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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 :)

Stoptober: A Great Time to Quit Smoking

General Health & Wellbeing, Therapies Posted on Thu, September 26, 2024 11:38AM

Stoptober is an annual public health campaign encouraging people to quit smoking throughout the month of October. With thousands participating, it’s the perfect time to take that step toward better health and a smoke-free life. Whether you’ve tried quitting before or this is your first attempt, Stoptober offers motivation, community support, and various tools to make your quit journey smoother.

One highly effective, but often overlooked method for quitting smoking is clinical hypnotherapy. For many people, a single 90-minute hypnotherapy session is enough to reframe their thinking and break the habit for good.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help You Quit Smoking

Clinical hypnotherapy works by targeting the subconscious mind. It helps change the mental and emotional patterns that keep you attached to smoking, making it easier to let go of the habit. Unlike traditional methods that may rely on willpower alone, hypnotherapy taps into your underlying motivations, helping you overcome the cravings and triggers that often derail quit attempts.

A session with a qualified hypnotherapist is tailored to your unique needs, addressing the specific reasons you smoke—whether it’s stress, habit, or even social triggers. During the session, you’ll be guided into a deeply relaxed state where positive suggestions are introduced, helping you change your mindset around smoking. Many report that one session is all they need to stop smoking for good.

The Timeline of Positive Changes After You Quit Smoking

When you quit smoking, the benefits to your health start almost immediately and continue to improve over time. Here’s a timeline of what happens in your body after you’ve stopped:

  • 20 minutes: Your heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop, and circulation improves.
  • 12 hours: Carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal, improving oxygen levels in your body.
  • 24 hours: Your risk of heart attack decreases as your body starts to clear out toxins.
  • 48 hours: Nerve endings begin to regrow, and your sense of taste and smell start to improve.
  • 72 hours: Breathing becomes easier as your bronchial tubes begin to relax, and energy levels rise.
  • 1 to 3 months: Your lung function improves significantly, and walking becomes easier.
  • 9 months: Cilia in your lungs fully recover, reducing coughing and respiratory infections.
  • 1 year: Your risk of heart disease is cut in half compared to when you smoked.
  • 5 to 15 years: Your risk of stroke drops to that of a non-smoker.
  • 10 years: Your risk of lung cancer is about half that of a smoker.
  • 15 years: Your risk of heart disease is the same as someone who has never smoked.

Why Choose Hypnotherapy During Stoptober?

Stoptober is an excellent time to quit because you’re not alone—thousands of people are making the same commitment, and support is everywhere. Adding hypnotherapy to your quitting strategy can boost your chances of success. It offers a drug-free, side-effect-free approach that addresses the psychological roots of your smoking habit, potentially making it easier than ever to stop.

If you’re truly committed to quitting smoking, a 90-minute clinical hypnotherapy session could be the powerful nudge you need. This Stoptober, take charge of your health and embrace a life free from smoking.



Curious about Nutritional Therapy?

Therapies Posted on Wed, September 25, 2024 11:52AM

 Nutritional therapy stands at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being. Rooted in the belief that food is medicine, this practice harnesses the power of nutrition to support and optimize bodily functions, aiming to prevent and alleviate health imbalances.

Origins and History
Nutritional therapy finds its roots in traditional healing systems that have recognized the profound impact of diet on health for centuries. Ancient civilizations, from Ayurveda in India to Traditional Chinese Medicine, emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition for overall well-being. In the West, pioneers like Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of medicine, famously stated, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” 🍎🌿

Applications and Approach
Today, nutritional therapy integrates these ancient insights with modern nutritional science and personalized medicine. Practitioners assess an individual’s dietary intake, lifestyle factors, and health history to develop customized nutrition plans. These plans are designed to address specific health concerns, optimize nutrient intake, and support the body’s innate healing mechanisms. 💡🍽️

Nutritional therapists consider not only the nutritional content of food but also how factors such as food sensitivities, gut health, and metabolic function influence overall health. They may incorporate therapeutic diets, targeted nutrient supplementation, and lifestyle modifications to achieve optimal health outcomes. 🥗✨

Benefits and Outcomes
The benefits of nutritional therapy are diverse and individualized, depending on the unique needs of each client. Common outcomes reported include:

– Improved digestion and nutrient absorption 🍽️🌿
– Enhanced energy levels and vitality ⚡️💪
– Weight management and metabolic support 🏋️‍♂️🍏
– Balanced mood and mental clarity 😌🧠
– Support for chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders 🩺💚
– Enhanced immune function and resilience to illness 🛡️💪

Nutritional therapy offers a holistic framework for promoting health and well-being through personalized nutrition guidance. By recognizing the interconnectedness of diet, lifestyle, and health outcomes, this approach empowers individuals to take an active role in optimizing their health and vitality. 🌿💫



All about Homeopathy

Therapies Posted on Thu, September 19, 2024 11:20AM

Homeopathy, a holistic approach to healing that has been around for over 200 years. Originating in the late 18th century by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, homeopathy is based on the principle of “like cures like.” This means that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can, in very small doses, treat similar symptoms in someone who is unwell.

Principles of Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is built on three main principles:

  1. The Law of Similars: The core idea that “like cures like.”
  2. The Law of Infinitesimals: The belief that the more diluted a substance is, the more potent it becomes. Homeopathic remedies are often highly diluted to minimize side effects and to maximize therapeutic effects.
  3. The Law of Individualization: Each person is treated as a unique individual. Homeopathic practitioners carefully consider a patient’s specific symptoms and overall health to tailor treatments uniquely suited to them.

Uses of Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is used to address a variety of health conditions, from chronic illnesses like allergies, asthma, and arthritis to acute conditions such as colds, flu, and minor injuries. It is also often employed for mental and emotional well-being, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.

What Makes Homeopathy Stand Out?
What sets homeopathy apart is its gentle, non-invasive nature. It aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing response rather than simply suppressing symptoms. The remedies are made from natural substances like plants, minerals, and animals, and are carefully chosen to match the individual needs of each patient.

Homeopathy is appreciated for its holistic approach, focusing not just on physical symptoms but also on the emotional and mental states of a person. It’s a treatment modality that respects the body’s innate ability to heal itself and promotes overall balance and wellness.

If you’re curious about how homeopathy could benefit you or want to learn more about this fascinating field,



Conquer Hay Fever Naturally: Tips for a Symptom-Free Summer

General Health & Wellbeing, Therapies Posted on Tue, June 25, 2024 11:06AM

by Anne-Marie Allen

Watery, itchy, bloodshot eyes, blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and fatigue—these are just a few symptoms of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, that can turn a sunny day into a struggle.

Hay fever is triggered by an allergic reaction to airborne substances. The immune system becomes overly sensitive, releasing histamine that causes these bothersome symptoms.

What Triggers Hay Fever?

  • Tree Pollen: Late March to mid-May
  • Grass Pollen: Mid-May to July
  • Weed Pollen: Late June to September
  • Other Triggers: Mould spores, dust mites, pet hair/dander

Natural Remedies to Combat Hay Fever

Try these natural tips at home to help manage hay fever symptoms and enjoy your best summer yet:

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduce inflammation by including chia seeds, salmon, mackerel, and walnuts in your diet.
  2. Local Honey: A spoonful a day can help desensitize your immune system to local pollen.
  3. Green Tea: Drinking 2-3 cups daily can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
  4. Eat Your 5 a Day: Fruits and vegetables are rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamin C, a natural antihistamine.
  5. Pineapple: Contains bromelain, a natural anti-inflammatory that eases congestion.
  6. Stress Reduction: Lowering stress can significantly improve your immune response.
  7. Garlic: Acts as a natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and decongestant.
  8. Spices: Spicy foods, especially those with chili peppers, can help break down mucus.
  9. Rinse Your Hair: Regularly wash your hair to remove trapped pollen.
  10. Groom Pets: Bathe and brush pets to reduce the pollen they bring indoors.
  11. Avoid Histamine-Producing Foods: Limit pickles, cured meats, nuts, alcohol, and cheese.

Holistic Treatment for Hay Fever

Since June 2019, I have been offering a specialized treatment combining reflexology, aromatherapy, and facial massage to help those suffering from hay fever.

  • Reflexology: Promotes relaxation, boosts the immune system, relieves sinus congestion, reduces stress, clears a stuffy head, and reduces inflammation.
  • Aromatherapy: Uses a blend of essential oils that act as natural antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and decongestants.
  • Facial Massage: Deeply relaxing, it helps reduce stress, clear sinuses, and bring relief to itchy eyes.

Take Control of Your Hay Fever

I hope these natural tips help you enjoy a symptom-free summer. Let me know how they work for you!



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