The latest Buzz - Autumn 2010
Sleep
It is very easy in our modern world of electric light and computers to short change ourselves on sleep. Staying up after dark and sleeping when it is already daylight in the early morning. I know there have been times when I have considered the need to sleep as a nuisance. Can such attitudes and behaviours lead to insomnia and tiredness? Anyway there are many people in our modern world who complain of an inability to sleep and there are numerous products both on and off prescription to help sufferers to get a better night's sleep. One such natural remedy that we stock for promoting sleep is Asphalia.
'Asphalia is proving to be the most important breakthrough in sleep improvement in decades.' It is recommended by Jan de Vries, a leading UK nutritionist, Jennifer Harper-Deacon, Health Journalist of the Year 2008, Janey Lee Grace, co-presenter on BBC2 'Steve Wright in the Afternoon' and many others! Asphalia won an award in the Best New Product category (Supplements and Remedies)at the Natural Trade Show, Brighton 2008.
Water
Anyone who has ever asked my advice in the shop or seen me for consultation will no doubt recall the importance that I have stressed over drinking water. The human body is composed of around 70% water. Meat, fish, cheese, bread, cakes, pastries and biscuits all have a lower water content so drinking water is essential if we do not want to become dehydrated. Whilst other popular drinks contain water, it is a debatable matter as to whether that is as good. I decided to test it for myself and after 3 weeks of replacing all other drinks with water I found water became my preferred choice and over time I have come to the decision that water suits my body best.
Not all water tastes the same and I do not like the taste of chloride which often spoils even the taste of other drinks. There has also been found to be a variety of other pollutants in most mains water supplies and many people resort to filtered water or bottled spring waters in the hope of enjoying more pure and better tasting water. For years I have recommended and sold water filter jugs and sold the local Kentish Spring water which is no longer available for retailing. This led me to research some alternatives and the discovery of Eva, which provides good tasting water at a competitive price to other filters. It is a greener solution to bottled water. The EVA water system is on display in the shop, why not taste the water for yourself, see how it operates and what it looks like. Ask for a product leaflet, which is very informative.
Eva is a gravity powered 9 stage filtration system, firstly the ceramic filter with 0.02 of a micron pores filter out many harmful germs and then the ultimate 8 stage filtration removes up to 98% of impurities and makes the water slightly more alkaline. After filtration there is then the mineral tray, to add minerals into the water and keep it pure. You can easily fill glasses, kettles and bottles from its user friendly tap. It would also be an ideal investment for any office or small business for staff and customer use. It is available in two sizes, 7 Lt. and 12 Lt. and does not require any plumbing. Normal RSP = £112.39 The unit has a lifetime guarantee, and you can order replacement parts eg tap/washers etc. which will be supplied free of charge + postage.
I was very fortunate to get away this summer to a very sunny place for 3 weeks which made me very conscious of just how beneficial sunshine and sunlight are to both my body and my spirit. With shorter days and winter time approaching it is important to find ways to maximize your skins exposure to natural day light. When I am busy working I so often get engrossed and put off stepping outside for a dose of sunlight and I am now giving attention to responding quickly when the sun appears. Like water and sleep it is so important and at this time of year in the UK we are not likely to get too much sun.
Liquid Sunshine
Yes! That is the name of a delicious fruity dose of Vitamin D3 which has become very popular this year. More and more people seem to be discovering they have low blood levels of vitamin D, which is best provided by skin exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and for a healthy immune system, the modern use of sun blocks and a predominately indoor lifestyle are probable causes for the increase. Some foods are fortified with vitamin D2, which is not complete and cannot meet our needs. In liquid form it is easy to adjust the dosage according to individual needs. We also stock vitamin D3 as tablets, capsules and drops of varying strength to provide for a variety of needs.
Light lamps and boxes. Now is also the time of the year to purchase a daylight lamp if you are someone who finds the darkness of winter particularly depressing. SAD is best prevented by keeping up your light exposure as we move into winter, not waiting until you feel miserable before choosing such a product. We can advise you on such products and have some demonstration models in the shop.
All these things will help us to look and feel our best. Sometimes thoughtful use of the many natural beautifying products on offer can be helpful in improving the way we feel about our looks. Many anti-aging skin products are based on animal collagen, but right now we have in stock some Anti-Wrinkle Eye Gel Patches to moisture, nourish and hydrate the delicate skin under the eyes. These are made from a plant form of collagen and enough for 5 treatments are just £3.99. they are easy and pleasant to use. My guess is that it might take more than 5 treatments to notice a difference. Anyway the time taken relaxing when using the patches will be time well spent for many.
Gluten Free Products
With the arrival of Waitrose just across the road we have been pleased to welcome some new customers, many in search for special dietary products. In order to meet this need we have expanded our range of Gluten free products. During the next few weeks we will have some of these available for tasting as well as some gluten and wheat free recipes. Of all the gluten free grains my favourite is Buckwheat. It's name can be misleading but it really has nothing to do with wheat whatsoever, belonging to a totally different botanical family. It is gluten free, quick and easy to cook and to sprout. It can be used in sweet and savoury dishes and buckwheat flour is made into pasta and pancakes. Visit our website for some free recipes or ask for copies in the shop. Orgran's Buckwheat pasta spirals are very popular. One customer told me she enjoys a pack each day for a nourishing gluten free breakfast dish.
We are also offering small single serving tins of gluten free spaghetti in tomato sauce for just 99p each or 2 for £1.50, it is a good time to stock up.
One of the challenges for anyone attempting to avoid gliuten is its presence in small amounts in so many sauces, stocks and other culinary ingredients. We stock 'Marigold's delicious dairy and gluten free bouillon. Gluten free gravy powder, baking powder and stuffing mix. Some people are following wheat free diets but can tolerate Spelt and Kamut Flour which perform well in bread making machines and have three useful recipes on their packets.
Some people avoid bread of all kinds but enjoyed simple boiled or steamed grains. Years ago when I studied macrobiotic cooking I discovered the delicious flavor and softer texture of short grain brown rice recommended by my macrobiotic teachers.
If you are looking for a grain free snack Crazy Jack Organic Soft Prunes, Figs and Apricots make a delicious snack.
For your healthy tea-time you may also enjoy a cup of Green Tea. Many of our Organic Qi Green Tea products have Fair Trade status as do some of our fruit, nuts and seeds. How we feel about the products we consume may well influence how much they benefit us when we eat them.
Therapies, Talks & More
Peter Collins ALLERGY, VITAMIN DEFICIENCY & HEALTH SCREENING
(Fri 5th, Sat 6th, Tues 9th, Fri 19th & Sat 20th of November)
Many chronic symptoms of ill health and even the inability to lose weight can be the result of over sensitivity to food or environmental factors. Adjusting diet can greatly relieve symptoms. Over consumption or prolonged exposure to a substance, and nutritional deficiencies, can all lead to sensitivities? Peter is experienced in testing for allergies and deficiencies and can advise people on overcoming their sensitivity and correcting deficiencies. He can also test for signs of dysfunction, congestion and insufficiency of organs and the endocrine system, enabling you to take preventative steps before drugs are needed. Please ask for a leaflet explaining the various tests. Book Now: 01732 741181.
Regular Health Consultations are available with
Wendy Kent. B.A. Dip. DT. Dip. H.F.R.
In these sessions the aim will be firstly to discover a food and lifestyle plan that will provide the energy and nutrients that you need to maximise your potential; reach and maintain your goal weight; overcome a chronic health problem; or prevent degenerative disease and enjoy a healthy retirement. Wendy has over 20 years of experience covering a wide variety of alternative health care. Wendy has trained in teaching the Bates method of improving the eyesight, and in the stress management tool of Symbol therapy. Wendy practices Tai Chi and Chi Kung using many of these exercises to help maintain her own health. Sharing her knowledge and experience she helps clients find and devise their own plan for improving their health and energy. Wendy 's Dietary, Lifestyle and Nutritional consultations are available at Especially Health or at Wendy 's home. Consultations cost £60 for 1 hr. Wendy also gives talks about Natural Health Care, Juicing, Sprouting, Raw and Living food demos by arrangement individually or for local groups. For details call 01732 458540 or e-mail wendy.kent@especiallyhealth.co.uk
Our in-house Medical Herbalist Anita Graham BSc (Hons) MNIMH Can help you handle Acute Infections and chronic health problems with WESTERN HERBAL MEDICINE. Anita has a BSc(Hons) Degree in Herbal Medicine and has run the Aquitaine Apothecary on the ground floor of Especially Health for the past eight years which continues to be a great success. Anita and her dispensary staff offer herbal advice over the counter, and have many herbal remedies and formulations on offer. For more chronic and complicated ailments, full consultations are recommended for a tailor-made treatment. The dispensary is OPEN Tuesday to Friday 9.00am to 2.30pm and Saturday 9.00am to 2.00pm. It is CLOSED on Mondays. For more information and/or to book an appointment to see the herbalist, Anita Graham or David Caudwell, visit the dispensary or call 01732 749789. Initial consultations (1 hour) are £42 and follow-ups are £25.
Anne-France Rix (Nutritional Therapist BSc) is Therapy Manager, at Especially Health and has over 10 years experience of advising in-store about a wide variety of health matters. Having completed a 'Nutritional Medicine ' BSc Degree she is fully insured to practice as a Nutritional Therapist. She offers 20 minute 'taster ' sessions for just £10, or a 2 session package of 100 mins total consultation for £88. You receive personalised diet and supplement prescriptions, and printed info sheets with lots of practical advice, to take home. Appointments are available Mon. to Sat. including some early evenings. Drop in and pick up a brochure or have a quick chat with Anne-France about how she can help, or call 01732 741181.
Tiphany Underwood BSc. Nutri. Med. Works in the shop each Wednesday and provides NUTRITIONAL CONSULTATIONS. Tiphany trained with Dr Lawrence Plaskett 's college which very much teaches its students to view each client holistically as an individual and recommend a diet and nutritional supplements to meet the individual 's need. To respect the wonderful healing power of the individual 's own body, and teach clients how to modify that diet and other lifestyle factors to increase the body 's energy for living and healing. To book an appointment with Tiphany speak to her at the shop on 01732 749780/741181.
Rebecca Edwards BA ND. NATUROPATHIC CONSULTATIONS Rebecca is a qualified Naturopath from Australia, currently lecturing at The College of Naturopathy in London. Rebecca uses Iridology, and tongue and nail diagnosis. She recommends nutritional supplements, Homoeopathy, Herbal medicine, and advises on diet and lifestyle. Having studied Pharmacology she is able to take into account any prescribed medication. Initial appointments last 1 1/2 hours at £80 (or for children 1 hour at £65). Subsequent consults last 45-60mins at £50 (children 30 mins at £45).
Pascale Atkinson will again be offering REFLEXOLOGY, REIKI or INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE Make time for yourself and take this opportunity of a twenty minutes taster session to discover or rediscover one of these therapies and decide for yourself whether they could enhance your well-being.
Monday 29th November 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Just £10. BOOK NOW on 01732 741181
HONOURING THE SPACE BETWEEN US
Friday Nov. 12th at 7.30 pm At: 'The Friends Meeting House' Hollybush Lane Sevenoaks Book your FREE PLACE on 08450 640040
If you want to improve the quality of your relationships with life in all its forms, from the most fleeting to the most intimate you may find joining Simon Ranger 's 'Honouring the Space' meetings inspiring and helpful. The way we communicate with ourselves and others has a great effect on our success, happiness and health. Meetings have been found by many to be healing, revealing, moving, important and supportive. An opportunity to experience what our relationship to other human beings really means.