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LIFESCAPE CRUELTY FREE, FAIR TRADE, ORGANIC
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THIS MONTH!
fighting! tactics
Can’t conceive, scared of labour...
RENOWNED CHEF
SHARES HER SECRETS
READ INSIDE
COPING WITH
LIFE THE NATURAL WAY
CELEBS SPEAK OUT
CARING FOR OUR WORLD
BRINGING UP YOUR KIDS VEGGIE
IS IT WORTH IT?
JUNK FREE
ORGANIC BEAUTY PRODUCTS www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPEEDITOR
Hello and a warm welcome to Lifescape
A
s always, thank you for choosing us as your monthly mag. We are so pleased that more and more of you are subscribing and picking up the magazine from your newsagent every month. It is reassuring that there are so many like-minded people out there. This month’s Lifescape starts off on a more serious note as we examine the horseracing industry. The sport is a national pass-time in Britain, but is it really safe for the horses involved? Moving on, there’s a bit of a ‘families’ focus this month. Becoming a parent is often a time for questioning the environment we live in. We’ve got lots of easy tips to give readers and their little ones a healthy, eco-friendly and happy start. I also hope you’ll get a lot from our health pages, where we look at the reality of Crohn’s disease this month. There’s also plenty of tips on complementary healthcare that’ll help you feel fit and upbeat. We’re very excited to have launched our new website at www.lifescapemag.com. Feel free to send us a message through the website and let us know what you think of the mag, or tell us about any news or events you think we should know about. You could also email me personally at Rajasana@lifescapemag.com, I would love to hear from you. By the way, I hope you like the new sections of Lifescape! We have taken the feedback on board and we’re bringing you more investigations and food stuff. And not forgetting our male readers who are growing like an army! It was great to meet some of you the Vegan Festival in London in September and rest assured we will be putting in some more stuff for you very soon! As always we are doing our best to present a positive perspective on how to live a green and friendly life in the midst of a hyper-stressful age. We hope you enjoy it… Happy reading and keep in touch with us, Rajasana
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LIFESCAPEPEOPLE
LIFESCAPECONTENTS
LIFESCAPE
contents
CRUELTY FREE, FAIR TRADE, ORGANIC
EDITOR Rajasana Otiende FEATURES EDITOR Claudia Cahalane SUB EDITORS Claudia Cahalane, Sri Dimond BEAUTY EDITOR Emily Berryman HEALTH EDITOR Sri Dimond EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Ramesh Kumar Sawhney, MD
NOVEMBER 2006
Features 10 Horseracing - Is it fair on the horses? 5 Bringing up baby the natural way 30 Ethical business: With kids in mind 36 Veggie dilemmas: dealing with those tricky situations 53 Baby massage techniques 76 Generation V: Is it worth bringing kids up veggie? COVER 98 New school food standards: What are they feeding them?
ART DIRECTOR Shima Patel PHOTOGRAPHERS Stephen Eastwood, Michael Hedge HEALTH WRITERS Jennifer Beckman, Marissa-Catherine Carrani, Sri Dimond, Jane Gathercole, Andrew Lowe. Alison Tucker CONTRIBUTORS Liam Bailey, Kelly Rose Bradford, Claudia Cahalane, Marissa-Catherine Carranini, Rose Elliot, Cora Lydon, Rajasana Otiende, Gareth Salter, Mary Thompson, Jennifer Thomson, Wendy Turner Webster, Carole Wesley MANAGING DIRECTOR Jo Akumu
Health and Beauty
PRINTER Wyndeham Heron Limited
20 Ayurveda: DIY massage 38 Stomach pains? All about Crohn’s Disease 48 Bath time treats for you and your rubber duck 50 Bare and basic: The latest make-up trends 55 Breast Cancer: Life changing research 72 Treats from the Pyrenees mountains 79 Can’t conceive, scared of labour pains? Here’s the answer… COVER
DISTRIBUTION COMAG SPECIALIST & INK Distribution PUBLISHED BY MADAFU PUBLISHING LIMITED SUBSCRIPTIONS LIFESCAPE Magazine is a monthly publication. Price: £2.95. Subscriptions are £29.50 per year for 12 issues and £50 for two years. In UK and Eire postage is free. Add £21 for USA, Australia and Worldwide. Add £11 for Europe. See www.xe.com for currency conversion rates. Please address all subscription correspondence and address changes to: Subscription Department LIFESCAPE Magazine 301, Canalot Studios, 222 Kensal Road, London W10 5BN Tel: 0208 960 9494 Email: info@lifescapemag.com ADVERTISING Cabbell Publishing Limited Tel: 020 8971 8450 Email: Sara.Govey@cabbell.co.uk, Jenny.Scott@cabbell.co.uk
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EDITORIAL Please direct editorial enquiries and correspondence to: Editor, LIFESCAPE Magazine 301, Canalot Studios, 222, Kensal Road, London, W10 5BN
Lifestyle 13 Style: Feel glamourous all over 17 Organic baby food tried and tested 42 Strike a pose: Autumn’s hottest fair trade fashion 58 Travel: Detox in Germany and yoga in Turkey 62 House: Feng Shui for kids rooms 64 Gardening: Growing for wellbeing 68 Recipes: Rose Elliot’s lovely noodles and pasta
VISIT US AT WWW.LIFESCAPEMAG.COM
Regulars
Wyndeham Heron Limited. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. While we endeavour to ensure that firms and organisations mentioned are reputable and ethically motivated, the editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances.
18 News: We keep you informed 28 Food news, views and products 26 Animal life: Wendy Turner Webster 82 Books for the mind and soul 84 Food diary: A week on the plate of Terre à Terre’s super chef, Amanda Rowley 86 Expert help with your problems 88 Health tips: 26 Ulcer beating tactics
The publishers of LIFESCAPE magazine do not necessarily agree with all the statements made in this publication. The health and exercise information provided in LIFESCAPE is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Its intent is to inform, and readers are advised to consult a qualified health practitioner before adopting any of the suggestions or purchasing any products mentioned herein.
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LIFESCAPEYOURLETTERS
your shout! something to say? why don’t you write to us and share your thoughts...
Check my chocs
Vintage Fashion!
Dear editor, I thoroughly enjoy your magazine, thank you. Its contents are consistently inspiring and impressive. Each read leaves me with renewed resolve to explore and encourage how to adopt cruelty free choices wherever possible. Lifescape’s made accessible a whole wealth of ideas on sumptuous vegan recipes and exposure of the terrible cruelty of factory farming. Personally, as a chocolate lover (white, milk, dark- the works!) I’ve not yet managed to cut out milk chocolate in moving towards veganism. It’s a significant concern though, when big chocolate companies say a glass and a half of full cream milk goes into every half pound of certain chocolates. I’m really keen to find out the exact source of big company’s milk supply. Since they produce chocolate on such a huge scale, where does all the milk come from and how are the cows treated? Warmest wishes, Bea – Via email
Dear editor, I am so impressed with your fashion pages and how funky ethical fashion can be. Some of the stuff is really cool. However I feel that I might be getting a bit old to wear some of it. How about some fashion pages for us more mature types? Or maybe some workwear, rather than jeans and fancy tops? Becky - Norfolk
Editor says: Point taken, we’ll also be doing some men’s fashion for our growing army of male readers. This month it’s the kids turn on pages 32-35
Early issues of the mag
Editor says:
Dear editor,
This sounds like a great idea for a feature, we will most certainly be putting this down on our features list. Good luck in your efforts Bea.
Veggie love is hard to find Dear editor, My friends and I have been enjoying your mag for about six months now. I’ve just taken out a subscription to make sure I always get me copy – the local newsagent sells out very quickly! We enjoy the features in Lifescape and would love to see something on dating in the future. It can be hard to find someone veggie out there sometimes and I would love to know more about how to find a veggie partner who is also quite spiritual. Thanks, Helen - North London
Editor says: Thank you Helen and indeed we have had a few letters similar to this so we are definitely thinking about something on dating for a future issue.
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I just wanted to say how much I love the magazine. When I spotted you in WHSmiths I was amazed. I was mainly interested for the veggie food but you’ve introduced me to lots of other interesting stuff in the health and beauty sections which I didn’t really know much about before. I am thinking about order back copies of the magazine to catch up on what I’ve missed over the past year, how do I do this? Love Emma - Essex
Editor says: Hi Becky, you certainly can order back copies. You can do this through our website or give us a call on 020 860 9494.
Slap companies Dear editor, Have been meaning to write for ages, just to say that I really enjoy the magazine. I can really see how it’s blossomed over time from the first few issues. I did, however, wish to express my concern over the beauty pages (which I love). They’re a great way of making readers aware of what’s out there that conforms to their expectations of cruelty-free,
LIFESCAPEYOURLETTERS vegetarian and vegan. But, can I ask that this labelling be clearer for each item? Also, in response to whether we should support “cruelty-free” lines whose parent company do not necessarily fulfil the criteria (for example the Body Shop - L’Oreal, Aveda and Origins - owned by Estee Lauder), I feel strongly that in doing so our money not only funds animal experiments but tells these companies that their practice is acceptable. It does NOT give them an incentive to change their practices on the whole. I suggest people follow guidance from Naturewatch’s “The Compassionate Shopping Guide” (www. naturewatch.org) and the “Animal Free Shopper” produced by the Vegan Society (www.vegansociety.com), which provides up-to-date information on approved companies and changes in practice. For example many well-known stores who used to adhere to the crueltyfree standards, have reverted to the “5-year rolling rule” in testing their products. A complete cop-out and very misleading to the consumer. These websites I’ve included have information that is updated as it is received. Thanks for listening, Vanessa - via email
Editor says: Thanks so much for bringing this up Vanessa. It’s a hugely important issue and one which we are going to do an indepth feature on. If you look for the bunny symbol on our beauty pages, those products are the ones that are BUAV approved and have a fixed cut off date for testing. We also strongly heed the information on PETA’s website when choosing the products for the beauty pages. It is such a complicated issue, and while we are extremely keen to support more independent companies which are ethical, we also want to recognise the bigger companies that aren’t wholly ethical all-round but are making strides towards that. We hope then they will see the popularity of their ‘nice’ products and seriously think about WHY those products are so popular. I think the websites you suggested will be very useful for other readers who will all have different levels of strictness on this issue.
More raw! Dear editor, It was great to meet you at the Vegan show in London in September. I am a raw foodie so had a great day at the show and came home armed with goodies including the latest copy of Lifescape, which I am thoroughly enjoying. It was good to see so many people around the stand and I hope it was a successful day for you. Best, Carmen – Herts
Editor says: Thanks Carmen, it certainly was a fab day and myself and Claudia, Lifescape’s features ed ate lots of treats ourselves! We also sold a lot of mags and subscriptions and generally got to spread the word more about Lifecape so we were happy.
Why not us?! Dear editor, Last month I really wondered why we need to read about these socalled celebs so much. So many quiet and not so quiet but wonderful people are making changes for the good of the planet, kids and everything. They deserve the recognition more, don’t they? How about a new grass roots celeb section? Justin, via the Internet
Editor says Well, we do that in our features and interviews, but it’s something we would like to do more of, so thanks for encouraging us! Send us a picture of yourself!
star letter
This month’s winners!
This month all our letters are stars and will get a marvellous You’re A Star gift box from our good friends at Lush. The pack is a homage to all the A list celebrities who buy the company’s products. It is full of luxurious, skin caring top-to-toe bath and body treats for film star looks. Each product on the list has been bought by the celebrity attributed to it. It’s the
perfect gift for those who want to share in the beauty secrets of the stars. In it you’ll find such fabulous goodies as Big Blue ballistic (Russell Crowe), Sea Veg soap (Jude Law), Dream Cream (Halle Berry), Butterball ballistic (Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow), Tisty Tosty (Liv Tyler), Aqua Mirabilis (Kylie), Flying Fox shower gel (Viggo Mortensen ) and Bathos bubble bar slice (Daryl Hannah and Cher) www.lifescapemag.com
LIFESCAPEFEATURE
LIFESCAPEFEATURE
LIFESCAPE INVESTIGATES
A day at the races
E
veryone knows John McCrirrick. If you didn’t see him oafing around in his big white pants on Celebrity Big Brother, you surely will have seen him in his guise as Channel 4’s flamboyant racing pundit. You probably won’t be surprised to know that the commentator is pro-hunting or to notice that he wears a fur hut, but here’s something you might be shocked by: John McCrirrick thinks whipping horses in an ‘obscenity’. Most people wouldn’t expect a man who doesn’t appear to show much regard for animal life to be so vehemently against this practice, but the fact that he does is interesting. Whipping horses is one of the many issues that leads animal rights groups to believe that horseracing is a cruel and abhorrent industry. In June, the main campaigning group in this area Animal Aid, took their concerns to Parliament for what they feel was a successful debate on the horseracing industry. Animal Aid believes the visit to Parliament will bring the debate over the treatment of horses in horseracing more to the fore of UK politics. As a nation we’ve been brought up with the mindset that horses enjoy being active. What’s more, watching these strong, able creatures run with determination and jump great heights at a lovely green course in the country is a thrilling day out for a huge number of people. There’s the prospect of winning some dosh, as well as the glamour that’s tied into events like Ascot and the association with Royals and rich types. So, what should we really think about 10
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It’s a typical British day out: socialising, competitive spirit and if you’re lucky, you’ll win a few quid. But is racing as fun for the horses? Claudia Cahalane speaks to opinions on both sides of the fence
Dene Stansall and Andrew Tyler of Animal Aid ready to take their concerns about the horseracing industry in to Parliament
terms of safety and in producing winners. Comments on their website from race-horse owners back up these views. In a bid to address concerns over horse welfare when using the whip, the RSPCA has worked with The HRA to bring out a new cushioned whip.
Animal Aid believes the visit to Parliament will bring the debate over the treatment of horses in horseracing more to the fore of UK politics
One of a serious of horseracing accident photos given to Animal Aid by a sports reporter who did not wish to be named
horseracing? On one side of the fence we have Animal Aid and on the other, The Horseracing Regulatory Authority (The HRA) – the industry body that is responsible for conduct in British horseracing. The main bones of contention are whipping, the number of deaths and injuries that occur and more broadly, the whole ethos of the industry is questioned by animal rights figures.
Whipping The age-old issue of whipping has always stirred up debate. In India the practice is
heavily restricted and in some Scandinavian countries it has been banned completely. Earlier this year, Animal Aid sent a PVC-clad dominatrix to Ladies Day at Royal Ascot to whip willing punters so they could see for themselves how painful the experience is. The group’s Horseracing Consultant Dene Stansall, who was brought up in a family of bookmakers and became disillusioned with the treatment of horses, says: “Using pain in an effort to control an animal is morally repugnant to anyone with respect for animals. The evidence shows, in any case, that such violence is counter-productive in
This is now used in National Hunt racing (jumping) and will be used on flat racing in the near future according to the HRA. It is also actively promoted for use in all equestrian disciplines by the RSPCA. “If used correctly and in the right place the whip can be used to encourage a horse to produce its best,” says The HRA. “If it is used incorrectly then disciplinary action is taken against the rider. Britain leads the way internationally with our restrictions on the use of the whip, and there is no doubt that progress has been made in recent years,” adds the Authority. But Animal Aid is not satisfied by the new whip design. Andrew Tyler, Director of the organisation, told Lifescape that he believed it merely encouraged jockeys to use the weapon harder and more frequently. There are considerable restrictions on using the whip in the UK, and several jockeys have
been reprimanded for over-using it in recent times, but many people inside and outside the industry would ultimately still be happier with a ban. Whipping is just one aspect of the industry that animal rights groups are unhappy with. Indeed Animal Aid calls into question the entire industry, which it believes is built on money and glory without the best interests of the horse at heart. Earlier this year Animal Aid’s Andrew Tyler and Dene Stansall went to Parliament to discuss, what they call, “scandalously high levels of equine death and injury” within the industry, with the Chief Executive of the HRA. They said that the HRA had “previously refused to debate Animal Aid, but a request from the Associate Parliamentary Group on Animal Welfare (APGAW) to answer Animal Aid’s charges before a gathering of peers, MPs, regulatory racing figures and animal protection representatives, would have proved embarrassing to decline.” The Animal Aid team was pleased with the discussions and believe they signal the beginning of a serious political debate about racing and welfare.
Deaths and Injuries About 375 race horses die each year, according to Animal Aid, a number of these lose their life while racing, such as the 11 horses who died at Cheltenham last year, or through injuries sustained during racing. Along with this, the group says it has evidence that many more die during training. Dene Stansall at Animal Aid dedicates a huge amount of his time to going to races and studying racing journals and papers to work out how many deaths and injuries are happening. He believes that Cheltenham is the worst of the country’s 59 courses in Britain, followed by Aintree, Warwick and Carlisle. Aintree is of course home to the legendary Grand National, a race which has seen the death of 32 horses since 1997. In 2004, one commentator described scenes at the race as ‘carnage’. The annual race strikes a chord with other animal rights groups such as The League Against Cruel Sports, too. The League is not as vocal over horseracing as it is over other ‘sports’ involving animals. However, it is fully opposed to the Grand National, stating: “As an animal welfare organisation, the League Against Cruel Sports does not consider that the Grand National horse racing event, in its current form, is
acceptable for the following reasons: Whilst the League welcomes recent alterations made to the course, it is clear that horses and riders are still being put at considerable risk. “The League considers that a race of four and a half miles over large and difficult fences is too long and gruelling for most horses - particularly in heavy conditions. The League believes that the numbers of horses entering the race should be reduced further to less than 30 to avoid bunching and collisions - particularly in the early stages of the race.
The Grand National has seen the death of 32 horses since 1997. In 2004, one commentator described scenes at the race as ‘carnage’. To demonstrate the deaths and injuries which happen every year on Britain’s race courses, Animal Aid has made a 90-second film called Heartbeat. It is a montage of accidents, which provides a horrifying viewing experience as horses crash to the ground, often breaking their necks before dying. The video was shown in Parliament and “caused obvious distress to many of those present,” said Animal Aid. Speaking to Lifescape, spokesperson for The Horseracing Regulatory Authority, Paul Struthers, did admit that the montage was shocking, but he also calls the video an emotional weapon. “They (Animal Aid) handpicked the worst fallers over a five year period and put them together in a montage and you can’t deny it makes horrible, shocking viewing. Statistics and details of everything racing does (to improve safety) can never really compete with emotional weapons like that,” says Mr Struthers. A recent report by the horse racing industry into the deaths at Cheltenham last year also concluded that the “unique demands of the Cheltenham Festival create an increased risk for horses.” But The HRA says the number of deaths overall are decreasing and that conditions are getting better all the time. “The British Horse Society estimates that there are eight traffic accidents per day involving horses. That’s over 3,000 a year, with many resulting in fatalities or serious injury. Our role is to reduce the risk to horses and research into ways to reduce the risk.” www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPEFEATURE improvements because they do not agree with horseracing full stop. Animal Aid on the other hand say that they are not attempting to get racing banned, they just point to the fact that even with all the changes in the last few years, there are still situations like the last Cheltenham. In Parliament they called for some measures to quickly reduce the number of deaths and accidents. They are: - The publication of comprehensive data on equine mortality, sickness and injury. - An independent audit of all racecourses to determine what immediate steps can be taken to reduce mortality and injury. - A ban on the whip. - A ban on the Grand National - A proper fund for retired Thoroughbreds.
He continued to say that over the last five years, “initiatives have been introduced for the safety and welfare of horses, and the standards will be raised further still in the next five years.”
Safety measures The RSPCA says that it monitors all aspects of horseracing and maintains an active dialogue with the industry. It has lobbied successfully for more safely designed fences, padded hurdles, safer water jumps, as well as the new whips.
“Over the last five years initiatives have been introduced for the safety and welfare of horses, and the standards will be raised further still in the next five years,” - Paul Struthers, The Horseracing Regulatory Authority Mr Struthers also told us that the importance placed on the conditions on the ground at racecourses has meant that the top investment priority at major racecourses like Cheltenham and Aintree has seen the introduction of irrigation and drainage systems. These help to produce consistent racing surfaces and reduce the number of meetings held on firm or heavy ground. The HRA appears to have the opinion that Animal Aid will never be satisfied with any 12
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Whichever side of the fence you stand on, it is plain to see that the industry is striving to improve itself, but that doesn’t mean the battle is anywhere near over for animal rights groups. They want to ensure that racehorses are treated well on the course, and there are also many issues they say need to be looked at off the track. These being that they believe too many horses are bred into the industry and that unsuitable ones are then abandoned. The other concern is that, while a fund has been set up for retired race horses, financially the money only represents a miniscule portion of the cash the industry makes each year. Aside from this, there are concerns that horses are made to race when they are too young, mares are made to be pregnant too often and prize studs service far too many mares, considerably narrowing the gene pool and increasing the risks of birth defects.
RSPCA’s Horseracing Consultant, David Muir tells Lifescape: “There has always been strong public concern on the use of the whip but we are seeing evidence that these days it is used more for correction and encouragement. That is how it is taught at riding schools and if jockeys follow that they shouldn’t hurt the horse. From 1 Jan 2007 we are expecting to see the new whip being used for flat racing as well as jump racing. The design specifications which can be seen on our website explain how a horse can feel the whip touching them but it does not hurt. I am constantly examining ways that the industry can be improved and I believe the best way to do this is to be in touch with the industry. One issue I want to bring to the fore at the moment is reducing the toughness of summer races, which traditionally see weaker horses taking to the courses as the stronger better performing ones are saved for the winter season. At Cheltenham all the changes I’ve asked for have happened, we just have to wait and see now whether they’ve worked. I know a lot of people want to see the Grand National banned and I will always have concerns about the famous Becher’s Brook jump which has seen many accidents but I worry that banning it will only move the problem elsewhere such as Ireland or abroad where we won’t be able to keep a close eye on what is happening. e
More info:
www.animalaid.org.uk www.thehra.org
Go Glamour
LIFESCAPESTYLE
Autumn weather doesn’t have to mean piling on the baggy jumpers and sending your glamorous side into hibernation. Alexia Weeks reveals how to radiate opulence the ethical way
Jazz up any old outfit with a touch of opulence Brooches, the Swarovski selection starts from £16.50, from Boho Fashion Jewellery (vegan except for purple brooch)
Got curves? Show them off with curve enhancing fashion at its sleekest Tailored Belt Dress, £55, Rare Fashion (v)
Love cats? Tell the world with this quirky but stylish bracelet Cat Tile Bracelet, £15.99, Boho Fashion Jewellery (v)
Let your inner star shine with these Fair Trade reflective bangles Boho Bangles, £7.95 for six, The Green Apple (v)
A coffee break for parched lips, perfect for protection in unpredictable Autumn weather, available in six delicious flavours Perk Lipbalm, Crazy Rumours, £2.95, hqhair.com (v) www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPESTYLE
LIFESCAPEFEATURE
So the bundle of joy is with us, but we might feel we have just entered the craziest roller coaster of our lives, when all we wanted was to do things naturally. Rajasana Otiende sets the scene…
Parental bliss and the slings of fortune… Slough away dead skin and wobbly bits with these organic lemon peel pamper pots Nature Girl Pamper Kit, £39, Lovely Organic.com (v)
Sheer sophistication in vegan boots doesn’t have to mean Wellingtons… Jodie Grey ‘Suede’ Boots, £187, Beyond Skin (v) Stars, like new veggie Paris Hilton, love these Swarovski crystal adorned bracelets - the hottest new thing in do-it-yourself therapy Magnet Therapy Bracelet, £48, Energetix (v)
Organic ingredients tint the colour of your lips, so the look is natural and totally kissable Mama Coco’s Lip Balm in Red Hibiscus, £4.70, Lovely Organic.com Indulge yourself every way with this silky underwear set Eternal Creation Underwear Set, £69, Worldly, Wicked and Wise
Wrap up in style with this Fair Trade scarf, available in different colours Pashmina Scarf, £15, The Green Apple 14
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This glass bead set will add a touch of elegance and autumn colour to any outfit Pomegranate Beaded Jewellery Set, £15, People Tree (v)
Feel like royalty in this exquisite Fair Trade party dress Tiffany Party Dress, £150, People Tree
To be or not to be... in a nappy: Elimination communication So, firstly, have you heard of EC? If you haven’t, it may sound like yet another fad for those wanting to be the most eco friendly. But actually it simply means leaving your baby with no nappy. Or to put it another way, you don’t nappy-train your baby and then un-train them with potty training! The whole process is said to help you to bond with your child, as you make noises and learn to understand when your baby needs to either wee or pooh. It’s messy, yes, time consuming, yes, and natural, very much so! Some would say it’s much easier to take on this option if you are able to spend a fair amount of your time with your baby, as obviously it may not work to ask a nursery or other carer or whoever to carry on where you leave off…. However, here’s what one parent says, and if you hear more from those who are into EC, you’ll see many actually do practice it just when they are home or at certain times of the day. “The thing I love about it is that it proves that babies are so much smarter than we give them credit for. Just as it was fascinating and almost unbelievable the first time you saw a baby signing to its parents (whether that baby was yours or someone else’s), it’s also really cool to see a baby clearly communicating their elimination needs. For example, when my youngest baby is playing happily on the floor, then crawls up to me quickly and starts fussing, I sit her on the potty and she poops. Instead of struggling with an unhappy, squirmy baby during diaper changes, her needs are met in a more hygienic way, quickly and easily, with respect for her dignity.” Not something to be taken lightly but definitely an option worth considering if you want to really and truly feel you understand your baby’s every move!
If cloth nappies are more of an option for you, there are lots of choices these days on products as well as help in cleaning. Boots and Mothercare are great high street stores to stock up on nappies and either check your local phone directory or go on line to find a cleaning service if you would rather outsource that part. There are quite a few up and coming green nappy-laundering services around. As for the die-hard disposable users – there are now an abundance of brands that do a little less damage to our environment (and thus the animals and wildlife generally). When you think about how many nappies your young ones get through, and how much money you spend on them, it does makes sense to make an informed choice here. We mention just one or two we liked.
Here’s a few resources on the nappy front: www.ec-information.com www.diaperfreebaby.org www.theecstore.com www.SpiritofNature.co.uk www.Naturebotts.co.uk www.earthlets.co.uk www.changeanappy.co.uk
To push or not to push? Another big choice is the pushchair situation. Again, as with EC, this is something that comes quite naturally in less materialistic countries, as pushchairs are just not practical due to terrain and other factors, even if they were around. However, over here, prams and pushchairs are the obvious choice and use of them seems to take an incredible amount of information and thought, what to speak of cost. So, firstly, let me say, there is an option to not have a pushchair. But, ok, what comes in its place, or are we talking large bands of
cotton, wrapping the wriggly one to us all day? For natural parents the choice is often to carry your baby in a sling. This is great and it’s cheap, and keeps your child close to you, with lots of bodily contact. Slings for older children are also a good idea for simplicity, lack of expense and very nurturing and bonding. However, if you do have a bad back, and/or wriggly, independent children, then leave it as a great ‘idea’ and not one to follow through. But if it works for you, there are a lot of parents who swear it makes mother and/or father and child bond like nothing else. But don’t lets forget, as it is all too readily assumed that physical proximity is what bonding is all about, that equally and perhaps in the long run, more important, is creating a means whereby you communicate genuinely and empathetically with your children. Enjoying a conversation with them can happen anywhere - in sling, car seat, push chair or as they run along beside you, from well before they can talk in sentences. If you really are so green that you don’t have a car, take note that it can be quite exhausting to carry a 2 year old in a sling everywhere, and what of the shopping that has to be done, or other tasks that require bending and stooping? Maybe being deep green means no shopping to speak of, but let’s be realistic. It can be quite a hassle persuading a tired little person to walk nicely and safely along side you whenever you are out busy doing whatever you are doing! And if we’re talking more than one child under three, or one or two kids who happen to be quite large boned and well, just very heavy by the age of one, a sling may literally break your back or mean you never leave the house for the first two or three years of their lives! So this really is a very individual choice based on very personal circumstances. www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPEFEATURE
Put to the test… baby food
High on a seat on wheels… From the time your baby is nearly due, you may be considering what kind of car seat (if you have a car) you will have, and whether it will link to a pram. If you are going the pram/travel system route, you will find so many companies now make chairs that claim to be really baby friendly. With Stokke’s your child is at eye level with you, creating more bonding (but jolly bulky and expensive!! Though, it must be said, pretty cool looking). Bugaboo is the other favourite for many, coming in all different colours and variations and looks very comfy. Then you have the practical choice of the lightest ones on the market such as the new ‘buggy’ from Mama’s and Papas, and Mothercare’s and McClaren’s light city strollers. All these are widely promoted. So there we are – it’s back to the advantages of slings and baby carriers, definitely more comforting while baby is young, and much lighter. (Haven’t we all seen someone or spent time carrying our baby while pushing that chair with our other hand?). And with prams going wrong, difficult doorways and small car boots, it can turn into an absolute nightmare getting the pram in and out and here and there, as well as the tots themselves and their paraphernalia! Of course, for anyone who has a child challenged with physical or other medical or life problems, or parents or the baby’s carers, who themselves might have challenges that make it impossible to carry a child without help, push chairs are an invaluable and irreplaceable resource. And if you have twins, you have to be very strong, or just go for wheels!
These are not the only questions… Moving on to bringing up your child veggie or vegan, deciding how to discipline (or not, as some people swear by), sleeping with or without your baby, toddler, child and then, how and where on earth to educate them – well, the decisions are never ending and the advice and suggestions are even more so…. Anyway, thank goodness for the good old Internet that opens up forums and access to information for everyone and means you can walk away when you have had enough. More another time on these very important topics - but do send your experiences and comments in. We’d love to hear from you. e
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There is no denying that even the most patient of parents can find introducing the little one to different tastes and textures is a bit of a battle. Plus there is all the pureeing, mashing, blending, heating, cooling of what can seem like an endless supply of mini-meals. Marrisa- Catherine Carrarini checked out the popular vegetarian baby foods in case you fancy a break now and then. Most of the companies provide non-vegetarian meals, so check ingredients carefully. Some, like the fruit purees and pure veggie mixes, are suitable for vegans too. The best ethical buy: Plum Baby Plum Baby is the Cordon Bleu of baby food. These superfood inspired meals, especially the Blueberry, Banana & Vanilla, are pure, smooth, and beautifully prepared. And they’re perfect for holidays or mums on the go, as they do not need to be kept in the fridge. For extra brownie points their Mango & Banana is the first officially fair trade baby food, apparently. www.plumbaby.co.uk Price: £1.99 for 2 x 100g pots Available from: Waitrose, Sainsbury’s or www.graigfarm. co.uk and www.olimia.com.
The best dessert: Organix Purees Puddings and Creamies Organix fruit purees and fruit puddings will suit any age: they’re fresh and healthful tasting with an imaginative variety of flavours. Plus for the older ones, the new natural yoghurt Creamies (Apple & Vanilla or Banana flavour) are juicy and pure tasting with a subtle sweetness. There’s no added sugar, fillers or chemicals. www.organix.com Price: £1.59 for 4 pots.
Available from: Waitrose, supermarkets and independent health food stores.
The best for special dietary requirements: Holle Swiss company Holle was the first company we know of to make organic baby food and they offer a good range of dairy and gluten-free staples for all ages. Although a little bland, the Broccoli and Whole Grain Rice and Mixed Vegetables with Millet were of a nice consistency and come in good sized pots. Price: £0.99 per jar or 6 jar case £5.34 Available from: www.ulula.co.uk
Best bargain buy: Cow and Gate Frutapura These pure fruit compotes are designed for four months to three-year-olds. But their smooth texture and sweet fruitiness make them great for lunchboxes or heated up over muesli. Although not as light and fresh as other brands, they come in nice flavours like Peach and Strawberry or Pear and Pineapple. www.cowandgate. co.uk Price: £1.49 for four pots
Available from: Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury, Boots and Superdrug
The best frozen meal: Truuuly Scrumptious This award winning organic range produces exactly what it says on the tin: truuuly scrumptious, generous baby meals made with high quality ingredients (and nothing else). The Sweet Potato & Parsnip tasted ever so slightly floury, but the Banana, Apple & Pear was perfectly textured. www. bathorganicbabyfood.co.uk Price: £22.42 for a box of 14 Available from: www.graigfarm. co.uk or www.cookfood.net
The best just like mamma makes: Goodness Knows These bite-sized pots of organic purees are beautifully made. Each pot contains nothing more than the one or two ingredients and are ideal to keep frozen or in the fridge. The sweet potato, broccoli, apple and the pear were light, pure, refreshing, delicately mild and tasted homemade from just-picked produce. www.goodnessknows. co.uk Price: 99p per pot Available from: independent
health food shops and www. goodness.co.uk or www. graigfarm.co.uk
The best store cupboard staple: Hipp Fruit Pots These Organic Fruit Pots are made with no added sugar or chemicals, but the Banana & Peach and Apple & Strawberry had a slight mass-produced taste to them. OK for the occasional treat. www.hipp.co.uk Price: £1.49 Available: Boots, Co-Op, Morrison’s, Tesco and Waitrose
The best for older babies: So baby This 2006 Soil Association’s award-winning organic baby food offers a range of complete meals, like Macaroni Cheese for six months to two year olds. Although not all the range is vegetarian, their Risotto with Butternut Squash was mashed just right and tasted deliciously homemade and healthy. www. so-baby.co.uk Price: £1.95 per pot. Available from: independent health food shops
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LIFESCAPENEWS
LIFESCAPENEWS
your monthly
News Zip...
Organic Food Waitrose launches new organic range
Animal Rights Animal cruelty on the increase, says RSPCA The RSPCA has released figures showing that animal cruelty in the UK is increasing at a shocking rate. Director General Jackie Ballard called the year 2005 “one of the most violent towards animals”. Based on statistics from June 2004 to May 2005, more than one millions animals were seen by inspectors and nearly 70,000 of these were cases where basic needs were not being met, a 78% increase on the previous year. Alarmingly, the animal charity found nearly 20,000 animals visited had no access to water. According to the RSPCA these figures will continue to rise, but it is attempting to improve the situation by teaching animal welfare in a purpose built £200,000 facility near Crystal Palace station.
Waitrose has launched its new look organics range which includes about 1,500 products including ready made meals and snacks. Despite holding under 4% of the total UK grocery market, Waitrose represents 16% of all organic grocery sales in the UK. The company also sources 60% of its organic vegetables from within the UK. When Waitrose first introduced organic products over 20 years ago, its organic fruit and vegetables range represented just 1% of the supermarket’s total fresh fruit and vegetables sales. Today, this figure has increased to 12%, and continues to rise. Waitrose is also the only supermarket to have its own range of Organic Herbs and Spices and the company fully supports the Government’s Organic Targets Bill which aims to ensure that at least 30% of UK farmland is organic by 2010. To coincide with the new product launches Waitrose stores have seven organic recipe cards available in their branches at the moment, including: Chocolate Brownies with Pears & Brazil Nuts, Cheesy Bread Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Vegetable Tikka Biryani with Almonds.
Health Organic milk has higher Omega 3, say academics Academics from the University of Glasgow have found that organic milk has higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids than conventional milk, based on their study of 36 UK farms. They have written a letter to the FSA 18
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(Food Standards Agency) in the hope of changing the Government’s stance and making them recognise the health differences between organic and non-organic milk. Main authors of the letter Dr Kathryn Ellis, Dr Monika Mihm and Dr Giles Innocent have cited their own research along with other studies.
Recycling
Liam Bailey and Claudia Cahalane bring you a round up of the latest news on the issues that matter to you HIGH WASTE FOR APPLE
Apple computers scores high on waste and chemicals. Greenpeace is keeping a close eye to see how nearly six million Lithium Ion batteries will be disposed of after computer giants Dell and Apple recalled their new Li-Ion (Lithium Ion) laptop batteries. The batteries were recalled at the end of August after several caused laptops to overheat and catch fire. Shortly after the recalling of the batteries Greenpeace ranked the companies based on their electronic waste policies and use of toxic chemicals. Dell performed well coming second, but Apple came a miserable eleventh on the list.
Their main argument relates to the higher levels of Omega 3 compared with Omega 6, which is beneficial because UK diets tend to contain too much Omega 6 and not enough Omega 3. The FSA says it will review the findings carefully seeking independent expert advice where necessary.
Plastic milk bottle recycling centre on the way The Government’s Waste and Resources Action Programme has said contracts for the world’s first “closed loop” recycling plant for plastic milk bottles could be agreed as early as Christmas. WRAP’s plastics technical manager said: “This is a very unusual project, because it will turn HDPE (a type of plastic) bottles back into foodgrade polyethylene – it’s closed loop recycling for bottles, and this will be the first plant in the world to do that.”
Animal Rights
At the Third Interfaith Celebration of Animals service held at the Golders Green Unitarian Church in London, an exciting new initiative was launched that Lifescape will be endorsing and reporting on. Quaker Concern for Animals, in conjunction with the Unitarian Interfaith Panel and the World Congress of Faiths, officially launched the Interreligious Fellowship for Animals. Their Universal Kinship Fund will support the ethical research of the Dr. Hadwen Trust and the Fellowship will provide an active forum for all faith groups to come together, along with everyone who understands our responsibility for and kinship with all our fellow species.
News in brief
New green technology needed within a decade An energy expert has said in The Guardian that the world has only ten years to develop new technology to generate green electricity before climate change reaches a point of no return.
Schoolchildren asked to help fight climate change
Kids across the UK are being encouraged to tackle climate change
The EC’s (European Commission) public awareness campaign, “you control climate change” launched a massive schools program in September encouraging kids and teachers to get onboard with the issue.
Entertainment The Animals’ War exhibition, Imperial War Museum London The Animals’ War exhibition, Imperial War Museum London They’re often the forgotten heros of war and terrorism, but now we can celebrate the bravery of animals at this touching exhibition. Jake, the Metropolitan police dog deployed in the wake of the 7 July terrorist bombings in London is one of the animals featured in the exhibtion. Also featured is Buster, the Royal Army Veterinary Corps search dog, who received a PDSA Dickin Medal for locating a hidden cache of arms, explosives and bomb-making equipment in Iraq in March 2003. An accompanying book, The Animals’ War, with a foreword by Jilly Cooper, will be published by Portrait, priced at £20.00 and a children’s book is priced at £4.99. The exhibition will transfer to IWM North in Manchester in summer 2007. Price: Adults £6.00, Concessions £5.00, Children and Groups £4.00, Family Ticket £18.00. More information: 020 7416 5374/ www.iwm.org.uk/animals When: Until 22 April 2007
Nosh and notes A cosy new musical veggie cafébar has opened in London’s gritty Camden. The café has live music performances four or five nights a week, ranging from folk and blues to roots, world, jazz, country, bluegrass and singer-songwriters. And they’ve already had musicindustry darling ex-Blur man Graham Coxon doing a session for them. The café also serves a menu of veggie food from around the world, including a selection of tapas, as well as a changing daily specials. More information: 020 7485 9899 or email mail@greennote.co.uk
Don’t support the murder and maim games! We don’t all want computer games where the mission is to murder and maim as many characters as possible, so you might want to try veggie game LarryBoy and the Bad Apple. It’s a US programme for the GameBoy Advance and is available through Amazon and the other usual online stockists. The game is based on the Veggie Tales character in America. In it, you can take on the role of a crime fighting cucumber to save people from the local bad apple. Help can come from your ever-faithful butler Archibald Asparagus. Price: Normally $9.99
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LIFESCAPEAYURVEDA&YOGA
Why massage?
M
assage is prescribed in Ayurveda as it is one of the keys to longevity. Vata dosha tends to predominate as we age and it is this dosha that dries us out, causing everything from wrinkled skin to constipation. Using ancient Ayurvedic herbs mixed with oils, massage works to purify, nourish and tone the skin on a deep cellular level. It also promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces free-radical activity and detoxifies. The herbs used also have natural anti-oxidants and have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Bob Hope credited his long life to a live in masseur and daily massages. Dr. Andrew Weil, director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona in Tucson and a pioneer of alternative health, says that he is a firm believer that massage stimulates the body’s own healing response. He frequently recommends massage therapy. “A growing body of research shows that massage offers health benefits throughout the life cycle: It promotes weight gain and motor development in babies, and boosts respiratory function in children with asthma. It also increases blood circulation, reduces stress hormones, increases range of motion, reduces depression, and enhances immune function.”
The Lymph system and massage
Beautiful Skin, Peaceful Mind
Ayurvedic massage is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, slow down the skin’s ageing process, improve blood circulation and remove toxins from the cells. Jennifer Beckman reveals the secret of this very powerful but gentle therapy 20
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Massage relaxes and tones the muscles, stimulates glands under the skin to produce hormones, including seratonin, that calm the mind and emotions and promotes drainage of the lymphatic system. Lymphatic fluid delivers nutrients to the cells and then carries away cellular debris and toxic particles. As the fluid passes through the lymph nodes, the waste products are flushed out. Unfortunately, unlike the blood system, the lymph system does not have a pump, but depends on muscular contractions to move the body’s network of lymph vessels about. When muscles are inactive, the unfiltered fluid stagnates and becomes ‘ama’ which can precipitate genetic breakdown and disease. Massage stimulates the nodes and drains the toxic fluids. This is vital to good health.
The role of oils in massage Ayurvedic oils enhance the purification process by penetrating the skin and balancing the doshas. They have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-flammatory properties. Designed to penetrate the skin, their nutrients go directly into the blood capillaries, loosening attached toxins and carrying them to the digestive tract for elimination. The herbal oils also improve blood circulation and the digestive system. They feed the skin and work to balance the emotions and relax the mind.
Abhayanga: Ayurvedic Oil Massage According to Ayurveda, a fullbody warm oil self-massage, done each morning (or as often as you can), is relaxing and revitalizing for mind and body. Usually this is best to do before morning Yoga and bathing, so that the oil can be absorbed through the skin by the heat generated by the Yoga. For very oily skin use chickpea flour or a body brush.
General benefits If you use oils specific to the doshas this massage can bring each of the doshas into alignment. It is nourishing, pacifying Vata and Kapha Relieves fatigue, Provides stamina Helps keep skin supple, moisturized and nourished, enhancing the complexion and luster of the skin Promotes longevity and nourishes all parts of the body Helps improve circulation and lubrication Helps strengthen and tone the muscles and joints Helps release deep-seated toxins for elimination from the body Helps balance the emotions and keeps the mind calm yet focused and alert, and with a feeling of pleasure Helps increase energy through the day and promotes sound sleep at night
How to do abhyanga (Ayurvedic self-massage) Materials: 2-3 oz massage oil suited to your needs for balance, plastic squeeze bottle, pot of very warm water, old cotton towel or mat, paper towels. Step 1. Pour the oil into the squeeze bottle and shut bottle tightly. Step 2. Place the bottle in the warm water for 5 minutes or until the oil heats up to comfortably warm. Step 3. Stand on your towel or mat in a comfortably warm, draft-free room. Step 4. Squeeze the oil a little at a time into your palm and apply the oil to your body, working systematically down until your entire body is anointed with oil. Step 5. Massage the oil into your skin, giving each part of your body adequate attention. Use up and down strokes over limbs and circular strokes over joints, chest and abdomen. Apply lighter pressure over chest and abdomen than over extremities. This process should take about 10-12 minutes. Step 6. If massaging your scalp, apply oil to the crown of the head and then work the oil into your scalp with your fingers in outward circles. Step 7. Sit quietly with eyes closed for 5 minutes, breathing deeply. Step 8. If there is excess oil, pat off with paper towels. Step 9. Take a warm bath or shower, being very careful not to slip. Wipe excess oil off your feet before stepping off the towel or mat. Use a very gentle, nonsoap cleanser and a gentle shampoo. Step 10. Pat your skin with a towel and apply moisturizing lotion or a gentle natural dusting powder. Note: The towels and mats you stand on for abhyanga will get stained and eventually oil-saturated, so use old ones and do not put them in washing machines or dryers. They should be periodically thrown away and replaced.
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LIFESCAPEAYURVEDA&YOGA
Everyday massages for health and beauty In her book Absolute Beauty: Radiant Skin and Inner Harmony through the Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda, Pratima Taichur uses three mini-massages that we can all do at home.
ONE: Scalp-and-Foot Massage – for better eyesight… Massaging the scalp helps to balance the subtle energies in the body, increases the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. It improves memory and eyesight and helps to balance the pineal and pituitary glands. The energy points or ‘marma’ points in the head mirror those in the feet, and visa versa. Rubbing herbal oils on the feet has a soothing, grounding effect, helping to pacify the Vata dosha. Anointing the feet is an ancient practice and is a wonderful meditation in the morning. As you gently massage your feet you can consider the fact that you depend on them to carry you about throughout the day.
Marma points located in the head: For each point: 1. Pour some oil onto your palm and gently pat the point 2. Massage this point clockwise 3. Curl the hair above the point around your finger and firmly pull once, to stimulate the nerves.
Brahma Randhra (marma point) Located about eight finger widths above the eyebrows, this is the area on the skull that is not already formed at birth. According to Ayurveda it is the place that Prana or life force leaves the body. To massage this area relieves pressure headaches.
Adipati (maram point) Located midway between the ears on top of the head, this is commonly known as the “crown” chakra. To massage this area relieves hypertension
Manya Mula (marma point) This is located at the base of the medulla oblongata. It is the deep indentation at the base of the skull, at the back of the head. Use your middle finger to massage this area instead of you palm. This is good for pancreatic dysfunction and tension headaches.
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LIFESCAPEAYURVEDA&YOGA Marma points located in the feet: Talahridya (marma point) With your thumb, massage the point under the foot around your arch; this is good for the heart.
Big Toe Massage the area in the middle of the underside of the big toe. This helps to regulate hormone levels.
Other toes Starting with the big toe, massage the underside of the base joint of each toe. Now go back and massage each toe all over by gently pulling upward from base to tip. (Each toe corresponds to a major organ from biggest to smallest: brain, lungs, intestines, kidney, heart)
Kshipra (marma point) This is located on the top of the foot, in the groove just between the big toe and the first toe. Place the tips of both thumbs between the big toe and the first toe, then massage about one inch toward the ankle until you feel the bone. With both hands, massage your foot in upward strokes from toes to ankles. Do both top and bottom.
to relieve head colds.
TWO: Abdominal Massage – beat cellulite naturally…
Under eye
A stomach massage twice a day, once in the morning and again before bedtime, not only helps to reduce fat deposits and cellulite around the abdomen area, but also strengthens and tones the muscles, especially after childbirth. Warning: You should never massage your abdomen if you are pregnant, have heart problems or intestinal ulcers. Stomach massage is an excellent way to reduce stress levels. The solar plexus area is a major depository for toxins and unexpressed emotions. It is said in the ancient Ayurvedic texts that 72,000 nadis or subtle energy points converge at the navel. Massage in this region helps to stimulate energy flow throughout the body. Other benefits include relief from chronic constipation, improved kidney function and improved digestion.
Marma points on the stomach area: Nabhi (marma point) Pour the oil directly onto your bellybutton area. With your fingers gently massage the area around the navel in a clockwise circle. Then, using the palm, slowly make the circles bigger until you have massaged the entire abdominal area. Now go back, reversing the direction, making the circles smaller until you are back at the navel.
Centre of cheekbones Work back towards the ears along the bone.
Just above cheek bones, press gently with ring finger. Do not rub.
Brows
Make your own face oils Vata – Dry Skin Mix 1oz sesame oil + 10 drops red rose+ 6 drops of lemon and neroli oil. Apply by mixing 3 drops with water in palm of hand and gently apply to face Pitta – Sensitive Skin Mix 1oz almond oil + 10 drops vetiver and sandalwood oil. Apply by mixing 3 drops of oil with 6 drops of water in palm of hand and gently apply to face Kapha – Oily Skin Mix 1oz sunflower oil + 10 drops of patchouli and lavender oil + 5 drops of bergamot. Apply by mixing 2 drops of oil and 4 drops of water and gently apply to face.
THREE: Mini-face massage – the natural face lift… This mini-face massage helps tone the cheeks and hydrates skin so laugh lines and wrinkles around the mouth and forehead are smoothed away. Always remember to use your particular face oil for your skin type. Massage each point clockwise for 20 – 30 seconds. Unless otherwise directed use your middle fingers.
Use the thumb (underside of the nail) to press upward on the inside corner of the eyebrows at bridge of the nose. Then, with thumb and forefinger, pinch each brow across the whole arch from inside to outside corner. Repeat. This is good for headaches and bladder problems.
Temples Use flat fingers to massage gently in circles.
Third eye area
This helps to relieve head colds
Press gently with forefinger and middle finger in circular movements.
Central area
Crown or top of head
Centre of chin
Massage between the nose and upper lip and outside corners of nose. These outside corners of the nose directly correspond to the small intestines. It also helps
Place both hands on top of head. Make the fingers into claws and move them rapidly back and forth, vibrating the scalp.
Head Massage: Say no to bad hair days! Why wait until you experience hair problems? As with your skin, start taking care of it now, and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come. According to Ayurveda, a beautiful healthy head of hair requires an ongoing care routine that starts with nourishment. Massaging the scalp and hair with warm oil, preferably infused with hair-friendly herbs, is the best way to nourish the scalp and hair topically. Not only does the massage work wonders for your hair, but it also relaxes the mind and nervous system. The oil for the massage can be customized by hair and body type. If your hair is thin, dry and frizzy and prone to split-ends, you have Vata hair. If you have fine hair prone to premature thinning or greying, you are Pitta-predominant. If you are predominantly Kapha, your hair will tend to be thick and oily.
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LIFESCAPEAYURVEDA&YOGA
Choosing a Massage Oil for Hair Massage
The 12 major benefits If you do this at least once or more a week, perhaps two to three times if you have more Vata, you will experience the following 12 benefits: 1. Lubricates and conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp without the use of harsh chemical shampoos. 2. Helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area. 3. When the scalp is “tight” from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded, massage remedies this as it helps relax the scalp and increases pliability. 4. Helps strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair. 5. Helps soften and condition the hair, making it more manageable. 6. Spreads the natural oils of the hair, increasing hair luster and vibrancy. 7. Helps protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh weather by improving resiliency over time. 8. Replenishes and rejuvenates dry, damaged hair, and helps prevent excessive brittleness and split-ends. 9. Helps pacify Vata dosha. When enriched with Vatapacifying herbs, a warm oil hair and scalp massage can be wonderfully relaxing for the mind and nervous system. 10. When fortified with cooling, Pitta-pacifying herbs, the hair and scalp massage can help balance Pitta dosha and help prevent Pitta-related problems such as premature graying or thinning of hair. 11. Helps reduce body heat in general, especially if you have been up late a few nights or your eyes are smarting from too much close work on the computer or reading. 12. A Pitta-pacifying massage helps promote emotional balance. The massage helps relax the muscles in the neck area. The hair and scalp massage can help promote sound sleep at night. 24
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Vata: likely to have a tight scalp If you are Vata-predominant, choose almond oil or sesame oil as the base oil. Both of these oils are very nourishing for the scalp and hair and help reduce stiffness and tightness in the scalp. Pitta: thinning and premature greying For Pitta persons, cooling coconut oil is the ideal choice. Because coconut is very Pitta-pacifying, coconut oil massage can retard hair problems such as thinning and premature graying that are associated with an aggravated Pitta dosha. Kapha: for over oily hair If you are Kapha-predominant, sesame or olive oil are good choices. Olive oil has purifying properties that help keep pores open.
Ayurvedic Hair Oils While massaging with a doshaappropriate base oil can be helpful, there are also ayurvedic oils designed for hair and scalp massage. These typically include one or more hair-friendly herbs to augment the benefit of the massage. Traditionally, these herbs are slow-cooked with the oil, and the oil is then strained and ready for use. Brahmi helps calm the mind and nervous system, pacifies Vata and is very nourishing for the hair. It helps promote hair thickness and body. Amalaki is cooling, nourishing and purifying all at the same time, so it is wonderful for all types of hair. It is especially beneficial for Pittapredominant people, because it pacifies Pitta and helps ward off
premature thinning and greying of hair. It also helps prevent dry scalp and flakes. Bhringaraj, which translates to “king of tresses,” is also Pitta-pacifying and very nourishing for the hair. Hibiscus is cooling and helps maintain hair color and vitality. Neem is good for Kapha hair as it has purifying and cleansing properties. Rosemary and Lavender are excellent for all types of hair. Rosemary helps stimulate hair follicles and promotes growth, helps retard premature thinning and graying, and soothes and conditions the scalp. Lavender stimulates hair growth, balances oil production and replenishes the hair and scalp. Jasmine helps alleviate stress.
How to Do the Scalp and Hair Self-Massage Pour some oil into a bowl and warm the oil by placing the bowl in some hot water. The oil should be warm but comfortable to the touch. Using the pads of your fingers, apply the oil little by little to different parts of your scalp, parting your hair as needed. Also work some oil along the length of your hair. Using the pads of your fingers, work the oil into your scalp, using circular motions. Slow, deliberate movements are relaxing while steady but vigorous movement helps enhance energy and circulation. Cover your entire scalp, all the way down the sides to your ears and at the back to your neck. Leave the oil on for at least 30-60 minutes, longer if you can. If you like, you can dip a towel in hot water, wring it out, and wrap it around your head after your massage for added conditioning and softening of hair. You can even leave the oil on overnight - place a thick towel over your pillow to protect your linens. Shampoo out with a gentle, natural shampoo. e Jennifer Beckman is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and is Director of the Vedic Cultural Fellowship. Email her at yogamaya@newmexico.com www. vedicworld.org
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LIFESCAPEDIARY
Turner’s Tooth And Claw
Welcome to Wendy Turner Webster’s world…
A new era
When the plans for the house we were moving into fell through and the post brought news of a speeding conviction resulting in three points and a sixty quid fine, I knew we were on a roll of bad luck and misfortune. The following morning we came downstairs and opened the hutch door to let out our guinea pigs. Jed leapt out straightaway but poor Joseph had died in the night. They were a rescue pair we had adopted from The Mayhew Animal Home in north London. Our two boys, Jack and Freddie, loved them but we were thankful they’d gone off to spend some time with their grandparents the day before, thus avoiding the sight of Joseph dead in his hutch. Guinea pigs are not creatures to keep on their own so I contacted The Mayhew straightaway to see if they had any young Guinea pigs who could pall up with Jed. They did! An eight month old pair called The Two Ronnies (I have no idea why!) and we duly made arrangements to collect them. In the meantime, what to do with Joseph? We have a patio garden in our present house with not much scope for digging and in any case we are moving soon (I hope!) and it didn’t seem right to leave him with strangers. This all started reminding me of a similar situation I was in many years ago. My lovely cat had died and a house move was imminent. The logical thing to do was to put the cat into the freezer until he could be buried in the new garden. Unfortunately a new house didn’t materialise for some twelve months and poor old Pooh spent over year mixed up with the frozen peas and oven chips! As for Joseph, Pat and Ted from next door came to the rescue and we buried him in a shoe box under their apple tree. It’s awful when any pet dies isn’t it and I wept buckets for Joseph. However, isn’t it wonderful to be able to give an abandoned animal a second chance? Long live The Two Ronnies! 26
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Wendy was the presenter of Pet Rescue for seven years, and animal welfare is at the heart of Wendy’s life. This year she is fronting a new TV channel called Horse & Country TV
Riding to victory
Happier news came on the Turner Webster pet front when my pony Charles won a national competition at the National Pony Society’s Centenary Championships – a victory that made me neigh with delight!
Souvenir alert!
So, it’s well into autumn and those who are taking a winter holiday will be interested in IFAW’s ‘Think Twice’ before you buy holiday
Sadly, I’m rather outnumbered in the horse world by Countryside Alliance supporters and I’ve included a picture here of a notice on the back of a neighbouring horsebox at the show. Keep Hunting, Keep Fighting. My imaginary marker pen came out to write underneath, Keep Dreaming! souvenirs campaign. Ivory trinkets, bear bile wine, turtle eggs, stuffed birds, shells, coral, reptile skins… believe me the list is endless. Check out the web site at www.ifaw.org to find out what you can do if you see any such products on sale. Don’t turn a blind eye! Get the facts before you travel and don’t forget – the best things you can bring home are memories and photographs!
Bites & Licks Bites to…
Paul O’Neill for head butting his racehorse, City Affair. He said he was sorry. Call me cynical but I suspect the only thing he was sorry for was getting caught on camera. Vanessa Redgrave – a lady who fights tirelessly for the repressed and downtrodden people who don’t have a voice in this world. She recently cited her favourite recipe as a beef and turkey dish, so her compassion presumably does not extend to animals.
Licks to…
Juliet Gellately at Viva! for her brave undercover work at the nation’s horrific pig farms and for launching the campaign, Piggles. Go to www.piggles.org.uk and meet the chap who says, ‘I’m Piggles, fighting for freedom and justice for all of pigkind!’
Birdline Parrot Rescue for rescuing Ben - a 23 year old Ruby Macaw. As you can see he just needs to grow back those feathers to regain his former glory! Go to www. birdline.org.uk for more info on this amazing charity.
LIFESCAPEFOODNEWS
LIFESCAPEFOODNEWS
Your essential digest of food news & gossip Marissa-Catherine Carrarini and Claudia Cahalane serve up all the latest veggie and ethical food news and views Good stuff A huge number of women in the UK have some kind of iron deficiency. Good sources of iron include nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables, or you could check out Spatone, a naturally iron rich spa water. available at Holland & Barrett, Boots and independent health food stores. www.spatone.com
Lovely stuff Ben & Jerry’s has launched a new ice cream made with ethically traded sugar and vanilla catchily called ‘Thrilla in Vanilla’. We really hope it’s the first of many fair trade frozen desserts! You can locate a tub at Sainsbury or selected Co-op stores.
Healthy stuff for kids…fruit drinks
- Peter Rabbit Organics’ new Fruit Purees are organic, sugar free, contain no hidden nasties and each puree counts as one of their five a day. They’re available at Waitrose in Apple and Peach & Apricot. Makes a good accompaniment to a healthy packed lunch, or for a new twist, try it squeezed over a soya yoghurt. 28
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- Innocent Smoothies Pouches for Kids are another good one, as they’re made from freshly pressed and blended fruit, without an additive in sight. Each pouch contains 100% RDA of vitamin C and is bit-free. See www.innocentkids.co.uk for more info.
- There’s more to dried fruit than just raisins and prunes. Sainsbury’s’ snack-packs of dried mango or pineapple are deliciously sweet and unlike a lot of dried fruit, they contain no added sugar. Why not try them chopped up on cereal.
Roald Dahl kids drinks have just picked up the ‘Best Children’s Drink Award 2006’ in the Quality Drink Awards. Josephine Carpenter MD of The Big J, the company behind the product says “We developed Roald Dahl juice drinks especially for children as a genuinely ‘good for kids’ drink, with absolutely no nasties and no added ‘tooth rotting’ sugars or sweeteners. Roald Dahl juice drinks are available in multipacks (Waitrose £1.29) or single cartons (Holland & Barrett 59p) or visit www.thebigj.com for more information.
News munch… hot off the press! - As an alternative to soya after-dinner treats, family business Beanies Health Food are now stocking B’Nice Rice Desserts approved by the Vegan Society. Some gluten-free veggie burgers will be on the way soon too. - Kellogs have made another stab at producing a cereal for lovers of natural nutty, grainy cereal. They launched Kashi back last year but the general consensus seemed to be that it didn’t fair much better than cardboard on the taste front. The newly relaunched Kashi has lots of good stuff in it and tastes nice too. A pat on the back for Britain’s most well-known cereal brand for taking a step towards making breakfast healthier
Eating out … with the kids
In our fast food society taking the kids out to eat somewhere healthy and veggie can be a bit of a struggle. So we’ve chosen three of our favourite restaurants for vegetarian family meals. Red Veg, Brighton & London If you cannot tear your kids from their love of fast food, then RedVeg is the ultimate solution. One-hundred percent vegetarian and GM free it dolls out healthy vegetarian burgers, wraps, falafels and yummy fries. www.redveg.com El Piano York El piano is the place to go for a vegetarian get together. Colourful and homely
…Top tips
This month we ask Sandra Hood, nutritionist and author of Feeding Your Vegan Infant - With Confidence, her tips on feeding vegan kids. “Share meal times with your children and make them fun. Offer your child a variety of foods to touch, stick their fingers into and experiment with,” she says.
- Cauldron has introduced some more stuff to its range. New frozen Mediterranean Bistro Bakes with roasted peppers, aubergines and brown rice are pretty healthy (3.0g sat fat per 100g) and tasty too. They need a sauce though, otherwise they’ll be a bit dry. Cauldron has also introduced a frozen version of their famous Lincolnshire Veggie Sausage. - Tesco is launching a new dried super berry claimed to fight aging and cancer, while boosting your sex drive. - The Yes Peas! Campaign 2006/2007 has released its biggest ever selection of pea-based recipes to promote the vegetable to consumers.
this tapas-inspired restaurant caters for all dietary requirements with delicious homemade, hearty food. 01904 610 676/ www.elpiano.co.uk Demuths Vegetarian Restaurant, Bath This grown-up vegetarian restaurant welcomes kids with open arms. It has a children’s menu full of imaginative and carefully prepared dishes. And in case the kids get a bit restless they offer colouring in pencils and paper. www.demuths.co.uk Next month we want to know: What Will You Be Serving This Christmas? Send in your vegan/vegetarian meal and recipe ideas to info@lifescapemag.com with FOOD as the subject.
“My favourite meal ideas for infants would be finger foods: cooked vegetables, tofu pieces, pasta shapes, rice cakes, toasted fingers, crackers, fruit slices and dried fruits. Spread the savoury foods with yeast extract and nut butters or et your child stick them in dips such as hummus, tahini or tomato relish. And fruit can be dipped in nut butters and nut creams. Try not to worry about them making a mess! These early happy experiences with food will stay with them throughout their life”.
Hot topic! You ask the question. We ask the experts. You decide. After breastfeeding, should I feed my baby dairy or soya formula? Anna Denny British Nutrition Foundation www.nutrition.org.uk, says: “After breastfeeding or if breast feeding is not possible, babies under a year old should only be fed soya formula if there is a specific reason and if you are advised to do so by a GP or health visitor. All milks (cow’s, goat’s and soya) should not be given as a main drink before 12 months of age either, although they can be used as a part of the weaning diet (e.g. in dishes such as rice pudding).” Tony Bishop-Weston - spokesperson for nutrition consultancy www.foodsforlife.org. uk, says: “Research suggests soya is a good and safe alternative to cow’s milk for babies over 6 months. Cow’s milk is nutritionally different to human milk (and invariably full of hormones) and thus infant formula is often made from skimmed milk protein powder, vegetable fats and added vitamins and minerals - so it is generally better to use a soya formula. However, if you are using instant formula of any kind, it’s important to find ways to get essential fats, which are vital for brain and eye development, into the babies diet as soon as possible. Stephen Walsh, Nutritional Advisor for the Vegan Society, says: “When it comes to formula, concerns have been raised about both cow’s milk formula and soya milk formula, but studies of the development of many infants raised on each type of formula have failed to indicate any clear difference. However, if you are concerned about animal welfare then the soya formula is to be preferred. Farley’s soya formula is the only entirely vegan soya formula on the market at present.” Note: If you are veggie or lacto-vegetarian rather than vegan, it is worth checking out the milk options before your baby is born. Even if you’re going to be breastfeeding, if for any reason, he or she needed someone else to feed them, at hospital for example you can inform on which brand you want for your baby. SMA is stocked by most hospitals and contains no egg or fish oil, which many other do. You could think about carrying your own packets for emergencies. Also different products suit different babies so you might have to see what works best for you both. Have a question you want to ask a team of experts? Write to info@lifescapemag.com with FOOD as the subject.
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Doing it for the kids
Secondly: Everyone needs a hug
In 2002, Nick Pecorelli set up HUG – a range
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of ethical T-shirts for kids and adults, that is now evolving into a fuller fashion range. Nick is committed to ‘doing the right thing’ in life and saw HUG as an opportunity to offer people a high quality and ethical alternative to what was currently on the high street
A child’s wellbeing is the most important thing to every parent – Cora Lydon meets the owners of three businesses who are protecting our children’s health as well as preserving their futures
Spotting a gap in the market… “We used disposable nappies for our first child but when our second child, Maia, was born we decided to use washable nappies. The main driving factor was the environment - we just couldn’t live with the amount of rubbish we produced a second time around. At the time they were not very easy to find and what was available was limited. There was very little on the high street and as we didn’t have Internet access most came from a car boot sale. We used various products such as terry squares, pre-folds and a couple of fitted types, but we weren’t happy with them. We were used to the ease of use and performance of disposables and wanted similar from our reusables. I then decided to buy some fabric and make my own nappies to fulfil our requirements. The resulting nappy had a unique shape and elasticated legs and waist, that made it very neat fitting. It fastened with Aplix (hook and loop) making it as easy to put on as a disposable. We were advised by a friend to send some samples to a couple of Internet cloth nappy stockists. This was when we were informed there was definitely a gap in the market. 30
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Our ethical policies… “Ethical considerations are always at the very fore front of everything we do. The working conditions and welfare of our staff is incredibly important to us. We firmly believe that a happy workforce will produce happy products. This is why in the beginning we manufactured all of our goods in our own factory in Glasgow.
“We looked into the costs of organic cotton but in our opinion, they would have been too high. We were the first nappy company to realise the full potential of bamboo fibre,” - Fiona King, Tots Bots Due to the amazing demand for our nappies and the lack of experienced textiles workers in Glasgow we are now out sourcing some of our production to Turkey. Turkey was chosen for several reasons: firstly they are applying for EU membership and have the same labour laws as the UK and secondly less fossil miles are used as the garments are produced at source and don’t have so far to travel to
Last but not least: Toy time While Christoph and Rebecca Bettin were living in Germany they had a great idea for a company – a mail order wooden toy company. Five years on and Holz Toys is still a thriving business thanks to its traditional range of products. Spotting a gap in the market…
Spotting a gap in the market… “I had been working as a speech writer and policy adviser for the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP and I came across a great deal of criticism of the garment industry. Given how much has been said about the failings of the garment industry I wondered why so few people were offering a positive alternative. So I decided to look into this opportunity more thoroughly. I found some wonderful people in Peru who we have been working closely with ever since.
First things first: The real deal
Fiona King set up Tots Bots when she was struggling to find real nappies for her second child. Five years later the company has a range of eco-friendly nappies, including one that is made from bamboo fibre.
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“Near to where we were living in Germany there was a fantastic traditional wooden toyshop which was always packed out with British clients who would spend hours browsing through the products. When we returned to England and our first baby was born we tried to buy handcrafted wooden toys like those in the shop but were unable to source them in the UK. So we decided to set up our own import and mail order business.
Our ethical policies…
get to the UK. Goods are sent overland by truck. “Our products compete in a highly competitive market and as such the final price can not be too high. For this reason we do not produce an organic cotton nappy. We looked into the costs of organic cotton and the resulting nappy, but in our opinion, they would have been too high. We were however the first nappy company to realise the full potential of bamboo fibre, which is a 100 per cent bio-degradable, totally sustainable resource. Whilst it is not currently certified as organic, bamboo grows without the need for chemical pesticides, has a very short growth cycle and is very easy to cultivate. We believe that bamboo fibre is superior to cotton in every respect. It is more absorbent and softer than cotton, has much less impact on the environment and is also a natural anti-bacterial. It’s almost as if the fabric has been produced with nappies in mind!
The future… “The reception we have had has been excellent. Parents love the ease of use and exceptional performance of the nappies. ‘Contains things a disposable can only dream of!’ was one quote we had from a delighted mum. Babies love the softness and comfort of the nappies – according to their mums and dads!”
“Fair trade is the only way we do things. I am very passionate about the welfare of cotton farmers and I think that respect for the environment and people are two sides of the same coin. I believe that by incorporating the right design, branding and strong ethical approach we can be a profitable and successful company. I don’t believe that we should have to compromise to ensure our success. I want HUG to lead the way for others, to prove that it is possible to be fair trade, to only use organic cotton and to run your business with clear ethical principles. Our aim is to work with some of the poorest parts of the world and give people better pay and conditions. Thus far we have only worked in Peru, but that is now changing and as we expand we have to look elsewhere to supplement our production. There are only a few projects in the world that we can work with as we use the highest quality organic fair trade cotton. Not many ethically accredited factories can spin this to meet our quality expectations. We have never compromised because of cost and we are very focused on quality. I think the one difficult area for ethical consideration is the environmental impact of manufacture. This is where we have to compromise a little because we know that, for example, we won’t sell jeans in beige, but we think through the environmental impact of all manufacture and do the best we can.
“I had been working as a speech writer and policy adviser for the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP and I came across a great deal of criticism of the garment industry,” Nick Pecorelli, HUG
The future… “Our sales have doubled over the last year and there is no doubt they would have grown even more if we had enough capacity to produce faster. A couple of years ago there was very little interest in what we do - now people can’t get enough of it. I think that is partly because we have learned more about design but also because Fair trade is so much more in people’s consciousness. More and more people are seeking out Fair trade brands and I feel very positive about future growth.
Our ethical policies… “It was a conscious decision to avoid plastics as much as possible. Toys made from wood are hardwearing, tactile, and can be made from sustainable sources. The coloured dyes used are natural, non toxic and plant based, and linseed oil and beeswax is used to protect the wood rather than a thick shiny lacquer. This enables the beauty of the natural patterns in the wood grain to show through. Our environment and maintaining it for the future is very high on our priorities. We only eat organic produce, sourced as locally as possible and live a lifestyle as ‘green’ as we feasibly can. All our packaging materials, office supplies, and consumables are recycled or recyclable, and again, we source as much from the local community as possible, this includes our staff! The toys are crafted in Europe from managed forestry, and we help small communities and suppliers by buying their products at the market value, so that they in return gain from our success.
The future… “Our customers trust us to provide a first class, high quality, safe and educational wooden toy that will survive the test of time and be passed down through generations. And that is what we ensure they receive. The general public know when they have value for money, and countless regular accounts reordering tell us we must be doing something right! Children love our wooden toys, and we now have three children (who are our biggest critics!) all raised on wooden toys. Because there are no flashing lights and gimmicks that ‘do’ something, children use their imagination and motor and co-ordination skills to get the best from the toy.” e www.lifescapemag.com
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ALL
SNUG
Keep them warm this Autumn with some cosy organic fabrics and funky layering
The kids’ clothes we’ve featured on these pages are from Equa, and Tatty Bumpkin. Equa is a London boutique solely dedicated to the sale of fair trade and organic clothing. It stocks fashion ranges from Ciel, Eternal Creation, Enamore, Sari, Beyond Skin, Organics for Kids and many more. Tatty Bumpkin was created by parents for children and also sells organic and fair trade clothes designed with active kids in mind. It’s skirts and trousers are reversible and dyes are enzyme free. Some of the clothes are available through The Natural Collection, which is also the official catalogue for Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Trees for Life, Out of This World, The Vegetarian Society, Compassion in World Farming and the World Society for the Protection of Animals. For more info and prices see www.equaclothing.com, www.tattybumpkin.com or www.naturalcollection.com 32
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LIFESCAPEGIVEAWAY
FREE DAY OUT AT THE EARLS COURT BABY SHOW! Send off your answer to the question below NOW to be one of the lucky winners
The biggest and best baby event is back! You can find more skincare for pregnancy and beyond at The Baby Show. There are opportunities to make huge savings on nursery products, get expert pregnancy and parenting advice, as well as family entertainment. We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away for this The Baby Show, which is held at London Earls Court from 20-22 October 2006. For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: Q: Where is The Baby Show to be held this October? Then send your answer plus details (name, address and daytime telephone number) to LIFESCAPE/Baby Show Competition, 301 Canalot Studios, 222 Kensal Rd, London W10 5BN. The Baby Show will also be at London ExCel from 9-11 March 2007. To book tickets call 0870 122 1313* or visit www.thebabyshow. co.uk for more information. *Calls charged at national rate. Booking fee applies. Advance box office closes for The Baby Show London Earls Court on 18 October 2006 and for The Baby Show London ExCel on 7 March 2007. 34
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LIFESCAPEFEATURE
LIFESCAPEFEATURE
I’m not being awkward but…
Also go by personal recommendation. If you don’t know of anyone who’s been to that particular country, try an internet message board. Somewhere there will be somebody who has. Learn enough of the local lingo to know how to tell people you are a vegetarian and to ask ‘Does this contain meat/any part of an animal?’ The Vegan Traveller site has words like meat, fish, lamb and bread translated to help you out there.
Tricky veggie dilemmas… and how to deal with them, by Jennifer Thomson
Dilemma 6
“Will I be depriving my child of anything by bringing them up veggie or vegan?” The vegetarian diet is regarded by both the British Medical Association and the British Dietetic Association as one that gives infants all the nutrients they need - at no other time in our lives do we need more protein and calcium than when we are mere babes in our mother’s arms. Breast milk contains all your baby’s calcium needs as long as the mum isn’t deficient in calcium herself. Bringing up a vegan child is slightly more awkward, but it can easily be done. VIVA!’ and The Vegan Society are very helpful. For detailed advice check out the Vegetarian Society’s comprehensive pages at www.vegsoc.org. They also have a guide to weaning your child onto solid food.
We’ve all been there, invited out to someone’s house for dinner and we’ve forgotten to mention that we are veggie or vegan or just plain assumed that they knew. Apart from panic, what can we do in these non-veggie situations life regularly throws at us?
Dilemma 1
“I’ve been invited out for a meal at someone’s home and don’t want to make a fuss about being a vegetarian.”
Dilemma 7
“I’m planning a party and am in a quandary about whether I should provide food for meat eaters? Is it wrong to enforce my diet on others?”
This is a common enough problem for veggies. We don’t want to come across as being the dinner guests from hell that no one wants to invite out because we’re so ‘awkward to cook for’, so we just don’t mention it. But wait a minute, if you had a peanut allergy you would tell wouldn’t you? So don’t be shy, they are likely to be as embarrassed as you are if they serve up something offensive.
Dilemma 2
“My partner’s not veggie.” In an ideal world we would all fall in love with people who shared our own core values and view of the world. That doesn’t happen because relationships aren’t perfect. If they were we would all be blissfully happy with one partner for the rest of our lives and there would be no painful break ups and divorces. There are vegetarians and vegans who specifically set out to find a partner who is of the same mind. That’s why there are dating agencies aimed at introducing vegetarians and vegans to like-minded individuals. But, it’s up to each individual to decide what is right to them. What is right for them might not be for another. If you are with a non-veggie mate seeing how passionate you feel and being faced with the grizzly facts can sometimes convert them. Many men end up vegetarians through their partners, look at Jude Law when he was with Sadie Frost. Okay it may not have lasted – his conversion to veggie not just their marriage 36
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– but at least he respected her views and animals while they were together.
Dilemma 3
“I inadvertently ate some meat when I was out. What should I do?” If it makes you feel any better and you want to purge your body of whatever you have eaten, then you can always fast for the next 24 hours and drink just water. My advice, though, would be to forget about it. You
cannot control everything that you eat all of the time unless you never eat out and when you wash a lettuce for a salad you use a magnifying glass to check for little insects. All that you can do as a vegetarian or vegan is do your best to not eat animal products.
Dilemma 4 “As a vegetarian vegan, am I betraying my lifestyle by having a cat or dog that’s not veggie?”
Everybody has a different take on this. There are those who don’t want any meat in their house and that means none for their pets either. They don’t want residues of meat on their cutlery or chopping boards even if it can be washed off. They particularly don’t like the smell. Then there are those who believe that it’s not up to them to make their pets go veggie because if they were in the wild they would be carnivores. Well, cats are but it’s a myth that dogs are. In the wild our canine friends are as likely to feast on berries and grass as they are on fresh meat. If you do want your pet pooch or cat to share your diet then there is special food you can buy that will fulfil their dietary requirements. One company you could try is veggiepets.com. It’s easier for dogs to go veggie as they like things like carrots and grapes whereas with our feline friends it can be a lot more difficult. Besides, if they are outdoor cats they will not be sticking to their vegetarian diet as any cat owner who’s been presented with a dead mouse or bird will tell you.
Dilemma 5
“I’m going to be travelling to a country not renowned for its vegetarian cuisine. How will I survive?” Check countries out before you go. Vegan-traveller.com has a guide to the grub you can expect to find in a variety of countries and cities. Vegetarianguides.com boasts of ‘mapping the world for vegetarians and vegans’ and contains details of the various guides on offer like Vegetarian France, Europe, Israel, Italy, United States etc.,
What you could do is provide your guests with the yummiest, tastiest most tantalising vegetarian dishes possible that may not be obviously vegetarian so you’re not seen to be ramming your ideology down their throats. For appetisers try veggie mini cocktail sausages or sausage rolls and delicious kebabs. Why not have bangers and mash for the big meal, or if you want something spicier make a veggie chicken Tikka Masala? Have your guests drooling over your veggie food and you may find that they will enjoy the change and may even opt to follow your fine example.
Dilemma 8
“I don’t want to eat any animal products, but my doctor has prescribed Prozac, in gelatine capsules, for my depression. Please help!”
Explain to your GP about your convictions and they should be happy to accommodate you even if it means putting you on a different medication. There are medicines in gelatine capsules that are available as a liquid or in gelatine free caplets and you can ask your doctor about that. Prozac for example is available as a liquid. A word of caution though, sometimes it can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer which medicines are vegetarian friendly and which aren’t. When I was put on a course of antibiotics and went to a different chemist to fill out my prescription, I was shocked to find that my pills which previously contained no gelatine did this time.
THE VEGAN PASSPORT The Vegan Society have published an invaluable pocket sized booklet if you are a globe- trotting vegan or vegetarian. It is called The Vegan Passport and carries phrases in 56 languages including Esperanto. There are even fail-safe pictures for those situations where words won’t work. An invaluable travel companion for vegetarians and vegans.Price £3.99 and available from www.vegansociety.com/shop 01424 427393 www.lifescapemag.com
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It’s not easy to talk about...
Little is known about Crohn’s, but it is affecting up to 60,000 people in the UK (and rising), so it’s not a just a passing blip on the medical world’s heart-monitor. Marissa-Catherine Carrarini reports
What is Crohn’s Disease? Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammation can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it is usually found in the lower small intestine or the colon. The most common explanation for Crohn’s is the body believing that normally safe foods, bacteria and other substances are ‘invaders’. The body will then attack these ‘invaders’ by lining the digestive tract with white blood cells, causing the tract to swell.
A Western Disease Currently about 1 in 1200 people in the UK suffer from Crohn’s. It is most common in teenagers and young adults, with double the amount of young people being diagnosed every ten years since the mid eighties. In those countries that have not fallen for the allure of the western lifestyle it is virtually unheard of, while in the west it is on the up and up. There is no denying that Crohn’s is intrinsically linked to the fast-paced, fast food society that we are becoming increasingly victimized by. Indeed, according to Dr. Bryn Hyndman, a practicing naturopath in London specializing in digestive disorders, although some people are genetically prone to Crohn’s, not everyone who is genetically predisposed will suffer. This is because Crohn’s is a result of a weakened immune system. And it 38
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“The thing about Crohn’s is that there is a stigma surrounding it because it is not nice to talk about. Talking about diarrhoea and colostomy bags is not pleasant. People don’t like talking about that part of the body. This makes it harder to deal with”
is environmental factors: stress, smoking and a western diet lacking in fibre and rich in refined carbohydrates, sugar and alcohol that weaken the immune system. Nutritionist Peter Cox from City Nutrition also stresses that diet and tobacco are two of the main contributing factors. “Deficiencies of omega 3 fatty acids, excessive pro-oxidant activity (especially with smoking), food intolerances and parasitic infections are all common and reoccurring features in people with Crohn’s disease. Not being breast fed as a baby also weakens the immune system. And some babies are just born with an immune system that is not very strong. An early sign of a weakened immune system is having an allergic reaction to certain foods such as cow’s milk, eggs or wheat before 6 months old. Crohn’s can also be a result of an underlying infection, food allergy, or a lack of probiotics which are essential for the immune system. Another sign you might be susceptible to Crohn’s is a prolonged use of antibiotics. This can damage the epithelium of the small intestine and the absorption of certain proteins, which can create inflammation”, says Dr. Hyndman. Another theory is that certain genetically susceptible people may be sensitive to Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (MAP), an organism found in seven percent of commercial pasteurised milk. MAP is the cause of Johne’s disease - a disease found in cattle that is very similar to Crohn’s. Studies have shown that in areas where MAP is endemic, there are more people suffering with Crohn’s.
It’s a Crohn’s Life The most common symptom of Crohn’s is stomach pain. Unlike the average tummy ache, a 2004 survey by the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease found that, for a third of Crohn’s patients, the pain is so severe that it gets in the way of their daily lives (especially their working lives), their
John-Paul Bukowski, a 25 year old biochemist was diagnosed with Crohn’s at university. He has been practically symptom free for almost four years, but he vividly remembers suffering from a three month attack. “I had continuous diarrhoea for 3 months and I completely lost my appetite. Every time I did eat, I had severe stomach pains. After a while my stomach was pretty much painful most days, most of the time. When I was eventually admitted into hospital I was not eating any solid food. I was very week and tired. In three months I went down from 11 to 8.5 stone. It was frightening”.
-John-Paul Bukowski
Difficult to digest food properly… ability to take part in social activities and their enjoyment in life’s simple pleasures. Meanwhile nearly 20% regularly loose sleep from the pain. Also children with Crohn’s very often have to battle with a high fever as well. The swelling in the digestive tract can also lead to continuous diarrhoea, excessive farting and being unable to hold in the need to go to the loo. And that’s not all: rectal bleeding and scared intestine walls are also part of the Crohn’s parcel, with internal fistulas affecting about a third of patients.
“In three months I went down from 11 to 8.5 stone. It was frightening” -John-Paul Bukowski
Can be very incapacitating… Many people carry the burden of Crohn’s with them everyday - some have to wear a colostomy bag because they cannot control their bowel movements, others dare not leave the house for fear of not being able to get to the toilet in time. Yet many patients live normal lives, except for the occasional attack (which can last anything from a day to many months) and can leave them hospitalised.
People with Crohn’s are often malnourished because they cannot eat normally and have problems absorbing nutrients from the food that they do eat. According to Cox “people with Crohn’s are deficient in many nutrients but they are mostly deficient in omega 3 fatty acids and also some of the nutrients required to utilise the essential fats, including zinc, magnesium, vitamins C, B3, folic acid and B6. There is also evidence that vitamin D deficiency is common among sufferers of Crohn’s”. Nutritional deficiencies are why Crohn’s suffers can go through life permanently knackered. Malnutrition can also affect their stress levels and long-term health. Many Crohn’s sufferers develop skin problem or even osteoporosis or arthritis later in life. And kids with Crohn’s tend to be small for their age and can go through puberty later than their classmates.
Not easy to talk about! Also, due to people’s inherent embarrassment about all things down there, Crohn’s can be a very isolating disease. Many people find such topics hard to open up about - with a lot of patients feeling humiliated and even ashamed. “The thing about Crohn’s is that there is a stigma surrounding it because it is not nice to talk about. Talking about diarrhoea and colostomy bags is not pleasant. People don’t like talking about that part of the body. This makes it harder to deal with”, says Bukowski. But he was keen to point out that: “the more people talk about it the more it’ll be understood and accepted in general. That’s what I want”.
Crohn’s and Women Crohn’s affects women just as much as men and both sexes get much the same kind of symptoms and related problems. Men are just as likely to suffer from osteoporosis as a result of the disease and the rates of other related diseases are generally quite balanced between men and women. However, during or just after a women’s period, the pain and discomfort of Crohn’s intensifies and just over half of the women sufferers experience problems with their menstrual cycle. More often than not, malnutrition, medication and the very nature of Crohn’s result in periods becoming increasingly irregular. Some women sufferers stop having their period altogether. Internal fistulas can result in urinary tract infections, heavy vaginal discharge and gas, and the vagina, uterus and vulva can also become inflamed. However Crohn’s disease does not directly damage fertility, although some of the side effects - inflammation in the small intestine, a decreased weight, malnutrition or a gluten allergy can. Yet fertility can be improved by cutting out gluten from the diet, taking a folic acid supplement, eating more essential fats, especially omega 3 from linseeds, and eating foods with vitamin B2 (in mushrooms, watercress
and wheat germ) B6 (in cauliflower, bananas and red kidney beans) and B12 (in yeast extract). And if eating adequate quantities of food is still difficult, taking supplements may also help. If a patient were to get pregnant there would be little risk to baby or mother, providing the woman does not suffer a severe attack during pregnancy. When asked about the risks if this were to happen, Dr. Hyndman replied: “The main issue would be blood loss and cramping only if the woman has a flare up in an acute state. Blood loss can lead to anaemia, which a woman may develop in pregnancy anyway, due to the foetus. This could compound to a more severe form of anaemia. Secondly, because of the inflammation, there would be little absorption of nutrition in the small intestine. This may put the foetus at risk if it can’t get the nutrition it needs for optimal growth and development. Thirdly, severe abdominal cramping and pain may affect the uterus and cause a miscarriage or very early labour. Any risk such as cramping while a woman is pregnant may be harmful for this reason”. However many women do become pregnant, have an attack and go on to have healthy, bouncing babies. www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPEHEALTHFOCUS
LIFESCAPEHEALTHFOCUS
A more natural treatment
Steroids and drugs can have serious side effects, so there are other ways… The Naturopathic Approach The principles of naturopathy are 5-fold: 1. First do no harm 2. Find and treat the cause 3. Treat the whole person (body, mind, spirit) 4. Doctor as teacher 5. The healing power of nature Using this philosophy, a naturopath tries to remedy the disease using non-invasive methods, such as nutritional therapy, homeopathy and/or herbalism and by teaching the patient to manage his/her own health. Dr. Bryn Hyndman treats Crohn’s patients with a method she calls The 4Rs: 1. Remove. The first stage of the process is to remove any offending foods from the diet. The usual culprits are egg, dairy or gluten. 2. Replace. In this phase the client will take a probiotic supplement to try and redress the imbalance of the good and bad bacteria in the gut, which have, more likely than not, been thrown out of balance by the patient’s stress-levels. 3. Repair. The client will take a course of glutamine (an amino acid found in proteins), vitamin A and omega 3 fats (flax seed oil) to heal the damaged, inflamed or irritated tissue in the digestive tract. Fibre (but only cooked fibre such as steamed vegetables) will also be added to the diet. The patient will then go on a restrictive diet that does not include raw foods, including nuts and seeds, gluten, dairy, sugar, eggs and all processed/salty foods. Then they will be given a range of anti-inflammatory herbs such as frankincense, turmeric and liquorish to help with the pain, bleeding and inflammation. Finally the client could go through a course of homeopathy. 4. Reintroduce. This stage of the treatment takes place after being on the restrictive diet for about a month. The foods will slowly be reintroduced into the daily diet. If there is a bad reaction to a food after it is reintroduced then that food is considered an offender and the person is advised to exclude it permanently. Foods that the body does not react to are permanently reintroduced into the diet.
Double stress whammy
Finally, because Crohn’s is very often brought on or exacerbated by stress, topped off by the fact that Crohn’s is a very stressful disease to go through, Dr. Hyndman treats the stress itself. The person might be advised to do some yoga, take meditation classes or learn relaxation techniques. 40
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REMOVE Acupuncture
REPLACE
REPAIR
REINTRODUCE
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system of healing that tries to rebalance the person’s energy flows - Qi. Unbalanced energy is what makes us sick and by restoring it, the body is able to start to heal itself. The body’s Qi and inner equilibrium is restored by fine needles being inserted into the channels of energy just beneath the skin. Just like the naturopathic doctor, the acupuncturist treats the person as a whole, focusing on the cause, including stress, as much as the symptoms. Although there are no figures for the UK, in Germany 33% of sufferers from Crohn’s (and ulcerative colitis) find relief from the disease through acupuncture or Chinese Medicine. “During a consultation an acupuncturist will carry out a full diagnosis on the first treatment, which involves asking many questions about diet, lifestyle, emotions, general wellbeing, as well as examining the tongue, feeling the pulses, and making some general visual observations about the person before the procedure” says Sally May a spokesperson for the British Acupuncture Council (visit: www.acupuncture.org.uk). For full, long-term benefit, treatment could last between 3 to 8 months, depending on age and severity of the Crohn’s, but patients will feel some benefits straight away. “After just one session the patient will feel less need to go to the toilet, and will also feel calm and relaxed” says May.
Nutritional Therapy According to nutritionist Peter Cox of City Nutrition: “Nutritional therapies provide effective treatments for Crohn’s through dietary management, supplementation, immune system and gut function support. Nutritional therapies can certainly alleviate nutritional deficiencies, inflammation and weight loss associated with Crohn’s disease”.
When treating Crohn’s Cox believes it is “most important to support optimal gut function and nutritional status. Therefore it is crucial to correct nutritional deficiencies should they exist, exclude allergens or foods which are poorly tolerated and eradicate parasites”. Cox recommends the following changes to the patient’s diet and lifestyle: 1. Take a probiotic supplement (such as BioAcidophilus) to look after the gut and keep the amount of harmful bacteria and viruses to a minimum. Also keep gut-irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, dairy, gluten, meat and sugar to a minimum. 2. Ensure there is enough fibre (especially non-wheat fibre) in the diet. Good examples are gently cooked vegetables, fruit (which can be poached if they are difficult to digest), brown rice and rye breads. 3. Eat plenty of linseeds, hemp and pumpkin seeds for the anti-inflammatory omega 3 content. They are nice as a snack, on salads or ground up and sprinkled on top of porridge or cereals. Or you can buy their oils or an oil blend. These are good on salads or rye toasts. 4. Boost the amount of anti-oxidants in the diet. Patients should eat 10-15 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. 5. Supplement. “Supplements are important to those with inflammatory conditions and they help to correct nutritional deficiencies quickly. I would always use a combination of flax seed oil, a good quality multivitamin with minerals and probiotics. 6. Eat calming foods full of the amino acid tryptophan, such as beans, tofu and oats, to relieve stress. 7.Autogenics (a form of relaxation therapy involving auto-suggestion) will also relieve stress and sooth tension in body and mind (to find out more from the British Autogenic Society call: 020 7391 8908).
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LIFESCAPEFASHION
AUTUMN
leaves you hot It’s a wonderful time of year to feel in touch with nature, so we’re showing some of this season’s latest and loveliest colours and fabrics
Our Autumn looks have been created using clothes and accessories from Edun and Mensah Vintage Attire. Edun is the socially conscious clothing company created by Ali Hewson and U2 rocker Bono with New York clothing designer Rogan Gregory. It grew out of a desire to shift the focus away from aid to trade in the developing world, particularly in Africa and uses local factories in Africa, which are fully inspected for their ethical principles. Mensah is an independent vintage clothing shop, which started as a stall in London’s bohemian Portobello Road market. For more details see www.edun.ie and www.mensah.uk.com Stylist: Stephania Pena-nur Photographer: Michael Hedge Models: Tolulah and Mary at Profile Models and Michelle Hyatt Location: With thanks to Aveda for use of their gardens at Covent Garden, London 42
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Womens morning glory sweatshirt with pocket red/grey £30 • Womens natural shirt with pockets grey £80 • Mantra - Womens boot cut stream £95
LIFESCAPEBEAUTY
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1. From the hottest new name in organic skincare, beauty editors have been snapping up this flirty body boost to help improve skin tone. Made with certified organic essential oils, Dead Sea salt and Safflower oils, skin is left dewy and soft so there’s no need to use a body lotion afterwards. Skincare Café Sexy Body Scrub with Organic Rose Petals, £14.99* (Vegan & Vegetarian Society approved). 2.The latest craze to sweep Hollywood? Astrological Aromatherapy, daaahling. Hot on the trend, Mystic Megs should bag one of these soy wax candles infused with plant and flower essences to balance and enhance your zodiac sign’s characteristics. Libra (pictured) fills the room with revitalising pine and juniper. Solar Therapy System Astrological Candle, £23.*
Bath-time Bliss Transform your bathroom into a sanctuary of decadence with these delicious in-tub treats...
3. What could be better than sinking into thousands of Lavender bubbles before bedtime? Using only the finest quality Lavender Oil from Provance, this it the relaxing bath foam of choice for Angelina Jolie and Courtney Cox. Just add champagne and chocolates for a truly A-list experience… L’Occitane Lavender Harvest Foaming Bath, £15.*
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4. Our spies tell us that lucky guests at Elton John and David Furnish’s wedding received one of these luxurious bath bombs to help spread a little romance. Encased in a beautiful hand painted box complete with secret love spell – what’s not to love? Organic Apoteke Love Spell Bath Ritual, £16.50* (Vegetarian Society Approved). 5. Nothing beats a skin-silkening bath oil to lift a girl’s spirits, but ever since this zesty number arrived at the LIFESCAPE offices we’ve been totally smitten. Just a few drops makes boring old bathwater smell like a walk through the citrus groves - so as the nights draw in we’ll be closing our eyes and dreaming of sunnier climes… Willow Orange, Lime & Bergamot Organic Bath Oil, £12.*
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6. When Liz Hurley, Joss Stone and Sienna Miller fancy a bit of mood lighting, no ordinary old candle will do – they’re all devotees to Natural Magic’s much coveted organic range. Available in 10 heavenly fragrances to suit all noses, our favourite is Real Luxury, which has a spicy-floral bouquet of Lavender and Brazilian Rosewood. Natural Magic Real Luxury Candle, £35.*
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7. Make like the Queen of Shebah with therapeutic bath salts laced with exotic Jasmine oil and rose petals. Known to relieve all kinds or conditions - from water retention to aching joints - scatter a handful into your bath and feel the stresses of the day wash away. Malki Dead Sea Aromatherapy Bath Salts with Jasmine Oil & Rose Petals, £5.95.* 8. If you have a sweet tooth you’ll love this crumbly scrub from Ozzy brand, Sanctum. With its hot-from-the-oven chocolate brownie aromas and amazing glow-giving qualities, fashionistas can now get their choccie fix without having to count the calories. Sanctum Body Polish, £19.95.* 9.Harley street cosmetics arnica gel is pure and soothing, £14 10. Lush Sex Bomb, £2.50.* Looking for an old fashioned love potion? This girlie bath bomb fizzes around your tub releasing a stream of aphrodisiac essential oils (while turning your bathwater pink!) - so let the seductive notes of Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Clary Sage waft under your bathroom door and wait for your lover to come knocking!
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11. Weleda has launched a new shower gel, which uses vegetablebased cleansers made from sugar and coconut. The Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash is vegan, is made with a skin-friendly PH and also contains organic rosehip oil* * Suitable for vegans
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LIFESCAPEBEAUTY
LIFESCAPEBEAUTY
Dare to Bare
Trend 3: Impact Lips You’ll Love This Look If: You want a high-impact style without playing around with loads of products – there’s a red shade to suit all complexions. The How To: Powerful claret drenched lips, displayed on delicate sun-starved complexions - this 40s inspired trend is great for day or night. Skin should look matt and pale (think Dita Von Teese and you get the picture), covering any redness or dark shadows with a lightreflecting concealer and lashings of face powder. For lips, forget girlish glosses because precision is back! Use a lip liner to define your pout (feathering over the entire lip for lasting colour) and, using a lip brush and a steady hand, apply a deep red lipstick for a pout that demands attention. Essential Kit: Estee Lauder Ideal Light Brush-on Illuminator, £20, Dr Hauschka Loose face powder, £18, The Body Shop, Lip Liner in Mauve Berry, £6.50 (BUAV approved), B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Lip Cream in B Daring, £8.50.
Put down your bronzers, winter will be all about looking fresh-faced and polished to perfection – so grab your powder puff and tweezers, it’s time check out the sharpest new trends, says Emily Berryman Trend 1: Ice Queen
Lifescape prides itself in being a truly Cruelty Free Magazine with respect to the treatment of animals. Here on the beauty pages for example – No beauty products contain animal products. All products featured are strictly not tested on animals and don’t use any ingredients tested on animals. However, see below for our two main symbols.
You’ll Love This Look If: You like easy-to-wear shades - this is a super-flattering look that will take you right through to 2007. The How To: ‘Outdoorsy’ wind-flushed complexions took centre stage at Richard Chai, so dress your cheeks with the faintest hint of baby pink - cream textures are best as you can really work them into your skin. For eyes, stick to glacial tones of silver or white, smudging over the lid, lower lashes and inner corners of the eye and finish with lashings of curling mascara. Skin should be kept as bare as you dare – a light dusting of shimmering face powder is all you need to create a frosty, ethereal glow. Essential Kit: B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Cream Eyeshadow in HB, £10, Aveda Cheek Tint in Phlox, £18*, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact, £27, Barry M Glossy Tube in Pale Strawberry Shimmer, £3.95.
* Suitable for vegans We are aware there are products that vegans will not use but vegetarians are happy to, such as beeswax, honey, milk and so on, therefore we have devised a * to denote suitable for vegans
BUAV approval BUAV’s approval confirms that the companies neither conduct or commission animal testing themselves and source ingredients from external suppliers which have not been tested after a fixed cut-off date (which varies from company to company). Companies are externally audited for compliance with these criteria and approval covers their entire product range. If the BUAV symbol is not present on a product we feature, it means Lifescape has checked with either PETA, or other highly regarded resources and/or the company concerned regarding their animal testing policy. Companies we feature that do not have a fixed cut off date are required to be taking strong steps in this direction.
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Trend 2: Bare Faced Chic You’ll Love This Look If: You’re already blessed with near-perfect skin - or want to learn how to fake it! The How To: The first step in this casual, nude look, is to create a perfect canvas. Make sure that your skin is well moisturised to allow your base to glide on smoothly and then, using your fingers, apply a light, radiance-boosting foundation over any areas of uneven skin tone - usually the central panel of your face. Eyes look best kept largely make-up free (with only a little brown mascara at the roots to give your lashes volume) and brows are bold but perfectly shaped - so invest in a good pair of slant tweezers and clear mascara to set in place. For lips, go as pale as your complexion will take – a little concealer mixed with lip balm looks fantastic - and finish by patting a rosy cream blush into the apples of your cheeks, blending out towards the hairline. Essential Kit: Lavera Trend Sensitive Make-up Fluide Light, £9.15 (Vegan Society approved)*, Dr Hauschka Brown Mascara, £14, Estee Lauder Minute Blush Crème Stick in Pink, £19, Barry M Clear Mascara & Brow Definer, £4.50.
Trend 4: Classic Vamp You’ll Love This Look If: You’re a classic dresser who hankers after some old-school glamour - this trend simply oozes sophistication. The How To: As seen on screen sirens of the fifties and sixties, this is full make-up at its very best! For eyes, flirt with edible shades of chocolate and cappuccino, working a soft, smudgeable brown eyeliner around the entire eye. (Apply under the lower lashes rather than inside the rim to make your eyes look bigger). Finally, oodles of mascara is a must - or even better, use a pair of false eyelashes - then simply pair with just-licked apricot lips. Fabulous. Essential Kit: Sante Trio Eyeshadow Powder in Terra, £12.95*, Living Nature Eye Pencil in Smoulder, £10, Mac Tinted Lipglass in Poetic Licence, £10.50, and Mac Cremestick Liner in Summerfruit, £9. * Suitable for vegans
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LIFESCAPEFEATURE
Blooming Beauties Never will you be more aware of the chemicals you are applying to your skin than during and after your pregnancy. So whether you’ve declared war on swollen ankles and stretch marks or simply deserve a little pampering - you can indulge in these goodies safe in the knowledge they are totally junk-free, says Emily Berryman
Baby Massage
Massaging is a lovely and healthy way for parent and baby to bond. It will relax you both and encourages a healthy immune system for your baby. Below Mary Thompson offers tips on the best techniques and oils to use
Fast achieving cult status with trendy yummy mummies, this cute bottle of natural goodness is rich in Essential Fatty Acids to help maintain skin suppleness and elasticity, working wonders on stretch marks and itchy bellies! Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil, £22.* The only oil ESPA recommend using during pregnancy, this ultra-gentle blend of Grape Seed Oil and Vitamin E conditions stretched-to-the-max skin while Sweet Almond Oil and Calendula tone and moisturise. ESPA Nourishing Body Oil, £25.*
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Suitable for use throughout all stages of pregnancy, this silky cocktail of Mandarin, Orange and Rose essential oils is just the thing to ease pregnancy aches and pains. (And you should make the most of quiet soaks in the tub while you still can…) Cariad Mum To Be Bath Milk, £6.50.*
If you prefer lotions to oils, this nourishing plant-based cream is an excellent buy. Providing extra ‘give’ to bumps and bottoms, it sinks into the skin in seconds so you can get dressed straight away. Baby Organics Stretch Mark Cream, £14.99.*
A soap-free cleanser that’s so gentle it can be used on your little one, too! Especially beneficial for new mums to help speed up healing - use it as a shampoo, bubble bath or shower gel. Lullaby Lavender Shampoo & Body Wash, £9.95.*
News Flash! If there’s one time in your life that you deserve some extra TLC it’s while you’re carrying a little one, so why not ask your partner or a friend to give you a massage using this luxurious medley of nourishing, antiscarring essential oils? Little Green Earthlets Bloom and Grow Pregnancy Massage Oil, £13.95.*
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A soothing organic treat for sore nipples, this reassuringly rich goop is packed with natural moisturisers like cocoa butter and sunflower oil and is even safe to use while you breastfeed. Greenbaby Nipple Balm, £7.95.
Even ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ products can cause unwanted skin reactions – especially when your skin is ultrasensitive during pregnancy – but here are a few pointers to limit any potential flare-ups… • Keep products in a cool place, out of direct sunlight
Certified 100 per cent organic by the Soil Association, pure flower waters and Spearmint essential oil make this a delightfully cooling spritz to combat hot flushes. Spearmint has also been found to relieve morning sickness – so it’s worth using as a room spray, too! Essential Care Cooling Spritz, £7.75.*
• Never bulk buy. Natural lotions and potions have a relatively short shelflife so it’s best to buy little and often
• Remember to check the expiry date or look for changes in texture or smell • Always carry out a patch test before using a new product
oothing, stimulating, calming – touch is all-powerful and the predominant means of communication for babies. It is through touch that they discover the world, and the way a newborn is handled can have a major effect on her disposition. Children who are deprived of physical contact are generally more likely to suffer from anxiety or similar conditions. In Caribbean and Indian cultures, baby massage is a natural part of the bonding process and is becoming increasingly more common in the West. In an attempt to reduce in-flight tension, British Airways have even recently published baby massage tips on their website. As massage is starting to be regarded less of a treat and more of an effective antidote to the stresses and strains of a hectic urban lifestyle, parents are coming to realise that it can have the same effect on their babies. Setting aside a special period each day for the massage will enhance bonding, helping deepen the connection between parent and child. The benefits for both are numerous: Massage strengthens the immune system, increasing resistance to disease. It also develops body awareness, coordination, suppleness and alertness while improving contentment, relaxation and sleep. It will strengthen bones and muscles, flush out toxins and improve skin disorders. Common problems such as gas, colic, congestion and teething can be relieved by massage and it’s proven to help with post-natal depression.
Getting started You could take a baby massage class during your pregnancy where you will practise on a doll, but you don’t need
any prior experience. Your baby should ideally be massaged twice a day – in the morning before a bath and in the evening before sleeping. Make sure that the room is warm, that you are both relaxed and calm and that your nails are trimmed and jewellery removed. It is best that your baby is not hungry so try to massage at least half an hour after a meal. Put your baby on a soft surface, making sure s/he feels comfortable and secure. Cover him or her with a blanket, only exposing the limb you are working on. This will provide a secure feeling in addition to keeping baby warm. Look at your baby while you massage - and perhaps even talk or sing - as this will stimulate his or her senses and establish a more intense connection.
How to do it As a general rule, use gently circular movements with your hands and work towards the heart. Remember to apply firm but gentle pressure. Start with the legs, stroking up the front of the body and out over the shoulders. Then move on to the abdomen. Put one hand on either side with fingers towards the centre of the body and glide hands backwards and forwards. Place one hand over navel and circle hand clockwise around abdomen to stimulate colon. Stroke up and down the arms before gently squeezing arms down and up again. Lift up one leg and stroke up and down before squeezing gently up and down. Make circular movements over the top of the foot with thumb and repeat on sole of foot. Repeat on other leg. Slide your baby on to his or her front. Place your hands on the buttocks and
stroke up the back with hands on either side of the spine. Stroke, pluck and pat the buttocks and end massage with stroking movements of the back. Wrap your baby in a towel to finish.
You can begin massaging soon after birth but it is most beneficial if you continue for the first eighteen months It is advisable not to massage when your baby has a high temperature, infectious illness or itchy rash and where there are areas of skin inflammation, wounds, boils and fractures. You should also avoid massage within 24 hours of a vaccination. You can begin massaging soon after birth but it is most beneficial if you continue for the first eighteen months. Start off with about 10 minutes a day and work your way up to 30 minutes by the time your baby is a year old.
Aromababy We all adore essential oils, so why shouldn’t babies? Entering the world with all sensory systems functioning, they immediately begin to build up a personal connection to every smell they encounter. It has been said that a six-week-old baby can identify its mother’s t-shirt from a pile of other mothers’ t-shirts, and a beautifully calming oil such as lavender can trigger the memory of security and well-being years later.
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LIFESCAPEFEATURE
LIFESCAPEFEATURE gently massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction), nappy rash (one drop of lavender in 10 ml of tepid water and applied as a compress), and as part of a ‘night-time’ blend (6 drops of lavender, 2 drops of marjoram and orange and vaporised one hour before bedtime).
A gentle way of introducing essential oils to your child is by way of a vaporiser, which will allow the oils to evaporate and circulate through the room. It should be placed at some distance from the child and no more than 3-4 drops of oil should be used. Essential oils can be added to the bath but must be diluted first. Try one drop of lavender or Roman chamomile in 20 ml of full fat milk (not to drink) or one drop of mandarin essential oil diluted in 20 ml of a gentle carrier oil such as sweet almond or soya. Essential oils can also be used in massage. Many are too strong to use on the sensitive
skin of a baby but those gentle enough are lavender, Roman chamomile and mandarin. They should be pre-blended with a gentle carrier oil as follows: Newborns – one year: one drop per 20 ml carrier oil One – five years: two drops per 20 ml carrier oil Lavender has a variety of different properties. It is a wonderfully fragrant relaxant for a baby and has a calming, nurturing quality. When used in a vaporiser, it can help your baby rest quietly. It can be used for a number of ailments such as colic, (use one drop of lavender diluted in 10 ml of carrier oil and
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So, what’s the alternative?
Roman chamomile is known as the ‘children’s oil’ as it is so gentle and thus appropriate for many of the problems of infancy and early childhood. One of its main characteristics is that it is anti-spasmodic. A single drop of the oil together with one drop of lavender diluted in a tablespoon of carrier oil and massaged into the tummy can usually relieve stomach ache in children. It is an ideal oil to use on a new baby and a wonderful way of connecting with your child. It can also be used to soothe nappy rash when diluted in a carrier oil blend that includes calendula oil (fabulous for any kind of skin problem). Mandarin essential oil has a wonderful fresh citrus aroma and is one of the gentlest of oils and therefore ideal for babies. It can be used to help with tummy upsets, burps and hiccups. Add one drop to 20 ml of almond oil and gently massage into the tummy in a clockwise direction. For any further information, please feel free to contact me, Mary Thompson. I run ‘aromababy’ workshops for individuals and groups and you can reach me at mrythompson4@aol.com. e
WIN! ONE OF 20 NATURAL BABY KITS FROM JASON Lifescape has a batch of natural baby kits up for grabs, thanks to JASON natural personal care products. JASON has put together 20 sets of Multipurpose Baby Oil and some Lavender Shampoo & Body Wash for our readers and their little ones. The oil, which contains lavender, primrose and jojoba oils can be used in massage after bath time as well as for cradle cap and other dry skin problems. To be in with a chance of winning, send a postcard marked ‘JASON natural baby comp’ to the usual address, answering the following question:
When the subject of medical research using animals is raised, it is not uncommon to hear the comment, “I don’t like the thought of it, but if we don’t use animals, what do we use? There aren’t any other options.”
The Dr Hadwen Trust is a registered medical charity dedicated to finding replacements to the use of animals in experiments. To mark Breast Cancer Month, Carole Wesley explores just how the Trust’s breast cancer research project is advancing human health, without causing a single animal to suffer.
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or most women, breast cancer is a terrifying prospect, with current treatment involving surgery, a daunting ordeal for anyone. With the disease claiming 13,000 lives in the UK each year, it is no surprise that cancer research receives such a great deal of media attention, yet many people remain unaware of the extent of the animal use and suffering involved. Each year hundreds of thousands of animals are used worldwide in experiments for cancer research, predominantly mice and rats, but also cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters and pigs. In the search for new cancer treatments, animals are injected or implanted with cancer cells into their eyes, brains, muscles, paws and abdomens, to induce tumours. Sometimes animals are fed chemicals to induce cancers, whilst other animals are genetically modified to develop cancers, causing untold suffering for some.
Finding a humane approach The Dr Hadwen Trust funds the development of alternatives to replace animal experiments. Because of the widespread use of animals in cancer research and the number of people dying from breast cancer each year, they believe it is essential to focus their efforts on this particular field of medical research. “We want to find better ways to study breast cancer and improve the outlook
for patients.” explains Carol Newman, the Trust’s Scientific Officer. “The incidence of breast cancer in the Western world is already one in every nine women – and this is increasing. No one is clear why that is, or how to stop the rising tide of breast cancer. We consider it vital to target breast cancer research.”
Problems with animal research So what are some of the key differences between people and animals that suffer with cancer? And what bearing does that have on cancer research data which has involved the use of animals? Carol Newman responds: “Fundamental species differences mean that cancers in humans often differ from cancers in other animals. Mice and rats are most frequently chosen as experimental subjects, not because of their similarity to humans, but because they are cheap to keep, easy to breed and considered endlessly expendable. “The second major problem with animal cancer studies is that the condition is artificially induced and does not accurately reflect the spontaneous cancers that occur in humans. For example, cancer is often induced by implanting pieces of human tumour into mice specially bred to lack an immune system, and who may also have had their ovaries removed. However, these animal experiments do not accurately reflect the situation in patients with breast
cancer, making results from mice potentially misleading.”
Animals in drug testing According to Home Office statistics, during 2005 just under 2.9 million scientific procedures were started on living animals in the UK alone, and the testing of human medicines accounts for 24% of these.
TRAIL appeared to be both safe and effective when tested on mice and monkeys. However, when tested in human cell cultures, scientists were alarmed to find that it unexpectedly killed human liver cells Animals used include mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs and monkeys [1]. The US Food and Drug Administration estimates that only 8% of medicines found safe and effective in animal tests actually reach the market as prescription drugs [2]. A recent example is TRAIL, a promising new cancer drug that has been under development for several years. www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPEFEATURE TRAIL had appeared to be both safe and effective when tested on mice and monkeys. However, when tested in human cell cultures, scientists were alarmed to find that it unexpectedly killed human liver cells (but did not harm monkey or mouse liver cells). The drug may have caused considerable damage or liver failure if it had been given to patients. Time, effort and lives would have been wasted due to misleading animal experiments. Conversely, we do not know how many drugs useful for humans are screened out by misleading animal tests. Drugs can indeed be life saving, but surprisingly they are also responsible for much illness and death. One study concluded that 2 million Americans become seriously ill every year because of reactions to medicines they were prescribed. Around 100,000 die because of these reactions [3]. In the UK adverse reactions to drugs have increased five fold in the past decade and
kill more than 1,000 people each year [4].
Alternative research
Although some established human breast cell cultures are already used in cancer research, these have been derived from patients in the later stages of breast cancer, making them less useful for examining the mechanism by which invasive cancers develop. The Dr Hadwen Trust’s non-animal breast cancer research project at St Bart’s Hospital in London is developing and using a novel model of human breast cancer. Different types of human breast cells (ethically obtained from fully informed patients) are cultured together to create realistic threedimensional models of glandular breast tissue in the laboratory. These models will be studied instead of animal experiments, to improve our understanding of breast cancer and to investigate potential new therapies. “As well as replacing the use of animals,
these models are likely to be superior because they more closely represent human disease and recapitulate the complex intercellular interactions important in modifying tumour cell behaviour”, states the Trust’s Carol Newman. Techniques that replace the use of animals in research are already having a dramatic effect on scientists’ ability to replicate human disease in the laboratory, unravel how it develops and investigate potential treatments. Advanced, sophisticated, often human-based, non-animal tests are at the cutting edge of medical research and proving vital in our search for new treatments. Despite this, dedicated funding is still in short supply. The Dr Hadwen Trust receives no government funding and its vital research is supported solely by voluntary donations. References: 1. Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Great Britain, 2005, published July 2006. 2. See www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/criticalpath/ whitepaper.html 3. Journal of American Medical Association, 1998, 279, p1200. 4. Government Audit Commission: A Spoonful of Sugar, 2000. e
Breast cancer is the commonest cancer to affect women in the Western world. One in every nine women will develop the disease. Breast cancer in men is much more rare, although it has increased significantly in the last 25 years.
Early detection of breast cancer can improve the chances of successful treatment. Women are therefore advised to regularly check their breasts, to become familiar with how they normally look and feel. Consult your doctor if you detect anything that concerns you.
Women who have children, and who breast-fed their babies have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. The contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of breast cancer. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables, and low in saturated fat, could reduce the risk of breast cancer. Regularly drinking alcohol increases breast cancer risk. 56
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LIFESCAPETRAVELNEWS
of the best… yoga breaks
HOME
Keythorpe Yoga Break, Leicester If time is a scarce commodity you can still enjoy a relaxing day retreat by staying in the UK. The yoga retreats at Keythorpe start at 9am and include a hatha yoga session, vegetarian lunch, deeply relaxing yoga nidra session and afternoon tea. Plus you can also enjoy a reflexology session or remedial massage. Cost: £100 per person Contact: 0116 259 3748 or visit www.keythorpeyoga.co.uk
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YogaTurkey health & Yoga break, Bodrum, Turkey Revitalise yourself with a oneweek yoga break in the idyllic natural setting of Gölköy village. The breaks run from May to October and during some weeks other treatments are also available. After yoga practice on the outdoor terrace you will then enjoy a delicious, vegetarian meal to end the day. Cost: from £395 excluding flights Contact: 020 8699 1900 or visit www.yogaturkey.co.uk
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Gaia Retreat and Spa Yoga Break, Australia If you’ve flown half way across the world then you’re definitely going to need a few days to chill. The yoga break at Gaia Retreat includes four nights accommodation, all organic, gourmet meals, herbal teas and fresh organic juices, snacks, one hour deep healing massage, yoga sessions and airport transfers. Cost: £TBC Contact: +61 2 6687 1216 or visit www.gaiaretreat.com.au 58
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LIFESCAPETRAVEL
Better safe than sorry
According to recent figures a staggering 200,000 bags that are checked in at airports every year are stolen or permanently lost. In addition, some 30 million of the 3billion bags checked in worldwide last year did not arrive on time. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that it won’t happen to your bag, so be prepared by making sure your hand luggage contains these essential items: 1 Holiday insurance. A good policy will allow you to purchase essential personal items in the short term and will also cover you should your case go permanently astray. 2 It doesn’t hurt to be prepared by slipping in some clean underwear into your bag. People Tree sell organic hip huggers and thongs (from £12) that will do the job. 3 There’s nothing worse than arriving at your dream destination but not being able to freshen up properly. So, pack a travel skincare set in your bag. We love this Rose Travel set from Essential Care which contains cleanser, skin tonic, moisture cream, night cream and cleansing pads. The products are organic and suitable for vegetarians.
Did you know?
According to a recent poll by cheapflights.co.uk alcoholaddled passengers are the most annoying people to be stuck next to on a plane – beating crying babies by one percent. Much of a muchness really except the babies hopefully have people who soothe and take care of them, and won’t be in your face with unwelcome suggestions!
Green tax for airlines
The explosion of cheap flights has had a devastating impact on the environment as more and more people think nothing of jetting off as often as they want. Under plans that have already been approved by the European Parliament, air passengers will be charged up to £40 extra for a return ticket within Europe to help pay for the environmental impact of their journeys. Experts believe that aviation could account for almost half of Britain’s total CO2 emissions by 2050, compared to the six percent it represents today.
All the fun of the farm
If you’re looking for a holiday with a difference then we want to remind you to log on to www.wwoof.org – the website for World-wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. All you need to do is decide the country you would like to visit and then join the database to find the opportunities available. How do you fancy, for example, planting trees in Australia for desalination, erosion control or conservation projects? You get the chance to work on an organic farm in the country of your choice in return for food, accommodation and acquiring skills. WWOOF has been going a long time and inspired many to make a difference, however small, rather than settle for the status quo.
Relax, revive and rejuvenate Cora Lydon heads to Germany to experience a traditional ayurvedic detox programme that requires a little will power
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f you’ve always considered Germany to be very much a meat and potatoes type of place then it’s unlikely you’ve ever visited Parkschlösschen in Traben-Trarbach, the five-star hotel with an all-vegetarian menu based on ayurvedic principles. And it’s not just the food that follows the traditional practice of ayurveda. The hotel was established as an ayurveda spa centre in 1993 and the team at the centre practise traditional ayurveda therapy along with modern diagnostic techniques. Parkschlösschen is a charming, art-nouveau style stately residence. It is set in a seven-acre park within a quiet valley, so if it’s seclusion you’re after there’s no better place. And of course with so many treatments to try and exercise classes to join you could quite easily while away a whole week without ever leaving its confines! As you arrive at the splendid hotel its exterior gives away the week of pure luxury that you are in for – every detail has been taken care of. Upon arrival I was whisked away to my room that was easily twice the size of my own modest bedroom at home. Only natural materials have been used in the
furnishings – think silk wallpaper and pure wool carpets – pure decadence for those into that kind of thing.
Colour me green, or blue, or…. The holistic approach of the centre soon became clear when it was explained to me that the ayurvedic principles even start with the room you are given. Rooms that are furnished in shades of green have a calming influence, while blue rooms have been designed to have a cooling effect on hot-headed visitors. In contrast the apricotcoloured rooms are thought to have an invigorating effect on sluggish guests. Each of the rooms is also furnished with a radio that allows you to tune in to relaxing classics when you want a helping hand in nodding off. You can also hear traditional ayurvedic music that I was advised to listen to for about ten minutes a day to really get the benefits of my break. My only concern was how I was going to fit everything in!
What dosha am I? To start my break off I was sent to see an ayurvedic doctor who determined my dosha,
through both an intensive dialogue and also a pulse reading. According to ayurveda, everyone falls predominantly into one or two of the three constitutions – kapha, pitta and vata. Once this was determined my programme was tailored to suit my individual needs. Vata types embody the principle of movement and control in all motions. Pitta forms the energetic principles which control digestion and all metabolic processes while kapha represents the structuring principle which gives the body form, integrity, strength and stability. To the experienced doctor, your pulse reading will be able to determine which of the doshas are out of balance and need to be restored through diet, treatments and lifestyle changes.
Perfect for relaxing… A quick tour of the facilities soon revealed to me that I was in for a totally relaxing, blissed out break! The hotel boasts a thermal swimming pool with counter-current installation which is perfect for some gentle exercise. It’s not very large so you don’t feel intimidated at the thought of endless lengths up and down. www.lifescapemag.com
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Liked that?
feel for the cure but fear you lack the necessary willpower to last a whole two weeks, there is also a ten-day stay. A panchakarma stay (whether it is for ten days or two weeks) uses a whole range of treatments to help you detox. These include abhyanga (a full body massage with two therapists that will soon have you dozing off), udvartana (an exfoliating and nourishing treatment for the whole body), garshan (a dry massage that’s performed with silk gloves), as well as the best treatment I’ve yet to discover –shirodara, a deeply relaxing session where oil is poured over your forehead. I challenge anyone not to end the session flat on their back snoring.
If you’ve now got a taste for ayurvedic living then why not also check out these similar breaks in other parts of the world?
Learn ayurvedic cookery
There’s also a Finnish sauna and a steam bath where you can pop along to sweat out all those nasty toxins you seem to have accumulated over the years. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the warmer months you can take full advantage of the sun deck, situated in the beautiful surroundings of the bamboo garden.
This is a five star hotel with an all-vegetarian menu Relax on a sun lounger and when it all gets too much you can plunge into the pool for an instant cooler! But if you want to work up a sweat in another manner there’s plenty of work-out facilities and also a beautiful yoga area.
And serious detoxing The medical team at Parkschlösschen believe that gentle yoga is the ideal supplement to the ayurvedic therapies, and so yoga, pranayama (breathing) and meditation classes are a vital part of any stay. There is a daily yoga programme running that everyone can join, regardless of ability, but beginners may wish to book a one-to-one session for an extra fee. Many visitors to Parkschlösschen are 60
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there to undertake panchakarma – an ancient ayurvedic detox therapy that cleanses, rejuvenates, purges and revitalises the body. And for this type of stay, daily yoga and meditation classes are advised. You’re going to need determination to complete the fourteen day panchakarma cure as it’s a very intense detoxification. But, if you stay the course you’ll certainly reap the benefits. Your individual treatment plan will leave you with improved health, beauty, more energy and a peaceful mind. If you want to get a
You may consider that on a detox break the food is going to be sparse and somewhat tasteless but it’s anything but! Nutrition – as it’s written in the old Vedic scripts – should bring happiness and satisfaction, so vegetarians can be in their element here. Priority is given to food that is easy to digest and ingredients are freshly prepared to create mouth-watering dishes. In sticking to ayurvedic principles, meals tend to start with a fruit dish, as this takes longer to digest. Although food may not be as plentiful as you are used to, the quality and inventiveness of the dishes more than compensate. Surely detoxing shouldn’t be this easy? If you’re interested to learn more about the cuisine you can join in one of the cookery workshops, where you will gain extensive insight into what goes into producing an ayurvedic meal. And of course, with any strict detox plan, it’s wise to spend plenty of time chilling out. So pack a good book and give your mind, body and soul an ayurvedic workout. Cost: For the ten day panchakarma cure it costs from £3.355,00 for a single room or £3.310,00 per person when sharing a double room. For the 14-day break it costs £4.525,00 for a single room and £4.460,00 per person for the double room. Costs are excluding flights. Contact: +49 6541 7050 or visit www.parkschloesschen.de
LIFESCAPETRAVEL
Enjoy an Indian summer Head to Kerala in southern India to stay at the beautiful resort of Surya Samudra – an ayurvedic resort and spa. It’s situated on low cliffs and is flanked either side by a beach in the heart of a palm grove. You can’t possibly fail to arrive home relaxed and restored after spending time in such a hideaway paradise. The 22 villas available to visitors have a lengthy history going back some 300 years – when the ancient cottages were brought from far flung villages across Kerala and South Tamilnadu to create a historical living experience. The resort is renowned for its restorative and balancing therapies. In the spa you will find six treatment rooms, one beauty parlour and two steam rooms, so you can get pampered to your heart’s content with facials, steam baths and body wraps. Traditional ayurvedic therapies on offer include pizhichil, dhara and kizhi. Guests will have access to a trained doctor, dietician and trained therapists so that all your ayurvedic needs are meet. Yoga lessons are also on the menu, as are the wonderful ayurvedic meals, so you can really take in the whole experience. Cost: Prices start from 80 euros on a room and breakfast basis per day. Contact: Lotus Journeys on 020 8965 5727 or visit www. lotusjourneys.com.
Find a whole new you - in New Mexico Nestled below the Pecos wilderness in northern New Mexico is the Rishikesh Ayurvedic Retreat Centre – another oasis of calm. The centre offers three and five day panchakarma cleanses that include a daily abyanga massage to aid stress relief, circulation and the lymphatic
Ayurveda on your doorstep If you want something a little closer to home, then you can’t go wrong with the UK’s leading ayurvedic spa – Tor Spa Retreat in Kent. At the spa you can enjoy the residential Kerala panchakarma retreat which is available for 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21 days. Your stay includes a full ayurvedic health consultation, home cooked vegetarian meals according to your individual dosha, a spa day where you can make full use of the fantastic facilities and an ayurvedic
drainage process. You can also try out some of the other many treatments on offer including garshana, Indian head massage and marma points. At 7000ft above sea level the mountain air is clean and fresh and the clear blue skies are perfect for ayurvedic cleansing and detoxing. Panchakarma treatments include an individual consultation with an experienced practitioner, prescribed herbs to complete the cure and delicious vegetarian meals. Before you leave you will also be advised on your diet and exercise so that you can continue the principles at home. Cost: A three day cure costs $1380 for treatments and lodgings; five day cure costs $2300. This excludes flights. Contact: + 001 505-757-6194 or visit www.vedicworld.org treatment. There are plenty of stress busting traditional therapies on offer such as udwarthanam, a herb massage, and nasyam to clear the channels of the head and sinus and purify the doshas. Tor Spa has been thoughtfully decorated to add a touch of Kerala to the UK. The overall ambience is homely and comforting and the perfect place to chill out. Cost: £170 per day Contact: 01227 728500 or visit www.torsparetreat.com. www.lifescapemagazine.com
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Feng Shui for
also beneficial and avoids the room having stagnant chi. However, beware of heavy items which increase the heaviness on your baby’s energy force and with any sharp edges or corners as these are Sha Chi, as well as being dangerous if they fall.
Children
Bring in some soft music Some gentle music will enhance the atmosphere as well. Even a gentle windchime or string of small bells as your baby gets older will stimulate its senses and give a calming effect that all is well with the world. Familiar sounds give a sense of reassurance.
Will a good Feng Shui environment help a child feel more relaxed, happy and mentally stimulated? Here are some basic concepts Sue Spencer recommends
Lighting
Sleeping Position For the nursery or children’s bedroom, do not have this room over a garage or empty space as it has the feeling of being without substance and a lack of solidity.
Watch out for dark colours… It is best to avoid darker colours, and especially black! We know the growing adult awareness of teenagers looking for a role model might lead to them identifying with confident/aggressive forms and the wish for a dark space to hide in. They paint their bedroom walls black and have dim lighting as they put up a screen to the outside world, while trying to assemble hormonal feelings into personal order and meaning. Try to lighten the mood of their rooms in any way by making suggestions and talking with them, but often it is a case of just waiting…
Leave some space… The cot or bed should not be pushed up against the wall – you should always be able to walk around it. It is also advised that there be an empty space underneath, ie no underbed drawers to hide clutter or store clothes. If there is a clear space then it maintains healthy chi flow. The headboard should be near a solid wall, so best to not place under a window. Likewise, if possible, do not place your baby to sleep under a slanted wall as this will ‘press down’ on the baby.
Which room is next door? Feng Shui also advises that the wall should not be shared with the toilet or utility room. If the wall where you or they sleep is next to these rooms, then maybe put up some wallpaper with a mountain design on it, or anything that creates a real separation, so that there is a solid sense of “distance” from the room next door.
Avoid hanging pictures over the bed Do ensure there is not a picture hung on the wall near the bed, particularly over the bed. It is very bad Feng Shui to hang anything over where you sit or sleep – more so with a tiny baby. 62
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Electro-magnetic Radiation I always recommend that electric appliances are never closer than 12’ to a person’s head. It has been found that exposure to EMR can affect the body’s ability to produce melatonin which is essential for growth. A result of this is an irritable child, with bad moods and sleep problems. On one of my consultations, I was horrified to find the baby sleeping in a cot next to a triple mains plug with various devices switched on and working. My concerns went unheeded, regretfully, as the mother considered a different place for the cot would not ‘look as nice’!
Furniture Placement: Always take care with positioning of changing tables and cupboards so that sharp corners (Sha Chi) are not pointing towards your sleeping child. Sha Chi is known as poison arrows or dragons breath in Feng Shui and, where energy hits this sharp corner, it results in a swirl of directed energy that results in
restlessness and the inability to relax. Mirrors are not recommended for bedrooms, although for adults there is often a need for some kind of dressing table mirror. Wherever possible, try to avoid the use of mirrors in your nursery, as their reflective energies are too yang here; also the opening of the door can cause a reflection of a light and this might hit the mirror, resulting in a disturbance to the child’s sleep.
Colour Scheme Go for pastel shades… For your child’s bedroom, choose yin colours such as soft peaches/gentle greens or delicate pinks. Pale blues are not good for bedrooms and brighter blues will be too yang.
Red can make them firey! The brighter yang colours are better for playrooms where yellows will encourage creativity and play, but avoid red as this is too energising and could create temper tantrums.
impart a feeling of negativity and heaviness as the weight of having to deal with all these belongings will weigh heavily on the child’s awareness. The stagnant energy created will have long-term effects on moods and even illnesses.
A haven for mites Did you know that a vast collection of soft toys strewn across the room not only represents clutter but the dust and dustmites that inhabit these toys are known to be a contributing factor to childhood asthma? Sorry, but sentimentality doesn’t sit over well with Feng Shui!
The very young can learn how to clear clutter
Posters and Mobiles
Why not start early and teach your child the benefits of staying tidy and giving away toys that they no longer like or have grown out of. Many children’s bedrooms that I have seen are stuffed with boxes under the bed and on top of wardrobes with toys that are broken, not liked and no longer needed. We can show children how to avoid becoming a hoarder by encouraging them to clear out their cupboards and drawers, which become a haven for ‘stuck’ energy. As a child gets older and needs to be able to study in the bedroom they will be able to think more clearly if there is space around them. It is also a kindness to give away toys to children’s charities or to hospital/doctor/ dentist waiting rooms.
Feng Shui teaches that pictures of animals in the home impart the energy they carry, so for example, pictures of tigers often give a feeling of unease and arguments often ensue in such houses. Thus, monsters and fierce animals enhance the atmosphere of your child’s bedroom with that kind of feeling.
Cramped can be heavy A cramped and cluttered bedroom will
Are there tigers or lions about?
Encourage a gentle mood For your little ones, cartoon characters and gentle pictures of puppies and kittens are preferable, together with gentle scenes from nature of trees, flowers, sunshine and rainbows. Avoid any harsh symbols such as triangular or diamond motifs in wallpapers.
Mobiles are beneficial
Lighting should be sufficient for your needs when looking after your offspring but it cannot be stressed enough that darkness is premium for growth and for the body to produce melatonin. Therefore, a black-out blind or curtain at the window will ensure a sounder sleep. If there are any ‘cracks’ where light comes in, the room becomes too yang and not conducive for deep sleep. Likewise, for play, too dim a light would be too yin and not encourage recreation or inspiration. Please avoid having your child play or sleep under the central light fitting. Especially avoid downlighter lampshades which ‘funnel’ heavy ceiling energy down to a central point.
General Observations Of course, if your child cannot sleep, it may not be the Feng Shui that is to blame! It could well be tummy ache or the sense of being parted from a protective parent needed in the darkness. However, Feng Shui has lasted over 4000 years because of its beneficial effects. When we create our own sacred space, according to the ancient teachings of Feng Shui, working with the chi (energy flow) to harmonise the yin and yang, there will be a calm and harmonious atmosphere that is serene yet uplifting. It is a very useful tool in these days of continual busyness and stress. e If you have any questions please write in to Lifescape and I will be happy to answer them. For more information please contact: Sue@suespencer.com
Soft gentle mobiles above a baby’s cot, as well as building an interest in surroundings, also create gentle chi movement. This is www.lifescapemagazine.com
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the perfect
place to relax Lifescape’s gardening expert Gareth Salter looks at the gardening techniques behind natural product company Weleda’s ingredients
The Biodynamics of Gardening
The Wellbeing Pond with its naturally dyed purple water representing relaxation
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very year we spend several hundred pounds each on toiletries. Shelves of products catch our eye in supermarkets, pharmacies and chemists, all promising to make us feel and look better or live longer. But take a glance at what they contain and you’ll be hard pushed to recognise any of the ingredients, except perhaps aqua - water. One compound, sodium lauryl sulphate, is found in most shower gels, soaps and shampoos. It may help them lather attractively, but many experts believe it’s harmful. This is hardly surprising when you consider it started out as a harsh detergent and industrial degreaser. Using soap products, deodorants and 64
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cosmetics is an everyday thing, but research has found that nearly 900 of the chemicals used are toxic and can be absorbed – they may be classified as safe simply because they aren’t eaten, but many find their way into our bloodstream. As you browse the pages of Lifescape you will see many companies that have a forwardthinking approach to health and beauty – as a gardener, the one I have noted particularly is Weleda. It’s manufactured natural health products since the early nineteen twenties and takes its name from the ancient Celtic healer priestesses, Weledas, of Ireland, France and Germany. These were revered for their knowledge of plants and the elements. Although the company is world-renowned,
it still grows the plants it uses, which amounts to more than 300 different species – biodynamically. From its gardens in Derbyshire, Weleda selects only the finest ingredients and never uses synthetic additives, preservatives and scents.
Allotments Weleda’s thinking is no longer unusual. In an increasingly urban world, many of us are yearning to get back to nature. There seems to be a need deep within our psyche to get actively involved in sowing, growing and harvesting our own foods. The time of living as hunter-gathers may have finished thousands of years ago, but the urge to commune with nature is still there. www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPEGARDEN Organic gardening is increasing in popularity all the time. Garden News magazine recently reported that the demand for allotments is on the increase, so much so that many councils are looking for extra land. And the majority of people wanting these allotments are young women with families, those from ethnic minorities and those who have retired. One type of organic gardening that’s caught public awareness is biodynamics. The oldest kind of organic gardening, it encourages the gardener to work with the ecology of the garden, whether that be the plants, animals, insects, weather or seasons. It was inspired by the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner eighty years ago and is now practised in many countries. Generally acknowledged as one of the most sustainable organic approaches, it recognises that all life is interconnected and that even a small garden can be considered as a microcosm of a greater whole.
Hampton Court Last summer Weleda created a garden at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show that espoused its beliefs. The company asked biodynamics expert Anny Konig, who designed the Biodynamic Garden and The Elementals Garden in previous years, to draw up the plans.
LIFESCAPEGARDEN planting scheme. She erected a sail-shaped awning above the terrace so that guests could enjoy views of the garden in the shade - she believes movement is incredibly important so included plants such as bamboo and eucalyptus, which rustle in the breeze, as well as a waterfall.
Weleda consulted Biodynamics expert Anny Konig for their Hampton Court garden
Biodynamics is acknowledged as one of the most sustainable organic approaches, it recognises that all life is interconnected and that even a small garden can be considered as a microcosm of a greater whole After much thought, she chose to create a Garden of Wellbeing, with a reflective pool as its central element. She wanted it to be vibrant, dynamic, positive, uplifting and revitalising, yet relaxing at the same time. Using a fluid spherical design she packed the curvaceous borders with colourful aromatic and medicinal herbs and dyed the water purple (the colour of well-being). The dye was not only ecologically sound, it helped supress algae and matched the purple flowers of lavender ‘Hidcote’ in the
Anny has always loved working at Hampton because there’s a great sense of camaraderie and “you aren’t competing with each other, only with the brief you’ve submitted,” she says. She wanted the garden to feel alive, somewhere to connect with nature or feel at one with yourself and the environment. Her garden proved extremely popular with the public, many of whom expressed concern about the use of chemicals in the modern world, and she came home with a coveted bronze medal. e
What is biodynamics? Those who believe in biodynamics take a holistic view and recognise the influence that planetary rhythms have on plant and animal growth. They believe that gardening has a spiritual dimension and that this can affect the growth and health of the plants. Anything that affects the ecological balance, such as companion planting is considered important - every plant has different requirements, so by choosing the right companions or the right place in a crop rotation system, you’ll get better results. Biodynamic gardeners don’t just believe in feeding plants, they prefer to bring vitality to the soil instead. Composting is at the heart of the process – all the organic matter produced is broken down by microbial action to produce healthy life-giving compost. In biodynamic gardening, preparations of six well-known plants: yarrow, chamomile, stinging nettles, oak bark, dandelion and valerian are used to promote effective composting. These are fermented to enhance their specific properties and minute amounts are mixed with the compost where they control the decomposition process and help in the production of essential plant nutrients. 66
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Natural stones and greenery are also important in biodynamics
Useful addresses
Weleda UK, Heanor Rd, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8DR, Tel: 0115 9448200, www.weleda.co.uk Anny Konig, The Marshes Farmhouse, Eaton Bishop, Hereford HR2 9QT, Tel: 01981 251 845, www.peagreenboat.co.uk www.lifescapemag.com
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PERFECT PASTA & NOODLES with Rose Elliot As we head into October there is nothing more comforting than pasta or noodles, but where to go for a new idea that tastes divine? Rose Elliot gives us the best in pasta for an intimate supper, or entertaining large groups
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ith a packet of pasta or rice noodles in the cupboard no vegetarian or vegan need ever be lost for a quick and easy meal, especially if they also have olive oil, onions, garlic and tinned tomatoes, a jar of pesto in the fridge or even a jar or two of favourite sauces, for extra speedy results. Pasta can certainly be speedy, but it can also be special. These recipes may take a little longer, but they are a bit different, and great for a treat for when you’re cooking for friends. I know that we vegetarians often joke about always being offered lasagne when we go to a restaurant – though I must say, I think this is happening a bit less these days – but vegetarian (or vegan)
lasagne can be truly delicious, as I hope you’ll agree when you try the recipe for Courgette, Ricotta and Petit Pois Lasagne. It’s a great dish for feeding a crowd: just serve it with a lovely green salad and some hot garlic bread and wait for the compliments! The Pad Thai dish is a very special dish and ideal for a small dinner party. However, if you want a real treat, and you love mushrooms, then try the Tagliatelle With Leek And Morel Cream And Crisp Garlic Slices. If you wonder why I suggest dry morels, it because the fresh morel season ends in early July and you can’t get them out of season, but the dried ones are fine and swell enormously. It’s wonderful for a cosy, intimate supper.
COURGETTE, RICOTTA & PETIT POIS LASAGNE Serves 4
The dish I use is a shallow one that will take three sheets of lasagne in a row across the base – you may need to adjust the amount of lasagne to the size of your dish. Ingredients About 9 sheets of ready-to-use lasagne 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 onions, chopped 500g/1lb courgettes, thinly sliced 250g/9oz frozen petit pois 20g/ 4 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 x 250g tubs of ricotta cheese or 2 x tofutti cream cheese 300ml/1/2pint soya milk 284ml carton soured cream or Alpro soya cream 75g/3oz freshly grated Parmesan-style cheese or vegan parmesan Method Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6. Put the lasagne into a bowl or shallow dish, cover with cold water and leave to soak while you prepare the filling. This pre-soaking makes ready to use lasagne so much lighter and nicer. Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the onions and fry gently for 5 minutes, until beginning to soften, then add the courgettes. Cover and cook gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not browned. Stir in the petit pois and mint, season and remove from the heat. Mix the white cheese with 2 tablespoons of the soya milk to soften it a little, and season with freshly ground black pepper. Drain the lasagne and arrange a single layer in the base of your casserole. Spread half the ricotta over the lasagne and put half of the courgette mixture over that. Top with another layer of lasagne, then the rest of the white cheese and courgette mix. Finish with a layer of lasagne. To make the topping, spoon the soured cream or Alpro into a bowl and gradually stir in the soya milk. Pour this mixture over the top of the lasagne, then sprinkle thickly with the grated cheese. Bake for 40 minutes, until puffy, golden brown and smelling gorgeous. I like to serve it with a crunchy green salad. Adapted from Vegetarian Supercook by Rose Elliot, published by Hamlyn
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VEGETARIAN PAD THAI Serves 4 You can buy deep-fried tofu, or make your own by cutting the tofu into cubes and deepfrying in a little rapeseed or groundnut oil for 6-7 minutes until golden brown. Ingredients 250 g (8oz) rice noodles Rapeseed oil for deep-frying 2 x 250g (8oz) blocks of tofu, each cut into 1cm (I/2 inch) cubes 2 tablespoons roasted sesame oil 2 onions, chopped 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 4 teaspoons tamarind puree 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons brown sugar 125g (4oz) bean sprouts 2 eggs, beaten 25-50g (1-20z) roasted peanuts, lightly crushed salt and pepper, roughly chopped coriander to garnish Method Put the noodles in a bowl, cover with boiling water and leave to soak until tender – the timing depends on the thickness of the noodles; very fine ones take 5 minutes, thicker ones take longer. Drain. Heat the rapeseed oil in a wok to 180-190°C (350375ºF) or until a cube of brown bread browns in 30 seconds. Add the tofu and deep-fry for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Heat all but 1 teaspoon of the sesame oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions and fry for 7-10 minutes, until tender, then stir in the garlic. Cook for a few seconds, then stir in the deep-fried tofu, tamarind puree, soy sauce, brown sugar, bean sprouts and drained noodles. Cook over the heat for 2-3 minutes until the sprouts are tender and everything is heated through. While this is happening, heat the remaining sesame oil in a frying pan, pour in the eggs and make an omelette, pulling back the edges of the omelette as it sets and tipping the pan so that the uncooked egg runs to the edges. When the omelette is set, roll it up, put it on a plate, cut into shreds and add to the noodles. Season the noodle mixture to taste with the salt and pepper, then serve on warmed plates and top with the crushed peanuts and a generous amount of fresh coriander. Adapted from Vegetarian Supercook by Rose Elliot www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPEFOOD
TAGLIATELLE WITH LEEK AND MOREL CREAM AND CRISP GARLIC SLICES Serves 4 This recipe uses dried morel mushrooms that you can buy from large supermarkets such as Sainsburys. They’re wonderful and combined with the leeks and the crunchy garlic topping really make this dish special. Ingredients 400 g (13 oz) tagliatelle 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slices, to serve For the cream sauce: 2O g (3/4oz) dried morel mushrooms 25 g (1 oz) butter or vegan margarine 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 600 ml (1 pint) cream – single, double or Alpro soy cream 250 g (8 oz) leeks, finely sliced 2 tablespoons chopped parsley Salt and freshly ground black pepper
FOR LIFESCAPE
READERS… Readers can order Vegetarian Supercook at the special price of £10. 99 (rrp. £12.99) with free p&p. To order please call 01903 828503 quoting ref HAM 704 Rose Elliiot was awarded an MBE for her services to Vegetarian cookery and is currently the Guardian’s vegetarian food writer
Method First put the morel mushrooms into a small saucepan with enough boiling water to cover and leave to soak for at least 30 minutes, then drain and chop, keeping the liquid. [or rehydrate according to packet instructions.] To make the sauce heat the butter or vegan margarine with a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Add the morels and their liquid, and the garlic and cook gently for 5–10 minutes, until any liquid has boiled away. Pour in the cream and simmer, uncovered, until reduced by half. Cook the leeks in boiling water to cover for 3–4 minutes then drain (the water makes tasty stock) in a sieve and rinse under the cold tap, to preserve the colour. Drain well then add to the cream mixture along with the parsley and some salt and pepper. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil, add the pasta and cook for about 8–10 minutes, or as directed on the packet. Drain into a colander and return to the hot saucepan with a tablespoonful of olive oil. While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining olive oil in a small frying pan, add the sliced garlic and fry for a few seconds until golden and crisp – be careful not to let it burn and become bitter. Set aside. Add the sauce to the pasta in the pan and serve on to warmed dishes, or serve the pasta out first, then spoon the sauce on top. Either way, scatter with the garlic crisps and serve immediately. Adapted from Veggie Chic by Rose Elliot
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LIFESCAPEFEATURE
Just the Tonic
to look at this quite alternative brand called Alqvimia as its philosophy was very unusual and not within the understanding of many people. “I went to Spain and met Idili, the founder of the company, had a week of training with him and set off down this path which combines the best of my beauty knowledge with the healing and spiritual side.
Sampling the products in style
Spanish company Alquivimia takes its ingredients from the Pyrenean Valley and mixes them up to create gorgeous potions for real women, says Kelly Rose Bradford There is something reassuring about Alquivimia’s website. I think it’s the fact that there are no bombarding images of stick thin celebrities, or alarmingly taunt-skinned models. Instead, the beauty products are illustrated by glorious pre-Raphaelite women, plump and buxom, radiating a natural, untainted beauty. Julie Sharp, the “Alquvimia doesn’t trade on women’s company’s Director insecurities about themselves to sell our products,” says the director Julie Sharp. The artwork used with the products celebrates feminine beauty, wisdom and transformation of body and soul, says the company, and the images of the women have been chosen to reflect this. They are pictured enjoying nature’s gifts: smelling roses, gathering flowers in order to represent the company’s production methods. In other images, women are pictured relaxing in the spas of antiquity, which were the temples of beauty and health at the time.
Aromas So what are the products actually like? I tried two of them - the Queen of Hungary Water and the Bust Firming Oil. The Water is an exhilarating body tonic designed to go underneath a body oil or lotion. The heady, spicy fragrance instantly lifts the spirit; it feels decadent. When used as directed - in a vigorous massage - it is a wonderfully aromatic way to encourage good circulation and lymph drainage. The Bust Oil I was sceptical about - I’m not usually a bust product kind of gal. Massaging ones own bits, even in the name of pertness, doesn’t appeal, so I undid this bottle with trepidation and applied a few half-hearted dabs slightly south of my neck. Again, the fragrance was sublime - the geranium is definitely the top note, coming fourth on an ingredient list that includes sweet almond oil as the carrier, hazel seed oil and lemon peel oil. It’s a silky smooth, weightless mixture, which leaves the skin with a subtle gleam and a sweet and tangy redolence. Forget firmed up breasts - the aromas were enough to keep me happy. 72
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If you fancy getting outside your own bathroom for a bit of luxury, you can experience the full-effect of the products at the Alquimia Spa in Stonegate, York. This haven won Day Spa of the Year 2003 at the British Beauty Awards.
It offers a mix of ancient, traditional and alternative treatment methods, from spa body therapies and facials incorporating mud and salts from the Dead Sea, plus deluxe treatment packages and a full range of hair and beauty services. There are eight unique and inspirational treatment rooms, all of which are named after angels or Greek Gods and are decorated with the qualities of their namesakes in mind. A selection of the treatments available include the Elixir of Eternal Youth treatments, designed to lift mind, body and spirit – this is described as a blissful and very personalised treatment. For anyone who wants to harness their masculinity, the Spirit of Sandalwood treatments are specifically devised to stimulate masculine energy and meet grooming needs. This includes a half day package especially tailored to masculinity with a full body therapeutic massage and a men’s spa facial plus a men’s manicure or pedicure followed with a hair cut and finish in the salon. For prices or a brochure, visit www. alquimiaspa.com or call: 01904 632888.
Pre-Raphaelite art Pre-Raphaelite art, which arose during Queen Victoria’s reign, is seen as the most sensual form of Victorian art to date. Dante and followers painted women in all their voluptuous glory through a painting style born out of resentment towards England’s formula-driven Royal Acadamy teachings. The name, “Pre-Raphaelite” originally derived from those who did not accept incongruities in Raphael’s work. PreRaphaelite art’s aim was a return to the true, natural world, as influenced by the Nazarenes - the early, Jewish adherents of Christianity.
The company gathers its ingredients from the Pyrenean Valley
Plants and Herbs Alqvimia is a Spanish spa brand. Its headquarters are nestled in a beautiful Pyrenean valley, surrounded by fragrant fields and meadows of medicinal plants and herbs. The products’ uniqueness lies in the company’s alchemic philosophy; the plants are harvested in accordance with the astrological calendar, and are carefully gathered to retain their purity and healing properties. They products are completely natural, there are no silicones, paraffin, artificial fragrances or petroleum-based mineral oils - the whole ethos of the range promotes beauty from within, and working with nature. The company doesn’t go with the ideology of ‘fight the signs of ageing’ and ‘look younger’.
Origins I asked Julie how she began working with Alqvimia in the UK. She told me: “After being a practising beauty therapist for 20 years, I found myself more involved in the healing profession whilst living in the Far East. I studied Shiatsu massage, Reiki, pranic healing and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. On returning to the UK I thought my future lay in this new path, and I had left the beauty profession as I knew it. However, I was approached by an acquaintance
Alquivimia’s product are kept in unique packaging
The technology we promote is simply Mother Nature’s chemical factory; we believe we can find a solution within nature to just about every imbalance or to improve our happiness and joy in life.” Indeed, Mother Nature’s stamp is much in evidence across the whole product line. The finest plant oils, taken only from the first cold pressings, thus conserving all the nutrients and vitamins, are used alongside essentials oils and natural waters to create luxurious, fragrant and indulgent blends of facial oils, bath products, treatment creams and cleansers. If you’re interested in using some of Mother Nature’s delights on what Mother Nature gave you, this range could be worth your attention.
The company’s artwork is adorned with ‘real women’, pre-raphaelite style
Alqvimia’s website is at www.alqvimia.com Julie Sharp runs the Alqvimia Spa in York – see http://www.alquimiaspa.com where the Alqvimia product range is used alongside ancient and modern healing techniques and therapies. Alqvimia products are 100% natural, contain no chemical sun filters, artificial perfumes or synthetics - and it goes without saying, they are not tested on animals. e www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPELIFESTORY
LIFESCAPELIFESTORY
Generation V After a West Sussex vegetarian couple had difficulty fostering because of their lifestyle earlier this year, Alexia Weeks talks to parents who are bringing up their kids veggie and some young veggies themselves, about what makes them tick
of situations where vegetarians and vegans are at the heart of the family to see why and how they live the veggie way.
“I want them to have bags of energy and to feel good and healthy, not sluggish and overweight like so many poor kids are today,” - Juliet Gellatley, founder and director of Viva! and the Vegetarian and Vegan Foundation
Juliet Gellatley, Founder and Director, Viva!
E
arlier this year a West Sussex couple were told they couldn’t foster a child because they didn’t serve meat in their home (the decision is now being reconsidered). It goes to prove that there are plenty of people who still believe that bringing up children vegetarian is abnormal, unhealthy and is taking away a child’s choice. But as every good parent will know, whether providing a vegetable based or omnivorous diet, balanced and well-researched meals are the basis of good health. 76
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A debated but perfectly reasonable argument, of course, is that a baby is unable to make their own choices anyway and parents must make that choice for them one way of the other – be it veggie or meat orientated. We spoke to a number of vegetarian and vegan kids and parents for this feature and found that, even when the kids are old enough to make their own decisions (whenever that is considered to be) none have made the transition to an animal-based diet. In this article we’ve represented a range
Juliet Gellatley, founder and director of Viva! and the Vegetarian and Vegan Foundation (VVF), has male twins. Jazz and Finn are four years old and being brought up the on the same vegan diet as their parents. Juliet views it in terms of protection and looking out for their health, as well as the global and animal implications behind it. She says: “I believe animal products cause many diseases and I want to protect my sons from these. I want them to have bags of energy and to feel good and healthy, not sluggish and overweight like so many poor kids are today.”
Karin Ridgers is a PR executive who has founded her own vegetarian online television station Veggie Vision, as well as the UK’s first veggie newspaper Veggie Times. She is a vegan and has a healthy vegan baby boy too. “Bringing up Callum vegan was the easiest decision I’ve ever made and don’t see there being any other alternative for me,” she says. What about when babies grow up a bit, will toddlers find veggie food appealing and what happens in the playground? What about school lunches? Though many meat flag flyers will tell you a healthy lunchbox means a boring one, it really doesn’t have to be that way. If you start off children’s lives with treats like dried fruit and nuts it will become the norm for them and they’re less likely to reject it in favour of tooth decaying, fatty jelly sweets and junk food. Plus there are loads of veggie treats on offer in health food shops and in some supermarkets nowadays with colourful, kid-friendly packaging. There is no reason why foods can’t be made to appeal to youngsters; think bright colours, making pictures or faces out of the food and fun wrapping. Our parents said that standing your ground and not giving in every time can really help too. If you do accidentally give your child something that looks like it should be vegan or veggie, but isn’t, going into hyper vegan police mode and demanding they regurgitate it instantly could have an adverse affect. Instead, you could just learn from your mistakes and ensure you don’t buy the product again. Panicking too much may place stress on your child and they could end up resenting the lifestyle later in life.
ideals about the world. Well, meet 16-yearold Sam McCreesh, a vegan entrepeneur! He was brought up by omnivorous parents and fought a battle against them to be vegan. And, if there need be any proof that a veggie diet doesn’t lessen brain power, try this for size – Sam has just finished school but has already set up his own ethical graphic design company, has released a veggie guide to his home county, Rutland, and is local contact for various animal welfare and vegetarian/ vegan organisations. The teenager decided to take the plunge when he stumbled upon an anti-factory farming leaflet. “I guess before that I’d never really questioned where the meat and animal products I was eating came from,” says the teenager. “So I contacted the Vegetarian Society and found out I could be veggie and healthy. Then I decided I wanted to become vegan and my parents said I wasn’t allowed to do it until I got to university because it would be too much hassle and unhealthy. “But it was hard because I felt so strongly about it. One night I remember thinking ‘I just can’t go on eating this stuff, I don’t agree with it’. I put my parents in touch with the Vegan Society and Viva!, where they got lots of good advice on nutrition so we could make sure I got a healthy balanced diet.”
Jay Dave
Keep it in the family Sam McCreesh
Teenagers Karin Ridgers
Moving on to the next stage of a child’s life and we’ve all heard of teenage brats, demanding that parents give in to their
For some there is no transition period, it’s natural way of life from birth. Jay Davé is a 32-year old lacto-vegetarian (like a vegetarian but also without eggs) and practises Hinduism and Ahimsa. This means non-violence and a respect for all life, which he feels is a natural instinct for children at
heart. “When you’re a child and you see baby animals, one’s natural instinct is to run towards them and play,” he offers. Another snippet of evidence useful in a pro-veggie debate is that Jay’s ancestors have all followed this diet, with an approximate and impressive figure of 120 generations. He laughs: “I think that’s enough proof that a well-balanced lacto-vegetarian diet is perfectly natural, normal, safe and healthy.” His family is certainly not lacking in the brains department either – reams of degrees, masters and high-flying jobs are just some of their achievements. When Jay’s mother moved to England in the 1960s she was often bombarded with questions about when she was going to change to the Western diet of meat and junk food. Thankfully for Jay’s family, she didn’t bow to this pressure and the healthy, compassionate diet lives on into more generations. Jay says: “I am so thankful to mum for bringing me up this way. Sure, there were times when I was five or six and other kids had gelatine sweets and mars bars and I wanted to try them. But even then, I understood that they had animal in and would never have eaten them.”
Panicking too much (about what they eat) may place stress on your child and they may end up resenting the lifestyle later in life He now enjoys making his own sweet and tempting treats. Jay’s passion lies in cooking delicious and nutritious food and you can view him making some of his favourite recipes on Veggie Vision (www.veggievision. co.uk). His signature dish is a Gujarati dish called Ravaiya - baby aubergines, baby new potatoes, tomatoes, strips of pepper and courgette filled with an aromatic, lightly spiced gram flour stuffing. One of the families we spoke to went vegan because mum had a moment of revelation while pregnant. Ten-year-old Seamus Brough’s mother Mary was taking a bite out of a cheese sandwich while pregnant with him when she ‘saw the light’ and decided she must go vegan. She’d heard a baby cry, and started to think that her cheese sandwich deprived a baby calf of his mother’s milk. She’s never looked back and neither has Seamus.
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LIFESCAPEFEATURE Where to find out more Contact Viva! or the VVF for help on raising vegetarian and vegan children. www.viva.org.uk/ recipes has a wealth of knowledge on this including tips on Weaning your Vegetarian or Vegan Baby, and a Mother and Baby Guide. www.vegetarian.org.uk has an indispensable guide called Veggie Health for Kids. Don’t have the internet? Call the VVF on 0117 970 5190 or Viva! on 0117 944 1000 for more information. The Vegetarian and Vegan societies are also a great source of information for new veggie or vegan families and can be found at www.vegsoc.org and www. vegansociety.com, or 0161 925 2000/01424 427393 respectively.
The bright young vegan wrote a book at the age of nine called Go Vegan Go which can be bought from Viva! and the Vegan Society. It details his life so far as a vegan and raises some remarkably clever and to-the-point ideas surrounding the issue of eating animal products. Mary remembers the day he corrected a nurse about the normality of drinking cow’s milk by saying ‘You wouldn’t drink cat’s milk, would you?’.
No thanks mum Another family who turned to a vegetarian diet together was Miranda James and her two sons, now 19 and 21. At seven, Waine turned to Miranda and told her he would not be eating meat anymore after seeing a pig spit-roast on a cookery programme. Miranda followed suit and she is now vegan. Waine dispels the myth that veggies are guaranteed to get picked on at school and claims he was actually respected by his peers in primary school for his decision. Brother James followed in his footsteps: “It’s not fair to herd animals and take away life, a cow wouldn’t just jump a human,” he says.
Health For children, and adults to be healthy of course, they will benefit from doing a little research into what nutrients are needed, what foods to obtain them from and how often they should be eaten. Generally people interested in the health aspects of going vegetarian and vegan are happy to do it ‘properly’. A great resource 78
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is Liz Cook’s wipe-clean illustrated chart which lists everything you need from protein in nuts to magnesium in bananas. It’s important for all kids, of course, including vegetarian and vegan ones to get all the right components of a good diet. A major UK government survey on children’s diet showed that 60-75% of kids interviewed had not eaten any citrus fruits or leafy green vegetables that week. It also disclosed that their fibre levels were well below what is needed for normal bowel movement.
Schools Some parents find it difficult coping with sending their vegan kids to school with teachers and dinner-ladies sometimes being unsympathetic. The end result of a lack of understanding can lead parents to seek alternative schooling arrangements. Danielle Ellis, from Blackburn, ended up home educating her children. “What really gets to me is that teachers were vigilant when it came to kids who had allergies or Halal diets, but couldn’t remember about my kids being vegan, even after teaching them for a whole year,” she says. Rosalyn Spencer from Lincolnshire has taught in schools and home educated and has noticed a large proportion of home-educated children are vegetarian. She feels this link could be both because veggie parents and those who are dissatisfied with the conventional schooling system examine ‘conventional’ ways of life a little closer than others. But
don’t be put off if the idea of home educating does not appeal, be persistent but friendly with school staff and explain clearly what your children do and don’t eat, and why. Jamie Oliver’s attempt at improving the nutritional value of school dinners has brought the subject into the lime-light and hopefully with it will come greater awareness of vegetarians wanting and needing more than chips and a dingy salad.
Tricky situations As some of our parents have demonstrated, it is getting easier to bring up a baby or young child veggie, but there can of course still be issues. It does seem that vegetarian, and especially vegan, children are respected more by other people once they reach an age where people feel they are able to make their own decisions on the matter.
Waine dispels the myth that veggies are guaranteed to get picked on at school and claims he was actually respected by his peers in primary school for his decision It can be tough when friends, family, doctors and teachers start preaching and telling you how you should be bringing up your children. Lifescape is well aware that raising children can be emotionally and physically draining and no one wants to make life harder for themselves. But we wanted to show some positive examples of veggie kids as an inspiration. There will be hiccups along the way and times when, for example, the only option for them at a kid’s party is animal-laden jelly and dairy ice cream. Where possible, it’s good to try to anticipate these sticky situations and make it as easy for your child as possible. It can be done and the results are worth it according to our interviewees, if you are as prepared as possible for every eventually! e
Homeopathy in
Pregnancy &
Worried you can’t conceive, anxious about the pain and discomfort of childbirth, not sure what pain relief to take during pregnancy that won’t harm the baby? Jane Gathercole’s expert advice will see you more than well prepared
Childbirth
H
omeopathy is a gentle yet highly effective form of complementary medicine that can offer support on many levels. It works by stimulating the body’s own healing power so that it can clear itself of many symptoms of illness and reach a balance. The remedies cannot cause side effects because only a minute amount of the active ingredient is used in their preparation. However, as mentioned below, there is, on rare occasions, a situation when “provings” occur, so it is best to be as accurate as possible in diagnosing a remedy These gentle but powerful remedies are an ideal treatment during pregnancy and labour, as it is a time when most conventional drugs are prohibited. They also have the added benefit of boosting the vitality and health of your baby.
Pre-Pregnancy It is now widely recognised that pre-conceptual care has a huge influence on fertility and the health of the unborn child. Homeopathy also has a long record of treating infertility, especially where there is no specific reason why the couple cannot conceive. It is best to begin treatment with a Homeopath before you plan for pregnancy to ensure a state of health in which your baby can thrive. In an ideal situation, a Homeopath would advise that both mother and father have a consultation before conception to make sure they are in the best possible health. This is especially helpful if previous pregnancies have been difficult or if there has been a history of miscarriage.
Pregnancy Your Homeopath will be able to advise and reassure you on many aspects of pregnancy. Homoeopathic remedies can be used to treat a huge variety of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, backache, varicose veins, swollen ankles, cramps, food cravings, haemorrhoids and many
more symptoms you might never have thought of before becoming pregnant. It can also help with emotional symptoms that may arise as both parents adjust to approaching parenthood. More serious complaints, including raised blood pressure, can also be helped by a professional Homeopath. There are even remedies that can turn the position of the baby in the womb to avoid a breech birth. It is also a highly successful way to induce a normal pregnancy after 40 weeks. A Homeopath should be contacted early as the process can take a couple of days.
Labour The remedies are an excellent way of assisting a birth. They can give mothers the confidence to relax and follow the natural birth process as well as giving birth partners a definite role as they help to choose the remedies. There are homeopathic remedies available to assist with every aspect of labour. Your Homeopath can put together a homeopathic birthing kit to take into the labour ward with you or there are several available to buy. It is, of course, essential that you or your partner are familiar with the remedies and when / how they should be used before going into the delivery room. Your Homeopath may even be willing to assist at the birth. During labour things tend to happen quickly and because the mother is in a “heightened” state the correct homeopathic remedy is not only easy to chose but also can act very rapidly and effectively. It is always worth trying a homeopathic remedy before any mechanical medical intervention takes place - often you may find that the intervention is then unnecessary.
Many conditions can be aided such as: failure of the cervix to dilate, ineffective contractions, contractions stopping suddenly, nausea, weakness and exhaustion, excessive pain and emotional symptoms such as irritability, fear, anger or weepiness.
It is best to begin treatment with a Homeopath before you plan for pregnancy to ensure a state of health in which your baby can thrive It is in easing emotional symptoms that homeopathic remedies come into their own. If fear and anxiety can be reduced then it can lead to an improvement in physical symptoms such as exhaustion, high blood pressure and nausea. Homeopathy treats an individual’s reaction to a situation, not the situation itself and a single remedy can treat many symptoms. For example, the remedy Chamomilla is for someone in a state of extreme irritability, anger and intolerance of pain. Nothing is right for them and even when their requests are fulfilled it is not good enough for them. Imagine a toddler having a temper tantrum and you will get the picture. This can be experienced by women during labour when they may shout at their partner, hate being touched and become someone whom birth attendants try to avoid! In this state they may also experience extremely painful labour pains in the back and down the legs. www.lifescapemagazine.com
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LIFESCAPEFEATURE The labour may also be slow to progress. Chamomilla covers all these symptoms and should give some relief for the woman and all those around her.
Post Delivery In the months following delivery homeopathy can help with such things as breast feeding difficulties, irregular periods, postnatal depression, infant eczema, colic, teething, nappy rash and sleep problems. Remedies taken by the mother reach the baby via the placenta or breast milk so will benefit the baby too, especially for postnatal healing. Good, ongoing homeopathic treatment will strengthen a child’s immune system so they will be less prone to falling ill. By starting treatment young, children can maintain a level of physical, emotional and mental well-being, and to sum up, they will get the basis for a healthy start in life.
Useful Remedies Arnica Arnica is probably the best known homeopathic remedy and for many people provides a clear example that homeopathy really works! There is nothing quite like seeing a bruise or swelling disappearing before your eyes after a nasty injury. Arnica is available in a cream or tincture and may be applied topically to bruised or sore areas (but never on an open wound). During pregnancy, it can help with any minor injuries or discomfort from an active baby who kicks, causing soreness. During labour Arnica can help the muscles to do their work with a minimum of physical stress and strain - and can even speed the labour itself. After the birth, Arnica relieves pain and helps strained tissues to recover their former strength. Where the birth has been straightforward and without complications, this is the first remedy to think of for encouraging bruised, tender and swollen tissues to heal in double-quick time.
Bellis perennis Arnica is not the only remedy for bruising. The other one to consider is Bellis perennis. This remedy is for deep tissue bruising, such as in the abdomen or perineum, where the pains are severe. The pains can be throbbing and aching leading to a feeling of weakness and exhaustion. It is specific for 80
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bruised soreness after abdominal surgery and therefore for the aftermath of caesarean sections. Bellis perennis is also very useful for severe pains in the groin during the last few months of pregnancy. The pains tend to come and go suddenly while walking and are severe enough to make walking difficult.
Caulophyllum Caulophyllum is useful for establishing effective contractions in labour. In long drawn out labours it is needed for extremely painful but ineffective contractions which do not work - in other words, the cervix does not dilate and becomes “stuck“ in this phase. The pains “flit about” the abdomen from one place to another. Sometimes the labour slows down and even stops altogether. After labour the uterus does not contract properly and the placenta is not expelled easily. Exhaustion, trembling, thirst and chilliness accompany these complaints. Caulophyllum is also useful in pregnancy for annoying Braxton Hicks contractions with the typical pains that “flit about” the abdomen. Some books advise pregnant women to take Caulophyllum routinely during the last weeks or even months before delivery to prepare them for an easy labour. Caution: Taken in pregnancy, Caulophyllum can help to contribute to a problem free birth, but ONLY if it is indicated. If taken repeatedly when it is not indicated, proving symptoms may develop (including difficult labours) i.e. those very symptoms that it can cure. If this is not your first baby and you have a history of easy labours, then don’t take it. If this is your first baby seek help from a professional Homeopath who will advise you properly on this remedy and any others that you may need to prepare for labour.
Guidelines 1. Only treat yourself for current, minor complaints: i.e. mild morning sickness, constipation, heartburn or insomnia and so on. 2. Take your selected remedy every 4 - 8 hours (less frequently for mild symptoms) for up to 3 days. Generally speaking, symptoms that are fairly low grade in nature should respond quite well to a 6c potency.
More intense symptoms will do better with a 30c potency. These are the potencies that are readily available in most chemists and health food shops. Always bear in mind that as soon as there are any signs of improvement, the remedy should be stopped. If the symptoms reoccur, then the process can be started again. 3. Seek help from a professional Homeopath or other medical professional for chronic complaints (those that are recurring and/or deep-seated) or if home prescribing does not help. e Jane Gathercole LCH RSHom is a registered Homeopath. She works privately and within the NHS in London and Inverness. For details please contact : Harrow Health Care Centre Centre for Complementary Therapies 84 - 88 Pinner Road, Harrow HA1 4LF or Maslin House, Kinmylies Way Inverness, IV3 3TP
How To Find A Homeopath To find a good Homeopath consult the Register of The Society of Homoeopaths. All the Homeopaths registered with the Society practice in accordance with a Code of Ethics and Practice, have professional insurance and have passed stringent academic and clinical assessments before being admitted to the Register. The Society of Homeopaths 11 Brookfield Duncan Close Moulton Park Northampton NN3 6WL 0845 450 6611 www.homeopathy-soh.org
Homeopathic Pharmacies The following pharmacies take telephone orders and all supply childbirth kits: Ainsworths 020 7486 4313 www.ainsworths.com Helios Homoeopathic Pharmacy 01892 537254 www.helios.co.uk Nelsons homeopathic Pharmacy 0207 293118 www.nelsonshomeopathicpharmacy.com Weleda 01159448210 www.weleda.co.uk www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPEREVIEWS
LIFESCAPEREVIEWS
November Book Reviews
The Magic of Make Believe: Beyond Positive Thinking
Books to enthuse and inspire: Latest titles and some recent classics! The Care and Feeding of Indigo Children Author: Doreen Virtue, Ph.D Publisher: Hay House Price: £9.99 Release date: August 2006 Comment: Doreen Virtue’s bestseller told
Secrets of Success and Inner Peace Author: Dr Wayne W. Dyer Publisher: Hay House Price: £6.99 Release date: August 2006 Comment: It is said there are no new ideas
Go make a difference: Over 500 daily ways to save the planet Editors: Emma Jones and Jo Bourne Publisher: Think Books Price: £7.99 Release date: June 2006
No Destination: An Autobiography Author: Satish Kumar Publisher: Green Books Price: £9.95 Release date: 2000 Comment: From becoming a Jain monk at the age of nine, walking 8000
Incredible You! 10 ways to let your greatness shine through Author: Dr Wayne Dyer with Kristina Tracy Publisher: Hay House Price: £6.99 Release date: September 2006 Comment: This is an exciting and attractive 82
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us about the Indigo children. This book follows on and gives an even greater insight into these bright, intuitive, strong willed and sometimes destructive individuals who are often misdiagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD), as they won’t comply with established
Author: Lee Pascoe Publisher: Findhorn Press Price: £8.99 Release date: June 2006
rules and patterns. Anyone who knows angels exist will also love this book, as will the parents of any child who does not “fit in.” Teachers with an open mind who are looking for educational alternatives, please read this book.
in the world but there are some very gifted writers who have learned the secrets of how to make wisdom sing in your heart. Wayne Dyer is one of them. This book conveys eternal spiritual truths. Most religious paths contain much truth about how to live well, but their tendency to
hold onto their assumed spiritual property rights can be restrictive. This book will help you navigate more safely, successfully and happily through your life. It may open more doors than you could ever imagine.
Comment: If we remember why we all sometimes resort to fast food, healthy or not, this is the paper version of a gourmet vegetarian feast. Life is mostly complex due to extended families, working habits, child-care logistics, travel dilemmas, what to speak of the
socio-cultural environment and day to day events that range from mundane soap to major drama. Whether you are in a slow or fast lane, though, this book works. Packed full of facts, ideas and resources, it is an indispensable guide and companion for being part of the change needed.
Comment: Lee Pascoe’s excellent
You can heal your life (De Luxe Edition) Author: Loiuse Hay Publisher: Hay House Price: £12.99 Release date: September 2006 Comment: This is Louise L. Hay’s classic book in a special
Neal’s Yard Natural Remedies
miles round the world for peace as a vegetarian carrying no money, to editing Resurgence and establishing Schumacher College and Green Books in England, and more, Satish Kumar treads the deep path of active self- realisation. This servant leader has achieved much by being generous, humble and
true to his thoughts and spiritual vision. As he rightly says, caring for the earth and her peoples is best a matter of joy, not one of compulsion. Celebrate Resurgence’s 40th birthday by reading, or re-reading his classic autobiography, last updated 2000.
book for children. Wayne Dyer has taken the ten concepts in Secrets of Success and Inner Peace and interpreted them for children. As the parent of eight children, who clearly enjoyed reading to them, his hope is that this book will become your children’s favourite bedtime book. From sharing the good, to taking care of
yourself and knowing what thoughts give you energy, all the words are accompanied by lively illustrations. It is never too early for children to learn about themselves and know their uniqueness. Good for kids and the child in all of us!
Authors: Susan Curtis, Romy Fraser, Irene Kohler Publisher: Neal’s Yard Press Price: £9.99 Release date: September 2006 Comment: This excellent updated
The Jan de Vries Guide to Health and Vitality Author: Jan de Vries Publisher:Mainstreampublishing Price: £7.99 Release date: June 2006 Comment: Jan de Vries spends his life
personal development book is “offered to those who have tried to believe in a more positive, fulfilled and happy life – and have seemingly failed.” Based on wellestablished psychological and analytic concepts, a working knowledge of theatre, plus the Silva Mind Control methods,
it is a focused and practical guide on how to be who you most want to be. It contains exercises that immediately help you overcome any blocks that might have held you back. Well researched, easy to read, life enhancing: Believe it!
gift edition for anyone wanting to treat themselves or a friend or relative. Each page is illustrated and the positive messages of hope and encouragement are even more attractive to absorb. As she says, “The thoughts we think and the words we speak create our experiences.” If you
haven’t yet read any of her books, then start with this one. She has given enormously to others, and if your childhood was bad, take heart from Louise L. Hay’s own story and the healing possibilities open to you.
edition is a comprehensive summary of how homeopathy, aromatherapy and/or herbs can heal everyday ailments. It is intended to be for personal use, and offers remedies for everything from abscesses, aches and cellulite to vomiting and varicose veins. It is written
by the founder of the Neal’s Yard Remedies shops, Susan Curtis, along with two of her colleagues. Ailments are listed alphabetically and after a succinct description of the ailment, the various options are listed in an easy-read format.
healing people from curable and what many have been told is incurable illness. He also works tirelessly to ensure that complementary medicine will be available long term to everyone, regardless of financial status. He covers addiction, allergies and ways to maintain a healthy weight,
plus there are lots of original ideas and remedies. There is a section on how we can balance our energies with hand movements called Mudras, stress busting that really works and much more. Very highly recommended, so don’t miss out on the special offer!
SPECIAL LIFESCAPE GIVEAWAY
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lucky readers selected at random will win an autographed copy of The Jan de Vries Guide to Health and Vitality
Please send your postcards marked: Lifescape Readers Giveaway, Jan de Vries Healthcare Ltd, ‘Auchenkyle’, Southwood Road, Troon, Ayrshire KA10 7EL. www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPEFOODDIARY
My Food Week Let’s face it, we’re all a bit nosy when it comes to what other people are eating, so, welcome to our new food diary section. This month we asked Amanda Powley, co-owner and chef at Brighton’s famous vegetarian restaurant Terre à Terre, to note down everything she ate for one week in September. Here are the results… Amanda says: “It’s a good time to catch me during my food calendar – it’s my favourite season – boughs bending laden with fruits and the hedgerows loaded with bursting berries. It’s the season to get plucking, fruit not feathers!” Amanda (right) gets to work in the Terre à Terre kitchen
Dinner/Evening:
Sunday
Mid morning:
Mushroom spinach Pizza with mozzerella and pine nuts Drinks: Water, Oakwood Pear juice, tea
Picked mushrooms in George’s field (George is a horse) and grabbed tomatoes and rosemary from garden on the way out. Did a fry up on the Calor gas cooker with the mush, toms, rosemary and Sussex weald Halloumi and eggs. Ate it on the downs early morning with stable mates. We had bread and butter lots of tea and coffee
Huge slab of hot fresh bread with poached egg, chilli oil and smoked tofu, grilled tomato
Friday
Dinner/Evening:
Breakfast/Morning:
Lunch/Afternoon:
Picked more tomatoes from the front pots at home, made tomato soup and fried sage bread and cheese. After lunch, made damson and elderberry compote with the kids (who lost interest half way through) and had that blobbed into Greek yoghurt with port and honey Ate lemon cake
Dinner/Evening: More soup
Drinks:
Industrial strength tea and coffee throughout the day, approximately six tea and two coffee Lots of water Two big glasses of Melbec
Monday
Breakfast/Morning: Three bigger than I need slices of toast with loads of butter and more of that damson and elderberry compote Sheep’s yoghurt Banana Apple Peach
Lunch/Afternoon:
Huge bowl of mixed salad kitchen sink style with leaves and flower Marie cheese with winey lentils, olive bread dipped into olive oil and balsamic vinegar with salt
Later:
Picked plums and windfall apples with family and baked them with minced up almonds and brown sugar.
Dinner/Evening:
Sweetcorns and butter and pepper More of that mushroom in a risotto with purple sprouting broccoli with Twineham grange Parmesan Hot baked apples, plums and cream
Drinks:
No coffee, lots of tea, lots of water, the rest of that bottle of Melbec
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Tuesday
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Breakfast/Morning: Late - no brekkie! Picked blackberries and found a new pumpkin grower
Ate at the restaurant Roulette Soufflé: Horchata and Manchego soufflé finished with paprika smoke foam, Tomato flesh piquillo, blistered salt pepper padrons and pressed roast tomato jus, served with potato mousseline, stuffed deep-fried fat green olives and fino freeze. Cheese and biccies Four cups of strong Coffee, 3 glasses of Breaky bottom (Lifescape assumes this is a wine?!, lots of water
Wednesday
Breakfast/Morning: Picked mushrooms, plums and elderberries Toasted porridge, maple syrup and bananas Two apples
Lunch/Afternoon:
Morning/Breakfast: Four wholemeal slices of toast butter and marmite
Lunch:
At the restaurant Ravioli butter, cookie crumble and white asparagus milk shake: Fava and pea farci ravioli crammed with tarragon, flat leaf parsley and lemon thyme, topped with butter cookie crumble, served with parmesan ice, fresh ricotta wild garlic pressé. And, just-cut pea shoot tangle with wet garlic and salt, lemon confit pastry shards. Rhubarb and custard with Peppertree Madeleine: Rhubarb compote and frothy Grand Marnier custard served with pink peppercorn Madeleine, roast rhubarb, cinnamon dusted beetroot tangle and Aromatique Bianco sorbet.
Dinner/Evening:
At the restaurant You Say Tomato… Seared Isle of Wight tomatoes and basil leaves served with buffalo milk mozzarella, avocado black pepper oil, avocado hollow, cippolini juice, fat olives, Parsley, thyme and Twineham Parmesan, pankow polenta rammed with heritage tomato and organic rocket mince. Cous Cous, baked pumpkin, preserved lemons and mixed leaves with roast red peppers. White bean soup with baked tomatoes, cream and tarragon Made jam with plums and froze the elderberries
Village pub with pony pals Cheesy chips, two pints of Harvey’s
Not hungry
Kids and cousins come round for afternoon cooking session and we made Dinner of Better Batter: Buttermilk soaked halloumi, dipped in chip shop batter, fat frites, minty pea mush cake and balsamic plum tomatoes, sea salad tartar. Salty white bloomer. Then elderberry ice cream and honeycomb
Dinner/Evening:
Thursday
Breakfast/Morning: Found cobnuts 4 slices of wholemeal bread with plum jam Lunch/Afternoon: At restaurant Hot Parmesan dumpling with beetroot and chevre battenberg served with green olive and fresh leaf smash surrounded by a brunoise of pumpkin and cumin crecy, lentil’s de lait, Merlot soft sticky onions and rosemary rub
Later:
Hot sticky valrhona choccy fondant served with tiramisu mascarpone ice with bitter coffee ripple, red wine syrup, Grappa cherries and brandy Anglaise.
Other drinks:
Lots of Water, six cups tea, two glasses of Oakwood apple juice
Saturday Breakfast:
Four slices of wholemeal toast, plum jam
Lunch:
Black cabbage and potato soup, wine and x v oil flower Marie cheese and bread
Later:
Drinks:
Four coffee, five tea, lots of water, three glasses of Pinot Grigio
Lifescape’s verdict: We may not have heard of a lot of the stuff Amanda eats, but it sounds bloomin lovely to us. Can we come and live with you for a week Amanda? www.terreaterre.co.uk/ 01273 729051
LIFESCAPEREMEDIES
LIFESCAPEDILEMMAS
naturalremedies personaldilemmas Andrew Lowe – natural remedies for common ailments
Q
I have taken Echinacea for years to help combat infections, but what else can I do to make sure my immune system works well?
The immune system is our body’s defence mechanism against infectious organisms and other invaders. This complex and highly developed system uses a series of steps to attack organisms and substances that invade or appear foreign. We are as strong as our immune system It is the quality and ability of our immune system to react effectively that determines if we are susceptible to the invading organism. Therefore, we are as well as our immune system’s ability to defend and protect us. Our immune system is affected by our lifestyle, well being and how we treat our bodies. Negative emotions affect the immune system, such as fear, stress and anger. Immunization against all things that we are potentially vulnerable to, only downgrades our immunity further. Childhood diseases are ways in which our immune system can develop and strengthen. It is by actually fighting the real disease that the immune system becomes genuinely enhanced.
Choose organic For people whose immune systems are compromised, organic foods are important. 86
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Eat a diet that contains whole and fresh foods as much as possible. This includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, as well as pure extra virgin olive oil. Yogurts with friendly bacteria are also helpful, though it is even better to use an acidophilus supplement to maintain digestive health, as this is very much linked to the function of the immune system. Goat’s yogurt would be my preference, even before cow or soy yogurt. Herbs & supplements that are beneficial for stimulating the immune system The most well known of these is Echinacea, although Astragulus and Schizandra should be on the list, along with Pau D’Arco. Elderberry is also a great immune enhancing herb that helps combat viral infections. Olive Leaf is making great strides in getting the immune system stimulated. Medicinal mushroom formulas are helpful along with formulas that are immune stimulants. Two of my favourites are Wellness Formula and Comvita’s Winter Wellness Elixir with propolis. Both formulas work to help support a healthy immune system. Listen to your body Allowing your immune system to fight off infection before you run for a drug is a good way to build up your residual immunity. Listen to your body, and if you feel your immune system is unable to fight off infection or disease on its own, then it is reasonable that you choose a medicinal preparation. You should educate yourself regarding any possible side affects that may occur from the use of a drug. Ultimately, you are responsible for anything you put into your body. Why question good health? You don’t need a reason to eat and live healthily – it’s on most people’s wish lists. How often do people make a toast to health and happiness, even though it is something that is commonly taken for granted? Health and our general maintenance are not things to be so easily passed off onto doctors. Each of us has an innate responsibility to look
deeper into the needs of our body. Aren’t we often the best judges of how we are feeling? Doctors only receive a handful of days training on nutritional requirements, vitamins and supplements and so therefore concentrate on tackling the symptoms rather than recognising them as signs of distress in the body. Conventional medicine, though very effective in the short term, when continually relied upon, can eventually undermine the quality of the immune system. A complementary approach is the best way forward in many cases.
Self help tips Self-care for the immune function can be approached in a number of ways: Exercise wisely Take a good probiotic supplement, as this stimulates the intestine’s immune system and slows the growth of infectious organisms. Another product called Molkosan, made from fermented whey, is great for rebalancing gut health. Take extra vitamins and minerals everyday to help prevent deficiencies that may make you a target for infection. Suck Zinc lozenges! This is a good way to help reduce the onset of a cold or flu. It can soothe sore throats and relieve cold symptoms. Along with propolis, it is another way to bolster the throat, which is seen as the first line of the body’s defences. Check for Candida Underlying many people’s lack of health are digestive problems and/or food intolerances, especially regarding yeast or sugar. These often lead to the commonly treated condition Candida, which depletes the body on many levels. Andy Lowe, Licensed Homeopath, Croft Natural Health, 16a High Street, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1AT. Tel 01462 436881 Fax 01462 423259 email: lowepath@tiscali.co.uk
Alison Tucker, MA, a professional counsellor, responds to your questions…
COMMUNICATE! dear alison I know my husband is having an affair, but the thing is I don’t care, so am wondering if there is something wrong with me. We have been married for 27years and I am not really very interested in him anymore. Of course we are friends and I care about him, as we brought up two boys who are now successfully doing their own thing. I have my own friends and he has his, but last week I overheard a conversation he was having with a woman he is very close to and suddenly wondered whether I should be worried?
alison says You could be worried that your husband will leave you for someone else. How would you feel then? Your reaction to this question will tell you how you really feel and what you need to do. You say you care about him, but do you? Would you be willing to let him go if he wanted to? Generally speaking when there is someone else involved in the marriage it does signal some sort of problem. This situation does require some response or you wouldn’t have written to me. Maybe you are putting a brave face on it all; maybe you are burying your head in the sand or maybe there is nothing much between your husband and you anymore. It could all be a storm in a teacup and the conversation you heard was merely that of very close friends. You need to explore the issues and talk to your husband. You’re his wife, so communicate with him!
MY MIND IS NEVER STILL dear alison I can’t stop my mind racing – it’s horrible. I feel so worked up. I can’t sleep, concentrate or eat. My mind goes over everything, analysing obsessively. I don’t know how I got into this state except that I am so tired and haven’t had a holiday in four years as I am too busy. I am in my head all the time, worrying. Have you any ideas?
alison says
Most people in the west are too much in their heads. Find a way to draw energy away from your head or else your mind will remain on overdrive. Buddhists talk about the mind being like a monkey swinging around, or a tiger that needs taming. You have got into this crazy place where you can’t take a break, so you are well into overdrive. Even if you do take a break, you would be wise to slow down. Complimentary therapies that relax, from massage and reflexology to flower remedies will help. The Bach Flower Remedy White Chestnut will help clear a lot of unwanted thoughts. Try and replace caffeine with herbal drinks or water, read instead of watching TV, go to a health club and swim or work out, get a pet…any of these will help. Your mind can be your worst enemy or your best friend. The following books might help. Take Charge of Your Life: How Not To Be A Victim By Louis Proto How To Be Your Own Best Friend By Dr Paul Hauck
WHY DO I SLEEP SO MUCH? dear alison I know I sleep too much but it is my way of dealing with life. I am newly married and my husband is getting annoyed with me about it. He wants to be up early even on weekends and holidays but I just want to have my lie-ins. Even in the afternoon I want a nap. I am really worried this is going to affect our marriage so we split up. Is he being unreasonable or am I? I don’t work but he does a 60 hour week. I just think people can be very different. We are both 28.
alison says: Well, there’s different and different! First of all make sure there is no medical or nutritional reason for all this sleeping. Check whether you are anaemic, but look at your diet and make your own decisions as well, as some foods are very
soporific! Once this is done you can look at whether you are really sleeping too much. People’s needs do vary and some need a good 8-9 hours and others can get by on 5-6 hours a night. The less energy you have the less you do, and this leads to less energy. What do you do with your day? Are you depressed? Are you under-achieving and not getting enough stimulation? You don’t sound unhappy about yourself so this brings me to the next point. You got married to be with your husband. Are you sleeping to avoid something? Are you afraid of something in this relationship? If you want more displays of affection – ask him. If there is nothing negative and it is annoying your husband then you do need to compromise. You are only young – sleep is restorative and essential but counter-productive if it is used to escape from things that need dealing with. When we sleep with anyone we also take on their vibrations and some say their karma. As he is very high energy you may be balancing some aspect of his nature. Think about yourself and what is going on more deeply. Talk to him and work out how to enjoy each other in bed and out of it, rather than worry about the differences. As he is working long hours he will not want to waste his time off doing nothing. Perhaps you could work part time so he doesn’t need to work such long hours. Talk about yourselves and the life you want together! Send your questions to Ali@llifescapemag.com or Ali/Lifescape, Canalot Studios, W10 5BN www.lifescapemag.com
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LIFESCAPEHEALTHTIPS
LIFESCAPEHEALTHTIPS
Did you THE RAW MOUTH RIOT
1 IN 5 PEOPLE get a mouth ulcer at
some time in their life – whether from biting their tongue, an ill-fitting denture or munching on salt and vinegar crisps! Not everyone has serious mouth ulcers but the pitted sores are never welcome! Many take to living on blended pasta and tubs of ice-cream and give up brushing their teeth to avoid the pain they cause. It is often so painful to talk, but what do you do if being on a telephone all day is your job? These raw invaders can create havoc at work and play. The other irritating aspect of their arrival is that everyone says, “You must be stressed.” So yes, emotional, allergy-type stress and hormonal stress all increase the chances of these little blighters turning up, but hey, it’s like when you are really up against things and make the effort to look good and your best friend says with an ultra caring voice, “you look ever so tired.” Nearly everyone is stressed some of the time, if not all of the time, and so many have ulcers. So what’s new. Better to suggest something that might ease the pain or make a sufferer smile, but be careful, laughing is sometimes very painful if you have ulcers. 88
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know?
WHAT ARE THEY & WHO GETS THEM? Mouth ulcers are generally minor, major or pinpoint aphthous ulcers - painful sores that can occur anywhere inside the mouth.
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suggestions from ulcer sufferers as to how to zap the pain
1. Bonjela to coat the surface of ulcer 2. Ibuprofen or paracetamol 3. Soluble aspirin mouth wash 4. Warm drinks 5. Eat live yoghurt or ice-cream 6. Ice held on ulcer 7. Gengigel rubbed onto ulcer 8. Tea Tree oil rinse 9. Rinstead Adult Gel 10. Adcortyl / Kenalog / Orabase / Triamcinolone 11. Rinse regularly with salt water
45%
of people with mouth ulcers have a family history. • Women are affected more often
than men. (Some women find that mouth ulcers occur just before their period. In some women, the ulcers only develop after the menopause.) • They usually first occur between the ages of 10 and 40. • There can be days, weeks, months, or years between each bout of ulcers, though ulcers tend to recur less often as you become older.
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suggestions to keep them at bay
1. Many ulcer sufferers say Squigle Toothpaste, with lots of that enamel saving ingredient, Xylitol, does the trick. (www. mouthulcers.com) 2. Avoid using Sodium Lauryl Sulphate particularly in toothpaste 3. Try not to stress your body and mind unnecessarily 4. Eat lots of vegetables and fruit and/or supplement with Vitamin C 5. Keep your mouth really clean – salt water is good for rinsing, as are some proprietary mouthwashes 6. Supplement with Vitamin B and folic acid 7. Gargle with Echinacea, or take the tablets 8. Take L-lysine – this amino acid seems to work wonders for many people 9. Rest, meditate and/or pray more 10. Make sure you get enough zinc in your diet 11. Keep well hydrated – drink lots of water 12 Eat live yoghurt regularly – soya or milk based 13. Avoid any foods you know you are allergic to 14. Don’t indulge in spicy hot food, salty crisps and other triggers if you are in a potentially mouth-ulcer phase 15. Supplement with high dose of Kaolic garlic if you know they came from eating food that was not clean, or you ate with dirty hands
Causes
There are many processes that can lead to mouth ulceration: They may appear as an overreaction by the body’s own immune system. Ulcer triggers include stress, fatigue, illness, injury from accidental biting, hormonal changes, menstruation, sudden weight loss, food allergies and deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron and folic acid. Some drugs, such as nicorandil have been linked with mouth ulcers. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) one of the main ingredients in most toothpastes has been implicated in increased incidence of mouth ulcers. Viral, fungal and bacterial processes can also lead to oral ulceration.
Is it my diet?
Vitamin C deficiencies may lead to scurvy which impairs wound healing, which can contribute to ulcer formation. Too much ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) or citric acid, however, may cause ulcers. So some sufferers are greatly helped by drinking cranberry juice, and others find it makes them worse. It is very much an individual affair! A common cause of ulcers is coeliac disease, in which case consumption of wheat, rye, or barley can result in chronic mouth ulcers. If gluten intolerance is the cause, prevention means taking most breads, pastas, cakes, pies, cookies, scones, biscuits, beers etc. out of the diet and substituting glutenfree varieties where available. Artificial sugars, such as those found in diet cola and sugarless gum, have been reported as causes of mouth ulcers and Carton Orange juice has also been flagged up as a possible cause in some people. Oral cancers can lead to ulceration as the centre of the lesion loses blood supply and necroses. Squamous cell carcinoma is just one of these. If you have the same ulcer for more than 2-3 weeks it might be best to check it out.
ULCER ALERT!
• The symptoms preceding the ulcer may vary according to the
cause. Many sufferers say they experience a very dry mouth prior to an ulcer arriving. • Some mouth ulcers begin with a tingling or burning sensation at the site of the future mouth ulcer. In a few days, they often progress to form a red spot or bump, followed by an open ulcer. It is at this stage you can often prevent a full-blown mouth riot if you find the solution that works for you.
If you suffer from regular bouts of ulcers do check out: www.mouthulcers.org Or call Dom Walton: 0870 741 0481 You won’t feel so alone and you might well find a way to beat them
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LIFESCAPESTOCKIST
stockists Aveda
Essential Care
www.aveda.com 0870 034 2380
www.essential-care.co.uk 01638 716 593
Baby Organics
ESPA
MAC
www.mypure.co.uk 0845 456 0639
www.espaonline.com 01252 352230
www.maccosmetics.co.uk 020 7534 9222
Barry M
Ethical Wares
Malki Dead Sea
www.barrym.com 0208 349 2992
www.ethicalwares.com 01570 471155
www.deadseabathcare.co.uk and Boots nationwide
Barefoot Botanicals
Floris
Mama Mio
www.barefoot-botanicals. com
www.loomstate.org 0845 702 3239
www.mamamio.com 0207 287 3028
B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful
Dr Hauschka
Mother Earth
01386 792 642
www.motherearth.co.uk 0153 9435 166
Traidcraft
www.esteelauder.co.uk 0870 034 2566
Natural Magic
www.traidcraftshop.co.uk 0870 443 1018
Green Baby
Natural Collection
www.naturalcollection.com 0870 331 3333
www.naturalcollection.com 0870 3313333
0870 034 2566
Lavera
Organic Apoteke
Bourgeoise Boheme
www.lavera.co.uk 01557 870 203
www.organicapoteke.com 01234 757744
www.bboheme.com 0207 602 9067
Living Nature
People Tree
www.livingnature.com 01794 323 222
www.peopletree.co.uk 0845 450 4595
L’Occitane
Rare Fashion
www.loccitane.co.uk 0207 907 0301
www.rarefashion.co.uk/site 0870 1127199
Little Green Earthlets
Sanctum
www.earthlets.co.uk
www.sanctumaustralia. co.uk 01420 540 400
www.bnevertoobusytobe beautiful.com 01202 493789
Bathrobics www.vitalia-health.co.uk 01628 898 366
Bobbi Brown
beyond skin www.beyondskin.co.uk 01494 871655
Cariad www.cariad.co.uk 1462 443518
Edun http://edun.ie
Estee Lauder
Lullaby Lavender
Lush www.lush.com 01202 668 544
www.naturalmagicuk.com
Sante www.naturalcollection.com
Skincare Café www.skincarecafe.com 0870 443 2744
Solar Therapy System www.urbanapothecary. co.uk
tatty bumpkin www.tattybumpkin. co.uk01732 812212
The Body Shop 01903 844 554
Vintage Style www.vintagestyleshop.co.uk 01483 278764
Willow www.willowbeautyproducts. co.uk
www.beauty-republic.com 01403 740 350
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LIFESCAPEUPCOMING
Don’t miss the fantastic December issue of Lifescape!
• Get your free ethical Christmas shopping guide • We interview Body Shop founder Anita Roddick • Look at Christmas around the world
Anita Roddick photograph provided by Joel Anderson
• Enjoy all your regular health, food, travel, garden, fashion, beauty and style sections. Available from 3rd November in selected WAITROSE stores as well as WHSmith, Borders, newsagents and independent stores nationwide or by subscription Anita Roddick
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Veggie Internet TV station competitions, cookery, celebs, info, special offers
Check us out now and sign up for our free ezine
www.veggievision.com
Our comfortable & relaxing home is in the perfect place to explore northern Scotland. Mountains, forests, lochs, beaches & more are all waiting to be explored close by. Fabulous breakfasts & evening meals that are all animal free & mainly organic. Special breaks out of season (art, writing etc.) Please contact us for more information Carnbren, Station Road, Lairg, Sutherland IV27 4AY 01549 402259
highlandvegan@aol.com • www.carnbren-vegan.highland-guesthouse.co.uk
PR and events for people who Make A Difference* MAD Promotions are dedicated to compassionate and healthy living PR forpeople, products, events and services that are making a difference.
Please email us for further information info@mad-promotions.com www.mad-promotions.com
Irresistible... All of our freshly baked-to-order cakes, desserts and savouries are dairy and egg free. This also includes selections that are wheat, gluten and sugar free.They are ideal for celebrations or to send as gifts. So whether you are vegan or vegetarian, have intolerances or allergies we will have something special for you and your family to enjoy. Order on-line or by phone and have our handcrafted treats delivered to your door anywhere in the UK. www.BlueLotusProducts.com Tel: 0116 299 8122
Feng Shui Consultant Healing people and homes Peace, serenity and good health – are these important to you? FENG SHUI AND SPACE CLEARING
Your consultation will enable you to make changes to your home or business to bring positive energy into your life in areas such as Health, Wealth and Relationships. REIKI AND MEDITATION
With a combination of healing, meditation and chakra balancing, you will learn you how to deal with stress, anxiety and panic attacks. TAROT READINGS
There will never be any cause for concern as to the answers given. If there is a situation ahead then you will be made aware of it and able to prepare for it in advance. Available separately or as part of your Feng Shui, Reiki or Meditation consultation.
Sue Spencer • 01442-215992 sue@suespencer.com www.suespencer.com
Sheffield Centre for Massage Training beginners courses professional training courses for qualified practitioners
scmt@massage-training.co.uk www.massage-training.co.uk
0114 258 4558
To advertise in this directory please contact
LIFESCAPE Directory – Connecting Each Other
LIFESCAPE Directory – Connecting Each Other
Watch our veggie mini programmes anytime 24/7 - and maybe get involved yourself!
Carnbren Vegan Guesthouse In the beautiful Scottish Highlands
directory@ lifescapemag.com 94
or call Jo on 0208 9609494
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LIFESCAPE Directory – Connecting Each Other
LIFESCAPEFOOD
The Canteen
Crisis
I
’m writing this just as the first episode of Return to Jamie’s School Dinners has finished on Channel 4. Tonight the chef found out that the Government will allocate another £200 million or so on top of the other £200 million or so it pledged to give two years ago, to improve school meals. He was quite excited. As part of this drive to improve kids’ diets of chips, sweets, fizzy drinks and the legendary turkey twizzlers, new standards were introduced at the start of the new term in September which give guidelines on what kids should be eating at school. The main rules, as you may well have read by now, are that there should be more fruit and vegetables, oily fish and fresh bread available at every lunch-time, free fresh drinking water at all times and no fizzy drinks. On the totally banned list are sweets, crisps and salt and limitations are placed on the amount of deep fried food and manufactured meat that is dished up. I have to admit it sounds like a fairly good start really, except that is if you’re a vegetarian or vegan or have any special dietary needs. The standards are mostly devoid of any real consideration of veggie kids, unfortunately. And when Lifescape questioned the organisation set up by the Government to help schools deal with the new rules – the School Food Trust – there appeared to be a lack of knowledge on providing healthy meals for non-meat eaters. There are mentions of a vegetarian lifestyle in the guidelines, such as the suggestion that there should be a vegetarian alternative each day and that it shouldn’t always be cheesed based, but no real indication of how a vegetarian or vegan child can receive their nutrients. There is a whole main section devoted to the benefits of oily fish in giving children essential omega 3 oil, but no idea is given on how a veggie student could receive the same nutrients. 98
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You could say Lifescape was a little shocked by the response we received on this from the School Foods Trust, which the Government spent £15 million on setting up a year ago. It started off fairly positive, “Individual menu choices are up to the individual schools, but we expect all diets to be catered for equally,” says the press officer. Then he says something truly amazing in answer to our fish dilemma. “Actually some local authorities are trialling fish oil supplements at the moment instead of fish. So…” I interrupt and say, “What, ones with fish oil actually in them?” “Yes,” he says. “So are you saying veggie kids could take them?” I ask in disbelief. He replies along the lines of yes, could be an alternative and was a little startled and embarrassed when I pointed out that a vegetarian was obviously not going to eat a capsule with fish oil in it, were they? He tells me that parents and schools could get advice from the School Food Trust helpline. So, that’s where I go next. I call the line and a polite person takes all my details and why I am calling – to find out how my fictional vegan child will receive his nutrients at school. I am told someone will call me back within 24 hours and if my query is particularly difficult I would get a call back within 15 days. The next day I get a call from another press officer who didn’t realise someone else had already called me. He basically admits that the vegetarian and vegan side of things hasn’t been covered as well as it could have been, but says it would be addressed more specifically when the next stage of the rules, the ‘nutrient-based standards’ come out (not until 2008/9). “We are looking into getting more information for vegetarians and vegans, we are aware that this is something we could be more specific about,” he says. “Do you not think you could have covered even the most basic stuff such as the fact the vegetarians can get their omega oils from nuts, seeds and avocado?” I ask. He agrees that, yes, this might have been a good idea. But, he says, “most vegetarians know where they can get their protein etc from”. Next, and well within the 24 hours comes my call back from the helpline. Another polite lady tells me that my query can’t be answered yet, it has been referred to the nutritionists. “So there’s no information readily available for vegetarian or vegan kids and parents at the moment?” I ask. “No. The “Dfes (Department for Education and Skills) are in discussions, we’re waiting for further advice. It’s a bit of a grey area. We have a few queries like this. You should hear back in the next week or so,” she says. OK, so maybe the press officer is right, we probably do have a pretty good idea of what our kids should be eating to be healthy, but why should it be accepted that the government doesn’t seem to take our children’s nutritional needs as seriously as the next child? On page 25 of the standards, which are available on the SFT website – www.schoolfoodtrustorg.uk - there’s a small bit on ‘Ethnic diets and special dietary needs’. It states that the Trust will be developing specific advice on this in its guidance on the nutrient-based standards. Nutrientbased standards should be in place in primary schools by September 2008 and secondary schools by September 2009! In the meantime though the Trust believes that the new standards “should not present any barriers to making healthy provision for these pupils.” To give them their dues, there are quite a few mentions of nuts, seeds, dried fruit and soya milk, so there are some good points in there generally. These measures have their heart in the right place and they do take time to implement. We just need the Government and the Trust to get their act together and take the veggie issue more seriously. We may have a good idea of what’s good for our kids, but we can’t necessarily stop them having veggie burger and chips smothered in mayo and ketchup every day at school while we’re not around. eClaudia Cahalane
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