In Focus...Reflexology

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific hand techniques.

Areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body.  Manipulating these areas can improve health through a persons energy or Qi.

The theory is that blockages in a persons energy field can prevent healing.  Using a therapy like Reflexology can help to clear these blockages and promote healing.

It works alongside conventional medicine and as well as promote healing it can improve wellbeing and vitality.

Reflexology practices have been documented in ancient China and Egypt but was introduced in the West by William H Fitzgerald in 1913.  Fitzgerald claimed  that applying pressure had anesthetic effects on other areas of the body.

His work was modified in the 1930's and 1940's by Eunice D Ingham a nurse and physiotherapist. She mapped the body and developed the system that is used today.


A Reflexology session usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes and the therapist will focus on the soles of your feet - or hands if you are ticklish!  Pressure is applied to to your feet to work out which areas of your body aren't functioning well.  Your therapist will also ask about your medical history, health issues, lifestyle and diet.  All of which play a big part in your bodys energy field.

Specific health issues will need several sessions.

For more information about reflexology, therapist, and training visit  britreflex.co.uk   or keep an eye out for a practitioner at one of our events!

In Focus...Bach Flower Remedies

Bach flower remedies are dilutions of flower material developed by Dr Edward Bach, an English homeopath, in the 1930s.

Dr Bach believed that dew found on flower petals can retain the healing properties of that plant. The remedies are intended for emotional and spiritual conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress and, physical symptoms of emotional conditions.

The remedies contain a very small amount of flower material in a 50:50 solution of brandy and water. The remedies contain "energetic" or "vibrational" nature of the flower and that this can be transmitted to the user.  Bach flower remedies are considered vibrational medicines.


Dr Bach believed there was a strong relationship between the mental outlook of a person and their physical state. He taught that negative emotions can show up physically as pain, stress and illness, and that the flower remedies heal the mind in a gentle natural way.

The remedies can be purchased and used yourself but can also be used by a practitioner together with another complementary therapy.  One that most people will have heard of is Rescue Remedy, which is a combination of the remedies which can help in moments when you feel a bit shaky and need a more positive outlook.  On the Holland and Barrett website it uses driving tests, exams, and flying as times when it could be effective.

The 38 remedies are:

Agrimony - mental torture behind a cheerful face

Aspen - fear of unknown things

Beech - intolerance

Centaury - the inability to say 'no'

Cerato - lack of trust in one's own decisions

Cherry Plum - fear of the mind giving way

Chestnut Bud - failure to learn from mistakes

ChicoryChicory - selfish, possessive love

Clematis - dreaming of the future without working in the present

Crab Apple - the cleansing remedy, also for self-hatred

Elm - overwhelmed by responsibility

Gentian - discouragement after a setback

Gorse - hopelessness and despair

Heather - self-centredness and self-concern

HollyHolly - hatred, envy and jealousy

Honeysuckle - living in the past

Hornbeam - tiredness at the thought of doing something

Impatiens - impatience

Larch - lack of confidence

Mimulus - fear of known things

Mustard - deep gloom for no reason

OakOak - the plodder who keeps going past the point of exhaustion

Olive - exhaustion following mental or physical effort

Pine - guilt

Red Chestnut - over-concern for the welfare of loved ones

Rock Rose - terror and fright

Rock Water - self-denial, rigidity and self-repression

Scleranthus - inability to choose between alternatives

Star of BethlehemStar of Bethlehem - shock

Sweet Chestnut - Extreme mental anguish, when everything has been tried and there is no light left

Vervain - over-enthusiasm

Vine - dominance and inflexibility

Walnut - protection from change and unwanted influences

Water Violet - pride and aloofness

White Chestnut - unwanted thoughts and mental arguments

Wild OatWild Oat - uncertainty over one's direction in life

Wild Rose - drifting, resignation, apathy

Willow - self-pity and resentment

The remedies are split in several groups which can then be combine and turned into a solution tailored to your individual needs.

Bach remedies are sold in a concentrated form that should be diluted with fruit juice or mineral water and rubbed on the lips/behind the ear or dropped directly on the tongue.

For more about Dr Bach and his work and for information on courses and practitioners visit www.bachcentre.com

Reiki - In Focus

Hello,

we're starting a new feature tonight called "In Focus". We know a lot of people attending our shows already know a lot about New Age subjects and complementary therapies but for this feature we are aiming at people who are just starting on a new path.

The "In Focus" feature is intended to be a simple look at our subject and hopefully provide a little inspiration for jumping into something new!

Starting with Reiki, which tends to be one of the first therapies that people  try.  It's a very gentle and relaxing therapy which has gained a lot of popularity in recent years.


Reiki (ray-key) is Japanese for "universal life energy", a system of natural healing.

It was founded in Japan by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved through his research, and experiences.

The system of Reiki was developed by Dr  Usui in 1922 while performing Isyu Guo, a 21 day Buddhist training course held on Mount Kurama. While undergoing this training Usui had gained the knowledge and spiritual power to apply and attune others to what he called Reiki, which entered his body through his crown Chakra.

Reiki is a form of hands-on-healing, through its use, practitioners use set hand positions to transfer universal energy which  allows for self-healing and a state of balance.

There are two main traditions  of Reiki, Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. However, in essence both traditions of Reiki treatments can help the body emotionally or spiritually. It is a tradition that is open to any belief system and in some cases is followed as a Spiritual tradition in its own right.

In a typical  Reiki treatment, the person having the treatment will lie down and start to relax while the Reiki practitioner  might takes a few moments to enter a calm or meditative state of mind and mentally prepare for the treatment.

The treatment involves placing the hands on the recipient in various positions. However, the hands are usually held a few centimetres away from the body. The hands are usually kept in a position for three to five minutes before moving to the next position.  Between 12 and 20 positions are used, with the whole treatment lasting anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes.

As a universal energy Reiki can be practiced by anyone as long as they have been "attuned" to the system.  Reiki attunements are divided into 3 levels, all of which include teachings and attunements. Most Reiki practitioners also run or belong to Reiki Share groups.  These events are usually open to everyone.  You can try a mini-treatment, learn more about Reiki and meet up with new people.

As with any complementary therapy, when looking for someone to give you a treatment it's always best to find someone that is recommended by someone you know.

For more information about Reiki and practitioners near you visit www.reikifed.co.uk

Interview with Judith Watson

Judith Watson is a complementary therapist and our interviewee for this evening.  Judith is a Reflexologist and practitioner of the Bowen Technique as well as developing and providing Naturally Smart Skincare.  Judith can be found online at Smart Therapies

Many thanks to Judith for answering our questions and we look forward to seeing her at the shows next year.


To start could you tell us a little bit about yourself.


I was a primary school teacher for over 25 years until i was involved in a serious car accident in 1999. I've always been interested in Complementary therapies, and whilst convalescing I signed up for a reflexology course, thinking I could aim to going part time teaching and part time therapist. I didn't actually get back to work, as I was awarded medical retirement due to a brain injury. Not the most auspicious start to the new millennium but it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me!

I decided to do a 'proper' reflexology training, followed by Daoyin Tao face, neck and shoulder massage. A couple of years later I was drawn to Bowen, and that soon became the therapy I did most of the time. A close friend of many years, Norman, also decided to retrain at the same time, and we completed the Bowen training together in 2004.

I then went off on a bit of a tangent and started making natural Skincare products! This came about when I decided to learn how to do facials as an extension to face massage, and wanted a natural range of products I was happy to use, on myself as well. When I started to research ingredients I was horrified at what was in many so-called natural products! I read a little bit about making my own and had a dabble, then I discovered that my raw ingredient suppliers in Scotland ran courses on product-making - I signed up to the first available dates, and haven't stopped inventing recipes for new products ever since! Norman decided to help in this venture, and we now both make our products, I make up new recipes and Norman does the boring but necessary paperwork and legalities.


Can you explain to us a bit more about the Bowen Technique?


Bowen Technique is amazing! I never tire of seeing people come into the clinic in pain, and either walk out feeling a lot easier, or phone me a couple of days later to tell me the pain has almost miraculously gone. Even better is when I feel that they are expecting no improvement at all, as in their eyes I have done practically nothing, yet they notice a huge improvement very quickly.

It is a gentle technique that originated in Australia in the 1950s, and has been slowly spreading around the world since its originator Tom Bowen's death. It reached the UK in the early 1990s. It works on soft tissue - muscles, tendons and fascia; most people come for things like a bad back, or a bad knee, but it is also very effective for emotional and organic problems. Many people just tell me how good they feel in general, and have often had improvements in conditions they haven't told me about as well as the condition they came to have treated.


What can we expect from you at the shows?


This year we are concentrating on our Skincare range, rather than therapies. We have spent a lot of time (and money!) developing our recipes and ensuring that they comply with new European legislation that came into effect in July 2013. They are now fully compliant, and we have the possibility of creating an almost infinite selection of products from a wide range of ingredients - I can't wait to get started, just need a bit of time between shows and treating clients! So any products that you have been looking for, just ask ..... We will be developing our range of shampoos and face washes to include shower gels, scrubs and hand washes, and I've been working on sun protection and after sun oils that I'm currently testing on holidays. Norman keeps threatening a men's range, so watch this space!
We are also in the midst of repackaging with a new label, which is very exciting.


Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most?


There are two people, one of whom is not really a writer, both related to my current passions - Tom Bowen, the originator of the Bowen Technique (although he didn't realise it at the time, it was just the successful work that he used!) and Kolbjorn Borseth, who was passionate in pioneering the concept of being able to make excellent quality plant based Skincare products in your own home.
Actually, there are three - Zoe Harcombe has completely changed the way I think about food, and has led me to read many books about food, health and dieting that I now tell everyone I meet to read!


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?


Be confident in yourself - and just Follow the Moon! (private joke that will be understood by Happy Cats fans!)


Would you name 6 “Desert Island” books or films (ones you would like if you were stranded on a desert island - for young ones who don’t know about Desert Island discs!)


Books - A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving; the Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pulman, One Day by David Nichols and How to Stop Counting Calories and Start Losing Weight by Zoe Harcombe.

Films are more difficult as I don't watch many - Love Actually and Tin Tin are a couple of recent ones I've enjoyed.

Interview: Alix Davies from Chalice College

Today we have an interview with Alix Davies of Chalice College. Chalice College is a recognised Penny Price satellite school and will be exhibiting next at Elsecar 24th and 25th August.

We've loved reading this interview and want to thank Alix for taking the time to answer our questions.

Now, for some reason one section of this interview has decided to stand out - I've tried to un-highlight it but it seems to have a mind of it's own.  Maybe we need to pay special attention to that bit!

To start with could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

 I qualified as a teacher in 1971 and worked many years for Rotherham Borough Council in several local schools, I have also taught piano and adult literacy as well as teaching therapies.

As a little girl I loved plants, scents, discovered crystals, yoga and various other fascinating subjects and this interest has continued all my life. I have always had an interest in Complementary Therapies, particularly Aromatherapy and have qualifications in many areas including Clinical Aromatherapy, Infant Massage, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Daoyin Tao, Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Crystal Therapy, Beauty therapy, Hot stone massage and others

I still work as a practising therapist so have an understanding of the every-day needs of a successful practitioner. My teaching is based on practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge.

When was Chalice College established and how did it originate?

 Loving teaching and having a passion for holistic therapies it was logical to combine them, so Chalice College developed. I love sharing the knowledge and skills I have and encourage my students to do the same; many bring here their expertise in a wide variety of areas and we share what we know so that we have more skills and information to draw from when treating people.

Working as a therapist I had tried oils from several sources and found that Penny’s worked best for me, so when I was organising my school I wanted the best for my students. I had done several courses at the Penny Price Academy so Penny knew me and when I approached her to discuss this she suggested that I might like to become a satellite school… I gave her my C V and so Chalice College was born in 2009.

You don't do distance learning, do you have plans for that or do you prefer to be "hands on"?

We have always had aspects of learning that can be done at home, for example part of the IFPA upgrade includes a tailor-made course to cover any aspects needed so students can then join the later modules without having to cover everything again (saving money too).

The Penny Price Academy has put in place some distance learning courses; please ask me for further information. Obviously there are courses that have practical elements such as massage where it is necessary to be present to ensure the techniques are correct.

My own view is that people learn in different ways so some methods suit better than others and it is a personal choice. If someone is confident in learning situations and happy to extrapolate their own information, plan their own study times and is self- motivated distance learning is good for them. It can be fitted into times to suit them and their other commitments. However as with any solitary learning, distance learning has drawbacks – the lack of discussion and exchange of views and information from colleagues being one, another being the opportunity to ask a question at the time it is at the forefront of your mind. I am always here to ask, but waiting for an email reply when you want to know there and then can be frustrating, also sometimes those questions then just do not get asked.

In class we get to know each other, it is friendly and informal; students are encouraged to ask those questions: information can be explained in a variety of ways and we can go over a point again if needed, also as a teacher with many years’ experience I have tips and techniques I can offer my students to make the learning easier.

Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most?

 I thought a long time about this –being not so young I have had a lot of influences in my life:  but came to the conclusion that the person with most influence was my mum. I know it sounds obvious but I didn’t realise it until much later in my life: previously I would have said this person influenced that aspect of my thinking – another that and so on. With a greater overview I realise I was lucky because mum was very open- minded and encouraged me to read whatever I wanted to and encouraged discussion. I remember she would let me have her library tickets (no internet then and children were not allowed to get books from the adult section and anyway the children’s section only allowed three books – not nearly enough), also she took me everywhere she could so I was able to see and experience whatever was possible. All this meant that I came across a lot of information and viewpoints, learned to be open to thoughts and ideas and to evaluate them and so my own philosophies have developed gradually. It is an on-going process.





What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

Again the best advice came from Mum; it was what her father said to her:

“Lass, what you know would fill a book – what you don’t know fills a library”

Never close your mind and think you know it all – always listen to other people and respect their views, you might think you are right but you can never be sure.

Would you name six "desert island" films or books?

Only six books / films. This was difficult – I am a bookaholic!! No six books would be enough, however thinking it through much of the enjoyment of a book is in sharing it with others, so the ones I have chosen are ones I have particularly enjoyed sharing with people who mean a lot to me and re-reading those books brings back that happiness. I have ‘cheated’ a bit; instead of films I have plays

1. The Wind in the Willows

Mum read this to me when I was very young (along with many others). I liked this because I liked the character of Ratty, he was so generous and went out of his way to give pleasure to others and always considered their feeling, putting their well-being ahead of his own. I experienced so many feelings in this book – awe on finding Otters lost son and meeting Pan; fear in the Wild Wood; the feelings and emotions that were brought by the different seasons, and not least the humour surrounding Toads adventures and character.

2. The Water Babies

Another one read to me when little. I have re-read this many times and have had increasingly better understanding of it as I got older. As a little girl I couldn’t understand how Tom could cry because Mr. Grimes being hurt and punished – I thought he deserved it. This book was probably the earliest lesson in karma that I remember.

3. Tom Sawyer

It was so funny and the people so true to people everywhere. I love Mark Twain’s humour. I particularly liked Tom having to paint the fence and getting others to do it for him, it was so clever; also his comment that he was only called Thomas when he was in trouble – this came back to me when at times I gave my own children their full titles, and when they call me ‘mother’ instead of ‘mum’.

These three books particularly take me back to evenings cuddled up and sharing the emotions of all the adventures, to a time of being loved, secure and taken care of; love and happiness. I have read these to my children and grandchildren because these are things that should be shared.

4. The Crucible. I am really thinking about an RSC performance here that was ‘in the round’. We were in a large hall, the actors moved in and through the audience and in that way we became part of the action, particularly the courtroom scene, became equally responsible for the decisions made, and so it was particularly powerful. At the end the audience was too stunned to react and it took ages before we could move to give applause (which was overwhelming too). I had taken my elder daughter and was a wonderful experience to have shared. The book brings back the memory.

5. The Canterbury Tales

This again is a theatre performance, I had taken my younger daughter and we actually did laugh until it hurt. I have heard that term but this is the only time I experienced it – we held our sides because they ached.

Before the performance officially began, the late Brian Glover came out and walked round the audience in a chicken costume (The Nun’s Priest’s Tale). He was the Miller he told us and the powers that be wouldn’t allow him to tell his tale as it was too bawdy; he was drumming up support in the audience to get them to let him tell it, the audience joined in and of course we got all the tales including the rude ones. The humour was not just in the stories themselves but in the portrayal of the characters, the visual humour of the costumes and the altercations between the ‘stuffed shirt’ attitude of the ‘directors’ and the down to earth character that Brian Glover played so well.

I would choose this not only because it reminds me of a great evening sharing this with my daughter, but takes me back to doing ‘A’ level English Lit. We were only going to study the moral and uplifting ones but like in the play we all read the rude ones as well, which I am sure the teachers expected. A happy time I am glad to return to.

6. The White Goddess. I admire Robert Graves, his poetry, his prose, his plays. I have added this book because each time I read it, it gives me more to think about. It reminds me of Graves himself, his other works and what a brilliant mind he had. This book and others like it have helped to form my thinking taking me to where I am now and to the so very lovely people I meet in the course of this work. Like Ratty they are generous, unselfish put the welfare of others as a main concern; they are loving and lovely people.