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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 :)

Elevate Your Salad Game: National Salad Week Edition

General Health & Wellbeing, Workshops & Classes Posted by JadwigaPosted on Tue, May 28, 2024 10:46AM

by Sally Race

Hello salad enthusiasts and weight loss warriors! As we gear up to celebrate National Salad Week from June 1st to 7th, there’s no better time to give our leafy greens the spotlight they deserve. At Mind Your Weight, we’re all about making healthy eating enjoyable and effective, and what better way to do that than by reinventing the humble salad?

Salad Savvy: Making Greens Great Again

Let’s face it, salads have often been unfairly tagged as boring or bland. But fear not, because we’re here to revolutionise your salad game and turn those greens into a mouth-watering masterpiece! 

The key? Creativity and flavour-packed ingredients that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).

The Do’s and Don’ts of Salad Success

When it comes to crafting a salad that’s both delicious and conducive to weight loss, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

Avoid the Trap of Empty Calories: Say goodbye to croutons and creamy dressings that can sabotage your weight loss efforts. These calorie bombs add little nutritional value and can quickly turn your healthy salad into a calorie-laden indulgence.

Embrace Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Load up your salad with colourful veggies like beetroot, spinach, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Not only are they packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but they also add a satisfying crunch and burst of flavour to every bite.

Protein Power: Don’t skimp on the protein! Whether you prefer grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas, adding a source of lean protein to your salad will keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, helping to curb those pesky cravings.

Healthy Fats for the Win: Avocado, nuts, and seeds are not only delicious additions to your salad but also provide a dose of healthy fats that are essential for overall health and satiety. Plus, they add a creamy texture and rich flavour that takes your salad to the next level.

Dress to Impress: Opt for homemade vinaigrettes or light dressings made with olive oil and raw apple cider vinegar instead of store-bought varieties loaded with added sugars and preservatives. A little goes a long way, so drizzle lightly to enhance the flavours without overdoing it.

The Bottom Line

National Salad Week is the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and reinvent the way you think about salads. By focusing on nutrient-rich ingredients, avoiding empty calories, and embracing bold flavours, you can enjoy delicious salads that support your weight loss goals without sacrificing taste. So grab your chopping board and get ready to elevate your salad game to new heights!

For more tips, recipes, insights and so so much more, join us at one of our Mind Your Weight classes (https://www.mindyourweight.uk) and let’s make this National Salad Week one to remember!



Homeopathic First Aid for Bites and Stings

General Health & Wellbeing, Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Tue, May 28, 2024 09:57AM

By Jadwiga James, Homeopath at Acorn Natural Health Centre

With the arrival of warmer weather, we often find ourselves enjoying more time outdoors. However, this also increases our chances of encountering various insects that can bite or sting. Homeopathy offers a range of remedies that can provide relief from the discomfort of bites and stings. Here, I’ll share the top eight homeopathic remedies that can help you manage these minor but bothersome incidents effectively.

1. Apis Mellifica

  • Application: Apis Mellifica is best for bee stings, wasp stings, and other insect bites causing significant swelling, redness, and a burning or stinging pain.
  • Modalities: Symptoms improve with cold applications (such as ice packs or cold water) and worsen with heat and touch. The individual may also exhibit restlessness and irritability.

2. Ledum Palustre

  • Application: Ledum Palustre is ideal for puncture wounds from insect bites, animal bites, and injections. Ledum can also be used preventatively before outdoor activities in areas with known insect activity.
  • Modalities: Symptoms improve with cold applications and worsen with warmth and at night. The affected area may feel cold to the touch, even though it is swollen and painful.

3. Hypericum Perforatum

  • Application: Hypericum Perforatum is effective for bites and stings that cause sharp, shooting pains, particularly those involving nerve-rich areas like fingers, toes, and the spine. It can also be used in combination with Arnica Montana (described further down) for more extensive injuries.
  • Modalities: Symptoms improve with warmth and worsen with cold, touch, and movement. The area might be highly sensitive to the touch, and the person may feel tingling or numbness.

4. Cantharis

  • Application: Cantharis is useful for bites and stings that cause severe burning pain, significant irritation, and blister formation. It can be applied topically by diluting several pellets in water and applying the solution directly to the affected area.
  • Modalities: Symptoms improve with cold applications and worsen with touch and movement. The person might experience extreme discomfort, restlessness, and sometimes an urge to urinate frequently.

5. Urtica Urens

  • Application: Urtica Urens is best for stings from jellyfish, sea anemones, and insect bites that cause a stinging, burning, and itching sensation. It can also be used in conjunction with Ledum Palustre for itch relief.
  • Modalities: Symptoms improve with warmth and rubbing, and worsen with cold applications. The itching can be intense and may lead to persistent scratching.

6. Arnica Montana

  • Application: Arnica Montana helps with the bruising, soreness, and swelling often associated with bites and stings. Administer as described for Apis Mellifica. It can also be used in conjunction with Hypericum Perforatum for more extensive injuries.
  • Modalities: Symptoms improve with rest and worsen with movement and touch. The person might feel sore and achy, and there may be a feeling of being bruised all over.

7. Rhus Toxicodendron

  • Application: Rhus Toxicodendron is effective for bites that result in blistering, intense itching, and redness. It can also be used in combination with Urtica Urens for additional relief.
  • Modalities: Symptoms improve with warmth and movement, and worsen with rest and cold applications. The itching is often worse at night, leading to restlessness and discomfort.

8. Silicea

  • Application: Silicea is beneficial for bites and stings that are slow to heal or have become infected. It can also be used as a complementary remedy alongside Ledum Palustre for infection prevention.
  • Modalities: Symptoms improve with warmth and worsen with cold and drafts. The affected area may be sensitive and prone to pus formation.

How to Take Homeopathic Remedies

  • Pellets: Place the recommended dosage (usually 1 pellet) under the tongue and allow to dissolve completely. Avoid eating or drinking anything for 15 minutes before and after taking the remedy to maximize absorption through the mucous membranes.
  • Liquid Formulations: Dilute the recommended dosage in a small amount of water and sip slowly. Hold the liquid in the mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.
  • Frequency: Repeat the dosage as directed on the packaging or by a qualified homeopath. In acute situations, such as bites and stings, you may need to take the remedy more frequently initially and then reduce the frequency as symptoms improve.

Where to Obtain Homeopathic Remedies

If you don’t have a homeopath, you can obtain these remedies from reputable homeopathic pharmacies. Here are a few reliable options:

These remedies can be a valuable addition to your first aid kit, helping you address minor bites and stings effectively and naturally. For more tailored advice or for treating chronic problems, please consult with a professional homeopath. Enjoy your time outdoors with the peace of mind that you have natural solutions at hand.



Do we need new year resolutions?

General Health & Wellbeing Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, December 28, 2023 10:59AM

by Dr Ranjana Mitra

And just like that, it’s 2024!

So we start another year with new hopes and dreams. For many this transition from the old to the new will be a much welcome one. If 2023 hasn’t been very kind to us, we are happy to put it to bed and start afresh; for others, it is a time to consolidate the gains from the previous year or look forward to exciting times – perhaps the birth of a baby, a promotion at work, or the start of a new relationship.

Wherever we are on the spectrum of endings and renewals, many of us seem to get caught up in the need to make resolutions for the year ahead. These are often things to which we have given a lot of thought/things we believe we have failed at/ things we believe will make our lives better and brighter. There is no shortage of ideas, with January being marked as the month for veganism (Veganuary), dry month, walk your dog month, festival of sleep, national hug day, national pie day….(I’m sure more ideas are being dreamt up as you read this!).  Do we need annual ‘markers’ to drink less, eat more vegetables, walk more? I would say not. Most of us set ourselves goals throughout the year – whether that be to lose weight, pay off our credit card bills sooner, or make more time to see family/friends. If we manage to achieve our goals it will not be because they were new year (or mid-July!) resolutions, but because we really believed in how much they matter to us. When we really want something, it is possible to carve out the time and energy to pursue it; and overcome the inevitable hurdles everyday life throws at us. 

So, if you don’t have a resolution for the new year, don’t worry. You will get around to making one when you are ready. More interestingly, you may find yourself energetically pursuing a goal at some point during the year, without recalling the day when you ‘resolved’ to do so. We are constantly achieving a lot more than we give ourselves credit for. Getting through everyday life without throwing in the towel is a huge achievement for many of us. For starters – working parents with young children – I take my hat off to you!

All of that said, there’s one thing we are pretty rubbish at. And that’s care and compassion for ourselves. Most of us are better at caring for others than we are at caring for ourselves. Indeed, the latter can feel a bit self-indulgent. But remember we can only be of service to others when we are firing on all cylinders. It’s perfectly okay to let a few balls drop, without being consumed by guilt. Let’s all take the time to look after our mental health. Our relationships with ourselves underpins every other relationship we have/will have in life; and will determine what we are able to pursue and achieve and enjoy in life.

With warm wishes for a year of caring and compassion – for your self!

Ranjana

Contact me for help with any relationship related issues. 



How Hypnotherapy Can Help Reduce or Eliminate Anxiety

General Health & Wellbeing, Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, September 28, 2023 10:48AM

Anxiety is a common and sometimes overwhelming feeling that many of us face in our daily lives. Whether it’s the stress of work, personal relationships, or life’s uncertainties, anxiety can creep in and disrupt our peace of mind. Fortunately, there’s a powerful tool called hypnotherapy that can help you take control of your anxiety and lead a more balanced life.

Understanding Anxiety:

Before diving into how hypnotherapy can assist with anxiety, let’s grasp what anxiety really is. Anxiety is essentially your body’s natural response to stress, a fight-or-flight mechanism that can help you in dangerous situations. However, when this response becomes chronic, it can lead to a range of physical and mental health issues.

How Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access your subconscious mind. Contrary to what you might have seen in movies, hypnotherapy is not about mind control; it’s about helping you gain more control over your own thoughts and behaviours.

Here’s how it can assist in reducing or eliminating anxiety:

1. Identifying Root Causes:

Hypnotherapy helps you delve into your subconscious to identify the root causes of your anxiety. Often, anxiety is linked to past traumas or unresolved issues that you may not even be consciously aware of. By addressing these underlying factors, you can start to heal and reduce anxiety’s grip on you.

2. Rewiring Negative Thought Patterns:

Anxiety often arises from negative thought patterns and beliefs. Hypnotherapy can help reprogram your subconscious mind, replacing those negative thoughts with positive ones. This process is known as cognitive restructuring and can be a powerful tool for combating anxiety.

3. Stress Reduction:

Through deep relaxation and visualization techniques, hypnotherapy can lower your overall stress levels. This reduction in stress is crucial for managing and ultimately reducing anxiety. When your body is in a relaxed state, it’s harder for anxiety to take hold.

4. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem:

Many people with anxiety struggle with self-doubt and low self-esteem. Hypnotherapy can boost your confidence and self-worth by implanting positive affirmations and self-assured beliefs in your subconscious mind.

5. Developing Coping Strategies:

Hypnotherapy equips you with effective coping strategies for managing anxiety. These strategies can include breathing exercises, self-hypnosis techniques, and mental imagery that can be employed in everyday situations when anxiety strikes.

6. Enhanced Mindfulness:

Hypnotherapy encourages mindfulness, which is the practice of staying present in the moment. This can help you detach from anxious thoughts about the future and ruminations about the past. By staying in the now, you can reduce anxiety’s grip on your mind.

7. Progressive Relaxation:

One of the most immediate benefits of hypnotherapy is the deep relaxation it induces. This state of relaxation can serve as a powerful antidote to the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as racing heart and shallow breathing.

In Conclusion:

Hypnotherapy is a versatile and effective tool for reducing or even eliminating anxiety. By accessing your subconscious mind and rewiring negative thought patterns, it can help you regain control over your mental and emotional state. It’s essential to work with a qualified and experienced hypnotherapist who can tailor the sessions to your specific needs.

If you’re tired of letting anxiety rule your life, consider giving hypnotherapy a try. It’s a safe and empowering way to take charge of your mental well-being and embark on a journey towards a more relaxed and anxiety-free existence. Remember, you have the power to transform your mind and overcome anxiety with the right guidance and techniques.

Would you like to find out if hypnotherapy could help you?

Book your FREE consultation


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