Spiritual well-being is linked to strong mental health regardless of religion or ethnicity, according to recent studies. Despite its common misconception, spiritual well-being is not linked to any one religion, nor is it necessary to profess religion at all to reap the benefits of good spiritual health. Rather, spiritual well-being can be thought of as a philosophy that each person has a purpose and spiritual identity. Key practices such as meditation and holistic health therapies help people find their spiritual identity, a discovery which, in turns, yields better mental health and satisfaction.
Understanding Spiritual Well-Being
It’s important to understand the parameters of spiritual-well being in a broader sense before thinking about how you can adapt spiritual health for your individual needs. The University of New Hampshire outlines criteria for spiritual-wellbeing, including care for others, compassion, and the ability to reflect on events in everyday life. These practices rest on the idea that everyone has a purpose, and by taking steps to fulfill our purpose, we can find satisfaction and relief from stress. At a personal level, the cultivation of a spiritual identity may involve brainstorming ways to relieve anxiety or reflect on everyday life. When beginning, it is a good idea to keep a journal and set small goals so you can observe your own transformation towards healing.
Spiritual Well-Being and Holistic Therapies
Holistic therapies, including yoga, acupuncture, meditation, and other healing practices are designed to merge physical well-being with a more spiritual one. The word yoga, for instance, means “union” in Sanskrit; and indeed, many think of yoga as the unity of mental, physical, and spiritual cognisance. And indeed, yoga, a practice rooted in spirituality, is associated with symptomatic relief of medical disorders, including high-blood pressure, glaucoma, chronic pain, and above all else, stress. For people whose stress manifests physically, in muscle aches and tension, a massage has obvious physical benefits, but it also trains your mind to relax and trust the person alleviating your pain, which in itself is a component of spiritual-well being.
The Early Bird Catches The Worm
When it comes to childhood development, a comprehensive case study found that children and teenagers develop emotional resilience from spiritual well-being, a correlation that strongly indicates it’s a good idea to teach spiritual well-being to your children at a young age. The researchers hypothesized that spiritual well-being can be thought of as once branch of “coping mechanisms,” which teach youth to navigate hardships and achieve a more positive life outcome. It’s important that parents and guardians have discussions with their children about the development of a spiritual identity as they mature into young adults.
The combination of holistic therapies and daily reflection is tried-and-true when it comes to developing spiritual identity and, ultimately, more satisfaction with life. Incorporating these practices into your routine is a sound way to cultivate your own sense of spiritual well-being as it best suits you.
Research suggests that collagen production in the body can be improved using Collagen Hydrolysate which is good news when considering that by the age of 45 the average person will have lost 35% of collagen from their skin. Collagen is what makes your skin look plump and firm and keeps it looking youthful. This is why it is important to take care of our skin especially as we age – taking simple steps to improve the look and feel of your skin by making changes to your daily routine or pampering your skin to help improve blood flow and rejuvenate your skins appearance.
What is Collagen and why it is important for our skin?
Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body. It can be found in bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels and skin tissue. It enables the body to replace dead skin cells and most importantly it is what gives our skin its elasticity. Elasticity is important for as it gives the skin its firmness that helps minimise the development of wrinkles and therefore keeps the skin looking younger. As we age, the production of collagen in the body reduces, recent studies have shown that maintaining collagen levels does improve the appearance of your skin.
Can I improve collagen levels in my body?
As we grow older our bodies will naturally reduce the amount of collagen produced, this is just part the body’s natural ageing process, it is unavoidable. However, research indicates that manual and mechanical manipulation of human skin can improve the production and movement of collagen in the body. One of the most effective forms of manual manipulation is through massage therapy.
Having regular massage treatment, like facials, help to improve the blood flow and this maintains high oxygen levels which boosts the production of collagen naturally in the body.
You are what you eat
The common phrase, you are what you eat, very much applies to how your skin looks and feels. You can also help to improve and maintain collagen in your body by including certain foods in your diet. Recent research supports the idea that eating certain foods will help you to maintain healthy looking skin as you grow older. Increase Vitamin C intake from fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants produced by this vitamin help to fight free radicals that reduce the amount of collagen. Other foods that promote collagen production naturally include fish high in Omega-3 oils, nuts, beans and pulses. Eating a broad spectrum of these foods in your diet is important. You can track and monitor what you eat and when.
Growing old is just part of life, and there is nothing you can do to stop it. You can however improve the look and feel of your skin by taking steps to improve and maintain vital collagen levels. This can be done through good diet, exercise and treatments like facial massages.
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A Guide To Setting Up Your Room For A Relaxing Massage
Stress continues to be a problem among UK workers as new statistics reveal that over 500,000 individuals are experiencing work-related stress, anxiety, or depression. Fortunately, as recent studies have shed light on the negative effects of stress on one’s physical and mental health, people are now considering stress as a serious problem that needs to be addressed in a positive way. Britons have begun to find ways to cope with this problem by living a healthy and balanced lifestyle through having the right diet and making time for exercise.
However, there’s another way that you can deal with stress, and getting a massage is a simple and pleasant way to feel better from the inside out. Going to a wellness centre enables you to relax and get rid of any aches and pains, but if you’re unable to get out of the house, a massage done in the comfort of your home will also help to alleviate stress. To get the most of your at-home treatment, here’s how to set up your space for tranquillity so you can enjoy a relaxing massage.
Block out all noise
You don’t need to have a specially-designed room for your at-home massage, but you do need a quiet space where you can relax. To block out some of the noise from inside and outside your room, cover your windows with heavy drapes and lay thick rugs on the floor. Turn your phone off as well as other electronic devices in your room. If you need to mask unpleasant sounds (ongoing construction work, traffic and the like), try playing some soothing music to help you get into the right headspace for relaxation.
The right scents and ambient lighting can work wonders
Don’t underestimate the power of candle light and scent when it comes to creating a serene vibe. Turn off the lights, make sure that the room is comfortably warm, then light candles for soft illumination that can help to lower stress and anxiety levels. You can pick unscented candles, or for an olfactory treat, get some scented ones. However, not all scents are ideal during a massage—some smells can cause you to feel hyper or agitated, so it’s important to choose only relaxing scents if you’re planning to purchase scented candles. Some of the best scents that can work wonders for a frazzled mind include lavender, pine, and jasmine. Pick one type and burn no more than two candles to get the full aromatherapy benefits without getting overwhelmed during your massage.
Get on the floor
You may be tempted to have your massage on your bed, but if your bed is too soft, it may not be the best place to have your treatment. If you don’t have a massage table, the floor may be the best place to get a Swedish or sports massage. It’s even better if you have a hardwood floor as the natural element works well when you’re creating a space for tranquillity. After covering the floor with a rug, lay down a foam mattress, cover it with a clean sheet, and use a small pillow or a folded up towel to support your head during your massage.
Once your space has been properly set up, you can now have a massage therapist do house calls*, or if that’s not possible, ask your partner to give you a massage. It’s the best way to de-stress and recharge for your overall wellbeing. Try these tips to set up a space for a relaxing massage in your home and enjoy the full benefits of this holistic stress reliever.
*Chi Yu currently does not offer a house-call or at home service
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GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a new, Europe-wide law that replaces the Data Protection Act 1998 in the UK. It is part of the wider package of reform to the data protection landscape that includes the Data Protection Bill. The GDPR sets out requirements for how organisations will need to handle personal data from 25 May 2018.
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Privacy Policy
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The rowing machine is one of the best ways to workout (Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash)
Article by: Jane Sandwood, Freelance Writer
Over 40% of 40- to 60-year-old Britons walk less than 10 minutes per month according to an Independent report by Rachel Hosie. That’s way below the minimum required amount of physical activity to promote good health. Based on the recommendations by the National Health Service, people aged 19-64 should spend no less than 150 minutes on moderate aerobic exercises—in addition to two full-body strength training sessions—per week.
The good news is that you can simply trade off the duration for more intensity if you don’t have 150 minutes to spare. Unfortunately, this is not really a viable option for people with limited mobility. Well, this is where low-impact home workouts come in.
Getting the Right Equipment
According to fitness expert Max Lowery, high-intensity workouts can make mobility issues worse. You see, high-impact movements can be extremely dangerous if done with incorrect form—which you’d probably end up doing if you already had limited mobility to begin with. Couple this with the fact that your body is most likely also not ready to handle such a high level of physical stress and you open yourself up to all sorts of chronic injuries. This is exactly why fitness equipment like recumbent bikes are better than, say, treadmills in this case. They allow you to get a quality cardio workout without subjecting your knees and back to intense impacts. Just pair them up with a set of selectorised dumbbells and you have everything you need to get a low-impact full body cardio and strength training workout. Just focus on slow, controlled movements and light weights and work your way up as you get stronger.
Rest and Recovery
Of course, working out is just half the equation. You also need to get enough rest if you want to get stronger. Doing so gives your body time to repair itself and become better at handling the physical challenges that you throw at it. If you want to speed up the whole recovery process, however, you can also use your time off to get full-body massages and eat nutrient-rich meals.
Professional Help
Don’t worry if you don’t know how to get started. Just ask your doctor for help in designing your program. The last thing you want is to end up stuck with a training regimen that further aggravates any mobility issues you may have. Keep in mind that at the end of the day, your number one priority should still be to get better.
Let’s face it: not many people get to keep their resolutions past January. The good news, though, is that we get another chance to make positive changes in our lives and finally improve our health, start saving more money or maybe even pick up a new musical instrument as of course, the Chinese New Year does not happen until February 16th. But this is where the good news ends. The whole concept of New Year’s resolutions, whether we list them down in January or February, is flawed to begin with, so there’s a big chance that we’ll be back to our old ways by March. Here’s why:
We rely too much on motivation
The thing with motivation is that it comes and goes, so it’s not a good foundation to build our resolutions on. This is why people quit a week into January. Making a list of resolutions in December is exciting because everyone’s doing it. Everybody’s looking forward to making some big changes along with the coming of the new year. Once January rolls in, however, the excitement wears off just in time for them to actually start doing the work so a lot of people end up just quitting.
We try to do too much too soon
According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, willpower is a limited resource. The more temptations we have to resist—as what occurs when we have too many resolutions to keep—the faster our willpower drains. When this happens, we inevitably go back to what’s comfortable, which is our state before we started with our resolutions.
The good news is that the same study points out that you can easily improve your ability to resist temptation just by living a happier life. This means you should strive to minimize your exposure to things and situations that stress you out. If it can’t be helped, however, relaxing activities like spa treatments and massages at your local wellness center should help you recharge much more quickly.
Also, try to make your resolutions as easy to stick to as possible to further lessen the amount of willpower they drain. Take eating healthier, for instance. Instead of eating just salads, why not go for a diet that incorporates delicious meals into the menu? You’re already doing something good for your body. Why not enjoy yourself along the way?
The secret to success
It all boils down to how good you are at managing your limited willpower. As long as you reduce the number of things that can drain it, minimize stress either through relaxing activities or the complete avoidance of stressful situations, and make your resolutions as easy to commit to as possible, you can make lasting positive changes in your life not only during the two New Years but throughout the rest of each year as well.
Mental health conditions are a big challenge facing the UK currently, with Mind stating that an estimated 25% will be diagnosed with mental health conditions each year. Many mental health diagnoses are treated through a combination of medication and classic, western therapy, such as CBT. However, there are more options. With east-meets-west therapy becoming popular, there are a number of excellent holistic therapy methods that could aid someone diagnosed with a mental health condition.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the process of inserting needles into specific points along the human body. The aim of this is to subtly manipulate qi – the life force of a person’s body. For many years, it has been used for mitigating back pain and the effect of migraine with general effectiveness, with acupuncture now recommended by the NHS. When it comes to mental health, acupuncture has been shown to help relieve stress and the symptoms of anxiety. This can have wider ranging effects, such as for those investigating schizophrenia treatment and care options and other mental health diagnoses requiring the use of antipsychotic medication. Acupuncture can help to manage stress and anxiety, alleviating symptoms.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is another complementary medicine that can help to alleviate other symptoms. In the UK, herbal medicine is tightly regulated, with many Indian and South Asian herbs reserved for medication and rigorously controlled. On the upside, this means that some herbs that could interact dangerously with regular treatments are restricted. However, it can mean some innocuous substances are restricted. There is plenty of material on the internet demonstrating how things as simple as Indian herbal tea can help to alleviate symptoms; as can some medicated herbs. Just read the label.
Aromatherapy
A word on aromatherapy. Usually consisting of the diffusal of essential oils intermingled with gentle massage techniques, regular aromatherapy can be a wonderful way to enhance regular therapeutic treatments and deliver a holistic sense of well being. When you feel you are too far away from your next appointment, you can deliver an aspect of aromatherapy in your own home by investing in essential oils and taking a bath, or using hot water to steam your head whilst listening to relaxing music.
Holistic therapy can take the edge off the treatments associated with the challenge of mental health diagnosis. In the best case, it can enhance and bring positive change to the rate of your recovery.
Therapeutic activities and relaxation are essential to wellness—and it is vital to develop mindful habits and hobbies at home that help you unwind. After a long week at work, you should ask yourself this question: how do I like to relax? If something doesn’t immediately come to mind, it might be worthwhile to develop a new, comforting hobby—like origami.
Origami is a staple of Japanese culture, evolving over centuries from very basic, ritual folds to the variety of complex, contemporary designs that are common today. There are many unique origami patterns you can buy with simple-to-complex instructions to help you as you fold. Discovering a new hobby like origami can be a way for you to expand on what you already enjoy or for you to form a new passion that brings you a sense of ease.
Enhances Awareness and Focus
One of the benefits to practicing origami is that it has the power to be as therapeutic as other wellness activities and relaxation techniques. This is because focusing on the folds can improve spatial and perception skills. With improved spatial visualization, you can improve your attention and concentrate on the present moment.
For these reasons, origami can become a way to engage in focused attention meditation—a type of meditation that trains the mind to center on one single object. Origami experts claim that once you begin to know the folds by heart, it will become a meditative process that allows you to meditate on practice, perspective and patience. In turn, this will lead to a strengthened sense of calmness, as the mind will be stabilised.
Letting Go of Self-judgment
Another therapeutic benefit to practicing origami is its ability to help practitioners be less critical. Origami is ultimately a peaceful hobby, and it is a rewarding, beautiful art form that inspires a spirit of accomplishment. By completing the folds, you will slowly realize that you will be less critical of yourself overall, as you will be finding mini successes as you go along.
Just like other wellness practices, like yoga or meditation, the key to inner peace is always to let go of self-judgment and perfectionism. Origami can fuel this inner peace, as no origami model will ever be completely perfect—because it is made by a human and not by a machine. But in realizing this, you can let go of any pretensions and just enjoy the gradual completion of whatever you make.
Thus, origami is a great way to supplement the other wellness treatments that you adopt with a goal to achieve inner harmony and a sense of calm.
It’s the time of year for giving holiday presents, and as you shop for your loved ones, you may want to leave some space in your list for a few fitness gifts for yourself. Research reveals that most people in the UK are failing to get enough exercise, with a whopping 80% of Brits failing to meet the target of taking moderate exercise at least 12 times in a month. Having no time to exercise and fear of being judged at the gym have resulted in individuals skipping out on physical activity, but fortunately, others have found a solution to their gym woes by exercising at home. If you’ve been exercising at home for the past few months, then you may need a few things to make your workouts even better. Here are 5 fitness gifts to give yourself to enhance your home workouts.
Gym Equipment Wipes and Cleaning Supplies
If you have a gym inside your home, then you’re already on your way to fitness, especially if you spend at least three times a week working out in there. However, your fitness equipment may be teeming with bacteria, especially if you don’t wipe them down or disinfect after every use. Specially designed wipes and gym cleaning supplies will help you to clean and sanitise your gym equipment in no time at all. Regular cleaning will make your equipment last longer, and in doing so, you also make sure that you don’t get sick from or pneumonia or meningitis, which are caused by common bacteria that you can find in a gym.
A Massage
After several weeks of working out, treat yourself to a deep tissue or holistic massage. It’s a great way to enhance your fitness plan as it can relieve aches and pains, relieve stress, and promote relaxation and better sleep. Make sure to go to a reputable spa or health centre that has experienced massage therapists to get a good and effective massage treatment.
A Bluetooth Speaker
Working out at home means that you get to play the music of your choice while doing cardio or body weight exercises. Instead of listening to your favourite workout playlist and tracks on your phone, get yourself a Bluetooth speaker for better sound quality. Listening to upbeat tunes on a good speaker can motivate you to exercise and make it more enjoyable.
A Water Cooler for Your Home Gym
Having a water cooler in your home gym means that you stay hydrated while working out and you get access to clean drinking water without having to go all the way to your kitchen. Drinking water during and after your workout is essential to your health and helps to regulate your body temperature while you exercise.
New Gym Towels
Having a clean gym towel on hand is crucial for your own personal hygiene while working out at home. Treat yourself to several microfibre, cotton, or bamboo fibre towels and make sure to throw them in the wash after every use.
This holiday season, treat yourself to a fitness gift to enhance your home workouts. Consider any of these gift ideas for a healthy body and to make your workouts more enjoyable.
In addition to the popular range of greeting cards based on tradition Japanese art we now have A3 size (297x420mm) prints of the same art for sale. We liked them so much that we have decorated chi yu with some of the prints. Many of the prints are by Katsushika Hokusai, the renowned Japanese artist, such as the “Great Wave” above and “Red Fuji” below. We have landscapes, flowers and animal themes to choose from. Please take a look at the collection on your next visit to chi yu.
Available to buy in store. Price £19.99* each. We also have frames for sale, please ask for details.
(*Qualifies for 10% when bought after a treatment)
While many people associate acupuncture with a Chinese tradition, its popularity and efficacy has seen it used widely across Asia. As such, acupuncture has seen a unique development in Japan, with foundations in traditional theories and practices inspired by China but following an evolution all its own.
Japanese acupuncture is not a single, unified approach, but rather a generalised term for a variety of styles, methods and techniques which reflect certain common elements amongst Japanese practitioners.
One of the most noticeable differences between TCM/ Chinese acupuncture and Japanese acupuncture is a “less is more” approach to needling. For those worried about needles or pain, the good news is that Japanese acupuncture is more gentle – it places an emphasis on finer needles, with shallower insertion and more delicate stimulation to provide smaller but more targeted doses of treatment.
However, it’s not just about the needles – Japanese acupuncture also uses a wide range of other treatment options during a session, including moxa techniques, cupping, tuina massage, auricular acupuncture, structural adjustment and channel stretching exercises. The use of moxibustion in particular is very common in Japanese-style treatments, and uses very small doses of moxa (sometimes known as rice grain) burned on acupuncture points. In fact, there are even moxa specialists in Japan who use nothing else in treatment.
Japanese acupuncture is very hands-on, with palpation being a key factor in both diagnosis and treatment. A diagnosis is made by feeling for changes in the pulse, the abdomen and the acupuncture channels. Even during treatment, more time is spent looking for that goldilocks point that is “just right”! This makes Japanese acupuncture a particularly dynamic approach, as it is always looking for changes and feedback over the course of a session.
The Japanese approach also places a particular emphasis on “root treatment”, which is defined as treating the most significant underlying or constitutional imbalance which is causing the problem. Ultimately, treating the root enables the body to restore itself and heal more efficiently and bringing it back into balance more quickly.
Japanese acupuncture is now available at Chi Yu on Mondays with our new practitioner Jerrold. Jerrold graduated with a BSc in Acupuncture from the London College of Traditional Acupuncture in 2010, and has since been on a never-ending journey exploring the wonders of Japanese acupuncture and learning from experts in the field such as Stephen Birch and Kiiko Matsumoto. Trained in both TCM and Japanese acupuncture, Jerrold’s main aim is to provide calm and gentle treatments tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
Watch our video about Acupuncture at chi yu (also in Japanese and Chinese narration here)
When you think of a healthy lifestyle, chances are you think about cutting calories and finally dusting off your gym membership. But no healthy lifestyle choice will be good for you if it doesn’t make you happy, such as if it’s too restrictive. It’s time for nourishment, not punishment! You need to focus on connecting your body and mind, with your lifestyle choices and beneficial holistic therapies. Here are 6 simple steps to be healthier, which could even add 14 years to your life.
#1: Get Your Hands On The Right Food
It’s really easy to fall into a bad eating habit, choosing processed and unhealthy foods that don’t nourish your body. Making the change to healthier foods isn’t about cutting out the delicious snacks you love, but having a more balanced approach to food. It’s about being more mindful about what you eat so that you give your body what it needs, instead of just eating for the sake of it or to deal with uncomfortable feelings.
Be smarter about your treats, such as by trading sugar for honey, and reaching for yogurt instead of cream. These small changes will still make you feel satisfied, but without the extra fat and calories.
Add more fresh produce to your eating plan. It might seem difficult at first, but small changes go a long way to achieving your goal. For instance, adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal will mean that you’ll easily consume three or four servings of fresh foods by the end of the day. This is also a smart way to replace unhealthy or processed food options.
#2: Lower Your Stress
Stress is linked to many diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Although you can’t completely eliminate stress from your life, you can find ways to better manage it. It helps to write down your stress in a journal, talk to a supportive friend, and try to see the bigger picture. Chances are, what you’re worrying about now won’t matter in five years. To keep stress at bay, regularly book massages. When a therapist touches your body at certain points, it encourages blood flow circulation and drains your lymphatic system of toxins. A massage with bamboo and jade stones symbolise energy, life energy and strength in the Far East. Pressure placed on the body from bamboo canes melt away stress in the muscles, while jade stones encourage the body’s elimination of harmful toxins, helping you feel rejuvenated – physically and mentally.
(Video Introduction for: Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy at chi yu)
#3: Start Moving
Exercise is important to stay healthy. Research has found that it can boost your health in many ways, such as keeping your heart healthy because it reduces blood pressure. But if you don’t enjoy the exercise you’re doing, it can make the experience stressful and unpleasant. Choose an exercise that you really enjoy, such as dancing, going on bike rides, or walking, and then get a workout partner who will help to keep your sessions fun as well as motivate you.
It might also help you to get a fitness tracker. A study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that people who used fitness trackers increased how active they were by almost 40 minutes every week. Fitness trackers can keep you motivated because when you see your progress, you’ll be inspired to do more.
#4: Quit Your Bad Habits
What are your bad habits? Do you drink too much or smoke? You might depend on these bad habits, such as reaching for cigarettes when stressed, but such bad vices don’t help you for longer than a few moments. Meanwhile, their negative effects can last a lifetime, such as the various health conditions that can arise from smoking. Replace bad habits with more positive activities, such as visiting an art gallery after work instead of going to the pub for a drink. It takes 66 days to create a habit, which is just over two months, so stick with it and you’ll find yourself feeling better and living a more positive life.
To help you on your new path, consider acupuncture. It’s been used in Asia for thousands of years and promotes the flow of the body’s energy known as “chi.” Acupuncture can reduce withdrawal symptoms when combined with conventional treatment, easing cravings, anxiety, and tiredness.
(Video Introduction for: Acupuncture at chi yu)
#5: Create A Healthy Work-Life Balance
You can’t work all the time –not only will you be stressed, but you’ll miss out on the chance to enjoy yourself. There are many things you can do to encourage a healthier balance between work and life.
Think about what you’re grateful for every day, as this will make you more appreciative of your life and boost mindfulness. If you’re always trying to achieve more and more, you’ll miss out on what you’re already blessed with.
Give as much of your time as you can to others. The bonus of volunteering is that it gives you a sense of purpose, reminding you of what’s really important in life.
Remember that charity starts at home, though, so be available to your loved ones. Having a support system is an important part of life as it helps you better meander obstacles and challenges.
Focus on hobbies that make you happy. It’s too easy to forget about our inner children, and yet experiencing simple delight in fun activities is what we should nurture in our lives because it helps us to remember not to take life too seriously all the time and live in the present.
#6: Check Your Mood
Life can be busy and noisy, so it’s important to take time every day to relax in a quiet place. Here, you can be alone with your thoughts and feelings, and “check in” with yourself about where you’re headed and what you want out of life. Notice any negative feelings that come up, like jealousy or depression, and see what is happening in your life to make you feel them. Remember, it’s not what you feel but what you do with those feelings that matter. Use them positively and you’ll live a healthier and more harmonious life. For instance, if you’re feeling jealous, perhaps it’s a sign that you want more out of your life. It can therefore be a motivation to help you live the life that makes you happiest.
Essential oils are also capable of banishing negative energy, and Holistic Aromatherapy uses them to flood the body and mind with harmony. Essential oils are life essences from plants that have powerful chemicals to ease stress. Massage and inhalation help the body absorb essential oils so that they can influence your emotions, helping you find greater balance and peace.
(Video Introduction for: Oriental Aromatherapy at chi yu)
When your life is in harmony, you’re happier and healthier. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to how you’re living, from what foods you eat to making time for holistic treatments that balance your energy. When you do this, you’ll make better choices that lead to greater spiritual, mental, and physical health.
We all need to find an appropriate balance in life. It’s especially true if we want to reap the benefits of a healthier, happier lifestyle. An intense physical regime is nothing without a vitamin-fuelled diet, a conscious connection with our spiritual self and a focus on making time for the things and people we care about most. Essentially, what we all need to aim for is a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
Pregnancy, in particular, is a time when finding the perfect balance becomes even more important. The decision to carry a life inside of us for nine months is perhaps one of the greatest decisions we’ll ever choose to make. It’s the wake up call we need to readdress where we place emphasis in our lives and to consciously work towards giving our body what it needs and deserves. So, how should we go about creating this balance?
Exercise and Muscle Building
Let’s begin by being perfectly clear. Pregnancy is not the time to be exercising in a way that your body is not familiar with. If you didn’t jog regularly before pregnancy, you really shouldn’t begin jogging every day for half an hour now that you are. But, it is important to commit to some kind of exercise routine. It’s a particularly good idea to find a way of building muscle during pregnancy.
Pregnancy makes it more difficult for women to build and maintain muscle strength and while there’s plenty of time after birth for new mums to get back into shape, labour is often less arduous when pelvic floor muscles are strong. Great care must be taken however when performing any kind of exercise that places strain on the abdomen, with some exercises completely prohibited.
Going for walks, gentle stretching, a water class for pregnant women and the occasional use of light weights to help keep leg and arm muscles in good shape will really help to keep you feeling fit until your baby is born. It will also help you to control excess weight gain at the same time.
There’s always a new-fangled diet making an impact on the masses, but the very best nutritional advice, particularly for pregnant women, is to find balance with every meal. That means lean proteins, whole grain carbohydrates, plenty of fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids and lots of water to keep you hydrated.
If the body receives all of this on a daily basis, your digestive system will get what it needs to function, you’ll have the energy you need to get through the day and you’ll be supplementing your brain and other organs with everything they need to stay sharp and healthy for longer. Having said that, there are some foods that pregnant women should avoid. These include unpasteurised cheeses, raw meat and fish, more than six ounces of tuna a week (as it has high levels of mercury), and caffeine.
Relieving Unpleasant Pregnancy Side-Effects
While pregnancy is an incredible experience, it can also bring with it a number of health issues, some more complex than others. Not all women suffer from the same complaints and it’s very common for women to live through totally different experiences from one pregnancy to the next. No child is like any other and so no pregnancy is comparable to another either.
Backache, changes to your skin’s natural condition, insomnia and cramps are just some of the minor ailments that pregnant women can experience, particularly as they get closer to the birth. Massage and a range of other complementary therapies can help alleviate the pressure placed on your spine, reduce your risk of cramping and improve the quality of your sleep; particularly as your tummy gets bigger and laying down becomes more uncomfortable. Indeed, there are many ways in which holistic and natural treatments can make both the pre and postnatal experience even more incredible.
The Benefits of Massage, Acupuncture and Aromatherapy
There are three holistic treatments worth considering during your pregnancy.
1. Massage. Massage therapy offers a particularly effective response to water retention. Many pregnant women during the third trimester suffer from swollen hands and ankles caused by weakened muscle mass. Massage treatment that works its way into the lymph zone has the ability to soften tissues, increase circulation and reduce fluid collection.
2. Acupuncture. According to the British Acupuncture Council, pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness, high or low blood pressure, constipation, back ache or varicose veins might want to consider acupuncture as a natural alternative to traditional Western medicine.
3. Aromatherapy. Particularly effective in helping pregnant women break the disruptive pattern of insomnia, the suggestion is to place a few fresh drops of essential oils on your pillow before bedtime. Lavender, camomile and ylang ylang tend to work best. (Note: only recommended during second and third trimesters).
(Click to watch video by Chi Yu: Omedeta Maternity Care – therapies for mums-to-be and new mums)
Little Beauty Treats
There’s also nothing wrong with taking the time to treat yourself to a few beauty treatments. Your skin, hair, hands and feet need just as much attention as your diet, your muscles and your vital organs. A monthly investment in something to make you glow on the outside is another step towards finding the perfect balance needed during this very special period of your life.
Essentially, it’s all about harmony. Get some exercise, enjoy the final few months at work, eat well, read something to stimulate your brain, sleep soundly, spend time catching up with friends and invest in a massage or two to release the strain on your back when necessary. Share your time evenly across all tasks and make yours a holistic approach to health and happiness. You’re in the process of creating another human life, after all.
