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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.
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How to Spot and Shift the Beliefs That Are Secretly Holding You Back

General Health & Wellbeing, Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, April 24, 2025 10:57AM

by Anne-Marie Allen

Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the right things—saying the affirmations, setting your intentions, working hard—and yet, somehow, things still don’t quite change?

More often than not, it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough. It’s because there are quiet, invisible forces shaping your choices: your beliefs.

Some of these beliefs are empowering. But others—often formed in childhood or through past experiences—can quietly keep you stuck, playing small, or doubting yourself… without you even realizing it.

So how do you spot them? And more importantly, how do you shift them?

Here’s a quick guide to get started:

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1. Listen to Your Inner Dialogue

Your internal dialogue is like a window into your belief system. Pay attention to how you speak to yourself, especially in moments of stress or when you’re reaching for something new.

Do you hear things like:

• “I’m not good enough.”

• “It always goes wrong.”

• “People like me can’t have that kind of life.”

These are red flags—clues pointing to beliefs that might be limiting your potential.

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2. Trace It Back

Once you’ve noticed a recurring negative thought, ask yourself: Where did this come from? Was it something you heard growing up? A belief that served you once but no longer does?

Many of us are running on outdated programming. Just identifying where it came from can loosen its grip.

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3. Challenge and Reframe

Next, try reframing. Ask yourself: Is this belief really true? Is it true 100% of the time?

Instead of “I never get things right,” try:

“I am learning as I go, and that’s okay.”

Or shift “I’m not good enough” to:

“I am worthy, just as I am—and growing every day.”

It may feel unnatural at first, but your brain starts to follow the new pathway with repetition.

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4. Tune Into Your Energy

Our beliefs don’t just sit in the mind—they show up in the body, too. Tightness in the chest, a sinking feeling in the stomach, or drained energy can all signal misalignment. Energy work, meditation, and breathwork can help move stuck emotion and clear the space for new beliefs to take root.

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5. Go Deeper With Support

Sometimes we need a little help to truly shift old patterns. That’s why I created Limitless—a free guide to help you identify and release limiting beliefs, step into your power, and begin manifesting the life that truly aligns with your soul.

It’s not about becoming someone else—it’s about remembering who you really are beneath the noise.

Ready to feel free, focused, and fully aligned?

Download your free copy of Limitless here

Affirmation:

You are not broken. You are powerful beyond measure. You just need to remember who you are—and let go of everything that tells you otherwise.



Manifestation 101: How to Start Creating the Life You Desire

General Health & Wellbeing, Workshops & Classes Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, February 27, 2025 10:58AM

by Anne-Marie Allen

Have you ever felt like you were meant for something more, but struggled to make it happen? The key to creating the life you truly desire lies in alignment—aligning your energy, emotions, beliefs, and actions. In this first post of my manifestation series, I’m excited to introduce you to a powerful framework I call SHINE, which will help guide you through the manifestation process.

Introducing SHINE: Your Manifestation Formula

SHINE stands for:

• Set intention

• Harness energy

• Integrate emotion

• Nurture belief

• Engage in action

Each of these elements plays a crucial role in turning your dreams into reality. Let’s dive into how you can use SHINE to begin manifesting your desires.

S – Set Intention: Clarity is Key

The first step in manifestation is setting a clear intention. What exactly do you want to create in your life? The more specific you are, the better. Vague goals often lead to unclear outcomes, so take time to clarify your goals. Whether it’s attracting love, abundance, or a new career, you need to get crystal clear on what you want.

Try this: Take a few minutes to write down your top goals for the next six months. The act of writing solidifies your intention and gives you a concrete target to work toward.

H – Harness Energy: Align with Your Desires

Everything in the universe is energy, and the energy you put out directly influences what you attract. To manifest effectively, your energy needs to match the vibration of your desires. If you’re constantly focusing on lack or scarcity, that’s what you’ll attract. Instead, focus on gratitude and abundance to raise your vibration and align with what you want to manifest.

Try this: Spend a few minutes each morning visualizing your ideal life. Imagine yourself already living it and feel the emotions that come with it. This will help you tune your energy to match your desires.

I – Integrate Emotion: Feel It Like It’s Already Yours

Emotion is the fuel that propels manifestation. Simply thinking about your desires isn’t enough—you need to feel them. The universe responds to the energy behind your emotions, so make sure to align your feelings with what you want to create.

Try this: Every time you think about your goals, pause and check in with your emotions. Are you feeling positive, hopeful, and excited? If not, shift your focus to what feels good and amplify those emotions. The more emotionally invested you are, the faster your manifestations will come.

N – Nurture Belief: Trust the Process

Belief is the foundation of successful manifestation. If you don’t truly believe that you can have what you desire, you’ll sabotage your efforts. That’s why it’s so important to nurture a strong belief in your ability to create the life you want. Remove any limiting beliefs or doubts that arise, and replace them with empowering thoughts.

If you’re struggling with limiting beliefs, I’ve created a free ebooklet called Limitless to help you let go of those blocks. You can download it on my website here: Limitless Ebooklet.

Try this: Identify one limiting belief you hold about yourself (e.g., “I’m not good enough” or “Manifestation doesn’t work for me”). Challenge that belief and replace it with a positive affirmation like “I am worthy of everything I desire.”

E – Engage in Action: Take Inspired Steps

Manifestation isn’t passive—it requires action. The universe will open doors for you, but you need to walk through them. Inspired action is key: it’s not just about doing anything, but doing what feels aligned with your goals.

Try this: Write down one action step you can take today toward your goal. Even a small step will get the ball rolling and keep you in the flow of manifestation.

Bringing It All Together

When you combine all five elements of SHINE, you create the perfect environment for manifestation. By setting clear intentions, aligning your energy and emotions, nurturing your belief, and taking inspired action, you’re opening the door to endless possibilities.

I invite you to try SHINE for yourself. Start today by setting an intention and aligning your energy, then let me know how it goes! Over the next few months, I’ll dive deeper into each element and share tips, exercises, and real-life stories to help you manifest your dreams with ease.

Remember, you are the creator of your own reality. When you SHINE, the world can’t help but notice—and the universe will respond.

Stay tuned for next month’s blog, where we’ll explore how to overcome limiting beliefs and align with your true potential.

Until then, keep shining brightly!

Anne-Marie



Hairy Bittercress

General Health & Wellbeing Posted by JadwigaPosted on Fri, February 07, 2025 01:07PM

Hairy bittercress, known scientifically as Cardamine hirsuta, is a fascinating herb that often goes unnoticed in gardens and wild areas. With its tender leaves and peppery flavour, this plant has a rich history of culinary and medicinal use, making it an excellent choice for our herb of the month.


Hairy bittercress typically grows in moist, shady areas, including gardens, woodlands, and roadside banks. It can be found throughout Europe and North America. The plant has small white flowers that bloom in clusters and can reach up to 30 cm (about 12 inches) in height. Its leaves are deeply lobed and can appear somewhat hairy, giving the plant its name. The leaves are oval-shaped and grow in a rosette pattern close to the ground.

Folklore and Traditional Uses

Historically, hairy bittercress has been utilized in folk medicine across various cultures. It was often used as a remedy for respiratory issues and digestive complaints. In some regions, it was believed to possess protective qualities against illnesses, as well as being a symbol of resilience due to its ability to thrive in diverse environments.

Nutritional Profile

Hairy bittercress is not only edible but also packed with nutrients. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium. The leaves can provide a good source of antioxidants, which are essential for combating oxidative stress in the body.

Culinary Uses and Recipes

The leaves of hairy bittercress can be used fresh in salads, providing a delightful peppery kick. Here are a couple of simple recipes to try:

  • Hairy Bittercress Salad: Toss fresh hairy bittercress leaves with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad. Add nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.
  • Pesto with Hairy Bittercress: Blend hairy bittercress leaves with garlic, nuts (like walnuts or pine nuts), Parmesan cheese, and olive oil for a unique twist on traditional pesto. Use it as a pasta sauce or a spread for sandwiches.

Hairy bittercress is a versatile herb that can enhance both your culinary dishes and your health. With its rich history, nutritional benefits, and unique flavour, it’s worth exploring in your kitchen or garden. Whether you enjoy it in salads or as a pesto, this herb can add a peppery touch to your meals. If you come across this delightful plant, consider incorporating it into your diet for a nutritious boost! 

Precautions
Because hairy bittercress contains a high amount of oxalates, people who are prone to kidney stones should eat it in moderation.



Holistic Heart Health: Caring for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

General Health & Wellbeing Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, January 23, 2025 10:12AM

When we think about heart health, our minds often go straight to physical aspects: blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and exercise. But the heart is so much more than a pump—it’s the emotional and energetic center of your being. At Acorn Natural Health, we believe that a truly healthy heart requires attention to the body, mind, and spirit. In this blog, we’ll explore how small, intentional practices can nourish your heart on every level.

The Link Between Emotions and Heart Health

Did you know that your emotions can have a direct impact on your physical heart? Science shows us that chronic stress, unresolved trauma, and prolonged negative emotions like anxiety and anger can lead to physical changes in the heart, including increased blood pressure and inflammation. This connection is often referred to as the “heart-mind connection.”

The Stress Factor
When you experience stress, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline—stress hormones that prepare you for “fight or flight.” While this response is useful in short bursts, prolonged stress keeps your heart working overtime. Over time, this can lead to high blood pressure, an increased risk of heart disease, and even heart rhythm irregularities.

The Role of Joy and Connection
On the flip side, positive emotions like joy, love, and gratitude can actually improve heart health. Studies show that practices like gratitude journaling and spending quality time with loved ones can lower cortisol levels, reduce inflammation, and even improve heart rate variability—a key indicator of a healthy heart.

Holistic Practices for a Healthy Heart

Nurturing your heart holistically means addressing its needs on all levels. Here are some simple but effective ways to care for your heart:

1. Feed Your Heart with Nourishing Foods
What you eat plays a critical role in your heart’s health. Foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and fibre support your cardiovascular system while reducing inflammation.

  • Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are packed with heart-healthy nutrients like magnesium and potassium.
  • Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds help lower bad cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
  • Dark Chocolate: Yes, you read that right! Dark chocolate (with 70% or more cacao) contains flavonoids that may improve circulation and reduce blood pressure.

2. Breathe for Your Heart
Breathing exercises are a simple yet powerful way to calm your mind and reduce stress on your heart. Deep belly breathing or practicing the 4-7-8 technique (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8) activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which slows your heart rate and promotes relaxation.

3. Move with Intention
Exercise is essential for heart health, but it doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym. Gentle, mindful movement like yoga, walking in nature, or dancing can strengthen your heart while also nourishing your mind and spirit. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate movement most days of the week.

4. Heal Emotional Wounds
Unresolved emotional pain can weigh heavily on the heart. Counselling is a wonderful tool to help you process emotions, gain clarity, and find healing. It offers a safe, supportive space to explore how past experiences may be affecting your current well-being, empowering you to move forward with greater peace and resilience.

The Heart in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In TCM, the heart is seen as the emperor of all organs. It’s not only responsible for circulating blood but also for housing the Shen—the spirit or mind. When your heart is balanced, you feel calm, joyful, and connected. But when it’s out of balance, you may experience anxiety, insomnia, or even physical symptoms like palpitations.

To bring harmony to your heart in the TCM tradition, consider practices like:

  • Qi Gong: This ancient practice combines movement, breathwork, and meditation to balance your energy flow.
  • Acupressure: Applying gentle pressure to points on the heart meridian can help promote relaxation and emotional balance.
  • Herbal Support: Herbs like Reishi (Ganoderma), Albizia (also known as “the tree of happiness”), and Hawthorn berries are traditionally used to calm the Shen and support cardiovascular health.

The Power of Gratitude and Connection

A holistic approach to heart health isn’t complete without looking at your relationships—both with yourself and others. Feeling connected to loved ones, practicing kindness, and fostering a sense of community all have profound effects on your emotional and physical heart.

Simple Ways to Cultivate Connection:

  • Gratitude Journaling: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day to shift your focus toward positivity.
  • Heart-Centered Meditation: Visualize your heart filling with light, warmth, and love as you breathe deeply.
  • Quality Time: Prioritize moments with friends and family that bring you joy and connection.

These small acts not only nurture your emotional well-being but also create ripple effects that positively influence your physical heart.

Take Heart: Small Changes Lead to Big Results

Caring for your heart doesn’t have to mean a complete lifestyle overhaul. By taking small, intentional steps—like eating nourishing foods, moving with joy, and fostering emotional balance—you can create a heart-healthy routine that feels sustainable and enjoyable.

This February, let’s honor our hearts—not just as organs, but as the beautiful, complex centers of our emotional, physical, and spiritual lives.

Start small. Breathe deeply. Move joyfully. And most importantly, love yourself fully. 💖



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