Acorn Health Blog

By Anne Marie Allen Reflexologist & Massage Therapist

Most people enjoy a good massage but did you know it can also help to improve the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease providing relief and comfort?

Massage can help Reynaud’s disease by:

1. Boosting the circulation.

2. Stimulating vasodilatation.

3. Easing discomfort.

4. Reducing stress and tension which can bring on attacks.

Aromatherapy essential oils can also be added to the oil during your massage and can have additional benefits.

The most common triggers for Raynaud’s disease is temperature change and stress, choosing an essential oil which is warming, anti spasmodic, assists circulation and helps to relax and de-stress the body can really help provide relief from the symptoms of Raynaud’s Disease.

As a fully qualified Aromatherapist I will be able to discuss your condition and symptoms with you and help you to choose an essential oil which will benefit not only your Reynaud’s but your whole body and mind as well.

You can contact Anne Marie at Acorn Natural Health Centre on 01773 687 349 and you can find her at 17a Market Place, Heanor, Derby DE75 7AA.

By Anne Marie Allen Reflexologist & Massage Therapist

Reflexology is based on the principle that the hands and feet have reflex points on them which mirror and link the whole body including the organs inside us.

An example of this is the Brain reflex sitting at the very tip of the big toe and the shoulder reflex just below the little toe!! Applying pressure to the reflex areas can help heal and balance the whole body.

So how can Reflexology help with Raynaud’s Disease?

As the whole body is mapped out on the feet and hands there are many ways in which reflexology can help:

1. Improves circulation

2. Balances and strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system

3. Reduces stress

4. Balances the endocrine, nervous and respiratory system

5. Promotes the body’s natural healing process

6. Can help to address, support and heal any underlying conditions that may be contributing or causing the Raynaud’s disease

7. Helps to relieve pain

8. Helps to rid the body of toxins

If you’d like to book an appointment or find out more please call me, Anne Marie on 01773 687349. Natural Touch Therapies is based at Acorn Natural Health Centre, 17a Market Place, Heanor, Derby DE75 7AA.

What is a Knotted Muscle…?

By Anne Marie Allen

We’ve all had knotted muscles but do you know what they really are and are they actually knotted?

Well….

A muscle is made up of lots of tiny fibres when these fibres become compressed and stick to each they become tight and go into spasm, the spasm can be a series of small contractions or a prolonged contraction, however due to the compressed nature of the fibres they are unable to release themselves.

Blood flow to the knotted area is restricted new nutrients can’t get in and metabolic waste builds up causing soreness and pain.

In a bid to stop the pain the muscle is given a signal by the brain to rest, with underuse the muscle starts to shorten and tighten up.

Are you tied up in knots?

So what causes knots?

There are many things which can cause a person to develop a knot but the most common reasons for developing a knot are:

• accident or injury

• over use – exercise, weight lifting etc

• stress on the body – due to posture, repetitive movement, long time in the same position

• sedentary lifestyle

Knot prevention

There are a few things you to do to help prevent knots such as:

• stretching and relaxation – the gentle stretching in a yoga class would be good

• maintain a good posture

• exercise – trying to remember to stretch before and afterwards

• B vitamins potassium and calcium – our Nutritionist Helen Duffy can help you to find out if you are low on any vitamins or mineral and advise you what foods to eat to up your intake

• stop smoking

• keep moving don’t stay in the same position for too long

• eat a healthy diet

• stay hydrated

• plenty of regular sleep

• avoid holding your phone with your shoulder use your hand or an ear piece

• lighten your bag

Already Knotty? How can you get rid of your knots?

• Stretching – helps to reduce and avoid knots

• Massage – a massage brings new blood to the affected area the new blood brings with it a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients and also takes away the build up of toxins that has accumulated. The massage will also help the muscle fibres to relax and loosen so that they move again

• Yoga – gentle stretching during yoga can be good at helping to reduce and avoid knots

• Rest

Where else can they cause pain?

A knot doesn’t just cause a pain where it’s developed knots, whats known as Myofascial Trigger Points can cause pain in other places known as referred pain for example:

• headaches

• neck and jaw pain

• lower back pain

• symptoms of carpal tunnel

• joint pain

• tendinitis

• tendinosis

• bursitis

• ligament injury

• due to the pain they cause knots can also contribute to depression

• and can cause reduced mobility

You can book a treatment with Anne Marie at Acorn Natural Health Centre Heanor, Derbyshire on 01773 687 349 or book online here: Check availability

By Anne Marie Allen Reflexologist and Massage Therapist.

If you’re not sure what Raynaud’s Disease is, or if you’re suffering with the symptoms this blog will assist your understanding of it and give you 10 top self-help tips to manage the condition.

So what is Raynaud’s Disease?

Raynaud’s disease is a condition in which the arteries that supply certain parts of the body go into sudden, temporary spasm causing an intermittent narrowing of the arteries. This results in blood flow being restricted to the affected part of the body. Often this is the fingers or toes but the nose, ears and nipples can also be affected.

What does it feel like? Will I see a physical change?

The narrowing of the arteries can cause the fingers or the affected body part to change colour from white to blue and then red when the blood is able to return this can cause:

– numbness

– pain, this can either be mild pain or excruciating throbbing

– pins and needles

– burning sensation

– tingling

An attack can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, although it’s not a life threatening condition it can be very painful and make using the affected body part difficult.

So what causes it?

In most cases of Raynaud’s, there is no known cause and this is known as primary Raynaud’s. It can however be caused by:

– another condition such as an auto immune disease like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

– an infection

– side effect of a medicine that’s being taken

– cancer

– illegal drugs

– injury

– overuse

– smoking

– vibration white finger

– emotional stress

So what can I do?

If your Raynaud’s is caused by something, it’s known as secondary Raynaud’s and treating the underlying condition or changing your medication may help, your GP will be able to advise you on this.

The good news is there are several things you can do to help yourself!

1. Keep warm, layer up and wear gloves and warm foot wear.

2. Stop smoking – Sally Race Acorns hypnotherapist can help you with this contact Sally for a free consultation!

3. Add Turmeric into your diet, turmeric helps to keep your arteries from being blocked.

4. Regular exercise helps to improve circulation.

5. Reflexology, massage and aromatherapy can all help with Raynauds contact me, Anne Marie to book an appointment!

6. Diet – our nutritional therapist Helen can advise you on dietary changes you can make which could help you manage your Raynaud’s contact Helen for a free consultation.

7. Reduce caffeine intake.

8. Green tea is rich in anti oxidants and help to relax the arteries and improves circulation.

9. Avoid direct contact with cold objects.

10. Try to avoid stressful situations as stress can trigger attacks. Taking up meditation or yoga can help you to manage and lower your stress levels – there are regular Yoga classes as well as Mark Clutton’s Mindfulness courses taking place in Acorn’s studio to find out more contact the Acorn Natural Health Centre.

You can contact the Anne Marie, Sally or Helen at Acorn Natural Health Centre on 01773 687 349 and you can find us at 17a Market Place, Heanor, Derby DE75 7AA.