘They want to induce me at forty weeks, as my scan

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shows my baby is big’; ‘My consultant said that because my baby was conceived by IVF, I should have a caesarean.’ Why do opinions vary so much, and how can a woman navigate through the conflicting advice, so she can make decisions confidently about her antenatal care, the birth of her baby, and beyond? The main issue is perspective! Modern medical care is routine and prescriptive. Time isn’t available to spend preparing the woman emotionally for her

mothering journey, so the focus is on testing her to see if her body is performing as it should. The dots are not yet connected between how she feels emotionally and what her physical state is. Medical equipment has been proven to be unreliable (forty years of WHO research has shown this), yet we still rely on the data from scans and monitors despite their fallibility. Obstetricians who work in labour wards are only called to a birth if there’s a complication. Their focus is on saving lives, not on the long-term impact on

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either mother or baby of procedures and treatment administered. So they see birth as dangerous business! Trainee doctors receive one day’s study in nutrition, and obstetricians receive no instruction on the natural effects of oxytocin, other labour hormones or how to help them flow. If labour isn’t progressing quickly, then ‘hook up a drip of synthetic oxytocin’ - that’s their solution! Neither, is it taught that the position a woman births in can affect the descent of her baby. Many obstetricians don’t consider that the birthing environment can significantly alter the course a birth takes. Standard midwifery training teaches to rely on technology, rather than instinct, to tell if everything is okay – and these days they are trained more as obstetric nurses than as traditional midwives. For a student midwife to qualify, she is required to attend forty births. Some don’t ever see a birth centre birth (where medical equipment is not available) or a home birth as part of their training. Many end up, like doctors, being scared of birth, and particularly, of litigation. Hospital policies dictate what can happen and when, and these are determined by insurance companies. Who do insurance companies consult regarding writing policy terms? Medical advice does not ratify natural remedies, ways to encourage babies into Optimal Foetal Position (OFP) for birth, the role of adrenalin and oxytocin during labour, the impact of fear on baby and mother, or the positive effect that emotional support can have on all outcomes. So, how do we support women to make informed and empowered choices around birth? As a woman learns to trust herself and her baby, over the voices of well meaning but fear driven ‘birth professionals’, she comes into an empowered place to prepare for birth and parenting. This can be accessed through a combination of body-based, audio and visual education as cellular memory re-awakens. Sharing with women the knowledge around how we are shaped by our early experiences in life, by media and

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our cultural norms, helps women to understand their fears and concerns better, and to take responsibility for changing them and the birth choices they make. ‘Change your view of the world and the world around you changes’. Medical advice has its place, and evidence-based clinical studies too, but it’s difficult to measure in a clinical environment the positive impact had on a birth that a soft nurturing environment, and a loving team who trusts the process of birth can have, even when women are ‘high risk’. Some simple tips that can make a huge difference for your pregnant clients include: • Looking into the birth stories of both parents in as much honest detail as possible - what is made conscious no longer runs as a subconscious program: Check out birthingfromlove. com for overcoming fear of birth. • The more she reads up on routine procedures, both in pregnancy and birth, the more informed she is to discuss her care options with her antenatal care team. • If you do not ask for anything different, you will be pushed through the system, and the language used by some individuals can infer that you do not actually have a choice. This is not true! • Remind women that they know best what is right for themselves and their baby. Meditation, relaxation and yoga can help women to get in touch with what feels right for their baby. • What is prescribed by your GP during pregnancy isn’t necessarily the best thing to take… it will be the cheapest! Look into alternatives and spend the money where you can.

• Go on a ‘negativity diet’… news, scary movies, mainstream birth documentaries, thrillers or scare mongers are not worth listening to! • Independent midwives, doulas and home birth midwives will have the most rounded understanding of holistic pregnancy and birth - join forums online and local home birth groups where available. • Get to know your body intimately what makes you feel open, relaxed and comfortable. Antenatal yoga classes are a great way to do this. • Use resources such as primalhealthresearch.com and aims.org to get a balanced view of suggested and routine procedures. • Medical knowledge is limited - painkillers do not get rid of bad postural habits that lead to back ache, pelvic pain and sciatica. Neither will support belts, massage or physiotherapy, if women do not pay more attention to how they sit, stand and move around. • More than anything else don’t give your power away! Look online for positive birth stories, videos and documentaries that will help you to understand how beautiful and empowering birth can be. • Ask your baby what she/he wants… and learn to trust what you feel. You may dream or just know what you need to do. • Consider what you would do if there was no one around to advise you. What feels ‘good’ is a guide to follow throughout your parenting journey. • Check out babiesknow.com, to understand better the impact of your decisions on your baby. n

holistic therapist 2013

business | Competition Feature

business | Meditation Course

New Year, New You!

What better way to begin a fresh new year, than by sporting a brand new outfit? When it comes to working as a therapist, the attire you wear is key to your practise. The desire for comfort, and style, as well as, the need for practicality and professionalism are all to be met, and that’s a lot to ask of just one set of clothing… but designer Alice Asquith, of Asquith London set about doing just that ten years ago… Why was Asquith London born? When my sister was pregnant with her first child, I realised that there were not many options for natural maternity wear; after researching this area of the fashion world, I then realised that most women would only buy one or two maternity pieces throughout the course of their pregnancy, and would rather just make-do with regular garments. This, therefore, did not seem a sensible business route. At the time I was practising regular yoga and Pilates, (and still do), and so decided that this was my niche area… after-all, these schools of thought have an ethos that I believe in, and I knew that if I created a line of comfortable, practical clothes that were organic and stylish, that not only would they be ideal for yoga, Pilates, and other exercises, but also meet the requirements of mums-to-be, and for those wanting such garments for everyday wear, especially therapists practising physical treatments, such as massage. And, it seems my business forecast was right, as after starting life as a versatile collection of yoga-friendly styles in natural fabrics, I soon discovered that many customers were wearing my creations beyond the yoga mat, as indispensible travel items, loungewear, and chic everyday wardrobe-staples. What’s your philosophy? We aim to listen to our customers; we love their feedback, we’ve designed styles for them, and fabrics for them. We strive to provide quality garments that they can enjoy season after season. We are the opposite of ‘fast disposable fashion’. The Asquith range is designed for yoga and Pilates, but also to work with your daily lifestyle, whether

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jersey collection; contemporary layering in ethical organic cotton and softest bamboo jersey, and is a complete lifestyle choice; perfect for yoga, Pilates, maternity, travelling, relaxing at home, and the school run.

We are the opposite of ‘fast disposable fashion’ you are a pregnant woman, a working therapist, or somebody who simply loves good-quality, comfortable natural clothing. How would you describe your range in a nutshell? The Asquith range offers a perfect capsule

What’s special about the range? The Asquith London range includes signature styles that can be layered and worn in different ways to suit your shape and lifestyle. The fabric is the highest quality, breathable, and chemical-free. The quality pieces will not shrink, fade, bobble or stretch, and they wash beautifully. The collection offers coordinating pieces in contrasting tones with flattering styling, so you can create your own individual ‘look’, and each garment is finished with a delicate Swarovski crystal signature. Every piece has been specifically designed to ensure pure comfort, and so there are no tight elastic bands digging into the hips or waist, and the tops offer good support. The organic fabrics feel luxurious against the skin. The classic styles ensure timelessness, elegant fashion. An entire Asquith ensemble allows complete freedom of movement, and comfort at all times, leaving wearers to focus on their practise; be it, massage, teaching, yoga, Pilates or every day activity. What inspires your designs? Other than the need for natural fabrics, comfort, style, and practicality – I really do design the garments with my customers in mind. I am inspired by my own yoga practise, by my teachers, my lifestyle and the requirements of all the women I meet who work, play and live a full and busy life.

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What do you love about your product? I especially love the fact that I materialised my vision, and it is ten-years strong. I only wear natural fibres and fabrics myself, and I love that more and more people are now realising the benefit of wearing non-synthetic, bamboo and organic clothing. For therapists working in the holistic world this is key, as they need comfortable, natural, organic, and breathable fabrics, which are great for movement, good-quality, items that can easily be washed over again, and the clothes still maintain their shape, colour, style. Meaning that the therapist always looks pristine and professional, as well as feeling great too. What do people say? We have a great response from our customers: “Thank you so much for making a pregnant lady very happy with your super soft, unbelievably comfortable and stylish drawstring trousers!” Faye “Am loving my gear… have absolutely lived in my Palazzo pants, (of which I now have two pairs), skirt (when it’s warm) and scarf! Ah, to be comfy all of the time, that’s what I wish for everyone.” Kay “Asquith London has all the elements that make clothes both gorgeous and wearable: divinely soft fabrics, stunning colours, comfortable, flattering, elegant and chic designs.” Susie I never get tired of reading the responses from the women whom buy and wear my designs… their positive words are encouraging, and remind me that I am offering a wellneeded and well-received service. n

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WIN!

So if you want to look the part, and have the comfort and practicality from your work attire that Asquith London offers, then enter this issue’s competition… courtesy of Asquith London, HTM has a three-piece outfit of your choice, from the collection, as a prize for FOUR lucky winners... amounting in a total prize value of over £600... And for every other entrant a 20% discount on their next purchase.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, email your details, along with your reason for wanting to win to win@holistictherapistmagazine.com, with the subject heading ‘Dress Me’, your name, age, town or city of residence, and a contact telephone number.

Find out more about the provider

asquithlondon.com Terms & Conditions • Winners must claim their prize within six months of winning. • The prize is non-transferable to another person. • Winners must be a minimum age of 16 years old, and be a UK resident, and will be announced in our next issue.

holistic therapist 2013

You and Your Health | Rosemary’s Reiki

You and Your Health | Maybe Baby

Maybe Baby

Reiki and Conception

Rosemary Pharo shares stories of the positive effect of Reiki for couples wanting to conceive

n June 1996, I gave birth to my first child. Having had a long, back-to-back labour that ended in a forceps delivery, I was left with a husband who confessed to being traumatised by witnessing it, and that he had some form of unprocessed emotions... But we both wanted another child! It had taken just over a year to become pregnant with my son – about the time in which eighty five percent of couples will become pregnant, and I was almost thirty-three, and my husband nearly forty-seven. Fast forward to 1999. It was coming up to three years later and we still had no second pregnancy, despite trying. While I had a deep belief we would have a second child, we were feeling increasingly concerned. In March 1999 my neighbour rang me, saying she had had a series of dreams. She had woken up to find that two of them had happened, and in the third she dreamt I was pregnant. She was right. I had all the symptoms. Nine months or so after taking my Reiki 2, in February 1999, my daughter was born. Since beginning to study Reiki the previous September I had practised assiduously every day, not with the intention of becoming pregnant, but because it felt right and good. During my Reiki 2, I felt a deep sense that the time had come. I am not the only one to have had a similar experience

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with Reiki. A client, also trying for her second child with no previous success, came for one treatment. The next I heard from her she was securely pregnant and later gave birth. Coincidence? Or simply the result of better fertility down to decreased stress levels, and the body’s ability to put itself back into balance? This is not an uncommon story to hear. Reiki teacher Virginia Anderson was diagnosed with

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in her early twenties. Wishing to conceive a child, she discontinued her medication, and visited a Reiki practitioner: She received four treatments focusing on her reproductive organs over eight weeks. Feeling both emotional and physical benefits from the treatment, “an overwhelming sense of calm and serenity”, accompanied by improved functioning of her reproductive

system, Virginia found herself pregnant with her son four months later. She then went on to learn Reiki herself and feels immense gratitude. Her reproductive health maintained its improvement with regular cycles following birth. There is also the emotional desperation that comes with wishing to conceive. Just think of the many stories we hear of couples becoming pregnant once they have decided to adopt instead. Reiki teacher and nurse, Sandra Garrett believes one of the key barriers to fertility, physical problems aside, is stress. “If people begin to relax and have less of the stress hormones, like cortisol, running around, their chances of being able to conceive are slightly better.” It also doesn’t help that during periods of stress, blood flow is directed away from major organs such as the uterus, thus reducing nutrient supply. Male fertility is affected by stress just as much as female fertility is. When a man is stressed, the stress hormones inhibit his ability to produce sperm, as do the kinds of inflammatory states caused by illness. Sleep however, increases sperm production. The one thing we do know about Reiki, is that it reduces stress in the body, it brings us back to balance and it allows us, as Sandra says, “to get back in touch with ourselves, and what our body is saying.” n

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Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD, the UK’s leading nutritionist specialising in women’s health, guides couples through future-proofing their fertility

t least 25 percent of couples planning a baby will have trouble conceiving, and more and more couples are turning to fertility treatments to help them have a family. With a growing number of women waiting until their careers are established before they try to conceive, conception can be more difficult. Many people are unaware of the fact that diet can help to correct hormone imbalances that may affect a couple’s ability to conceive. The following should be considered: • Plenty of fruit and vegetables • Complex carbohydrates • Organic foods where possible • Oily foods such as fish, nuts, seeds and oils • Reduced intake of saturated fats from dairy products • Increased intake of fibre • Avoid additives, preservatives and chemicals, such as artificial sweeteners • Avoid sugar, both on its own and hidden in food Research has also shown that caffeine, alcohol and smoking all damage both male and female fertility and should therefore be cut out from the diet. If a couple has a combination of four negative lifestyle factors (including drinking tea and coffee, smoking and consuming alcohol) it can take them seven times longer to get pregnant. Fertility Boosting Supplements Taking certain nutrients increase

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the chances of getting pregnant and staying pregnant. Folic Acid It is well known that folic acid can prevent spina bifida. Folic acid is important, but it is just part of the very important family of B vitamins that are necessary to produce the genetic materials DNA and RNA. Zinc Zinc is the most widely studied nutrient in terms of fertility for both men and women. A zinc deficiency can cause chromosome changes in either men or women, leading to reduced fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. Selenium Selenium is an antioxidant that can prevent chromosome breakage, which is known to be a cause of birth defects and miscarriages. Vitamin E Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant and has been shown to increase fertility when given to both men and women. With men, vitamin E helps to increase fertilisation rates during ICSI treatments. If a woman over the age of 35 is told that her fertility problems are caused by her age, then it is likely that she could benefit from taking both vitamins E and C. Vitamin C Vitamin C is also an antioxidant and we know that

women who take vitamin C whilst undergoing IVF have a significantly increased pregnancy rate. Vitamin C is also good for men as it can help to increase sperm counts by up to a third. Amino acids Two amino acids, L-arginine and L-carnitine are particularly important for sperm health. The L-arginine is essential for healthy sperm production and protects the sperm against oxidative damage. The higher the levels of L-carnitine in sperm cells, the higher the sperm count and motility. Omega 3 fatty acids The Omega 3 fatty acids have a profound effect on every system of the body, including the reproductive system and they are crucial for healthy hormone functioning. Vitamin D Vitamin D helps to balance a woman’s immune system, this is important in getting and staying pregnant. Vitamin D is also important for male fertility, as low levels of this nutrient are associated with low sperm motility. In the clinic I use two supplements that contain the most important nutrients for fertility. They are called Fertility Support for Women and Fertility Support for Men and are available from naturalhealthpractice.com

Finally, three months is the recommended period of time for dietary and lifestyle changes to take effect and for food supplements to work their magic. And according to psychologists it also takes at least three months to replace dietary and lifestyle habits that aren’t doing you any good with healthier ones. Think about it – old habits die hard, and your body and mind need that period to adjust to fertility and health-boosting changes. n You can read this full article on holistictherapistmagazine. com and find out more on marilynglenville.com

GIVE-AWAY

Dr Marilyn Glenville has five of her ‘Getting Pregnant Faster’ books up for grabs… so if you fancy adding to your family fast, or feel that you could use the advice to pass on to your clients, then send your details to win@holistictherapistmgazine with the subject heading ‘Baby Book’, your name, age, town or city of residence, and a contact telephone number. Winners must be a minimum age of 16 years old, and be a UK resident, and will be announced in our next issue.

holistic therapist 2013

you and your health | Treatment Review

You and Your Health | Pregnancy & Fitness Feature

Fit for a Bump

I’m totally BIRTHFIT

As Mother’s Day is fast approaching, the editor sent model mum, and founder of bumpandbloom.com, Oreke to review a pregnancy treatment called ‘BirthFit’

s a well-travelled and experienced model I have had the opportunity to do some amazing things, meet some inspirational people – both in ’LALA Land’ and in the ‘normal’ world – but my journey as a mum has brought on so many changes in me, and my views have certainly evolved on what makes an individual inspirational. Now, at 26 weeks of my second pregnancy, I have had the opportunity to interview and receive a treatment from Dr Gowri Motha: I have to say, she is one of the most amazing women I have had the pleasure of meeting – a real,

beautiful soul, and a sheer inspiration. Dr Gowri believes that by being BIRTHFIT you have the optimal chance of having a gentle birth – a dream for both mothers and fathers. A mother becomes BIRTHFIT by following the ‘The Jeyarani Way’, which is a gentle birth method that prepares the mother’s mind and body for birth. Dr Gowri has a number of celebrity clients and fans that sing her praises, including “The Body” Elle Macpherson and iconic British supermodel, Kate Moss. At our first appointment, Dr Gowri informs me of her diet and treatment recommendations

for mums-to-be – and while I understand and believe in everything she says, I must admit I struggle with the non-wheat and gluten part of the programme, mainly because of my love of cupcakes. That said my baby’s wellbeing is the most important thing to me, and so I am trying to take baby steps and avoiding wheat and gluten to the best of your consciousness. Dr Growi has certainly eased my mind for the birth of my second born – you can read the full interview on my blog, and on holistictherapistmagazine.com n

What is the most effective way of dealing with negative and distressing thoughts about labour? “Before talking about how to deal with negative thoughts, let us have a look at some common reasons as to why mothers have these thoughts. The root cause of these thoughts could be a primal fear of pain. There also could be concerns that no one will be sympathetic at crucial times during labour, or if an emergency situation arises that doctors may suggest traumatic procedures for the safety of the mother and baby. The fear here relates to the fact that mothers feel that in the dynamic moment of labour their emotional needs could be ignored and this could cause mental distress. In modern society women feel that they want to be able to negotiate a comfortable lifestyle for themselves that includes childbearing. And in some cases, mothers have heard how difficult the birth process can be - this could lead to

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distressing thoughts as they do not want to put themselves through the physical pain of a long and difficult labour. The variations in human body structure and physiology along with the effects of the environment, lifestyle and food habits can pose varying challenges to a woman’s ability to give birth easily. We can propose a plan of action to help in a positive manner to prevent distressing thoughts with positive advice..... 1. Receive - Correct teaching about pregnancy and labour. 2. How to prepare your birthing organs for as smooth physiological birth process. 3. Teaching how to minimise discomfort during labour and childbirth. 4. Practice hypnotic birth rehearsals (I have a CD!) 5. Eat correctly.”

primal fear of pain

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Tutor and assessor for YMCA Fitness Industry Training, Michelle Smith teaches a range of subjects including Pilates and ante-postnatal exercise; she shatters myths surrounding exercise and pregnancy

lost my first baby, so I completely understand how cautious a mum-to-be is about doing anything that could cause harm to her baby. I now have two beautiful, healthy children: But between having Ben and Amber, I suffered a second miscarriage. Like most miscarriages, mine were due to fetal developmental issues, and had nothing to do with exercising during pregnancy. When I became pregnant, I modified how hard I worked in classes I taught, to avoid overheating or exhaustion. I also quit running; although not considered harmful, high-impact exercise during pregnancy can cause adverse problems with the pelvic floor. Instead, I changed to moderate power ‘walking with purpose’ - not to breathlessness, but to a warm-up level. It was a shock when the midwife at my first scan (with Ben) advised that I stop all exercise; this went against the recommendations from The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: ‘- in most cases, exercise is safe for both mother and fetus during pregnancy and women should therefore be encouraged to initiate or continue exercise to derive the health benefits associated with such activities’. The recommendations also state: * all women should be encouraged to participate in aerobic and strengthconditioning exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle during their pregnancy * reasonable goals of aerobic conditioning in pregnancy should be to maintain a good fitness level throughout pregnancy, without trying to reach peak fitness level or train for athletic competition * women should choose activities that will minimise the risk of loss of balance and fetal trauma * women should be advised that adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes are not increased for exercising women

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* initiation of pelvic floor exercises in the immediate postpartum period may reduce the risk of future urinary incontinence (RCOG Statement No. 4 - January 2006) Suitable Exercises during Pregnancy Low-risk pregnancies with no history of three or more miscarriages are suitable for many different fitness classes: Gentle Pilates can help combat bad posture, lower back pain, and spinal instability. Aqua classes can

exercise to maintain fitness not to improve fitness be incredibly beneficial; there is a release of endorphins, as the water supports the baby-weight. With a well-trained fitness instructor, other classes can be suitable too, for example, a hardcore aerobic class with lots of jumps and twists would be unwise. However, if the fitness instructor modifies the exercises with low-impact and no twisting options, then this would be suitable. It is true that those classified as ‘highrisk’ pregnancies, would need to get advice from their consultant regarding exercise. Unsuitable Exercises during Pregnancy Avoid high-impact exercise, like step, as they increase stress on the pelvic floor, thus causing a possible weakness after giving birth. Avoid abdominal exercise; whilst the class does sit-ups, the pregnant lady can do pelvic tilts in an all-fours position. This will help improve posture and to gently strengthen muscles that are required during childbirth.

Avoid developmental stretches: those held for longer than twenty seconds per muscle, aiming to increase muscle flexibility. Relaxin is a hormone released during pregnancy, which causes ligaments to soften and relax, in preparation for childbirth, however, this also means pregnant ladies can easily overstretch ligaments. Developmentally stretched muscles could result in joint instability and over-stretched ligaments once the baby is born. Avoid lying on your back after twenty weeks; this can cause dizziness. Avoid using the obliques and rectus abdominus, as these muscles are already stretched to accommodate the baby bump. Most instructors encourage gentle use of the transverse abdominus muscle for good posture. ACOG guidelines suggest…’ When starting an aerobic exercise programme, previously sedentary women should begin with fifteen minutes continuous exercise three times a week, increasing gradually to thirty-minute sessions four times a week to daily. Reasonable goals of aerobic conditioning in pregnancy would be to maintain a good fitness level throughout pregnancy, without trying to reach peak fitness or train for athletic competition.’ I advise all healthy, ‘low-risk’ mums to: - go to a class they enjoy, with an antenatal educated instructor - listen to how their body feels - not attend classes if feeling overly tired - keep well hydrated - exercise to maintain fitness not to improve fitness Despite research proving that gentle, appropriate exercise is beneficial for mum and baby; many women still believe they are risking their pregnancy - It is up to medical, health and fitness professionals to dispel this myth with sound, accurate advice. n

holistic therapist 2013

You & Your health | Make-up Therapy

You & Your health | Food Therapy

Blooming Beauty At 27 weeks pregnant, make-up expert Emily Rose is the perfect person to share beauty tips for mums-to-be

e all know those mornings when we wake up feeling a little under the weather and all we want to do is pull the duvet up tighter and snuggle back to sleep for an extra hour or ten – and then we force ourselves into the bathroom bleary eyed, jump into the shower and as if by miracle we have mustered the energy to apply our daily make-up, because beautifying really picks us up! Yes, make-up is a miracle product; it really does lift and illuminate us. Sallow skin can be transformed into beautiful, radiant, glowing skin. Tired eyes can be instantly lightened, brightened and awakened... but pregnancy is a whole new kettle of fish! Whilst that glowing radiance is naturally there initially, for many women the ‘under the weather’ feeling becomes their reality for the most part of nine months! The mere smell of make-up can send us swirling, and the thought of finding energy enough to pop make-up on can seem somewhat a struggle. No matter how low you feel, I promise that gathering up the small energy needed to do this is well worth the huge pick-me up! It is a known fact that women are often their most beautiful during pregnancy – embrace it! Love it! – I am! I am currently 27 weeks pregnant with my second child, and I would love to share with you my tips…

Aside from the usual morning sickness, which subsided at three months for me, I also suffered massive breakouts for the entire pregnancy up until this point, when finally my hormones have stabilized and my skin has settled back into its normal, clear state. The best thing I can advise is to use non-comodogenic products: A natural face wash used morning and night will keep skin to feel clear and clog-free, followed by a lightweight moisturizer that feels invisible to the skin. At night, by accident I actually found Bio Oil to be an amazing thing for my face, helping my old spot scars to fade. When it comes to foundation, I opt for bareMinerals, as it is odorless, and for the fact that you really can’t feel it on your skin. I find it perfect for that mask-free finish. It also has medicinal properties that actually help to heal breakout skin. Blusher has been a must! Again I’ve opted for bareMinerals pink ‘fruit cocktail’ blush to bring back that pregnancy glow, which faded after the first trimester. That fresh, English rose appearance is gorgeous during pregnancy, because it enhances how well you begin to look, and during the time when you don’t feel so well, you look healthy and ready to face the world. I advice to sweep a small amount of shimmer across eyelids, curl lashes

using curlers, and a sweep of mascara for extra definition.

TIP Keep the top lashes more coated than the bottom, this will minimize undereye darkness and appear fresher. Finally, I would never go anywhere without my best friend – my lipstick! It is a true story that during my first labour, climbing the walls with pain and leaving for the hospital, I suddenly stopped in my tracks and shouted “my lipstick! I haven’t packed my lipstick!” Lipstick adds the vibrancy to your complexion that it really needs, and I feel my panic was justified – think of all of those visitors that come rushing in practically just as you’ve given birth. The most flattering colours are those similar to your natural lip colour, so test the colour on your fingertip to find the closet match. I also love playing around with vibrant pinks, corals and reds for something a little bit fun or sassy. Remember to keep lips well moisturized, and drink lots of water, it is superimportant to stave off dehydration and keep energy levels high. Appreciate and love every moment of this wonderful time – Congratluations! n

Me carrying my second child

“my lipstick! I haven’t packed my lipstick!” 34

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Sunshine in a bowl Charlotte Palmer shares two lovely baby-food recipes – Organic carrot, butternut-squishy-squash and sweet potato puree, and warming nourishing porridge

Puree

Ingredients 750g organic carrots, washed and diced (with skin in tact) 1 medium-to-large organic sweet potato, peeled and diced (the smaller the better) 1 chamomile teabag ½ a butternut or winter squash, diced ½ an organic orange (the juice) ½ tsp of Seagreens seaweed, fine granules ½ pint of filtered water Take a pan of water, add the diced root vegetables and simmer; cook gently, and add the chamomile teabag; once starting to boil, simmer until the vegetables are soft enough to poke a fork into, (they do not have to be mushy). Scoop out the vegetables and add a small portion of

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the juice; put into either a food processor or blender, and puree to desired texture. Place back in the pan with the rest of the liquid and gently warm again, add the fine seaweed granules, and serve with half a freshly squeezed orange juice. Nutrition facts • Pumpkin makes a great baby food that’s loaded with vitamin A and many other important nutrients. • Sweet potatoes are also a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin B6 and potassium, and a very good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese. • Squash is a wonderful, nutritious first food for your baby. • Chamomile is very relaxing and gentle on baby’s tummy.

You could try... Porridge Ingredients Mix a cup with half quinoa flakes and half rice flakes soaked in filtered water overnight. ½ grated green or Cox’s apple ½ cup of filtered water Take the soaked flakes, add half a cup of water to a saucepan, while cooking very gently add a grated green apple, which is a good sugar substitute also good for the digestion. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth, not lumpy. Once starting to bubble, remove from the heat, cover, and leave to sit for 5-10 minutes until ready to serve up to your little one. ‘hmm? What to eat next?’

holistic therapist 2013

Retail Therapy – Vicky’s Vital Mix

You & Your Health | Nutrition

What Water is H Okay? 2

Karen Watkins provides a useful insight into the daily requirements of water, and which kind of water is best for our consumption

I feel great now I have my daily dose of vitamins

Jenn, me and

Bev

Get fruity for Valentine’s Day with a fresh smoothie

Warm up winter with vitamin-packed soups

A Vital Mix of Fruit & Veg When it comes to buying products online, waiting for that allimportant parcel becomes the focus until it arrives, and for Vicky, the arrival of her Vitamix caused a fruity stir in her Kitchen

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blender; not only smoothies and soups; but ice cream, sorbet, dressings, dough for bread and cakes, and peanut butter too (I had to read that one twice!) The recipes are really easy to follow, and give you some great ideas to build from – as well as being lots of fun to make. I had the opportunity to meet the recipe developer for Vitamix – as she was visiting the UK, from America to give a demonstration – I jumped at the chance… I headed over to ‘Publicasity PR’ to meet Bev Shaffer, the Queen of all Vitamix recipes, and Jenn Vojta the social media manager for the company. Bev showed me a few recipes, one of which was the all-green smoothie – who would have thought about putting pineapple juice and grapes with broccoli and spinach. It was so nice, and has become one of my regular morning smoothies. I was shown how to make a soup, and I was quite overwhelmed that within five minutes I had hot soup – Amazing, no fuss, no mess and pretty much instant. Who wouldn’t want that? I was pleased to learn that Bev’s favourite recipe is the breakfast margarita and yes that’s with alcohol! I knew then it was safe to move my questioning on from the healthy stuff to be captivated by the naughty stuff: So after frantically scribbling down the recipe for chocolate fondue (I refuse to

publish the secret), I was shown how to make peanut butter, and can confirm it was a taste sensation, and one I would suggest having a go at. The ladies were wonderful and exceptionally welcoming. I had a great time, with the added bonus of a full tummy when I left. I would defiantly recommend this blender; in a world that’s fast-pace, with most of us grabbing fast food for a quick fix, this blender gives you the quick, and healthier option. It’s totally addictive and makes eating healthy fun, and it looks pretty smart in the kitchen too. My new year is planned to be packed full of hot soups and healthy smoothies – oh and maybe the odd scoop of ice-cream, topped with homemade peanut butter… well, why not? n

The Black Vitamix® Aspire, (Ref 16900, £399.99) is available from lakeland.co.uk/ vitamix, or call 015394 88100.

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photographer: ericmonjoin.blogspot.com

s soon as the doorbell chimed, I knew it had arrived… thanks to Lakeland, I have my very own Vitamix. Scrambling to get my new gadget out of the box, and finding the perfect spot for it on my kitchen counter filled me with excitement... ‘Hmm? But what do I put in it?’ I thought. Although it comes complete with recipe book, I said to myself ‘no Vicky – be completely original, and find your own fruity combo to blend together’. I opened my fridge, only to find nothing other than a single banana… ‘So not quite a good start then!’ With another thought, but this time a light-bulb sort – I grabbed my shoes and jacket and headed off to my local supermarket with fruity anticipation. After stripping the shelves bare of fruit and vegetables, and almost sustaining an injury carrying it all back home, it was time to experiment – ‘Oh yeah!’ Here we go, round one: A smoothie – melody of fruit – Interesting! And for round two: A soup – melody of veg, with a sprinkle of chilli for good measure – Bearable! To be honest, I’m not the greatest of cooks and struggle with inspiration. I have absolutely no idea what works well with what – So the recipe book was my next step. Upon looking through the book, I couldn’t believe the variety, and the versatility of this

e all know that water is essential and that staying properly hydrated is important for health. Approximately two thirds of the body consists of water, hence its importance, and our bodies can lose about 1.5 litres of water a day through the skin, lungs, gut and kidneys, and it is this process that helps to eliminate toxic substances. Surprisingly to some, we also make about a third of a litre of water a day in the body, when we metabolise glucose for energy. We are generally told that we need two litres of water a day, but where did this figure come from? It seems the recommendation came from an American government report that advocated an intake of “1 ml of water for each calorie of food”. Thus consuming two thousand calories would require two litres of water. However, we don’t just need to take this water in as drinking water. Fruit and vegetables contain water that we are able to use, and they supply it in an easy to use form, as well as providing us with very useful minerals and vitamins. Taken as a broad average, four pieces of fruit and four servings of vegetables, amounting to about 1 kg of food, can provide as much as one litre of water. One tip for drinking this is to take a 500 ml bottle of water out in the morning and aim to drink that by lunchtime. If the bottle isn’t empty by lunchtime, then focus on drinking what is left. Then, refill the bottle and do the same in the afternoon, focusing on drinking it by dinnertime. That guarantees a litre has been drunk and it is just so easy to do. A bonus 500 ml in the evening really does ensure proper hydration! One question I am often asked, as a nutritionist is, “what kind of water, bottled, filter or tap, is best?” And the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. The official line from the UK water companies is that tap water is subject to stringent tests and perfectly safe to drink. Most people dislike the chlorine smell, and since the late 1990s there have been a few studies linking chlorine with health concerns, so it might not be as harmless as first believed. Fluoride is another concern, so much so that since 1997 fluoridated toothpastes in the USA have had to carry health warnings. Additionally, there are concerns about the traces of various metals, such as lead and aluminium, as well as pesticides in the water. With these concerns in mind, buying a water filter is worth considering. The cheapest are the jug filters and these are effective in filtering out about 85% of chlorine, many of the pesticides and some of the toxic minerals. They will not remove the fluoride or the bacteria however, and if not kept scrupulously clean, can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Large, plumbed-in countertop units are perhaps more effective. So maybe buying drinking water off the shelf is the way to go… Well, there are three types; mineral water, spring water and other

bottled water, and the criteria that each must meet are defined by the Law. Mineral waters used to be drunk at spas for health benefits, with the idea that the nutrients in the water could combat different ailments. However, some of these minerals are present in a form that would make it very difficult for the body to absorb and others are present in such low quantities that they are unlikely to have any beneficial effects. Of the minerals commonly listed, only calcium and magnesium are usually present in sufficient quantities to have any significance at the concentrations. And bottled water may be stored for up to two years, during which time contaminants could leach out of the plastic bottle into the water. So as you will see, there is no easy answer to the question “which water is best?” Just that it is essential to focus on drinking one to two litres a day, as it can really make a difference to our feeling of wellbeing. n

holistic therapist 2013

You & Your health | Elen Rivas

Six Editor

Elen Rivas Mother, and celebrity-model, Elen Rivas shares wise words with Jordan, the editor, as she answers six questions during an amazing underwater photo shoot in North London

Which holistic methods do you practise? I mix yoga, meditation, Pilates, weight training, and have attended several workshops for Chakra and Aura cleansing and Reiki healing, which I also have a degree in. I have an amazing Master from Chile who has taught me a great deal. These practises have crucial principles that help me to know myself better. They allow me to be more centred and to be a more forgiving person, and most of all a better parent to my children.

How do you remain calm and composed being in the limelight, or under media scrutiny? To be honest, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really mind what the media say, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how it works! I know myself, and so do my friends and family, and that is what matters, so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay too much attention.

holistic therapist 2013

How do you balance work, and being a mother to ensure you gain a healthy work-home life? As I live in London, I unfortunately have none of my family close-by, so I rely on my housekeeper to help me at home. I like to make sure I do everything that needs to be done during school hours, so that when the kids are out of school I have more time to spend with them. I also take regular trips back to Spain to see my family and close friends to strengthen my support network. Plus, I meditate whenever I have a spare moment.

What is your fitness and beauty regime? I am a regular attendee at my gym! I love to stay physically fit and motivated. I then also like to visit my favourite beauty spa; Bijoux Medi Spa bijoux-

medispa.co.uk, and Nevile Hair & Beauty Salon nevillehairandbeauty.net,

What is your future in the holistic industry? I want to keep on learning, and sharing what I learn with others, especially with my little girls.

Having travelled a lot, which place would you say has had the most impact on you on a personal and spiritual level? Definitely India. I first went to India last Christmas and it had a profound effect on me, and on my spiritual awareness. I re-visited several Ashrams since, including the Osho centre in Pune and would recommend it to everyone. To keep up-to-date with Elen, follow her on @MsElenRivas

holistictherapistmagazine.com

holistic therapist 2013

You & Your health | Vicky’s Product Review

Soap Suds

You & Your Health | Water Feature

We sent Vicky Downes for a soap sensation at Twinkle Bee Cottage, and here is her feedback on making natural homemade soap

n those moments of the daily grind, travelling to London each day for work and sitting at a desk shuffling paper, I often think about all the little things I would like to do in my spare time: In a time where everything in life seems so expensive, the thought of being a little more self-sufficient and making gifts for friends, family and myself seems far more self-rewarding, than shopping until I drop. So being given the opportunity to meet Sarah and to learn how to make handmade natural soaps was something I didn’t want to miss out on.  After a fortyminute drive down towards the coast, I reached a quiet little town just along from Brighton. As I drove along the coastal front admiring the little beach huts, the aromas of the sea filled my lungs, and

there’s a lot more to making soap it dawned on me that this ‘fresh air’ was so much better than ‘London air’. Upon arrival at Twinkle Bee Cottage, I was greeted by Sarah, and her two gorgeous doggies, and welcomed into her family home. My first thought: ‘Wow, to be able to do something you love doing from your own home must be amazing!’ Sarah’s hospitality was overwhelming, and whilst sipping a nice hot cuppa I even took a trip down to the bottom of the garden to visit the bumble-bees, who make her bees wax for her natural candles. Sarah has a wide variety of ninety-seven homemade products that range from the gorgeous soaps, to body lotions, hand creams, lip balms and baby creams, and all completely natural - using sustainable products, which where possible, are locally sourced. n

holistic therapist 2013

Magnetic Pull Lorna Howe of Magnetic Synergy explains the benefits of magnetising our water

H The fun part, making it look

pretty

The beautiful finished product

Sarah and I getting ready to start - Because of the costic soda I had to wear a boiler suit...me at m y best!

So how do you make handmade natural soap?

I have to say, I honestly thought I would be simply throwing all of the ingredients into a pot, melting it down and putting it in a mould - I was surprised that there’s a lot more to making soap than that. It’s as if you’re making a cake... move over cookbooks; it’s all about the soap. So with that said here’s one I made earlier… Bergamont, Lavendar and Buttermilk Soap 1 Carefully weigh and measure all your ingredients 2 Heat the butters together till they have melted, temperature must not exceed 60ºC 3 In a separate bowl mix the caustic soda in the water and stir until completely dissolved (* Warning! it can give off a pungent smell, and is corrosive, so wearing protective clothing and gloves is essential. I was surprised to learn that this is used in the process but by doing this it actually gives the opposite affect and neutralizes it, thus becoming completely natural – so panic over.) 4 Add the oils to the melted butter and let both mixtures cool down to around 40ºC 5 Warm the milk to 40ºC *Timing is key and you must ensure that all ingredients in your different pots are at the same temperature at the same time. 6 Pour caustic soda and milk into the melted butters, and stir 7 Take one hand blender and blend till it’s almost custard-like 8 Add your essential oils 9 Blitz again to mix the oils 10 Carefully pour into your mould 11 Decorate as required 12 Place in a sleeping bag – (bedtime story optional). And leave over night 13 The next day, take the soap from the mould and cut into bars 14 Place in a cool, dry place and let the soap cure for two-four weeks before wrapping them up and giving them the finishing touches

Voila! You have soap that looks good enough to eat! (Don’t actually eat it) • I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to Sarah, for a great experience. I also recommend the Twinkle Bee Cottage chocolate (Green and Blacks) and vanilla lip-balm – Amazing! Sarah’s full range of products can be found on her online shop at: twinklebeecottage.com

holistictherapistmagazine.com

umans and animals have had this natural health benefit throughout our whole evolution; it was only when we stopped taking our water from rivers, springs and wells that we lost the natural balancing that occurs when we drink magnetised water. When we take water away from the Earth’s magnetic field for more than three days, it loses its magnetism and therefore its balancing benefits. Water companies use something called Anti-scale Magnetic treatment (AMT), which prevents formation of scale, and as a result prevents the production of naturally softer water, leading to vast savings in energy costs and replacement appliances. In fact, water companies still offer magnet-based water softeners as a solution to hard water problems, which shows that even the water industry accepts magnets as a way to soften water. There are many changes that happen when you place a magnet around a liquid; • I t causes a change in density, surface tension, viscosity and pH value. • I t promotes oxygenation between molecules. • It has an arresting effect on bacteria. • I t is reported that it can destroy cancer eels (Barelost & Reich). • I t improves taste, and provides energy, and balance. Magnetising water is in fact ionising it – changing the positive charge to a negative charge (positive ions are widely thought to be damaging). This change in charge causes temporary separation of minerals from molecular water clusters, resulting in improved taste and makes it behave as naturally soft water. I personally use magnetic sticks and

holistictherapistmagazine.com

pebbles for a variety of reasons; in a jug in the fridge with a magnet stick for family consumption; in the fish tank to increase the pH level of the water, thus it doesn’t require chemicals, and in the animals’ water. I see a major difference in my flowers, which last around three weeks, my Yucca plants have grown exponentially, and this therapy has even aided the healing of a Shetland pony with laminitis. Whatever you believe – we need some form of magnetism around us to ‘top up’ what we aren’t getting from the Earths’ magnetic field, and this is one solution. Please read more about magnetic therapy on holistictherapistmagazine.com.n

Internal benefits of drinking magnetic water • It can reduce excess acidity and bile in the digestive system • It can soothe nerves and helps against fatigue • It can help clear arteries and blood pressure • It can lower cholesterol • It can improve digestion, stomach problems and metabolism • It can increase regeneration of tissues • It can help with kidney and urinary tract issues • It can help with menstrual problems • Basically imparts better health and energy and revitalises wellness • It also has a mellowing effect on alcohol

holistic therapist 2013

Mix Editor

You & Your health | Editor Mix – Case study

Good Vibrations

You & Your Health | Editor Mix – Case study

my energy levels can be low, and I never feel like I have a good night’s sleep

This issue the editor has chosen to mix the world of sound: Continuity announcer and radio presenter Gavin Inskip heads to see Michele Hancock for some sound healing

The Therapist “My journey began when I first experienced a gong meditation at the end of a yoga class in 2009. The positive benefits were a feeling of vibration through my body, which lasted for days. I was able to release a lot of pent up anger and was left feeling calmer. The experience guided me to explore other healing methods using instruments and the voice. I visited different practitioners in this field, but I found personally the voice to be not as powerful a tool as the crystal bowls or drum. After attending a course on Reiki drumming and a shamanic healing basics course, I finally attended the long awaited sound healing course. The instructor’s first

Sound healing using Tibetan bowls

holistic therapist 2013

words to me were “are you here for you, or for your clients?” My honest answer was I was only thinking of my clients and business and how I wanted to help others – But I realised after the first day that I was there for myself and for my own healing first.”

The Therapy Sound Healing is the therapeutic application of sound frequencies to the body and mind of a person with the intention of bringing them into a state of harmony and health. Clients often comment on feeling a sense of peace and calm, during and after a sound healing treatment. Some experience the release of blockages and marked improvements to symptoms. Others report the process ongoing for a number of days. In general, the treatment helps to improve ones own natural flow of resonance to support wellbeing. In addition, sacred sound draws on the time-tested methods of ancient mystics to heighten consciousness and enable us to revitalise our connection with the energy of the universe. Which sounds are used in sacred sound therapy? • Voice: toning, mantra chanting, guided visualisation and affirmations • Natural acoustic instruments, such as quartz crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, bells, tingshas, gongs, drums, tuning forks, and other rhythm and grounding tools; like rain sticks and rattles • Crystal practitioner bowl: the use of a quartz crystal bowl with a pointed handle to create sonic vibrations directly towards each chakra • Sonic crystal: combining sacred sounds and crystals

Gavin relaxes to sound vibrations

whether mental, physical, emotional or energetic. Including, deep and restful sleep; a more positive mood; improved physical vitality; alleviation of skin-related conditions, such as eczema; reduction of headaches or migraines; relief of muscle tension; pain relief and/or pain management.

The Benefits:

Conditions that may be treated include: • Stress • Exhaustion • Pain • Impaired body functioning •E motional imbalances such as fear, anxiety, frustration, impatience, embarrassment, anger, depression

Sound healing instruments, especially crystal bowls or tuning forks are an ideal tool for relaxation, and can be used as an aid to meditation and managing any type of short or long-term stress. Tuning forks, Tibetan bowls and crystal bowls can be used as a stand-alone sound therapy, or can be combined with other forms of complementary therapy, including massage or any type of bodywork, reflexology, energy balancing, and crystal healing or colour therapy. Clients typically experience a reduction in any form of stress-related condition,

The benefits of sacred sound therapy include: • Greater calmness and relaxation • Reduced stress • Enhanced sleep • Increased energy • Balanced nervous system • Pain reduction • Improved body functioning •S lower heart rate, breathing and brain-wave activity • Balanced hemispheres of the brain • Balanced chakras

Sound therapy using crystal

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• Heightened consciousness • Improved health and well-being

The Client Gavin is in his early thirties, and has a varied and demanding job. He is single, and has a very active social and family life. At the time of therapy, Gavin reports to have been in a “good state of mind”. He is a sufferer of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), as well as congestion. He shares the following prior to healing, “ – my energy levels can be low, and I never feel like I have a good night’s sleep.” Gavin’s thoughts on sound healing are positive, “I believe in the science of sound healing – well, it’s fact, that everything is made from vibrations. So, to me, it makes total sense. I have seen the films like ‘What The Bleep Do We Know’ and ‘The Secret’, these both explain the relevance of vibrations.”

although I was so relaxed I can’t recall what they were. I did feel an energy rush with some of the tuning forks. It was a very enjoyable treatment and probably the most relaxing I’ve ever had. Since the treatment I’ve had lots of vivid dreams.”

Gavin’s experience as a whole following all treatments: “During my second treatment I mentally went off somewhere else – totally relaxed! I felt with the further treatments there were more images, and obviously it would be nice to know what they meant. When the glass was over my stomach, I felt a massive energy rush into it – it wasn’t a pain, but it was very strange. During my last session, I had some images of a girl with a dog, and I was rushing to get it. This made me shoot up out of the relaxed state.” Gavin has since returned to see Michele, and has integrated sound therapy as part of his busy lifestyle. Gavin’s experience during, and Go to holistictherapistmagazine. after the first treatment: “With the drumming I felt as if something com for more information on sound healing, and on Michele Hancock: was pushing the left side of my body. Then through the treatment I also saw lots woodlandhealthandbeauty.webeden. co.uk, for more on Gavin Inskip of bright speckles of light. I experienced visit: gavininskip.com n lots of images that I wasn’t expecting –

holistic therapist 2013

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you & your health | Editor Pix

Pix Editor

business | Buyer’s Guide

products personally chosen by the editor

Professional Panel

The Anatomy of Sports Injuries

The professionals tried some red krill oil capsules, read a holistic self-help book, and used an all-natural soap... here are their verdicts:

Energetix Water Magnet Stick

Paolo Fernandez

Karen Watkins

Bioglan Red Krill Oil I do believe in the benefits of quality supplements and this one contains the highest levels of Omega 3 on the market. Just one or two capsules a day helps to reduce inflammation, hydrate from the inside, and gave an extra glow to my skin with its antioxidant properties - It even helped me concentrate at work!

Bioglan Red Krill Oil I often recommend Krill Oil, as research suggests it’s ideal for supplementing important essential fatty acids. Being high in antioxidants, the EFAs are protected from oxidation. These capsules are tiny, and you need to take four-to-six daily for an optimal dose, but, they are easy to swallow, and there is no fishy aftertaste, which is a nice bonus!

Group Stock Merchandiser at Urban Retreat urbanretreat.co.uk

Bioglan Red Krill Oil RRP £17.99 bioglanredkrilloil.co.uk

Get A Life paperback by Lisa Whitehead RRP £9.99, or £5.76 on Kindle getalife-uk.co.uk

Gamila Secret beauty bar RRP £21 at House of Fraser gamilasecret.com

holistic therapist 2012 2013

Get a Life Book A light and easy read, for people who need a boost, that cannot fail to lift your spirits and provide a little spiritual guidance. It attempts to teach readers about self-acceptance, as they take on life’s turbulent journey. Gamilia Secret Soap A completely natural product, with safe and gentle ingredients, that is perfect for people who react badly to chemical ingredients. It helps to soothe skin problems such as eczema or sunburn – and is all-purpose, you can even use it as a mask or shaving cream.

Nutritional Therapist & Founder of Mineral Check mineralcheck.com

Get A Life Book It seems a little too upbeat and challenging for someone with real problems, and the exercises seem too overwhelming. On the plus side it is quick to read, with lots of simple exercises, to put the ideas into practise. Gamila Secret Soap It’s been years since I’ve used soap on my face, but this 100% natural bar has a gorgeous fragrance and lovely texture. My skin felt wonderful, not dry like with other soaps. Nicely packaged and a great story behind the bar - absolutely adore it and highly recommend it.

Energetix Water Magnet Sticks, (£23) supplied by Magnetic Synergy, are available in several different designs, although the magnet size is the same. With a satin polish finish on the stainless steel gift, these sticks look pretty as well as serve a function. Place the sticks in your drinking water, your plants’ water, as well as your pets’ water, or even in your fish tank to rebalance the pH level. You can read more on the benefits of using magnet sticks on page 41 of this issue. magnetic-synergy.energetix.tv/ shop/3500_so/3515_SOMS

Michelle Angus

Sugaring Therapist & Kinesiologist consciousbalance.me.uk Bioglan Red Krill Oil I was burping shortly after taking one, then felt sick for a few hours. The ingredients include several non-natural components; the vanillin would explain the sweet, sickly smell and taste, and sorbitol sweetner can cause ‘gas’. There are natural ingredients too of course, but I prefer to take allnatural products if possible. Get A Life Book This is a simplistically written guide about the author’s experiences and has easy-to-follow self-help exercises after each chapter. This book is quite basic compared with other better books in the same genre. Gamila Secret Soap It is lovely; and is gently scented with natural oils, so not overpowering. If they made it in the shape of a giant pebble this would make it ideal to hold in the hand more easily for applying directly to skin, as the square edges catch on ‘boney’ bits!

Head to holistictherapistmagazine.com for the editor’s verdict on each product

holistictherapistmagazine.com

The Anatomy of Sports Injuries (£16.99) this second edition features twenty-five per cent more anatomy text and drawings and new colour illustrations of the rehabilitation exercises. The author, Brad Walker brings the reader inside the body to show exactly what is happening when a sports injury occurs. This book is easy to follow, and visually helpful and pleasing. It is a must-have for therapists working with athletes or sport enthusiasts. Walker explains his motivation: “…there is no need to simply resign yourself to ‘living with’ a sports injury – this book is here to help.” lotuspublishing.co.uk TheStretchingInstitute.com

Mi Zone

Mi-Zone (£39.99) is a unique bluetooth-communication device, and operates as a two-way proximity alarm system that works together with your handset or tablet. It can be attached to anything that you consider valuable, or worth protecting. Once that item moves outside the security zone that has been set, it gives a warning by triggering an alarm on both your mobile handset and the Mi-Zone tag itself. It does not need a mobile phone signal for it to work. As long as your Mi-Zone tag is charged and linked to your mobile device, it will always work. mi-zone.co

holistictherapistmagazine.com

Reviber Bodywave Pro

The Reviber Bodywave Pro (£169.99) is your personal on-call back-rescue and recovery service, ideal to use everyday, either on its own or in-between osteopathy or physiotherapy appointments. To use; simply lie down, place your ankles in the padded ankle cradle and let the subtle ‘wave-like’ motion stretch your muscles and ease away tension. With twenty varying speeds available, the gentle rocking motion causes movements in the body similar to those produced manually by health professionals. Used by many professionals across the country, it is designed to help improve people’s general health, wellbeing, function and posture. reviber.co.uk

holistic 2013 holistictherapist therapist 2012

you & your health | Editor Fix

Fix Editor

GOAL

ike many of you, the dawning of a fresh New Year brings about resolutions... Fitness levels often drop due to a festive period filled with eating; drinking; partying, and putting on hold the usual scheduled exercise. I do not overindulge that much any more, but I certainly feel pudgy around the edges, and need motivation in the dull days of January to be more active... so who better to give me a well-needed kick-up the (pudgy) bottom than ex-footballer, fitness professional of DW Pro Fitness, David Williamson. Dave is physically fit, and enjoys a balance of holistic living, along with his fitness training. I used to think that having a personal trainer was a luxury, even a waste of money – but after spending a two-week intensive period with Dave, I quickly realised the benefits, both physically and mentally. Dave is a great personal trainer (PT) as he ensures that the training doesn’t stop after the session; he provides nutritional advice, supplement suggestions, lifestyle tips, and book references. Dave shares the proverb ‘drink your food, and eat your water’, and really advocates good quality mineral water consumption. I welcomed the extra hydration, especially during the interval training sessions, which were really effective – but hard. Dave is motivational

Dave ready to put me thro

ugh my paces

holistic therapist 2013

Just about to say ‘fudge’

Ex-footballer, fitness instructor David Williamson kick-starts my fitness regime to help me reach my New Year goals If we start an exercise that we’ve not done before, it is likely to be challenging i.e. working muscles that you may not use in day-to-day life, in the same way, or even perfecting the technique. Once the exercise is no longer as challenging, it needs to be revised otherwise you are not working to your most effective. So running on the treadmill for an hour each day, is not necessarily beneficial. During my interval sessions with Dave, I ran for a minute, then had a rest, then ran for a minute, perhaps at a faster speed or steeper gradient, and rested, and so on. The interval training was good for somebody with a similar character to me, as I easily get bored or distracted. The beauty of having a PT, is that they assess what is right for you as a person, with your body type, lifestyle and with your goals in mind. Aside from the obvious physical benefits, the regular exercise in this motivational, supportive way, made me emotionally and mentally ready to face whatever the world had to throw at me. The first few months of the year in Britain are often dreary and can be anti-climatic, and so I really recommend embarking on working with a professional like Dave in order for you to feel your best. n • You can find out more: dwprofitness.co.uk

to the max, and can push you beyond what you may think your personal limits are. It is clear that he comes from an athletic background, as he shares unique stretches and styles that combine his past football training with his current extensive knowledge of the body and overall fitness.

I learnt a lot from Dave with regard to fitness My fitness levels increased over the two weeks, as well as my body fat decreasing. I lost a bit of weight, but I wanted to feel toned and smooth more than lose pounds – and I really did feel the difference in my body quality and muscle tone. I learnt a lot from Dave with regard to fitness, including that many people believe that they are benefiting from regular sessions at the gym, doing the same repetitions or amount of running on the treadmill, but what they are actually doing is maintaining or even reaching a plateau.

Me concenrating

Me not concen

rating

David in his footy days

holistictherapistmagazine.com

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