why use bones in your cooking?

Herx Reactions during Detoxing.

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:06:30 GMT

Herx Reactions during DETOXING

Herxheimer or Herx reactions are detoxification reactions which can last days to a few weeks.

For some people this is a reaction when their body starts to release toxins, proteins and oxidising agents . This may result in our bodies releasing inflammatory cytokines. It is not uncommon to have flu like symptoms, including headaches, joint and muscular aches, sore throat, general tiredness, sweating, chills, nausea. in this die off of bad bacterium and release of stored up matter and chemicals. All of our the bodies will react differently dependant on the lives we have led. Keep this in mind when you are cutting out certain dietary foods, drinks and generally making better lifestyle changes. Our bodies store toxins in tissues, liver , gall bladders and kidneys if released really quickly a Herx reaction may happen.

To help this reaction have daily Epsom salt baths, lots of filtered water, herbal teas and lots of breathing exercises. This will aid quick recovery and easier release of these built up toxins and you will feel fantastic after this recovery. Remember you will come back a stronger , cleaner body so keep going!

Responsibility.

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 10:32:54 GMT

Take Responsibility For Yourself.

You buy the food. you put it in. Your responsible for YOU!

The truth is, in the end, we all have to accept responsibility for our own health. what we are today is the combined result of all our choices WE made in the past.

but my doctor said I have regular bowel movements even though i only go twice weekly.?

how wrong can you be?

Simple arithmetic can give us food for thought here .If you eat around 6 kilos of food a day for 5 days that's 30 kilos. So by passing faeces every 2 to 3 days how much of this is passed out?, certainly not 12 kilos. so where is all the rest?

It is just sitting in your colon rotting away slowly , like decomposing in us. It smells, gives us headaches, brain fog, bloats us, makes us constipated, nauseous, tired, and it coats our tongues and destroys our vitality for life. Leaving us open to degenerative disease.

We service and MOT our cars so why not our bodies? by regularly cleansing through colonic irrigation , fasting and making small dietary adjustments this can change for you. We can help!

Menopause help!

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:32:40 GMT

Our Menopause Workshop Team

Menopause discussion & Workshop Online.

We have come together to offer FREE help and advice this spring for 4 weeks online via websites , Facebook and Instagram this may help you during your menopausal journey into making healthy changes that will improve later life.

Introducing Emma as part of our collaboration in the Menopause Team along with Alison and Carolyn from Beingwell.

Hi ! Im Ali or Alison, partner in Beingwell, Perth road. I am a Trained Colon hydrotherapist who gained a BSc in Food, Nutrition & Health becoming a Professional Nutritionist in July 2018 and in 2021 became a Master Herbalist. As well as individual advice and treatment I support Seasonal Detoxing & cleansing programmes such as colon/ Liver cleanse ; as well as nutritional advice for good colon health.

Although all my training & techniques did not prepare me for life during & after menopause. At 55 years old im ready to share my experiences , tips and advice.

Through a series of blogs here , Facebook and Instagram posts in February, we will try to empower you to wade through the plethora of advice with real life experience.

A FREE 4 week online Menopause Workshop & Gut Health help from real, menopausal Practitioners, who tell their own journeys to help you through this testing time. As you know, there is “no one size fits all”, were all different and so are our bodies. Your menopause journey Yours Alone! Let us share ours with you. Suggest strategies you may have not tried. We have the tools to improve our quality of life. Simple, sustainable changes that will, through time, have a big impact on our quality of later life. During this 4 weeks we journey through a Deep Tissue cleanse. Guide supplementation & dietary recommendations to support gut microbiome diversity and help with inflammation. Instead of rushing into big dietary and health changes at the start of 2025, try to be patient when seeking this transformation within yourself; and incorporate subtle, but permanent change this time and WIN! Read our 4 week workshop and plan your strategies.

January has just gone and the pressure to get back in shape is on! Menopause makes it so much harder. Why?

Evidence from the SWAN study & The Healthy Women’s study suggests on average women gain approximately 1.5kgs per year during perimenopause transition, resulting in an average weight gain of 10kg by the time menopause is reached. Most weight accumulates on the abdomen and upper body. And don’t we know it!

Why are we feeling down or out of sorts?

Perimenopause women are more likely to experience depression. A systematic review and Metaanalysis concluded that perimenopause women are 40% more likely to experience depression than women at other life stages. The research included seven studies on women from various countries, suggesting the result isn’t attributed to cultural & lifestyle factors.

Alison Bower ( BsC Food, Nutrition & Health. )At 55 years of age, I am hopeful I’m coming out the other end of my Menopause Trip. My journey is a little over a decade now, and apart from broken sleep with night flushes, my symptoms now are not near as diverse or severe. From my early 40s I felt something wasn’t right. I was quick tempered, like really angry, and I slept a lot less. My period was still regular, lasted 3 to 5 day’s but every 2nd month I would be floored with fatigue and the first 3 days it was heavy bleeding. My feelings during this time I can only describe as despair…..a bit like depression but for no apparent reason. This got worse. Almost every month for 2/3 days I was so low in mood; almost suicidal, but the rest of the month I would pick back up again. Sleep was intermittent. I’d be absolutely exhausted by 9pm but by 3.15am I’d be wide awake mind racing and off to the gym at 6am after being up active from 4am.

By 54 years old I’d read lots of articles stating; if you have previously taken the contraceptive pill that your menopause would be a lot worse, and I had. I read lots of advice, watched Davina McCall’s HRT programme and; due to feeling so wretched I started HRT patches. Within days I felt “cured”; more energy, better sleep, mood lifted and swore at myself for not going on these patches sooner. I mean some women say they will take them for life! I had to remind myself that menopause is a natural process so HRT was just a crutch for me to get through this bad stage not for LIFE! After 4 months on it I stopped. I felt I was being forced into a heavy period that lasted almost 7 full days, almost like I was a teenager again. My body and mind was drained for a full week every month and I was borderline anaemic.

Last year I began following an Australian Naturopath in her 70s called DR. Barbara O’Neill’s. She recommended Yam Comfort cream applied direct to your skin 3 weeks per month to stimulate progestogen production. I’ve used this cream 7 months now and feel it helps. I cleanse and detox regular. This helps weight stays well balanced by shedding the waste and toxins accumulated in my digestive tract and then boosts my probiotic gut bacteria, which enhances my immune health and ability to support recovery and vitality. I make a conscious effort to keep quite fit, although I don’t batter the gym at 6am now. These days I’ll get up do my olive oil n ginger shot for my liver, then take the dog out a few brisk miles and either do some yoga online or light/medium weight train. We also cold dip in the loch once a week and I’ve a cold pool at home too. Very handy some nights when the flushes are prolonged.

I truly believe surviving menopause is to realise we need to slow things down a little and change what we do. We cannot keep doing the things we did in our 30s. Our machines do not perform as they used too, especially if you’ve had your foot on the gas too long! By over exercising; to beat the bulge; I was depleting essential nutrients that need stored. It’s crucial to stay hydrated and put have a nourishing diet. Cleansing a couple of times a year not only lower our body toxicity, it boosts metabolism which kick starts weight loss and boosts energy. This year’s Detox Cleanse is a 7 Day Deep Tissue Cleanse by Dr.Bernard Jensen. Begins weds 12th Mar , last day Tuesday 18th March. All information is on our Detox page online at www.beingwell.scot. Buy the book & join in or follow the progress online.

Hello! Im Carolyn,

partner at beingwell, Reflexology, reiki, natural products and facials with massage are my forte!

26 years experience as a Therapist and at age 42 am in peri-menopause; a thing I never knew of....although I did know my mother had early menopause at 36 years old ; nothing prepared me for how me and my body would respond. After trying numerous supplements, cleanses and changes from week to week ; day to day; Im realising hormones are wild and there is no set way to treat yourself except with some love! My therapies are directed towards hormone support to ease the transition and encourage balance and rejuvenation.

Hi im Emma , I'm the owner of Inner Sanctuary Wellbeing in Perthshire. As a woman's health and wellbeing coach. I specialise in menopause as well as burnout prevention and recovery.

My own personal experience of peri menopause has motivated me to support other women through this journey, I'm here to share daily routines, supporting your mindset, and protecting your central nervous system, through mindful nutrition, breathwork and meditation. As a coach you'll have my support in every aspect mind, body and soul.

Emma

We really need to move, why?

Physically active middle aged women have greater perceived quality of life as they age. A new Australian longitudinal study observed that women who met physically active guidelines during mid-life had increased health related quality of life by the time they reached age 68-73. The same outcome was also achieved by women who began to meet the guidelines by the age of 55, demonstrating the value of lifestyle changes later in life.

Carolyn Brown. Reflexologist/Beauty Therapist. In my late 30s I started to notice little changes; then I turned 40 & it all became unbearable. I’ve always suffered from long, heavy periods with bad PMT, severe bloating and migraines but this was another level. The mood swings became uncontrollable, I felt so low I just cried all the time; or I became so angry and unable to control my outbursts that I wanted to kill someone, genuinely feeling like I was going crazy. Rosacea developed on my skin for the first time, really effecting my mood and confidence, along with tinnitus, debilitating migraines, foggy brain, aching joints, heavier and even more irregular periods. The list goes on.

Desperate for help I went to my doctor. I was faced with, “OH no you are far too young,” but I knew something was not right. I tried lots of natural remedies but nothing was really working for me. Eventually, after going back and forward for test after test, they confirmed I was peri-menopausal .I am hormone sensitive so it was decided between us the best path would be to have the marina coil fitted, along with low level oestrogen patches.

It was a rocky start but has definitely taken the edge off my symptoms. There’s no longer heavy periods & other symptoms have reduced dramatically. Stress was a major trigger for my symptoms to intensify, therefore, it is imperative that I make time for self-love like a massage, walk, and time with a friend & some breathing exercises.

What I would add is that I truly I don't believe the medical intervention would work as well without also keeping a fit and healthy lifestyle. I participate in regular cleanses which includes colonic irrigation, some juice fasts and daily supplements along with high quality probiotics. This helps me drop the accumulated weight from round the middle and really boosts my energy levels and mood. This March I’m joining the spring cleanse and I shall post my results here.

Emma MacPherson. Women’s Coach/Therapist.

Perimenopause started for me around 4 years ago at 40, with not all the stereo typical symptoms. I began feeling really tired and just didn’t have the same energy or upbeat mood. After numerous trips to the Doctors they tried to diagnose depression. I knew I wasn't depressed but also I was not myself.

In this 4 year period I have studied to be a Woman’s Health & Wellbeing Coach. Learned about nutrition, hormones and woman's health. Whilst researching I was so inspired by how, as women, we just to accept and put up with this rollercoaster ride labelled menopause. At this stage I was literally floored by low mood and chronic fatigue for two weeks each month. Then, like a switch, it would shift. Back and forth I went to the Doctor requesting help through blood tests etc.... Still everything was returned labelled "normal" and I was always offered antidepressants which, every time, I declined.

I’m a real people’s person but I started to withdraw from everything and everyone. There was night sweats, anxiety, panic attacks, palpitations, weak bladder, avoidance of life in general accompanied by dark ;dark thoughts.

I knew these thoughts were not really me & that this was an imbalance of my hormones and, due to my training, I knew it would pass after a few days or at least lessen.

Finally my bloods were flagged and I was given HRT. I was terrified to try it, but I had tried everything else natural so eventually I bit the bullet. Even now I'm still fighting for the right dose and looking for ways to rebalance all the hormones that are missing.

As a qualified Menopause Coach I’ve found some really good hacks to help our hormones; mental health and wellness. I have absolutely walked this walk and that's exactly why I am here with these amazing women to help walk you through this journey too.

"Chronic Digestive Damage Makes a Person Sick; Prematurely old and unattractive."

"Health Through Inner body cleansing by Erich Rach. The Famous Mayr Clinic.)

wellbeing this Winter

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 15:09:46 GMT

How to get through winter!

Winter is so much more enjoyable if you use the shorter, colder days to boost your mental and physical well being and keep a positive outlook. with self care practises, nourishing foods and medicinal teas to help combat colds and seasonal flus winter can also be the season to recharge and revitalise your soul even when its dark outside and cold.

Start the day with lighting a candle and sipping on some hot water with fresh squeezed lemon and a teaspoonful of local honey.

Winter walks are usually more challenging but the rewards are great! According to recent studies , published in The American Journal of human biology, we burn 34% more calories when we hike out in the cold. the physical exertion and layers of clothes make us warm. we can walk more briskly than in the heat and the cold air is invigorating for us. try to breath mindfully! meaning, pay attention to your breath , this will help relax you. look after your immune healthwith warming winter teas such as rosehip&hibiscus, chamomile c, cinnoman & honey, clove &apple. There are loads on the market. personally I love gingerbread from Shubui. Valerian helps us to sleep. Try also golden milk.(Recipes online.)

Get a good nights sleep by having a warm bath with rosewood, lavender, sandalwood or eucalyptus. turn off the tv screens , tablets or phones an hour before bedtime.

Enjoy filling your slow cookers with nourishing soups and stews. Its all there ready and full of flavour for you arriving home. Use root vegetables, hearty stocks and dried herbs for nutrition and flavour. such as ginger carrot and red pepper soup, beef, sweet potatoe and turnip stew with garlic and bay leaves. Chillis and pumpkins added to stews are also tasty!

Use different types of lighting to lift your soul and home. So lamps at different heights and plenty of candles for warmth.

Natures Greatest Healer.

PH744874 — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 11:21:58 GMT

Fasting to Restore Health & Balance .

Fasting is one of Natures greatest healing agents, often restoring health when all else has failed. It lets our entire bodily system rest and cleanse, whilst repairing itself. This will eliminate impurities accumulated in our bodies over the years. An over worked mind and body that does not get proper rest puts pressure on our systems that will eventually break them down!

Our digestive systems need a rest, a chance to clear out the bad microbiome and allow the probiotic bacteria to clean up and proliferate. Thus enhancing your health and immune status. Cleansing your body will re-energise it. Even a one day cleanse gives it some respite! You will feel faster and lighter. During fasting the body redirects energy used for digestion to repairing and healing.

Please, never confuse fasting with starvation. Fasting is done voluntary for the specific purpose of bodily rejuvenation and repair. It will also strengthen your mind and will power.

Time and energy other wise used in food preparation and consumption will be available for other pursuits. Most religions regularly fast.

Caution: Fasting is a fantastic healing remedy, it should not be expected to do the impossible! It will not cure deficiency disease that result from malnourishment or congenital defects. Do not attempt whilst pregnant or anaemic or diabetic or if you have any eating disorders. If in doubt research more and consult your Doctor.

What is Candida?

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:22:42 GMT

What is Candida? Understanding the symptoms.

There is a common yeast that resides on us and in us named Candida. Our relationship with this yeast should be harmonious and candida's are kept in check by probiotic bacterium ,but due to certain lifestyles and other factors this yeast will become an opportunist pathogen and cause us all sorts of problems such as immune reactions, poor immunity, bloating, IBS like symptoms of constipation/diahorrea, painful wind, fatigue, migraines, sugar cravings, heightened PMT symptoms of mood swings, depression, recurrent nasal, throat congestion and much more!

Candida gets out of hand due to frequent use of steroidal drugs, antibiotics and alcohols depress the levels, oral contraception, stress levels, and a diet and lifestyle full of sugars, carbohydrates and yeast will allow this opportunist pathogen to thrive!

To help yourself kill off the yeast spores and boost probiotic levels in your guts change to a low carbohydrate /low yeast diet; boost your immune system with probiotics(Nutri advanced range), and a high quality multi vitamin and mineral and use anti fungals during your cooking such as garlic, oregano, basil and thyme. Daily live yoghurts, kefir & certain veg and fruits all help replenish and encourage probiotic bacteria to proliferate. So will some lifestyle adjustments.

For further dietary advice book in with Alison. BSc Food, Nutrition&Health; resident Colon Hydrotherapist .

International Womens Day

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 18:50:37 GMT

Happy International Women's Day from all of us at Beingwell.Scot.

Today we celebrate the strength and compassion of our team – a group of compassionate women, working together to support each other and you.

We are delighted to launch and new and what we believe is a much needed service for women’s health.

Our new practitioner Jen Wren has extensive experience working with scar tissue, to reduce the impact it can have on your body, mind and soul.

Scarring can have a massive effect on the motor control and neuropathways of how the brain and body undertakes and co-ordinates movement. Many women are subject to scarring following proceedures following giving birth (such as a cesarian section) or through their fight with cancer (such as mastectomy).

Following cesarian section, many women report an inability to re-connect with their centre, feeling that they will never get back the strength they once had. Others talk of constant lower back pain and issues. Often it can be the case that the scarring following cesarian is playing a major contribution to these symptoms. Through this important scar release treatment, we can reconnect the centre and reduce stress on the lower back, reducing tensions, pain whilst helping you to feel strong and more able in your daily life.

Scarring following breast surgeries, (be it a mastectomy, reduction, reconstruction, or aesthetic implants) can seriously reduce function and ranges of movement in the arm, upper body and most surprising, in other areas too. Following surgery we often hear reports of women experiencing tightness in the surgical area, fatigue in general, reductions in flexibility, core and arm strength and a heightened state of anxiety. We also hear of post-surgeries affecting a more global muskelo skeletal function all over.

Whether the scarring is neat to the eye, or not so neat, the treatment Jen provides can help reduce pain, discomfort, stiffness, lack of mobility and anxiety surrounding this area whilst improving strength, range of movement and confidence in movement.

Here at Beingwell, our priority is to provide a compassionate and high-quality professional service towards beingwell, strong, confident and reassured in yourself.

We understand the emotional impacts scarring can have, small or profound. We are proud to be proving this service to other women, standing in solidarity with those of you who have been impacted. We are here to help you get the treatment you deserve so do not hesitate to call us with any questions or book in for an initial consultation.

As well as this service, at Beingwell our therapists are highly trained in a range of services, complementary to each other as a one stop support for women:

For physiotherapy, scar work, pre/post surgical fitness, post-partum or anything sports/dance injury related, book a session with Jen Wren.

Non-Invasive Facials.

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 11:41:00 GMT

Non-Invasive Facials. The Alternatives to Botox/Fillers.

The Beingwell Galvanic/Iontophoresis Facial

There is now a Trend we are all loving here at Beingwell, and that is the swing away from a dangerous and false look from botox and fillers ; to a more safe, natural healthy complexion achieved from non-invasive facials, chemical free products and healthy eating!!!!!

There is an almost magnetic-like effect from the galvanic current used in this facial ; where positive charged ions deliver antiaging/specific products and solutions into the deep layers of the skins epidermis to stimulate a vaso-constrictive effect: therefore increase the fresh bloods, oxygen and nutrients to your face; it will promote lymphatic activity whilst helping to calm, hydrate & stimulate dermal repair.

This drastically helps to improve absorption of product and is fantastic for dry, ageing skin types. It promotes an even clear complexion, helps to tighten facial muscles and smooth the texture of your skin.

Galvaderm can also be used for oily , congested skin types by changing the current polarity from plus to minus. This will deep cleanse, remove excess oil and impurities and will help in the regulation of sebum balance in the skin. This is called disencrustation.

We include lymphatic drainage facial massage and nourishing masks along with this treatment and each client will have their own skin type so will need an individual treatment type! Available this Spring. Please allow 1 hour for this facial and the cost £55. look out for this springs Offer!

Due to the electrical currents used in this Galvanic facials are not suitable for clients with epilepsy, pregnant, heart conditions, pace makers, metal plates or pins, excessive fillings or bridgework, recent cancer issues(last 2 years), thrombosis/clotting, diabetes or recent botox/fillers.

Not another Detox /cleanse.....

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 13:02:38 GMT

Summers here we need to cleanse!!

This is the season where we show the most body and skin so we all want to look fresh, sleek and glowing!! A Cleanse or Detox can be the ticket to restore our youthfulness, energy & lose a few ponds to fit easier into our clothes and swim wear.

Not all cleansing sessions are the same; and it is definitely not a one size fits all.

Some people hate the thought of fasting; or are scared to try limiting their diet but the benefits to your digestive system , skin and your whole body & mind are absolutely magnificent!! Just think a cleanse at home save thousands from staying at these fancy retreats! most cost thousands.

This year Beingwell staff have all had new and different experiences in their spring/summer cleanses; both Carolyn(our reflexologist) and I started in the spring with Dr.Andreas Moritz's amazing Liver and Gall Bladder Cleanses with fantastic results from weight loss to mind clarity.(Book available from most bookshops or Amazon.)

Lynda,( our Counsellor), and her Sister celebrated big birthdays at Jason Vales Juice Camp in Portugal and reported feeling like they had lost not only weight but years off their life with his Juice detox, yoga and retraining their diet & lifestyles! They both said ££s well spent and a return visit would be definite.

After a friend visited The Mayr clinic in Tenerife & returning with books and lots of information for me I decided to put together a similar 21 Day cleanse but a Dundee one that has saved me a small fortune! The cleanse worked by firstly removing waste and toxins with calorie restriction, colonic irrigation & intense hydration. Then repairing the damage to the guts; finally restoring the gut balance & equilibrium with fermented foods and healing herbs.

This 21 Day Cleanse will really turn things around for you and be a show your will power and resilience to reinforce lifestyle changes and better healthy habits. I will be working on this programme to make it available for you to take part in this Autumn or if you feel up for change now get in touch to discuss this programme. I've lost weight, inches from my middle and my sleep has improved greatly. all helping during the menopause.

Bowel Care

PH744874 — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 15:06:23 GMT

Good Bowel Care for Improved Health.

The majority of people really do not understand our bowels. They really dont know how to care for it or that it has needs. When it is not look after it will be sluggish and slow and, as it is not capable of healing itself it will not be able to perform its proper functions.!8 hours is around normal transport of foods from mouth to anus, any food left longer ferments and forms gas or can have affect on the rest of your body. Are you properly cleaning out your toxins? enemas and colonic treatments will help remove old, build up, toxic faeces and proper hydration and dietary improvement's are required to maintain healthy guts.

Firstly your bowels need to be hydrated to maintain strong peristalsis(movement)so drink plenty water and herbal teas( around 1.5 to 2 litres), and try to avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

Eat foods that contain dietary fibres daily such as oats, vegetables and some fruits. these fibres are not broken down but will feed you gut bacterium and also help to form healthy stools.

Repair your gut walls through dietary modifications and nutritional support, take a course of high Quality Probiotic bacteria that has at least 10billion viable bacteria and more than 1 strain to it.

Get out and exercise from a walk to a swim this stimulates our bowels no end!!!

Remember your cells renew every 60 to 90 days help them "build back better" with gut health improvement it will give you back your energy and take years off you!!

2022 Year of the Natural!!!

PH744874 — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 13:21:56 GMT

2022 TREND - Be Natural!!!

2022 Trend - be NATURAL.

During this last two years of pandemics and lockdowns us Scots have underwent a fundamental shift in attitude with our lifestyles and choices. When we were locked in we had more time and motivation to research what we were buying and have been optimising our home lives and health has been a priority. So it is no surprise at all that consumers are now taking natural and organic products more seriously.

We are paying more attention to country of origin and support local enterprises. Not just because of temporary pandemic-related contamination fears but because of the growing concern about carbon footprints and sustainability.

Vegan is now the biggest-selling group of products and that seems to be because of the worry about climate change, plus a desire to be healthy and cut down the amount of chemicals we consume and apply to our bodies or inhale through our harsh cleaning products.

Anything Fermented is in demand!!! This means that at last, there is now an awareness about Gut health and the part it plays in our overall health. The guts relationship to the brain and the function of the vagus nerve all coming into part.

Sour dough breads, sauerkraut, kim chi, nut cheeses, kombucha and kefir all in the shopping trolley!! With home brewing kombucha and kefir kits all huge and becoming common place in the pantry. Get involved and improve your health outcomes!!!

Non-food categories, including healthy home and personal care are experiencing massive ongoing growth. Natural cleaners and compostable packaging are leading the way with bicarbonate soda, lemon & white vinegar back from the past along with essential oils added to water.

Skincare is chemical free and all natural with microbiome prebiotics in them to encourage repair and growth naturally.

(See our own Range Bows SkinCare or have a FREE Skin Consultation here at Beingwell with Carolyn our experienced skin product developer. Fully licensed & insured.)

Lets Talk it OUT!

PH744874 — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 13:18:46 GMT

Talking; therapy for the mind, body & soul.

Talking therapies are treatments which involve talking to a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Talking with a Counsellor could help you to resolve complicated feelings and perhaps find ways to live with them. Talking to a Therapist gives you a safe place and time to talk to someone who won't judge you and will help you make sense of things and understand yourself better. They will help you recognise unhelpful patterns in the way you think or act. They will offer help to find ways to change behaviours and thoughts that may be damaging to you.

It is sometimes really hard to talk to family and friends and you just need that one neutral person who takes the time to listen and offer alternatives.

Talking therapies can help when life events are difficult such as bereavements, redundancy, separation or relationship issues. There maybe upsetting or traumatic experiences, whether it's something recent or something that happened a long time ago.

Grief, guilt, sadness, confusion, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem are all difficult emotions and speaking through these emotions can be really helpful. For mental health problems, talking therapies can help with a range of diagnoses, and specific talking treatments have been developed for some mental health problems.

Some people think that counselling and therapy is an extreme option, and that unless things get really bad you should try to manage on your own. But this isn't true. It's ok to try therapy at any point in your life, whatever your background.

In fact getting support from a therapist when you're not at crisis point can be really helpful ; it might feel easier to reflect on what's going on, and could help you keep things from getting worse. So lets get talking and get it all out x

Making Permanent Life Changes

PH744874 — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 12:14:59 GMT

Making Permanent Life changes.

The beginning of the year always seems to be the time we contemplate changes.

Some of us will muster up the will to try to stop the addiction of smoking or promise a dry January or pay the gym membership , not to use just so you can say you have one.

They say if you manage for 21 days you have made the habit change; so all you have to do is keep it up. This is the part most participant's fail.

This year make the changes that will become your new habits . Ones that are so easy but the results after 4 to 6 weeks are quite profound both mentally and physically. Involve the family or concentrate on yourself.

You cannot put a price on good health and a cheery mood so here are my suggestions and tips to help you succeed without any pain!

For an uplifting boost have a good quality breakfast to start the day. Something oat based will give you plenty fibre , balance your blood sugars till lunchtime so therefore keep you feeling satisfied so your not snacking. Try plain old Scots porridge made with water then add a plant based milk instead of cows like pea, oat, almond, soy or some organic live yoghurt. Fancy it with mixed nuts and seeds , pop some on top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, honey or some berries.

Twice a week make a pot of soup for lunches. If your stuck a bit for time buy the ready chopped veg and onions , through in some chopped frozen garlic and stock such as Swiss bouillon or Kallo. Soup bags from local grocers are fab and delicious!

Get the slow cooker out if you work. Layer veg then protein, flavour with some stock, chilli, onions, garlic and leave it whilst you work. Have an omelette , baked potatoes, some protein such as fish, chicken , meat, soya and salad or veg.......nothing fancy just make it yourself and be in control of your ingredients.

With all this fresh fibre helping us move our bowels; balancing our blood sugars and banishing cravings whilst energising us with the essential Vitamins and Minerals we need water; at least 1.5 to 2 litres a day. Please be vigilant with this and remember hot water and herbal teas are just as hydrating. Fibre is great for us but not blocking our insides so flush it through to get rid of toxins and loose weight and you will feel brilliant. Try also to take a daily probiotic either through capsule form from a reputable company or an organic live yoghurt.

So a wee recap, up your water and herb tea intake. Cook your own food and have oats and fibre to get you moving and balanced. Have a daily probiotic and lastly get moving!!! From a walk ,getting out in our hills or a home workout session all stimulates us mentally and physically so make the changes permanent now! x

Sound Christmas advice!

PH744874 — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 15:41:53 GMT

Free sound Christmas advice!

"Tis the season to be jolly!"

But most of us will pay the price for the mostly silly, overindulgences that we really do not need! Convincing ourselves that we got this all sorted out in January…………the extra pounds, the brain fog, the skin problems and fatigue!!!!

For me it was a Christmas 16 years ago that set me straight. A “too much Christmas”. When we ended up in bed early with stretched stomach pains; an uncomfortableness that no position suited including lying down. We were guests that had drinks and a near 5 course meal, of which I did not clear any plates but still had a go, to be polite. As I lay there thinking how stupid I was to stretch my stomach like this, I knew I’d have a hard job feeling satisfied with my normal portion now, so I vowed change!

For the next few days we took Probiotic supplements with homemade soups and juices until we felt less bloated and comfortable in our clothes. I was careful to keep the portion sizes down to keep my stomach bag from stretching again, so as I may be satisfied from what I termed a normal portion or rather a portion I knew suited my frame; and would be the right amount of calories needed for me. We also made a conscious effort to CHEW the food we ate , which also brings satiety!

Most of you will relate to this tale and the feelings of stretched stomach. The pity about this stretched stomach bag outcome is that we need more food to feel properly satisfied . Therefore consuming more calories than we need! What a vicious circle that eventually leads to weight gain through the years and a feeling that you can do nothing about it. Your stomach is a big bag of muscle that can be stretched when over filled but also slightly tightened. Give your digestive system a break and a boost from organic soups and juices and try it for a few days too if you feel as I did all those years ago.

Now Christmas, and life in general, is little and often! This means I escape into the New Year still feeling refreshed and energised, ready to start the winter exercise plan with not an extra pound, muffin top or swell bel in site! This is sound advice to keep your weight healthy and your mind fresh from the festivities.

If you would find it hard or need help getting back on track with your eating habits and weight try a reset with a cleanse/Detox weekend and some colonic treatments.

Happy 2022 x and 2023 xxx

Gua sha Muscle scrapping

PH744874 — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:35:25 GMT

The ancient Technique of Muscle scrapping/Gua sha

Muscle scrapping or Gua sha ,as Chinese Medicine calls it ,aims to move energy, known as chi, around the body. The treatment involves using a tool that glides along the body to break down tension and increase the free flow of healthy circulation in the tissues. It's most commonly used to relieve pain and tension, boost the immune system and, during Facial Gua sha, to amplify skin and tissue health in the face . Long , soothing strokes are used whilst applying enough pressure to create redness and sometimes minor bruising.

What’s the difference between facial and body gua sha?

With both techniques, our goal is to release, and thus relieve, tension as a way of restoring the healthy flow of circulation. The result in body gua sha is usually pain relief, and a strengthening of the immune system. In facial gua sha the results of this improvement in tissue health can range from

An ancient technique dating back to the Romans, Greeks and Romans who used strigils as a tool in the practice. The skin was prepared with perfumed oil applied and then scraped off along with the dirt. These ancient athletes also used these tools for scraping off the oil with which they anointed themselves.

The benefits of Muscle Scraping are plenty as it promotes better blood flow ; therefore improving fresh blood flow, oxygen and nutrient uptake. This in turn will support faster healing. Muscle scraping can help to remove bothersome or painful muscle adhesions and stress areas. During physical therapy and muscle repair Gua sha has been shown to improve range of motion .Gua sha may help to break down scar tissue and connective tissue to improve the movement in our joints. The main aim is to release tension and improve overall circulation . This can bring natural pain relief and will strengthen your immune system.

Used on the face it will soothe tired facial muscles, brighten your complexion, reduce wrinkles, depuff the face especially the eye area and so many other visible changes.

The treatment does not have any serious side effects and is safe for almost all but is not suitable for those with certain medical conditions such as medication for blood clots or sever vascular conditions.

whilst training my models have reported feeling the blood circulation improvement straight away. It has relieved their back pain. My weight lifting clients have said they feel better posture and that they have improved performance!

Cut Down Your chemicals!

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 14:06:39 GMT

This Year Try Chemical FREE Skin care products.

Our skin Care products are made by Carolyn Brown our reflexologist and Beauty therapist who is fully licenced to produce these amazing products. Instead of stripping your skins microbiome and healthy pH why not try feeding your skin and promoting the healthy, natural microbiome.

Women in the Western world apply up to 515 different chemicals to their body everyday. Only 11% of them have been tested for safety and the majority of those have been found to be toxic, carcinogenic, and/or hormone disrupters. ( Extract from the book: Too Young To Grow Old by Anne-Lise Miller.) available from Amazon.

Your bodies are already stressed out by the kind of food you eat on a daily basis and the chemicals it has to break down and this can show in your skin. Then there are the chemicals you put on your to your body. Shampoos, conditioners, body washes, moisturisers, deodorants', talc, bust firming creams and anti cellulite concoctions are just some for examples.

Not to mention the chemicals you use to clean your home and put in burners or air fresheners and washing powders etc!!!

Your body has a lot to break down and deal with. Our livers are working flat out and that is without more toxins like alcohol and nicotine. It would be pretty much impossible to get your exposure to chemicals and environmental toxins down to zero but reducing your toxic load as much as possible is an important step you can take to detoxify your blood and help your liver and kidneys cope.

A fter making a New Year Resolution to cut down the chemicals I used cleaning ;and on my personal self I have been hooked on Bow Naturals. the products range from a creamy , hydrating cleanser to a refreshing Rebalancing facial Wash. There are 3 Ranges for different skin types: Balancing; Hydrating and soothing. Each with Cleanser, Facial wash, Serum and moisturisers. Extremely popular are the starter Packs at £10. A great introduction to the range. It will take a couple of weeks to encourage your skins natural microbiome to proliferate but when it gets used to being fed quality organic ingredients you will reap the benefits with clear, healthy glowing skin naturally!

Check out the full range by going to Carolyn's page at meet the team and pressing the Bow naturals logo.

Why use bones in your broths, stews & chillis? By making Bone broths or adding to slow cooked stews, soups & chilli's you will be enhancing your & your families immunity & much more!

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 16:34:59 GMT

Why use bones in your slow cooking? Alison Bower. BsC. Food , Nutrition & Health.

You would be doing yourself a massive favour this Winter,(and beyond), by using bones in those Slow Cooked soups , stews and chilli's!

Why? The long cooking releases natural collagen and gelatine so better than Botox for our skin , tissues, muscles and cartilages, also said to reduce cellulite.

The nutrients from bone marrow;(Iron, Essential fatty acids, zinc, manganese, Vits K & A ),are all released during slow cooking and are easy for us to absorb . Taste is also enhanced as your meal is enriched with wholesomeness.

Also bone nutrients are great for healing our digestive system with benefits for healing leaky guts. These powerful broths can boost immunity and help fight colds. Excellent anti inflammatory so fantastic for arthritis and inflammation.

Adding this super food into your diet is so easy. For the gelatinised broth like above you need to slow cook bones in water with a glug of apple cider vinegar, sea salt, pepper and healing spices for 12 to 24 hours. Strain and store in glass containers and use this for stock to enhance your cooking.

Or get an early start and slow cook your vegy soups, stew or chilli and just add some bones or ham ribs straight into the pot and allow the nutrients and flavours to infuse all day. It tastes amazing and the healing process begins.