Balance Through Winter

 

 

 

 

Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. In Chinese Medicine the short day and long night is the balance point of Yin and Yang. With the Solstice, we are officially in Winter.

Winter is full Yin and has the characteristics of inactive, cool, damp, slow, feminine, and quiet as everything slows down. Our bodies instinctively want to rest, reflect, conserve and store energy. Giving ourselves time for introspection, rest, and conserving energy (Ch’i) prepares us for the outburst of growth and activity in the new year.

This is the season of Yin (darkness and conservation) dominating over Yang (light and movement). Chinese Medicine sees Nature and its patterns, forms and seasons reflected in our bodies and emotions. Each season is associated with an element, emotion, organ, and taste, so if we are in harmony with our environment, we adapt better and stay healthy.
The change from Autumn to the colder, darker days of Winter changes or emotions, and we can feel moody, depressed and lethargic. This is the time to store and conserve, much as bears hibernate or farmers prepare for winter. The more we understand the energy of Nature around us, the better our emotions will be in balance with the world.

Winter is the Water element, and associated with kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands. According to Chinese wisdom, Kidneys are the source of all energy (Ch’i), and store Ch’i for times of stress and change, to heal, prevent illness, and help aging.

 

Kidneys govern the low back, so be mindful with the snow and cold, and conserve your Kidney Ch’i by treating back injuries quickly as they can persist in winter. This final part of the year can be filled with a hectic pace of shopping, socialising, travelling, decorating and other high energy consumption, so find time to slow down and get in sync with Natures cycles.

It is important to nurture and nourish your Kidney Ch’i and keep this area warm and covered, since this energy can be easily depleted. This season also stresses the ears so cover your head and neck to fortify kidney energy. In Winter, digestion slows and heart function is at a low ebb so your circulation also slows. Sugar lowers the white blood count, so moderation is key.

 

How exactly would we treat Bradley Wiggins?

 

 

As I expect you know poor Bradley Wiggins British Winner of the Tour De France and Gold Medal winner, got hit off his bike last week. We at the Abergavenny Natural Therapy Centre were thinking how exactly we would treat the injured elite sportsman after his fall?

 

First Aid

Well obviously we would do all the primary first aid things such as check airways, breathing etc and call for an ambulance. But just think of the other ways we could treat him with Alternative Medicine.

 

Our first port of call would be with Homeopathy. Most people think of Arnica in this situation. Arnica helps with injury and will treat the shock. Very often people who need Arnica will say that they are fine and that there is nothing wrong with them when there obviously is! If the patient is very fearful Aconite will be better at treating the shock.

 

Bradley suffered from cracked ribs as a result of his accident. There is not alot that can be done for this with conventional medicine, but after the first aid other Homeopathic remedies that could be given are Bellis Perenis for deep bruising and Symphytum (bone knit) . Homeopathy is available at ANTC. (More details on one of our therapists next week!)

 

Further Treatment

If Bradley would like to try other treatments then he could try Acupuncture. As well as being good for long term conditions Acupuncture is also good for pain relief and well draw the heat away from the inflammation. If you would like to try Acupuncture for pain relief then how about coming to the AAA (Abergavenny Affordable Acupuncture) Clinic on a Tuesday with Maxine Smillie.

 

Weight of the World

Well maybe 'Wiggo' is now feeling abit emotionally sore about the crash. The country is following the incident and maybe people have been put off cycling. Feelings of guilt, anger about getting hit off his bike and the frustration of not being able to train for a few weeks all add to his gloomy state. The national consciousness has been raised towards cycling this year, it is not the time for our hero to fall! Now would be a good time to talk to someone about these feelings. Talking can release tension resolve issues and help you move forward with your life. We have two excellent Counsellors at ANTC: Hilary Llewellyn-Williams and Michael Cooper. They have years of experience and will surely help Bradley through this tricky time.

 

Bones healing well but body still needs work

When you have a bad injury then the rest of your body has to compensate and do what the injured part cannot. This causes deferred pain, discomfort and mis-alignment. Here at the Abergavenny Natural Therapy Centre we have the people that will get Bradley back to full movement and comfort.

 

Sports Massage will release the tightness in the muscles allowing the body to function better, circulation to improve and mobility to increase. If Bradley's body is mis-aligned then McTimoney Chiropractic will hold the answer. Chiropractic treatment is simply a method of adjusting the bones of your body to improve skeletal alignment. In doing so, it helps your nervous system work more efficiently, relieves pain and discomfort and gets you moving again!

 

Back to Form!

So our Champ is all better. But has this incident dented his winning mentality? We hope not, but if it has then he should try some Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. This combines the powerful tool of Hypnosis with solution focused therapy. Deborah Harvey, our Therapist assists the client is discovering and utilising their own resources and abilities, creating the opportunity for positive change.

 

Becoming a Winner!

So Bradley is all back to form now. Maybe one day we will be able to help him in real-life! Here at the Abergavenny Natural Therapy Centre we can offer all sorts of treatment for all sorts of people. If you're not sure which treatment you need give us a ring and we can sort something out for you. Our friendly receptionist are always at hand for advice.

 

 

New research on Homeopathy - Nanoparticles

Even if we can't see it, there is 'substance' in Homeopathy!

So much has been thrown at Homeopathy in the last few years to try and discredit the treatment by the media. However the fact remains that an awful lot of people and animals get helped by Homeopathic treatment and can continue their lives without pain and discomfort, both physically and mentally. Just because we can't conventionally prove how Homeopathy works doesn't mean there is nothing to it.

Recently there has been research that shows that although there are no full particles of the active substance within Homeopathic remedies that there are things called 'nanoparticles'

What are Nanoparticles?

"Nanoparticles measure between 1 and 100 nanometers in diameter (for comparison a typical virus measures 10-150 nm in diameter). Their small size leads to a large surface

area to volume ratio, giving nanoparticles different properties from those of bulk forms of the same material. For example, otherwise unreactive gold becomes magnetic and a good catalyst for chemical reactions in it's nano-form. Both the size and shape (morphology) of nanoparticles determines their altered properties, including unique chemical, biological, optical, thermal, electrical, magnetic and quantum effects"

The theory is that the preparation of Homeopathic remedies reduces substances to nanoparticle size. To make a remedy the substance e.g plant, mineral etc is diluted in water, sucussed ( a process of vigourous shaking and banging which in Hahnemann's time was acheived by banging against a Bible) and then diluted 1/100. The process is repeated until the desired potency is achieved. Consequently none of the original substance is seemingly within the remedy.

To a Homeopath, the true nature of the substance is released within this process and can be used to treat a patient with dynamic effect

We have two Homeopaths at Abergavenny Natural Therapy Centre. Juliet Ablett and Charlotte Allen Both are fully registered.

 

 

TIMEWISE: Rhythms of the heart, body, soul and seasons



"Who knows where the time goes" (Sandy Denny)

An evening course with Hilary Llewwellyn- Willaims and Michael Cooper.

Starts January 2013

Abergavenny Natural Therapy Centre

Wednesday 7.30pm - 9.30pm

 

 

TIMEWISE offers an opportunity to explore, learn and share the challenges of life in a fast paced world, and to find creative, compassionate and practical ways to approach them.

 

Meeting in a small group and led by two expereinced and qualified facilitators, for discussion, creative work, contemplation and the sharing of stories around the theme of time. This will take place within a confidential and structured setting. The aim is to develop a better relationship with time, ageing, changes and opportinuties. Less struggle, less stress, less guilt and less fear - more acceptance, pleasure, relaxation and awareness.

 

The course will be organised in four six-week parts of modules, based on the seasons with a gap of several weeks between. Each will have its own flavour and emphasis according to the season. Each one will stand alone, while enhancing and relating to the others, so you can sign up for just one module or the whole course.

 

For further information or to book your place. Please contact Abergavenny Natural Therapy Centre Tel 01873 858391 or Hilary and Micheal Tel 01873 856610 or email hilaryw@mail.com

 

 

NICE recommend Acupuncture for Migraines and Tension Headaches.

 
There has been alot of talk in the media in the last week about the over-use of painkillers for Headaches and Migraines. The findings are that over-use of pain killers can actually lead to an increase and worsening of the patient's pain. Guidelines were given to come off the medication and go through a withdrawal phase without the use of medication. Unfortunately patients will have to go through all the pain and distress of 'cold-turkey'; their symptoms feeling even worse for a few weeks or even months until benefits are felt.
 
The warning came as part of the National Institute for Health and Excellence's (NICE) first guidelines for treating headaches The guidelines include a recommendation for Acupuncture in patients susceptible to Migraine and Tension Headaches.
 
Prof Underwood, of Wawrick Medical School, who led the NICE panel said “We would expect that to lead to more people getting acupuncture, given there is good evidence to show this is effective for the prevention of both tension-type and migraine-type headaches then that is a good thing because people are getting access to an effective treatment,”

Maxine Smillie

If you are interested in having Acupuncture treatment please give us a ring or email and we can book you in with our Acupuncturist Maxine Smillie. Maxine has many years experience and works here on a Tuesday and a Friday. Maxine is also launching AAA (Abergavenny Affordable Acupuncture) whic will enable people on low-income to turn to Acupuncture. Please get in contact with the Centre for more details. 01873 858391

 



 

 

 

"Food For The Soul"

A FREE Day of Talks and Tasters

 To Nourish the Soul

Sat 15^th Sept 11am – 4pm

 

Talks, Tasters and Times:

11am - Nourish yourself & family with Homeopathy (45 mins)

Find out how you can use Homeopathic remedies on yourself and your family. Aches and pains, fevers, flu, menopausal symptoms, childhood illnesses and many other problems can all be effectively treated with Homeopathy.

11am - ‘Raw Chocolate Raw Food’ Demo and Taster! (45 mins)

Find out about raw chocolate and raw foods. Super nutritional energy food.

Nourish your body with tasty treats and better ways to absorb the vitamins and minerals you need.

12 noon - Baby Massage  (40 mins)

Bring your baby and learn the basics of Baby Massage. As well as promoting relaxation and bonding it also helps to alleviate the symptoms of baby colic, teething, wind and constipation.

12 noon – What’s eating you up? Acupuncture and the Menopause. (45 mins)

How can Acupuncture help us through the Menopause? Find out how the Menopause can be made  an easier transition to the next stage of life. Useful tips and methods to see the Menopause through to a new you.

1pm- Slow Food – A Taster session: Time, Food and Nourishing ourselves. (30mins)
A light-hearted experiential mini-session exploring the relationship between time and food. Tasters for your mouth and mind.

1pm – Story telling: The Story of the Lorax (30 mins)

Take the weight off your feet, relax and hear the story of the Lorax, how it’s meant to be heard. Suitable for all.

2pm- Down to the Bone (McTimoney Chiropractic) (40 mins)
The purpose of chiropractic care is to realign and rebalance your body to relieve pain and discomfort, and increase mobility. Sue Cartlidge will talk of and demonstrate her work.

3pm- Food Sensitivity (30 mins)
Unfortunately not all the foods we like are liked by our bodies. Find out more about food allergies and how they can be helped.

3 pm- Slow Food – A Taster session: Time, Food and Nourishing ourselves. . (30mins)
A light-hearted experiential mini-session exploring the relationship between time and food. Tasters for your mouth and mind.

All Day – 10 minute Stress Buster!

Back, neck and shoulder massage £5
With Peter Davies. Highly recommended. Pop in and 10 mins is all you need to release those tense muscles!

 

"Food For The Soul"

A day of talks and tasters that will nourish the soul!

Saturday 15th September 2012

11am - 4pm

Please ring/facebook/email the centre to book your place.
So far we have:
Baby massage
Raw Chocolate demo (with tasters!)
"Nourish your family with Homeopathy"
"Down to the bone" (McTimoney Chiropractic for all)
Food Sensivity and self treatment, and many more to come!

Here is Hilary in our newly made-over counselling room. The wall paper was featured in ‘Grand Designs’ Magazine this month, but we chose it before them!

Hilary Llewellyn-Williams practices Transpersonal Counselling and Psychotherapy and is a BACP accredited counsellor with a background in writing and teaching. She is interested in dream, in images, in stories and in everyday struggles.

The transpersonal approach to counselling considers the emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual aspects of each person, and sees these as linked; and also regards each individual’s life in the context of the world he or she lives in: the family, the social network, society as a whole.

To find out more information or to book an appointment with Hilary please phone or email the centre. 01873 858391 or aberhealing@gmail.com

You don't have to be in the Olympics to benefit from Sports Massage!

Are you suffering from from back pain, muscle injury or stress?


Sharon offers Sports Massage on a Thursday or Friday. Why not come along and have a quick stress busting back, neck and shoulders rub on a Friday and get relaxed for the weekend?

Sports and remedial massage therapy is not just for sports people. It helps many people who’ve never played sports! Whether you’re a marathon runner, an office worker, or a soon-to-be mum—It will relieve pain, facilitate movement and encourage relaxation.
Give us a ring 01873 858391 or send an email aberhealing@gmail.com and we can book you in.

Maxine's Baby Wall!

We love seeing these new little visitors to the clinic. The mothers have been frequent visitors to the clinic so it's great to see the fruits of  their hardwork and the help of Maxine's treatment.

Maxine trained in Acupuncture inthe UK and China and has continued to professionally develop. She has a special interest in Fertility and is affiliated to Zita West Fertility Network www.zitawest.com Maxine has experience of working with individuals and couples exploring their fertility and helping individuals put a ‘strategy’ in place to support their good health.

Maxine has ten years experience working with couples who are undertaking IVF, IVI, ICSI and IVM. Supporting couples throughout their treatment and process. Research in 2009 showed Acupuncture during the IVF process improves the chances of successful pregnancy by 65% (British Medical Journal Feb 2009)

Maxine works with women supporting them through pregnancy. Acupuncture can also be used safely to induce Labour.See more

Healing our land, Healing Our Selves

'Healing our Land' Day


The Secret Forest, Stockwood Scowles. Opposite Clearwell Caves. Coleford, Glos GL16 8JR

Date: 9th June 2012

Time:10am – 5pm

Fee: £55

Drawing on Spiritual and Shamanic Practices of this land. The workshop will introduce you to:

• The Inner and Outer Secret Garden

• The World Tree, Yggdrasil

• Singing the Earth Meridian awake

• Focussing on the natural elements, seasons, animals and poetry in our landscape.

The day is facilitated by Maxine Smillie, Shamanic Healer and Acupuncturist. Her work draws on the principles of core Shamanism, a heart centred practice that can enrich lives.

Please contact Maxine 0784 593 3860 to book

Abergavenny Natural Therapy Centre. Therapy days

Monday

McTimoney Chiropractic

Zero Balancing



Tuesday

McTimoney Chiropractic

Homeopathy

Acupuncture



Wednesday

Remedial Massage

McTimoney Chiropractic

Zero Balancing

Psychotherapy

Homeopathy

Kinesiology

Allergy Therapy

Reflexology

Counselling



Thursday

Hypnotherapy

Psychotherapy

Sports Massage

Aromatherapy Massage

McTimoney Chiropractic



Friday

Remedial Massage

Kinesiology

Counselling

Sports Massage

Aromatherapy Massage

Homeopathy

Acupuncture

A great Spring pick me up!

Time for a spring tonic of Nettle Soup!



Pick the tender young leaves, make sure you use gardening gloves!


Wash the leaves and gently cook in some butter with abit of garlic if you like, potato and stock. Liquidise when cooked.

The leaves of Nettle concentrate iron from the soil and can help in iron deficiency anaemia if the fresh leaves are made into a soup and eaten regularly. The high Vitamin C content of the plant helps the iron to be absorbed.


Lots of interesting facts about nettles here http://www.traditionalherbalist.com/Articles/nettle.html





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