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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 :)

5 things you wanted to know about Reiki but were afraid to ask…

Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Tue, February 27, 2024 02:14PM

Reiki, a Japanese form of hands-on energy healing, offers profound benefits for both physical and mental well-being. This ancient practice induces deep relaxation, allowing the body to release stress and tension while promoting healing and balance. Here’s a closer look at what Reiki entails and what you can expect from a session:

Understanding Reiki

Reiki works by clearing negative or blocked energy within the body, thus boosting energy levels and restoring harmony. Its benefits span a wide range of areas, including:

  • Promoting health and overall well-being
  • Managing pain effectively
  • Reducing stress and tension
  • Cultivating feelings of peace and serenity
  • Enhancing the effects of medical and complementary treatments
  • Alleviating side effects of conventional medical procedures like chemotherapy
  • Aiding in post-operative healing
  • Improving mental clarity and focus
  • Calming the mind and emotions, easing symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Enhancing sleep quality
  • Soothing digestion
  • Strengthening self-esteem
  • Heightening self-awareness and intuition
  • Balancing emotions effectively

The Reiki Experience

During a Reiki session, clients often report experiencing sensations such as warmth, coolness, tingling, or pressure, as the energy flows through their body. The session typically involves lying fully clothed on a comfortable treatment bed, with soft music playing in the background to enhance relaxation. The practitioner will gently lay their hands on or slightly above different parts of the body, allowing the energy to flow where it is most needed.

What to Expect During a Session

Your first Reiki session begins with a brief consultation, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns. Then, you’ll be invited to relax on the treatment bed while the practitioner channels the healing energy. Afterward, you may be offered water to hydrate and reflect on your experience.

Belief and Reiki

It’s important to note that Reiki is not tied to any specific religion, although it has spiritual elements. Belief in Reiki is not a prerequisite for its effectiveness; however, being open and receptive to the experience can enhance its benefits.

In conclusion, Reiki offers a gentle yet powerful approach to healing and promoting overall well-being. Whether you’re seeking relief from physical discomfort or looking to find inner peace and balance, Reiki has much to offer. Consider trying a session to experience its transformative effects firsthand.

Find out more about Reiki treatment at Acorn


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


Stepping Back in Time: The Ancient Art and Modern Benefits of Reflexology

Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, August 17, 2023 01:59PM

Reflexology, a therapeutic practice rooted in ancient civilizations, has stood the test of time as a powerful method of healing and relaxation. Often referred to as a “foot massage with a purpose,” reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears, which correspond to various organs and systems in the body. In this blog, we’ll delve into the rich history of reflexology and explore its numerous benefits in promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The Historical Footprints of Reflexology

The origins of reflexology can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations around the world. Evidence of foot and hand therapy practices has been found in cultures such as ancient Egypt, China, India, and Native American tribes. Hieroglyphics on the tomb of an Egyptian physician depict scenes of foot massage, highlighting its importance in ancient healing rituals. Similarly, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda have long recognized the connection between specific points on the feet and the body’s internal organs.

In the early 20th century, Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose, and throat specialist, introduced the concept of “zone therapy.” His work laid the foundation for modern reflexology by mapping the body into ten vertical zones, each with corresponding reflex points on the feet and hands. Eunice Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist, further developed the practice, creating the reflexology maps and techniques used today.

The Healing Touch: Benefits of Reflexology

  1. Stress Relief and Relaxation: Reflexology promotes deep relaxation by stimulating the nervous system and encouraging the release of tension. The gentle pressure applied to reflex points induces a state of calm, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep quality.
  2. Pain Management: Reflexology is often sought for its pain-relieving effects. By targeting specific reflex points, practitioners can help alleviate discomfort associated with headaches, migraines, back pain, and menstrual cramps.
  3. Enhanced Circulation: The application of pressure to reflex points increases blood flow and encourages the removal of waste products from the body. Improved circulation contributes to better oxygenation of tissues and the efficient distribution of nutrients.
  4. Balancing Body Systems: Reflexology aims to restore balance and harmony within the body by addressing energy blockages and promoting the smooth flow of Qi or life force. This holistic approach is believed to support the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
  5. Detoxification: Reflexology encourages the body’s detoxification processes by stimulating the lymphatic system and promoting the elimination of toxins. This can lead to improved immune function and overall well-being.
  6. Digestive Health: Reflexology can have a positive impact on digestion by targeting reflex points associated with the digestive organs. It may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
  7. Stress Management: Reflexology’s ability to help reduce stress and promote relaxation contributes to improved mental well-being. It can help individuals cope with the demands of modern life and reduce the negative effects of chronic stress.

Reflexology, an ancient practice with a rich history, continues to offer a holistic approach to healing and relaxation in the modern world. By stimulating specific reflex points on the feet, hands, or ears, reflexology practitioners aim to enhance circulation, reduce pain, balance body systems, and promote overall well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, pain management, or simply a moment of relaxation, reflexology invites you to step into a world of ancient wisdom and modern benefits.

Book in with Anne-Marie, our trained reflexologist, to experience the healing touch of this time-honoured practice and embark on a journey toward better health and vitality:

Book here


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