SchoolofCT

The School of Complementary Therapies

Introduction to Using Complementary Therapy as Part of Personalized Health Care

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Note: I have used information from an article on Palliative Care, however the information is general for all health issues – so read on.

Palliative Care and Complementary Therapy – What? How? Why? Where?
(from the Palliative Care Services Resource Guide Eastern Ontario 2000 section on Complementary Therapy written by J. Fairbrass)

Along with traditional medicine, complementary therapy is an approach to well-being, comfort and care by using, for example, massage, relaxation, meditation, stimulation of the body’s senses and nutritional aids.

The value of this type of therapy is becoming more accepted in the care of persons with a terminal illness. This group of therapies is used with, not instead of, medical care.

The complementary health care movement is about taking charge of your health care lifestyle. Knowing yourself, and with it takes for you to be well, helps you live your daily life in a way that promotes your health, even when you are faced with a life threatening illness. An experienced complementary therapist will help you to understand these ideas and find treatments that are best for you.

A Selection of Complementary Therapies Frequently Used in Palliative Care:

The following list includes very brief descriptions of a number of therapies. A cautionary note: as most complementary therapies are not regulated, the best way to find a therapist to work with is through a personal recommendation. Look for personal and professional experience-ask questions. Before making arrangements for service, you are advised to enquire with therapists regarding their formal training, certification, experience, availability and service fees. Make sure that complementary therapy is that person’s main focus. An increasing number of complementary therapies are covered by Extended Health Care Insurance.

Acupuncture
An ancient, specific technique based on the principle that there is energy which circulates through the body through channels called meridians. Any stress or illness can cause blocks in the flow of energy. The insertion of fine needles in the various acupoints may alter or increase energy flow through the body, thereby decreasing various symptoms and enhancing energy and balance.
The use of aromatic essences from plants called essential oils, to effect changes in well-being. Massage, inhalation and baths containing essential oils are used to transport the essences throughout the body to affect organ functions, including sedation, stimulation and digestive aids. The essence captures ethereal and subtle plant energies, having profound effects on the mind and emotions.
All things manifested in the universe have vibrations-energy. Each cell, organ, muscle and bones in the human body vibrates to a set frequency. Changes in vibration cause stress on the body, eventually leading to unpleasant symptoms. Each colour of the spectrum has it own vibration. By using colour we can maintain or alter the vibrations of the body to a frequency which induces health, well-being and harmony.

Music Therapy
As in colour therapy, changes in vibration cause stress on the body, eventually leading to unpleasant symptoms. By surrounding ourselves with soothing pleasing sounds, and gentle vibration we can maintain or alter the vibrations of the body to a frequency which induces a sense of well-being and harmony.

Naturopathy/Naturotherapy
A combination of various natural therapies and healing techniques, using ancient traditions and modern sciences, based on “the healing power of nature”. Underlying causes of illness are considered, predominately lifestyle and dietary. Naturopaths and Naturotherapists use varying therapies, including reflexology, herbalism, aromatherapy, etc.

Massage Therapy
Massage uses therapeutic stroking and kneading usually using oil and working in a systematic pattern. The goal is to treat a specific problem and/or create relaxation in the body.

Nutrition Therapies
This is vast area, covering allergies to psycho-emotional issues. Nutrition is the means by which we supply nourishment to our bodies, mind, spirit and emotions. Counsellors assist clients to examine their eating habits and make appropriate changes.

Reflexology
A specific bodywork technique, where the therapist strokes, massage and applies pressure to the hands or feet to effect changes in another part of the body, to relax muscles and stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself. The Reflexologist sees a map of the body on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet. All energy runs through the body in lines, based on acupressure principles ending on the feet, hands, top of the head and ears. By massaging and applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet, the whole body receives the benefit of a treatment. The session induces rest and relaxation, relieving stress, and activating the parasympathetic nervous system to begin to repair.

Reiki
Reiki is a non-invasive, gentle energy healing system based on ancient Tibetan knowledge. It can very easily be used with other therapies, including orthodox medicine. When receiving a Reiki treatment, the client is fully clothed. The therapist gently places their hands on the body and face of the client in a set pattern. It very quickly induces deep relaxation and is therefore extremely useful in stress management. Reiki has also been successfully used in pain management. One does not have to believe in Reiki for it to work but a positive attitude towards wellness may certainly reinforce effects of any type of treatment. A neutral or negative attitude (“I don’t know if I really believe in this”) will not block the effects of Reiki.

Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques counterbalance stress reactions to the strains of modern living, including fight or flight feelings, release of bodily pollutants and reduction of stress. These are methods that help you relax, working with the mind and/or the body, and for some, an integrated body, mind, spirit process. Most help to consciously relax muscles and metabolism.

Imagery or Visualizaton
(also known as Hypnotherapy) – using the mind to induce relaxation or healing. It can be as simple as imagining yourself on a beach, with the therapist assisting you in creating a picture in your mind, to the complex personal approach of “seeing with your mind’s eye” thousands of “pacmen” racing through your body eating cancer cells.

Meditation Techniques – relaxation from ancient times. Meditation is stilling of the mind by focusing on one thing at a time. Although often associated with prayer through the centuries by most religions, early 20th century scientists demystified the relaxation experience. Whether practiced with spiritual intent, or just being intent on relaxation, the calmness and well-being brought about by meditation is induced through stilling the mind, bringing attention to breathing, the body, and relaxing the body.

Progressive Relaxation – Deep Muscle Relaxation
by awareness and progressive muscle tensing and relaxing of muscle groups is often used in conjunction with breathwork to achieve a very conscious feeling of relaxation.

Therapeutic Touch
Based on research into energy-based healing, the therapeutic touch method is laying-on of hands engaging human energy transfer in the act of healing. Developed by a professor of nursing, this technique is used in hospitals worldwide. Therapeutic touch uses life energy transfer from practitioner to client to modulate energy and balance the energy field. The practitioner’s hands are held just above the client’s body in order to sense energy and detect any blocked or distressed areas.

You will most likely have heard of many more therapies as this world expands, however I trust this introduction has peeked your curiosity and you are now ready to learn more. We offer courses for beginners and professional therapists at the School of Complementary Therapies and welcome new students daily. Our current expansion of services includes correspondence courses and classroom courses in Vancouver. Please pass our newsletters to your friends, and do contact us with feedback.

Currently, my services as an Holistic Health Consultant are available in Ottawa, Ontario and Vancouver, BC, on-line via email- by phone or by Skype-tell your family and friends out west! And call us at 206 201 2764 or e-mail or appointments.

Jacqueline

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call  206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

Take Time To Heal

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Following the theme of taking time to rest and repair from December newsletter I was taking my own advice and pausing to catch-up on some reading over the holiday season when I came across this quote:

“Being unstoppably on the go is considered to be the behavior of responsible adults; therefore, we usually resist the interludes offered by ill health.”
(from Practice Changing Your Mind by Wendy Beall)

This totally resonated with me as I so often hear from clients and friends about how they had this cold or that flu, but didn’t have time to take off and just had to carry on. This is of course totally reinforced by marketing practices; I also spent some time watching TV over the holiday season and I became aware of how much advertising encourages this unhealthy practice. All sorts of medications are available to help us continue and get back to work when we are feeling unwell. So rather than using our sick days to stand still (or more realistically to lie still) and take some time out to think and explore where we are in life and how we feel about ourselves, we either refuse to take time off or we rush back to the treadmill as quickly as possible. When we could be recognizing a cold or a flu as a sign that we need to slow down and turn inward, we often instead feel compelled to soldier on. So rather than acknowledging the usefulness of an illness or injury that temporarily incapacitates us, we restlessly insist upon keeping on going.

From the holistic perspective, holistic coming from the Greek word “holos” meaning “whole”, that is acknowledging that body, mind, spirit and emotion are all integral parts of who we are, ill health is always a message.  It’s a message from the body to the mind saying “slow down”—a message from you to you! Unfortunately so many of us rush to ignore it and get back into our busy routines as soon as we can in order to avoid that time with just ourselves. This leads to imbalance in our lives and a sense of life just rushing along. We lose the joy and beauty in the everyday unless we slow down. Ill-health is a reminder to slow-down and be. When we take that time we often reconnect with our creative aspects. I.e. During the holidays I pulled out my art supplies and actually took time to draw and paint. Something I’m always going to do “when I have time” by slowing down I found the time and nurturing my creative aspect became a priority. Sometimes it can be even simpler—don’t suppress cold symptoms! When your head is full of mucous—do you want to keep it in or get rid of it? Sometimes we actually need a cold to clean out our body!

Taking time to rest and repair may also allow us to put parts of our lives into perspective. Are the deadlines we put on ourselves real or imaginary? A good friend of mine helps me with that. David Anderson is a Registered Piano Tuner (and very talented musician). He said to me one day “Have to go-there’s a piano lying on the floor bleeding!” When I get caught up in deadlines and emergencies I catch myself and check if it’s real or exaggerated-life or death? I don’t think so!

So, this winter if you catch a cold or go down with the flu take time out to look after yourself. Drink plenty of fluids, eat lightly and take time to rest. Not only will your body appreciate it, but also so will the other aspects of you-mind, emotions and spirit.

Jacqueline Fairbrass

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call 206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

Can Brushing Help You Lose Weight?

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When you are trying to maintain a healthy weight you may want to try brushing! There are two different types of brushing that I am referring to:

1. Brush Your Teeth

Last year a study published in the Journal of the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity announced that people who brush their teeth after every meal tend to remain slimmer than those who do not brush as often. Japanese researchers discovered this effect when they compared the lifestyle habits of nearly 14,000 people. The average age of these participants was mid-forties. The researchers concluded that tooth brushing is a good health habit that could play a role in preventing obesity. I suggest brushing your teeth at least twice a day, accompanied by daily flossing, to help prevent the build-up of small amounts of food that attract and nourish bacteria. So if bad breath, gingivitis, or cavities are not good enough reason to brush and floss regularly, consider becoming a slimmer you!

2. Dry Brushing

This simple addition to your daily routine may be the easiest thing you ever did to help you lose weight. Before you take your shower in the morning brush yourself all over with a skin brush. It will wake up your circulation, and you may even decide to give up your morning coffee!

The skin is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for one-quarter of the body’s detoxification each day. When you brush your skin you help your lymph system to clean itself of the toxins that collect in the lymph glands. You improve the surface circulation on the skin and keep the pores open, encouraging your body to discharge metabolic waste and improve the skin’s ability to combat bacteria. In addition, you are helping your skin to look and feel healthy and more resilient!

  • Improved digestion
  • Decreased cellulite
  • Stimulated circulation
  • Increased cell renewal
  • Cleaner lymphatic system
  • Removal of dead skin
  • Stronger immune system

How To Skin Brush

  1. Purchase a natural bristle brush with a long handle. Synthetic materials may scratch the skin. You need to be able to reach all over the body.
  2. Skin brush before showering or bathing once per day on dry skin. Wet skin will not show the same benefits.
  3. Always skin brush towards the heart.
  4. Begin by brushing the soles of the feet. The nerve endings on the feet affect the whole body. Next brush the ankles, calves, and thighs, then brush across your stomach and buttocks and lastly brush your hands to the arms.
  5. Brush in circular counter-clockwise strokes on the abdomen.
  6. Brush with lighter strokes over and around breasts and do not brush your nipples.
  7. Brush each part of the body in circular strokes, completely brushing the whole body.
  8. Take a warm bath or shower, which may be followed by a cool rinse at the end to invigorate blood circulation and stimulate surface warmth.
  9. Then moisturize your entire body. I suggest a sweet almond oil self-massage.

Don’t forget to wash your brush every few weeks in water and let it dry naturally.

If you would like more information on keeping your skin healthy, to lose weight or to start a personalized wellness Program, please contact me for an appointment.

Jacqueline Fairbrass

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call 206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

3 Steps to Instant Weight Loss & Increased Energy

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Well, it’s that time of year again. As the sun begins to appear on a more regular basis each day we start to shed our layers of clothing. And often what we find underneath has us looking forward to winter days and sweaters again! If you have gained a few pounds over the winter months and would like to drop them before the summer, but do not want to go on a diet plan or join the gym…keep reading, I just might have some answers for you

  • Try taking wheat out of your diet

No, I’m not promoting a carb-free diet plan! What I’m suggesting is that you remove wheat and replace it with other grains. According to Dr. Susan Lark, one of the most common food allergens and a major cause of false fat in many people is wheat. Wheat contains a protein called gluten, which is difficult to break down, absorb and assimilate…all of which can trigger fatigue, depression, bloating and intestinal gas.

  1. Try this for one week: substitute your usual wheat breads with bread made with rice, millet, amaranth, quinoa, or soy and oat; crackers made with rice or potatoes; pasta made with corn, rice, quinoa, or buckwheat; and cookies made with rice, oat or millet flour. Check out your cereal box and go for a wheat free option in the morning. Don’t know where to get them? You’ll find plenty of delicious options in your local health food stores or that green healthy aisle in your supermarket.Reluctant to try? Think about these factors:
  2. You don’t have to diet.
  3. You don’t have to get up early to go to the gym before your day begins or run a marathon or punish yourself with hours of boring exercise.
  4. You won’t go hungry as you will still be eating.
  5. All you will be doing is:
    • You will simply eliminate one food that can trigger inflammation and pack on false fat. And with this one simple step, you may be on your way to shedding those unwanted pounds

(Note: this may or may not work for you. But if you are interested in a personal eating plan to find out if you have a wheat sensitivity or are sensitive to other food types which may be resulting in weight gain and loss of energy, contact me for an appointment by email today and get started on a personalized programto a healthier you!)

  • Reduce your appetite

Yes, I know how to do this! And, I’m sharing it with you, here, today, now and for free!

  1. The big trend has been to tell people that to lose weight they need to avoid fats. But some essential fats help you feel full and can even reduce your appetite! It’s true! And, what’s more is that fibre is also known for this.
  2. Flaxseed will add both these to your daily diet. It’s full of omega-3 fatty acids and an excellent source of fiber. Bonus: the essential oils in flax may also help do wonders for your skin.

Flaxseed is a small seed that resembles a sesame seed. You can use it in a variety of ways — but it must be milled or ground for the nutrients to be released. Get a coffee grinder and pop a few tablespoons in each morning, sprinkle on your breakfast and enjoy the benefits. I suggest four to six tablespoons daily, alone or sprinkled on food. Milled flax tastes great in hot or cold cereal, on salads, pasta, or in shakes.

(Note: this is part of a healthy lifestyle change that may be beneficial to you. If you are in doubt abut whether this can work for you, please contact your MD before trying it out and/or make an appointment with me and get started on a personalized program to a healthier you!)

  • Feel full longer

  1. You know this one by now, I’m sure:
    • Drink more water: 8 to 10 glasses a day. Often our body registers hunger when we are actually thirsty. Try a glass of water first and wait and see. See Article Feb 2006 for more info.
    • If you are taking the flax, you’ll need to drink more water to bulk it up as it sweeps through your colon giving you a nice spring clean! See Article March 2006 for more information on spring cleaning the body.

If you feel at anytime you would like some help with getting your diet back on track and are looking for someone with a balanced approach to assist you on apersonalized wellness program call 206.201.2764 for an appointment. I can help you with a spring cleaning Program that will lift your spirits, tune up your body and lose some of those winter pounds.

And please, let me know your progress! I’m always happy to hear from readers about their personal experiences using the tips provided.

Jacqueline Fairbrass

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call 206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

The Perfect Cuppa…Feeling Good and Looking Good With Tea

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More info from the Feeling Absolutely Fabulous Program™

Remember Peter Rabbit? After a day pilfering the farmer’s cabbages, Peter had a tummy-ache. So, what did his mum do? Gave him a nice cup of chamomile tea, and sent him to bed. Well, this remedy works for people as well as rabbits! Want to learn more? Then read on…

Second to water, tea is the most popular drink on the planet. Yes, even more popular than coffee! Tea has been around for years and is considered on of the world’s oldest beverages. It warms you up when you are cold, comforts when stressed, energises when you need a pick-me-up, and tastes good too! And currently, is one of the trendiest drinks, gaining popularity with the rich and famous.

What is Tea?

There are two major branches of tea, the “herbal” variety and “real” teas. The difference? Herbal teas contain no tea. Herbal teas are made only with brewed herbs. Real or true tea is made from the leaves of the tea bush, Camelia sinensis. Real teas include oolong, black and green. Herbal teas may be made with hundreds of different herbs–alone or mixed together to form blends.

The third type of tea available, and this often confuses people, is flavoured tea. Flavoured teas very often contain a mixture of black tea and herbs or oils. For example, one of my favourite teas is Earl Grey; a blend of black tea and oil of bergamot.

“Tea – the cups that cheer but not inebriate.” William Cowper

Tea time has never been so good…

All tea offers health benefits. You just have to pick the right one for what ails you. Black, green and oolong teas offer you a dose of flavonoids, which some scientists believe lower our risk of cancer and heart disease. Flavonoids help to protect our body cells from free radicals, which destroy body cells. Is that why us tea drinkers look younger than coffee drinkers?

Name that tea!

Orange pekoe – your regular black tea. Not an actual type of tea, but a cut of leaf. Small pieces of tea to make it quick and strong.

Darjeeling – delicate black tea. The tea of choice for those of us who do not like a strong, dark cup. Known as the champagne of teas!

English Breakfast (or Scottish, or Irish) robust black tea. Good as a “pick-me-up”, either in the morning or in the afternoon.

Green tea – subtle and fresh, as long as you don’t over steep. Often served in Chinese restaurants, this tea is currently the tea of choice for health and well-being.

Oolong – more delicate than orange pekoe in flavour and colour.

All the above teas contain some caffeine. A general rule is the stronger the tea the more caffeine. So these teas do work to lift your mood, and cannot be consumed willy-nilly before bedtime.

Herbal Teas

Obviously the benefits derived from herb teas depend on which herb the tea is made with. A really simple way to enjoy herbal tea is to pick fresh herbs from the garden, pop them in a teapot and add boiling water. Steeping time depends on the herbs, bet between 5 and 20 minutes is a guideline. Sip and see if it’s ready for you.

If you are new to drinking herb teas, you probably will not like the idea of drinking something that tastes too “twiggy”. So, let’s start with a few “beginner” herbal teas:

Peppermint – good hot or cold, this refreshing tea is gentle on the digestive tract and therefore very suitable after dinner. Use cold peppermint tea bags on your forehead to sooth a headache—lie down and relax for 20 minutes.

Chamomile – another herb tea that works hot or cold and is good for the digestive tract. Some people find this tea very sweet, and it has long been recommended for children. Only thing to watch is allergies to members of the asteracea family. If you use teabags, save them and when they are cool, lie down and put them on your eyes…any puffieness is reduced and after 10 minutes your eyes will feel refreshed.

Lemon Balm – This herb grows easily in the garden and can be made by filling a mason jar with herbs and covering with water. Leave on your windowsill in the morning and come home to a cup of “sun tea”. Has a gentle lemon taste that is refreshing and uplifting without caffeine. Putting the herb in your bath along with some Epsom salts will help to soften your skin.

Rosehip – Fruity tasting herb tea available in tea bags, high in the favonoids mentioned earlier and Vitamin C. This was often given to babies in the UK as a dietary supplement. I guess we had to start drinking tea at some time!

If you would like more information on how herbs can be introduced into your diet to help your health, please call me for an appointment at 206.201.2764.

If you would like to learn how to make “the perfect cuppa”email me and put “perfect cuppa” in the subject line – I’ll send you instructions.

Happy Tea Drinking!

Jacqueline Fairbrass

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call 206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

Some Simple Ways to Eat Better this Spring

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When Spring time rolls around we often get the bug  to start “spring cleaning”. For many of us, this means opening the windows and getting a breath of fresh air through out homes. We clean out the closets, putting away the winter woollies and with excitement start to bring out our summer wardrobe. Maybe we head off to the mall and pick up a few new treats. (It’s always shoes for me!) We clear out the garage, give the house a good dusting and start to work on the garden.

So, I was thinking, why not apply that same enthusiasm to our diets?

  • Certainly, we don’t need those heavy carbohydrates in our diet just like we don’t need the winter woollies, so let’s put them away.
  • Just as we are drawn to wearing brighter colours, we can start eating them. Fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables:
    • Make a rainbow salad as part of one (or two) of your meals each day – red and yellow peppers, or my current favourite – orange peppers. They just feel  like you are eating sunshine. Use dark leafy greens and organic mixes, which include exciting flavours, like a little bitter dandelion and arugula or rocket, and the earthy taste of spinach. Use ripe tomatoes, green onions, and radishes. There are lots of wonderful organic salad dressings on the market, or you can easily make your own with olive oil, balsalmic vinegar and herbs.
    • Try fresh fruit salad as a delicious and healthful alternative to high-fat desserts. Or have  one for breakfast. This week I am eating a selection of berries, including raspberry, blueberry and strawberries (all high in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants) with yoghurt (good for the intenstinal tract and a yummy way to get your calcium) each morning. Sometimes I add a banana too.
  • Clean out the saturated fats by avoiding margerine, vegetable shortening, and foods containing palm or coconut oil. Instead, use a heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil. Remember that butter is usually a better choice than margerine – the less processed the food and the more natural the better it is for you.
  • Choose to eat whole grains instead of refined grains. The higher fibre content fills you up, and you will fee fuller. Vary your grain intake, use oats, corn, spelt and quinoa.
  • And quit going for fast food. Fast food is dead food. To find out more about dead food click here.

If you feel at anytime you would like some help with getting your diet back on track and are looking for someone with a balanced approach to assist you on a personal wellnessProgram, just call me for an appointment. I can help you with a spring cleaning Program that will lift your spirits, tune up your body and lose some of those winter pounds.

Jacqueline Fairbrass

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call  206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

New Year’s Reflection

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It’s now the end of January and many of us will have broken the resolutions we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year. We often start the New Year with high hopes and then set ourselves high standards to live by. In my experience, both personal and as a health consultant for nearly thirteen years, I have found that gradual and gentle changes have the most lasting effect. In this vein, I want to share with you this month some words of inspiration to ponder on

Winter is time for introspection; time to review the past and plan for the future. I encourage clients and students to start diets, make new health regimes, etc. in the Spring. The Winter months are to take your time while you decide what you want. Set some goals and make some gradual and gentle changes in the right direction. You will be prepared to join Mother Nature in the springtime, bursting forth with the new you!

A couple of years ago now, one of my favorite inspirational speakers and writers, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her show. It was Dr. Angelou’s 74th birthday and Oprah asked her to share her thoughts on growing older. Her words of wisdom included the declaration that it was “exciting.” Regarding body changes she reflected the many almost daily changes included watching her breasts race to see which will reach her waist first. The audience laughed so hard they cried. A gentle change to make this Winter could be a resolution to laugh more. Laughter causes our diaphragm to pump, we breathe deeper, taking in more oxygen; our tummy muscles get into the action and get a gentle work out, and the “feel good” hormones start zipping around our bodies. Watch funny movies, go out with friends who make you laugh and start to see the humour in life around you.

Dr. Angelou also said: “I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.” In other words, don’t sweat the small stuff! If you find little things are getting to you, treat yourself to a “time out”. Take time for a nice relaxing massage, reflexology or Reiki session, prepare and share a meal with loved ones, go skating on the canal; do whatever takes you out of the day to day stress and into your peaceful centre.

Most importantly, Dr. Angelou reminded us that “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Be kind to others, be kind to yourself. Treat others with gentleness and then in the spirit of winter’s introspection, turn that kindness inwards. If your resolutions have failed, set your sights a little lower and begin again. If you need some help, turn to a friend or contact me for an appointment. I can help you set some realistic goals and together we can work to achieve them in a holistic manner; so whether it’s your weight, seasonal depression, exercise or anything else that you need to work on, give me a call and we can start you on a gentle Program back to improved health and well-being.

Jacqueline Fairbrass

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call 206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

Holistic Aromatherapy Massage

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The basis of massage is touch. All too often we are afraid to touch one another. However, research is increasingly proving the extraordinary effectiveness of touch. The warmth and security that touch engenders is necessary for survival.

The gentle touching of skin triggers hormonal  reactions. Endorphins bring feelings of happiness, increase the willingness to perform, enhance the awareness of vital conciousness and intensity of our sensory perception. Healthy touching induces feelings of tenderness, of warmth and closeness. Surveys of people in hospital settings in the UK have shown the simple act of massage improved morale and hastened the rate of recovery.

Massage however is not only physical. The skilled practitioner of Holistic Aromatherapy Massage learns to “understand” the person under their hands as they have developed empathy and intuition.

Massage contains much of psychology and an Holistic Aromatherapist develops a practice recognizing the importance of listening to the client and offering a “safe place” for them as part of their healing journey. Remember, the Traditional Holistic Armoatherapist is there to help. In this way, the aromatherapy massage is as pleasant to give as it is to receive.

Essential oils are concentrated plant essences valued throughout history for their therapeutic properties. The Holistic Aromatherapist has studied these essences in great detail and uses their skill to make a blend personally for your massage. As well as the benefits of touch you will be absorbed in the aromas, including incredible feelings of well-being and relaxation.

Holistic Aromatherapy Massage may be stimulating or soothing, depending upon the speed and depth of the strokes used. Accordingly, after your massage with a beautiful aromatic blend of oils specific to your requirements, you may leave feeling ready to take on the world, or leave feeling ready to climb into your bed and take a nap. It may relieve tension and relax tight muscles, soothing away aches and pains. The headache you arrived with may disappear; you may sleep well that night. The therapist is responsible for providing a context for you, the client, in which your induced sense of well-being offers a path to recovery. The pleasure of an aromatic massage has a therapeutic effect in itself.

If you would like to experience the benefits of an Holistic Aromatherapy Massage, call me for an appointment. You won’t be disappointed!

If you would like to learn how to become an Holistic Aromatherapist in the Traditional UK trained style, please contact the School for more information. It may be the next step in your career path.

 

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call 206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

About Blood Sugar

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It’s important to know about blood sugar levels and how important blood sugar stabilizing is for reducing stress and lessening feelings of anxiety.

As defined in the dictionary, blood sugar is the glucose in blood that rises and falls depending upon what we eat. All carbohydrates are ultimately converted to glucose to be used by the body as fuel for the brain and muscles. When we are feeling low on energy we often crave sugar or caffeine. Caffeine appears to release stored glucose. Instinctively we know that these substances will raise our energy (or sugar) level quickly.

So, what’s wrong with that? The problem is that this high concentration overloads the system, causing the levels to swing up above normal giving  us a lift, then fall rapidly to way below normal. Then we feel even more tired and crave more sugar or caffeine…so, we have another cup of coffee, glass of coke, sugary snack…our energy swings up again and crashes down again…over and over! Riding on the chemical roller coaster leads to irritability, depression, anxiety, confusion and fatigue. It actually becomes an addiction cycle! We are not nurturing and taking care of ourselves when we are in this pattern.

Ideally we want a strong, steady level of energy all day long. We want to avoid the swings up and down by eating healthy food in healthy amounts. We need to avoid sugar and caffeine, and instead eat whole foods that are digested slowly. These are complex carbohydrates: fruits, vegetables, grains. These foods slowly release their energy into the body. As a Natural Health Consultant I suggest most people need to eat three meals a day and two to three snacks, so your body is receiving quality energy all day.

  • I suggest that you start by replacing sugar with fresh fruit. Whenever you crave something sweet try eating an apple. Apples are nature’s fast food-easy to carry with you and easy to eat! You may feel deprived at first, but you will adapt and eventually find those sugary snacks too sweet.
  • Start kicking coffee by using good quality decaffeinated coffee. You will have the taste without the caffeine. If you are a heavy coffee user, wean yourself off by cutting the number of cups you drink daily. Caffeine withdrawal produces bad headaches and other side effects that may give you an excuse to give up. Go slowly, this is a process of loving yourself, not punishing. Try herbal teas. There are hundreds on the market, buy sample packs and find your favourites. Try coffee substitutes, you may find you like them.
  • And drink water! At least six glasses daily. Don’t like water? Try fizzy spring water with ice and a slice of lemon in a beautiful glass. Put some pleasant tasting chlorophyll into the water-Nature’s Sunshine has a spearmint oil added. Take a 1.5 litre bottle with you in the morning and promise yourself you’ll finish it by bedtime, then finish it by noon and feel pleased with yourself!

If you would like to learn more about “Eating Well as Part of Loving Yourself” and integrating good eating habits into your life, give me a call or drop me a line and we’ll set you up with an appointment and get you started on a personalized wellness program.

Jacqueline Fairbrass

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call      206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.
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Welcome To The School Of Complementary Therapies

jacqui

Hi, I’m Jacqueline Fairbrass—licensed Hypnotherapist, holistic wellness therapist, vivacious health coach, and founder of the School of Complementary Therapies.