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Acorn Health Blog

What we love is great health...

...and we like to write about how we can all achieve better health, naturally. Sometimes tips on how you can DIY to better health and sometimes on the therapies that can make a difference to you, your health and wellbeing.
Thank you for reading, We hope you enjoy :)

Gut Feelings: Hypnotherapy’s Surprising Impact on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Mon, March 25, 2024 01:28PM

by Sally Race

Do you ever feel like your stomach is staging a rebellion against you? If you’re one of the many dealing with the discomfort of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the answer is probably a resounding yes. But fear not – the power of hypnotherapy might just be the key to calming the storm in your belly.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection:

Believe it or not, your gut and brain are in constant communication. When stress or anxiety strikes, your digestive system can respond with a flare-up of IBS symptoms. Enter hypnotherapy, a mind-bending (literally!) technique that taps into the gut-brain connection, helping to ease IBS symptoms.

Backed by research:

Picture this: You, comfortably reclined, as a soothing voice guides your mind through a landscape of relaxation. It might sound like an odd prescription, but studies show that hypnotherapy significantly reduces IBS symptoms. A study published in the *American Journal of Gastroenterology* found that participants who underwent gut-focused hypnotherapy reported sustained improvement in symptoms compared to those relying solely on traditional treatments.

Tips to Tame the Tummy Turmoil:

1. **Mindful Munching:** Slow down and savor your meals. Chew thoroughly, and give your gut the chance to process without feeling rushed.

2. **Breathe Away the Bloat:** Deep belly breathing isn’t just for yogis. It’s a simple but effective way to calm your nervous system and reduce IBS-related stress.

3. **Hypno-Healing:** Consider hypnotherapy as part of your toolkit for managing IBS symptoms. Find a certified hypnotherapist trained & experienced in IBS techniques for best results.

Hypnotherapy: Not Just Hocus Pocus:

While the idea of using hypnotherapy for gut issues might sound a bit whimsical, the scientific evidence speaks for itself. It’s not about swinging pendulums or making you cluck like a chicken; it’s about empowering your mind to positively influence your gut health. So, if your stomach is tired of being the unruly class clown, maybe it’s time to introduce it to the calming magic of hypnotherapy. Because when your gut feels good, the rest of you can’t help but join the party!

Find out more about hypnotherapy at Acorn


Spring Equinox: A spiritual renewal

Workshops & Classes Posted by JadwigaPosted on Tue, March 12, 2024 12:44PM

by Anne-Marie Allen

Can you feel it? That subtle shift in the air, the whisper of change rustling through the trees? It’s the Spring Equinox, and wow, is it a magical time! It’s also one of my favourite times of year so let’s kick back, grab a cup of tea, and have a friendly chat about the spiritual significance of this enchanting season.

First things first, what exactly is the Spring Equinox? Well, it’s that moment when the day and night are in perfect harmony, when the sun crosses the celestial equator and we begin to daydream of warmer days ahead. It’s like nature hitting the reset button, offering us a fresh start, a clean slate to work with.

How awesome is that?

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – why is the Spring Equinox such a big deal spiritually?

Picture this: nature, after a long winter’s nap, stretching its limbs, yawning awake, and bursting forth with new life. It’s a powerful reminder of the cycle of rebirth and renewal that’s woven into the very fabric of existence.

And guess what? We’re part of that cycle too!

The Spring Equinox encourages us to shake off the cobwebs of winter, both literally and metaphorically. It’s a time to declutter our physical spaces, sure, but also to declutter our minds and hearts. Let go of what no longer serves you – old grudges, self-doubt, that ratty old sweater you’ve been holding onto for years. Make space for new growth, new opportunities, and new adventures.

But wait, there’s more! The Spring Equinox is also a time of balance and harmony. Just like the scales tipping ever so gently between light and dark, we’re reminded to find equilibrium in our own lives. Work hard, play hard. Hustle, then rest. Give, and receive. Finding that sweet spot where everything feels just right – now that’s the real magic of the equinox.

Let’s not forget about gratitude. Oh, sweet gratitude, how we love thee! The Spring Equinox is the perfect time to count our blessings, to pause and give thanks for all the beauty and abundance that surrounds us. From the blooming flowers to the chirping birds, from the warmth of the sun on our skin to the laughter of loved ones – there’s so much to be grateful for, isn’t there?

Gratitude is at the very foundation for attracting more good things to be grateful for in to your life!

And finally, the Spring Equinox is a time of intention-setting. What do you want to cultivate in your life? What seeds do you want to plant, both literally and figuratively? Take some time to reflect on your dreams and desires, and then set some juicy intentions for the months ahead. Whether it’s starting a new project, deepening a spiritual practice, or simply finding more joy in everyday life – the world is your oyster, my friend!

Join me and Eileen on the 20th March for our monthly healing circle we’ll be planting seeds embedded with our intentions and goals for the next few months!

Planting seeds embedded with goals is like sowing the intentions of our dreams into the fertile soil of possibility, nurturing them with faith and perseverance until they blossom into beautiful manifestations of our desires. It’s going to be such a special night I hope you can join us !

Energy healing techniques such as Reiki are great ways to help you let go of anything that no longer serves you this spring such as old grudges, self-doubt and old beliefs as well as helping to bring balance into your life, while raising your vibration and attracting more good into your life!

So, there you have it – isn’t the Spring Equinox a wonderful time of year. It’s a time of renewal, balance, gratitude, and intention-setting.

So let’s embrace the magic of this season, let our hearts be light, and our spirits soar as high as the springtime sky.



5 Beginner-Friendly Yoga Poses

Workshops & Classes Posted by JadwigaPosted on Tue, March 12, 2024 12:26PM

by Connor Levai

Yoga serves as a pathway to self-discovery, connecting body, mind, and spirit. For beginners, embarking on a yoga journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. However, integrating grounding poses into your routine can alleviate any apprehension and foster stability and tranquillity. Grounding yoga poses anchor you to the present moment, fostering a sense of inner peace and steadiness.

Here are five beginner-friendly yoga poses perfect for cultivating grounding and centeredness:

  1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose): Tadasana, or Mountain Pose, forms the basis for numerous yoga postures. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, firmly rooted into the ground. Engage your thighs, lift the chest, and roll the shoulders back and down. Inhale deeply as you extend your arms overhead, palms facing each other. Feel the earth’s energy coursing through your body. Hold the pose for several breaths, elongating the spine and grounding like a mountain.
  2. Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose):Warrior I embodies strength and confidence while fostering grounding. Step one foot back at a 45-degree angle, ensuring the front knee aligns with the ankle. Ground through the outer edge of the back foot, connecting with the earth. Extend the arms overhead, palms facing each other, and gaze forward. With each breath, deepen the pose, embracing the stability and strength it provides.
  3. Balasana (Child’s Pose):Balasana, or Child’s Pose, induces relaxation and introspection. Begin by kneeling on the mat, big toes touching and knees wide apart. Sit back on your heels and fold forward, extending the arms in front or resting them alongside the body. Gently touch the forehead to the mat, surrendering to the earth’s support. Close the eyes, focus on the breath, and release tension, embracing the grounding sensation of the present moment.
  4. Vrksasana (Tree Pose):Tree Pose enhances concentration, stability, and rootedness. Start in Tadasana, shifting weight onto one foot and lifting the opposite foot to place the sole against the inner thigh or calf. Gaze at a focal point and bring the palms together at heart center. Feel the connection between foot and leg, grounding like the roots of a tree. With each breath, find balance and stability in the pose.
  5. Savasana (Corpse Pose):Savasana, the ultimate relaxation pose, integrates the benefits of practice and fosters complete groundedness. Lie flat on the back with legs extended and arms resting alongside the body, palms facing up. Close the eyes, allow the body to sink into the mat, and release tension. Embrace the support of the earth, grounding and nurturing. Stay in Savasana for a few minutes, surrendering to the stillness and serenity of the moment.

Incorporating these grounding yoga poses into your practice cultivates centeredness, stability, and connection to self and surroundings. Remember to listen to your body, breathe deeply, and approach each pose with mindfulness and intention. With dedication, you’ll cultivate a sense of groundedness extending beyond the mat and into every facet of life.

You can experience these exercises firsthand in my regular yoga class, held every Thursday evening at Acorn Natural Health Centre.

For inquiries or further information, feel free to reach out.



5 things you wanted to know about Reiki but were afraid to ask…

Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Tue, February 27, 2024 02:14PM

Reiki, a Japanese form of hands-on energy healing, offers profound benefits for both physical and mental well-being. This ancient practice induces deep relaxation, allowing the body to release stress and tension while promoting healing and balance. Here’s a closer look at what Reiki entails and what you can expect from a session:

Understanding Reiki

Reiki works by clearing negative or blocked energy within the body, thus boosting energy levels and restoring harmony. Its benefits span a wide range of areas, including:

  • Promoting health and overall well-being
  • Managing pain effectively
  • Reducing stress and tension
  • Cultivating feelings of peace and serenity
  • Enhancing the effects of medical and complementary treatments
  • Alleviating side effects of conventional medical procedures like chemotherapy
  • Aiding in post-operative healing
  • Improving mental clarity and focus
  • Calming the mind and emotions, easing symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Enhancing sleep quality
  • Soothing digestion
  • Strengthening self-esteem
  • Heightening self-awareness and intuition
  • Balancing emotions effectively

The Reiki Experience

During a Reiki session, clients often report experiencing sensations such as warmth, coolness, tingling, or pressure, as the energy flows through their body. The session typically involves lying fully clothed on a comfortable treatment bed, with soft music playing in the background to enhance relaxation. The practitioner will gently lay their hands on or slightly above different parts of the body, allowing the energy to flow where it is most needed.

What to Expect During a Session

Your first Reiki session begins with a brief consultation, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns. Then, you’ll be invited to relax on the treatment bed while the practitioner channels the healing energy. Afterward, you may be offered water to hydrate and reflect on your experience.

Belief and Reiki

It’s important to note that Reiki is not tied to any specific religion, although it has spiritual elements. Belief in Reiki is not a prerequisite for its effectiveness; however, being open and receptive to the experience can enhance its benefits.

In conclusion, Reiki offers a gentle yet powerful approach to healing and promoting overall well-being. Whether you’re seeking relief from physical discomfort or looking to find inner peace and balance, Reiki has much to offer. Consider trying a session to experience its transformative effects firsthand.

Find out more about Reiki treatment at Acorn


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