New to North Devon! – The Emmett Technique

New to the UK in 2007, this gentle bodywork therapy is designed to offer fast relief from pain and discomfort, improve body movement, and can restore a positive emotional state.  Beneficial effects are commonly noticed before the end of the first treatment.

 What is the Emmett Technique?

Emmett is a safe and simple muscle release therapy developed by Remedial Therapist Ross Emmett

The practitioner is trained to identify the source of discomfort and gently release the areas which are contributing to the problem; this can often mean a quite dramatic and lasting change in pain, balance, flexibility, strength, range of movement, breathing or other functions, depending upon which areas are worked.

A combination of light pressure and gentle switches on precise points releases specific muscle groups and allow the client’s body to return to a state of balance.  The results are often dramatic, and can be instantaneous, with most clients recognising the improvements in pain levels and range of movement before leaving the clinic.

 Who Can Benefit from Emmett?

Emmett is safe to use on anyone, from the very young to the elderly and infirm. Some of the benefits include:

• Ease pain and discomfort
• Releasing neck and shoulder discomfort
• Aiding headaches and sinus discomfort
• Assisting back and hip discomfort
• Improving knee and ankle restrictions
• Offering pregnancy and infant assistance
• Reducing stomach discomfort
• Aiding forearm and grip strength
• Improving body symmetry and balance
• Increasing lung capacity
• Increasing body flexibility
• Increasing body stability and balance
• Restored a positive emotional state

Emmett may also benefit many other conditions

This gentle technique can be performed over light clothing. It is also extremely versatile and can effectively be combined with other treatments such as Massage, Bowen, Reflexology, Chiropractic...

For more information please visit: www.holisticbodyworks.co.uk

Flu and Colds

Colds and flu are an increased threat and problem at this time of year, so please  take extra care of yourselves and loved ones.

Cold and flu viruses are highly contagious and can be caught by a sneeze, cough, or kiss.

A healthy immune system will resist the most virulent of colds and flu with ease, however individuals with a lot of stress and impoverished health will be more susceptible to recurring colds and flu.

To improve the immune system, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink plenty of water and ‘good’ fluids (e.g lemon juice in hot water, herb teas, diluted fruit juice or vegetable juices.) Treat yourself to regular treatments if possible to relax and boost your immune system.

You might want to use some essential oils to help protect yourself and family. Essential oils of Eucalyptus, Tea tree, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Cajeput, Niaouli, are particularly useful at this time.

• One of the most effective ways we have of preventing infection is by hand washing. Add a few drops of any of these essential oils to the hand soap dispenser in your house (about a 1 percent dilution)

• Use antibacterial oils in in room sprays: mix about 5 drops of essential oil in 500 ml water in a spray, shake to mix and spray the room regularly.

• Use drops of essential oils in aroma lamps or diffusers.

• Clean and disinfect household surfaces with vinegar, antiseptic oils and soap and water.

• Use lavender and tea tree oils in massage blends and apply to your child’s chest and neck areas before sending them off to school. And again when they return home

• Add a few drops of essential oil to power up those handy alcohol gel hand sanitizers and take them to work with you.

• Use aromatherapy disinfectant sprays to cleanse the air in your work space.

• Use 5 – 7 drops of essential oils in a warm bath.

• Use a few drops on a tissue or handkerchief to sniff through the day.

• Stream inhalation: Use a few drops of Eucalyptus, Cajeput, Ravensera or Niaouli in bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and breathe in the vapour.

Espom salts bath: Add two cups of Epsom Salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub. Soak for at least 12 minutes. Do not use soap as it will interfere with the action of the salts, but you can add a few drops of essential oils. Wrap up warm and rest for about two hours afterwards if you can – or have at night just before bed.

NOTE(Do not use if you are pregnant or allergic to sulfer. Epsom-salt baths are contraindicated in cardiovascular or high-blood-pressure conditions. Ask your doctor, in such a case, whether you may take the bath. )

Please note:
If you have any medical conditions contact your doctor
The suggestions above are for information proposes only, and should not be taken or construed as medical advice.
If you feel a cold or flu coming on please keep it to yourself! Stay home, rest keep warm. If need be consult your GP.

Bowen Research – News from the European College of Bowen Studies

Michael Morris, ECBS teacher, is currently undertaking a Masters by Research Degree through the University of Warwick and Warwick Medical School. This is due to be completed by December 2011 and his focus is on Bowen and low back pain.

Working alongside a team of supervisors from back pain, psychology and pain fields, this study will be the first ethically approved Bowen research study on back pain. It will also be the first to have a control group which will receive a ‘sham-Bowen’ treatment to compare against the real thing. Following advice from many researchers, it was considered essential to compare a touch-based therapy to a control group which also included manual stimulation of the skin as part of the treatment. This ‘sham’ treatment involves the stroking of the skin with the back of the hand.

The study will look at the results of various pain scales and psychosocial measures to determine the effectiveness of Bowen. One hundred participants will take part, splitting into two equal groups to receive three weekly treatments of either the sham treatment or ‘the real McCoy’! Their progress will be measured by their response to questionnaires taken one week and one month following their last treatment, and compared against their responses before treatment has started.

The treatment stage of the project will commence in January 2011 with the initial data expected around summer 2011. Watch this space for regular updates.

Coronation Street actor, Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth), receives regular Bowen treatment.

Bowen has made front page news on this month’s edition of CAM Lifestyle. Coronation Street actor, Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth), who receives regular Bowen treatment agreed to do a full page piece on how Bowen has helped him.

See: http://www.camlifestyle.co.uk/imag/camlifestyleoctobernovember2010/20.htm

Good to see the word spreading on how effective Bowen can be!

Jeanie @ Holistic Bodyworks