Reduce Pain and Rebalance with Bowen Technique

Paul Black, owner of the Total Health Homeopathy practice in Portishead, has already successfully treated many local individuals and families for a variety of conditions using Homeopathy.  Already a Registered Homeopath, he has recently completed the training with the European College of Bowen Studies as a Certified Bowen Therapist.   Bowen Technique is a soft tissue remedial therapy named after its innovator Tom Bowen.  A gentle, non-invasive, relaxing treatment using fingers or thumbs to move over muscle, ligament tendon and fascia which encourages the body to realign itself. The work is very subtle involving no manipulation or prolonged pressure and helps the body to rebalance, relieve tension and reduce pain.   

Bowen Technique and Homeopathy are two gentle effective therapies that compliment each other extremely well to help with symptoms of; recurrent colds, chest infections, sinusitis, headaches, severe PMT/painful periods, stress, anxiety, depression and emotional issues, digestive disorders, acid-reflux, constipation, IBS, sports injuries, back and neck pain, sciatica, knee problems, tennis or golfers elbow, R.S.I., frozen shoulder, respiratory conditions, asthma, kidney problems, arthritis and eczema. 

For more information about Homeopathy, Bowen and patient testimonials visit www.TotalHealthHomeopathy.co.uk or email Paul.Black@TotalHealthHomeopathy.com.  Call Paul on 01275 339422 for an appointment or confidential enquiry.  Paul is also available to give talks on Homeopathy or Bowen taster sessions at social or special interest groups within the South West area. 

Don't under-estimate the Amazing Ankles

There are just over 200 bones in the body, with 26 in the hands and feet. This means that over 25% of the skeletal structure is given over to the feet. For every bone in the foot, there is a ligament to connect it to at least one other bone, sometimes more and it’s this complex relationship between the foot and the leg that gives us the ability to create huge stability through the structure.

As a Bowen Therapist, Paul Black explains that when working with clients with a need to address leg length issues, knee ligament problems, groin strain, pelvic misalignment and even lower back pain, then the ankle is one key area which would contribute greatly to the effectiveness of the work and might even make the difference in terms of outcomes.

The strong deep fascial band (plantar fascia) running the length of the underside of the foot, creates a strong pull which continues around the heel bone and up into the Calves (gastrocnemius and soleus group), which in turn attach to the leg bone (femur) above the knee.  Hence the ankle work contributes to hamstring flexibility and lower back stability.

The push or jar on the foot creates an opening for the whole of the back of the leg;

·         It’s the first thing that hits the floor after a treatment

• It has to flex and bend in order to carry us forward
• It takes our entire body weight through it’s complex structure

When treating Clients suffering back pain, pelvic imbalance or tight hamstrings, the ankles are a key place to start.   A Bowen treatment could well put a spring back in your step! 

The Bowen Technique is fast becoming one of the most popular complementary therapies in the UK.  Most busy Bowen therapists will tell you that the average number of treatments required by Clients will be between two and four, making it a very cost effective treatment.

If you would like to know more or book a treatment contact Paul Black on Portishead 01275 339422 or visit the European College of Bowen Studies web site at http://www.thebowentechnique.com.

Holistic help for the Summer Holiday period

Soaking in the sun, over-indulging in food and drink, along with travel to foreign parts, is all part of the fun of the Summer holiday period – but it can take its toll on our bodies and leave us feeling unwell.

Alongside the Summer clothes and sun-tan lotion, Portishead homeopath Paul Black makes sure his cupboard is well stocked with homeopathic medicines to help him through the ailments of the Summer season.

A particular favourite with patients, he says, is the homeopathic remedy Nux vomica, which many people use to help with the symptoms of a hangover.

Paul said: “Different remedies help with different sets of symptoms. In homeopathy, we treat according to the individual symptoms of the patient and how if effects them, rather than based on the named condition. Patients usually come to a homeopath with a chronic illness, such as eczema, and because the treatment is individual, 10 people with eczema would usually be prescribed different remedies.

“Minor complaints and acute illnesses are more superficial and remedies can be used at home or whilst travelling with good results.  Illness and injuries, by their very nature, happen at unpredictable times when it may be difficult or impossible to buy what you need.   Like me, holiday travellers may like to consider taking a travel kit with them so you can be prepared for most eventualities.   A homeopathic travel kit is a collection of remedies plus a useful guide book to cover common ailments and injuries.  There no problems taking these kits customs security checks at airports and ports.  My own kit has been to many different countries.”

Travel kits are available from Paul at a discounted price, or can be purchased online from homeopathic pharmacies Helios or Ainsworths.   Here are just a few remedies which might help you through the ailments of the holiday period:

Nux vomica: this is known as “the hangover” remedy but can also be used for the general symptoms of over-indulgence. Symptoms include heartburn, indigestion, and nausea, a headache, sensitivity to noise and light, and irritability. Particularly suits “workaholics” who tend to burn the candle at both ends, keep going with coffee and feel the cold.

Arsenicum: this remedy comes into play when the symptoms are like that of food poisoning, with vomiting and diarrhoea, a pale palour and anxiety. Symptoms are worse at night, with burning in the digestive tract and a desire to sip water. It suits restless people who worry, need to plan ahead and feel the cold.

Robinia: this remedy is known as the homeopathic “antacid” and can be used if you have eaten too much, are feeling bloated, with heartburn or stomach acid.

Apis: this remedy is useful when there are allergic symptoms following insect stings and bites.   There is raised red area around the sting or bite, which can be itchy.

Arnica:  lots of people know to use this remedy for bruising, but this remedy is also very useful for recovering from jet-lag.

If you would like any further advice or want to book a homeopathic appointment then call Paul Black on 01275 339422 or email Paul.Black@TotalHealthHomeopathy.com.

Trouble Sleeping

Sleep problems are among the most common ailments seen by homeopaths. According to Patient UK, one in five people report difficulties in sleeping.

Homeopath Paul Black of Portishead said: “Lack of sleep can trigger or exacerbate other health problems, and significantly impair quality of life. There are things people can do for themselves, but long-term chronic problems should be seen by a professional homeopath, who will aim to get to the root of the problem. They will look at the whole person, taking into account not just the sleep problems, but a range of other factors such as stress triggers, other health issues and personality traits.

“A medicine (known as a remedy) will be prescribed with the aim of triggering the patient’s natural system of healing. The substances used are prepared in specialist homeopathic pharmacies, using a careful dilution process, and as such they are non toxic.”  Remedies can work effectively at any age from children suffering night terrors to over-stressed adults.

Paul also practises Bowen Technique which is a light-touch soft-tissue manipulation therapy which uses finger and thumb moves to release tension and pain from the body.  This approach can be highly beneficial for situations where physical tension and discomfort are inhibiting sleep.

If you would like any further advice or want to book a homeopathic appointment then call Paul Black on 01275 339422 or email Paul.Black@TotalHealthHomeopathy.com.

Editor’s notes:

• Paul Black is a registered member of the Society of Homeopaths, whose members agree to practise in accordance with a strict Code of Ethics and Practice, hold professional insurance and have passed stringent academic and clinical assessments before being admitted to the Register. The Society of Homeopaths is the largest professional organisation registering homeopaths, with 1,500 registered members.

• There is a growing research evidence base demonstrating that homeopathy is clinically effective beyond placebo, that treatment by a homeopath is safe and that homeopathic medicines can have specific biological effects.

·         Within NHS homeopathic hospitals in the UK, insomnia is one of the most commonly treated complaints. To find out more about research looking at homeopathy and sleep disorders see http://www.homeopathy-soh.org/news/homeopathy-awareness-week

·         It is recommended that long-term sleep problems be checked out by a GP to rule out any potentially serious illness.

• The Society of Homeopaths can be contacted on 0845 450 6611 or visit www.homeopathy-soh.org.

Help for Menopause Symptoms

As a new study¹ puts British women at the top of the list for suffering symptoms of menopause, South West homeopath Paul Black reports that many are turning their backs on Hormone Replacement Therapy and turning to homeopathy for help.

One such woman was Denise (age 55), who had suffered very heavy periods, crushing headaches and debilitating migraines for over 30 years, could not concentrate, lost her appetite and felt nauseous.  She snapped at her partner for no reason and just could not stop herself. This impacted her ability to go out and do things.  After just 4 treatments Denise has, “. . . a general feeling of well-being. My periods have become normal and manageable. My headaches have gone!  I also have far more energy and a real zest for life!”

Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which trigger the body’s natural system of healing. Based on the patient’s experience of their symptoms, a homeopath will match them with the most appropriate medicine.

The most common symptoms of menopause are hot flushes, night sweats, headaches and mood swings. Homeopathic treatment has been shown to be effective for hot flushes and sweats, tiredness, anxiety, sleeping difficulties, mood swings and headaches. In a study carried out at an NHS well-woman clinic in Sheffield, 81 per cent of 102 patients reported improvement of these menopause symptoms after homeopathic treatment.²

Paul said: “Studies have shown there are health risks associated with HRT, including an increased risk of of breast cancer, and many women struggling with symptoms are looking for an alternative. In homeopathy, we look at the whole person, taking into account the unique symptoms of each individual, before we decide on a prescription.”

For more information, visit www.TotalHealthHomeopathy.com or contact Paul Black on Portishead 01275 339422 or Cowan House, WSM on 01934 643262

Foot Note

Two large studies have demonstrated the dangers of HRT and led to significant changes in the way it is prescribed.

A major US research project involving over 16,000 women looked at the effects of the most commonly used form of HRT – pills known as ‘combined HRT’. In 2002 this trial had to be stopped early because of the health risks to the women involved. The researchers concluded that although this form of HRT gives protection against osteoporosis and bowel cancer, these benefits are outweighed by an increased risk of breast and uterine cancer, heart attack and stroke.³

In 2005 results of the NHS-led ‘Million Women Study’ confirmed the link between breast cancer and combined HRT, with researchers estimating that 20,000 cases of breast cancer over the last decade have been due to HRT use. It was also found that oestrogen-only HRT carries a significant risk of endometrial cancer.⁴