Author: Lee Avery

July 11, 2024 Blog

Simplicity Day

July 12th is Simplicity Day

Simplicity Day was founded in honour of Henry David Thoreau who was born on the 12th July 1817  and was an advocate of living simply.

David Thoreau believed simplifying life involved reducing distractions to focus more on important things in life. A simple life requires personal reflection and awareness of all aspects of life to determine what is most important to you.

With so much going on in our lives how do we live simply? Allowing ourselves some time to ‘get away from it all’ is not easy but is important.

Some ideas for getting how to benefit from Simplicity Day are:

  • Pick up a book
  • Unplug from your devices. You will be surprised at how refreshing it can feel to not be constantly plugged into everyone else’s life.
  • Try Mindfulness or Meditation.
  • Have  a relaxing therapy, such as Bowen Therapy, aromatherapy massage, reflexology, or hot stone massage – unfortunately this is not possible this year (owing to government guidelines  but it is something to bear on mind for next year)
  • Go for a walk.
  • Try a relaxing form of exercise, such as yoga or Tai Chi

What’s good about National Simplicity Day

It’s an excuse to unwind

Our lives are constantly scheduled out between jobs, school, workouts, childcare, etc. We often forget how taxing it can be to always be moving from one thing to the next. Simplicity Day gives us a chance to put all of those elements of our lives on pause, even if it’s just mentally, and focus on the importance of the simple things.

It celebrates getting back to nature

For Thoreau, a big part of living simply was getting away from the distractions of everyday life by spending time in nature. That could be in the woods, by a lake, on a beach, you name it. Spending time in nature also happens to be one of those special, simple pleasures with an extra perk: it’s free!

It’s an ancient idea

Although Simplicity Day is celebrated in honour of Thoreau, the principles behind it go back way further than the nineteenth century and span across many different cultures. From the founders of the yoga practice to monks of both eastern and western traditions, many groups of people through the ages have banded around philosophies that emphasized simplifying your life in both mental and material ways.

There is more information about Simplicity Day on the Clarity website https://nationalsimplicityday.com/

 

July 3, 2024 Blog

July 7th is “Thank You” Day

Why Saying "Thank You" is good for us

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

  • It can improve our relationships. Partners can feel more appreciated when they are told thank you for doing something rather than it being taken for granted.
  • It can improve our physical health. Saying thank you lowers blood pressure, improves immunity and helps us sleep better as we are more content.
  • It is well researched that gratitude increases happiness, decreases depression as well as enhances empathy and reduces aggression. It is hard to be angry with someone when you are being thanked.
  • It improves our self-esteem and well-being of those we give thanks to as it is a positive effect for both.

So saying thank you is not simply a matter of being polite it has numerous side benefits too.

There is some interesting information written by UCL Health

May 6, 2024 Blog

My latest newsletter

The latest news at A Balanced Body with Bowen

To find out the latest news and details of my new clinic please read my latest newsletter.

 

I hope you  enjoy it but if there is anything you would like covered in any future newsletters, please let me know.

 

 

May 5, 2024 Blog

Taster Sessions of Lymphatic Drainage and Bowen Therapy

25 minute Taster Sessions

Taster Sessions of Lymphatic Drainage and Bowen available at  The Fairbourne Clinic  in Newbury until the 31st May.

These mini treatments are a brilliant way to find out how these therapies can help you with many conditions such as:

  • Low energy/fatigue.
  • Brain Fog.
  • Unexplained aches and pains.
  • Sinus problems.
  • Recurring colds.
  • Gut issues.
  • Joint Stiffness.
  • Headaches.
  • Swelling in the fingers/ankles.
  • Bloating/water retention.
  • Constipation
  • Injuries.
  • Heightened allergies.
  • Overactive immune response.
  • Breast swelling and tenderness.
  • Swollen Glands.

They are 25 minutes and priced at £25.00. To book please call me on 07710722615 or email info@abalancedbodywithbowen.co.uk

January 25, 2024 Blog

All about Sciatica.

What is Sciatica?

Our sciatic nerve is the largest and longest in our bodies. It originates in our lower spine, branches into our pelvis. Then travels via our buttocks through our legs and into our feet.

Sciatic pain occurs when we put pressure on or damage our sciatic nerve. This can cause pain to our lumbar spine including bulging disc, joint inflammation and wear and tear. Degeneration of the spine can also cause this irritation.

 

Why does sitting for long periods of time cause sciatica?

According to a study from National Health and Nutrition Examinations Surveys, 70% of people spend six hours or more sitting down each day.

When we are standing and moving our body weight is more evenly distributed. When we sit all our upper body weight rests on our lower back. This can cause compression throughout the spinal column, putting additional pressure against our nerve roots. This can end up trapping or pinching the sciatic nerve causing pain. When we have pain, we shift our bodies to avoid the pain thus causing further complications as we then compensate on the other side causing more misalignment. Sciatic type pain originates in the lower back and then as it becomes worse travels down to the hip joints, glutes and back of the leg to the foot.

Main causes and symptoms of Sciatica.

The main causes of sciatica include:

  • Prolonged sitting
  • Wearing high heels
  • Bone spurs
  • Herniated discs
  • Pinched nerves

At higher risk of developing sciatica are people with desk jobs (as they sit for excessive periods of time).

Heavy lifting as often we will twist to one side, putting unequal pressure on that side.

Carrying heavy items in your back pocket.

Most Common Symptoms of Sciatica.

  • Lower back pain, usually one-sided.
  • Pain in your glutes and down one or both legs.
  • Heightened pain during a sneeze or cough.
  • Numbness.
  • Tingling or burning sensations down through the leg.
  • Hip pain.
  • Muscle weakness.

How to avoid Sciatica.

How to avoid Sciatica.

  • Maintain correct posture when standing, walking and sitting.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Practice safe lifting techniques. When lifting, bend the knees and keep your back straight. By doing this, the strain is taken by the hips and legs, not the back. Hold the object close to the body. The further away from the body the object is, the more stress is put onto the lower back.
  • Undertake exercise that maintains aerobic fitness and strength and flexibility in the abdominal and spinal muscles.
  • Ensure that your back is well supported when seated.
  • Use chairs that provide good back support and are designed to provide a good seating posture.
  • A lumber roll or contoured cushion can help to provide lower back support.
  • Avoid carrying a wallet in your back pocket.Avoid having a computer setup where you must twist to one side all the time.
  • Do regular gentle stretches.
  • Have Bowen Therapy.
  • Find out how Bowen Therapy helps sciatica.
January 11, 2024 Blog

How Lymphatic Drainage boosts your immune system.

The importance of white blood cells and the lymphatic system.

Starting in our bone marrow are white blood cells.

Our bodies constantly need to make more white blood cells as they only have a short life span of two to three day. There are different types, but their aim is to fight infection. They make their way to the lymphatic system and lymphatic organs where they mature and prepare to be activated.

Our lymphatic systems help protect our bodies against infection. They do this by producing white blood cells called lymphocytes whose aim is to rid our bodies of disease-causing-microorganisms.

Macrophages are white blood cells that kill bacteria and consume dead cells and debris. Lymphocytes are throughout our bodies. It is within the lymphatic system that macrophages are most likely to encounter the foreign microorganisms. So, having a healthy lymphatic system will help protect us against those germs that are so prevalent this time of year.

December 29, 2023 Blog

How to avoid pain and stress during the holidays.

Why do I have pain during holidays especially Christmas.

Some common reasons and how to combat them are:

Change in Temperature.

  • Cold weather can affect any part of the body, especially if you have stiff joints or muscles.

Wear layers of light clothing and remove them as you need to.

Ensure your back is totally covered and that it is not exposed to the cold when bending over.

Lack of Exercise

  • We tend to be sitting around a lot more visiting friends and family.
  • We generally spend more time eating which again we are sitting for.
  • We are out of routine so often even that daily walk often doesn’t happen.

Move - go for a short or long walk.

Get up and move around the house more often rather than sitting for hours in one position.

Don't slump in a poor position for a long time. Stand up, sit down and shake like a dog then you are breaking those bad posture patterns which can help to alleviate pain.

Stress

  • Holidays often cause stress, both physically and emotionally.
  • Some people spend a lot of time driving from one place to another.
  • We may have to make conversation with people that we would prefer not to.
  • We are generally out of routine and overall, the body and mind reacts well to some sort of basic routine.
  • Sleeping patterns tend to change during holidays.
  • Our choices of food tend to be poor with too much sugar an. often additional alcohol intake.

If you are driving for long periods or frequently, ensure you take breaks during the drive or take a brief walk before arriving and immediately sitting down.

Plan not to spend too long sitting with people that you struggle with, perhaps suggest going for a walk or playing a game so it takes the onus off the conversation.

Sleep is a challenging one as for many people it is nice to break with the routine of daily getting up time.

Ensure that you get adequate good quality sleep time and as you return to work, gradually start slipping back into your normal routine, so it is not such a shock to the system.

Drink plenty of water and move to alleviate the effects of too much alcohol and rich food

How Can I Help?

It is important that if you are experiencing soreness, digestive or emotional problems that you look to remedy it as soon as possible.  Generally, it won’t simply go away. The body will be inflamed and if you have tried all of the above and pain persists or you feel out of sorts with yourself, I would recommend you contact me.

Lymphatic Drainage is excellent for removing toxins from the body, helping to get rid of that excessive food, drink and removing inflammation from any pain.

Bowen Therapy helps with any alignment issues that have been caused by poor posture over the period.

My Talking Therapies cover a wide range (such as EFT, EMDR+. Psychotherapy, NLP Positive Psychology, and the Behavioural Model) to help you deal with emotional problems, stress, addictions, and phobias that you are experiencing.

Lack of self-esteem is common in many people and sometimes spending additional time with people over holidays that you would choose not to can make you judge yourself harshly and leave you feeling drained and with brain fog.

We all have unique talents and respond differently to people and situations. I would like to be able to help you find your true self so that you can live a fulfilling life. Emotional issues also frequently give rise to pain in the body.

lady with back pain

November 16, 2023 Blog

Taster Sessions of Lymphatic Drainage and Bowen Therapy.

25 minute Taster Sessions

Taster Sessions of Lymphatic Drainage and Bowen available at Theale Wellbeing Centre, The Wellness Centre and The Fairbourne Clinic  until the 15th December.

These mini treatments are a brilliant way to find out how these therapies can help you with many conditions such as:

  • Low energy/fatigue.
  • Brain Fog.
  • Unexplained aches and pains.
  • Sinus problems.
  • Recurring colds.
  • Gut issues.
  • Joint Stiffness.
  • Headaches.
  • Swelling in the fingers/ankles.
  • Bloating/water retention.
  • Constipation
  • Injuries.
  • Heightened allergies.
  • Overactive immune response.
  • Breast swelling and tenderness.
  • Swollen Glands.

They are 25 minutes and priced at £25.00. To book please call me on 07710722615 or email info@abalancedbodywithbowen.co.uk

Taster Sessions at The Fairbourne Clinic, Newbury, Theale Wellbeing Centre and The Wellness Centre

October 18, 2023 Blog

Menopause Symptoms and how to help yourself.

Bowen Treatment for Menopause
Menopause

World Menopause Day 18th October 2023.

Today is World Menopause Day

Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your daily life, including relationships, social life, family life and work.

Some common symptoms are:

  • Mood swings.
  • Hot Flushes.
  • Brain Fog.
  • Difficulty in sleeping.
  • Palpitations.
  • Headaches and migraines.
  • Muscle aches and joint pains.

To find out more about how you can help yourself please click here.

My clients have received great benefit from Bowen Therapy sessions and this was a lovely testimonial I received:

The perfect storm of home working during the pandemic, being laid off and going through the menopause had left Claire Moore feeling stressed, before a Christmas gift introduced her to award winning Bowen Therapist Lee Avery and transformed her life. Claire takes up the story:

“I was extremely stressed. I’d been working from home throughout lockdown and then when we returned to the office, they laid off everyone; then I started a job that I just didn’t like. My mental health was suffering, plus I’m going through the menopause and honestly, I was like an emotional wreck.

“My brother swears by Lee, he’s already a client and together with our Mum, they decided to treat me at Christmas and paid for me to see her.

“It was like someone understood and was actually listening and I just talked and talked and emptied out lots of baggage that I've been carrying around. Lee helped me to see what I was worried about is really not worth worrying about. I kinda knew that, but I needed someone to tell me that isn't family doesn't know me and doesn't know the situation… Yeah, I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't seen me. Now, I’m just so happy, it feels like my head is screwed on the right way.

“That first session, after I’d talked and talked, Lee offered me the choice to keep talking or to try therapy. I felt like I had said what I needed to say and got on the couch. It is very gentle, like a very gentle massage and she works on pressure points, and I just meditated. I just drifted off into a calm place. Afterwards, it was like I could still feel her, feel her working on me. I don't know how! That first session I definitely felt lighter when I left, more settled in myself, and not overwhelmed by my life.

“It always helped, so I just keep rebooking now when I need a boost. Initially though, I was seeing Lee every two weeks. I remember one week she asked why I was in a job I didn’t like. Now, she was right, but I hadn’t even mentioned my job. It was that obvious. I left my job, put my CV online and applied for three jobs and got three offers. Now I had the motivation and confidence to talk to anyone.

“When I come out from seeing Lee, I feel like I'm on top of the world. Obviously, there are days you have life issues going on. But honestly, often I come out and Oh my God, I feel really good. And then the next day, I can still feel it. I'm still upbeat and my best self.

“My Mum goes now and my daughter too. Lee is just so good at listening and asking the right questions. She got information from me that I wasn’t willing to share with anyone. I felt so comfortable, so I am happy to put my faith in her.

“I recommend to all my friends obviously, and they’ve seen the change in me. Also, as many are a similar age to me, they also have menopause issues and for me, the menopause aggravated other issues and made it a lot worse. Now, by seeing her at a certain time, it helps be stay balanced throughout the month.

“Lee is fantastic, just fantastic. Before, I was going to the doctors and hospitals for years and I would never get any resolution like I've had with Lee. Sometimes, the doctors, they don't have the time for you and menopause issues change month to month, what medication they put you on and all the time your moods differ and go up or down. Now, Lee just straightens me back out. I don't know what she does. Everything's right again.

“I have told my friends it feels like magic!”

C Moore April 2022

 

 

 

 

Everyone is individual; and some ladies will sail through he menopause, however others struggle and Bowen therapy has really helped to reduce these symptoms. To find out more please visit

October 12, 2023 Blog

Arthritis

Arthritis Pain

What is Arthritis?

According to the NHS on the 3rd March 2023, around 10 million people in the UK have arthritis. It affects people of all ages, including children.

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint.

Arthritis is an inflammatory joint disorder, which affects the tissues around the joints, and other connective tissues, causing joint pain and stiffness and difficulty in movement. There are more than 100 types of arthritis exists, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

There is a "You Tube" clip on arthritis here.

The two most common types of arthritis.

Types of arthritis

There are many types of arthritis but the two common ones are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage joint surface wears out. Osteoarthritis usually begins in an isolated joint such as a knee.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body instead of intruders and is more commonly found in fingers.

How do I know if I have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis?

RA is symmetrical, where a patient feels symptoms in the same spot on both sides of the body, often in the joints in the feet and hands. Osteoarthritis, in contrast, begins in an isolated joint, often in the knee, fingers, hands, spine and hips. While both sides may hurt, one side is more painful.

To find out more about the less common types of arthritis, it is worth taking at look at  The Centers for disease control and prevention  website.

The different symptoms between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Signs of Osteoarthritis

Symptoms

  • Pain. Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.
  • Stiffness. Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.
  • Tenderness. Your joint might feel tender when you apply light pressure to or near it.
  • Loss of flexibility. ...
  • Grating sensation. ...
  • Bone spurs. ...
  • Swelling.

Signs of RA

  • Pain or aching in more than one joint.
  • Stiffness in more than one joint.
  • Tenderness and swelling in more than one joint.
  • The same symptoms on both sides of the body (such as in both hands or both knees)
  • Weight loss.
  • Fever.
  • Fatigue or tiredness.
  • Weakness.

How to help yourself.

How to help yourself if you have arthritis.

Balanced diet: Include anti-inflammatory foods like green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, legumes, ginger, and fibre in your diet,

Nutrient intake: Vitamin D and calcium are important for our joint’s health, make sure of sufficient intakes.

Weight check: Always check your BMI, excess body weight stresses your joints.

Regular physical activity: Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, and cycling reduces joint stress. You can also go for yoga and meditation to promote muscle relaxation.

Quit smoking: Smoking is not only harmful for your lungs but also for your joints and musculoskeletal health.

Water: Arthritis is an inflammation within the body and by drinking water and moving regularly you reduce the inflammation

Therapy: Lymphatic Drainage, Bowen Therapy, gentle massages, acupuncture have all been shown to reduce arthritic pain.

How does Bowen Therapy help arthritis?

Bowen Therapy promotes healing and reduces inflammation in joints by activating the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps in drainage of toxic material and thus Bowen Therapy can help with the reduction of inflammation and swelling.

When we are in pain, we often compensate for example if you have arthritis in your right knee, we will tend to walk more heavily on the left side. This can cause complications on the other side of the body as it is being used in an awkward position. With Bowen therapy I address any alignment issues that arthritis is causing.

How would a Lymphatic Drainage Treatment help arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammation in the lymphatic system. Stimulating the lymphatic vasculature by using Lymphatic drainage alleviates inflammation, reduces edema , epidermal thickening and inflammatory infiltration. Lymphatic drainage therefore reduces the number of inflammatory cells which reduces pain. If the lymphatic system is not functioning correctly inflammation and pain will increase.

If you are unsure which therapy to choose, please do contact me, I am more than happy to discuss the options and it is possible to offer a combination of the two therapies, should it be of benefit.