----------------------------------------------------------
> June 2009Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)
A condition that is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Despite common perceptions, only 50% of cases are related to diet and the causes of the other 50% of cases are rarely examined and sufferers are unable to find suitable treatment.
True to its name, Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is an uncomfortable disorder that affects many. Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterised most commonly by gas, cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea;symptoms can vary from person to person IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress. Those affected by IBS often have no clear diagnosis. Unfortunately, many people suffer from IBS for a long time before seeking medical treatment.
IBS is so different for each person and because no medicines have been proven to work really well for IBS, most people try snd control their symptoms with diet; by monitoring their intake of fibre, coffee, spicy foods and other potential intestinal aggravators. For those with the added burden of lactose intolerance, dairy foods can also worsen symptoms.
Many people try Complementary Therapy Treatments to combat the symptoms. Stress Management/Relaxation, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage are amongst the most popular sought after treatments.
Stress Management - feeling mentally or emotionally tense, troubled, angry, or overwhelmed—can stimulate colon spasms in people with IBS. The colon has many nerves that connect it to the brain. Like the heart and the lungs, the colon is partly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which responds to stress. These nerves control the normal contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort at stressful times. People often experience cramps or “butterflies” when they are nervous or upset. In people with IBS, the colon can be overly responsive to even slight conflict or stress.
Stress makes the mind more aware of the sensations that arise in the colon, making the person perceive these sensations as unpleasant.
Some evidence suggests that IBS is affected by the immune system, which fights infection in the body. The immune system is affected by stress. For all these reasons, stress management is an important part of treatment for IBS. Stress management within Complementary Thrapies include:
Reflexologyis known to help alleviate the abdominal bloating, pain, constipation or diarrhoea associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Regular treatments regulate the bowel and bring any overactive or underactive areas back into balance with the rest of the body.Reflexology therapeutically reduces stress and tension throughout the body’s systems, relaxing muscles, releasing built-up toxins from the body's tissues, improving circulation and lymphatic drainage and increasing oxygen supply to the cells. It is also believed to encourage the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones, well documented in their ability to relieve stress.
Hydrotherm Reflexology encompasses both the elements of heat and water. Experience a wonderful feeling of total revitalisation, regeneration and harmony. Your entire treatment is carried out while you lay face up on warm Hydrotherm water filled cushions. This treatment also has the added bonus of releasing all blockages and offers to clear toxins in the body. Hydrotherm offers Reflexology within the session to prepare the body to cleanse the digestive system and boost the Immune system (weekend appointments only).
Aromatherapy Massage/Indian Head Massage is the use of essential oils (highly concentrated plant extracts) in a carrier oil, specifically blended for an individual person’s needs. It is applied to the body through massage and works on both a physical and emotional level. There are various ways that you can use essential oils, however massage is the most common. It is also the most therapeutic method as the essential oils are diluted in carrier oils and rubbed directly into the skin.
Since massage combines the senses of smell and touch it has instant physical and mental benefits. At the same time massage increases blood circulation, stimulates the immune system, relaxes muscles, relieves pain, lowers blood pressure, heart rate and stress levels.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
> May 2009
Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
As women approach the menopause, it signals the end of a woman’s fertility.Sometimes the menopause is accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms are caused by fluctuating levels of oestrogen being produced. Periods become less frequent and more irregular, and finally stopping.
Every woman’s menopausal experience is unique. Some women may have all of the symptoms of menopause; others may have just a few. The intensity of menopausal symptoms can also range from mild to quite severe.
Some women may experience mood swings, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, changes in tolerance to heat or cold, joint and muscle pain, allergies, and headaches. As production of Oestrogen decreases, additional menopause-related changes may include night sweats, fatigue, vaginal dryness, fluctuations in sexual desire or response, forgetfulness, hot flushes, and weight fluctuations.
Whilst some women are happy to use conventional treatment such as HRT, others may wish to consider complementary/alternative therapies. Complementary Therapies complement conventional medical practices and are not usually used on their own. Exercise and stress-management strategies can also have a positive effect on mood and help reduce symptoms of menopause
Complementary therapies
These have become a popular accompaniment to conventional medicine and many women use them, they may help with the troublesome symptoms.
The choice of complementary/alternative therapies is confusing; so many different ones exist. Those that have been reported as being helpful in the menopause include Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology;as well as Herbalism, Homeopathy and Acupuncture. It is important that each woman finds a complementary therapy that seems right for her.
Reducing Stress to Treat Menopause Symptoms
As most women progress through menopause, they will probably find that stress is a contributing factor to their symptoms. "If you can keep your stress in check, you may be able to reduce your symptoms!".Stress-management - A person's individual coping mechanisms play a large role in stress management. Part of the reason women may be so stressed is because they play many roles in their families and lives such as caregiver, social support and bread winner. In order to cope with these varied roles it is important to learn how to manage stress. For example, people can learn how to change negative thinking patterns by reading self-help books or consulting with there therapist.
Aromatherapy/Indian Head Massage is another possible menopause treatment. Menopause symptoms are caused by changes in the endocrine system's production of hormones, and aromatherapy stimulates specific brain cells that influence the endocrine system. Essential oils extracted from plant compounds are used in aromatherapy through massage, application to key areas of the body, or via inhalation.This Therapy method of managing symptoms can be very beneficial and some studies suggest a reduction in Stress and anxiety.
Reflexology or zone therapy is an approach to health which involves a method of treatment using massage to reflex areas found most commonly in the feet and the hands which are linked to other areas and organs of the body. Reflexology works by treating reflex points on the feet which correspond to the whole body, it can help by relieving symptoms and encouraging the body's hormonal balance.
Massage therapy.Many people find the physical and emotional relaxation a good massage brings can help to reduce stress, which is often a trigger for inciting menopausal symptoms.
Exercise- An exercise program should include a combination of aerobic, weight-bearing, strengthening and flexibility exercise. Exercise has been proven to improve mild symptoms of anxiety and depression and can improve mood, speed up the metabolism and improve sleep. Also, an exercise program that includes a combination of exercises can help prevent cardiovascular disease, have a positive impact on bone mass and can help prevent falls and conditions like arthritis. Here at Connect we offer you light exercises to strengthening muscles and joints.
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
> April 2009Headache? Tense, nervous headache?
Nearly half of us get at least one a month. Women are particularly prone, with more than half suffering at least once a fortnight.Tension headachesare characterised by a band of tightness, pressure or pain around the forehead, temples, and back of the head. Frequently, the pain or pressure in the head is accompanied by stiffness, pain or discomfort in the neck and upper back region. Migraine headaches, are a form of vascular headaches, perhaps the most severe type of headache; a throbbing intense headache, usually one side of the head. Often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and light sensitivity.
Often, the pain begins as tightness in the neck and shoulder region and gradually progresses to a full blown headache that can be severe and disrupt every aspect of your busy day. These headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days and can dramatically decrease the quality of your life and your energy level.
We have all noticed people in stressful situations grab and squeeze the muscles of the upper shoulder near the neck when they are feeling tense and frustrated. Perhaps this is something that you do on a regular basis while sitting at your desk or computer or talking on the phone. You may even stretch your neck from side to side or sigh deeply.
With a busy and hectic lifestyle; it is very difficult to find the time to find ‘balance and harmony of the mind and body’. Complementary Therapies can help release tension and stress and enable you to boost your immune system whilst improving your energy levels and general well-being.
Indian Head Massage, Aromatherapy and Massage can relieve headaches, migraine, sinusitis, eye strain, chronic upper body tension and aid deep sleep.
Aromatherapy Massage andIndian Head Massageincorporates the use of “trigger points” or localised areas of tenderness and tightness in our neck, shoulders, and upper back that serve as red flags or reminders that we are entering into a cycle of muscle tension due to stress. Almost everyone has specific, localised areas that seem to flare up in these areas when they are tired, overworked, or experiencing negative emotions.
Aromatherapyis the use of essential oils (highly concentrated plant extracts) in a carrier oil, specifically blended for an individual person’s needs. It is applied to the body through massage and works on both a physical and emotional level. Aromatherapy helps to relieve muscle tension, ease aches and pains and reduce stress. By boosting the circulation system, helping eliminate toxins and thereby nourishing all the body’s cells and boosting the immune system we can feel revived, relaxed and refreshed.
Indian Head Massagehelps relieve upper body muscle tension, disperse toxins from the body, it stimulates circulation and releases neck and scalp muscles where lots of people hold tension. This helps to relax the muscle and keeps the kinks and spasms from knotting up even more. There are many other ways to keep the cycle of muscle spasm and pain from accelerating rapidly. Indian Head Massage uses essential oils, massage manipulation techniques to maximise the overall benefits to the patients needs.
Massage- Using your hands and fingers to apply pressure to tight, knotted muscles is a natural response from your innately intelligent body that can help instantly relieve pain and pressure and begin the process of relaxation. Your body gets your attention by sending signals of pain and you recognise and respond to this warning sign by applying acupressure (localised sustained pressure) to specific areas, often without even being aware that you are doing it.
Reflexology is a massage and pressure therapy applied to the feet or hands, it treats the whole person and not just the symptoms helping the body return to its natural state of ‘homeostasis’. Reflexology can improve energy levels and promote a feeling of well-being. It also helps stress related disorders such as tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia and feelings of anxiety/depression.
Reflexology therapeutically reduces stress and tension throughout the body’s systems, relaxing muscles, releasing built-up toxins from the body's tissues, improving circulation and lymphatic drainage and increasing oxygen supply to the cells. It is also believed to encourage the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones, well documented in their ability to relieve stress.
Health Assessment OR Lifestyle Management- This is ideal if you really don’t know where to start or what kind of therapy will be most beneficial for you. Being a Specialist, I am trained in several different aspects of complementary health care and I have 9 years clinical experience.
30 Minute Health Assessment - £22.00
Aromatherapy - £32.00
Reflexology - £32.00
Indian Head Massage - £22.00
Relaxation Massage - £32.00
-------------------------------------
> March 2009
Suffering from Back Pain
Some people with back pain choose to use complementary therapies alongside more conventional treatments, while others choose to use them as stand-alone treatments.
Backache is a common problem that can make life anything from uncomfortable to almost impossible.The usual route with complementary therapies is to use a combination of treatments including Aromatherapy Massage, Indian Head Massage and General Relaxation Massage. Our Complementary Therapy Clinic offers exercise, diet and lifestyle management advice to combat short-term and long-term effects of coping with backache.
The causes of backache may be multiple so you may need to seek more than one therapy in order to gain the relief you need. The most common cause tends to be bad posture leading to strain or other damage to the joints, ligaments or muscles of the spine and its surrounding areas.
Improving posture and exercise can also alleviate this problem.In mind/body therapies the association depends on the area of the back causing the problem, the neck represents the ability to see the bigger picture, so a stiff or painful neck can indicate a resistance to change, blinkered or narrow thinking patterns. Problems in the shoulders can relate to responsibility and burdens, are you carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? If the problem is lower in the back issues of vulnerability are indicted, are you feeling weak or powerless (spineless?) The pelvis represents movement, specifically moving forward in life, problems can arise at life changes, puberty, pregnancy and menopause, bereavement, job loss/change, children leaving home etc
The pressure of modern life is often carried in the muscles especially those of the neck and shoulders and as we find it increasingly difficult to relax it is not surprising that sometimes we need a little help. I am trained in a variety of techniques that can be adapted to your specific needs, starting with gentle touch to warm and soothe the skin, giving you a chance to unwind and get used to the therapist’s touch, working progressively deeper as the tension eases.
Aromatherapy Massage is recommended for all stress related issues resulting in muscular aches and pains, it is also used to enhance performance in physically demanding sports to help keep muscles healthy.
Here at the Manchester Clinic, I have extensive experience in treating all shapes and sizes of bodies and can adapt their techniques accordingly to ensure you receive the best possible Complementary Therapy Treatment.
Health Assessment OR Lifestyle Management
This is ideal if you really don’t know where to start or what kind of therapy will be most beneficial for you. Being a Specialist, I am trained in several different aspects of complementary health care an have 9 years clinical experience.
I will be able to assess your current health and wellbeing and be able to advise you on the various options available to you. Your assessment will be thorough and in depth and look at your health, diet, lifestyle, posture, fitness, happiness and coping abilities.
During the 30 minute Assessment, I will then be able to work with you to find the best possible course of action for you, working within your current abilities, often the treatment that is right for us is the one we are most reluctant to do! We can help you to overcome resistance to change and introduce you to the right therapies .
------------------------------------------------
> February 2009
Give the Perfect Gift this Valentine's Day!
Give the perfect gift! We have a broad selection of Valentines Day Gifts - Valentines Day Gifts for her, Valentines Day Gifts for him.
What would make a better Valentines Day Gift than one selected from our great range of Complementary Therapy Treatments. The delight of giving one of our Complementary Therapy Treatments as a Valentines Day Gift is almost as good as the delight of receiving such a Gift.
So if you are stuck for Valentines Day Gifts look no further than a Complementary Therapy Experience. We have Valentines Day gifts to suit all tastes and all budgets.
If you don’t believe us, just take a look at our extensive range of Valentines Day Gifts.
So why not say "I love you..." , "thank you", or simply "Happy Valentine’s Day” with these wonderful Complementary Therapy Gifts.
Gift Certificates are available across the full range of Complementary Therapies on offer within Our Complementary Therapy Clinic at Connect Physical Health Centre. These can be tailor made to any occasion.The vouchers can be posted to you or direct to the recipient together with a greeting card if desired.
Give a thoughtful gift with Our Complementary Therapy Clinic in mind.
Gift Voucher to the value of £
Purchase vouchers offering £5, £10, £15 and £25 denominations, Redeemable against treatments and valid for 3 months from purchase date
Size: Single
Selection of Complementary Therapy Treatments
A gift voucher covering a range of Therapies including, Reflexology, Therapeutic Massage and Aromatherapy.
Size: Single Treatment Price: £32.00
Size: 4 Treatment Price: £128.00
Selection of Lunch Time Treats
A gift voucher for our special “Lunch-Time Treats,” covering a range of Therapies including, Reflexology, Therapeutic Massage and Aromatherapy.
Size: Single Treatment Price: £32.00
Size: 4 Treatment Price: £128.00
A Morning Massage Treatment
A gift voucher for our special "Morning Massage" deal for Aromatherapy, Shiatsu/Acupressure and therapeutic Indian Head Massage treatments from Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday before 12noon.
Size: Single Treatment Price £32.00
Size: 4 Treatment Price: £128.00
A Facial Delight
A gift voucher including a Facial and a Therapeutic Back, Neck, Head and Facial Massage with the use of aromatic essential oils.
Size: Single Treatment Price: £32.00
Size: 4 Treatment Price: £128.00
Choose your Treatment
If you would like to specify a certain treatment then please make your selection from the list. Appointment times are subject to availability.
Size: Single
Not sure what treatment is right for you? Our knowledgeable staff can assess your needs and help you choose.If you would like to book an appointment and/or purchase a GIFT VOUCHER(S) then simply call
CONNECT on 0161 434 6664
-----------------------------------------------
> January 2009Hello and a Happy New Year to everyone!
I hope that you had a great time during the Christmas holiday break, and trust that you have survived the celebrations reasonably intact!
What with all the Xmas shopping, cooking for hordes of relatives, doing mountains of washing up and then the bargain-hunting in the Sales - it can really take its toll on you. The chances are you need to wind down now, and a soothing yet energising boost for both mind and body would be just the thing.
New Year is the time when we all make resolutions, ranging from losing weight, stopping bad habits, or simply changing our lifestyle, promising ourselves that we will take more time on looking after ourselves, in the year to come.
For some, this may also include having a Complementary Therapy Treatments.
So to kick off the New Year why not book in for an Aromatherapy Massage and/or a Reflexology treatment within ourComplementary Therapy Clinic.
For some people the dilemma of being overweight starts first in the mind: It is all psychological and once the mind is healthy, the slimmer body will automatically follow. Mentally, Aromatherapy can help you to fight stress and lift your mood.
The connection between smell and emotion are thought to be extremely close. Taking a deep breath of pleasant smells triggers positive reactions in the brain, resulting in a sense of wellbeing and goodness.
The same theory holds well when it comes to human weight; the more you feel good and healthy, the more care you will take with your physical well being. A regularAromatherapysession can certainly help you to achieve weight loss, by increasing your sense of well being and relaxation.
However, aromatherapy cannot produce your desired weight loss without you creating your own calorie deficit regime, either by eating a calorie reduced weight loss diet, or by increasing calories burned through rigorous exercise or more ideally by a combination of diet and exercise.
Aromatherapy has proven to be very useful for this weight loss. This natural way of treating your body has no side effect at all as compared to other treatments. Essential oils used are not only sweet smelling but have also the capacity to make your digestive system good, that in turn also helps in weight reduction.
Reflexology is the Ancient Therapy Secret that helps keep you Young and Healthy and LOSE WEIGHT!
Acu-points are connected to every organ of the body, and form the basis ofReflexology which has been practiced for thousands of years. For every organ in the body there is a corresponding area on the feet. Reflexology is used to stimulate the sole of the foot, thus activating the nerves responsible for digestion, metabolism and eating habits.
Reflexology is used in Weight loss Management to:
· Increase your metabolism and help you to burn fat.
· Stimulate detoxification of your large intestine
· Increase circulation to your feet and legs.
· Create balance in bones, muscles, and joints from your feet,
ankles,knees, hips, spine to your neck and improve your posture
· Improvements in your general health
· Dramatically increase your production of vital brain chemicals
related to longevity, well-being, and quality of life...
· Water retention
You will also need to control your diet during reflexology sessions.
Why YOU should DETOX - Taking time for you is even more important when we consider how little time that we now spend on ourselves. Due to increased work pressure or a hectic lifestyle that many of us live making sure that you have ’‘time out’ is even more imperative.
By taking part in a structuredComplementary Therapy Program ofmental and physical rejuvenation you can guarantee that the time you spend on yourself will be well spent.
Four Senses of Philosophy
By combing four key ‘ingredients’ I have designed a results orientated programme that will see you introduced to the key elements necessary to a successful Detox.
Mental– Using relaxation and breathing techniques combined with elements such as yoga and tai chi to relax the mind and spirit this may also extend into life coaching and goal setting that you can use on your return home from the program.
Physical – I encourage safe and effective exercise and activities. Exercises will focus around Complementary Therapy treatments as well as the core , functional training to strengthen and improve posture.
The Senses and Elements– Using the combined elements of heat, water, touch and smellto introduce you to new experiences. Treatments include Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage,Water/Hydro/Heat therapy and Facial acupoint treatment. With the inclusion of Ayuvedic and Chinese medicinal techniques as part of the expanded holistic experience.
Healing through Treatments – At each treatment session you will experience the highest standards of treatments, both classical and modern to facilitate a centred mental and physical state and purge the body of unwanted toxic build-up.
By combining all four of these elements during yourComplementary therapy programyou should leave with a feeling of total relaxation and wellbeing and aligned to our overriding philosophy.
-----------------------------------
