Wise Health & Wellbeing

Scaravelli yoga is good for strong softies

2011-09-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

Scaravelli yoga is so named because of Vanda Scaravelli, a dancer who took the principles of yoga to explore body movement without all the straining or stretching. The idea is to allow the body to gain movement without resistance, and as in Pilates, Scaravelli yoga is suitable for all ages and all fitness types. You are not required to be very bendy, rather you are required to be open to subtle

Dairy free ice-cream - can it still taste good?

2011-08-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

I scream for ice-cream image by Michael Chambers Dairy free foods are on the increase. Not just for vegans, but for the thousands of people who suffer from milk allergies, acne, bloating, high cholesterol, hormone imbalances, for those who are lactose intolerant and for those who simply wish for healthier foods. Dairy free, plant-based foods do not contain saturated animal fat, cholesterol,

Stop smoking with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

2011-08-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

kick tobacco with EFT Most smokers will do anything to give up. And giving up relies on pure intent and willpower. So, as I have (again!) found myself reaching for the baccie and rolling a death stick, I have made a promise to myself that enough really is enough. It's laughable that I am lured away from smoothies and Spirulina by the hit of tobacco. I don't smoke daily, I don't smoke often,

Natural remedies for the menopause

2011-08-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

the menopause can be a rediscovery of self In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 52, but it can start as early 40. It’s understood to have begun when period have stopped for one year, during that time a woman is perimenopausal.But whatever age you are, the menopause is a transition from one stage of womanhood to another, bringing with it a series of emotional and

5 minute meditation is quick fix de-stress

2011-08-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Meditation made Buddha smile - it's a quick fix de-stress Following a trip to Nepal and a brief stint in a Buddhist monastery, I've rediscovered the benefits of meditation. Even if just for 5 minutes, slowing the mental cacaphony has a wonderful effect on my body and nerves and means I face present challenges and life projects with more clarity and focus. Like the constant humming of the

St John's Wort - nature's mood booster

2011-06-11T01:47:00.000-07:00

Pretty yellow flowers with a powerful effect, St John's Wort has been used as a mood enhancer since Jobe, or thereabouts. The Greeks favoured it and so do doctors, herbalists, pharmacists and your average person on the street. St John's Wort was one of the first (and few) herbs successfully licensed under the new EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD) because it works, and it

Cure constipation with a salt water flush

2011-06-10T01:41:00.000-07:00

it's good to poop with a salt water flush One in three of us get a little constipated now and then, but for some people it's a long term, chronic condition. Even if you're not constipated often, the digestive tract gets blocked and needs a clear out like any other plumbing device. A salt water flush is an easy do-at-home remedy And, if you think about, even when you do finally go to the loo,

Natural ways to beat the blues

2011-06-09T05:03:00.000-07:00

According to the NHS Information Centre, 39.1 million people were prescribed antidepressants in the UK in 2009, up 9% on the previous year. While 55% of people cite money worries as their reason for feeling down in the dumps. A low mood is very different to depression, however a low mood can become depressing when it is frequent and affects your family, work and every day life. It's not

How to beat arthritis with complementary therapies

2011-06-09T03:28:00.000-07:00

According to the Arthritis Research Campaign around 60% of people with arthritis turn to a complementary therapy to ease pain in some way as complementary therapies approach the body from a holistic point of view. Holistic means looking at the whole, the mind, the body and the spirit, rather than simply addressing the physical sensation. This is different to conventional (allopathic) medicine

EU Herbal Medicine Ban - the next steps

2011-05-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

The EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD), signed and ratified by the UK government in 2004, came into force on April 30th 2011. However confusion is rife amongst consumers, retailers and manufacturers as to what it actually means - will unlicensed stocks be withdrawn, will consumers have fair choice of product or will an elite group of wealthier manufacturers lay claim to

10 natural steps to beat stress

2011-05-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

A modern affliction, stress is associated with busy lives where pressure weighs heavy. It's no longer the exclusive domain of city types either - stress has spread to the suburbs, the country and into the heart of rural life too. So how do we recognise when it's got inside us, and how can we tackle it head on without the use of drugs or expensive therapies? Cause of stress The causes of stress

Top 5 raw chocolate treats

2011-05-04T00:55:00.000-07:00

I've always had a sweet tooth, but as this is a health blog I thought I'd eat my way through a load of raw chocolate as it's full of goodness, or so the makers claim. If you want the health benefits click here ... Or read on to discover what I found on my raw chocolate gourge... Booja Booja - truffles Perfection in a box. They may look like Oxo cubes, but all similarity ends there. Coated in a

Raw chocolate for the weight conscious

2011-04-20T03:11:00.000-07:00

Globally, Britons come second to the Swiss with regard to annual chocolate consumption - something in the region of 17.5 lbs per person each year (the Swiss eat 19lbs per person). Add to this the fear of tooth rot and the battle nutritionists face in the wake of obesity and we've got some serious health issues. But that doesn't stop us wanting chocolate. So how do we satiate our sweet teeth

Healing properties of lemons - uses and ideas

2011-03-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

Lemons may not be your favourite fruit to suck on, but our alkalising little friend has a lot to offer by way of health care. Health fashionistas know there's nothing better than hot water and the juice of half a lemon to kick start your liver in the morning. Lemon juice Lemon juice prompts the liver into making bile, thereby stimulating the organ into function. Some people swear by it

How Reiki calms a confused mind

2011-03-08T03:52:00.000-08:00

Spring brings desires to let go of old habits and start afresh with new ideas. So I made a list, very neat. I thought about priority, not so neat. And while my list was tidy my mind was not. I just wanted to take action on a couple of practical concerns regarding house, work & money - mundane stuff, but somehow knowing what I wanted to to was a million miles away from knowing how to do. So I

Krill oil v Fish oil - which is best for Omega 3?

2011-03-08T02:36:00.000-08:00

The debate between which oil krill oil or fish oil - provides the best source of Omega 3 in quantities the body best absorbs - continues. Expert nutritionist, Dr Mercola has come out on the side of Krill oil, but whichever side of the fence you're on, one thing is certain - Krill oil is a superb antioxidant supplement and packs a powerful punch of Omega 3. Other claims put krill oil as being

Acupuncture and cystitis - fast relief!

2011-02-21T07:02:00.000-08:00

Half the female population get at least one bout of cystitis in their life and women are eight times more likely to have cystitis than men. If you've had it, you will know that it can be very uncomfortable, and can hurt very time you pee. Causes of Cystitis Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, most commonly caused by a urine infection. Symptoms include frequent, and often quite painful,

How colour therapy boosted my mood

2011-01-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

As January made me feel a little drab - cold days, long nights, dark mornings - I decided to try some colour therapy to see if I would feel better. On a wet Thursday afternoon I met with Mary Gold, (great name for the job). Mary is a Training Colour counsellor and healer with the Iris International School of Colour Therapy, Totnes, Devon, as well as being a Reiki Master and Reflexologist

Acai berry & weight loss

2011-01-19T06:22:00.000-08:00

The Acai berry (ah-sigh-ee) is another Amazonian superfood which has found its way into western health foods shops. The berry's nutritious properties make it a natural health food, and its ability to support weight loss has made it popular in the mainstream. However, some of the branding and selling of associated berry products has led to misunderstanding of the super food. A number of 'scam'

The health benefits of hand reflexology

2011-01-12T05:06:00.000-08:00

Because harsh winter winds and wet, damp drizzle can take their toll on our hands, it is worth paying them extra attention. I've recently discussed the health benefits of hand cream and regular massage, but it is also worth considering hand reflexology - not only for the soft pummeling of your overworked and under nourished thumb pads, but also to give your whole body an MOT. Hand reflexology

Defend natural healthcare & fight the EU ban

2011-01-06T03:40:00.000-08:00

Did you know our choice to take vitamins and supplements is about to be taken away from us? Fight the ban. EU Ban The law has been seeping into UK & European legislation since January 2010 and comes into full force this April, 2011. But It's not too late to sign the petition. Joining Hands for Health is an independent, non profit campaign intending to encourage everyone to consider

Bad breath & Christmas kisses

2010-12-23T05:30:00.000-08:00

One Christmas Eve many, many years ago, I was accosted by a man in a bar wearing a Tarzan outfit. Because it was Christmas Eve and he was in fancy dress, he thought it was alright to grab me and snog me. Yuk! The sweat monster in faux fur lunged like an ape and slopped his beak upon me. One hand pressed the back of my head, so our lips were held like suction. I was a slight young woman; he was

Natural cures for indegestion this Christmas

2010-12-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

Indigestion and its related complaints of heartburn, flatulence and constipation are common conditions around Christmas, even for the most healthy of people. But if you are a regular sufferer of digestive disorders, Christmas can be a time of silent anxiety - all those polite nibbles and pastries may taste good at first, but play havoc with your insides for hours afterwards. Digestive

Complementary healthcare for cancer

2010-12-08T05:09:00.000-08:00

If you or a loved one are awaiting results, or undergoing treatment for cancer, there are a wide number of complementary therapies available that are proving to ease pain and assist recovery. For decades, health practitioners have been aware of the powerful effect of a positive mental attitude coupled with a whole range of therapies - from drinking Essaic herbal tea, to eating paw paw to

3 healthy snacks to keep you fit and full this winter

2010-12-01T08:23:00.000-08:00

We get hungrier than ever when it's cold outside, and many of us want to reach for breads, pastas and pies - but spare a thought for your mind and body as you wolf down carbohydrates. Yes your body needs more fat in the winter, but it can be good fat and boost your fuel gauge, not slow it down. Here are some tasty healthy snacks that fight fatigue, and keep your fuel gauge high and lower the

Fight flu & signs of aging with cranberries

2010-11-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

Not just the fodder for a winter fruity sauce, the little red cranberry is packed with antioxidants and anthocyanidins which help to maintain your skin's elasticity so you look young and fresh. They are a rich source of vitamin C, so a daily dose will keep colds and runny noses at bay. And the cranberry is an invaluable source of fibre. At this time of year, changing seasons means

Green tea - eat it or drink it? Either way it's good for you!

2010-11-17T04:45:00.000-08:00

Green tea, the favourite drink in Aisa, has made a deep imprint in the western health psyche. It seems researchers and scientists can't get enough of this antioxidant, immune boosting, fat burning tea leaf, which when picked transforms into a light, delicate drink suitable for most occasions: As a morning brew it's low caffeine content wakes us up without the after slump of coffee A through the

Why alkaline water is better than tap water

2010-11-10T04:45:00.000-08:00

Water water everywhere but not a drop to drink. Or so it may seem as facts and figures about the toxicity of our nation's tap water are frequently dripped into the media. But are these reports just fear mongering by bottled water suppliers? We may never truly know, but we do know that the recommended daily intake of water for an adult is 2 litres per day, more if you're exercising or recovering

Fight the ban on natural health therapies, foods and vitamins

2010-11-05T05:19:00.000-07:00

The UK government ( a cross party committee) has SECRETLY signed an EU law banning health foods, vitamins, therapies, cures medicines. This is an infringement of your basic Human Right to Choose. stand up for your rights now and Sign the petition

Natural cures for bad breath

2010-11-03T03:39:00.000-07:00

Halitosis or bad breath is never pleasant but it is embarrassing. We all get it occasionally, but it affects one in four adults regularly, and this can also lead to anxiety and low self esteem. But there are plenty of natural cures for bad breath, once the cause is established. 3 main causes of bad breath The obvious place to start is with dental hygiene But many cases of bad breath

Say no to EU ban on vitamins & natural healthcare

2010-10-27T04:58:00.000-07:00

While the CAM Expo was successfully underway at the weekend so too was the Joining Hands for Health Campaign - both attempting to safeguard the future of natural medicines and therapies. The CAM EXPO is the UKs largest complementary therapy and alternative medicine show and attracted over 5000 visitors throughout the 2-day event covering education, innovations, natural remedies, superfoods and

The many healing properties of lemons

2010-10-22T09:56:00.001-07:00

Bikram yoga - bootcamp for body beautiful

2010-10-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

Bikram yoga, sometimes called hot yoga, is practised in a heated room and incorporates a sequence of asanas (postures) which take you from limbering up a stiff body to feeling nicely mobile and flexible. And sweaty. A Bikram yoga studio is heated to around 105˚f but allows for some humidity and encourages a sweat. Why the heat? The Bikram heated room is designed to help the process of

5 of the best hand creams

2010-10-12T03:48:00.000-07:00

To coincide with the piece on the health benefits of hand cream - here's my 5 of the best: Faith in Nature Restorative hand cream 50ml - a pump action tube, this cream glides out and spreads evenly without feeling oily. It absorbs quickly so you're free to get on with life, not wait for your hands to dry. Unscented, it contains hemp oil so has a naturally occurring earthy odour. Rawganic

The health benefits of hand cream

2010-10-12T02:53:00.000-07:00

Beautiful days with crisp air are take their toll on our hands. Cracked or chapped skin, wrinkled or loose skin, splitting nails, blisters... the change in weather and the addition of autumn winds can leave your hands feeling as dry as a fallen leaf. But regular application of hand cream can have enormous health benefits, not only soothing your skin, but repairing it as well as boosting

Stress busting, brain enhancing MindSpa

2010-10-06T02:35:00.000-07:00

A spa for the mind? Well sort of. You don't wear a plush white robe and have a foot massage, but you do relax, or get motivated (your choice) while wearing a pair of special specs and some headphones. MindSpa, a Gadget Show winner, does for your brain what massage does for your body - chills you out, heightens your receptivity, softens your muscles and prepares you for your day, event, exam etc

Sound heals speech and boosts general health

2010-09-28T04:15:00.000-07:00

Whether it's singing in the bathroom to brighten your morning or using melodic intonation therapy to assist those people with aphasia - speech problems - or those with lost voices, sound healing is as effective now as it was in the healing temples of ancient Egypt. Our bodies, and all matter, are a constant vibrating mass of particles known as electron, neutrons and photons - and these emit

What to expect from a Dr Bach's consultation

2010-09-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

The healing properties of plants and flowers has long been understood but in the 1900s when Dr Edward Bach, a Harley st surgeon, pathologist and bacteriologist produced a set of flower remedies for everyday, and more complex, ailments he set in motion a whole new outlook on herbal medicines. Gone was the idea that herbal medicines belonged in simple folklore, here was a medically trained

Top tips for treating SAD

2010-09-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

The winter blues, medically known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), effects 2 million people in the UK and around 12 million across Northern Europe, according to sad.org.uk It's no joke when you feel depressed, and as the Autumn Equinox approaches (23rd Sept), with the official end of British Summer Time hot on its heels (31st October) the drop in the number of sunlit hours will leave most us

Crooked spine, or just feeling old? Get straight with Pilates

2010-09-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

According to Joseph Pilates, if you have a flexible spine at 60 then you’re young, if you have a stiff and inflexible spine at 30 then your old. Based on this principle then, our actual age does not have to impact on how healthy or mobile we feel. Jospeh Pilates was asthmatic, suffered from rheumatic fever and rickets and spent most of his life trying to get fitter, better and stronger. He got

Boost your stamina with powerful Tulsi

2010-09-01T03:45:00.000-07:00

If you've not yet heard of Tulsi, you will now. This sacred herb is gaining in popularity. Renowned for its healing properties, this herb has been use in Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine for thousands of years as a means of: Improving stamina Reducing stress Boosting the immune system Supporting the metabolism - thus making this purple herb popular in the battle of the bulge. How? What is

Detox your body through your feet

2010-08-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

There are 7000 nerve endings and 60 acupuncture points in the soles of the feet. By drawing on the principles of Chinese medicine and reflexology, Detox Foot Patches work on the knowledge that the body can release toxins through the feet. The patches clear the meridian pathways so you detox while you are sleeping. You simply stick these nifty little patches to the soles of your feet when you

3 healthy treats for your feet

2010-08-18T04:45:00.000-07:00

The average person walks, or should aim to walk, around 10,000 steps per day to keep in good health. But if your feet are tired or chapping, bleeding, aching, blistering, ballooning or just refusing to budge, it may be time to address your foot health. According to Chinese medicine, our feet contain a reciprocal pressure point that relates to every one of the major organs, senses and spinal

Pomegranates are No 1 for heart health

2010-08-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

Pomegranates contain the highest amount of naturally occurring antioxidants than any other fruit juice or drink, including red wine and green tea, according to Professor Michael Aviram. Pomegranates form a major ingredient in many skin care products. Weleda's award winning Pomegranate bath & shower gel is such an everyday essential, and the proven health benefits of this plump red fruit

IBS or digestive trouble? Cut out wheat, eat spelt insead!

2010-08-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

There's little in life more tempting then the smell of fresh baked bread. Crusty edges and soft floury dough adds warmth to a cold breakfast and complements homemade soup. But wheat, as delightful and tasty as grains can be, can cause havoc with our health and can cause problems when we want a healthy snack. IBS? Tired after eating? Do you get tired after eating a sandwich for lunch? Does your

4 of the best natural moisturisers

2010-07-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

When it comes to feeling good, looking in the mirror and seeing your own natural beauty smiling back at you is sure fire winner. And, despite the boom in cosmetic surgery, when it comes to looking after our skin, we are choosing natural products over synthetic or chemically heavy lotions. In 'Look Great Naturally …without ditching the lipstick', author Janey Lee Grace reveals that out of 1000

Top tip on getting your greens

2010-07-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

Every child is told to eat their greens, but adults need them too. But if you don't have time to chew through a bowl of organic broccoli, kale and sprouts every day you can get everything you need in a healthy drink from a ready made blended sachet. Vital Greens, Green Magma and Kean's Supreme Greens Alkaliser are just three of a new breed of super healthy drinks and foods containing essential

Fifteen reasons to smile

2010-07-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

Just found this fabulous article so thought I'd share it with you... Fifteen fascinating facts about smiling

Feel like screaming? Reiki is the perfect tonic

2010-07-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

If you're feeling confused, jaded, irritable and feel like screaming, or are simply in need of a good rest - try Reiki. This natural healing technique requires nothing other than that you surrender to the innate energetic healing power of the universe. After one session, you're likely to feel less tense, be able to think more clearly, have more energy and are likely to embrace your life

Trouble sleeping? Try this 5-step natural plan

2010-07-07T04:10:00.000-07:00

Not having enough sleep is a serious concern and has huge consequences on our health. Our bodies don't rest, recover or regenerate properly and our mind continues its incessant chatter. So whether it's due to illness, aches & pains, stress, depression, exam nerves, insomnia or you simply don't feel tired, here's 5 natural steps to a better night's sleep. Step one: According to the ancient

Pilates for runners - get fit fast

2010-07-04T03:35:00.000-07:00

When Penny Little ran her first full marathon she maintains her success was due to Pilates, not just her training regime. As a Pilates practitioner for over seven years, Penny enthuses the benefits of this exercise and in particular, how it has impacted on her favourite sport of running. "I didn't sustain any injuries and it didn't particularly hurt" she said of her Brighton marathon success.

Treat head lice with coconut oil

2010-06-15T04:16:00.000-07:00

Coconut oil has been used to treat hair and scalp conditions for centuries. Rich in saturated fatty acids (capric acids / lauric acids) the oil contains antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties and is both antioxidant and soothing making it an excellent conditioner. As a natural oil it does not require the addition of synthetic ingredients to produce results. Massaging coconut oil

Magnesium deficiency linked to cancer

2010-06-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, with 50% of it found in our bones. It is essential for us to function healthily, but many of us lack this basic of ingredients without realising it. If you go into your local health food shop you will see a plethora of brands selling magnesium products - gels, oils, salts and tablets. Why? Because many common disorders result from

Ear infections, colds or flu? Try ear candles

2010-06-02T03:24:00.000-07:00

Ear candles have been in use for centuries as a soothing and therapeutic tool, often known as thermal auricular therapy. Their ability to remove ear wax is widely contested and my experience does not advocate wax removal properties, but I did find some relaxation and comfort when suffering dizziness, ear ache or a sore throat. Other claims to health are: hearing problems vertigo colds & flu ear

Drinking tea reduces the risk of heart disease

2010-05-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

The British cuppa is officially a re-hydrating healthy drink. Tea contains flavonoids - from the polyphenol family - that not only boost your health but reduce the risk of coronary heart disease - a major killer in the UK affecting 1 in 5 men and 1 in 6 women every year. Add to this the fact that each cup counts towards your daily requirement of 2litres of water and we have a seriously healthy

Hemp oil - naturally good for arthritis

2010-05-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Britain's very own hemp plant is proving a popular remedy with arthritis sufferers. The plant oil contains such high quantities of Omegas 3, 6, and 9 that it has been prescribed by surgeons for recovering patients and comes highly recommended by the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Kings College, London. This article considers some (there are many) of this super seed's health properties

Feminine Irritations? It could be your sanitary wear!

2010-04-28T03:58:00.000-07:00

Women, if you suffer from irritation, itchiness or soreness, or Allergic Feminine Irritation (AFI) it may be your sanitary wear. If you've never considered that sanitary towels & tampons could be unhealthy, think again. The ingredients in many products are not good for us and can make skin irritations, allergies and soreness worse. The safest material is 100% organic cotton, yet every month

Save turtles with a stylish new bag

2010-04-22T05:09:00.000-07:00

Every year, across the globe, we humans get through 1,000,000,000,000 - that’s one trillion – plastic bags. And to add to that horror, each bag takes up to 1,000 years to break down.So in a bid to get our shopping home without increasing our waste, TurtleBags have developed a novel way of looking good while saving turtles at the same time. They are so ‘IN’ even Vogue is featuring them. Why

5 of the best sports & healthy, energy snack bars

2010-04-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Trying to find a decent healthy snack or sports bar that provides you with plenty of nutritious protein and energy in a natural, organic way? Like most people, I spin several plates at once, working and studying for an MA. I want quality healthy snack foods that energise me, so in a bid to find delicious, nutritious energy bars that enhance my thinking, keep me alert and satiate my appetite,

"Homeopathy works" say 70% of NHS patients

2010-04-21T02:35:00.000-07:00

While the debate regarding NHS funding of homeopathic medicine continues, still thousands of people are turning to homeopathy to cure all manner of common and serious ailments. The House of Commons Science & Technology committee, a cross party group, argue that there simply isn't enough evidence to justify the £4million the NHS spends across the four homeopathic hospitals every year. But the

Natural skincare: shea butter

2010-04-14T02:40:00.000-07:00

Claimed to have anti ageing, anti inflammatory and skin healing properties, sheanut butter is widely used in cosmetics, cooking and medicine. The sheanut tree grows on the African continent and has been highly prized for its nutritional qualities by generations of women for millennia. When the nut is processed into butter using traditional techniques, it maintains its health properties and

10-step 10 day simple spring clean.

2010-04-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

It's the time of year to clear out your insides, but if you are busy or have little money you can still make a few changes that will produce long term benefits. This 10-day 10-step spring clean is cheap, easy and so good for you, you may stick at it! Start by drinking 2 litres of water a day. Get your first 1/2 litre in before breakfast and the rest becomes easy. If plain water isn’t to your

5 healthy uses for ginger

2010-03-31T05:14:00.000-07:00

Culinary and medicinal, ginger has been sought, bought and sold around the globe, it used to travel great distances across ancient and treacherous spice routes, guarded by Arabs and ingested by kings. Today ginger is cultivated for its widespread use to cure the body and alleviate symptoms of: nausea motion sickness colds & flu menstrual cramps & morning sickness gas & bloating headaches As well

Parabens, cancer, skincare & You

2010-03-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

While the link between parabens and cancer is continually debated, it's worth knowing a few truths so you can make informed decisions about what to put on yours, and your baby's, skin. FACT - Without a preservative - organic matter - food, lotions, creams and pastes - will, in a short time, attract bacteria and fungi. Parabens are preservatives - cheap and readily available, they are used in

Ayurvedic face massage - it's fantastic!

2010-03-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda is Sanskrit for 'science of life' and has been practised, observed and experimented with in India amongst the seers, scientists and yogis for over 5000 years. Ayurvedic medicine promotes the rejuvenation of the body, longevity and disease prevention and when incorporated into life ayurveda brings change and cure. Treating mind and body as one complete whole - mindbody - rather than

Smells like mothers day

2010-03-10T02:25:00.000-08:00

Treat your mum to an aromatic mothers day. Essential oils are perfect for a mum who's busy at work, swotting for study, or stressed doing several things at once. Because aromatherapy oils have their own unique properties, you can choose a blend that will make her feel good, on mothers day and every day. She can burn some in a burner, add drops to her bath, dab some on her pillow, or mix with

Why Pilates helps your muscles and your mind

2010-03-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

Pilates uses breath techniques to focus the mind and create space for the muscles to contract and the ribs to open. Sounds hectic, but it's not. The more it's practised, the more you get accomplished. Thoracic breathing - breathing into the thorax rather than the belly - "fully oxygenates the lungs and dispels stale air," explained Penny Little, Pilates instructor. Thoracic breathing works the

Spirulina - cancer inhibiting, weight losing super food

2010-02-24T03:58:00.000-08:00

How has an algea, dredged from the bottom of a pond, become a world renowned healthy snacking, healthy drinking super-food? Over the past twenty or thirty years Spirulina - a green spiral-shaped fresh-water plant - has been tested and recorded and is known as the world's richest 'whole food' source of iron, protein, GLA and beta-carotene. But not just that: Spirulina is 60% vegetable protein

Reflexology - foot massage for better health

2010-02-17T01:03:00.000-08:00

Reflexology is an art. Not like oil painting or macramé, but the art of tending to the entire body by massaging the feet. The Chinese knew that the whole body is connected by an energetic circuit that runs from head to toes, and created a medical system that utilises meridian lines and acupressure points. So how does it work? The understanding is that reflex points on the feet correspond to

Guarana - health snack super food that replaces coffee

2010-02-10T04:11:00.000-08:00

This Amazonian plant (Paullinia cupana) contains the planet's most naturally occurring caffeine. Revered by the native people of South America (Venezuela and northern Brazil) long before Columbus disembarked, this mysterious plant provides a hefty, but natural, dose of guaranine, or caffeine. And when mixed with other ingredients, it's a very healthy snack that fuels you for hours The

'Love-drug' boosted by massage

2010-02-08T06:05:00.000-08:00

It's official. Massage increases the production of the hormone oxytocin, otherwise known as the love-drug. So if you want some hormonal help for an amorous Valentines, treat your loved one to a massage - or better still, massage each other. Oxytocin is associated with maintaining healthy, interpersonal relationships and psychological boundaries. Not only is it an ideal form of foreplay for

Vitamins - what you need to know!

2010-02-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

Every year millions of us munch our way through dietary supplements and vitamins. The Food Standards Agency, in 2008, reported that one third of the UK population are taking vitamins and mineral supplements. Last year, the food supplements industry - vitamin pills and herbal supplements - was worth £13.5bn ($50bn) worldwide.* But do they work? Do we need them, or are they pretty placebos?

Pilates, the pelvic floor and pensioners

2010-01-27T03:36:00.000-08:00