RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2007 29

Health & beauty

Natural stress reliefMany of us are suffering increased levels of stress as a result of trying to juggle

jobs, finances and family life. Catherine Batkin discovers that for those at the

end of their tether, there are some excellent natural treatments to try

Acupuncture Emma Sammels is a member of the British

Acupuncture Council and practices two main styles of acupuncture,Yin/Yang (TCM) and Five Element constitutional diagnosis at Rutland Osteopaths

in Oakham. “As our modern lifestyles become more stressful and hectic, the medical professionals are now appreciating the effect stress can have on our health. When stressed, our body can become more reactive. Many patients experience migraines, suffer from disturbed sleep patterns, palpitations, feelings of restlessness or a tight sensation across the chest. Regular acupuncture treatment can help to restore the normal flow of energy throughout the body so that it is better equipped to cope with stress”. As well as being an excellent stand-alone treatment, acupuncture works very well alongside conventional medicine. Patients recovering from operations and illness can benefit from acupuncture treatment at the Capio Woodland private hospital in Kettering.

Facial massage Liane Aquilina, a registered acupuncturist, has been practising facial revitalisation acupuncture massage since November. Originally pioneered in America, it is the natural way to fight the ageing process. Facial points are stimulated with fine needles to increase circulation and improve complexion and muscle tone without the use of chemicals or creams. It is great for reducing lines and wrinkles brought on by worry and also to combat the ageing effects of insomnia, as Liane explained: “I have had really great results with the treatment so far. The number of treatments needed depends on the individual; someone in their 30s or 40s might only need six sessions and at £60 for an hour, it is more competitively priced than a face lift!” For a more traditional facial massage, pay a visit to Crème at Greetham Valley where Hazel Gunby recommends the ESPA Holistic Back, Face and Scalp Massage with Hot Stones. “This treatment incorporates a full back exfoliation to prepare the skin before a back massage is carried out using hot stones and then a full facial. The hot stones are used to stimulate and balance vital energy points, transferring their natural energy to the client. Aromatic oils are chosen to match what the client wishes to gain from the treatment and the stones themselves allow the massage to be quite firm and ease away tension”. The whole experience lasts for two hours and costs £65.

OsteopathyGraham, from Rutland Osteopaths offers some advice on how osteopathy can help with the physical effects of stress: “Whilst we visualise ‘stress’ as a psychological thing, it does have far reaching effects on the person’s musculoskeletal system. Stress will result in

increased tension especially to the muscle of the upper back, shoulders and neck. This can result in pain, limited movement and stiffness in the joints in these areas along with other symptoms like headaches. A great stress buster for most people is also exercise. A as Osteopaths we can offer good advice about what the person should or should not be capable of doing”.

ReflexologyVicki Ball has been offering reflexology at her Monday afternoon clinic at Oakham Medical practice since June. Reflexology is an excellent treatment for stress, as it instantly soothes the central nervous system and relaxes muscles. It is effective at regulating irritable bowel, one of the symptoms of stress and rebalances hormones allowing you to achieve a better night’s sleep. Depending on the nature of the symptoms, the problem may be resolved quite quickly or clients may need ongoing treatment. “Bodies work in monthly cycles and a once a month maintenance treatment is an excellent way to keep your body balanced and working effectively” Rebecca Bennett practices Gentle Touch Reflexology which is a very soothing technique using limited pressure and massage. The technique treats both feet at the same time as Rebecca explains: “The feet represent the human body and the stomach and intestine run across the middle of both feet, so by working them together, you could treat the whole of the stomach at one time rather than working on each side separately”.

ReikiThe newly opened z.e.n clinic in Oakham offers the ancient treatment of Reiki which is exceptionally good for stress relief. Rosemary Jameson, one of the Reiki masters who practices at the clinic, explains the benefits: “We use positive life force energy for healing purposes; it is a very relaxing treatment and allows the body’s own healing mechanism to take over”. Patients may find they go through a healing crisis which shows that the process is working by clearing the body, releasing toxins and built up negativity. In September the clinic is running Reiki first degree courses which will introduce people to working with Reiki energy and practice self-healing.

Stress management courseRoy Sparkes from the Masterclass group of salons has recently branched out into a new venture; running stress management courses for locals feeling the pressure of workplace demands. With an honours degree in chemistry and over 30 years experience as a senior manager and consultant, Roy is well placed to understand the problems created by the largest cause of staff absence today: “The three work sectors affected most by stress are administrative workers, teachers and medical

staff. My one day stress management courses address issues of anxiety and tension with suggested coping mechanisms”. Courses can be taken individually or as part of a company scheme and will be run either in-house or at a selected venue convenient to your place of work. Please contact Roy for further details on costs and venues.

Thai Body massageSensory Heaven in Melton Mowbray is well known for its excellent massage treatments including Indian head massage, oriental foot massage and Swedish body massage. Owner Rebecca Westwood is exceptionally well travelled and has been to numerous countries in her quest to perfect the specialist healing art of Thai Body Massage. This dates back thousands of years and uses stretch and yoga positions, leaving the client feeling relaxed and with a greater deal of flexibility in their joints. Sensory Heaven is open for evening appointments on Wednesdays and Thursdays making it an ideal venue for busy professionals to fit in some ‘me time’ after their day at work.

Directory

l Capio Woodland Hospital, Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8XF, Tel: 01536 414515 www.capio.co.uk

l Crème Hair and Beauty, Wood Lane, Greetham, LE15 7NP Tel: 01780 461810

l Emma Sammels, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Five Element Acupuncture at Rutland Osteopaths, Tel: 07971 474971

l Lianne Aquilina, 2 Scotgate Mews, Stamford, PE9 2FX, Tel: 01780 763465 Mob: 07903 725316www.aquilinaacupuncture.co.uk

l Masterclass Stress Management Courses, Market Harborough, Tel: 01858 462553

l Rebecca Bennett, Gentle Touch Reflexology, Tel: 0116 279 2739 Mob: 07976 646859

l Rutland Osteopaths, 11 Burley Road, Oakham, LE15 6DH Tel: 01572 771155

l Sensory Heaven, The Grange Garden Centre, Asfordby Hill, Melton Mowbray, LE14 3QU, Tel: 01664 810166 www.sensoryheaven.co.uk

l Vicki Ball, Reflexology clinic, Oakham Medical practice, Cold Overton Road, Oakham, Tel: 01780 482244 Mob: 07803 020571

l The z.e.n clinic, 40 Melton Road, Oakham, LE15 6AY, Tel: 01572 755425 www.thezenclinic.co.uk