Therapies

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE AND HOW DOES IT WORK? 

Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine which is based on the idea that the living body has a life force energy called Qi. Qi flows along highways known as meridians. The qi or life energy can become out of balance when there is disharmony in the body. The energy can block, for example, because of external invasion or due to internal conditions such as difficult emotions. These result in the development of symptoms. 

WHAT DOES A TREATMENT INVOLVE? 
During your first visit a case history will be taken. You will be asked questions about your specific complaint as well as your medical history, diet, sleeping patterns and any other relevant aspects of your life. If there is a physical or structural problem a short examination may be necessary. Acupuncturists gain much information by looking at the tongue and by taking the pulse. From all of these details a diagnosis will be made to suit your particular needs. 
People can benefit immediately from acupuncture though it is usual to have regular treatments for six weeks to set the body on its road to recovery. Sessions may then be continued at less frequent intervals according to the patients requirements. Each treatment will last up to an hour. 
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine sterilised needles into the body. The needles cause a tingling sensation to be felt in the body, some people call it a dull ache. Treatment can be very relaxing and some patients have fallen asleep during a session. Cupping and moxa heat and some massage may be used during a treatment if necessary.

Initial Consultation (2 hours) including a full case history:  £70

1 hour treatment £55

LINDA DOWLER

Harnessing the properties of premium quality natural essential oils and applied through massage with blends tailored to individual requirements.
Not just for pampering, but helpful for so many mind and body conditions including:
• Grief
• Infertility
• Depression
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Insomnia
• Joint and Muscle pain
• . . . and so much more!

SUZY HOWE

In just one hour we can test for over 150 food, drink and environmental substances.

• You will leave knowing exactly which foods (if any) you are sensitive to and how to work in harmony with your body.
• The system is non invasive, quick and most importantly - painless!
• Your test will produce immediate results and also includes a free vitamin and mineral deficiency check.
• Children are also able to be treated, as long as the child has been weaned onto solid foods.
• Your personal elimination programme will be compiled for you with a view to re-introducing possible foods back into your diet after two months if appropriate.
• This is a completely diagnositic therapy that combines well with traditional medicine.

To book your appointment with Carolyne da Silva, please call us on 01749 673070.

My daughter recommended Allergy Test UK, as her youngest son had had eczema from a young age, and was told he was dairy intolerant.  So removing dairy from his diet improved his skin greatly.

After being tested by Carolyne de Silva, I was found to have a bad intoleerance to both dairy and yeast.  So the process of eliminating these from my diet began, and I was also lacking in Vitamin D.

A course of probiotics and vitamin D tablets were started.

It would appear that having a few months of stress and getting run down, my yeast levels elevated and caused the problems. Over the course of 6 months my hands got back to normal, but testing sitll found my intolerances existed but were getting less and less.

So after just over a year after starting my treatment with Allergy UK, I decided to revert to my 'normal' diet and visited Carolyne in early March 2015.  My intolerances were negliigible.

My hands are now back to normal and I know how to manage my diet (which isn't too difficult) with adhering to it completely.

So with Carolyne's assistance, I am now as good as new!!!

Allergy Testing - initial appointment £75

CAROLYNE DA SILVA

Bamboo massage has its origins in Chinese, Indonesian and Japanese cultures. Bamboo is known for its healing properties and the massage works at all levels to balance, calm and energise, mentally and spiritually.

The bamboo sticks of various length and widths provide a deep and soothing massage that helps to stretch and elongate the muscles. It loosens the fascia that binds muscles and may help break down scar tissue.

The oil used contains rosehip, sunflower and vitamin E with pure bamboo essential oil known for its silica content which is a natural collagen. This is a full body treatment including the face and scalp.

SUZIE HOWE

Childhood and adolescence bring their own set of challenges and having the space think things through with an adult outside of the family can be incredibly helpful. My approach is intergrative -combining the warmth and openness of person-centred counselling (talking and listening), with creativity (sand tray, drawing, story telling) and CBT (coping strategies) which offers ways to build resilience and self efficacy.

I offer a calm and compassionate safe space to explore and understand what's going on for you, where you can talk about difficult or painful experiences and thoughts and feelings. I will listen without judgement and will try to fully understand your experience - in clarifying and naming our feelings we can become more self aware, and in turn find ways to move forward. Together we can discover how to make positive changes and understand and manage difficult feelings and emotions.

I have a number of years experience working in an NHS commissioned service, working with children and young people, and their families, around common mental health difficulties such as: anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, social difficulties and bereavement. I am a fully qualified, BACP accredited and have a post-graduate qualification from Exeter University in CBT therapies for children and young people.

Counselling sessions are £50 for 50 minutes, and I recommend an initial block of 6 sessions. Call or email for a free of charge consultation to discuss next steps - I understand how difficiult taking the first steps can be and hope to answer any queries you may have.

Tel: 07811 444619
Email: sswallowcounselling@gmail.com

SAMANTHA SWALLOW

What is Cognitive Hypnotherapy?

Cognitive hypnotherapy is a flexible approach to therapy using a range of evidence based techniques from different disciplines which can help bring clarity and closure, guiding you to a safer, more comfortable place. Unlike traditional hypnotherapy that focuses on deepening the trance state, Cognitive Hypnotherapy believes that trance is a natural mental state, like daydreaming. The problem you want to overcome is the result of being in a trance induced by your unconscious mind. Through Cognitive Hypnotherapy I aim to help you regain emotional control through 'de-hypnotizing'.

What to expect:

A typical session is like a regular conversation where you are in full control of what you are comfortable exploring. During the conversation I will ask some questions to help me figure out how your unconscious mind created the problem you brought to the session. Once I have figured out how your unconscious mind has created your problem, I will use different techniques, using your model/view of the world to help you reframe the problem and gently guide you towards your desired/solution state. Included is a personalised plan and Wordweaving recordings which you can listen to each evening (they might even send you to sleep as they can be very relaxing) to enhance the work we do in the sessions. I will work with you at your pace. Everyone is unique and so are their problems. Therefore, Cognitive Hypnotherapy does not use labels, I work with the whole person and not just a label.

The average number of sessions is between 3-6 sessions depending on the problem. Some clients might need less and some might need a few more. I will be guided by you as to what you require.

The most important part of therapy is the rapport, therapy is not successful without it. Therefore I offer a 30 minute free discovery call to see if I can help and if we can build a rapport.

Contact me on the details below:

Call: 07421 368093

Email: hello@vedacoda.co.uk

Website: https://www.vedacoda.co.uk

Instagram: vedacoda_hypnotherapy 

LINDSAY ALFORD

A type of massage therapy, deep tissue massage involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). It's used for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.

Potential Benefits

Deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as chronic muscle pain, injury rehabilitation, and the following conditions:

• Low back pain
• Limited mobility
• Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls)
• Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Postural problems
• Muscle tension in the hamstrings, glutes, IT band, legs, quadriceps, rhomboids, upper back
• Osteoarthritis pain
• Sciatica 
• Piriformis syndrome
• Tennis elbow
• Fibromyalgia
• Upper back or neck pain

Not all of these benefits have been scientifically proven, but according to Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine, and over-the-counter drugs.

Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain. People often notice an improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage.

If you are interested in a massage to prevent sports injury, address sport-specific concerns, or to help with muscle recovery after sports, consider getting a sports massage.

BELINDA MAYNE

Facial Energy Release is a precise and gentle facial massage which releases accumulated muscle tension held in the face, scalp, neck and shoulders. 

This wonderfully relaxing treatment improves the skin's tone and natural elasticity, reducing expression lines and wrinkles;  giving a youthful vitality to the eyes.

However, Facial Energy Release is more than a beauty treatment.  Only a small amount of product is applied to the skin - the magic is all in the technique.  Being an holistic therapy, it works on the whole body to restore the natural flow of energy;  so balancing body, mind and spirit. 

Our Facial Energy Release practitioner is Ann Bolus MAR

To book your appointment with Ann, please ring her on 07896 994690

or contact her by email at annbolus@yahoo.co.uk

ANN BOLUS

Homeopathy is a holistic therapeutic system based on the principle of 'like treats like'.

A substance which causes symptoms when taken in large doses can be used in small amounts to treat similar symptoms. 

Homeopaths use specially prepared remedies, given mainly in liquid or tablet form.  Prescriptions are tailored to each individual patient, according to their specific symptoms.

Homeopathic philosophy is based on a process of looking at the whole person, rather than at a specific condition in isolation.  Looking at mental, physical and emotional symptoms that are present with the specific condition.  Homeopathy is a safe non-toxic holistic medicine.

Homeopathy deals with the whole person not just the part that is considered sick.  Therefore, a case may start in one place and end in another as you gradually improve an individual's health over the course of their treatment. 

For more information see the Society of Homeopaths web site or please give me a ring: -  07702598934

AMANDA MATTHEWS

Holistic massage is a well-known treatment that not only focusses on tense muscles as a physical result of stress, but it also takes into account a client's emotional and spiritual wellbeing.  It is an ancient method of healing that stimulates the blood circulation and clears the lymphatic drainage system which assists in releasing toxins from the body.  By recognizing that illness and stress affects not only one's physical but also emotional, spiritual and mental well-being, Holistic Massage allows the body's natural healing abilities to come forth and balance the entire body as a whole.  This massage technique has been used for thousands of years in Egypt, China and India. The term "holistic" derives from the ancient Greek word "holos," which means "whole."  By definition, Holistic Massage treats the whole body as a single entity, and is specifically tailored to each client.  Holistic Massage is one of the choice treatments that clients need the most in today's demanding life style. 

SUZIE HOWE

Himalayan Honey and Rose Facial

This balancing and refreshing facial use a blend of sandalwood and rose essential oils. Organic honey is massaged into the skin and a mask of cooling cucumber is applied. While the mask does its magic and soothing hand or foot massage is applied. Honey is known for its anti-bacterial properties; it moisturises and gently exfoliates and helps to reduce wrinkles. Cucumber hydrate, calm and soften the skin. They contain silica which is a natural collagen and fights aging. This facial is good for mature, dehydrated and sensitive skin.

SUZIE HOWE

Hopi Ear Candling has been used for centuries by many cultures.  It's historical roots can be found in Asia and the N and S American Indians.

There are many conditions and symptoms that can be relieved with ear candling: excessive wax, tinnitus, neuralgia, sinusitis, rhinitis, colds/flu,

headaches/migraines, vertigo, motion sickness and snoring.  It can assist with hearing and balance, depending on medical diagnosis, is soothing and helpful for earache, stress, nervousness and children suffering from glue ear.  Candling can draw out infectious material from deep inside the earand sinuses.

During treatment, a lighted candle is placed in the entrance to the outer ear, and is burned down to a safe level and then removed.  This is then repeated on the other ear.  A head and facial massage follows to enhance the candling, to stimulate lymphatic drainage and acupressure points and to further drain the sinuses.  The treatment is gentle, effective, pain free and safe.

LINDA DOWLER

Indian Head Massage or Champissage as it is sometimes known, is a treatment based on an old Ayurvedic technique involving work on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face and a variety of massage movements. 

TREATMENT 

There is no need to remove clothing, although it would be helpful to wear something comfortable such as a t-shirt to help access to the neck muscles.  Treatment normally begins with deep kneading and probing of the neck and shoulder muscles.  The head is then worked with the scalp being squeezed, rubbed, gently tapped and prodded.  The hair is briskly tussled and gently combed.  Pressure points are gently worked on and acupressure points can be stimulated to help relieve sinus pressure, stimulate the circulation and increase alertness.  The client then rests for at least 20 mins.

HOW IT HELPS? 

Deeply relaxing, Indian head massage can be used to relieve accumulated tension, stimulate circulation and restore joint movement.

SUZIE HOWE

Basalt lava and marble stones of all shapes, sizes and varying temperatures are used during LaStone massage therapy. The founder, Arizona born, Mary Harrigan drew the wisdom of the ancient healers into using thermotherapy and cryotherapy as a basis for her approach. Thus producing a feeling of mental relaxation, physical healing and a spiritual connection to earth energy.
• Warm stones encourage the exchange of blood and lymph and provide a soothing heat for deep-tissue work.
• Cold stones aid with inflammation, moving blood out of the area and balancing energies.
Stones are also placed in varying positions on and under the body for energy balancing, for a specific trigger point work. When using the alternating heat and cold, this brings the entire body into a healing process.

SUZIE HOWE

Lymphatic drainage relieves congestion of the lymphatic vessels by manually moving excess fluid to the lymph nodes within the body.  Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a 'pump' and the system can become sluggish and tired after periods of neglect due to diet, or through injury or medical treatments.

The Treatment 

After an initial consultation, the therapist will recommend the approximate number of treatments and their frequency.  Each treatment will last approximately one hour.  The therapist will then blend an oil using diuretic essential oils and begin by massaging gently the two main drainage points of the lymphatic system.  The massage then works from the extremeties, e.g. hands or feet, back towards the drainage point, thereby returning the fluid to each lymph node along the route.  Unlike a normal massage, the movements are gentle, light and use slight pumping movements, to improve appearance of the affected area and to help restore natural drainage. 

How It Helps 

Lymphatic drainage is deeply relaxing and will relieve fluid congestion in swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes, swollen legs and other areas of oedema.  It can also be useful in cases of cellulite to improve the texture of the skin and to release water from the cells.  

To book your appointment with Belinda Mayne, please call us on 01749 673070

BELINDA MAYNE

The McTimoney technique is a particularly gentle and effective treatment for the whole body, focussing on the alignment of the skeleton. It is helpful for many joints and areas of the body.

LYNN WHITAKER

Pregnancy Massage

There are few times in life when you need a good massage more than when you are pregnant! Massage during pregnancy has numerous benefits:

• Reduces general aches and pains such as backache and pelvic discomfort
• Reduces swelling in ankles, feet and hands
• Softens skin and increases elasticity to help prevent stretch marks
• Increases circulation and flow of oxygen and nutrients to mum and baby
• Relaxes and de-stresses you and your baby and promotes better sleep

Pregnancy massage can be taken from the 2nd trimester right up until the birth! It is completely safe to receive and the warm nurturing oils used are blended specifically for mums-to-be. We recommend at least a 75 mins treatment for your first session as it includes an initial consultation.

SUZIE HOWE

Naturopathic Nutrition

What is nutritional therapy?

The primary focus of nutritional therapy is ‘food as medicine' using evidence based and personalised interventions of diet and dietary habits to optimise health and wellness.
Nutritional therapists do not diagnose or treat illnesses but rather use nutrients and lifestyle modifications to address any potential nutrient deficiencies and imbalances to optimise the functioning of body systems and encourage the body's innate ability to return to optimal health.
What can I expect from a Nutrition consultation?
During an in depth initial consultation I will go over your current symptoms, medical history and where appropriate your lifestyle to help me identify any imbalances and how they link to your health issues. I will then deliver a plan personalised to your health needs and goals.
In some cases I may use specific functional tests such as a hormone panel, stool testing or genetic profiles to help me determine the root cause of your symptoms. I may also use supplements to correct any nutrient deficiencies whilst working on the premise that each person is unique and there is no ‘one size fits all' approach, as a cause of a person's imbalances will depend on their diet, lifestyle, genetics and environment.

Please email:  jo@nourishnutritionaltherapy.co.uk  to book a free discovery call to find out how I can help you or call 07877 485161

JO FORD

All of us make decisions as a child based on our upbringing. For example, am I loveable? Can I trust others? Am I good enough? These decisions were made when we were very young. They were based on the limited information and resources available to us at the time. Sometimes our view of life is also affected by a significant event later on, for example, bereavement or trauma. Whatever has happened to us we can re-decide about how we want to be now. We can live our lives fully and deal with our thoughts and feelings today rather than being tied to the past.

I am a psychotherapist with over 20 years' experience of working with children and adults. Psychotherapy gives you the chance to get to the root of your decisions about life and others. Transactional Analysis psychotherapy provides you with a structure and process to make changes. Transactional Analysis enables you to have an open and equal dialogue with the therapist.  It was founded by Eric Berne in the 1960's and has been evolving ever since.  Many concepts are simple to learn and to apply in daily life. They are suitable for both adults and children and young people.

You can find out more by visiting www.uktransactionalanalysis.co.uk

To book an appointment with Brendan Ring, Certified Transactional Analyst, please call 01749 673070 or e-mail brendanring4@hotmail.com

Cost is £50 per session for individuals and £60 per session for couples.

Brendan Ring CTA (P) is registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy and UK Association for Transactional Analysis.

BRENDAN RING

Reflexology is one of the best ways of bringing health and balance to the whole body.  It can really help us live happier and healthier lives. 

This complementary therapy is based on the theory that specific points of the feet, lower legs, hands, face and ears correspond with all organs, glands and body parts.  By working these points with precision, massage generates deep relaxation and so enables the body to balance itself and stimulate its own healing abilities. 

This gentle, nurturing therapy is suitable for everyone.  A qualified therapist will instinctively regulate the pressure, technique and duration of a treatment for the maximum benefit of their client..  After a treatment, most people experience an improved frame of mind and a sense of deep relaxation. 

Our reflexologist Ann Bolus is a Member of the Association for Reflexologists

To book your appointment with Ann, please ring her on 07896 994690

or email her at annbolus@yahoo.co.uk

ANN BOLUS

Remedial massage is one of the most effective and readily available ways to prevent and treat muscle injuries, pain and soreness.

Remedial massage is based on the fact that soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) respond to touch. Most pain is myofascial (soft tissue) in origin. Trigger points (sensitive points in muscles, which radiate or refer pain to various parts of the body) can mimic many conditions. Muscles not only move our joints, they stabilise them, and they provide armour for the internal organs, minor problems with these functions cause more pain than most people realise. Most headaches originate in the muscles of the neck and head. Much of the pain of such conditions as angina comes from the hypercontraction of the chest muscles. Much abdominal and pelvic pain can be caused by trigger points in the abdominal and pelvic muscles. Low back pain and sciatic pain are far more likely to originate in muscles than in vertebral disc problems.

Although many clients who consult a remedial massage therapist have pain as a result of specific injuries (whiplash, falls, sports injuries, etc.), RSI (repetitive strain injuries) and other work-related problems, the vast majority originates in postural (structural) alignment problems that sometimes go back to childhood and adolescence.

Many remedial massage therapists have attained additional training, which usually includes more in-depth study and qualifications in anatomy and physiology. This extra knowledge and understanding will enable the massage therapist to carry out an assessment and provide appropriate treatment for a wide variety of conditions. It is always advisable to consult a doctor before receiving a massage for specific conditions which may not be related to soft tissue.

Treatment employs massage techniques designed to treat both deep and superficial tissues, not dissimilar to those used in sports massage. The remedial massage therapist uses skilled manipulation combined with in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology to bring about pain relief, correcting and normalising the body's muscles and soft tissues.

BELINDA MAYNE

Deep soft tissue work applied to specific problem areas, or generally, to prevent the gradual build up of aches and pains, and to promote relaxation.

Stretching for contracted muscles and joint mobilisation techniques, for stiffened joints, to restore the range of movement.

Whether you are an athlete or occasional exerciser, regular sports massage can act as a preventative treatment removing the accumulation of tissue strains which could lead to a more serious injury.  It can also produce a relaxed feeling of general well being.

BELINDA MAYNE