Weybridge Natural Therapies Newsletters

Date: Spring 2008 

Osteopathy News

Brisk walking for 20 minutes can improve osteoarthritis of the knee, reported in Arthritis News Dec 2007/ Jan 2008.
This information is according to an Australian study, where researchers found more undamaged cartilage in the knees of people who walked regularly.
This suggests that a combination of movement and weight on the knee is good for the joint, rather than causing osteoarthritis or making it worse.

Glucosamine – the evidence

Glucosamine is a popular supplement which is widely taken, particularly for Osteoarthritis writes Carol Fawkes in the The Osteopath magazine.
I often recommend Glucosamine to patients and was interested to read that there have been yet more clinical trials that support its use.
Recent research carried out in the United States (GAIT study) showed the slowing of radiological progression of Osteoarthritis of the knee joint over a three year period and that glucosamine resulted in improvement in symptoms for patients with moderate to severe Osteoarthritis.

Recently reviewed in the Daily Mail:

Pernaton Gel contains Perna extract (which is sourced from the New Zealand green lipped muscle). It is used in the care and treatment of general muscle and joint pain.
At Natural Therapies we now have a small stock, why not try some? If you would like to try Pernaton Gel, free sample packs are now available at the clinic.

Andrea Lecky is a registered Osteopath and a member of the British Medical Acupuncture society.

Counselling & Psychotherapy

Both Counselling and Psychotherapy come under the heading of ‘talking therapies’. They involve the therapist listening to your issues in an open and non-judgmental way and helping you to make important discoveries about yourself and your past.
The therapist aims to provide a safe and confidential setting in which you can explore your feelings and aspects of your life which you may want to change. Any issues that you wish to explore can be brought to the sessions, such as depressions, problems with drugs and alcohol, bereavement and loss, stress and anxiety, phobias, concerns around eating and food, low self esteem etc.

Counselling and Psychotherapy is provided at the Clinic by:

Annette Door MSc, BA(Hons), UKCP, MBACP
Psychotherapist & Counsellor: Friday

Rachel Jennings Adv.Dip Int Couns, MBACP
Counsellor: Tuesday

Jacky Selwyn-Smith MSc Psych, Dip Couns, UKCP, MBACP
Psychotherapist & Counsellor: Wednesday


New Year’s Resolution

If your New Year’s Resolution was to get fitter and stay fit – why not consider some herbal help to boost your immune system to help avoid all the nasty bugs that are around or a pre-hayfever mix to negate the onset of symptoms if you suffer from hayfever during the early spring?
You may not want help to give up smoking, however only 3% of smokers are able to stop smoking on their own so most people need professional help and guidance. If you have tried before to give up smoking only to find yourself going back to it again or wish to try an alternative to nicotine patches then as a qualified Medical Herbalist, I offer both practical and moral support in helping you achieve your aim.
Nicotine withdrawal can be assisted by the use of Lobelia whose main constituent is lobeline, which is chemically similar to nicotine without being addictive. As prescriptions are always tailor-made to each person then any other symptoms like irritability or depression can also be addressed together with lifestyle changes and diet to help maintain momentum and prevent relapse. Treatment also includes antioxidants to help the body to get rid of the toxins and could assist in the prevention of atherosclerosis and herbs to help boost the immune system.
For more information or an appointment, please contact the Clinic.

Linda Smith Medical Herbalist

Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis should really be “de-Hypnosis” as we are all hypnotised by influences we probably are not aware of.
Take mass media marketing for example, for the latest cutting edge trainers. We may appreciate the cleverness, wit and artistry in the advertisement and be completely unaware of how much we are influenced by the subliminal effect of that one advert we may have seen on TV when the time comes for us to go out to buy new trainers.
We humans are very much affected by our belief system in how we experience our life and that may consist largely of limiting concepts of who we think we are and a good dose of wrong understanding. For example we may tell ourselves that we are not good enough to get what we want in life and we don’t deserve it. This kind of thinking can really hold us back from achieving our goals.
Impressions have been formed by influences of our parents, grandparents and further back; of what is right, wrong, acceptable and not. Our behaviour is also influenced by ideas from politics to religion, different cultures, traditions and education.
We can think of hundreds of ways by which our belief systems govern our lives. No wonder we end up hungry for self-knowledge as we contemplate the need for our life to reflect our own deeper authenticity beyond these many influences. This is evidenced by the “Self Help” book shop shelves getting longer and longer. In this new age of increased self awareness many great authors have appeared to help us answer our own question, “Who am I and what is my life really all about?”
Meditation and self hypnosis practised regularly helps us to change our mind and change our view of the world. Such self enquiry helps us to peel away layers of wrong understanding about ourselves and then know more who we truly are.

Annie Greig Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist


An Overview of Sand Tray Therapy

I have been working in the field of counselling and psycho-therapy for over 15 years and have experience in working with adults both for long term and short term focused work.
I have specialist training and experience in drug and alcohol issues and it is in this area of work I find Sand Tray Therapy works particularly well. It also helps anyone to work through difficulties and gain a better understanding of themselves, regardless of the issues they bring.
Sand Tray Therapy is something I offer alongside regular counselling and psychotherapy and this would usually take place after a number of sessions with a client. Sand Tray Therapy is a non-invasive therapeutic method and works by allowing the client to access unconscious thoughts and feelings which are expressed through creations in the sand. It has often been described as ‘a waking dream’, and just like dreams, can be very powerful and moving.
When a client arrives for Sand Tray work they would find the room very different to usual, as there would be tray of sand on the floor (its actually an under bed storage box – to give you an idea of the size). The tray is blue in colour to allow for the idea of water if necessary once the client begins to create. Around the tray there a various items, such as; shells, stones, feathers, figures, money, animals, creatures, insects, objects and structures.
The client is invited to ‘play’ in the sand using the items around or by moulding the sand to create a ‘world’ whilst being observed by the therapist. In sand tray work there is no right or wrong way to create and it is important to go with instincts rather than try too hard.
The creation is explored between client and therapist during the session, either as it’s being made or after if the client prefers. The therapist does not analyse, rather they simply allow the client to find the meaning of the play as it is experienced for themselves and they share it with the therapist. Meaningful images, dilemmas, fears, hopes and dreams can all be accessed through the work and are returned to and explored further during ongoing counselling/psychotherapy sessions.
Sand Tray Therapy can be a very helpful intervention where many issues can be translated into three dimensional form, for as a picture can say more than words, so too can Sand Tray work as it offers a rich and highly personalised form of pre- verbal and non-verbal language.
And above all it’s fun!

Annette Door UKCP registered psychotherapist


Counselling & Psychotherapy

Jacky Selwyn-Smith MSc. Gestalt Psychotherapy (UKCP Registered); Dip. Counselling; Cert. Supervision

Jacky has over 12 years experience working as a counsellor/ therapist both in organisations and private practice, including many years experience of working with addictions and with young people (age 12 plus).

What is Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt therapy focuses on how past experiences, including childhood, still affect and often hinder us in the present.
By concentrating on the ‘here & now’ the Gestalt therapist helps their clients to complete and work through ‘unfinished business’, recognise old fixed patterns of doing and being, learn to experience and appreciate themselves fully and to increase their range of choices. Issues which can be brought to therapy can include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, addictions, loss, relationship difficulties etc.

Couple Counselling
All relationships can hit problems from time to time and some-times it can help to have someone objective and outside the relationship to help. Relationships can sometimes be affected by external events, such as redundancy, bereavement, retirement etc. Or couples can get stuck in patterns of behaving with each other which become unhelpful, such as getting into a row every time you need to discuss something.
The couple counsellor is not there to take sides or blame anyone. Their role is to remain neutral, help the couple to become aware of patterns and when they get stuck, and to help them explore ways of doing it differently.

Hot Stone Massage

Nicola Males ITEC Dip offers a range of massage therapies including wonderfully relaxing Hot Stone Massage.
The ancient healing art of stone therapy using various massage techniques and war stones relaxes the body at the deepest level and is effective in creating harmony and balance. The stones are bathed in warm water then used with warm aromatic oils to give a deep massage creating a sense of comfort and warmth.
Nicola also offers a variety of full body, neck, back and shoulder massages using warm oils to soothe away tension and stress.
If you are booking for the first time, Nicola is offering a 25% discount on any treatment.


Homeopathy

Our homeopath Marilene Metzler PHSH, RSHom has a website at:

www.marilenemetzler.co.uk


Shiatsu

Shiatsu therapy was developed in Japan and is an integrated part of Japanese medicine alongside acupuncture.
Shiatsu is based on the same principles as acupuncture, but the practitioner is using human touch rather than needles.
The theory behind shiatsu therapy revolves around the concept of Qi, which is the vital energy that creates everything in nature. Within our body the Qi flows through the meridians (energy channels).
When there is perfect harmony in the flow of Qi, the body has the capacity to heal itself. However, due to stress, lifestyle and other reasons from every aspect of our lives, the flow of Qi is often disturbed.
The energetic imbalance can manifest at any level of our being as a physical and emotional discomfort or troubled mind. It is also influences our immunity and general well being.
The aim of shiatsu is to restore harmony within the body and improve the flow of Qi through the meridians, which promotes good health. The treatment involves pressure, manipulation and stretches along the meridians, while the client is lying on a mattress fully clothed. This form of bodywork is very soft and gentle, since it is more energetic than physical.
Since we all have different needs and lifestyles so the treatment is personalised to the individual.

Lior Levy Lic. Ac. MBAcC


Craniosacral Therapy & Sports Massage

Craniosacral therapy is a form of healing which utilises the self healing power of the body.
The Craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid which surrounds, protects and bathes the brain and spinal cord.
By tapping into the subtle motions and pulsations of the CST system, the therapist is able to achieve a therapeutic relationship with the client’s body/mind through their hands. By observing the internal rhythms and allowing any restrictions to change, tensions and restrictions from past (or current) illnesses, traumas or accidents can be released, aiding recovery.
A wide variety of disorders can benefit from CST including back pain, headaches, stress, emotional problems through to the sinus problems which can occur during the winter months.
For more information visit www.craniosacral.co.uk
As a sports massage therapist I use a variety of massage techniques individually tailored to clients needs to release muscle tension and restore balance to their musculoskeletal system.
This form of massage aims to improve suppleness and flex-ibility of muscles and joints. This helps to avoid injuries from occurring in anyone who routinely stretches their physical limits through movements such as running, cycling, hiking or swimming etc.
As this type of massage is excellent for removing muscle tension it can benefit many people from mothers of small children or landscape gardeners through to stressed office workers – in fact anyone who uses their bodies strenuously in their work. This is especially relevant at this time of year (post Christmas).
For more information please contact the clinic.

Jo Mead RCST VTCT


What is Pilates?

Pilates is a total mind-body conditioning exercise programme based on creating a stable central core by activating the deeper abdominal muscles.
Clinical Pilates, developed by physiotherapists, is a modification on traditional Pilates in keeping with scientific research findings.
Like your house, your body needs a strong foundation to support it. In your body the foundation is made up of our core muscles. Through this unique system of exercise, Clinical Pilates will strengthen these core stomach and back muscles to create a stable base, from which you will develop posture, strength, tone and a more confident body image.
Pilates and your back
As well as developing a leaner, more toned body, Pilates can be an excellent way to prevent the recurrence of your back and neck pain.
Research shows the need for the development of your stabilising muscles to ensure you prevent your back injury from returning once it has been treated.

Beverly Nicholl BSc, Physiotherapist


Acupuncture

My acupuncture patients are intrigued at our use of moxa as part of treatment.
Moxa is the dried leaves of mugwort (artemisia vulgaris) and we often burn small cones of it on an acupuncture point before we needle; moxa’s gentle, even heat can nourish the point and make it ready to receive the needle. It is sometimes used on certain points instead of needling.
A patient’s Qi (vital energy) or blood vitality can be strongly energised with moxa application. It is also effective on points which treat a patient’s spirit.
A moxa roll, which looks like a fat cigar, is useful when treating musculo-skeletal conditions where cold is a factor. Moxa roll can also relieve complaints such as earache and period pains and, more dramatically, it can be used to turn breech babies.
Most patients can be treated with moxa, although in a small number of complaints it would be contra-indicated. In my experience the benefits of moxa are considerable with the majority of patients receiving relief and a sense of well-being from this complement to acupuncture.

Honor Leal Acupuncturist