Based in Tameside, we specialise in holistic health, well-being & stress management. We take our car for a service every 9000 miles on average and for an MOT once a year. We wouldn't dream of taking our car on a long journey without checking tyre pressure, oil and water. So why do we not treat our own body's in exactly the same way? So many of us are concerned about our outward appearance. We have our hair coloured, our nails manicured and painted, our teeth whitened etc. But how many of us pay attention to what is happening on the inside, in the mental, emotional and spiritual parts of ourselves? Holistic Health refers to our health in terms of the mind, body and spirit, all three aspects that make up a person, a whole person. Conventional medicine treats only the part of us which is no longer works correctly, failing to deal with the imbalance which actually caused the problem or it treats any physical symptoms that may result from a particular illness or issue.

Stress Management

What is Stress?Stress is the body’s non-specific response to any demand made on it that can cause exhaustion and physical or psychological illness, heart attacks and accidents. But it is important to remember that in certain forms stress is normal and essential providing a way to express talents and pursue happiness. As our body responds to various forms of physical or psychological stress certain changes take place. These include increased heart rate, blood pressure and secretions of stimulatory hormones and they occur whether stress is positive or negative. Continual exposure lowers the body’s ability to cope with additional forms of stress.What are the causes of stress?Physical environment – noise, bright lights, heat, confined spacesSocial, interaction with people – rudeness, aggressivenessOrganisational – rules, regulations, deadlinesMajor life events – death of a partner, friend or relative, promotion, redundancy, birth of new baby, moving house Daily issues – commuting, misplaced objects, mechanical breakdownsLifestyle choices – caffeine intake, lack of sleep, overloaded schedule, negative self-talk, pessimistic thinking, self-criticism, unrealistic expectations Stressful personality traits – perfectionist, workaholic, pleaserThe following are stress indicators that you may be experiencing:*General irritability, impatience, frustration, anxiety, nervousness, depression or fear*Insomnia or change in sleep pattern*Increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, chest pains or trembling*Loss of concentration, memory or humor, indecisiveness or confusion*Indigestion, nausea or changes appetite*Neck and/or lower back pain, abdominal cramps or muscle aches/stiffness*Changes in appetiteManaging StressStress is a process that builds gradually so it is more effective to intervene early on. Try to become aware of the signs that suggest the process has begun. The following tips will help you maintain a healthier lifestyle and prepare you to cope with the stress of everyday living:*Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 times per week*Eat a well balanced diet including whole grains, nuts, fruit and vegetables, avoid fatty or sugary foods. Excess sugars cause frequent fluctuation in blood glucose levels which adds stress to the body’s functioning*Avoid caffeine e.g. coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and chocolate as these can all aggravate anxiety, insomnia, nervousness and trembling.*Reduce alcohol and/or drug intake as these can cause headaches and swelling, decrease coping mechanisms and add to depression*Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night as this is the time when the body heals itself*Spend time each day completing a relaxation technique, daydreaming, prayer, yoga, meditation, self-hypnosis, whatever feels comfortable for you or regularly have a relaxing holistic treatment such as massage or reflexology*Take a warm bath, light some candles, burn some incense and play some relaxing music whilst you soak*Go for a walk, fresh air can do wonders or take a holiday, just to get away from the things that are bothering you for a short while. Although this will not solve the problem it will give you time to decrease your stress levels. You can then return to deal with the problem feeling more rested and in a better frame of mind *Get in touch! Hug or hold hands with someone, stroke a pet. Physical contact is a great way to relieve stress *Change stressful situations e.g. change jobs, leave a relationship, problem-solve, time and money management*Change your thinking, look at things more positively, see problems as opportunities, ignore negative thoughts and keep a sense of humor!It is important to note that most of the stress we have is actually self-generated. This is a paradox because many people think of external causes like when we are upset like the weather, the boss, the children etc. Recognising that we create most of our own upsets is an important first step to dealing with themThis advice is not a substitute for proper medical diagnosis, treatment or care from a GP. Any concerns you have should be discussed with your GP before commencing any form of treatment.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS affects 1 in 10 women worldwide and is the mumber 1 cause of infertility. Holistic therapies can help treat the many symptoms women with PCOS suffer from. As a sufferer myself I know how important it is to be as healthy as possible in order to manage the condition. I have a new website dedicated to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, www.pcosinfo.co.uk. If you or someone you know is affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome please know and let them know that you are not alone. Help me raise awareness about this extremely common condition that is putting 1 in 10 women in danger. If not managed the condition can lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Postural Advice

* Try to keep your weight down as excess weight, especially around the middle pulls on the back weakening stomach muscles* Develop a regular program of exercise because it keeps you flexible and helps tone your muscles to support proper posture* Buy good bedding as a firm mattress will support the spine* Pay attention to injuries from bumps or falls as injuries in youth may cause growth abnormalities or postural adaptations to the injury or pain that can show up later in life* Have your eyes examined as a vision problem can affect the way you carry yourself* Be conscious of where you work, is your chair high enough to fit your desk? Do you need a footrest to keep pressure off your legs?What does perfect posture look like? Perfect standing posture is when your eyes, chin, collarbone, breastbone, pubic area and midpoint between your ankles are properly aligned. From the side, you can easily see the three natural curves in your back and from the front your shoulders, hips and knees are of equal height. Your head is held straight, not tilted or turned to one side and from the back the little bumps on your spine should be in a straight line down the centre of your back.Improving your posture* When standing, hold your head high; chin firmly forward, shoulders back, chest out, and stomach tucked in to increase your balance. If you stand all day in a job rest one foot on a stool or take breaks to get off your feet for a while* When sitting, use a chair with firm low back support. Keep desk or table top elbow high, adjust the chair or use a footrest to keep pressure off the back of the legs, and keep your knees a little higher than your hips. Get up and stretch frequently* When working on a computer take a one or two minute break every 20 minutes. Keep the screen 15 degrees below eye level* When sitting in the car adjust the seat forward so your knees are higher than your hips. Put a small pillow or cushion in the small of your back* When sleeping, sleep on your side with your knees bent and head supported by a pillow, to make your head level with your spine. Or, sleep on your back, avoiding thick pillows under your head. Use a small pillow under your neck instead. Don't sleep on your stomach* When lifting stand close to the object, then where possible squat down and straddle it. Grasp the object, and slowly lift the load by straightening your legs as you stand up, carry the object close to your body* When bending never twist from the waist and bend forward at the same time. To lift or reach something on the floor, bend the knees while keeping the back straight

Specialist Services

We specialise in holistic health, well-being & stress management, and especially in vibrational therapies such as Reiki, Sound Therapy, Auric Cleansing, Crystal Therapy and Colour Therapy.

Trade Bodies / Associations

Member of The Federation of Holistic Therapists Member of International Council of Holistic Therapists Member of Shibumi International Reiki Association

Trading Since

2004