September - a time of change and transition from Summer into Autumn. Children going back to school after the long Summer holidays, noticably shorter days ( in the Northern Hemisphere ) and cooler temperatures.It is often seen as a time of renewel, full of new beginnings... a time to re-set our intentions. It is also a great time to re focus on our wellbeing. Holistic treatments can nurture your mind, body and spirit during this time and help to bring about balance and a sense of peace.

Nourish Your Body 

• Holistic treatments such as Reflexology, Massage and Aromatherapy can support your immune system -helping you to stay healthy during cold and flu season.
•  Spend as much time outdoors as possible and enjoy the last warm days of late Summer or the crisp Autumn air and changing colours of the trees.
• Explore indoor activities as the nights draw in, such as yoga or swimming.
• Stay hydrated - especially as the weather gets colder.It is easy not to drink as much water and have an extra coffee instead.
• Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables and embrace the harvest from the Summer.

Take Care of Your Mind

• Reflexology and massage can help to alleviate stress by helping the body and mind to relax and thereby reduce tension - find some time to look after yourself - you won't regret it!
• Reflexology aids sleep - quality of sleep is so important for overall wellbeing- ideally between 7- 9 hours.
• Try to get out in the morning light to help your mood. Sunlight can increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. This can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety ...as well as regulate your body's internal clock, promoting better sleep quality.
• Practice mindfulness and engage in activites such as meditation or breathwork practices.
• Find self care rituals whicg are easy to slot into a day - a warm bath with aromatherapy oils, escaping into a really good book, listening to music and of course spending valuable time with family and friends.

Find a deeper sense of balance, vitality and wellbeing and help your body's natural adjustment and connection to the changing seasons.

For a personalised holistic treatment contact Stella or find further information and book via the calmsoul booking page

 

 

RLD is an evidence based, award winning Reflexology treatment which focuses on stimulating the lymphatic drainage system via reflexes on the feet. This unique system was created by Sally Kay while working in cancer care and she was the Winner of 2019 National Lymphedema Network Award for Outstanding Contribution to Lymphology

Sally created the system based on the anatomy,physiology and function of the lymphatic system and the principle of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) massage.

RLD has been shown to assist with the management of secondary Lymphoedema occurring from the treatment of Breast Cancer however it has also been shown to help with primary Lymphoedema in some cases. Over a period of time, there can be a significant reduction of fluid out of the affected limb and thus a reduction of further fluid build-up.

Published research shows the results of RLD performed on clients are ‘highly significant’.

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/find-a-clinical-trial/a-study-looking-reflexology-manage-lymphoedema-after-breast-cancer-treatment#undefined

I am pleased to have completed my training in RLD with Sally and am on the register of approved RLD practitioners.

I am now offering this treatment as a ‘stand alone’ sequence  or added to other reflexology treatments.

WHAT OTHER CONDITIONS CAN IT SUPPORT?

As with Manual Lymphatic Drainage, RLD may also be beneficial to people who have the following conditions: Arthritis,Chronic fatigue,Sinus problems, Asthma, Fibromyalgia, Migraines, Headaches,ME & Premenstrual Syndrome

What Clients say…

“I am amazed at the results and will continue without a doubt the treatment, which I thoroughly enjoy, as it’s so relaxing .During the final treatment I felt a whoosh coming from my feet up my legs and more strongly in my trunk as though a wave was coming through my body.” C.HB

Contact Stella if you would like to know more or to book a treatment

April 2024 Stress Awareness Month

Stress isn't necessarily a bad thing. It can be useful as an alert for potential danger. Our ancestors may have needed it to escape from a Sabtretooth Tiger, while we may need it to slam on the brakes in our car to avoid an accident. Adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine boost our focus, allowing us to quickly respond to a situation.However, stress becomes a problem when it remains in our bodies for too long. Elevated cortisol levels can become detrimental to our health and well-being.

 April 2024 is Stress Awareness Month, with a theme of "#littebylittle." Small positive actions each day towards self-care and well-being can lead to overall stress reduction. What small steps can we take to reduce stress?

• Studies show that our bodies and minds relax in a natural setting. Taking a walk in nature or eating lunch outside can help. Spending time outside in the morning with a cup of tea or coffee allows the morning light to regulate our circadian rhythms, which can improve sleep.

• Glimmers and gratitude can help regulate and calm the nervous system.' Glimmers' are the opposite of 'triggers' Small moments of appreciation and gratitude throughout the day can make us feel grounded, connected, and calm.

• Moving in whatever way feels good for you can help. I like walking, climbing mountains and of course practising Yoga and Qigong.

• Spend time with friends and build a community through shared interests and hobbies.

• Breathe. The simple act of stopping and connecting to your breath can have a profound impact on your physiology. Changes can include lowered blood pressure and heart rate, as well as reduced levels of stress hormones in the blood. Following the breath as it comes in and goes out without changing it can connect you to the present moment and disengage you from distracting thoughts and sensations.

• Meditation doesn't have to be done cross-legged. It can be done sitting in a chair or on the edge of your bed. Sitting quietly, following your breath, and letting your thoughts pass by like clouds in the sky can lower cortisol levels, improve self-awareness, lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and enhance focus and decision-making.

• Reflexology targets the nervous system. There are over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot. The nerve endings flow like streams into the river of the spinal cord, which meets the ocean of the brain. The ocean then sends waves back to the rest of the body. Reflexology is not just foot therapy but a whole-body therapy that can promote deep relaxation and well-being, optimizing good health. It can take you from "Fight and Flight" to "Rest and Digest."

• Massage stimulates circulation and boosts the immune system. It increases "happy hormones" serotonin and dopamine, encouraging positive feelings and relaxation. Bespoke aromatherapy oils can enhance this experience. Essential oils can have a positive effect on our emotional and physical wellbeing, not just through scent but also through the qualities of the oils absorbed through the skin via massage or reflexology.

Life is busy, and most people are constantly juggling work and home life. Spending a few moments a day and a few hours a month taking time to look after your health and well-being is never wasted.

For more information about yoga classes and holistic therapies, please visit www.calmsoul.co.uk 

Trees are Poems that the Earth writes upon the Sky

Kahil Gibran

Why do we feel so much better after spending time amongst trees?

Researchers have found that spending mindful time in forests or woodland can boost mood, reduce stress and anxiety, lower cortisol levels and improve sleep. In Japan it is called Forest Bathing - Shinrin-Yoku and has become an approved clinical therapy which can be prescribed as an antidiote to stress and anxiety.

Natural Aromatherapy

Trees release antimicrobial essential oils into the surrounding air which protects the tree from germs and parasites.These essential oils are known as Phytoncides which not only protect the trees but can also have  profound benefits to forest visitors....think of the scent of Pine, Cedarwood and Sandalwood.I certainly have strong memories of walking through pine forests in France one very hot afternoon - the smells and sounds were amazing.The Phytoncides amonst many things are anti inflammatory,anti depressant and antioxident.

Sensory but grounding stimulation.

Listen to the birds, the sound of the wind through the leaves.Look at the shape and colour of the tree trunks, the tiny perfect mosses on the branches and the sunlight filtering in through the canopy of leaves.Feel the warmth of the tree trunk and the texture of the bark - and of course breath in the wonderful scents emitted by the forest

 Calm Soul Aromatherapy Treatments

I would definately advise spending as much time as possible in nature but as a trained Aromatherapist I can also mix blends of essential oils for massage or reflexology treatments. They can be mixed to boost mood, reduce stress and promote calmness and relaxation.Aromatherapy treatments can help with the symptoms of many conditions such as menopause, pre menstual tension, headaches, fibromyalgia and there has been some research to suggest that they can help with symptoms brought on by long Covid

Woodland oil treatments are available and definately a popular choice

Visit : https://www.calmsoul.co.uk/aromatherapy.html