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Steps To Wellness Articles
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Written by Penny Hawkins
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Sunday, 03 April 2011 16:48 |
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What is Hypnotherapy and how does it work? Experienced practitioner and trainer Penny Hawkins shares her own personal take on her 10-year career and why Hypnotherapy can benefit everyone.
What is Hypnotherapy and how does it work? Experienced practitioner and trainer Penny Hawkins shares her own personal take on her 10-year career and why Hypnotherapy can benefit everyone.
The term hypnosis is used to describe a state of awareness: an awareness where the unconscious mind becomes more dominant. We experience this state of awareness quite naturally every day. Here are a few examples:
A driving state: driving your car home and realising that you have arrived at your destination without realising or paying attention to the detail on the journey.
Daydreaming state: when our minds wander and our thoughts are directed to other things or feelings.
Hypnopompic state: the transition from sleeping to waking. The alarm goes off, and you hit snooze..... you can hear the sounds around you, you know where you are, but you are in a relaxed state.
You may have heard the term trance. Trance and Hypnosis are the one in the same. When a person is in trance or hypnosis they become more aware of their inner thoughts, feelings and sensations. This allows the conscious mind (critical, analytical mind) to be bypassed therefore allowing the creative mind (subconscious mind) to be more receptive to positive and beneficial suggestions.
Our brain waves vibrate at certain cycles per second. When we are fully conscious, our brain waves are vibrating at a faster pace than when we are day dreaming. The more relaxed we become, the slower the brain waves vibrate. At this stage, our unconscious mind becomes dominant and the conscious mind takes a back seat, so to speak.
Hypnotherapy is a natural, safe and effective way to make positive and beneficial life changes and its related techniques can help with almost anything. Most people relate to hypnosis for help with stopping smoking or losing weight, but there are many other things that hypnotherapy can help with: phobias; anxiety and panic; stress; low self esteem and confidence; public speaking and interviews; exams and help with memory; relationship issues; sports enhancement and insomnia. It can also address children’s issues such as bed wetting, thumb sucking and nail biting. Over the last ten years of being a therapist, I have witnessed hundreds of people achieving what they wanted to achieve, sometimes in just one session!
You may be wondering what happens in a first session? Typically, the client will contact the therapist from an awarding body or association that recognises the training the hypnotherapist has undertaken and the qualifications achieved. The therapist will also abide by the association’s code of ethics and will hold relevant insurance.
The first consultation lasts for one and a half hours and most therapists charge slightly more for the initial session as a result of this. You will be asked to complete a client note form or the therapist will do it with you. This consists of your personal contact details and highlights areas of medication and contra-indication and all forms and treatments are treated with confidence. A case history is also taken and this helps the therapist decide on the appropriate treatment and techniques to use. I use Hypnosis; NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming); EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique); EMDR (Eye Movement desensitisation reprogramming); Timeline therapy; Inner Dialogue therapy and Life Coaching. All of these tools are excellent in their own right and all work well with each other to help you achieve what you want.
The way Hypnotherapy works never ceases to amaze me. Working with people, listening and helping them is so rewarding. The process of change fascinates me and I feel privileged to work in this profession. Sometimes, when a person is caught up with an issue or problem, it is hard to see outside it or to get a different perspective on it.
I believe that we can change if we have the desire to; that each person is unique; that we are capable of making our dreams a reality - that we can achieve what we want to achieve.
The techniques I have learned enable a person to look at things from a different angle, to get a new perspective or confirm what they originally thought. Whatever it is you want to achieve, will come from within, it is all there. Hypnotherapy and its related techniques give you the tools to do it. If you would like to learn more about Hypnotherapy or training to become a professional hypnotherapist, please contact Penny Hawkins on 01580 819013 for further information or visit my website: www.southwesthypnotherapy.co.uk
Penny HawkinsWhat is Hypnotherapy and how does it work? Experienced practitioner and trainer Penny Hawkins shares her own personal take on her 10-year career and why Hypnotherapy can benefit everyone.
The term hypnosis is used to describe a state of awareness: an awareness where the unconscious mind becomes more dominant. We experience this state of awareness quite naturally every day. Here are a few examples:
A driving state: driving your car home and realising that you have arrived at your destination without realising or paying attention to the detail on the journey.
Daydreaming state: when our minds wander and our thoughts are directed to other things or feelings.
Hypnopompic state: the transition from sleeping to waking. The alarm goes off, and you hit snooze..... you can hear the sounds around you, you know where you are, but you are in a relaxed state.
You may have heard the term trance. Trance and Hypnosis are the one in the same. When a person is in trance or hypnosis they become more aware of their inner thoughts, feelings and sensations. This allows the conscious mind (critical, analytical mind) to be bypassed therefore allowing the creative mind (subconscious mind) to be more receptive to positive and beneficial suggestions.
Our brain waves vibrate at certain cycles per second. When we are fully conscious, our brain waves are vibrating at a faster pace than when we are day dreaming. The more relaxed we become, the slower the brain waves vibrate. At this stage, our unconscious mind becomes dominant and the conscious mind takes a back seat, so to speak.
Hypnotherapy is a natural, safe and effective way to make positive and beneficial life changes and its related techniques can help with almost anything. Most people relate to hypnosis for help with stopping smoking or losing weight, but there are many other things that hypnotherapy can help with: phobias; anxiety and panic; stress; low self esteem and confidence; public speaking and interviews; exams and help with memory; relationship issues; sports enhancement and insomnia. It can also address children’s issues such as bed wetting, thumb sucking and nail biting. Over the last ten years of being a therapist, I have witnessed hundreds of people achieving what they wanted to achieve, sometimes in just one session!
You may be wondering what happens in a first session? Typically, the client will contact the therapist from an awarding body or association that recognises the training the hypnotherapist has undertaken and the qualifications achieved. The therapist will also abide by the association’s code of ethics and will hold relevant insurance.
The first consultation lasts for one and a half hours and most therapists charge slightly more for the initial session as a result of this. You will be asked to complete a client note form or the therapist will do it with you. This consists of your personal contact details and highlights areas of medication and contra-indication and all forms and treatments are treated with confidence. A case history is also taken and this helps the therapist decide on the appropriate treatment and techniques to use. I use Hypnosis; NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming); EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique); EMDR (Eye Movement desensitisation reprogramming); Timeline therapy; Inner Dialogue therapy and Life Coaching. All of these tools are excellent in their own right and all work well with each other to help you achieve what you want.
The way Hypnotherapy works never ceases to amaze me. Working with people, listening and helping them is so rewarding. The process of change fascinates me and I feel privileged to work in this profession. Sometimes, when a person is caught up with an issue or problem, it is hard to see outside it or to get a different perspective on it.
I believe that we can change if we have the desire to; that each person is unique; that we are capable of making our dreams a reality - that we can achieve what we want to achieve.
The techniques I have learned enable a person to look at things from a different angle, to get a new perspective or confirm what they originally thought. Whatever it is you want to achieve, will come from within, it is all there. Hypnotherapy and its related techniques give you the tools to do it. If you would like to learn more about Hypnotherapy or training to become a professional hypnotherapist, please contact Penny Hawkins on 01580 819013 for further information or visit my website: www.southwesthypnotherapy.co.uk
Penny Hawkins
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Steps To Wellness Articles
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Written by Nanette Mercer
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Friday, 01 April 2011 14:08 |
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Holistic therapy for me is about understanding and caring for yourself on all levels; not just viewing health as a physical functional state but as a multi-dimensional concept. The somewhat overused yet seldom lived phrase ‘care for your mind, body and soul’ when put into practice, really encompasses the modern day trinity of health, happiness and well being.
We've all been there: that Monday morning feeling when wake up feeling more tired than when you went to bed. Your lack of energy starts your thought processes down a reluctant pathway: thoughts of getting out of the warm bed to start a day you’re not looking forward to. These thoughts effect your emotions, as you experience negative reactions to the mental pictures you build up in your mind of a day you don’t want to start. The body hears these signals and reacts accordingly, making you feel more tired, achy and depressed. Yes, we all experience a blue Monday from time to time but if you are finding your blue Monday is turning into a blue Tuesday, Wednesday and so on, your mental, emotional and physical health may be at risk. Thankfully, there are some little changes that you could be making to your day that could make a huge difference to your life; reducing stress, lifting the cloud of depression, boosting your immune system and improving physical energy levels.
Ask yourself are you happy? Do you enjoy the job you have? Are you getting up in the morning to go and do something rewarding and fulfilling? Or do you merely perform a function to pay the bills? Are you experiencing positive relationships? Do you enjoy the time you spend with friends and family? Or are you finding you are constantly being let down by others which leads to tiffs and ill feeling? Are you happy with your physical appearance? Or do you find that when you look in the mirror you become a schoolyard bully, picking fault with the poor soul looking back at you?
It’s amazing to think that on average, we have more negative thoughts towards ourselves and others in a day than positive ones. Don't believe me? Then take a mental note next time you’re driving in rush hour traffic. How many negative thoughts or comments do you make without even knowing why you’re doing it? Imagine just for a second if we all had a portrait just like Oscar Wild's Dorian Gray, a picture which alters in appearance to show how beautiful we are, dependant on our thoughts and deeds. On average day, how would you look?
Of course there are limitless situations and circumstances that affect all of us everyday but the good news is there really is only two ways of dealing with them: positively or negatively. What’s even better than that is, you only have responsibility for one person’s actions and that’s your own! Equally, no one else is responsible for your happiness. If you truly embrace this idea and stop setting unachievable goals for yourself and others, you will experience a feeling of emotional freedom that will allow you to choose your emotional response to situations in life. Do I hold this in, take it personally, allow it to effect my whole day, allow it to eat away at me or do I merely let it go, accepting that I do not control what others do or say and they do not control my right to a positive living experience?
So what are my top ten tips to a holistic lifestyle? Well, yes I could give you a well versed list of natural remedies, herbal teas, lotions potions and superfoods. Of course, these are all important and have their part to play, in the mind, body and soul trinity but these only really maintain outwardly what you have achieved inwardly first. Next month I will share my tips with you for a happier, healthier lifestyle.
Holistic therapy for me is about understanding and caring for yourself on all levels; not just viewing health as a physical functional state but as a multi-dimensional concept. The somewhat overused yet seldom lived phrase ‘care for your mind, body and soul’ when put into practice, really encompasses the modern day trinity of health, happiness and well being.
We've all been there: that Monday morning feeling when you wake up feeling more tired than when you went to bed. Your lack of energy starts your thought processes down a reluctant pathway: thoughts of getting out of the warm bed to start a day you’re not looking forward to. These thoughts effect your emotions, as you experience negative reactions to the mental pictures you build up in your mind of a day you don’t want to start. The body hears these signals and reacts accordingly, making you feel more tired, achy and depressed. Yes, we all experience a blue Monday from time to time but if you are finding your blue Monday is turning into a blue Tuesday, Wednesday and so on, your mental, emotional and physical health may be at risk. Thankfully, there are some little changes that you could be making to your day that could make a huge difference to your life; reducing stress, lifting the cloud of depression, boosting your immune system and improving physical energy levels.
Ask yourself: are you happy? Do you enjoy the job you have? Are you getting up in the morning to go and do something rewarding and fulfilling? Or do you merely perform a function to pay the bills? Are you experiencing positive relationships? Do you enjoy the time you spend with friends and family? Or are you finding you are constantly being let down by others which leads to tiffs and ill feeling? Are you happy with your physical appearance? Or do you find that when you look in the mirror you become a schoolyard bully, picking fault with the poor soul looking back at you?
It’s amazing to think that on average, we have more negative thoughts towards ourselves and others in a day than positive ones. Don't believe me? Then take a mental note next time you’re driving in rush hour traffic. How many negative thoughts or comments do you make without even knowing why you’re doing it? Imagine just for a second if we all had a portrait just like Oscar Wild's Dorian Gray, a picture which alters in appearance to show how beautiful we are, dependant on our thoughts and deeds. On average day, how would you look?
Of course there are limitless situations and circumstances that affect all of us everyday but the good news is there really is only two ways of dealing with them: positively or negatively. What’s even better than that is, you only have responsibility for one person’s actions and that’s your own! Equally, no one else is responsible for your happiness. If you truly embrace this idea and stop setting unachievable goals for yourself and others, you will experience a feeling of emotional freedom that will allow you to choose your emotional response to situations in life. Do I hold this in, take it personally, allow it to effect my whole day, allow it to eat away at me or do I merely let it go, accepting that I do not control what others do or say and they do not control my right to a positive living experience?
So what are my top ten tips to a holistic lifestyle? Well, yes I could give you a well versed list of natural remedies, herbal teas, lotions potions and superfoods. Of course, these are all important and have their part to play, in the mind, body and soul trinity but these only really maintain outwardly what you have achieved inwardly first. Next month I will share my tips with you for a happier, healthier lifestyle.
Nanette Mercer
Click here for part two.
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Steps To Wellness Articles
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Written by Amanda
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Tuesday, 08 March 2011 12:35 |
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At Steps, we have always been interested in the availability of good quality healthcare for all, whether this is through conventional Western medicine or through alternative and complementary therapies. This year, we will be researching and publishing a series of articles on the constantly changing face of healthcare in the UK with a particular focus on the availability of therapies on the NHS. Click here to find out more.
Unfortunately, like most things in the modern world, treatment of any kind costs money. In the UK, some kinds of medical treatment cost little or nothing at point of access – like a trip to the GP or hospital care but in the current environment of patient choice, what other options are available to the individual and how easy is it to access these?
The medical profession has had difficulties with more traditional forms of care in the past but it is fair to say that in recent years many physicians have been broadening their practice to include alternative and complementary therapies. Consider the rising number of practicing GPs who are also registered homeopaths and the NHS pain clinics now combining drugs with acupuncture, for example.
In November 2000, The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee published a report on complementary medicine and divided therapies into three groups. Group One contained therapies which were labelled ‘principle disciplines’ and were known as the ‘Big 5’: Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Homeopathy. It could be argued that because these have been regulated by recognised governing bodies for the oversight of practice and training for so long, they have rooted themselves more firmly into the medical world. Although research occasionally throws up evidence to question their efficacy, they are considered serious enough professions to warrant that research.
Group Two contained therapies that ‘are most often used to complement conventional medicine and do not purport to embrace diagnostic skills’. Professions in this area include the Alexander Technique, massage, counselling and healing. From this, one gathers that perhaps these disciplines were not taken quite so seriously and it would be interesting to find out how, as time and practices have changed, whether or not the medical profession has done it’s homework on these treatments if they are now more widely available within the NHS.
The third group contained disciplines ‘which purport to offer diagnostic information as well as treatment, and which, in general favour a more philosophical approach and are indifferent to the scientific principles of conventional medicine’. At this point, one may choose to substitute this phraseology for ‘hocus pocus’ but is this really the case? Does the medical professional now have a more systematic approach to these alternative therapies, along with a more informed respect of the alternative thought systems behind them? Included within this group were two subgroups: traditional and long established healthcare systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine; with Group B covering therapies like crystal therapy and kinesiology.
The point of the upcoming series of articles is to discuss developments in the scientific and medical world relating to the availability of complementary and alternative medicine. Of course, our ultimate aim would be to see contemporary medical practice using Western medicine (whatever that might be these days) working alongside more traditional methods with proper, systematic research cherry picking the best of both in order to bring about a more patient centred approach. In fact, there might even have to be some degree of acknowledgement that a truly patient centred approach would have to put generalised research into perspective as each human being is individual. After all, Hippocrates is reported to have said it is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.
In an idealistic world, I am sure this would be the case but in our political and economic climate, what is best may not be what is available and this will be the basis for our upcoming discussions.
Amanda Fearn, Steps Team.
At Steps, we have always been interested in the availability of good quality healthcare for all, whether this is through conventional Western medicine or through alternative and complementary therapies. This year, we will be researching and publishing a series of articles on the constantly changing face of healthcare in the UK with a particular focus on the availability of therapies on the NHS.
Unfortunately, like most things in the modern world, treatment of any kind costs money. In the UK, some kinds of medical treatment cost little or nothing at point of access – like a trip to the GP or hospital care but in the current environment of patient choice, what other options are available to the individual and how easy is it to access these?
The medical profession has had difficulties with more traditional forms of care in the past but it is fair to say that in recent years many physicians have been broadening their practice to include alternative and complementary therapies. Consider the rising number of practicing GPs who are also registered homeopaths and the NHS pain clinics now combining drugs with acupuncture, for example.
In November 2000, The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee published a report on complementary medicine and divided therapies into three groups. Group One contained therapies which were labelled ‘principle disciplines’ and were known as the ‘Big 5’: Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Homeopathy. It could be argued that because these have been regulated by recognised governing bodies for the oversight of practice and training for so long, they have rooted themselves more firmly into the medical world. Although research occasionally throws up evidence to question their efficacy, they are considered serious enough professions to warrant that research.
Group Two contained therapies that ‘are most often used to complement conventional medicine and do not purport to embrace diagnostic skills’. Professions in this area include the Alexander Technique, massage, counselling and healing. From this, one gathers that perhaps these disciplines were not taken quite so seriously and it would be interesting to find out how, as time and practices have changed, whether or not the medical profession has done it’s homework on these treatments if they are now more widely available within the NHS.
The third group contained disciplines ‘which purport to offer diagnostic information as well as treatment, and which, in general favour a more philosophical approach and are indifferent to the scientific principles of conventional medicine’. At this point, one may choose to substitute this phraseology for ‘hocus pocus’ but is this really the case? Does the medical professional now have a more systematic approach to these alternative therapies, along with a more informed respect of the alternative thought systems behind them? Included within this group were two subgroups: traditional and long established healthcare systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine; with Group B covering therapies like crystal therapy and kinesiology.
The point of the upcoming series of articles is to discuss developments in the scientific and medical world relating to the availability of complementary and alternative medicine. Of course, our ultimate aim would be to see contemporary medical practice using Western medicine (whatever that might be these days) working alongside more traditional methods with proper, systematic research cherry picking the best of both in order to bring about a more patient centred approach. In fact, there might even have to be some degree of acknowledgement that a truly patient centred approach would have to put generalised research into perspective as each human being is individual. After all, Hippocrates is reported to have said it is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.
In an idealistic world, I am sure this would be the case but in our political and economic climate, what is best may not be what is available and this will be the basis for our upcoming discussions.
Amanda Fearn, Steps Team.
House of Lords report available at: http://www.nhsdirectory.org/default.aspx?page=HLReport
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Steps To Wellness Articles
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Written by Jan Cassells
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Tuesday, 08 March 2011 09:49 |
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Have you ever stopped to think what toxins you may be exposed to on a daily basis because you may be appalled to realize just how many thousands of these we are exposed to on a regular basis? Qualified Medical Herbalist, Hydrotherapist and Steps member Jan Cassells discusses the nature of these toxins and what we can do to help irradiate them for a healthier life.
Hormones and antibiotics are now widely used in the food chain and may be directly linked to the higher incidence of breast cancer in ladies. Add to that all the chemical preservatives, colourings and food enhancers, genetically modified foods, hydrogenated foods and high amounts of salt and sugar found in most processed foods, then you may get some idea of the toxins that your body needs to process. Drinks are usually full of sugar and/or caffeine – or just as bad – sweeteners. Did you know that some of the sweeteners widely used have been linked to some serious side effects, including cancer?
What about the air that we breathe? Traffic pollution, plane chemtrail residue, fossil fuels, paint fumes, carpet out-gassing, pet dander, mold and mildew, dust mites, air fresheners, cleaning products, fall-out from industrial sites, pesticides – the list goes on and on!
Consider also the toxins from prescription (or non-prescription) drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, heavy metals (cooking utensils, canned foods, deodorants, etc), radiation and parasites. And I am not just talking about worms here. As well as these we have to consider bacteria, viruses and yeasts. Candida albicans (an overgrowth of yeast in the digestive tract) can release clouds of toxins into your body causing a wide range of health problems ranging from chronic bloating and other digestive upsets to chronic fatigue and ‘foggy brain’.
Research clearly shows that our bodies are not able to eliminate all the different toxins and chemicals that we inhale and ingest day-after-day. They simply build up in our cells (especially in fat cells), tissues, blood and organs (such as the colon, liver and brain) and remain stored indefinitely, causing all kinds of health challenges.
How do you know when it is time to purge your body of built-up toxins and other waste materials? If you experience two or more of the following, then the time may have come to detoxify:
Lethargy and low energy, flatulence, gas and bloating, excess weight gain, digestive problems, strong smelling stools, bad breath, constipation, strong food cravings, metallic taste in mouth, irritability & mood swings, recurring headaches and skin problems.
I am a fully qualified and experienced Medical Herbalist and Colonic Hydrotherapist and like most people working in my field, can also offer diet and nutritional advice. Colonic hydrotherapy is a safe and gentle method of introducing warmed, purified water into the colon to cleanse it of toxins, waste matter and gases. There is no pain and in fact many of my clients find it an extremely relaxing and pleasant experience. A large amount of my clients seek me out not just because of my colonic skills but also because I am medically trained I can look for the root cause of their problems. I have colonic hydrotherapy every eight weeks as I know that even stress can produce toxins within the body, which if left to build up, can cause problems.
Spring is just around the corner so why not have your own personal Detox programme to clean away the winter toxins, help with your weight management, increase your brain clarity and boost your energy? You will be surprised at just how good you feel.
Jan Cassells, BSc (Hons) MNIMH, Cert CH, MI-ACT runs a Holistic Health Centre called Earth Energies in Lincolnshire and helps people combat the effect of toxins. For more details and contact details, view my profile on Steps to wellness here.
References:
CDC, National Report of Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, January 2003
CDC, Body Burden: The Pollution in People, January 2003
WebMD feature by Dulce Zamora, What Chemicals are Lurking Inside Your Body, February 2004
Have you ever stopped to think what toxins you may be exposed to on a daily basis because you may be appalled to realize just how many thousands of these we are exposed to on a regular basis? Qualified Medical Herbalist, Hydrotherapist and Steps member Jan Cassells discusses the nature of these toxins and what we can do to help irradiate them for a healthier life.
Hormones and antibiotics are now widely used in the food chain and may be directly linked to the higher incidence of breast cancer in ladies. Add to that all the chemical preservatives, colourings and food enhancers, genetically modified foods, hydrogenated foods and high amounts of salt and sugar found in most processed foods, then you may get some idea of the toxins that your body needs to process. Drinks are usually full of sugar and/or caffeine – or just as bad – sweeteners. Did you know that some of the sweeteners widely used have been linked to some serious side effects, including cancer?
What about the air that we breathe? Traffic pollution, plane chemtrail residue, fossil fuels, paint fumes, carpet out-gassing, pet dander, mold and mildew, dust mites, air fresheners, cleaning products, fall-out from industrial sites, pesticides – the list goes on and on!
Consider also the toxins from prescription (or non-prescription) drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, heavy metals (cooking utensils, canned foods, deodorants, etc), radiation and parasites. And I am not just talking about worms here. As well as these we have to consider bacteria, viruses and yeasts. Candida albicans (an overgrowth of yeast in the digestive tract) can release clouds of toxins into your body causing a wide range of health problems ranging from chronic bloating and other digestive upsets to chronic fatigue and ‘foggy brain’.
Research clearly shows that our bodies are not able to eliminate all the different toxins and chemicals that we inhale and ingest day-after-day. They simply build up in our cells (especially in fat cells), tissues, blood and organs (such as the colon, liver and brain) and remain stored indefinitely, causing all kinds of health challenges.
How do you know when it is time to purge your body of built-up toxins and other waste materials? If you experience two or more of the following, then the time may have come to detoxify:
Lethargy and low energy, flatulence, gas and bloating, excess weight gain, digestive problems, strong smelling stools, bad breath, constipation, strong food cravings, metallic taste in mouth, irritability & mood swings, recurring headaches and skin problems.
I am a fully qualified and experienced Medical Herbalist and Colonic Hydrotherapist and like most people working in my field, can also offer diet and nutritional advice. Colonic hydrotherapy is a safe and gentle method of introducing warmed, purified water into the colon to cleanse it of toxins, waste matter and gases. There is no pain and in fact many of my clients find it an extremely relaxing and pleasant experience. A large amount of my clients seek me out not just because of my colonic skills but also because I am medically trained I can look for the root cause of their problems. I have colonic hydrotherapy every eight weeks as I know that even stress can produce toxins within the body, which if left to build up, can cause problems.
Spring is just around the corner so why not have your own personal Detox programme to clean away the winter toxins, help with your weight management, increase your brain clarity and boost your energy? You will be surprised at just how good you feel.
Jan Cassells, BSc (Hons) MNIMH, Cert CH, MI-ACT runs a Holistic Health Centre called Earth Energies in Lincolnshire and helps people combat the effect of toxins. For more details and contact details, view my profile on Steps to wellness here.
References: CDC, National Report of Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, January 2003CDC, Body Burden: The Pollution in People, January 2003WebMD feature by Dulce Zamora, What Chemicals are Lurking Inside Your Body, February 2004
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Steps To Wellness Articles
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Written by Jason Roberts
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Monday, 07 March 2011 16:48 |
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Increase your visibility on the Internet
At Steps to Wellness we have a directory listing Health Professionals from around the world and it is our job to see that those advertising with us get found. We concentrate on Search engine optimization (SEO) which is the process of improving the visibility of those profiled as well as listed on Steps in search engines http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_search_engine . Within your profile or listing you will find an tab called Meta info this area gets looked at by search engines so here information is needed which will increase your chances even further as to being found. The information is needed in such a way that the search engines can understand it so here are some examples as to how this information is best typed.
Our website designers Channel Computing have provided us with their Meta information which we can use as an example to create our own. Fore their Meta description they use the following;
'At Channel Computing we integrate your internet marketing, SEO, web design and development into one seamlessly effective package. Based in Penryn, Cornwall'. As you can see this is a short description of what they do and where the company is based.
Meta keywords are presented like this;
'web design cornwall, SEO, email marketing, web development, social media, opensource web site, business web site, eCommerce web site, software systems, database developer'. Again a description of what the company do however this time more specific with key words, meta keywords are a brief and concise list of the most important themes of your page, for more key words click here http://www.stepstowellness.co.uk/the-most-popular-words-searched-for.htmlThis meta data will drive more searches to your profile however we want them to stay there. In order to get them to stay on your page fill in all the areas for your profile subscription with brief and informative information, adding images makes the profile more attractive too.
The more information that you can provide us the more we can get you seen.
Jason Roberts
(Steps to Wellness director and
Fitness Specialist)
At Steps to Wellness we have a directory listing Health Professionals from around the world and it is our job to see that those advertising with us get found. We concentrate on Search engine optimisation (SEO) which is the process of improving the visibility of those profiled as well as listed on Steps in search engines. Within your profile or listing you will find an tab called Meta info this area gets looked at by search engines so here information is needed which will increase your chances even further as to being found.
The information is needed in such a way that the search engines can understand it so here are some examples as to how this information is best typed. Our website designers Channel Computing have provided us with their Meta information which we can use as an example to create our own. Fore their Meta description they use the following;
'At Channel Computing we integrate your internet marketing, SEO, web design and development into one seamlessly effective package. Based in Penryn, Cornwall'. As you can see this is a short description of what they do and where the company is based.
Meta keywords are presented like this;
'web design cornwall, SEO, email marketing, web development, social media, opensource web site, business web site, eCommerce web site, software systems, database developer'. Again a description of what the company do however this time more specific with key words, meta keywords are a brief and concise list of the most important themes of your page, for more key words click here.
This meta data will drive more searches to your profile however we want them to stay there. In order to get them to stay on your page fill in all the areas for your profile subscription with brief and informative information, adding images makes the profile more attractive too.
The more information that you can provide us the more we can get you seen.
Jason Roberts
(Steps to Wellness director and
Fitness Specialist)
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Steps To Wellness Articles
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Written by Megan Selby
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Monday, 07 March 2011 12:13 |
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The Living Voice and Sound Healing
Sound Healing uses the relationship between matter and sound to bring harmony and health. In this article, Megan Selby, Sound Healing practitioner, shares what brought her to the practice in the beginning, how it works and what it means to her.
The vibration of the voice has the potential to shift, release, connect and strengthen.
Using my voice as a tool of release, expression and transformation has always been an important aspect of how I function. When I came across the practices of The Naked Voice, founded by Chloe Goodchild, it was like a home coming and a gift and has a strong influence on my practise, The Living Voice, and continues to feed it. This work has provided me with disciplines and practises to create a safe structure for my emotional music to move through me; understanding more deeply and fine tuning myself as my own instrument.
I then trained to become a qualified Sound Healer through The College of Sound Healing. I now work intuitively, drawing on tools gained from these trainings, including a First Class Honours in 'Creative Expressive Therapies' and experiences of other treatments, disciplines and healing techniques.
I would like to share with you some words about my practise in the Sound Healing field which addresses issues on all levels from physical pain relief to emotional and energetic clearing and rebalancing.
" Megan's work has enriched my life in a very short space of time."
My work is essentially about responding intuitively to whomever I am working with. I work with the body both physically and energetically allowing release, transformation and reconnection. As the body is predominantly made up of space, we respond naturally with immediacy to the vibrational quality of Sound Healing.
During a Living Voice treatment I use a unique blend of vocal sounds and songs, intuitive touch and movement. This combination is like a dance or a journey through which I locate troubled areas and allow the body to lead me through it's own healing process. I may invite my client to bring their awareness to certain areas of the body and make sound with me as this has proven to be very powerful and clearing. The breath is a main focus of my practise and often clients feel a greater sense of breath and space created within the body. This is a wonderful way of coming into our inner stillness which is deeply reassuring and centring.
“Megan's healing is both wonderfully powerful and yet beautifully and reassuringly gentle”
I also hold groups and individual sessions using breath, chant, silence, intuitive sounding and movement. This is a direct way into our true nature without judgement. The repetition of phrases in the chanting promotes relaxation, inner calm and restored energy and is especially powerful when experienced in a group.
“Allowing space, silence and energetic flow”
Every single one of us has a voice which can carry and express songs unique to us as individuals as well as connecting to the collective voice. In this space we can access and understand something more profound than the 'spoken' language.
Sound Healing is effective on many levels from relaxation and rebalancing to addressing specific issues. Treatments are beneficial to anyone drawn to the work.
Megan Selby, The Living Voice
For full contact details and more information please go to my Steps to Wellness profile by clicking here.
Current groups
Sacred Chant and Sound Meditation: Thursdays 6-7pm Circus Shop. Penryn, Cornwall
Journey Through The Voice: 2nd Saturday of the month,10am-1pm The Stuart Stephen Memorial Hall. Penryn, Cornwall
Sound Healing uses the relationship between matter and sound to bring harmony and health. In this article, Megan Selby, Sound Healing practitioner, shares what brought her to the practice in the beginning, how it works and what it means to her.
The vibration of the voice has the potential to shift, release, connect and strengthen.
Using my voice as a tool of release, expression and transformation has always been an important aspect of how I function. When I came across the practices of The Naked Voice, founded by Chloe Goodchild, it was like a home coming and a gift and has a strong influence on my practise, The Living Voice, and continues to feed it. This work has provided me with disciplines and practises to create a safe structure for my emotional music to move through me; understanding more deeply and fine tuning myself as my own instrument.
I then trained to become a qualified Sound Healer through The College of Sound Healing. I now work intuitively, drawing on tools gained from these trainings, including a First Class Honours in 'Creative Expressive Therapies' and experiences of other treatments, disciplines and healing techniques.
I would like to share with you some words about my practise in the Sound Healing field which addresses issues on all levels from physical pain relief to emotional and energetic clearing and rebalancing.
" Megan's work has enriched my life in a very short space of time."
My work is essentially about responding intuitively to whomever I am working with. I work with the body both physically and energetically allowing release, transformation and reconnection. As the body is predominantly made up of space, we respond naturally with immediacy to the vibrational quality of Sound Healing.
During a Living Voice treatment I use a unique blend of vocal sounds and songs, intuitive touch and movement. This combination is like a dance or a journey through which I locate troubled areas and allow the body to lead me through it's own healing process. I may invite my client to bring their awareness to certain areas of the body and make sound with me as this has proven to be very powerful and clearing. The breath is a main focus of my practise and often clients feel a greater sense of breath and space created within the body. This is a wonderful way of coming into our inner stillness which is deeply reassuring and centring.
“Megan's healing is both wonderfully powerful and yet beautifully and reassuringly gentle”
I also hold groups and individual sessions using breath, chant, silence, intuitive sounding and movement. This is a direct way into our true nature without judgement. The repetition of phrases in the chanting promotes relaxation, inner calm and restored energy and is especially powerful when experienced in a group.
“Allowing space, silence and energetic flow”
Every single one of us has a voice which can carry and express songs unique to us as individuals as well as connecting to the collective voice. In this space we can access and understand something more profound than the 'spoken' language.
Sound Healing is effective on many levels from relaxation and rebalancing to addressing specific issues. Treatments are beneficial to anyone drawn to the work.
Megan Selby, The Living Voice
For full contact details and more information please go to my Steps to Wellness profile by clicking here.
Current groups
Sacred Chant and Sound Meditation: Thursdays 6-7pm Circus Shop. Penryn, Cornwall
Journey Through The Voice: 2nd Saturday of the month,10am-1pm The Stuart Stephen Memorial Hall. Penryn, Cornwall
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Steps To Wellness Articles
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Written by Jason Roberts
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Friday, 11 February 2011 07:11 |
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Diet Soda May Heighten Risk for Vascular EventsDiet soda may not be the healthier alternative many had hoped. A new study suggests that the popular drinks may increase the risk for stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death."People who had diet soda every day experienced a 61% higher risk of vascular events than those who reported drinking no soda," lead investigator Hannah Gardener, ScD, an epidemiologist from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida, told reporters attending a news conference here at the International Stroke Conference.
The risk persisted after controlling for metabolic syndrome, peripheral vascular disease, and cardiac disease history (relative risk, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 - 2.12).
"This is the first report of this association," said American Stroke Association national spokesperson Larry Goldstein, MD. "I think that it's always good to do things in moderation. People should look at this information and consider it in the context of their other risk factors."
The researchers looked at more than 2500 people from the multiethnic Northern Manhattan Study. Participants were asked to report how much and what kind of soda they drank.
During an average follow-up of 9.3 years, 559 vascular events occurred, including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
The researchers also observed a marginally significant increased risk for vascular events among those who consumed moderate or daily regular soda (relative risk, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.74 - 1.16).
As reported by Medscape Medical News, previous studies have suggested a link between diet soda consumption and the risk for metabolic syndrome and diabetes. But this is the first time diet drinks have been associated with vascular events.
"This is an observational study and not a prospective randomized trial," Dr. Goldstein, from the Duke Stroke Center, in Durham, North Carolina, pointed out. "This is an association and not yet a proven causal relationship."
The investigators acknowledge that additional studies are needed. The potential mechanisms for the association between diet soda and vascular events remain unknown.
What should clinicians advise patients on the basis of the information we have today? Steven Greenberg, MD, from Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, suggests that patients start by concentrating on a healthy diet and regular exercise. "Once the metabolic syndrome is under control and any risk of diabetes, then we can consider cutting back on soda consumption." Dr. Greenberg is the vice chair of the International Stroke Conference Committee, and during an interview he suggested that patients shouldn't rush to eliminate diet drinks.
"I do think this is a wake-up call, though," he said, "and we need to start paying closer attention."
This study was funded by the Javits award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the Evelyn McKnight Brain Institute. The researchers have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference. Abstract # P55. News conference February 9, 2011.
Article taken from medscape.com
Diet soda may not be the healthier alternative many had hoped. A new study suggests that the popular drinks may increase the risk for stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death.
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Steps To Wellness Articles
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Written by Melanie Collie
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Thursday, 03 February 2011 17:18 |
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We make food choices every day and I thought the ones I made were sound, healthy and balanced with the occasional naughty treat to reward myself for working so hard. This may sound familiar but does your so-called healthy diet look something like mine did:
Breakfast: two thick slices of wholemeal bread with a healthy low fat vegetable based spread.
Snack: low fat crisps, cup of tea with skimmed milk and sweetener.
Lunch: skipped due to lack of time - or maybe grabbed a low calorie cheese and onion sandwich on granary bread from the local deli (as I didn't have enough time to prepare lunch before work). Plus a can of something diet to drink - low calorie is good isn't it?
Snack: coffee and sugar as I was tired and maybe a cake as well as a reward for working hard.
Dinner: large bowl of pasta with pesto, cheese over the top and garlic bread. Trifle or cheesecake for pudding and a glass or two of wine to reward myself (again) as I had worked so hard and deserved it.
What's so wrong with that? It is a normal day's food (I am a vegetarian, so you may want to add chicken, steak, gammon and maybe even a take away burger and fries to it as well). This reads like the normal day's diet for most people but the mid afternoon slump, the stubborn fat around the belly and low energy levels that you may feel are your body's way of saying something isn't right. What changes can you make to your diet to help you feel healthier and happier?
1. Cut: sugar filled, processed breakfast bread and cereals. Some of us are gluten intolerant and simply aren't ware of it. This can lead to unhelpful, sluggish digestion and unwelcome low energy levels.
Instead try: something completely different, after all, who said you had to have a bowl of cereal with milk? Get up a little earlier and try poached eggs or leftovers from last night's stir fry - it doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming. How about tomatoes and a chicken breast for a filling protein based breakfast or for something lighter consider nutritious Quinoa with coconut or almond milk - delicious with sliced apple or kiwi fruit (it feels like eating an indulgent pudding). Compare these mouth-watering options compared to a bowl of cereal, which is highly processed and nothing in that bowl will give you lasting energy; just cravings for sugar at 11am. What about the added synthetic vitamins? A load of rubbish - you'd be better off eating the box it comes in.
2. Cut: snacks of diet drinks, crisps (even so-called low fat ones) and other processed diet foods.
Instead try: a handful of almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds - packed full of nutrients and likely to keep you full for longer. Make your own hummus (easy in a blender) and take it to work in a small tub with some sliced carrot and why not experiment with different flavours like chilli, lemon and coriander. Drink more water to keep your body hydrated and sip throughout the day. Most diet drinks contain Aspartame which spikes the appetite, actually making you feel hungry and I will discuss in a later article what it does to the brain. Needless to say, don't touch it, it is a synthetic chemical and your body doesn't like it.
3. Cut: skipping meals. This drops your energy and you will eat more later in the day. Your metabolism will be in the gutter if you skip meals and fat burning will be a problem as will your energy levels, with your body storing rather than using the water and fat as it doesn't know when it's next meal will be.
Instead try: preparing your lunch at home to bring to work with you so you have more control over your food choices and don't just grab a fat filled mayonnaise covered sandwich - the bread will make you sleepy and it has a lot of added sugar and milk which your body may not thank you for. Make your own chicken breast wrapped in Romaine lettuce leaf for lunch or if you really want a rich, creamy sandwich try a hummus or avocado filling. Drink from your water bottle and add a slice of lemon if you like. Think of how much money you will save and how many pounds (of weight!) you will lose.
4. Cut: coffee and cake. This will make you feel even more tired and crave even more sugar later on in your afternoon and don't forget that even decaffeinated drinks are full of toxins that won't do your energy levels any favours.
Instead try: sipping water from your bottle during the day, add some lemon juice to make it taste different and if you work in a large office, a trip to the water cooler will present a welcome and productive break. Herbal teas are a great thing to have, so carry some in your bag if you know there won't be any at work or toddler group or wherever. For a snack, have a handful of nuts or make a healthy cake with almond flour or sweetened with banana. Better still, have a piece of fruit.
5. Cut: pasta. Again, you may have a gluten intolerance and it could leave you bloated and tired. I know all too well how easy it is to reach for this easy to cook food.
Instead try: Quinoa, a great protein enriched seed which can replace pasta very easily (and one of the oldest cultivated grains on the planet). Eat with roasted vegetables or have on the side with lean meat. Treat yourself to a huge salad with watercress, spinach, avocado and asparagus, combining as many colours and flavours as you can or if you want some comfort food why not make a vegetable chilli or curry (easy to make before work in a slow cooker) and serve with brown rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
So, take a typical day and have a look at what you eat, writing it down in your diary - you may surprise yourself. Just making some simple changes will lift the way you feel, give you more energy for work, raising your children or spending time doing what you enjoy and it doesn't have to take too much effort. I did it and I was a picky eater and don't forget that tastes change as your eating habits do.
In a nutshell, the advice is common sense: eat more fresh vegetables, fruit, lean meat, nuts and seeds but eat less sugar and processed foods. Do something different this week - try looking along the shelves at the shops for a new grain you haven't tried before or a new vegetable. Log on and have a look on line for new ways to prepare healthy ingredients you know you like or try adding herbs and explore new flavours.
Let me know how you get on at our free community network site, just copy and paste the invitation link below. No catches, just a community of like minded people sharing recipes and advice.
Enjoy your new found energy.
Melanie Collie
Mel is one of a few health instructors lucky enough to be training with top UK personal trainer, Dax Moy in his Elimination Diet programme to become an Elimination Diet specialist. She also runs popular Pilates classes for all levels in Portreath and Scorrier in Cornwall as well as training with Tom Belchin in his Stroke Survivors Strength course, which completes Spring 2011.
We make food choices every day and I thought the ones I made were sound, healthy and balanced with the occasional naughty treat to reward myself for working so hard. This may sound familiar but does your so-called healthy diet look something like mine did:
Breakfast: two thick slices of wholemeal bread with a healthy low fat vegetable based spread.
Snack: low fat crisps, cup of tea with skimmed milk and sweetener.
Lunch: skipped due to lack of time - or maybe grabbed a low calorie cheese and onion sandwich on granary bread from the local deli (as I didn't have enough time to prepare lunch before work). Plus a can of something diet to drink - low calorie is good isn't it?
 Snack: coffee and sugar as I was tired and maybe a cake as well as a reward for working hard.
Dinner: large bowl of pasta with pesto, cheese over the top and garlic bread. Trifle or cheesecake for pudding and a glass or two of wine to reward myself (again) as I had worked so hard and deserved it.
What's so wrong with that? It is a normal day's food (I am a vegetarian, so you may want to add chicken, steak, gammon and maybe even a take away burger and fries to it as well). This reads like the normal day's diet for most people but the mid afternoon slump, the stubborn fat around the belly and low energy levels that you may feel are your body's way of saying something isn't right. What changes can you make to your diet to help you feel healthier and happier?
1. Cut: sugar filled, processed breakfast bread and cereals. Some of us are gluten intolerant and simply aren't ware of it. This can lead to unhelpful, sluggish digestion and unwelcome low energy levels.
Instead try: something completely different, after all, who said you had to have a bowl of cereal with milk? Get up a little earlier and try poached eggs or leftovers from last night's stir fry - it doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming. How about tomatoes and a chicken breast for a filling protein based breakfast or for something lighter consider nutritious Quinoa with coconut or almond milk - delicious with sliced apple or kiwi fruit (it feels like eating an indulgent pudding). Compare these mouth-watering options compared to a bowl of cereal, which is highly processed and nothing in that bowl will give you lasting energy; just cravings for sugar at 11am. What about the added synthetic vitamins? A load of rubbish - you'd be better off eating the box it comes in.
2. Cut: snacks of diet drinks, crisps (even so-called low fat ones) and other processed diet foods.
Instead try: a handful of almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds - packed full of nutrients and likely to keep you full for longer. Make your own hummus (easy in a blender) and take it to work in a small tub with some sliced carrot and why not experiment with different flavours like chilli, lemon and coriander. Drink more water to keep your body hydrated and sip throughout the day. Most diet drinks contain Aspartame which spikes the appetite, actually making you feel hungry and I will discuss in a later article what it does to the brain. Needless to say, don't touch it, it is a synthetic chemical and your body doesn't like it.
3. Cut: skipping meals. This drops your energy and you will eat more later in the day. Your metabolism will be in the gutter if you skip meals and fat burning will be a problem as will your energy levels, with your body storing rather than using the water and fat as it doesn't know when it's next meal will be.
 Instead try: preparing your lunch at home to bring to work with you so you have more control over your food choices and don't just grab a fat filled mayonnaise covered sandwich - the bread will make you sleepy and it has a lot of added sugar and milk which your body may not thank you for. Make your own chicken breast wrapped in Romaine lettuce leaf for lunch or if you really want a rich, creamy sandwich try a hummus or avocado filling. Drink from your water bottle and add a slice of lemon if you like. Think of how much money you will save and how many pounds (of weight!) you will lose.
4. Cut: coffee and cake. This will make you feel even more tired and crave even more sugar later on in your afternoon and don't forget that even decaffeinated drinks are full of toxins that won't do your energy levels any favours.
Instead try: sipping water from your bottle during the day, add some lemon juice to make it taste different and if you work in a large office, a trip to the water cooler will present a welcome and productive break. Herbal teas are a great thing to have, so carry some in your bag if you know there won't be any at work or toddler group or wherever. For a snack, have a handful of nuts or make a healthy cake with almond flour or sweetened with banana. Better still, have a piece of fruit.
5. Cut: pasta. Again, you may have a gluten intolerance and it could leave you bloated and tired. I know all too well how easy it is to reach for this easy to cook food.
Instead try: Quinoa, a great protein enriched seed which can replace pasta very easily (and one of the oldest cultivated grains on the planet). Eat with roasted vegetables or have on the side with lean meat. Treat yourself to a huge salad with watercress, spinach, avocado and asparagus, combining as many colours and flavours as you can or if you want some comfort food why not make a vegetable chilli or curry (easy to make before work in a slow cooker) and serve with brown rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
So, take a typical day and have a look at what you eat, writing it down in your diary - you may surprise yourself. Just making some simple changes will lift the way you feel, give you more energy for work, raising your children or spending time doing what you enjoy and it doesn't have to take too much effort. I did it and I was a picky eater and don't forget that tastes change as your eating habits do.
In a nutshell, the advice is common sense: eat more fresh vegetables, fruit, lean meat, nuts and seeds but eat less sugar and processed foods. Do something different this week - try looking along the shelves at the shops for a new grain you haven't tried before or a new vegetable. Log on and have a look on line for new ways to prepare healthy ingredients you know you like or try adding herbs and explore new flavours.
Let me know how you get on at our free community network site, just click the link here. No catches, just a community of like minded people sharing recipes and advice.
Enjoy your new found energy.
Melanie Collie
Mel is one of a few health instructors lucky enough to be training with top UK personal trainer, Dax Moy in his Elimination Diet programme to become an Elimination Diet specialist. She also runs popular Pilates classes for all levels in Portreath and Scorrier in Cornwall as well as training with Tom Belchin in his Stroke Survivors Strength course, which completes Spring 2011.
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