Therapy Magazine Sept - Oct 2016 by Therapy Magazine

NATURAL HORMONES An important role to play in women’s health

10 Keys to

Happier Living

Make life happier and more fulfilling

SPACE

CLEARING Harmonise your home and office

The health benefits of keeping yourself hydrated

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS Blends to solve common household problems

Our Guide to achieve beautiful skin

BEAUT Y MUST H AVES • RETAIL THERAPY • REIKI Y O G A • R E C I P E S • U K R E T R E A T S • D O G T H E R A P Y1 Sep/Oct 2016

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Spa, Sauna & Steam

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FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to Therapy Magazine ues 3 Iss ust for j

0 5 . 7 £ 34 age o p o t f turn more in r fo

Michelle Smith

editor@therapymagazine.co.uk

ost of us continually strive to look our best and feel healthier, a great place to start is with your skin. Our Sensational Skin Guide on page 9 contains all the information and advice you will need to help you achieve beautiful skin. Drinking water regularly and keeping yourself hydrated can have a whole lot of health benefits, this issue includes our Top 10 Benefits of Drinking Water on page 18 to give you all the information you need to help maintain good health. For those of you who have not yet discovered the amazing benefits of essential oils, our beginners guide on page 27 gives expert advice for blending oils to solve common household problems. ‘A Clear Space is a Clear Mind’, on page 22 Space Clearing expert Vicki Sweetlove explains that whenever there is a negative change in your life, space clearing your home or office will raise vibrations and keep the energy positive. In every issue we try to include articles that cover a whole range of topics and which we hope will be of help and interest. It is very important to us to hear from our readers so please contact us by letter or email with any views, comments or suggestions and they could be featured in our next issue. So whatever it is that takes your fancy, we hope Therapy helps you to find some inspiration.

Our team Assistant Editor: Stacey Kelly stacey@therapymagazine.co.uk Health & Beauty Editor: Robyn Banbury robyn@therapymagazine.co.uk Features & Advertising: Debbie Murray debbie@therapymagazine.co.uk Design: Daniel May dan@therapymagazine.co.uk Therapy Magazine Unit 2, Hatches Farm House, Hatches Farm Road, Little Burstead, Billericay, Essex CM12 9SG Tel: 01277 658835 Email: info@therapymagazine.co.uk The information and views expressed in this magazine are for reference only. We recommend that you always consult with a member of the medical profession before undergoing any type of therapy.

Contributors Vicky Sweetlove Feng Shui Consultant and Space Clearer www.fengshuilife.co.uk

Andy Chrysostomou Reiki Master Teacher and author of ‘Essence of Reiki’ www.thehealingco.com

AnnA Rushton An experienced author and speaker on alternative health and lifestyle issues catalystanna@gmail.com

Vanessa King Board member and the lead positive psychology expert for Action for Happiness www.actionforhappiness.org

Bridie West A passionate baker who began Bridie’s Cakes three years ago www.bridies-cakes.co.uk

Jean Hall Author and one of the UK’s most inspiring yoga teachers www.yogajeannie.com

Paige Brooks Personal Trainer and Nutritionist www.nutripaige.com

Rebecca Jest A full time mum who started Essence Of Arcadia in 2015 www.essenceofarcadia.com

Sep/Oct 2016

IN THIS ISSUE 6

THERAPY FAVOURITES

OUR GUIDE TO SENSATIONAL SKIN

News, events and ideas.

Advice to help achieve beautiful skin.

14 BEAUTY MUST HAVES Our pick of beauty essentials.

18 TOP 10 BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER

The health benefits of keeping yourself hydrated.

20 EATING HEALTHY, MOVING OFTEN AND FINDING BALANCE

Cut out unhealthy calories and improve your health

22 A CLEAR SPACE IS A CLEAR MIND

Space clearing to harmonise your home or office.

25 RETAIL THERAPY

A selection of our favourite products.

27 ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS

Blends to solve common household problems.

30 NATURAL HORMONES

An important role to play in womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health.

33 RECOMMENDED READS Reviews of the latest book releases.

37 FIND HAPPINESS IN BAKING How baking can help deal with anxiety.

38 10 KEYS TO HAPPIER LIVING

Actions to make our lives happier and more fulfilling.

41 DOG THERAPY AT HOME

Why companionship of a dog can be beneficial.

44 THE BENEFITS OF YOGA Yoga styles to suit everyone.

48 THE YOGA KITCHEN Health-conscious vegetarian dishes.

53 UK RETREATS

UK detox retreats that can help you feel transformed.

58 WHAT IS REIKI?

A look at the amazing Japanese spiritual healing art of Reiki.

Sep/Oct 2016

33 Sep/Oct 2016

News, events and ideas to inspire.

Favourites

Event

Herbal Remedy

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Friday 30th September

olding a Coffee Morning is the perfect chance to catch up over a cuppa and a slice of something delicious for a great cause and Macmillan is hoping that 2016 will be the biggest ever. Since 2001 the event has raised over £165 million. By 2020 almost one in two people will get cancer at some point in their lives so the money raised at Coffee Mornings will ensure those people get the support they need. Whether it’s a coffee morning at work, an afternoon tea party with the girls or a Great British bake off, every cake baked, coffee bought and laugh shared helps Macmillan ensure no on efface cancer alone.

Sage for Hot Flushes

ot flushes and night sweats are common symptoms of the menopause with over 80% of women experiencing them. Sage, commonly known for its use as a kitchen herb has a long history of use as a herbal supplement and can be described as a mild phytoestrogen, literally an oestrogen from plants Studies have shown great effects in reducing symptoms of hot flushes and in some women stopped them completely.

Heathspan provide a one a day supplement Sage 2000mg £10.95 120 tablets (4 month supply) www.healthspan.co.uk

Superfood

Blueberries

For more information or to get your free Coffee Morning kit, which includes all the things you need to host a wonderful event, visit www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk

Latest Trend

Adult Colouring

oin the latest craze, increase your focus and concentration, reduce stress and get better sleep through the simple act of colouring. The new colouring book for adults ‘Modern Meditation’ by Dr Stan Rodski stimulates your brain to make you feel more energized, happy and peaceful and ready to take on life’s challenges. Pick up a pencil, paintbrush or crayon and begin colouring! Hardie Grant £10.00 www.hardiegrant.co.uk 6

Sep/Oct 2016

hey may be small but these tiny berries are packed full of antioxidants. Research suggests these super powered berries can lower blood pressure, speed up metabolism, lower levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), enhance memory, decrease symptoms of depression and potentially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and protect against cancer. The fact that they are also super sweet, low in calories, high in fibre, vitamins c and k and taste great is a bonus.

Quote

“YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO SET ANOTHER GOAL OR TO DREAM A NEW DREAM” C. S. LEWIS Crystal

Green Jade Crystal:

Attraction

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, London.

f you struggling for ideas to keep the kids entertained, visit our top attraction, With more than 700 amazing artefacts on display, the attraction celebrates the weird, wonderful and bizarre in all its forms. With everything you can imagine (and plenty more you can’t), Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London is a family day out that’s definitely out of the ordinary. Visitors at Ripleys can now get the chance to view the mind boggling world of Willard Wigan’s microscopic art creations. Marvel at the selection of miniature exhibits on display through a microscope as Willard Wigan’s sculptures are of such minute proportions they can virtually not be seen with the naked eye. Get up close to sculptures such as an astonishing nine camels in the eye of the needle to the extraordinary Homer and Bart Simpson on the head of a pin!

his is one of the best crystals for success. Its energy helps you manifest your goals and promotes the flow of abundance into your life. It also attracts new opportunities.

WRITE TO US: At Therapy magazine we love to hear the views and ideas of our readers. Please write to us and let us know what you have to say. The Star Letter chosen and printed in our next issue will receive a fabulous new fragrance large jar candle worth £21.99 from the Yankee Candle Company www.yankeecandle.co.uk

If this isn’t enough excitement guests can also enjoy interactive games and experiences such as the mirror maze and a LaseRace game. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London is open seven days a week, 365 days a year from 10am until midnight (last admission 10.30pm). Tickets to this world of wonders situated in the heart of London’s West End are £27.95 per adult and £20.95 per child. Purchase your tickets online in advance and save up to 50%. For full pricing options please visit www.ripleyslondon.com.

Win Family Tickets

We have five sets of family tickets for Ripley’s London to give away. For you chance to win, just send your name, address and contact telephone number to: Ripley’s, Therapy Magazine, Unit 2, Hatches Farm House, Hatches Farm Road, Little Burstead, Billericay, Essex CM12 9SG. Closing date 30.11.16.

Letter can be sent by email to: info@therapymagazine.co.uk or by post to: Letters, Therapy Magazine, Unit 2, Hatches Farm House, Hatches Farm Road, Little Burstead, Billericay, Essex CM12 9SG.

Sep/Oct 2016

SKIN CARE

Our Guide to

Sensational Skin by Jade Smith

Sep/Oct 2016

SKIN CARE

We’re always thinking about how we can look better and be healthier. While you’re debating whether you should be heading to your nearest gym or investing in some superfoods, remember a great place to start is with your skin. Whether you’re fed up of dry skin, hard feet, a few spots or a pasty complexion, we’ve put together all the advice you’ll need to help you achieve beautiful skin.

CLEANSE

Cleansing your skin will remove any dirt and oil from your skin that can cause breakouts, and it’ll also stimulate the blood circulation in your face to give you a healthy glow. It’s important to cleanse in the morning to wash away any natural oils that have built up over night, and again every evening. If you’re using a cleansing lotion apply it to dry skin as wet skin will dilute the product. We recommend using a cleansing gel or foam wash and apply it directly to damp skin, and we’re loving Kiehl’s Pineapple and Papaya Facial Scrub £24.00 www.kiehls.co.uk. Work the product into the skin with your fingertips gently using a circular motion, then rinse with warm water, it’ll leave your skin feeling exfoliated and so soft and refreshed!

TONE UP

Toners are designed to remove any cleanser residue, and balance the pH of your skin removing any of the nasty chemicals, salt and chlorine which are in tap water and can dehydrate our skin. Many people believe that using a spray is the best way to apply toner but this may only dilute the chemicals, so applying it to a cotton pad and wiping it on your face and neck is a much more effective method. Using a toner will help to prep your skin for moisturising.

EXFOLIATING

As we get older, dead skin cells give us a dull complexion so it’s so important to exfoliate on a regular basis to remove these dead layers of skin, especially in the summer as we sweat more! As our skin repairs overnight, the best time of day to exfoliate is in the morning to scrub those dead cells away. Use a scrub once or twice a week - an oily scrub is perfect as you get all the benefits of exfoliation while hydrating the skin at the same time. Just don’t use anything with granules too often as these products can tear at the skin if overused. There are lots of lovely products to choose from when it comes to exfoliating, you could try something infused with coffee, ginger or caffeine as these are known to help with cellulite and circulation. Exfoliating regularly will help moisturisers and serums to soak into the skin more easily making them more effective – and it will also help your foundation smooth over your skin and sit well. For facial exfoliation, we highly recommend the Magnitone Barefaced! Vibra-SonicTM Daily Cleanse Brush £70.00 www.magnitone.co.uk. It’s really easy to use and does all the work for you, just let the bristles glide over your skin and you’ll be left feeling cleansed, toned and conditioned, we love it!

MOISTURISING

If you want smooth, soft skin you need to make sure you’re moisturising every single day. The best time of day to moisturise is when you’re fresh out of the shower and your skin is still damp – that way you can seal in the moisture that’s already been absorbed by your skin. Believe it or not, olive oil is a great moisturiser; use it on dry areas such as your elbows and knees and it’ll leave your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed without a greasy residue – give it a go! Moisturisers should change with the weather so pick something light for the summer, you can buy a heavier one when you’re getting your winter knitwear out. Lastly always remember, there’s no need to splash out on expensive moisturisers as cheaper products are often just as effective. 10

Sep/Oct 2016

SELF TANNING

Always avoid using sun beds, the health risks are well documented, and rather than spending hours in the sun, there’s a much easier way to get a year round sun-kissed glow. Many people are put off of trying fake tan through fear of turning a more orange shade than lightly-bronzed, but we promise

there are some great products out there to help you achieve a really natural look! If you have this fear, try a gradual tan. There are lots of moisturisers you can buy which have a hint of self-tanning agents which you can apply. We love the Vita Liberata Phenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse £37.50 vitaliberata.co.uk. We thought it was so easy to apply, streak-free and looks really natural, and you can apply it between one and 3 times depending on how dark and long-lasting a tan you want to achieve.

PROTECTION

Whether you’re lucky enough to be jetting off to an exotic beach somewhere, or are simply catching a few rays in the back garden - it’s important to stay protected. It’s a good idea to apply your sun cream before hitting the sun, that way you’ll allow time for it to absorb into your skin making it less likely to rub off on your clothes or towel.

We recommend that you use SPF 30+ and ideally reapply every 2 hours – more if you’ve had a dip in the pool. Remember not to be fooled by a cloudy sky either, it’s surprising how much UVA can penetrate without you noticing, so remember to put your sun cream on whether the sun’s out or in. It can be so tempting not to apply sun cream as often as you should because you’re so eager to get a summer tan, but don’t underestimate the power of the sun and let yourself burn. We recommend the Vichy Ideal Soleil Velvety BB Cream £15.50 www.vichy.co.uk, its SPF 50 to keep you well-protected from sun damage, and gives you an illuminated glow – perfect for when you’re going barefaced at the beach.

Sep/Oct 2016

SKIN CARE

STAY SAFE IN THE SUN

55%

NIVEA and Cancer Research UK have recently released research which reveals the extent of the British public’s confusion around sun protection – and the potential harm to their health. It’s interesting to see that over 80% of brits have become sunburnt in the UK.

17% 20%

of Brits don’t know if there is a difference between the SPF and the star rating on sunscreen products

of respondents admitted being unsure if sunscreen expires – and three per cent believe firmly that it does not

believe that they cannot get sunburnt if they’ve used sunscreen

20%

66%

of adults who go out in strong sun in the UK without protecting their skin from the sun reveal they have done so because they wanted to get a tan

of respondents admit protecting their skin from the sun more when they are abroad than in the UK – and, as a result, over 80 per cent of Brits have become sunburnt in the UK

fail to wear hats to protect themselves in the sun because they “don’t suit hats”

40% report becoming burnt whilst gardening or doing DIY outside in the UK and 21 per cent have been caught out whilst watching sport outside.

Cancer Research UK and Nivea Sun recommend the following steps to stay safe in the sun which fall within their easy to remember C.A.R.E. acronym:

C 12

Cover Up Wear a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses. Sep/Oct 2016

Aim for the shade between the hours of 11am – 3pm in the UK.

Rub on Sunscreen Use plenty with at least SPF 15 and a 4 star rating.

Enjoy! Have fun in the sun safely.

For sensitive skin try Ultrasun’s new Face Anti-Age & Anti-Pigmentation SPF50+ which protect and cares for the most sensitive of skin whilst reducing existing pigmentation £32.00 www.ultrasun.com For all over protection we love NIVEA SUN Protect & Refresh Spray SPF 50 which gives immediate protection and has a wonderful cooling effect that leaves skin feeling vibrant and refreshed, £7.99 www.nivea.co.uk

LET’S FACE IT

Lots of the wrinkles in our faces can be caused by the way we sleep, no matter how soft your pillow is, sleeping on your front or side can cause lines in your face. Sleeping on your back can help you avoid developing sleep lines. Be sure to take care of the thin, delicate skin underneath your eyes, as this area doesn’t produce much of the protective oils that keep our skin looking youthful. Eye creams can help to reduce dark circles and wrinkles, and if you want to reduce puffiness look out for products that include caffeine. A lovely product to try is the Rosa Arctica Eye Youth Regenerating Eye Balm by Kiehl’s £35.00, gently apply it around the eyes and it’ll leave the skin feeling softer and looking younger. Finish off your facial skin routine with Kiehl’s Cactus Flower & “Tibetan Ginseng” Hydrating Mist £18.00 www.kiehls.co.uk, just spray it onto your face and neck to hydrate and purify and achieve a healthy, refreshed glow.

GETTING LIPPY

The summer’s here and exposing your lips to the sun can cause cracking and peeling, so just as you would apply sun cream to the rest of

your skin be sure to pay attention to your lips too, Nivea Sun Protect provides protection from the damaging effects of the sun with SPF 30 and gives long lasting moisture leaving your lips smooth and protected £2.99 www.nivea.co.uk. To achieve super softness it’s also important to regularly exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub, a sugar scrub is perfect. Rub the product into your lips gently and then wash away any excess, this process will remove dead layers of skin and help to stimulate regrowth of new skin cells. Applying oils to your lips are a great way to hydrate them and keep them soft and smooth, we recommend almond or olive oil. Then make sure you always keep a balm in your bag to top up throughout the day. Keeping your body hydrated well by drinking lots of water every day will also help your lips to look full and healthy.

areas. If you’ve got a pumice stone you can use this while your skin is still damp, and remember to go with the grain of your feet. Afterwards, moisturise them either using a thick foot cream or natural oils. You could also do an overnight treatment, massage them with moisturiser and put on a fresh pair of cotton socks before bed and when you wake up in the morning they’ll be super soft. Aveda’s Foot Relief Moisturizing Crème, £20.00 www.aveda.co.uk is a great product to try, apply it liberally to leave your feet feeling intensely moisturised and soothed, and repeat as often as you feel you need to!

BE GOOD WITH YOUR HANDS

Moisturising your hands is really important, it helps to lock in moisture to keep them soft and the outer layer of skin can act as a temporary protective layer. Choose an oil-based cream rather than a water-based lotion which makes your hands feel lovely at first but unfortunately it doesn’t last. We love Helping Hands hand cream from Lush which sinks in easily and leaves hands feeling super soft £7.95 www.lush.co.uk. Your hands and your face are the most vulnerable areas for sun damage so make sure you always apply sun cream.

SHAVE

When shaving your legs, underarms or bikini area, always moisten the skin with warm water and then apply a thick shaving gel. This is a really effective method as the water will plump up the hair making it easier to cut, and the shaving gel will help to retain the moisture. Always remember to shave in the direction of the hair growth and be careful with bony areas such as your knees and ankles.

KEEP HYDRATED

FANCY FEET

In the warmer months, don’t let dry cracked feet make you feel reluctant to get your flip flops out! To keep them soft, make sure you soak them regularly for 10-15 minutes. You could invest in a fancy footbath but a bucket of warm water and perhaps a few drops of essential oils will do the job just as nicely. After soaking, give them a good scrub to smooth the dry

Just like all the other organs in our body, our skin needs water to function well. If you aren’t getting enough, your skin can turn dry and flaky, making you more prone to wrinkles and to age quicker! Water is essential for maintaining skin moisture and delivering essential nutrients to our skin cells. Drinking enough water fights skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. It also increases our metabolic rate and improves our digestive system to flush out toxins from the body, which results in healthy and glowing skin. Health authorities recommend that we aim to drink eight glasses of water a day, so it’s handy to keep a water bottle on you at all times to keep topping up. Keep yourself watered for a beautiful complexion! Sep/Oct 2016

O-Plump Intuitive Lip Plumper £18.00 www.smashbox.co.uk

Dermablend 3D Correction Foundation £21.50 www.vichy.co.uk

Radiant Glow Bronzer £19.50 www.lizearle.com

BEAUTY MUST HAVES Our pick of beauty essentials that you simply must have!

Nail Varnishes

Molten Metal £3.99 • Coconut Infusion £4.99 • Lolly Gloss £3.99 www.barrym.com 14

Sep/Oct 2016

Wonder’Full Wake Me Up Mascara £7.99 www.rimmellondon.co.uk

Halo Highlighting Wand £25.00 www.smashbox.co.uk

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam£19.50 www.benefitcosmetics.com

Lava Lamp Bath Bomb £4.25 www.lush.com

Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque £28.00 www.kiehls.co.uk

‘Festival Rescue’ Kit £24.99 www.skin-genius.co.uk

Colour Intensifying Balm £8.99 www.maxfactor.co.uk

Solid Perfume Pyramid No. 2 £22.95 www.lush.com

Instant Look in a Palette £49.50 www.charlottetilbury.com

L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Summer Saviour Hair Mask £4.99 www.loreal-paris.co.uk

Contour Kit £7 www.sleekmakeup.com

Sep/Oct 2016

one are the days of over plucked thin brows, now is the time to be bold. The right shaped brows can frame and lift your whole face, highlight your best features, define your eyes and make you look younger and fresher. Check out our pick of eyebrow essentials to achieve the perfect look.

Brooke S Brow Lift from Charlotte Tilbury - £22.50

Benefit Gimme Brow - £18.50 This quick and easy mascara-like, brush-on gel is our favourite by far. The sheer simplicity of the application makes fuller, more defined brows achievable for even brow-beginners. Also, the more natural finish is on-trend for this summer as we wave goodbye to scary, squared-off eyebrows and hello to effortless, more-subtle shaping. Available in two shades light / medium. www.benefitcosmetics.com

One of our favourites. The 3-in-1 pencil helps achieve the 3 S’s to perfect brows… Sculpt, Shape and Shade (With a little bit of shimmer for that extra je ne sais quoi). First, use the brush to tame the brows, then fill-in with the angled pencil which gives precision and makes shapingbrows possible for everyone. As for the shimmer…applying the highlighter under the arch helps lift the brows and adds a little, extra-touch to keep you sparkling. Recommended for those with dark blonde to medium brown hair. For darker or lighter shades try the Cara D or Grace K. www.charlottetilbury.com

Eyebrow Stylist from Sleek Makeup- £6.49 At less than half the price of some of the other products, this double ended brow tool has just as great results. With a pointed tip for defined shaping of the brow and a flat edge for filling-in, the pencil can either create bolder brows or just give some subtle shaping for a more natural look, simply by varying in pressure. Whilst the styling and blending brush is grooms brows into place and gives a neat, flawless finish quickly. Available in Light, Medium and Dark. www.sleekmakeup.com

Wunderbrow from Wunder 2 £19.95 The stroke-on application is similar to the Benefit Gimme Brow but with a brush-end opposed to the mascara-like applicator. Its formula uses Hair Fibre Complex to transform sparser brows, appearing as instantly fuller and thicker but with still a naturallooking finish, whilst also being water-proof, smudge-proof and transfer-proof so your flawless brows last until you say so. Available in 4 shades; Blonde, Auburn, Brunette, Dark Brown/Black. www.wunder2.com

Benefit Brow Zings - Brow Shaping kit - £24.50 This brow-shaping kit includes everything you need from pigmented wax and setting powder to tweezers and brushes all in a discreet compact form to throw in your hand-bag. However, it’s arguably for the more advanced brow artists, with a steady hand and patience necessary for a smooth finish- but practice makes perfect! And the mini-tweezers are incredibly handy for any stray-hair emergencies to ensure your brows remain sleek, even on the go. Available in three shades light / medium / dark. www.benefitcosmetics.com Sep/Oct 2016

DRINKING WATER

TOP 10 BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER Depending on our size and weight, our bodies are made up of nearly 70% water. Drinking water regularly and keeping yourself hydrated can have a whole lot of health benefits.

dvice varies on how much we need to drink as this can depend on age, how much exercise we do and how much water we are consuming already when eating things like fruit and vegetables or drinking tea and coffee. As a guide, experts recommend drinking between eight to ten glasses of water a day to maintain good health. Keep yourself hydrated and start your day with a glass of water as soon as you wake up. For added flavour add a slice of lemon or squeeze in some lemon juice, as well as the fresh taste, lemon water is loaded with health benefits and also helps with digestion. Always carry a bottle of water with you through the day, some of us find we rarely feel thirsty so get into the habit of sipping regularly.

Sep/Oct 2016

Here are the top ten benefits: 1

CLEARER SKIN

Toxins in the body can cause skin to inflame which leads to poor complexion, spots and acne. Drinking enough water can flush out these impurities, increase blood flow and make skin look clearer, younger and healthier.

ENERGY BOOST

Dehydration can make you tired, sluggish and irritable. Drinking more water will help your heart pump blood efficiently and transport nutrients and oxygen to cells which will give you a boost and help you feel more energized. When exercising, especially in the summer it is important to drink more. The hotter the workout, the sweatier we get, so it is important to keep hydrated.

ACHES AND PAINS

CALORIE CONTROL

Aching joints, stiffness, muscle strains and headaches can all occur when the body is dehydrated. Muscles can get tired without enough water so keep drinking to finish a tough work out. Our cartilage which surrounds are joints is made up of 80% so staying hydrated keeps us supple and ensures our joints stay lubricated. It also protects our spinal cord and tissues helping us stay healthy. After a heavy night on the town, water can also be a great hangover cure.

As well as the added bonus that H2O contains no calories, fat, carbohydrates or sugar, it is always good to drink a glass of water before you eat a main meal, this will help you feel full and control your appetite which means you will consume fewer calories. our spinal cord and tissues helping us stay healthy. After a heavy night on the town, water can also be a great hangover cure.

KIDNEY FUNCTION

Kidneys filter out waste and transport urine to the bladder. They also help control our blood pressure, balance fluids and keep things in order. Kidney stones are a result of a build-up of mineral deposits. Drinking enough fluid helps to flush out what we don’t need in our bodies and is crucial to keeping our systems running smoothly and our kidneys in great shape.

BRAIN POWER

When we are dehydrated, we can lack focus and have difficulty concentrating. Drinking water promotes clearer thinking. Whilst unproven, a study in London found a link between students taking water into an exam room and better grades. Drinking water makes us feel so refreshed that it actually improves our state of mind. You don’t even have to be severely in need of it to benefit. Even mild dehydration has been shown to negatively impact moods.

DIGESTION

Drinking fluids can help boost the immune system and help fight against sickness when we are feeling under the weather. Drinking water when we are sick can help to reduce the loss of body fluids and prevent nausea and vomiting. Going without water for too long causes can also cause headaches and has been identified as a migraine trigger. The good news is that in a study on the effects of water on headaches, participants experienced “total relief” from their headaches within 30 minutes of drinking water (two cups, on average). A good way to prevent headaches is to stay hydrated throughout the day. And if you’ve already been hit with a dehydration-triggered headache, you’ll need significantly more water to help it go away. Water is also recommended to help flush out the symptoms of a water infection. Bad breath can also be a sign of dehydration, water helps wash away bacteria and food particles.

When we are dehydrated our bodies absorb water which can affect the colon and leave us constipated. Drinking water reduces the burden on kidneys and liver and helps dissolve waste particles easing them through the digestive tract and making transition quicker and smoother, helping us go more easily!

SICKNESS BUSTER

FLUID BALANCE

As so much of our bodies are made up of water, keeping topped up with H2O maintains the body’s fluid balance which helps transport nutrients in the body, helps cool the body when we sweat and regulates body temperature.

SAVE MONEY

Avoid buying sugary drinks at the supermarket and replace with water, this will not only save you money but may help avoid future health problems. Remember, tap water is free! Sep/Oct 2016

NUTRITION AND RECIPES

Eating Healthy, Moving Often and Finding Balance with NutriPaige The elimination of processed junk food will cut out unhealthy calories from sugar, fatty acids, preservatives and sulphates which can cause unwanted dietary problems such as heart disease, weight gain, acne, depression, fatigue and so much more. by Paige Brooks

‘I am a 23 year old Personal Trainer that after years of battling with body confidence found a new way of life learning how to look after myself properly by eating right and getting exercise in. I wanted to help women and girls on their road to health, wellness, self-discovery and body positivity as I have done myself’

Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats (macronutrients), Vitamins and Minerals (micronutrients) are essential to our health and all serve a different purpose from providing energy to aiding digestion.

There are so many different theories on what the healthiest diet is from crazy fads of replacement meal shakes, to low carb and high protein to juice detoxes. All of these theories have an element on truth, so how do we know what to do? The amount of articles out there that we read can be overwhelming, so I am here to break it down for you, make it easy.

‘Healthy calories’ to ‘junk food calories’ are totally different. The body metabolizes all calories differently and fat loss is not a simple as calories in minus calories out. The amount of calories you consume do matter, but it is the quality of calories that count. Always opt for products at their most natural state from fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates.

t is important to realise how vital nutrition is to your health. Your body needs to be satisfied with wholesome foods which help to keep everything working; from cell maintenance to regular digestion.

Paiges Top Tips for getting started Paiges Daily Food Diary: Breakfast:

It is my favourite meal of the day and is either 1 of 3 staples. Protein Pancakes, Porridge with banana or Scrambled Egg on Toast.

AM Snack:

Greek yoghurt with fruit

Lunch:

Brown Rice, Prawns, Courgette and Garlic Tomato Dish

Make small changes

When starting anything new, changes can be uncomfortable so it is important to take it slow, make gradual steps in the right direction and over time they will become habit.

3 Enjoy what you do

PM Snack:

Carrots and Hummus

Dinner:

Salmon and steamed green vegetables

Evening treat:

2 squares of dark chocolate and a cup of caffeine free tea.

Sep/Oct 2016

There is absolutely no point dragging yourself to the gym doing a mundane workout that you absolutely hate. It is always best to have an accountability partner in crime to go to different classes at the gym, trying new styles until you completely find what you love best.

2 Write down your goals

It is very easy to get wrapped up in ‘I just want to lose weight mode’ and forget that it is going to be a long process. Make your goals specific and make lifestyle goals that are irrelevant to body image. You may want to lose 7lbs in 6 months, this is a perfect goal because it is realistic achievement and you are giving yourself a time frame. Your lifestyle goal could be a work ambition or a new hobby.

4 Plan your meals and workouts in advance

Our busy and hectic lives often get in the way of the one thing that is most important; looking after our health. So just as we do with appointments to go to the doctors or get our hair done, exercise needs to be planned too. Fit workouts and classes around work or the school run and they will soon become a part of your routine.

R E C I P E

NutriPaige Protein Pancakes Ingredients

• 1 small banana • 1 egg 2 TBS egg whites • 1 scoop of Protein Powder (I use Sun Warrior Plant Based Vegan Protein) • Cinnamon to taste • A dash of almond milk • Toppings: Fresh fruit of choice and maple syrup • Optional ingredients: 1 TSP of ground Flaxseed or 1 TSP of chia seeds

www.nutripaige.com

Directions

1. Place all ingredients into a blender/smoothie maker but If you are not, mash the banana in a bowl with a folk until a lumpy-liquidy consistency. 2. In a separate bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients and then pour in the banana. 3. Blend/Mix until a batter consistency. If too thick, add a dash of almond milk 4. Heat a medium-sized pan with spray oil or a TSP of coconut oil and allow to melt on medium heat. 5. Pour mixture onto the pan, making sure it is evenly spread. You can also do smaller pancakes to stack ‘em up! 6. Once mixture begins to bubble, use a spatula to flip it over. 7. Cook on other side for a couple more minutes. 8. Serve with toppings of choice.

/NutriPaige

@NutriPaige Sep/Oct 2016

SPACE CLEARING

A Clear Space is a Clear Mind Space clearing harmonises and raises the energy of a space, whether it be your home or your office.

by Vicky Sweetlove

t’s a method used throughout the world - in many native traditions space clearing is used after a death, to welcome a new baby, or to clear the energy after an illness. It is a highly effective technique to clear the past energy from a home so that you can make a fresh start. It fills our home and office spaces with vibrant, positive, revitalising energy and by using intention, prayer and love with the space clearing tools we can change our lives for the better. The energies of our home are always changing with our day to day lives. The things that happen in our everyday lives affect the space that we live in. When there is a divorce, bankruptcy, ill health or bad luck, that energy can repeat itself over and over again. This repeat pattern of energy in our homes is called ‘predecessor chi’. There is also the feelings that we bring into our homes when we feel sadness, arguments we may have with a partner, or friends that come and dump their worries and tales of woe. When these feelings are left imprinted in the walls and in the furniture and fabric of our homes it has an effect on the way we feel in the space that we live in.

Where to start

When we buy a new home, the first thing we do is to clean, dust, polish and hoover to prepare the home to move into. This also usually entails making minor repairs, painting and decorating , purchasing new carpets, and putting your own print on the home with new curtains and fabrics. In the same 22

Sep/Oct 2016

respect, a house requires preparation and cleansing on an energetic level too. This is where you have to consider who lived in the house previously - did they go through difficult times? Did they experience a bankruptcy? Was there a breakup in the marriage? Was there ill health? Did they want children and never had any? Maybe the people before had no friends, or they lost their jobs, or there might be a room that feels uncomfortable - this is where you can work to change the energy of a home and carry out a space clearing ceremony to make the energy of this home work for you. By doing this, you can bring what you would like to have in your life to you – it’s all about holding that intention and filling the space with positive intention.

Space Clearing Ceremony

A ceremony should be carried out when there have been major life changes, as this energy can linger in our homes and make us feel depressed and down - and then that energy permeates and grows. The energy gets stuck and it’s hard to shift this is when we know that there’s something wrong with the energy of our home. People say, “I feel stuck” or “I cant move on in my life”. This is because the energy has stagnated in your home and it feels like a thick glue which prevents you from moving forward. Then nothing goes right - you lose your job, you have bad health, you get divorced or have no partner, you are alone. This is when you know you have to do something and make a change in your environment. To ensure that the change in the energy and the intention when doing it will bring positive outcomes in your future, you need

to choose a good day when you feel good in yourself and when you have plenty of time to do it. Make an appointment with yourself to do this. Make a list of what you want to change in your life, connect to your heart and write from your soul so that your intentions are realistic and not just a wish list.

Space Clearing Tools

Have your space clearing tools prepared on a table ready to use, you will need: • sea salt • flower and food offerings • a bell, harmony balls or chiming instruments • white sage smudge stick or purifying oils ie frankincense • a feather • a rattle or rainmaker

The four stages of Space Clearing: PREPARATION;

Give the house a thorough cleaning and get rid of items that bring your energy down or anything that is broken. Make sure you have uplifting pictures surrounding you. Prepare yourself by listening to some meditation tapes to put yourself in a good frame of mind and think about what and how you want to change the energy of your home and what you want to fill the space with. Make sure you have put any food away, do not play any music as you want to fill the space with what you want to bring in and not what the lyrics of the music are that is playing. Make sure that you have the space to yourself and will not be interrupted by visitors or phone calls.

“WHENEVER THERE IS A NEGATIVE CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE, ALWAYS SPACE CLEAR YOUR HOME OR OFFICE TO RAISE THE VIBRATION AND KEEP THE ENERGY POSITIVE” Prepare your hands first by rubbing sea salt in the palms cleansing them and throw salt around the doors and windows which can be hoovered up afterwards. Prepare the space in your home by clapping in each room using your hands until you hear a loud solid clap, if it sounds dull keep clapping until the energy is clear.

BLESSING;

Prepare the offering to the home of some fresh flowers and a food offering to mother earth using your intuition as to what feels right for your home, and keep the offering until the end of the ceremony. Now take the Balinese bell or the musical instrument you have chosen and ring it to engage the tone. When it rings clear, keep the tone going all around the home and walk in a circuit. Walk the same circuit as you did when clapping and clearing the space. When you have completed the circuit, notice the energy in your home is already changing as the music vibration is lifting the energy that is in transition and transmuting it from negative to positive.

PURIFYING;

Prepare the sage smudge stick and, using a feather to move the smoke, walk the circuit of your home with the purpose of purifying and sanctifying the energy of your home. Make sure you blow and smudge the smoke into the corners and when you have completed the circuit, make sure the sage has been completely put out. As you walk around the home imagine golden energy filling every corner of the home with good energy filling every space. If you use the essential oils, walk with the oil burner and use your intention to imagine the essence of the oil purifying the space. As you stand in the middle of each room, imagine a golden light emanating out from the incense bowl until it fills the whole room - and then move to the next room until the house is complete.

INVOCATION;

This is an important part as you are now filling the space of your home with the intention of what you would like to bring into the home in your future with abundance, good health, a relationship, a good marriage, a loving family, a good career and a job that you enjoy, whatever you want to invoke and bring into your life. Take the rattle, and use your

intention, love for your home and family, and sacred prayer to fill the space in your home with those good positive thoughts.

PRESERVATION;

Finally, to preserve the good energy in your home, seal that energy in, and give the “food offering” to mother earth, use something that you can easily sprinkle or throw or pour onto the ground. As you do this, imagine in your ‘mind’s eye’ a golden slab covering your land with your house sitting on it, imagine a golden net fall over your home and join the golden slab, sealing in that good energy in your home and all of the positive thoughts that you have filled it with. Now the space clearing is complete, expect changes to happen. Whenever there is a negative change in your life, always space clear your home or office to raise the vibration and keep the energy positive. Vicky Sweetlove is a Feng Shui Consultant/ Space Clearer and if you would like a consultation you can contact www.fengshuilife.co.uk tel: 01279 654129 email: vickysweetlove@vickysweetlove.com Sep/Oct 2016

Sep/Oct 2016

House Doctor Set of 2 Patterned Storage Boxes £30 www.lisaangel.co.uk

Lottie Rose Gold and Labradorite Ring £12 (available in small/ medium and medium/large) www.lisaangel.co.uk

Moon Wall Clock: £18 www.lisaangel.co.uk

A selection of the latest trends and our favourite products that we really love right now Pineapple Beaded Cushion £45 www.lauraashley.com

Warm Summer Nights 5 Votive Set £8.99 www.yankeecandle.co.uk

Cotton Sateen Ochre Watercolour Floral Bed Set £45 (double) www.next.co.uk Savisto 1260W Retro Food Stand Mixer With 5.5L Bowl, Splash Guard, Dough Hook, Whisk, Beater £95.99 www.savisto.com

Large Candlestick Table Lamp £67.99

Pink Print Winged Tote Handbag £45 www.riverisland.com

Cotton Grey Floral Garden Bed Set £45 (double) www.next.co.uk

New Fragrance Large Jar Yankee Candles £21.99 Summer Breeze. www.yankeecandle.co.uk

Sep/Oct 2016

ESSENTIAL OILS

by Rebecca Jest

Have you discovered the amazing benefits of essential oils yet?

Sep/Oct 2016

ESSENTIAL OILS

erhaps you’ve been reading up on the many ways you can use the oils that came in your set. You may have been scouring the Internet and found that all the information available can be quite overwhelming. If you’ve been using your oils for their basic uses, but are ready to experience the full benefits of all their wonderful healing, cleaning, beautifying and germ-killing properties, keep reading. There’s not a ton of information available for complete essential oil newbies. So, we’ve decided to put together some of our knowledge and research into a sort of beginner’s guide to blending oils. We want you to have some exact recipes so that you’re not wasting your oils making blends that don’t serve the right purposes. Once you’ve studied the properties of each of the oils you have, and have done some experimenting, you’ll come up with the blends you love the most. But for now, why not try a few of these tried and tested blends to get you started?

Before You Begin Making Your Essential Oil Blends Starting out, you’ll want to have some containers on hand. That way, you’ll have all your blends readily available whenever you need them. It’s important to use coloured glass containers to store your blends in. Glass should be used because the oils will leach chemicals from plastic they are stored in. And coloured glass is important because continued exposure to light will break down the properties of essential oils and weaken their properties. Containers you will need: roller bottles, spray bottles, small jars. Other items you will need: coconut oil, another carrier oil (such as grapeseed or fractionated coconut oil), purified water and a small funnel. In addition to creating blends to keep in containers, we’ve included some great diffuser blends that don’t have to be mixed ahead of time. Simply follow your diffuser’s instructions for appropriate water levels and add the drops of oil as indicated in the recipe. So, let’s get to it!

Sep/Oct 2016

Here are some common household problems and some recipes for essential oil blends to help you solve them:

Pests • • • •

15 drops peppermint 7 drops lemongrass water spray bottle

Drop the recommended essential oil into a spray bottle. Fill with water. Spray onto baseboards in entryways as needed to deter rodents and spiders.

Insomnia • 7 drops lavender • 5 drops frankincense • 2 drops ylang ylang Follow your diffuser’s directions for water fill levels. Add essential oils. Diffuse at bedtime for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Flu Season

Minor Skin Injuries

Grease Stains

• • • • •

• • • •

4 drops rosemary 4 drops eucalyptus 2 drops cinnamon 2 drops orange diffuser

8 drops tea tree 8 drops lavender 8 drops frankincense carrier oil roller bottle

8 drops lemon 8 drops grapefruit purified water spray bottle

Drop recommended essential oils into a spray bottle. Fill with water. Keep this spray bottle around to douse onto grease, marker and even crayon stains. Let set for 15-20 minutes, then lauder as usual.

Follow your diffuser’s directions for water fill levels. Add essential oils. Diffuse for at least 15 minutes every hour to boost immunity and fight airborne viruses.

Drop recommended essential oils into a roller bottle. Fill with a carrier oil of your choice. Keep this handy anti-bacterial, skin-healing blend around to use on minor cuts and burns for speedy healing and pain relief.

Mosquitos

Acne

Cold Sores

• 10 drops lemongrass • 3 drops peppermint • diffuser

• • • •

• • • • •

Follow your diffuser’s directions for water fill levels. Add recommended essential oils. Diffuse near entryways or on your patio to repel flying insects.

10 drops tea tree 7 drops lavender coconut oil jar

Whip 120 mL of coconut oil with a mixer until it’s creamy. Slowly add in the recommended essential oils. Store in a glass jar and apply to your skin every night or use for a blemish spot treatment.

8 drops tea tree 3 drops lavender 3 drops frankincense carrier oil roller bottle

Drop recommended essential oils into a roller bottle and fill with a carrier oil of your choice. Apply liberally to the affected area at least twice daily.

Mould

Pet Odours

Wrapping it Up

• 20 drops tea tree • 10 drops lemon • water

• • • • •

Do a little research before making your own blends to learn the properties of each oil. But don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your family.

Drop recommended essential oils into a spray bottle and fill with water. Spray liberally onto the affected areas, such as around the bath and sink. Do not rinse.

10 drops orange 7 drops lavender 10 mL baking soda water spray bottle

Drop recommended essential oils into a spray bottle. Add baking soda. Fill with water. Shake well and spray lightly onto carpets and upholstery. Let it set for 20-30 minutes before vacuuming to eliminate pet and smoke odours.

Always take into consideration any allergies you or your family members may have and use smaller amounts on children than on adults. We’ve only touched the surface of the many essential oil blends possible, but hopefully these recipes will get you started with some common basics! Happy blending!

Rebecca Jest is a full time mum who started Essence Of Arcadia in 2015. She is passionate about aromatherapy and the beauty of essential oils. www.essenceofarcadia.com

Sep/Oct 2016

NATURAL HORMONES

Natural Hormones Why Their Time Has Come AnnA Rushton is an experienced author and speaker on alternative health and lifestyle issues.

ioidentical hormones have an important role to play in women’s health and here are some of the reasons why. I have always been interested, both as a health writer and a woman, in the use of natural hormones to treat a wide range of conditions. The development of the Pill, and then HRT, opened up a whole world of synthetic hormones to what at the time was an eager audience for help with birth control and symptoms of menopause. However, like many ‘revolutions’, there have been casualties along the way. This is particularly true of the now well-established links between these hormone drugs and heart disease, breast cancer and other risks associated with taking synthetic hormones.

Sep/Oct 2016

by AnnA Rushton

It was my great privilege, through my colleague Dame Dr Shirley Bond, to meet and work with the late John Lee MD and discover that there was indeed an alternative. He was an inspiration to many women and, despite negative press and an indifferent and often hostile response from the medical profession, we have him to thank for what he called ‘the grassroots revolution’ of women making their own decision on hormone health through his championing of bioidentical natural progesterone as a true alternative for menopause and osteoporosis treatment.

WHY BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES ARE IMPORTANT In my articles, talks and books I took on the task of spreading information about natural hormones to women and their doctors. It has often been an uphill struggle as it must be said that the women themselves were usually

a lot more responsive and interested than their doctors were.

body as the natural bioidentical progesterone and this makes both of them less effective.

progesterone is the next step to consider before embarking on a regime of HRT.

But as time has gone on the risks associated with synthetic progestins and the all-too frequent confusion between them and the natural hormone, has made it vital that women have the information they need to make an informed choice.

If you do wish to use progesterone to help with the side effects of the Pill or Coil, and it is still possible for you to become pregnant in perimenopause for example, then it is essential that you also use additional contraception methods as well.

HRT and the risks are well known: heart disease, strokes, cancer to name the major three. That is one of the main reasons that women are now recommended not to be on it for longer than 5-6 years. However there are also risks associated with the coil and the Pill because of the synthetic progestins they contain, which carry their own side effects.

If you have been given the Pill/IUD/Coil in order to control heavy bleeding then it will help with the side effects but you may need to have a larger initial dose of the progesterone cream to start getting your symptoms under control and to rebalance the effect of the synthetic progestins.

Women use bioidentical hormone creams from puberty to post menopause so there is no age barrier, it just depends on whether you have symptoms that you need help to get under control and that need rebalancing. The vast majority of women simply need bioidentical natural progesterone, but women with symptoms such as vaginal dryness or very severe symptoms not responding to progesterone alone are better with a combination cream containing both progesterone and oestrogen.

At menopause many women are on the Pill or Coil for heavy periods and they often tell me they are on a progesterone pill or coil, but that is very rarely the case as they are virtually always synthetic progestins. The problem is that progestins are routinely referred to as progesterone, even by doctors, and the fact is that progestins have side effects that are well documented, but bioidentical hormones do not. One of the main reasons women wish to use bioidentical natural progesterone alongside such products is to help with the side effects and that is certainly something that it can do.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE COMMONLY LISTED SIDE EFFECTS FOR THE MIRENA COIL FOR EXAMPLE: • • • • • • • • • •

Menstrual pattern changes Breast tenderness Headaches Abdominal pain Nausea Skin disorders Mood changes Fluid retention Pelvic inflammatory disease Ovarian cysts

WHO CAN USE PROGESTERONE?

There are two main reasons that women are prescribed these forms of contraception: the first is for prevention of pregnancy and the second is to control heavy menstruation. If it is essential to avoid pregnancy then it is not advisable to use progesterone alongside any product designed to prevent conception. The synthetic progestins they contain compete with the same receptor sites in the

One of the other issues that can arise with using the synthetic progestin products such as the Pill and Coil at menopause is they can also affect your weight, and that is often one of the main symptoms that women struggle with. If trying to control heavy bleeding, which is linked to oestrogen dominance, then using bioidentical natural progesterone can help.

THE RISE OF OESTROGEN DOMINANCE

There is so much health information around now you might wonder why a special website dedicated to natural hormones is needed, but I still see so much disinformation about natural hormones being repeated that I hope that I can offer an alternative view. One of the major concerns is the rise in women (and men too) showing oestrogen dominance symptoms, where their oestrogen levels are not opposed by progesterone, its natural balancer. You can be out of balance even with low levels of oestrogen as your progesterone levels will certainly be even lower. Women are given either oestrogen only HRT or oestrogen plus a progestin at menopause and after a hysterectomy but bioidentical doctors have long argued that women need both hormones and certainly not synthetic equivalents, particularly when their oestrogen levels are often artificially high through using HRT. Fibroids, endometriosis, breast cancer, weight gain, swollen and sore breasts are all indicators that you are oestrogen dominant as these conditions are all linked to excess oestrogen. Rebalancing with bioidentical natural

SIGNS OF OESTROGEN DOMINANCE • • • • •

Breast tenderness Breasts swollen, increased in size Impatient, irritable behaviour Water retention particularly of the belly, wrists, fingers, ankles Weight gain when nothing has changed in your diet or exercise

DO YOU NEED OESTROGEN OR PROGESTERONE?

Women need both these essential female hormones throughout their lives, but sometimes you need just progesterone and sometimes a combination of the two may be more helpful for your symptoms. Combined progesterone and oestrogen creams can be very helpful for women who need a little oestrogen for help with depression, anxiety and more severe flushes and sweats not helped by progesterone alone. Dr Jeffrey Dach of the USA recommends it not just for depression but also after a hysterectomy to replace both lost hormones naturally without HRT..If you are not sure if you are oestrogen deficient these symptoms may help you decide:

SIGNS OF OESTROGEN DEFICIENCY • • • • • •

Depression and anxiety Dull, dry, skin and eyes Loss of firmness, fullness and elasticity in the breasts Pain or discomfort on intercourse Reduced stamina Vaginal dryness

For further information on hormone creams visit www.wellsprings-health.com and for articles on aspects of hormone balance go to www.bio-hormone-health.com

Sep/Oct 2016

Akashic Record Readings What are the Akashic Records – these are the records of each individual soul and the pathways taken. Every life experience, every thought, words, emotions and actions are recorded by each and everyone of us and kept in the Akashic Records library. By opening the Akashic Records with a “sacred prayer” this allows me to access your records and gain information from the past, present and future to identify what blocks have been created and to release these patterns to allow change. We can look at why you have addictive patterns, why you choose the relationships you have and how the Akashic Records can give you the freedom to choose “grace” to be at one with the life you live today and be in the NOW.

Preparation for a Consultation

• • •

Make a list of questions to work from that you would like answered. Consider the areas of your life – health, relationships, family, career, creativity. Have a pen and paper to write down any information received. Make time for the consultation which will be approximately 60 minutes.

Book a phone or personal consultation today with Vicky “special offer” £65 Tel: 01279 654129 • mob: 07885 945008 • email: vickysweetlove@vickysweetlove.com

www.fengshuilife.co.uk

Akashic Connections Course L O N D O N Starting Saturday and Sunday 17th and 18th September 2016, 19th and 20th November 2016, 4th and 5th February 2017 and 4th and 5th March 2017 4 weekends for £680. The course is being held in London EC2 from 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. each day. The course will include Akashic Records Training, to be able to read the records for yourself and others, connect with the Masters of the Akashic Records, visits to local sites and connecting to the Akashic Records of the site. Shamanic Journeying, past life healing, divination, releasing negative thought patterns, cutting chords to ancestral DNA, Soul healing and know how to receive guidance with life choices For more details contact Vicky: tel:01279 654129 • visit: www.vickysweetlove.com • email:vickysweetlove@vickysweetlove.com 32

Sep/Oct 2016

BOOKS

RECOMMENDED READS

TRULY HAPPY BABY ... IT WORKED FOR ME A practical parenting guide from a mum you can trust by Holly Willoughby Whether you’ve just had a baby or you’re about to welcome your new little bundle into the world, you probably have a LOT of questions … I know I did! And I also know from first-hand experience with my three babies that one-size-fits all parenting doesn’t work. So this book is to help you find out what will work for you and your baby. I’ve included all the information and friendly advice I wish I’d been given before I became a mum for the first time, alongside the routines, shortcuts and tips that worked for me. I hope this book will empower you during your first twelve months of parenthood to trust your own mummy intuition, and to care for your children in your own way – confidently and happily. We all have that intuition, we just need to learn to tune into it! With chapters on feeding, sleeping, wellbeing and lifestyle – as well as how to look after yourself – this book will equip you with all the know-how you need to get you through the sleepless nights and concerns, to all the magical first moments. It’s a collection of everything that worked for me as a new mum – and I hope it works for you, too. Love, Holly xxx HarperCollins £16.99 www.harpercollins.co.uk

ANXIETY REBALANCE All The Answers You Need to Overcome Anxiety and Depression by Carl Vernon

TEATIME Cakes and Bakes for Every Occasion by Cath Kidston

Anxiety Rebalance is Carl Vernon’s personal experience of overcoming 15 years of crippling anxiety. In this online best-seller, Carl combines a compelling account of his experience with the answers he found, including the 10 key actions that helped him achieve balance. The response from his readers (of his original self-published edition) has been extraordinary, and his solutions will become as much as a life manual as Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway and Sane New World.

Perhaps a 4pm energy slump has struck, maybe it’s an afterschool snack for the kids, or perhaps it’s an opportunity for a get-together and to lay out your best crockery. Whatever the reason, Teatime offers 50 recipes to go to as much or as little trouble as you like to create a special afternoon treat. All the recipes are simple to follow and use easy-tofind ingredients. With tips on perfect styling as well as cooking know-how, Teatime is the ideal book for baking novices and experts alike.

Headline Publishing £12.99 www.headline.co.uk

Quadrille Publishing £15.00 Photography: Rita Platts www.quadrille.co.uk

LOVE THE PSYCHOLOGY OF ATTRACTION A practical guide to successful dating and a happy relationship. Dr Leslie BeckerPhelps PhD Which ingredients promise the happiest romantic chemistry? How can understanding your own psyche help you succeed in love? This book answers all your love-related questions and gives you concrete dating tips. Finally understand what makes people tick and use scientific findings from social and behavioural psychologists to get your love life on track. Plus questionnaires and self-analysis exercises ensure the insights gained are appropriate to your own situation. Published by DK £14.99 available now from dk.com

THE PLANT BASED COOKBOOK 200 whole-food recipes by Trish Sebben-Krupka Keen to introduce more plantbased dishes to your diet? On doctor’s orders to cut back on meat and dairy? This book has 200 delicious vegan recipes and essential practical information that will make it easier for you to transition to a new way of eating well.Covering everything from sauces and dressings to hearty stews, casseroles, breakfasts and more, the recipes are developed to have similar flavours and textures to your favourite meat and diary dishes to ease you in to introducing plant-based dishes to your everyday diet. Published by DK £14.99 available now from dk.com Sep/Oct 2016

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Sep/Oct 2016

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Sep/Oct 2016

BAKING THERAPY

FIND HAPPINESS IN BAKING by Bridie West

t’s a thing you know, cake therapy … it really is. I have let cakes and baking fill an anxiety made hole in my life, in their own sweet way. And in doing so, I’ve found a lot of happiness that anxiety had stolen from me. Let’s call anxiety A, because if you have it, it’s just like the letter. It always comes first. When I was little I was coated in ‘care free.’ Looking back, junior school was one big, happy childish daze. Secondary school is something I don’t remember fondly, it was like a compulsory, recurring nightmare. I could never sit still, I had this awkward, nervous cough which people liked to comment on and I just felt like even something as simple as breathing was too hard. A attacked me every day and I became scarily good at hiding what was really going on inside my head. After leaving school, something I dreamed about for so long, I realised A would still be there and that’s when I started baking. It’s always been in my life … my mum has showered me with little tips and homemade treats since I was big enough to walk. In her always pink apron and with Mary Berry’s cook book in hand she has shared so much joy with me through baking. Actually, something which was always good at school, was opening up my lunch! There would often be a homemade fairy cake or rocky road, something which reminded me of home. I’ve always felt kind of guilty that I ever suffered so badly from anxiety. I would often say to myself, ‘look at your life Bridie,’ I knew how lucky I was on paper, I just found it harder to be happy and there were people at school who made my happiness seem totally out of reach.

“AFTER LEAVING SCHOOL, SOMETHING I DREAMED ABOUT FOR SO LONG, I REALISED A (ANXIETY) WOULD STILL BE THERE AND THAT’S WHEN I STARTED BAKING” If you’re crippled by anxiety, it’s normal to not really like yourself and that’s something I am still working on … actually liking me. Making cakes has helped with this though, it has shown me the beauty of being creative and has helped a wildly creative side of me overtake my seriously sensitive side. It’s the only thing which absolutely distracts me from everything else. Perfectionist problems, mean memories and boyfriend troubles take a back seat when I’m beautifying a cake. Of course everybody’s different, I have tried anti-depressants and actual therapy. Antidepressants didn’t make me feel better at all. Talking to a therapist undoubtedly helped me and I would advise anyone to seek help in this way if they feel utterly helpless themselves. For me, things began to truly change when I noticed how happy cake making made me feel. Finding a physical outlet to channel all of my thoughtfulness into has proved most helpful for me. A tends to outweigh all other parts of your life, so how on earth can you be expected to lead a balanced lifestyle? Once you’ve got

A under some kind of control, you start to realise how wonderful life can be. Although I still have days where I just don’t feel strong at all, I have a better state of mind to remind myself how much happier I am now and how delightfully messy baking can be! I read heaps of cake making books and articles and have dreams of teaching people how to make the perfect cupcake. I am a selfconfessed chocoholic and not even a little bit ashamed of it. I love anything coated in chocolate and like to exercise twice a week just to let my extraordinarily sweet tooth live a little. I adore spending time on new cake designs and find a whole lot of beauty in a simple buttercream swirl. I’d say I’m kind of up there with ‘all things sweet’ geniuses. It’s only recently that I’ve opened up about my anxiety. I decided it was time to blog a little and I can’t believe how many people have got in touch with me to tell me they’ve found some comfort in my words. I always felt quite alone and it’s only now I can see how many people A affects. We are all just dealing with it in our own special way. Bridie began Bridie’s Cakes three years ago, to contact her or see some of her wonderful cakes visit: www.bridies-cakes.co.uk Sep/Oct 2016

HAPPY LIVING

Keys to Happier Living In the last few decades psychological research has broadened to include a greater focus on what enables us to function well as well as the causes and cures of dysfunction. Vanessa King, board member and the lead positive psychology expert for Action for Happiness, has drawn on these latest scientific studies from psychology and other sciences to create 10 key areas in which we can take action that research consistently shows can make our lives happier and more fulfilling. They can also be active coping strategies to help us cope and bounce back when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re experience difficulty.

Sep/Oct 2016

by Vanessa King

The research is suggesting many specific interventions within each key that we can try - as well as experimenting with our own ideas. Here’s an overview of the 10 Key areas.

DO THINGS FOR OTHERS

Caring about others is fundamental to our happiness. Helping other people is not only good for them and a great thing to do, it also makes us happier and healthier too. Giving also creates stronger connections between people and helps to build a happier society for everyone. And it’s not all about money - we can also give our time, ideas and energy. So if you want to feel good, do good!

CONNECT WITH PEOPLE

Relationships are the most important overall contributor to happiness. People with strong and broad social relationships are happier, healthier and live longer. Close relationships with family and friends provide love, meaning, support and increase our feelings of self worth. Broader networks bring a sense of belonging. So taking action to strengthen our relationships and create new connections is essential for happiness.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY

Our body and our mind are connected. Being active makes us happier as well as being good for our physical health. It instantly improves our mood and can even lift us out of a depression. We don’t all need to run marathons - there are simple things we can all do to be more active each day. We can also boost our well-being by unplugging from technology, getting outside and making sure we get enough sleep!

LIVE LIFE MINDFULLY

Ever felt there must be more to life? Well good news, there is! And it’s right here in front of us. We just

need to stop and take notice. Learning to be more mindful and aware can do wonders for our well-being in all areas of life - like our walk to work, the way we eat or our relationships. It helps us get in tune with our feelings and stops us dwelling on the past or worrying about the future - so we get more out of the day-to-day.

KEEP LEARNING NEW THINGS

Learning affects our well-being in lots of positive ways. It exposes us to new ideas and helps us stay curious and engaged. It also gives us a sense of accomplishment and helps boost our selfconfidence and resilience. There are many ways to learn new things - not just through formal qualifications. We can share a skill with friends, join a club, learn to sing, play a new sport and so much more.

HAVE GOALS TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Feeling good about the future is important for our happiness. We all need goals to motivate us and these need to be challenging enough to excite us, but also achievable. If we try to attempt the impossible this brings unnecessary stress. Choosing ambitious but realistic goals gives our lives direction and brings a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when we achieve them.

FIND WAYS TO BOUNCE BACK

All of us have times of stress, loss, failure or trauma in our lives. But how we respond to these has a big impact on our well-being. We often cannot choose what happens to us, but we can choose our own attitude to what happens. In practice it’s not always easy, but one of the most exciting findings from recent research is that resilience, like many other life skills, can be learned.

LOOK FOR WHAT’S GOOD

Positive emotions - like joy, gratitude, contentment, inspiration,

and pride - are not just great at the time. Recent research shows that regularly experiencing them creates an ‘upward spiral’, helping to build our resources. So although we need to be realistic about life’s ups and downs, it helps to focus on the good aspects of any situation - the glass half full rather than the glass half empty.

BE COMFORTABLE WITH WHO YOU ARE

No-one’s perfect. But so often we compare our insides to other people’s outsides. Dwelling on our flaws - what we’re not rather than what we’ve got - makes it much harder to be happy. Learning to accept ourselves, warts and all, and being kinder to ourselves when things go wrong, increases our enjoyment of life, our resilience and our wellbeing. It also helps us accept others as they are.

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

People who have meaning and purpose in their lives are happier, feel more in control and get more out of what they do. They also experience less stress, anxiety and depression. But where do we find ‘meaning and purpose’? It might be our religious faith, being a parent or doing a job that makes a difference. The answers vary for each of us but they all involve being connected to something bigger than ourselves. You’ll find an overview of the science and lots of ideas for action, in Vanessa King’s new book 10 Keys to Happier Living. Vanessa says it’s a practical guide to understanding happiness and how to be happier at home, at work and in your community. Published by Headline Publishing £12.99 and available on Amazon, Hive and in good bookstores.

Action for Happiness is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create a happier society for everybody by bringing people together to take practical action to create more happiness around them. Visit the website: www.actionforhappiness.org

Sep/Oct 2016

PET THERAPY

DOG THERAPY AT

H O M E

“Please can we get a dog?” - the question many parents may dread, but will undoubtedly commence the topic of conversation at one point or another.

by Chloe Steer

s wonderful as animals are, not everybody is enthralled at the thought of sharing their home with a barking, drooling, tail wagging four legged creature. However before disregarding your child’s question

with an unambiguous ‘NO’ - you may wish to consider why companionship of a dog within the family home could be described as therapeutically beneficial for both children and adults. The undeniable presence of the humananimal connection can be found largely across childhood experiences. The multitude of such encounters are recognisable through expansive examples, such as the popularity of trips to zoos, farms, wildlife sanctuaries,

the frequent use of children’s stuffed toy animals as a bedtime companion, and of course - the common nature of a child’s longing to own a family pet. For many, it won’t have even crossed their mind - but the unreserved use of animals as a theme throughout children’s story books is undeniable. So why is this? We all remember Aesop’s Fables, which include popular tales such as ‘The Lion and the Mouse’ and ‘The Hare and the Tortoise’.

58.4 MILLION UK HOUSEHOLDS CONTAIN AT LEAST ONE ANIMAL, AND 5.8 MILLION OF THESE ARE DOGS. SO WHAT ABOUT THE 52.6 WHICH DO NOT OWN A DOG? WHAT ABOUT THE HOUSEHOLDS WHICH OWN NO PET AT ALL? ARE THESE FAMILIES LACKING SOMETHING? ARE THESE CHILDREN LACKING SOMETHING?

Sep/Oct 2016

“A STUDY ASKED 68 5 YEAR OLDS WHO THEY TURN TO WHEN THEY FEEL SAD, ANGRY, HAPPY, OR WANT TO SHARE A SECRET. THE RESULTS FOUND THAT 42% OF THE SURVEYED CHILDREN SPONTANEOUSLY REFERRED TO THEIR PET DOG”

I repeat - Lion, Mouse, Hare and Tortoise - every story telling, moral teaching spirit is portrayed through that of an animal. Despite being devised thousands of years ago, these tales remain well known and frequently used by teachers as a means of successfully illustrating key concepts to children, particularly within Western cultures. One cannot merely deem this a coincidence without further exploration of the human animal bond. It is not uncommon for a dog to be seen as a child surrogate and/or beloved family member with sacred human status within a household, and it is certainly not uncommon for dog owners to talk to their dog. Research findings suggest that when a child verbalises his or her thoughts to an animal, from their perspective, a dialogue is taking place as opposed to a monologue. Children accept the lack of response from animals to be their unconditional listening, and have therefore been understood to perceive their pets as better listeners than adults; perhaps like a verbal diary - but one which can’t be snooped upon by inquisitive brothers or sisters. In addition, the presence of a dog has been found to lower the blood pressure of both children and adults in stressful situations. In fact, a study on the hormone oxytocin found that the bond between children and their pet dog can be similar to that of children and their parents; acting as a vital outlet and companionship for children experiencing family issues, exam worries, or the increasingly common social anxieties noted throughout childhood and adolescence. Moreover, the idea that a child’s receipt of an animal to

nurture is able to serve as a socialising function is one which should not merely be cast aside. If a child learns how to treat an animal with empathy, that is for example - having the ability to perceive their needs, then this should have a transfer effect onto their empathy with people. The social-emotional development which takes place throughout a child’s engagement with animals could therefore support the development of their social skills required for everyday life. In addition - as social incompetence could be described as a trigger for peer rejection and exclusion - it is important to understand that developing competencies in this domain may enhance a child’s ability to succeed in school as well as in later life; positively influencing their mental health, success in work, and the ability to be a citizen in a democracy. So, can the companionship of a pet dog truly act as an alternative therapy for children at home? A study asked 68 5 year olds who they turn to when they feel sad, angry, happy, or want to share a secret. The results found that 42% of the surveyed children spontaneously referred to their pet dog, and compared to those who did not mention seeking pet support, these children were described by their parents as being less anxious and withdrawn. More recent research is able to support these findings, stating that attachment to a companion animal can alleviate a child’s symptoms of stress and anxiety, due to the calming effect that petting an animal has been found to have on humans. Perhaps then, when you’re asked that dreaded ‘dog question’, you may just consider that a furry little bundle could be worth a whole abundance more than barking, drooling and tail wagging.

Sep/Oct 2016

s t fi e n e B e a g h T of Yo

YOGA

By Jean Hall

“THROUGH THE PRACTICE OF QUIETLY MOVING WITH THE BREATH WE CAN RECONNECT WITH OURSELVES AND OUR PRIMARY SENSE OF EASE AND WELLNESS”

Sep/Oct 2016

Jean Hall is one of the UK’s most inspiring yoga teachers with a mass of experience through years of yoga practice, travel, body work training (including dance) and spiritual disciplines. She qualified as an Iyengar yoga teacher in 1995 and continues to explore and study different forms of yoga and movement systems.

he immense benefits of practicing yoga have been enjoyed by those in the know for years… indeed centuries! However it is only relatively recently that an increasing body of research in the western world has begun to catch on and validate what yoga practitioners have known all along.

practiced in the west) involves the practice of yoga postures (called asanas) and breathing exercises (called pranayama).

Traditionally “hatha yoga” (a category of yoga that encompasses most yoga styles that are

However, beyond these obvious and evident physical benefits and gains, it is the combination of mindfully moving the body with the flow of the breath, which creates some of the most profound and far reaching benefits:

Through the practice of these yoga poses it is clear to see that yoga helps to greatly improve physical posture, flexibility, strength, balance, agility and endurance.

MOOD ENHANCING:

Research has shown that all exercise helps lift our mood, but yoga in particular is recognized to enhance our overall sense of well being, as it focuses and calms the mind, realigns and steadies the body and soothes and rebalances the nervous system.

MINDFULNESS:

As the mind becomes focused through the practice of yoga we begin to cultivate mindfulness which enables us to be present and alive in the moment; responding to the here and now rather than reliving our pass regrets or grudges, or getting anxious and scared about the future.

RECONNECTION:

Through the practice of quietly moving with the breath we can reconnect with ourselves and our

primary sense of ease and wellness. However through being involved in yoga we often find ourselves connecting with others, particularly if we practice yoga in a class situation, which helps to relieve feelings of loneliness and isolation and build strong friendships instead.

INSOMNIA BUSTING:

Through the practice of yoga we learn how to breathe fully and deeply which has a soothing and rebalancing influence on the nervous system, whereby the parasympathetic branch is stimulated. This branch is often referred to as the “rest and digest” system which calms and slows the heart rate helping induce a peaceful night’s sleep and so aiding the body’s natural ability to recuperate and heal.

STRESS MANAGEMENT:

The felt benefits of yoga in a short period of time snow ball: when our over sense of well being is enhanced, when we are mindful, feel connected to others and are sleeping more restfully our bodies and minds become healthier, happier and more resilient and able to cope with the daily stresses and strains that it encounters.

TRADITIONAL YOGA BREATHING PRACTICES Yoga breathing practices, referred to as ‘pranayama’, which translates as ‘extension of life energy’. The practice of pranayama expands and opens the breath flow throughout the whole body and mind to create clarity, balance and vitality. These are great morning practices and are a wonderful way to super charge your day.

Sep/Oct 2016

AWAKEN AND ENERGISE (PRANA MUDRA)

VICTORIOUS BREATH FOR FOCUS

This is a simple but powerful practice that connects us to the earth, enabling us to feel its energy (prana) and vitality moving up through our bodies and out again.

This is a traditional yogic technique with a multitude of benefits. The soft, oceanic sound created enables us to hear the flow of our breath, helping to harness and focus the mind. It also generates internal heat that detoxifies the bodily organs and allows muscles and joints to open more efficiently and safely. Perhaps the most noted benefit is that it intensifies the flow of energy throughout the whole body. There are many ways and approaches to this practice: this is just one. Be mindful to keep your face relaxed and the sound of your breath sweet, soft and mellow. No Darth Vader here, please!

Sit comfortably on a chair or cushion placed on the ground, in an easy and upright position. Anchor through your pelvis and let your crown softly rise. Best your hands in your lap, one palm lying on top of the other. Relax and soften your facial muscles and let your eyes close.

Become aware of your breath and let the light of your awareness shine into your breathing.

On your next inhalation, raise your hands in front of your navel with the fingertips almost touching, feeling the energy (prana) rising through your body, as you float your hands up in front of your face.

When the in breath is naturally complete, pause and move your hands apart, opening them up and out in a large V shape. Let your chest and face softly lift towards the sky.

Stand tall with ease. With your feet hipwidth apart, your legs and feet parallel and the toes pointing forwards, spread your weight evenly across your feet and let the soles open into the ground.

Lengthen along your spine, allowing your crown to rise and your tail bone to release down. Relax your arms by your sides and soften your shoulders away from your ears.

Relax and soften your facial muscles, let your eyes close and settle here, becoming aware of your breath.

As you inhale through your nose, feel the natural flow of your breath, rising through you as your breathe in and washing back down as you breathe out. Feel its fluid rhythm and energy moving through your whole body.

Open your eyes and bring your hands up approximately 20cms in front of you, palms facing towards you, elbows bent and soft. Imagine your hands are a mirror.

Open your mouth slightly, then slowly and fully exhale through your mouth making a smooth haaaaa sound, as if you are fogging up a mirror. Let the breath out completely.

Inhale through your mouth creating a soft ahhhhh sound, as if defogging the mirror.

Let each breath be full, deep and steady in both sound and feel.

Jean Hall is the author of Breathe: Simple breathing techniques for a calmer, happier life (Quadrille ÂŁ7.99). The traditional yoga breathing practices listed above have been extracted from the book. For further information or to contact Jean visit www.yogajeannie.com

Sep/Oct 2016

Continue breathing in this way, and as you inhale, gently sway your weight forwards towards your toes, opening your arms up and out to the sides, like wings unfolding. As you exhale, rock your weight back to your heels and return your hands in front of your mouth to fog the mirror. If you are seated, you can lean forwards as you inhale and draw back to centre as you exhale.

Let the motion of your arms and sway of your body lessen and slowly diminish so that you are breathing in stillness with your arms relaxed by your sides. Listen to the oceanic sound of your breath, washing through your body. Remain here for a few more moments enjoying the cam and flow of energy through your body which ujjayi promotes.

Feel your chest and heart lifting and opening with each inhalation and the belly softly pouring in and up on each inhalation.

Breathe here for a few moments and gradually close your mouth so that you are breathing through your nose while still making this soft oceanic ahhhhh sound on the in breath, and haaaaa sound on the out breath.

Bring your hands up to your ears and use your thumbs gently to press the flaps shut while your other fingers rest on top of your head.

Keeping your eyes closed, become aware of the space between the eyebrows, sometimes referred to as the ‘third eye’ or ‘centre of intuition’.

7 8

HUMMING BEE (BHRAMARI PRANAYAMA) This calming practice helps to soothe and quieten the mind, relax the nervous system, alleviate mental anxiety, tension and anger. The soft vibration created in the throat is considered to be beneficial to singers and public speakers as it lulls the vocal chords and sweetens the voice.

1 2

Sit comfortably on a chair or cushion placed on the ground.

Sit in an easy and upright position. Anchor through your pelvis and softly lengthen your spine, gently lowering your chin a little.

Rest your hands in your lap, relax and soften your facial muscles and lets your eyes close.

Bring your lips together with your teeth slightly parted and your jaw muscles soft. Settle here and breathe fully and with ease.

Now inhale fully through your nose.

Exhale slowly with your mouth closed and create a soft, rounded and steady humming sound that continues to the very end of the out breath. Listen to the sound, feeling the gentle resonation at the front of your skull, send the energy down along your spine and let the sound vibrations gently resonate through your whole body.

This is one complete round, repeat 4-7 times. To close the practice, sit quietly after absorbing the vibrations. Note: Do not practice this if you are suffering from an ear infection and only do this sitting upright. If the above list hasn’t convinced you of yoga’s benefits go try it out for yourself! Often as a yoga teacher and practitioner I will be told, “I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible” … this is like saying, “I can’t have a bath because I’m not clean!” There is a yoga style to suit every body, personality and character: from young to old, fully abled to less abled, flexible to inflexible, dynamic to gentle… So get googling for your nearest local class and downward dog yourself to the best you!

Sep/Oct 2016

HEALTHY EATING

Health-conscious vegetarian dishes, free from gluten and refined sugar.

ascinated by natural health, Kimberly Parsons graduated from the Southern School of Natural Therapies in Australia with a four-year degree in Naturopathy. She practiced for many years, supporting the health of patients’ with challenges including weight loss, infertility, hypertension and many different types of cancer. It was during these years that she began to understand how the body is intrinsically related to its environment and what we feed it.  Kimberly specialised in Nutrition & Herbal Medicine, which led her to develop a strong understanding of how our bodies heal and interact with their surroundings. By 24, she embarked on her next adventure to the French Alps, which was to become home for the next two seasons as a chalet chef. With two years of summer to winter seasonal chef jobs under her apron strings, she found herself moving to London on a whim of love and took a position as a private chef in Notting Hill. Her first experience of yoga didn’t come until a friend invited her to join her for a class one evening. After an hour of twisting, stretching and sweating her way through a dynamic

Sep/Oct 2016

power yoga class she collapsed utterly exhausted but also feeling completely alive. “Somehow I had found peace, elation and clarity in the process of moving through the combination of these ancient poses”, says Kimberly. Her ongoing experiences of the yogic way of life seeded the idea to open The Retreat Cafes, working in conjunction with established yoga studios to provide healthy-eating, vegetarian cafes to their customers as well as marketing her yoga retreats she now runs around the world. Her first book The Yoga Kitchen isn’t just for yogis who practice yoga on a regular basis, it is for anybody who wants to balance their mind and energise their body by feeding themselves health-conscious vegetarian dishes, free from gluten and refined sugar. Each chapter is designed to improve our lives with recipes that support our core and create a greater synergy between our mind, body and spirit. The Yoga Kitchen follows the yogic principle that by combining our diet with our holistic health we can unite and strengthen our entire system. The Yoga Kitchen aims to bring this yogic philosophy into your kitchen and also into your life. Here are some of our favourite recipes:

High-Jacked Sweet Potato With Avocado, Pomegranate & Coconut Serves 2 Switch your white potatoes for sweet potatoes because they are filled with unbelievable vitamins. This recipe makes for the perfect lunch.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 sweet potatoes (about 180g/6oz total weight) 50ml (13⁄4fl oz/scant 1⁄4 cup) melted coconut oil 1⁄2 red onion, thinly sliced  80g (3oz/generous 1⁄2 cup) cooked black beans, rinsed and drained 50g (2oz/1 cup) spinach leaves, washed  1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin  sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper  flesh of 1⁄2 avocado, diced  1 tablespoon toasted unsweetened coconut flakes  2 tablespoons torn coriander (cilantro) leaves  20g (3⁄4oz/1⁄2 cup) rocket (arugula) leaves, washed  1⁄4 pomegranate, seeds only sea salt flakes  2 lime wedges

Preheat the oven to 200°C/430°F/Gas 7. Using a small sharp knife, pierce each sweet potato a few times. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking tray (baking sheet) lined with baking paper (parchment paper). Bake in the oven for about 50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes feel tender when squeezed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool a little. While the sweet potatoes are baking, place 2 tablespoons of the coconut oil in a large frying pan over a medium–high heat. Add the onion and sauté until fragrant. Turn down the heat to medium– low and cook for a further 15 minutes or until soft and caramelised. Add the black beans, spinach and cumin and season with salt and pepper. Mix gently and cook for a further minute or until the spinach has just begun to wilt and the beans are warmed through. To serve, cut a slit through the top of the sweet potatoes and push the sides of t he skin down so the cooked potato is exposed a little. Season the potato with salt and pepper and 1⁄2 tablespoon of coconut oil on each. Top with the black bean spinach mixture then add the rocket, top with diced avocado, coconut flakes, coriander leaves, rocket leaves, pomegranate seeds, sea salt flakes, black pepper and a wedge of lime to squeeze over.

TURN OVER for more recipes

Sep/Oct 2016

Green Breakfast Bowl Serves 2 • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 eggs  2 tablespoons melted coconut oil  2 garlic cloves, finely chopped  20g (3⁄4oz/scant 1⁄4 cup) raw almonds, roughly chopped  20g (3⁄4oz/scant 1⁄4 cup) pumpkin seeds 20g (3⁄4oz/scant 1⁄4 cup) sunflower seeds 100g (31⁄2oz/1 cup) cooked quinoa  1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt  150g (5oz) kale, stalks removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces 50g (2oz/1 cup) baby spinach leaves 125g (4oz/21⁄4 cups) halloumi  50g (2oz/1 cup) freshly grated coconut flesh  2 lemon wedges  1 avocado, halved, peeled, stoned (pitted) and sliced

Put the eggs in a small saucepan with just enough water to cover. Bring to the boil and boil for 3 minutes. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon, place the eggs under cold running water until cool enough to handle. Very carefully peel off the shells and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of the coconut oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, constantly stirring, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned. Add the almonds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds and toast until lightly browned. Add the cooked quinoa and the sea salt. Now add the kale and spinach leaves and mix to incorporate. Once the kale and spinach have slightly wilted remove from the heat. Spoon the mixture into serving bowls then, using the same frying pan, crumble the halloumi into the pan and gently cook until golden on all sides. This will only take a few minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add the halloumi to each serving bowl. Place the eggs into the frying pan and turn until a little colour is added to each egg. Add an egg to each bowl, followed by the grated coconut flesh, lemon wedges and avocado slices. Serve immediately while still warm.

Sep/Oct 2016

Berried Alive Ice-Cream With Baobab Serves 2-4 More of a sorbet in appearance, this ice-cream is smooth and creamy. With the added hidden benefits of baobab, this ice-cream packs a real vitamin C punch. If your raspberries are too tart, you may like to add more vanilla bean paste.

• • • •

500g (1lb/2oz) fresh or frozen raspberries 160ml (5fl oz/2⁄3 cup) coconut cream 2 tablespoons baobab powder 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

Place the frozen raspberries, coconut cream, baobab powder and vanilla paste into a high-speed blender or food processor. It is not necessary to have an ice-cream machine to make wonderful ice-creams or sorbets, but they do create the best results. Transfer the mixture to ice-cream maker and process according to manufacturer’s instructions, churning for approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, line a baking dish with clingfilm (plastic wrap) making sure there is enough clingfilm hanging over the edges to cover the top as well. I like to use loaf tins (pans) or glass dishes, as plastic containers tend to crack upon serving. Pour the mixture into the lined baking dish, cover and place in the freezer for 2-3 hours. When it is semi-solid, whisk it again with a fork or spoon and refreeze. Make sure the ice-cream is covered each time it goes into the freezer as ice crystals will form and create an ‘icy’ ice-cream instead of a smooth, creamy consistency. When frozen, place in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Cover and refreeze until serving time. Feel free to use any berries or fruits to begin creating wonderful creamy ice-creams.

The Yoga Kitchen by Kimberly Parsons (Quadrille £20) Photography: Lisa Cohen

Sep/Oct 2016

UK RETREATS

UK Retreats Staying at a residential Detox Retreat can help you lose weight, feel younger, recharged and revitalised and leave you with a new positive attitude. We have put together a selection of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best detox retreats that can help you feel transformed.

Raw Horizons Retreat

Sep/Oct 2016

HORMONES

Raw Horizons Retreat

aw Horizons Retreat is the UK’s leading destination for women only wellbeing retreats programmes, personally designed by the renowned Dr Claire Maguire to help you find peace, clarity and inspiration. Offering rest and guidance for today’s women, our pioneering wellbeing retreats combine life coaching, yoga and delicious raw food to help you reshape your body, reframe your mind and transform your attitude for a healthier happier you. Raw Horizons offer a wide range of programs from 2-night yoga weekends to 5-night life-changing retreats in beautiful, luxurious surroundings. Or join them for a Detox Spa Break to reboot with a gourmet raw food or juice detox. Raw Horizons provides a sanctuary, a safe haven for personal change at our gorgeous country house in beautiful North Yorkshire. Recently renovated, the hall sits within 21 acres and has 6 luxurious en-suite bedrooms complete with fluffy towels and bath robes. The bathrooms are crisp, modern and spacious and each room is individually decorated with beautiful views. The therapeutic Spa facilities include the relaxing outdoor hot tub, the detoxing farinfrared sauna and a spacious health studio. A range of massages and therapies is also available for you to enjoy. Yoga is an integral part of a Raw Horizons retreat experience, to support your journey to health and self-discovery. Practise Kundalini yoga which is the yoga of awareness, incorporating various routines (kriyas), breathing exercises and meditation. 54

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It is appropriate for any fitness and experience levels. The main aim is to connect to the energy inside of you to help you feel more peaceful, more joyful and blissful. The carefully guided group workshops help you deal with whatever issue is most pressing in your life. They are tailored to your needs, to help address any aspect of your life, from career, personal relationships, health, home and finances, to life purpose and your relationship with the wider world. Although the workshops are in a group setting, they are not group therapy sessions and you are not made to share anything you don’t wish to. Dr Claire Maguire will equip you with the tools and tips you need to move forward in a happy, peaceful state of mind and leave the past behind. You will gain a new perspective on your way forward which you never thought possible in such a short amount of time. You will leave relaxed, inspired and energised; armed with the tools to continue your personal journey to happiness and fulfilment. Dr Claire Maguire, who developed and leads the retreats, is a renowned wellbeing and life coach, published author and the UK’s top raw food chef, who evokes and inspires life transforming experiences through her compassionate and perceptive nature. Arrive tired, stressed, perhaps a little lost… leave feeling calm, energised and ready to take on the world. For bookings contact: 01845 597041 email: info@rawhorizons.co.uk www.rawhorizons.co.uk

Vital Detox Retreats, Somerset One week to change your life….

ital Detox is a retreat in a class of its own according to many past clients. Here you will have the chance to let go of anything that is holding you back, physically or emotionally. When you allow your body and mind to rest, cleanse and rejuvenate, you’re giving yourself an opportunity to gain health, energy and happiness. A detox retreat is the best longterm health investment you can make and Vital Detox pride themselves on catering to all clients needs - mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. Included in the price of your retreat • • • •

Warm comfortable accommodation in a range of price options Four organic freshly made juices a day plus supplements and a potassium broth in the evening Daily meditation, yoga, walks and educational talks Two 1-2-1 therapeutic/life-coaching or astrology sessions

The Raw Retreat

he Raw Retreat is a holistic health and detox retreat set in stunning Cornwall UK, with bespoke programmes in health recovery, detox, diabetes, juice fasting, weight-loss and fertility. Guests on the health retreat follow an extremely healthy, alkalising diet. Whilst guests on the Diabetes, Weight Loss and Fertility Retreats follow a plan that encompasses the latest nutritional research. Guests visit The Raw Retreat for many reasons. Many want to find a nutritional and lifestyle solution to health issues, others just want to de-stress, detox and relax, while others want to lose weight and start a healthy lifestyle. The retreat is small, accepting a maximum of six guests at a time so therefore all guests receive individual attention from Beverley, a nutritionist, who runs the retreat with her husband Simon, a hypnotherapist and teacher of meditation. Guests stay in individual, beautifully converted, rustic barns. There are exposed beams, original features and plenty of home comforts. All the barns have log burning stoves and are cosy and warm. The holistic approach at the retreat encompasses daily walks, right from the retreat in the stunning Cornish countryside. From gentle meanders along local footpaths to energetic spectacular coastal treks depending upon the programme. Together with meditation, one to one yoga, therapeutic massage, NLP,

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hypnotherapy and other therapies guests are helped to restore their equilibrium. Juice fasting and colonic irrigation are optional aspects of the retreats. These therapies assist the detoxification process and for those clients that participate, Beverley offers advice, understanding and care. For guests who want to lose weight there is a specific Weight Loss Retreat. Guests on this programme lose approximately 1lb per day*. Guests are encouraged to participate in more exercise and food choices are made with weight loss in mind. All food at the retreat is plant based, whole food and raw. This is not as scary as one might think. Raw doesn’t necessarily mean cold and guests stay throughout the year even in the depths of the British winter.

Open workshops on addiction, 12 step programs, creative writing, EFT and life coaching Self-administered colonics (with support from experienced and professional colonic hydrotherapist) Educational nutrition talks and 1-2-1 consultations A raw food feast to break your fast and introduction into mindful eating Guaranteed weight loss and a chance to get to the bottom of dysfunctional eating habits so you don’t put the weight straight back on New friends, lots of fun and a chance to break old patterns once and for all Evening entertainment A range of massage treatments (extra charge) Swimming pool, steam room and hot tub and more all in beautiful Somerset countryside.

healing that can happen when you undertake deep therapeutic work while fasting. Vital Detox Retreats offer a choice between The Journey with Anna or Barbara; a session on relationships or addiction with Fran or an astrology/lifecoaching session with Annie. They will help you choose what combination would be best for you during your initial interview. Extra sessions can be booked and incur a charge.

Whatever experience you’ve had of therapy before you’ve probably never experienced the

Emotionally the advantages of doing therapy while fasting are enormous. Take food

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When the body no longer has to digest food it will heal and that healing will take place indiscriminately throughout the body so that even long term health conditions can dramatically improve.

Apart from juices, smoothies and fabulous salads, there can be wraps, sushi, ravioli, pizza, chocolate mousse, ice cream and cake. In fact more or less everything that can be made conventionally can be made using plant based and raw foods. It not only looks and tastes amazing but is also incredibly healthy with more vitamins and minerals than conventional food. The Raw Retreat is a healthy, relaxing and rejuvenating holiday in spectacular Cornwall. A chance to heal your body, mind and spirit. Prices start at just £1195.00 pp for 7 night’s double occupancy for the Juice Fast Retreat. This includes massages and ‘one-to-one’ yoga. The minimum stay is two nights and dates are flexible. *Disclaimer: These statistics have been recorded from the results of guests on The Weight-Loss Programme staying for 7 nights; however, please be aware that results may vary on an individual basis.

away and core issues come to the surface for attention and healing. In traditional therapies you get your allotted 50 mins and then have to go back into your life, here you have a whole week to allow the programme to work right through you. You will receive 24/7 professional support from the dedicated team of professionals who will help you heal your past, be more present right now and look forward to a happier and healthier future. You will go home looking and feeling amazing, completely recharged, rested and re-energised and often with a completely different perspective on your past and issues that may have held you back for years - that’s what the clients say. For more information contact Anna Tolson on anna@vitaldetox.com 01373 467668 Vital Detox Retreats, Wick Lane, Glastonbury, BA6 8JW www.vitaldetox.com See what clients say on Trip Advisor or the Vital Detox retreat YouTube channel

Sep/Oct 2016

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Blackpool Crystal Therapy

Relax and unwind with therapies in mind!

Align your chakras and balance your energies. Bring peace and tranquility to your life with: Crystaltherapy • Reiki • Indian Head Massage BLACKPOOL CRYSTAL THERAPY WORKSHOPS 2017 Reiki I, Reiki II, Reiki III Crystal healing - intensive introduction (over 2 days) Chakra introduction (one day workshop) Crystal and jewellery workshops (over 2 days) Jewellery workshop for the total beginners (1 day course) Tel: 0756 377 2556 www.blackpool-crystal-therapy.co.uk blackpool-crystal-therapy@outlook.com

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Sep/Oct 2016

Reiki by Andy Chrysostomou

WHAT IS REIKI?

Reiki is an amazing Japanese spiritual healing art developed by Mikao Usui in 1920’s Japan. Mikao Usui described Reiki as the “miraculous cure of all diseases… the path to enlightenment” and used Reiki as both a practical healing therapy treating illnesses and injuries as well as emotional and psychological problems and for selfdevelopment and spiritual growth. Reiki is easy to learn and use for self-healing and treating others and is open to all, it does not require any special gift or ability. Reiki first came to the West in 1938 via Mrs Takata and has been growing in popularity ever since. Reiki systems based on Mrs Takata’s teachings are referred to as ‘Western Reiki’. Since the 1990’s Japanese Reiki Masters have been teaching more traditional forms of Reiki and these have come to the West as ‘Japanese Reiki’. Now there are over 140 forms of Reiki practiced around the world with many thousands of practitioners and teachers sharing this wonderful gift.

HOW DOES REIKI WORK?

Reiki works with naturally occurring electromagnetic energy channelled by the practitioner into the areas of the body that need healing. Reiki can be used in two ways, either as a general overall treatment or as a focused and directed healing therapy for specific illnesses and injuries. The frequency of the energy used can be selected by the practitioner using the Reiki symbols and their corresponding name and mantra to act directly on the tissue or emotional trauma being treated. Reiki works as a form of electromagnetic signalling to stimulate the body’s own healing responses thus enhancing and accelerating the repair process.

WHAT DOES A REIKI TREATMENT ENTAIL?

The practitioner will usually complete a form to help them understand how to best treat you. Basic medical information regarding any illnesses or injuries combined 58

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with any emotional issues will form the basis of the treatment. Your presenting medical conditions will be treated, as will all underlying emotional issues. You remain fully clothed and the practitioner places their hands just above your body on the areas that need healing. If suitable, the practitioner will give you techniques you can use at home to help yourself, such as visualisation and meditation. During the treatment you may feel heat or tingling as the energy flows into your body. Generally people will feel deeply relaxed and at peace, but there are instances when emotional trauma is clearing that can bring back memories of past events that can cause tears as they are cleared.

SHOULD I LEARN REIKI?

Absolutely! Reiki is an invigorating, life changing therapy and experience that promotes well-being, self-awareness, joy, peace of mind. It also has an amazing healing effect on the body in a physiological sense, working effectively on a large number of illnesses and injuries. I had severe spondylosis of the spine before I learned Reiki, which very quickly improved after I took my Reiki course, to the point that I can do intensive physical training virtually every day. Whether you want to learn Reiki for your own personal use or to work or volunteer as a Reiki practitioner there is a course that is just right for you. Its best to first work out what form of Reiki you want to learn and whether you want a self-use or professional practitioner course. From there, speak to the teacher to make sure you feel comfortable with them.

REIKI TRAINING

Reiki is taught in levels or degrees. A Reiki course will involve teaching the theory of the system of Reiki and the student receiving initiation attunements. Initiation attunements are an essential part of Reiki training and are the means of passing the gift of channelling energy by the Reiki teacher to the student. There are traditionally four for level 1 and 1 for level 2 and one for level 3 (or 4). Level 1 is the first step on the Reiki journey and teaches Reiki for self-healing primarily. Level 2 teaches Reiki for use on others and the use of the Reiki symbols. Some level 2 courses are professional practitioner courses while others require an additional separate module for professional practice. Level 3 (or 4) is a Master Teacher course allowing the student to teach Reiki and perform initiation attunements. Some courses are a complete Master Teacher course, others are split in two modules. Some systems of Reiki require students to have a specific time gap between each level. For example, some systems specify a gap of at least 6 months between level 1 and level 2 and 12 months between level 2 and level 3 (or 4). My view, based on 15 years experience of teaching Reiki, is that a gap between level 1 and 2 is both unnecessary and counterproductive. Students should be able to take the Master Teacher course once they are ready and fully prepared, whether this takes 3 months or three years depends on the level of time and practice the student commits to Reiki.

Andy Chrysostomou is an experienced Reiki Master Teacher and author of ‘Essence of Reiki’. Andy teaches traditional Japanese Reiki in Central London. www.thehealingco.com for more information.

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