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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 :)

Psoriasis Awareness Month: Understanding the Symptoms, Triggers and Support Available

General Health & Wellbeing, Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, August 06, 2026 12:50PM

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Psoriasis is often thought of as “just a skin condition”, but for many people it has a much wider impact, affecting confidence, emotional wellbeing, relationships and day-to-day life.

Greater awareness helps people recognise the symptoms, seek advice sooner and understand that support is available.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to reproduce much faster than normal. Instead of shedding naturally, the cells build up on the surface of the skin, creating raised, inflamed patches covered with silvery scales.

Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from another person through touch or close contact.

There are several types of psoriasis, with plaque psoriasis being the most common.

Common Symptoms of Psoriasis

Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.

Common signs include:

  • Red, raised patches of skin
  • Silvery-white scales
  • Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
  • Itching, burning or soreness
  • Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
  • Flaking of the scalp
  • Skin that becomes painful during flare-ups
  • Cracked skin around joints
  • Symptoms that come and go over time

Some people experience only small patches, while others have symptoms affecting larger areas of the body.

Psoriasis Can Affect More Than Your Skin

Living with psoriasis can affect many aspects of life.

Many people experience:

  • Reduced confidence and self-esteem
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Frustration during flare-ups
  • Difficulty sleeping due to itching
  • Discomfort at work or during exercise
  • Worry about other people’s reactions to visible symptoms
  • Social withdrawal

The emotional impact is just as real as the physical symptoms.

What Triggers Psoriasis?

Although the exact cause isn’t fully understood, flare-ups can often be triggered by:

  • Emotional stress
  • Illness or infections
  • Skin injuries or cuts
  • Cold, dry weather
  • Certain medications
  • Smoking
  • Excess alcohol
  • Hormonal changes
  • Lack of sleep

Understanding your own triggers can help reduce the frequency or severity of flare-ups.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Around 1 in 3 people with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the joints.

Symptoms can include:

  • Joint pain
  • Morning stiffness
  • Swollen fingers or toes
  • Reduced movement
  • Heel pain
  • Lower back pain

If you have psoriasis and develop joint symptoms, speak with your GP or healthcare professional.

Looking After Your Skin

Simple daily habits can make a difference.

Helpful self-care includes:

  • Moisturising your skin regularly
  • Using fragrance-free skincare products where possible
  • Avoiding scratching affected areas
  • Identifying personal triggers
  • Eating a balanced diet
  • Staying active
  • Managing stress
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Following any treatment plan recommended by your healthcare team

Can Complementary Therapies Help?

Complementary therapies are not a cure for psoriasis, but many people find they help improve their overall wellbeing while living with a long-term condition. They should be used alongside, rather than instead of, medical care.

At Acorn Natural Health Centre, we offer a range of therapies that may help support people living with psoriasis throughout their journey.

Homeopathy – Jadwiga James

Homeopathy is tailored to the individual rather than the diagnosis. Some people choose homeopathy as part of their wider wellbeing plan to support their overall health.

Nutritional Therapy – Jan Cooper

Nutrition can play an important role in overall health. A personalised nutritional assessment may help identify dietary patterns and support a balanced approach to eating.

Counselling – Ranjana Mitra

Living with a visible skin condition can affect confidence, relationships and mental wellbeing. Counselling provides a safe, confidential space to explore these challenges.

EMDR – Sally Race

For people whose psoriasis has significantly affected confidence, self-image or emotional wellbeing, EMDR may help process distressing experiences and reduce their emotional impact where appropriate.

Reiki – Anne-Marie Walker

Many people use Reiki to encourage deep relaxation and reduce stress, which some individuals identify as one of their flare-up triggers.

Tailored Massage – Anne-Marie Walker, George Timby, Kaylea Morley, Laura Kirkman

Gentle massage may help reduce muscular tension, promote relaxation and provide valuable time for self-care, adapted to individual comfort and needs.

When Should You See a GP?

Seek medical advice if:

  • You develop a persistent rash that doesn’t improve.
  • Your symptoms are becoming worse.
  • Your skin becomes painful or infected.
  • You develop swollen or painful joints.
  • Psoriasis is affecting your daily life or emotional wellbeing.

Early assessment can help you access the most appropriate treatment and support.

You’re Not Alone

Living with psoriasis can sometimes feel isolating, but support is available. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing psoriasis for years, reaching out for help can make a real difference.

This Psoriasis Awareness Month, take time to learn about the condition, support someone living with psoriasis, and help challenge the misconceptions surrounding this common autoimmune disease.

How Acorn Natural Health Centre Can Support You

Alongside your medical care, our practitioners offer complementary therapies designed to support your overall wellbeing.

Our team includes:

  • Jadwiga James – Homeopathy
  • Jan Cooper – Nutritional Therapy
  • Ranjana Mitra – Counselling
  • Sally Race – EMDR
  • Anne-Marie Walker – Reiki
  • Anne-Marie Walker, George Timby, Kaylea Morley, Laura Kirkman – Tailored Massage Treatments

If you’d like to learn more about our therapies, we’re happy to discuss which options may be suitable for your individual circumstances.

Contact Acorn Natural Health Centre

Acorn Natural Health Centre
17A Market Place
Heanor, Derbyshire DE75 7AA

Telephone: 01773 687349
Email: hello@acornnaturalhealth.co.uk
Website: www.acornnaturalhealth.co.uk



Sarcoma Awareness Month: Knowing the Signs and Supporting the Whole Person

General Health & Wellbeing, Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, July 02, 2026 10:43AM

Every July, Sarcoma Awareness Month shines a light on a group of cancers that many people know very little about. Although sarcomas are rare, early recognition is important, as prompt diagnosis can make a significant difference to treatment and outcomes.

Unlike many cancers that develop within organs, sarcomas begin in the body’s connective tissues. This includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, fat, blood vessels, nerves, cartilage, and bone. Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, sarcomas can develop almost anywhere.

What is a sarcoma?

Sarcoma is the name given to more than 100 different types of cancer that fall into two main groups:

  • Soft tissue sarcomas, which develop in tissues such as muscle, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
  • Bone sarcomas, which begin within the bones themselves.

Sarcomas are uncommon, accounting for around 1% of adult cancers, but they can affect people of any age, including children and young adults.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms depend on where the sarcoma develops, which is one reason diagnosis can sometimes be delayed.

Some of the more common signs include:

  • a lump that continues to grow
  • a lump larger than around 5 cm (roughly the size of a golf ball)
  • persistent pain in a limb or other area of the body
  • swelling that does not settle
  • reduced movement or stiffness around a joint
  • unexplained bone pain, particularly if it occurs at night
  • an unexpected fracture following only minor injury

Many lumps are harmless and are not cancer. However, any lump that continues to grow, becomes painful, or feels unusual should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Why awareness matters

Because sarcomas are rare, people often assume a lump is simply a pulled muscle, a cyst, a lipoma, or an old sports injury. Sometimes healthcare professionals may initially consider these more common explanations too.

This is why awareness campaigns are so valuable. They encourage people to pay attention to changes that persist rather than waiting to see if they disappear on their own.

Knowing your own body and seeking medical advice when something changes is never wasting anyone’s time.

Looking beyond the diagnosis

A diagnosis of sarcoma affects much more than physical health. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or rehabilitation, often over many months. Alongside this can come fatigue, uncertainty, anxiety, changes in mobility, altered body image, and the emotional impact that naturally accompanies serious illness.

While medical treatment remains the priority, many people also look for additional ways to support themselves throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Complementary therapies are not a replacement for medical care, but they may help support wellbeing alongside conventional treatment when appropriate and agreed with the medical team.

How complementary therapies may help

Living with cancer often means coping with physical, emotional, and practical challenges all at once. Different approaches may support different aspects of wellbeing.

Jadwiga James offers homeopathy, taking an individualised approach that considers the whole person rather than the diagnosis alone. Some people choose homeopathy alongside conventional cancer care to support their emotional wellbeing, resilience, and general health throughout their treatment journey.

Anne-Marie Walker offers Reiki, a gentle, non-invasive therapy that many people find deeply calming. Reiki is often chosen during or after cancer treatment as a way of encouraging relaxation, reducing stress, and providing quiet time to rest and reconnect.

Jan Cooper, nutritional therapist, supports people in maintaining good nutrition throughout treatment and recovery. As appetite, digestion, taste, and energy levels can all change during cancer treatment, personalised nutritional advice may help people meet their changing needs and support their overall wellbeing.

Sally Race offers hypnotherapy and EMDR, providing support for anxiety, stress, emotional adjustment, and coping with the uncertainty that can accompany a cancer diagnosis. Learning ways to regulate the nervous system may help people feel calmer and better equipped to navigate treatment and recovery.

Ranjana Mitra provides counselling in a safe, compassionate environment where people can explore the emotional impact of diagnosis, treatment, changing relationships, uncertainty, and life beyond cancer. Having the opportunity to talk openly with someone can be an important source of support for both individuals and their families.

Our therapists offer treatments in the calming surroundings of Acorn Natural Health Centre in Heanor, Derbyshire as well as online.

Working alongside medical care

Every person’s experience of sarcoma is different. Some recover quickly, while others face longer treatment and rehabilitation. Whatever the journey looks like, no one should feel they have to manage it alone.

Medical care forms the foundation of sarcoma treatment. Alongside this, emotional, nutritional, physical, and psychological support can help people maintain quality of life and feel supported as a whole person, not simply a diagnosis.

If you would like to learn more about sarcoma, its symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment, we have included links below to the NHS and Sarcoma UK, where you can find reliable, up-to-date information and additional support.



Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month: Understanding Tics and Whole-Person Support

General Health & Wellbeing, Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, May 28, 2026 11:50AM

June is Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to raise understanding around a neurological condition that is often misunderstood or oversimplified.

Tourette Syndrome affects the nervous system and is characterised by tics, which are involuntary movements or sounds. These can vary from mild to more noticeable and often change over time in intensity and frequency.

Although many people associate Tourette Syndrome only with swearing or vocal outbursts, this is actually much less common than media portrayals suggest. For most people, Tourette Syndrome involves a combination of motor and vocal tics that can affect everyday life, confidence, concentration, and emotional wellbeing.

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition that usually begins in childhood. Tics are not done deliberately and can become worse during periods of stress, fatigue, anxiety, illness, or overstimulation.

Common experiences can include:

Repeated blinking, facial movements, shoulder shrugging, or jerking movements

Vocal tics such as throat clearing, coughing, sniffing, or repeating sounds

A strong urge or sensation before a tic occurs

Difficulty suppressing tics for long periods

Fatigue from constant muscle tension or holding tics in

Anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional frustration linked to symptoms

Difficulties with focus, sensory processing, or sleep

Many people with Tourette Syndrome may also experience associated conditions such as ADHD, OCD, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or difficulties with emotional regulation.

How Tourette Syndrome affects daily life

Tourette Syndrome can affect much more than visible tics alone. Many people describe the physical and emotional exhaustion that comes from trying to mask or suppress symptoms throughout the day.

School, work, social situations, and public spaces can sometimes feel stressful when there is fear of judgement or misunderstanding. Others may not realise the level of concentration and energy it takes to manage symptoms.

Tics often fluctuate. Some days may feel relatively calm, while other days symptoms can increase suddenly without a clear reason.

Stress and nervous system overload can also create a cycle where increased tension leads to more frequent or intense tics.

Why nervous system support matters

Tourette Syndrome involves the brain and nervous system, which means support often works best when it looks at the whole person rather than only the tic itself.

The aim is not to stop someone being themselves, but to support calmness, resilience, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

Support available for Tourette Syndrome

At Acorn Natural Health Centre, different approaches may help support nervous system regulation, emotional wellbeing, relaxation, and general balance. Each person’s experience is individual, so support is always tailored carefully.

Jadwiga James – Homeopathy, Bioresonance and EMTT

These approaches work with the body as a whole system and are often chosen by people looking for gentle, non-invasive support for nervous system regulation, stress patterns, emotional wellbeing, and long-term balance.

Anne Marie Walker & Kaylea Morley – Massage Therapy

Massage may help reduce muscular tension and physical strain that can build up from repeated movements and ongoing nervous system activation. Treatments are adapted to individual comfort levels and sensitivities.

George Timby – Sports Massage and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation-based approaches may help support posture, muscular tension patterns, movement comfort, and physical recovery where repetitive movements have created strain or fatigue.

Jan Cooper – Nutritional Therapy

Nutrition can play a role in supporting energy, nervous system health, sleep, and overall wellbeing. A personalised approach may help identify dietary factors that influence stress, focus, or general balance.

Sally Race – Hypnotherapy and EMDR

Hypnotherapy and EMDR can help support relaxation, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and coping strategies for anxiety or overwhelm linked to symptoms and social pressures.

Ranjana Mitra – Counselling

Counselling provides a supportive space to explore the emotional impact of living with a neurological condition, including confidence, stress, frustration, social anxiety, and self-esteem.

Tourette Syndrome is a complex neurological condition that affects people in different ways. Greater awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages more understanding, patience, and support.

Many people with Tourette Syndrome live full, capable, creative lives. Feeling understood and supported can make a meaningful difference to confidence and wellbeing.

If you would like to learn more about Tourette Syndrome, visit Tourette’s Action, the UK charity supporting people living with tics and Tourette Syndrome.

Where we are

Acorn Natural Health Centre
17a Market Place, Heanor, DE75 7AA

Supporting clients across Heanor, Derbyshire, and surrounding areas.



Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility: Understanding Symptoms and Support Options

General Health & Wellbeing, Personal stories, Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Fri, May 01, 2026 12:54PM

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility: Understanding Symptoms and Support Options

May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) Awareness Month. These conditions affect connective tissue in the body, which plays a key role in supporting joints, skin, blood vessels, and internal structures.

For many people, EDS or HSD is first noticed through joint hypermobility, frequent sprains, or ongoing pain that does not fully explain itself. Others may experience fatigue, digestive issues, dizziness, or a general feeling that the body does not hold together in a stable way.

Although hypermobility is sometimes described as being “very flexible” or “double jointed“, EDS and HSD are medical conditions where that flexibility comes with instability, discomfort, and a wide range of additional symptoms that can affect daily life.

What are EDS and HSD?

EDS and HSD are conditions that affect connective tissue strength and stability. When connective tissue is more fragile or overly elastic, it can affect how joints and other structures behave.

Common symptoms can include:

  • Joint hypermobility and instability
  • Joint pain or frequent subluxations and dislocations
  • Muscle fatigue and weakness
  • Digestive issues such as IBS-type symptoms
  • Headaches or dizziness
  • Slow recovery after physical activity
  • Anxiety linked to unpredictable symptoms

HSD is used when hypermobility causes symptoms but does not meet full diagnostic criteria for EDS. The experience of both conditions can overlap significantly.

How EDS and HSD affect daily life

Living with EDS or HSD is often unpredictable. One day the body may feel manageable, and the next day simple movement can feel exhausting or painful.

Many people describe needing to plan activities carefully, pace themselves, and manage flare-ups that can come without clear warning. Because symptoms are not always visible, others may not realise the level of effort involved in everyday tasks.

Over time, the body can also develop protective patterns, tightening muscles to create stability. While this is a natural response, it can add further discomfort and fatigue.

Why a whole-body approach matters

EDS and HSD rarely affect just one area of the body. Instead, they involve multiple systems, which means support often works best when it is individualised and layered.

The aim is not to “fix” the condition, but to support comfort, stability, energy, and nervous system regulation so that daily life feels more manageable.

Support available for EDS and HSD

At Acorn Natural Health Centre, different approaches can support people living with hypermobility-related conditions. Each therapy works in a different way, and many people find that combining approaches is helpful.

Jadwiga James – Homeopathy, Bioresonance and EMTT
These approaches focus on the body as a whole system, working with energetic and regulatory processes. They are often used by people looking for gentle, non-invasive support for long-term patterns and imbalance.

Anne Marie Walker – Massage Therapy
Massage can help reduce muscular tension that builds up when the body is working hard to stabilise joints. Treatments are adapted carefully to avoid overstretching and to focus on comfort, circulation, and easing strain.

George Timby – Sports Massage and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation-based work can support muscle strength, movement control, and joint stability. This is often useful for improving function and reducing strain on overcompensating areas of the body.

Jan Cooper – Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapy can support digestive symptoms, energy levels, inflammation, and recovery. Many people with EDS and HSD experience gut-related issues, so a personalised approach can be helpful in identifying triggers and improving balance.

Sally Race – Hypnotherapy and EMDR
Living with ongoing physical symptoms can affect the nervous system. Hypnotherapy and EMDR can support stress regulation, reduce anxiety linked to symptoms, and help the brain respond more calmly to physical sensations.

Ranjana Mitra – Counselling
Counselling offers space to process the emotional impact of living with a long-term condition. This can include frustration, fatigue, uncertainty, and the effect on identity, relationships, and daily life.

EDS and HSD are complex connective tissue conditions that affect the body in multiple ways. While symptoms can be challenging, understanding the condition and accessing appropriate support can make a meaningful difference to daily life.

Awareness helps more people recognise that these experiences are real, valid, and deserving of informed care and support.

If you want to find out more about living with EDS and HSD, visit EDSUK– the only UK-based charity supporting people with connective tissue disorders.

Where we are

Acorn Natural Health Centre
17a Market Place, Heanor, DE75 7AA

Supporting clients across Heanor, Derbyshire, and surrounding areas.



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