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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 :)

Chakras: Unlocking Your Energy Centres

Workshops & Classes Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, September 19, 2024 11:26AM

Chakras, a cornerstone of many ancient traditions, are the energy centres within our bodies that influence our overall well-being. Understanding and balancing these energy points can lead to profound improvements in both physical and emotional health.

What Are Chakras?

The term “chakra” comes from the Sanskrit word for “wheel” or “disk,” reflecting their role as spinning energy centres. There are seven main chakras, each corresponding to specific aspects of our lives:

Root Chakra (Muladhara) – Located at the base of the spine, it is associated with grounding and stability.

Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) – Situated in the lower abdomen, it governs creativity and emotional expression.

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) – Found in the upper abdomen, it influences personal power and confidence.

Heart Chakra (Anahata) – Located in the centre of the chest, it is linked to love and compassion.

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) – Positioned at the throat, it relates to communication and self-expression.

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) – Located between the eyebrows, it is associated with intuition and insight.

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) – At the top of the head, it represents spiritual connection and enlightenment.

A Brief History

Chakra concepts have been integral to various ancient traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. In these traditions, maintaining balance within the chakras is believed to be crucial for health and spiritual growth. The idea has also permeated Western practices, integrating with modern wellness approaches.

Applications and Benefits

Balancing the chakras can lead to numerous benefits:

Improved Emotional Health: Harmonizing the chakras helps release blocked emotions and foster inner peace.

Enhanced Physical Health: Aligning the energy centres can contribute to overall physical vitality and reduce stress.

Increased Self-Awareness: Chakra work can heighten your awareness of personal needs and spiritual growth.

How to Work with Chakras

There are various techniques to balance and energize your chakras, including meditation, yoga, and crystal healing. Each method focuses on aligning the energy flow through specific practices tailored to the needs of each chakra.

If you find the concept of chakras intriguing and want to explore how to balance these energy centres further,

Check out our upcoming chakra workshops


All about Homeopathy

Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted 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,

Check out our website


Vitamin D Deficiency Crisis

General Health & Wellbeing Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, September 19, 2024 11:11AM

Vitamin D deficiency has now reached pandemic levels worldwide, and experts believe that inadequate sun exposure is a major contributing factor. Unlike most vitamins, vitamin D is not abundantly available in foods. Natural sources are scarce, and even fortified foods often fail to provide enough to meet the body’s needs.

Vitamin D is crucial for overall health, aiding in bone development and immune function. Deficiency can lead to rickets in children and increase the risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures in adults. Moreover, low levels of vitamin D have been linked to higher risks of various diseases, including some cancers, autoimmune disorders, and infections.

Historically, humans relied on sunlight to fulfil their vitamin D requirements, but modern lifestyles and the push for sun protection have led to a dramatic increase in deficiency rates. In countries like Australia, where sun safety campaigns have been prominent, the result has been a noticeable rise in vitamin D deficiency.

To maintain optimal health, experts suggest a circulating level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D above 75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL). For those unable to get enough sun exposure, a daily intake of 800–1000 IU of vitamin D3 is recommended. While vitamin D2 can also be effective, it may require higher doses to achieve the same blood levels as D3.

With new research challenging outdated guidelines, it’s becoming clear that current recommendations for vitamin D intake might need revision. If you’re concerned about your vitamin D levels, consider getting tested and consult with a healthcare provider about your options for supplementation and safe sun exposure.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and don’t underestimate the power of the sun! 🌞

Read the full study here


World Suicide Prevention Day: How to Spot Low Mood and Reach Out with Compassion 🧡

General Health & Wellbeing, Personal stories Posted by JadwigaPosted on Fri, August 23, 2024 01:19PM

by Sally Race

Every year, World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a poignant reminder that each one of us has the power to make a difference in someone’s life. In a world where mental health struggles often remain hidden behind smiles and social facades, it is crucial to become more aware of the subtle signs of distress in those around us. This awareness can empower us to offer the support that could potentially save a life.

Recognising the Signs of Low Mood

Low mood is often the precursor to more severe mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. Recognising it in someone can be challenging, especially when they may be trying to conceal their feelings. However, there are key signs to look out for:

1. Changes in Behaviour: One of the most noticeable indicators is a shift in a person’s usual behaviour. They may become withdrawn, avoiding social interactions they once enjoyed. Alternatively, they might display sudden irritability or anger, reacting more strongly to situations than they typically would.

2. Loss of Interest: A person experiencing low mood may lose interest in activities they previously found pleasurable. Hobbies, work, or even spending time with loved ones may no longer hold the same appeal.

3. Physical Symptoms: Sometimes, emotional distress manifests physically. Look out for signs such as changes in sleep patterns, whether that be insomnia or excessive sleeping, changes in appetite, or unexplained aches and pains.

4. Expressing Hopelessness: If someone begins to talk about feeling hopeless, helpless, or trapped, take it seriously. Phrases like “What’s the point?” or “I just can’t see a way out” are red flags that they might be experiencing deep despair.

5. Decline in Self-Care: Neglecting personal hygiene or a noticeable lack of care in appearance can also be indicative of a low mood. It may reflect a loss of motivation or a sense that they no longer see value in taking care of themselves.

How to Reach Out and Offer Support

If you suspect someone you care about is struggling, reaching out to them can feel daunting. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or making the situation worse. However, the worst thing you can do is nothing. Here are some compassionate ways to approach the conversation:

1. Choose the Right Moment: Find a quiet, private place where you can talk without interruptions. Timing is also important; try to choose a moment when the person seems more relaxed, if possible.

2. Express Your Concern Gently:  Start the conversation by expressing your concern in a non-judgmental way. You might say something like, “I’ve noticed that you’ve seemed a bit down lately, and I’m worried about you. Is everything okay?”

3. Listen Without Judgement: If they open up, listen to them without interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Sometimes, just having someone listen can provide a tremendous sense of relief. Avoid making assumptions or minimising their feelings, as this can lead to them shutting down.

4. Offer Your Support: Let them know you’re there for them, whatever they’re going through. Simple statements like “You’re not alone” or “I’m here for you, no matter what” can be incredibly powerful.

5. Encourage Professional Help: While your support is invaluable, encourage them to seek professional help as well. You could say, “Have you thought about talking to a therapist or counsellor? I could help you find someone if you’d like.”

6. Follow Up: After your initial conversation, continue to check in with them. Letting them know that your concern wasn’t just a one-off will reinforce that they are valued and supported.

The Importance of Self-Care

Supporting someone in distress can be emotionally draining, so it’s crucial to take care of your own mental health as well. Ensure you have your own support system in place, whether that be friends, family, or a therapist. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Final Thoughts

World Suicide Prevention Day is a time for all of us to reflect on the ways we can support those around us. By learning to recognise the signs of low mood and reaching out with compassion, we can each play a part in preventing suicide. Your words and actions, no matter how small they may seem, could make all the difference in someone’s life.

Remember, you don’t have to be an expert to offer support—you just have to care. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

Take care of yourself and those around you, Sally 🧡



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