The Devon Clinic

Author: Chris Fleet (Dip.Hyp. Adv D. hyp, SQHP)

  • How to control anger effectively

    Anger Management

    Anger is a result of feeling frustrated, insulted, deceived or even under attack. For many, anger is a natural reaction that passes quickly. In some instances, however, it can become a difficult emotion to control. Health issues linked to unresolved anger include high blood pressure, heart attack, depression, anxiety, colds, flu and problems with digestion.

    The general advice given for anger management includes counting to ten and breathing slowly as counting to 10 gives you time to cool down so you can think more clearly and overcome the impulse to lash out while breathing out longer than breathing in, and relax as you breathe out will help calm you down effectively and help you think more clearly. Bring down your general stress levels with exercise and relaxation. Running, walking, swimming, yoga and meditation are just a few of the activities that can help reduce stress. Although these treatments are useful and effective, they are often short-lived.

    Because of this, people who become angry are often in search of ways and treatments to help their case in the long run.

    There are private courses and therapists who can help with anger issues. Make sure any therapist you see is registered with a professional organisation.

    Hypnotherapy has proven to be an effective way to control angry outbursts. The initial aim of the hypnotherapist will be to understand the root cause of your anger will work on a conscious and unconscious level to help change your negative thought processes and hopefully, this will achieve a difference in your reaction to anger triggers. Feeling calmer in stressful situations helps you think more clearly so you can react more appropriately.

    Most anger management involves learning forms of stress management, these techniques will help reduce the triggers that bring about anger in the first place.

     

  • Bear Grills; Bowen Technique

    BowenBowen Technique

    Twelve years ago Bear, then aged 21 broke his back whilst training with the SAS after his parachute failed to inflate at 16,000 feet. Bear landed on his parachute pack and fractured three vertebrae.

    “I should have cut the main parachute and gone to the reserve but I thought there was enough time to resolve the problem.”

    Bear was treated in Surrey, avoiding surgery, he undertook hours of intense physiotherapy, swimming, stretching and ultrasound treatment.

    “I was still suffering from twinges and pains.”

    Deep massage helped but he always felt physically unbalanced by his injury. A year ago his wife suggested he see a Bowen therapist.

    The Bowen technique, developed in the 1950s, involves using rolling movements over the muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is said to send impulses to the brain to trigger the body’s own healing.

    Like many whom seek alternative treatments Bear was skeptical. He went to see an East Sussex based Bowen therapist, Sarah Yearsley.

    “With the slightest squiggle of her fingers, it felt like petrol was being put back in my tank and I could feel all the stress seeping away. More importantly, after my back accident, my spine and pelvis had lost alignment, so I felt unbalanced.”

    The therapist explained that his pelvis was slightly twisted and that this would cause him endless problems without treatment. Bear now attends monthly Bowen appointments and has felt the positive results.

  • Acupuncture Pain Molecule Pinpointed

    A US researcher has pinpointed a molecule that may control how acupuncture relieves pain.

    Experiments with mice have shown that levels of Adenosine (a natural painkiller we have in our bodies) increased at the acupuncture sites. Adenosine is known to play many roles within the body including regulating sleep and reducing inflammation in damaged areas. Other research has shown that it becomes active in the skin after an injury, like a natural pain killer.

    In the latest research, a team performed a thirty-minute acupuncture session at a pressure point in the knee of mice that had discomfort in one paw. The results showed that the levels of Adenosine in the tissue near the needlepoint were twenty-four times greater than before. Then using a drug that extends the effects of Adenosine, it was discovered that the benefits of the acupuncture session lasted three times longer.

    Dr Maiken Nedergarad, a neurologist at the University of Rochester Medical Centre commented: Acupuncture has been a minister of medical treatment in certain parts of the world for 4,00 years, but because it has not been understood completely, many people have remained sceptical”.

    Acupuncture treatment
    Acupuncture treatment

    Acupuncture is used for a wide array of treatments though the NHS limits its use to lower back pain only. Experts agree that acupuncture can mediate its effects in a number of different ways. A spokesperson from The British Pain Society commented; We have known for a long time that acupuncture alters the response to pain by modulation of some of the pain pathways in the spinal cord, and also by the release of endorphins.

    He goes on to say that it is interesting that scientists have found an alteration in the tissue levels of Adenosine, which helps to explain some of the modulatory effects of acupuncture on pain perception.

    Source: bbcnews

  • Allergies

    An allergy is a reaction the body has to a particular food or substance.

    Allergy

    Allergies are very common and affect more than one in four people in the UK. Young children tend to have some form of allergy though many simply go away as they grow older. Adults can develop allergies

    to things that previously caused no harm/ill effect. Having an allergy can be a nuisance but are manageable. Severe reactions occur but are rare.

     

    Common allergens include

    • Pollen (Hay fever)
    • Dust mites
    • Animal dander (Tiny flakes of skin or hair)
    • Medication
    • Latex (Used in making gloves)
    • Mould (Small air particles)
    • Food (Particularly nuts, shellfish and cows milk)
    • Household chemicals

    Symptoms to look out for

    • Sneezing
    • Itchy, red, runny eyes
    • Runny or blocked nose
    • Wheeze or cough
    • Red, itchy rash
    • Worsening of Asthma or Eczema

    Most reactions are mild though occasionally a severe reaction or anaphylaxis can occur. If an anaphylactic shock does occur, it is a medical emergency and appropriate steps need to be taken to seek treatment.

    Here at The Devon Clinic, we offer Allergy Testing.

  • Stress Busting

    Stress-busting over the Easter holidays

    Stress

    Most stress in our lives is self-inflicted. We can’t change the weather (though sometimes we’d like to!), we still have to go to work and those pesky bills still require paying, by making a few small changes can improve our outlook and combined with some practical tweaks, stress can be vastly reduced.

     

     

    • Get up an hour early

    A bit of self-love and reflection early in the day can aid in stress-busting. Instead of your usual morning rush ease yourself into the day with a slow shower and sit down to breakfast.

    • Prioritise your time

    Write a list of all the activities you need to complete today and number each one in priority/urgency. There will be days when the list is impossibly long so halve it and move less pressing items to tomorrow.

    • Learn to say NO

    Be realistic, you can be everywhere doing everything at the same time. Saying no to someone isn’t going to hurt them and may even get your time more valued. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

    • Acceptance

    Perfection doesn’t exist so we should all stop trying to attain something that isn’t even real. Understanding that the need to be perfect is a losing battle that will inevitably leave you drained and at a loss.

    • Be active

    Take some regular exercise, it is a powerful de-stressor. A stroll in the park or even down the street during your break not only wakes your body up but also releases positive hormones.

    • Take time to relax

    Find time in your day, even a quick five minutes, to step back and evaluate how the day is progressing. Think about the number of tasks you can realistically perform at one time.

    • Put the day to rest

    Spend a few minutes evaluating your day at the end of the day. It is important to focus on the positives, even the very small ones, and not dwell on the negatives. Give yourself a metaphorical pat on the back.

     

  • What is Reiki?

    ReikiReiki is a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and emotional well-being.

    The word Reiki is formed from two Japanese words‚ Rei meaning‚ God, Wisdom or Higher Power‚ and Ki a Life force energy. So, Reiki means a spiritually guided life force energy.

    A Japanese technique is used to aid in the reduction of stress and promote relaxation and healing. The laying on of hands is based upon the idea that the unseen life force energy flows through our bodies keeping us alive. If your life force is low, then we are more than likely to feel the effects of stress and illness whereas when it is high, we are more capable of being both happy and healthy.

    During a Reiki session, the Reiki practitioner will use both a laying on of hands and a hands-off approach to ensure the correct flow of Reiki energy. Throughout the treatment, you will feel both relaxed, energised and calm. After the session, both you and your practitioner will discuss any findings and what is advised as a result.

    The secret art of inviting happiness

    The miraculous medicine of all diseases

    Just for today, do not anger
    Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
    Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
    Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
    Pray these words to your heart
    and chant these words with your mouth
    Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind

    The founder, Usui Mikao

    Try Reiki here at The Devon Clinic

  • 10 Amazing Benefits of Acupuncture

    How can Acupuncture help you?

    It has been said that there are around 350 acupuncture points in the body. When the tiny needles are inserted into the appropriate points of the body it brings the energy flow back into balance. So how can acupuncture help you?

    Here are some suggestions:

    Head

    Monthly Migraines are reduced within 4 weeks with 20 sessions of Electroacupunture (a small electrical current that is applied to the needle).Acupuncture

    Mood

    Acupuncture regulates the happy-making neurotransmitters in the brain which aids in treating depression within three months.

    Throat

    After ten sessions over a month problems such as Acid Reflux and Heart Burn can be regulated speeding the duration of digestion.

    Nose

    Seasonal allergens will benefit from 12 acupuncture sessions leading to less use/reliability of antihistamines.

    Heart

    Regular acupuncture sessions can reduce the markers of stress and lower blood pressure.

    Sleep

    Aid sleep and insomnia by revving up the productions of neurotransmitters which are related to relaxation and restful sleep.

    Menopause

    Reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes for up to three months as acupuncture can help regulate body temperature.

    Weight

    Combined with a good diet and exercise routine, four months of acupuncture treatment can lead to up to nine pounds of weight loss (measured on an obese adult).

    Back

    Five, twice-weekly sessions of needling have proven to relieve lower back discomfort for up to six months.

    Immune system

    Boost immune cells that seek and destroy infections. Studies have proven that it may be beneficial for Chemotherapy penitents to strengthen their immune system.

     

    If you want to know more about Acupuncture please fill out the form below:

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  • Bowen Technique – Julie Flood

    What is the Bowen Technique?

    Being balanced and having our pelvic level allows our body to work at its best. If our bodies are not in balance when we walk, jog, exercise etc., we are creating more issues. Think of your vehicle. If the tires are not balanced, other issues arise and when we continue to drive out of alignment before we know it we are facing more repairs!

    If we get the tires aligned then the vehicle runs at its peak. Same as our bodies balanced with the Bowen Technique everything works at its best and our bodies health issues are given messages to repair and heal and our daily exercises are usually enhanced.

    Bowen does not just mask our pains and you have to come every week – Bowen encourages healing by balancing and correcting issues, usually within three visits then we function as we should. Those of us with chronic pain issues find great relief when balanced and when the body begins to show it is out of alignment again the technique once again relieves our pain.

  • Can’t sleep? Don’t sleep? Want help to sleep?

    Are you having problems with sleep?stress

    You are not alone. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will have problems either getting to sleep or staying asleep at some point in their lives. Wouldn’t it be great to know what to do if you were having problems with your insomnia? Could there be some effective techniques that you can learn to help you sleep better? Well there are.
    Susan Young, co- director of the Devon clinic has spent years researching insomnia and has designed a unique and innovative 2 day workshop that will help you teach yourself to become a better sleeper.

    Here’s what Susan has to say about sleep and the workshop:
    Good quality sleep is essential if we are to function at our best and look our best. We all know the term ‘beauty sleep’ and how we look and feel great following a good nights sleep. But getting a good nights sleep can sometimes be a bit hit and miss for some people.Sleep Trackers
    Just like you, I once was a poor sleeper. I knew I had to do something about it. I spent several years researching sleep and how to sleep better. This workshop is the result. I have tried and tested several different approaches to sleeping better on friends, family and clients. I now want to pass on my knowledge to you so that you can find which of the approaches work best for you.
    You may need more than one technique to help you improve your sleep, it sometimes depends on circumstances. I have therefore designed the workshop to include several different techniques, all of which you will practice under my instruction.

     

  • Sciatica

    What others sayWhat is it?

    Sciatica is the name given to any sort of pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The Sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, running from the back of your pelvis, through the buttocks, and all the way down each one of the legs, ending at your toes.

    But the most common cause of Sciatica is when your gluteus maximus muscle tightens, causing difficulty to move freely, and eventually working its way down your leg, to your feet and toes.

     

    Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica

    When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it will cause pain, numbness and sometimes even a tingling sensation that diffuse from your lower back and will travel down one of your legs to your foot and toes.

    Often the pain from Sciatica can range from being mild to very painful and can also be triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing or even sitting for a long period of time. Sometimes Sciatica can cause muscle weakness in the affected area e.g. legs

    What is the cause of Sciatica?

    Sciatica is sometimes caused by a herniated or a slipped disc. This is caused when one of the discs that sit between the bones of the spine also known as the vertebrae is damaged and presses on the nerves.

    Another less common cause of Sciatica is spinal stenosis which means narrowing of the nerve passages in the spine. A spinal injury or infection, or even a growth within the spine such as a tumor.

     

    Of course you can minimize your risk of developing a slipped disc or severe back injury that could possibly lead to Sciatica by embracing a better posture and if you have a job that involves lifting heavy things on a daily basis, be sure to learn a good lifting technique to stop injury to the back. You should always stretch before and after exercises and exercise regularly. 

    Remedies for sciatica

    Sciatica can be helped by any of the following: