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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.



Gut Feelings: Hypnotherapy’s Surprising Impact on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Mon, March 25, 2024 01:28PM

by Sally Race

Do you ever feel like your stomach is staging a rebellion against you? If you’re one of the many dealing with the discomfort of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the answer is probably a resounding yes. But fear not – the power of hypnotherapy might just be the key to calming the storm in your belly.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection:

Believe it or not, your gut and brain are in constant communication. When stress or anxiety strikes, your digestive system can respond with a flare-up of IBS symptoms. Enter hypnotherapy, a mind-bending (literally!) technique that taps into the gut-brain connection, helping to ease IBS symptoms.

Backed by research:

Picture this: You, comfortably reclined, as a soothing voice guides your mind through a landscape of relaxation. It might sound like an odd prescription, but studies show that hypnotherapy significantly reduces IBS symptoms. A study published in the *American Journal of Gastroenterology* found that participants who underwent gut-focused hypnotherapy reported sustained improvement in symptoms compared to those relying solely on traditional treatments.

Tips to Tame the Tummy Turmoil:

1. **Mindful Munching:** Slow down and savor your meals. Chew thoroughly, and give your gut the chance to process without feeling rushed.

2. **Breathe Away the Bloat:** Deep belly breathing isn’t just for yogis. It’s a simple but effective way to calm your nervous system and reduce IBS-related stress.

3. **Hypno-Healing:** Consider hypnotherapy as part of your toolkit for managing IBS symptoms. Find a certified hypnotherapist trained & experienced in IBS techniques for best results.

Hypnotherapy: Not Just Hocus Pocus:

While the idea of using hypnotherapy for gut issues might sound a bit whimsical, the scientific evidence speaks for itself. It’s not about swinging pendulums or making you cluck like a chicken; it’s about empowering your mind to positively influence your gut health. So, if your stomach is tired of being the unruly class clown, maybe it’s time to introduce it to the calming magic of hypnotherapy. Because when your gut feels good, the rest of you can’t help but join the party!

Find out more about hypnotherapy at Acorn


Spring Equinox: A spiritual renewal

Workshops & Classes Posted by JadwigaPosted on Tue, March 12, 2024 12:44PM

by Anne-Marie Allen

Can you feel it? That subtle shift in the air, the whisper of change rustling through the trees? It’s the Spring Equinox, and wow, is it a magical time! It’s also one of my favourite times of year so let’s kick back, grab a cup of tea, and have a friendly chat about the spiritual significance of this enchanting season.

First things first, what exactly is the Spring Equinox? Well, it’s that moment when the day and night are in perfect harmony, when the sun crosses the celestial equator and we begin to daydream of warmer days ahead. It’s like nature hitting the reset button, offering us a fresh start, a clean slate to work with.

How awesome is that?

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – why is the Spring Equinox such a big deal spiritually?

Picture this: nature, after a long winter’s nap, stretching its limbs, yawning awake, and bursting forth with new life. It’s a powerful reminder of the cycle of rebirth and renewal that’s woven into the very fabric of existence.

And guess what? We’re part of that cycle too!

The Spring Equinox encourages us to shake off the cobwebs of winter, both literally and metaphorically. It’s a time to declutter our physical spaces, sure, but also to declutter our minds and hearts. Let go of what no longer serves you – old grudges, self-doubt, that ratty old sweater you’ve been holding onto for years. Make space for new growth, new opportunities, and new adventures.

But wait, there’s more! The Spring Equinox is also a time of balance and harmony. Just like the scales tipping ever so gently between light and dark, we’re reminded to find equilibrium in our own lives. Work hard, play hard. Hustle, then rest. Give, and receive. Finding that sweet spot where everything feels just right – now that’s the real magic of the equinox.

Let’s not forget about gratitude. Oh, sweet gratitude, how we love thee! The Spring Equinox is the perfect time to count our blessings, to pause and give thanks for all the beauty and abundance that surrounds us. From the blooming flowers to the chirping birds, from the warmth of the sun on our skin to the laughter of loved ones – there’s so much to be grateful for, isn’t there?

Gratitude is at the very foundation for attracting more good things to be grateful for in to your life!

And finally, the Spring Equinox is a time of intention-setting. What do you want to cultivate in your life? What seeds do you want to plant, both literally and figuratively? Take some time to reflect on your dreams and desires, and then set some juicy intentions for the months ahead. Whether it’s starting a new project, deepening a spiritual practice, or simply finding more joy in everyday life – the world is your oyster, my friend!

Join me and Eileen on the 20th March for our monthly healing circle we’ll be planting seeds embedded with our intentions and goals for the next few months!

Planting seeds embedded with goals is like sowing the intentions of our dreams into the fertile soil of possibility, nurturing them with faith and perseverance until they blossom into beautiful manifestations of our desires. It’s going to be such a special night I hope you can join us !

Energy healing techniques such as Reiki are great ways to help you let go of anything that no longer serves you this spring such as old grudges, self-doubt and old beliefs as well as helping to bring balance into your life, while raising your vibration and attracting more good into your life!

So, there you have it – isn’t the Spring Equinox a wonderful time of year. It’s a time of renewal, balance, gratitude, and intention-setting.

So let’s embrace the magic of this season, let our hearts be light, and our spirits soar as high as the springtime sky.



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