Wednesday, 4 July 2007

Why do I say "Drink More Water??"

All this information is taken from Dr F Batmanhejidj's Book - Your Body's Many Cries for Water.

Below are many common ailments of the body - in alphabetical order. See how water can help your particular condition. Amazing huh?

Your body needs an absolute minimum of 6-8 8ounce glasses of water per day. Alcohol, coffee, tea and caffine containing beverages don't count as water. The best times to drink water are one glass half hour before food and a similar amount 2.5 hours after each meal. Two more glasses should be taken around the heaviest meal or before going to bed. Adjusting water intake to mealtimes prevents the blood from becoming concentrated as a result of food intake. Ordinary tap water is recommended. If an open-top jug with water is left to stand in the fridge or the work yop the chlorine will evaporate.

Alzheimer's
The primary cause may be chronic dehydration of the body. In prolonged dehydration the brain cells begin to shrink. (pg36/37)

Arthritis Pain
The cartilage surface of bones in a joint contain much water - the lubricating property utilised allows the two opposing surfaces to glide freely over one another. In a well hydrated cartilage the rate of friction damage is minimal, in a dehydrated cartilage the rate of abrasive damage is increased. Actively growing blood cells in the bone marrow take prority over the cartilage for the available water that goes through the bone structure. The initial pain indicates that the joint is not fully prepared to endure pressure until it is fully hydrated.

Asthma and Allergies
Asthma and allergies are indicators that the body has resorted to an increase in production of histamine. It is recognised that asthmatics have an increase in histamine content of their lung tissue and that it is the histamine that regulates the bronchial muscle contraction. Since one of the sites for water loss through evaporation is in the lungs, bronchial constriction produced by histamine means less water evaporation during the act of breathing - a natural process to preserve the body's water. Histamine plays an important role in the defence systems in the body and normally remains unnoticed, but when a body is dehydrated the histamine activity becomes exaggerated. Concentrated blood reaching the lungs trigger histamine production. Salt is a natural antihistamine. People with allergies should begin to increase their salt intake. Salt is needed to break up the mucus in the lungs and render it watery. A pinch of salt on the toungue after drinking water fools the brin into thinking a lot of salt has arrived in the body and the brain begins to relax the bronchioles.(pp107_114)

Colitis/Constipation
One of the main functions of the large intestine is the process of taking water out of the excrements. When there is dehydration the process is slowed down and the contents squeezed - with further food more solid waste will be packed and increase the burden for passage and cause pain. With adequate water intake the abdominal pain will disappear.(pg37)

Dyspeptic Pain (heartburn, ulcers etc)
Dyspeptic pain is the most important signal for the human body - it denotes dehydration. Water passes immediately into the intestine, but within 30 minutesalmost the same amount of water is secreted into the stomach in the mucosa, ready to be used for food breakdown - digestion depends on the presence of copious amounts of water. Mucus consists of 98% water, sodium bicarbonate becomes trapped in the water layer and as the acid from the stomach tries to go through this protective layer it is neutralised. The balance needs to be maintained and water is the only substance that can do this. Antacids are designed to attack the acid in the stomach which upsets this balance. (p33)

Excess Body Weight
Sensation of thirst and hunger are generated simultaneously to indicate the brain's needs and we do not recognise the sensation of thirst and assume both are indicators of the urge to eat. We eat food even when the body should receive water. By drinking water before eating food it helps seperate the two sensations. Diet drinks containing caffine are diuretics and can cause weight gain. The water is forced from the body, the person drinks more and is never satisfied as the water doesn't stay in the body long enough - the person then assumes they are hungry. (pp93-106)

Headaches
Including migraine headaches, these may be prevented by regular intake of water.(p52)

Hiatus Hernia
You will need to read the book for a full explanation, but basically when we drink water a hormone called motilin is secreted which helps the internal contractions of the digestive system. When there is not enough water in the body the stomach contents are not allowed into the small intestine - too much acid is present which will cause damage - the valves constrict to stop progress and the acid is forced upwards. (p38) Dyspeptic pain is thist signal associated with chronic or severe dehydration of the human body.

Higher Blood Pressure
Cholesterol production in the cell membrane is part of the cell survival system and is a necessary substance, its excess denotes dehydration. Cholesterol is the agent that regulates permeability of the cell membrane to water and gives it the power to survive dehydration and drought. If we don't drink water before food the process of food digestion will take its toll on the cells of the body. Water will have to be poured on to the food in the stomach for processing, in the intestine more water is required to further process the food and then send them to the liver. In the liver more water is used. In the lungs water is evaporated. Dehydration may register itself halfway through a meal with dyspeptic pain. The solution is to drink water. Water is the most essential ingredient - if we give the necessary water to the body before we eat food all the battle against cholesterol formation in the blood vessels will be won.(pp93-116)

High Blood Pressure
Vessels of the body have been designed to cope with fluctuation of their blood volume by opening and closing different vessels,when the body's total fluid volume is decreased the main vessels also have to decrease their aperture. When we do not drink enough water some cells become dehydrated - 66% is taken from the water volume normally held inside the cells, 26% is taken from the volume outside the cells and 8% taken from the blood volume - the blood vessels have therefore got to decrease their aperture and some capilleries in less active areas are closed off. Excercise opens up capilleries to hold a greater volume of blood - the capillaries must remain open and full and offer no resisitance to blood circulation. Thereis much more information on this.(pp69-78)

Lower Back Pain
the spinal joints are dependenton the hydraulic properties of water stored in the disc core. Fully 75% of the weight of the upper part of the body is supported by the water volume that is stored in the disc core and 25% supported by the fibrous materials around the disc. To prevent back pain one needs to drink sufficient water. (p47)

Neck Pain
The weight of the head forces water out of the discs over a period of time - to bring back the same water the force of vacuum has to be created by doing simple head and neck exercises. Slowly and repeatedly bend the head and neck backwards as much as they will, keeping the neck extended for 30 seconds at a time - this brings water into the disc spaces.(p49)

Stress and Depression
A state of depression is said to exist in the brain, in confronting a stressful emotional problem finds it difficult to cope with the other attention-demanding actions at the same time. Some form of depression is natural in the process of development, but when for some time it gets beyondthis help may be required. The brain uses electrical energy that is generated by the water drive of the energy-generating pumps. With dehydration the level of energy generated in the brain is decreased. Many functions of the brain that depend on this type of energy become inefficient. We recognise this inadequacy of function and call it depression. This can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome. For full physiological information see pp 55-68

Bronchitis, Catarrh, Coughs, Colds and 'Flu - Hot Spicy Lemon and Honey Drink

This is an excellent warming decongestant remedy for accute bronchitis, catarrhal coughs, colds and 'flu. If taken at the very first sign of a cold or flu symptoms(sore throat shivering and sneezing)it had been known to stop the virus in its tracks!!

1pt (500ml) still spring water
1 teaspoon whole cloves
Cinnamon stick, broken
I level teaspoon ground ginger
Honey
Juice of one freshly squeezed lemon

1. Pour the water into a stainless steel or enamel saucepan, add the cloves and broken cinnamon stick and bring to boiling point.

2. Turn down the heat and simmer in a covered pan for 5 minutes.

3. Turn off the heat, add the ground ginger and leave on the stove to infuse for about 30 mins.

Reheat before use to just below simmering point. Pour some of the decoction through a tea stainer into a cup, then add one dessertspoon of lemon juice and as much honey as you like to sweeten.

Drink a cup two or three times a day, gently reheating the spicy decoction (but not the lemon juice and honey) each time before use.

Enjoy!!

Tuesday, 3 July 2007

Full Breathing for Health

The full breath brings into use every part of the lungs, every air cell and all the surrounding muscles. The chest cavity is used to its full limit, and the maximum benefit obtained. the rib muscles are actively used, as are those of the stomach and diaphram. This helps to prevent respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, etc. This is the BASIC NATURAL method of breathing.

The method is as follows:

1. Stand or sit erect, or lie flat. Exhale completely. Breath in slowly through the nostrils (never through the mouth), and fill with air. First the lower part of the lungs, which will cause the abdomen to expand. Then the middle and upper part, which will cause the chest to expand and the abdomen to contract a little.

2. Hold breath for a few seconds.

3. Breath out slowly through the nose, contracting stomach muscles to ensure proper exhalation. Practice this 4 or 5 times several times each day, and partiucularly when by the sea, or in the country, where the air is pure.

It is also very helpful to imagine yourself breathing in the power that makes the sea and sky blue, the trees and grass green, and the sun golden, because this is healing power and can be absorbed by full breath. When exhaling, imagine you are giving off all worry and trouble from your mind to be taken care of by a higher power. In this way, the full breath becomes not only a physical exercise but a mental and spiritual one as well.

Cholesterol - what is it? / what can we do?

Cholesterol is soft waxy substance found amongst the lipids(fats) of the blood stream in all body cells. It is an important part of a healthy body because it is used to form cell membranes, some hormones and other needed tissue. High level of cholesterol in the blood (hypercholestrolmia)is an indication of a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. It also contributes to gallstones, impotence, mental impairment and hypertension. Blood flow is restricted by cholesterol in the vessels resulting in a reduced flow of blood (and oxygen) to the brain, heart and other organs.

What can be done to reduce Cholesterol?

Water: Excess Cholesterol denotes deydration. 2ltrs minimum per day, to rehydrate the body. Best times to drink 1 glass 1/2 hour before food and 1 glass 2.5 hrs after a meal. 2 more glasses around the heviest meal or before going to bed. Adjusting water intake to mealtimes prevents the blood becoming concentrated as a result of food intake. Ordinary tap water, left to stand - chlorine will evaporate.

Diet: Avoid fried foods, eat more fruit, vegetables and fibre based foods such as oats and wholegrain breads, rice, and soya beans. Use olive oil in the preparation of food. Limit the consumption of eggs to 4 per week. eat more grilled food or broiled fish and skinless chicken. Cut down on red meat, when you do choose lean cuts. Eat only low fat dairy products.

Excercise: in moderation

Nutrient suppliments which may be useful:

PLEASE NOTE: ALL SUPPLIMENTS TAKEN AS TABLET FORM (NOT FRUIT & VEGETABLES) MUST BE TAKEN ONLY AS ADVISED BY YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR. AMOUNTS ARE FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY.

Anti-oxidents in form of beta-carotene Vit A yellow/orange fruit and vegetables, some leafy vegetables. 25mg per day. One carrot 15/20mg per day. Yams, broccoli, apricots, pink grapefruit, red pepers, mangos, peaches, papaya, sweet potatoe, pumpkin, spinach, kale.

Vitamin C: high levels of good HDL cholesterol, broccoli, brussels, tomatoes, green peppers, papaya, kiwi, oranges, strawberries, fresh orange juice. Cholesterol denotes immune system low.

Vitamin E: Wheat germ, sweet potatoe, kale, nuts, seeds and vegetable oil.200iu/400iu per day. it will take several weeks to raise blood level to effective level.

Selenium: 50mg/100mg per day. Selenium and Vut e work together as anti-oxidents.

Vitamin B6: if a diet is high in animal protein especially beef, B12 and folic acid RDA

Potassium: lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. 2000mg per day. Bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach and broccoli.

Chromium: helps lower insulin levels, which in turn lowers cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Helps prevent injury to artery walls. take Chromiumpolynicotiate 300mg/600mg - only under medical supervision.

Omega-3: RDA oily fish and seafood.

Magnesium: emotional stress causes lowering of magnesium. Stress hormone adrenaline also depletes magnesium, raising blood pressure. Magnesium protects the artery walls from sudden blood pressure. Increase. RDA.

Calcium: 1000mg per day

Garlic: in cooking, or on food. Capsules RDA

Pathethine: Vitamin B5, invilved with breakdown and transportation of cholesterol. 900mg per day

ALL SUPPLIMENTS TAKEN AS TABLET FORM ( NOT FRUIT AND VEGETABLES) MUST BE TAKEN ONLY AS ADVISED BY YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR. AMOUNTS ARE FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY.

Arthritis / Osteoporosis - what is it? / what can we do?

Arthritis - inflammation of one or more joints characterised by swelling, warmth, redness of the underlying skin, pain and restriction of motion.

Osteoarthritis - affects the cartilage and lubricating fluid covering articulating surfaces causing underlying bone to thicken and distort. This restricts joint movement, provokes pain, swelling and inflammation. Usually affects load bearing joints, but not always. Causes may be: overuse, injury, age, diet (one in high animal protein and fats creates excess acidity which can be associated with arthritis, calcium metabolism (calcium is not kept in solution but gets deposited in weak areas), toxins from the colon which settle in a weak joint causing inflammation. Circulation to the area is impeded, thus less waste is removed(cleansing)and cell renewal is affected (nutrician). Osteoarthritis is recognised by x-ray by narrowing of the joint space (due to loss of artilage) and the presence of ostephyte (projection of bone that occurs at the sites of cartilage degeneration). Psychologically osteoarthriris can reflect "armouring", or inflexibility.

Osteoporosis - is a gradual loss of bone density causing weakening and brittle bones. This occurs naturally with ageing but can occur earlier as a result of calcium deficiency or oral steroid drugs, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Bone density is maintained by calcium whose metabolism needs calcitonin, produced by the parathyroid glands, and oestrogen: production of these hormones gradually declines with the menopause. Thus more common in women than men.

Water - The cartilage surface of bones in a joint contain much water - the lubricating property utilised allows the two opposing surfaces to glide freely over one another. In a well hydrated cartilage the rate of friction damage is minimal, in a dehydrated cartilage the rate of abrasive damage is increased. Actively growing blood cells in the bone marrow take priority over the cartilage for the available water that goes to the bone structure. The initial pain indicates that the joint is not fully prepared to endure pressure until it it is fully hydrated.

Calcium - Builds strong bones and hard teeth. Essential for blood clotting. Helps muscles and nerves to work. Activates certain enzymes. Foods - milk, bread, flour, cheese, green vegetables. Calcium level controlled by the parathyroid gland. Absorbtion and use requires: Vit D found in fish, liver, oily fish, eggs and milk - which in turn regulates the absorption of calcium in intestine, and calcium in bone marrow.

Thyroxine - Needs iodine present in blood stream. Iodine controls the rate at which we use body energy. Foods -fish, shellfish. Iodised table salt.

recommended - Wholefood diet. Apple cider vinegar with honey in the morning. Epsom salts in hot baths. Excercise - swimming.

Next time you are thirsty - pause for a second

Food for thought...
Water or coke?
We all know that water is important but I have never seen it written down like this before.

Water
1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (Likely applies to half of the world's population.
2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak it is often mistaken for hunger.
3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.
4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a U-Washington study.
5. Lack of water, the No: 1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back & joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic maths, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.
8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likey to develop bladder cancer.

Are you drinking the amount of water you should every day?

Coke
1. In many states (in the USA) the highway patrol carries 2 gallons of coke in the truck to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.
2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of coke and it will be gone in 2 days.
3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of coca-cola into the toilet bowl and let the coke sit for 1 hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in coke removes stains from vitreous china.
4. To remove rust spots from chrome bumpers:
Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of aluminium foil dipped in coke.
5. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals:
Pour a can of coke over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.
6. To loosten a rusty bolt:
Apply a cloth soaked in coke to the rusted bolt for several minutes.
7. To bake a moist ham:
Empty a can of coke into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminium foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.
8. To remove grease from clothes:
Empty a can of coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The coke will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield. This is very interesting. Try it for yourself.

For your Information
1. The active ingredient in coke is phosphoric acid. Its pH is 2.8. It will disolve a nail in about 4 days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from the bones and is a major contributor to the increase in osteoporosis.
2. To carry coke syrup (the concentrate)the truck must use the Hazardous Material place cards reserved for Highly corrosive materials.
3. The distributors of coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years!

Now the question is, would you like a glass of water or coke?

Reflexology - What is it?

Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to the reflexes on the feet or hands in order to bring about a state of deep relaxation, stimulate the body's own healing processes, and help the person return to a state of balance and well being.

Friday, 15 June 2007

Kinsthorpe Tinnitus Group

On Monday 11 June I was priviledged to be asked by Pauline Alcock to give a talk on Reflexology to the Kingsthorpe Tinnitus Group. Everyone was so lovely. I really enjoyed my time with everyone. I was overjoyed to be given a "Lucky bamboo" plant and a £25.00 cheque for my favourite charity the Northants Assoc of the Blind - Towcester Group. Thank you to you all.

Talk on Tinnitus and Reflexology

I introduced myself and gave an account of my journey from breaking my back 13 years ago, being in a wheelchair, not able to do anything for myself. Being fortunate enough to have collapsed, but helped by my wonderful neighbour and Reflexologist Joyce Battershall, where I used to live in Essex. Joyce worked with me, giving me Reflexology, excercises and love until I was able to walk and do things for myself again.

Pain killers and antibiotics made me so ill,at this time. A few years later Joyce's friend Helen Beard was tutoring A British School of Reflexology course to become a qualified Reflexology Practitioner. Joyce thought I would be a perfect candidate as I was so passionate about Reflexology. After all hadn't Joyce and Reflexology given back my life - with God's help.

Lots of study and hard work later and I qualified. This led me to Aromatherapy as I wanted an alternative to pain killers and antibiotics, but in a natural way. I asked the group to bear with me on this journey. Again I qualified as a Practitioner.

I was fortunate that Joyce helped me once again by recommending me to clients she could not see and a church group in Chadwell St Mary where I regularly gave Reflexology therapy. So my practice slowly built. I moved to Milton Malsor Northants. Relocated with the bank I had also worked at on the late shift for 8 years.

Having set up my practice in Milton Malsor, people were kind enough to phone to ask me if I had heard of Therno-Auricular Therapy (Hopi Ear candles). I hadn't, I admit.
I asked my mentor Janet Flowers from Northants University, where I had completed a business course if she knew anything about this therapy. She did and was kind enough to treat my clients for me, but only on the proviso that I went to train myself. This I did and am now qualified. I am now very interested and passionate about the ailments of the ear and head.

Tinnitus - if the cause of the Tinnitus can be found it helps tremendously. It can be caused by loud noise; stress; high blood pressure; ear infection; cochlea damage.

The Tinnitus - high pitched noises in the ear/head - leads to Anxiety. Anxiety leads to Stress. Stress leads to Insomnia. Insomnia leads to Lowered Immune System. Lowered Immune System leads to Tinnitus. Unfortunately it is a vicious circle.

Hearing loss is not usually the main concern for people suffering with Tinnitus, although is an accompanying problem. The constant ringing in the ears is the problem.

Tinnitus can develop after travelling on an airoplane with a cold or blocked nose. A Thermo-Auricular therpay or two will clear this form. It may even clear by itself.

Tinnitus may literally be a "warning bell" for other conditions such as diabetes and arthritis and some forms of immune system disfunction.

Hypersensitivity to SALICYLATES, asprin may cause and/or increase Tinnitus. A number of foods contain SALICYLATES. You may like to consider looking for this on the food package label. Unless absolutely necessary, you may like to consider an alternative to asprin.

Background music appears to be very helpful to the Tinnitus sufferer. Playing soft gentle music at bedtime will help you to sleep. As a backgound it will help you to relax.

One side effect of Tinnitus is stress. Some chronic sufferers become depressed. Certain TRICYCLIC anti-depressants, such as IMIPRAMINE (TOFRANIL) have been known to cause Tinnitus. Please always read the label before taking any medication.

Lack of concentration and being constantly destracted is a such a worry for the Tinnitus sufferer.

Stress is not good for Tinnitus symptoms and of course stress can actually cause the Tinnitus in the first place.

Sleep - both falling asleep and staying asleep is another problem often causing Insomnia which in turn makes the Tinnitus worse.

Anxiety is known to make Tinnitus worse.

Not ever being able to relax is another side effect of Tinnitus.

Reflexology works on all levels. It gives the client an opportunity to talk about what ever subject is on their mind. Often sharing concerns and perhaps being given a tip or two really does help with Anxiety. Just being able to express oneself with a Therapist who understands the condition can really make a difference. Because Reflexology works on such a deep relaxation level it works a treat for Stress related symptoms. The Reflexology will make you feel tired, as it uses its power to get you to sleep. Whilst you are asleep the body rests and repairs. You really need this to happen. The Insomnia will start to improve. Better sleep patterns help you cope with everyday life! As the Reflexology can help all the systems of the body, including the Immune System clients begin to feel better and healthier. Tinnitus may not be able to be cured completely, by gentle therapy of Reflexology and Thermo-Auricular Therapy the symptoms can be greatly lessened with the added bonus of feeling much happier and healthier in other aspects of your body.

I would like to thank you for your interest in this subject. Please contact me if you feel I may be able to help you with any advice. I am passionate about helping my clients. I would love to help you.

Welcome to miltonmalsorreflexology.co.uk readers

Just to let you know that the name Milton Malsor Reflexology has changed to Agate Therapies, due to demand and extension of therapies given. My wonderful website designer Michael Frankland of Yuzool.com has now put a link from miltonmalsorreflexology.co.uk to bring you directly to Agate Therapies.co.uk newish website. I hope you enjoy this new website. Please e-mail me with your comments.

I would like to thank Michael, very much, for his inspiration and untiring patience with agatetherapies.co.uk. Well done Michael!

Look Good Feel Great! Caroline Chisholm School

Thank you to all the lovely ladies who came for a taster Reflexology therapy at this event. Most ladies were astonished as to what I could tell about them from their feet! I was inundated by friends of friends - such wonderful ladies they were! My collegue Bob Matcham ( whom I met at the Northampton Oasis Group )and I did not stop all day! No break or lunch for us - so thanks for the diet!!

We gave demonstations of the Reflexology Therapy to show how wonderfully relaxing it feels and how we can use the information we can see and feel from your feet to know what is perhaps out of sorts.

Many doctors use our knowledge as Reflexologists a diagnostic tool. I was able to inform one lady that her thyroid was imbalanced; another lady that she was very depressed; another lady that she had hormonal issues; another that her sinuses were giving her such deadful headaches; another lady had liver issues; most ladies were dehydrated - we do not drink enough water. And so every lady who came to me went away amazed by what I told her.

Reflexology, by deep relaxation and accupressure points direct the white, healing, bloood cells to the parts of the body needing help. Reflexology rebalances the body after about 4,5 or 6 weeks ish depending on the severity of the condition. Maintaining that wellness just takes one Reflexology therapy on a mothly 5 weekly basis. Most of my clients know when they need a "top up" as it feels like your "petrol tank" is getting low!

Thank you also, to the organisers we had a wonderful day and a great experience!

Northampton Oasis Reflexology Group Meeting

Saturday 9th June 2007. By attending this local group meeting,I am kept updated and informed. This meeting was particularly interesting as Joan Innes gave us talk and demonstration of Vertical Reflexology Therapy. We were able to try the therapy for ourselves also. This form of Reflexology treats the dorsum of the foot while in a standing position.The foot reflexes become far more sensitive and responsive to pressure when weight bearing.For more information, please read Lynne Booth's books. If you would like to have Vertical Reflexology Therapy as part of therapy with myself, please do not hesitate to ask.

Monday, 4 June 2007

THANK YOU! Milton Malsor Fun Day

Just a note to say a big THANK YOU!... to everyone who came to see me at the Milton Malsor Fun Day! The weather was fantastic! It was hot and sunny! It was so good to see so many smiling faces.

I was lucky to have a very pleasent cool breeze, where I had my mobile couch to give taster sessions. The kind villagers of Milton Malsor and the surrounding villagers patiently queued to see me, despite having an appointment system - as they did not want to loose their place!! I finished well after every one else had packed up, about 18.45, as I did not want to disappoint anyone!

THANK YOU must also go to Sue and Jane and their committee who worked tirelessly to make it a brilliant day!! The Barn dance in the evening was such fun and the hog roast was fantastic! How they managed such high standards, catering for so many people - at least 150 - I will never know! If you didn't make it this year - do make an effort to come next year - you will not be disappointed!!

It was a magical day.....thank you to everyone!

Monday, 28 May 2007

STROKE - how to identify

Neurologists say that if they can get to a Stroke victim within 3 hours they can totally reverse the effects of a Stroke...totally. They say the trick was getting a stroke recognised, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNISING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the 3 steps, STR. Please read and learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a Stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The Stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognise the symptoms of a Stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognise a Stroke by asking 3 simple questions:

S Ask the individual to SMILE

T Ask the person to TALK to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently ie It is a sunny day today".

R Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS

Note: Another "sign" of a Stroke is this: Ask the person to "stick out" their tongue. If the tongue is "crooked", if it goes to one side or the other, it is also an indication of a Stroke.

If he or she has difficulty with ANY ONE of these tasks, please call for help immediately and describe the symptoms to the emergency services.

Your awareness & help could save a life.

Wednesday 20 June 2007 An Introduction to Social Enterpise - Northampton University Sunley Management Centre

As a member of the Northampton University Enterprise Business Club I am often privileged to be invited to motivational and interesting lectures. An Introduction to Social Enterprise will be very informative as my dream one day is to open a Therapy Centre for very poorly clients in Northamptonshire to show them how powerful the complimentary therapies are in the battle to get well.

I have had two very poorly times in my life - when I broke my back after a ladder fall in 1992 and again after an accident at work at a bank, which resulted in my right hip being resurfaced in 2005. The special love and attention I received from my therapists have given me the wonderful quality of life I enjoy today.

Thank you to all the good people who work so tirelessly to make the Northampton University Enterprise Business Club so successful.

Monday 18 June 2007 Summer Lunch VIP Club

Recently I have become the Secretary of the Northamptonshire Association of the Blind, having previously been a committee member for only 5 months. Locally known as The VIP Club (Visually Impared Persons) to our very special members! I have had the honour of organising the Summer Lunch whilst our Chairman Barbara Brogden has been on holiday. 35 invitations were given to the members, the drivers and helpers, as this special lunch is to thank the members for the fun and friendship that they give us. It is also to express our great thanks for their friendship and hard work that the drivers and helpers give so generously.

We have a great time at our Monday monthly meetings with lots of chatting and an interesting speaker. Afterwards its the most delicious afternoon tea of delicate sandwiches and the most scrumptious homemade scones and cakes. We sure know how to live!

If you know of any visually impared persons who you feel may enjoy our VIP Club based at Moor Fields, Towcester, Northants please feel welcome to contact me for more details. We would be delighted to make them welcome.

Sunday 17th June 2007 Prince's Trust Clay Shoot / Country Fair at Courteenhall Estate Courteenhall

The Shires Group of Holistic Practitioners and myself would like to welcome you to the Princes Trust Clay Shoot / Country Fair at Courteenhall Estate. We will be giving taster sessions and help and advice re: therapies available in Northamptonshire.

Agate Therapies will be giving taster sessions of Reflexology and any help and advice re: Therapeutic Aromatherapy Massage, Thermo-Auricular Therapy (Hopi-Earcandles). Discounts will be given for treatments in the Therapy Room at Milton Malsor, Northants.

The venue for the Prince's Trust Clay Shoot / Country fair is stunning. The gounds are magnificent. Sit by the pretty fish pond and watch the snap dragons, after enjoying all the fun of the fair. The Clay Shoot is very popular, so this will be a very interesting Event.

We look forward to meeting you!

Monday 11 June 2007 Talk Tinnitus Group Kingsthorpe

Pauline Alcock has kindly invited me to give a talk at this meeting of the Tinnitus Group to be held at the Baptist Rooms, Kingsthorpe, Northampton (behind Waitrose Supermarket, which has lots of parking). The meeting starts at 19.00. I am sure Pauline would be delighted to have any non member attend this meeting. Whether you are a sufferer or just interested please be kind enough to phone Pauline on 01604 862956 for further details.

The benefits of Reflexology to the Tinnitus sufferer will be explained, together with an insight into how Thermo-Auricular Therapy (Hopi Earcandles) can also help. A demonstation of Reflexology will be given and an explanation of and an invitation to try the Thermo-Auricular Therapy at Agate Therapies Therapy Room will be extended.

Helpful handouts will be given. Hope to see you there!

Sunday 10th June 2007 Look Good Feel Great! Caroline Chisholm School Wootton

The Look Good Feel Great! Make yourself amazing in 2007. Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Extravaganza, is being held at the Caroline Chisholm School Nr Wootton, Northants NN4 6TP.It is an all day event 10.00 to 15.00 and is proving very popular indeed! Entrance is only £5.00. For tickets please telephone 01604 237418.

The Extravaganza includes:
FREE workshops, educational talks & dynamic demonstrations.
Stands providing an opportunity to buy & sample products and services.
Therapy taster sessions
Wall to wall interactive experiences
Seminars & Shows
Beauty Specialists
Hair & make up stylists
Professional Image Consultant
Nutritional expertise
Life Coaching & self help
Sports & Fitness
Facial aesthetics & cosmetic surgery
On site cafe
Prize Draw
Support for Motor Neurone Disease Charity

Plus much more...

Ask any questions about your health. I do not promise to have all the answers, but if I do not know I will find out for you. FREE taster sessions of Reflexology will be given, so make sure you book yours when you first arrive at the Exhibition to avoid disappointment. Information will be given about Therapeutic Aromatherapy Massage, Thermo-Auricular Therapy (hopi-earcandles) and the newly introduced Natural Nails Manicure & Pedicure.

I look forward to meeting you! I know you will have a great day!

Saturday 02 June 2007 Milton Malsor Fun Day

Summer is coming.... It is going to be a busy time for Agate Therapies!

June 02 Milton Malsor Fun Day. The committee have kindly invited Agate Therapies to attend the Fun Day to show the locals the Therapies avaliable in our lovely village. Loretta will be giving FREE taster sessions of Reflexology and showing the other therapies, which can be experienced at a later date in the comfort of her Therapy Room. Discounts will be given for treatments given later.

The Fun Day is full of events for the children to experience. A Barn Dance and Hog Roast with salad etc will be the entertainment in the evening. The cost for the Barn Dance & is only £15.00. Entrance during the Fun day is FREE. The Event Organisers work very hard to make this day so good! Please call Jane on 01604 858323 or Sue on 01604 858957 for tickets.

You and your family will be made most welcome. You will all have a fabulous day out!

New to Agate Therapies - Manicure & Pedicure

Due to great demand, Natural Nails Manicure & Pedicure has been added to our range of therapies. You can now experience a Basic, Deluxe or Luxury relaxing Manicure and /or Pedicure using Aromatherapy products, whilst listening to soothing music, as the candles gently glow to add atmosphere. Due to our ethos of health and relaxation, only your natural nails can be manicured & pedicured. We do not use silk raps or plastic extentions etc. To try this new therapy, please call Loretta on 01604 879246, say you have seen this blog to recieve a £10.00 discount on your first manicure or pedicure!

Well done Milton Parochial Primary School!

Well done to the Friends of Milton School for raising just over £2000.00 at their recent Promise Action! The money raised will be going towards the new outdoor classroom due to be constructed in the Spring / Summer 2007. Agate Therapies gladly donated a Reflexology Treatment, a Therapeutic Maggage & a Thermo Auricular Treatment(Hopi Earcandles) as "lots" to help raise funds. Linda Francis of Milton Schoool sent a lovely letter of thanks.

Saturday, 28 April 2007

Confidentiality

Plenty of time is given when you come for a treatment so that we can get to know one another and can feel comfortable together. What ever you say or do in the Therapy Room, remains in that room and is confidential. The time is especially for you...Please feel welcome to call me for any information or advice.

Kind regards. Loretta

Welcome to my new site

Welcome to www.agatetherapies.co.uk/news

Here I hope to share with you many necessary hints, tips and ideas to help you to enhance your well being and energy levels and get back to feeling good. I'll share with you some of my best ideas, tell you a bit about what I'm getting up to around the county and in the therapist world, and share with you a few discounted offers to use at Agate Therapies

Nice to meet you all and hope you enjoy reading this section. Please check back regularly for updates and feel free to post some comments or anything you want to add to my ideas.

Take care,

Loretta