Embody Spring 2024

It was only a matter of time before medicinal mushroom extracts started to hit the headlines. After all, they’re packed with nutritional compounds that offer a wide range of health benefits. In addition to being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, mushrooms are kno for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune regulating properties and as such, have been used traditionally to treat a broad range of ailments across the globe for millennia. Over th few decades Western science is finally understanding what this means through a modern lens...

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Spring 2024 Welcome

Welcome to the spring edition of Embody. As the season of renewal and rejuvenation unfolds, we are delighted to bring you a collection of inspiring and informative features to nourish your body, mind, and soul.

We are pleased to present renowned ethnobotanist Wolf Dieter Storl, who takes us on a captivating journey through the history of plant-based remedies used to treat coronary conditions. From ancient wisdom to modern research ndings, Wolf illuminates the e cacy of these time-honoured remedies in our quest for holistic wellbeing (page 6). Clinical herbalist David Winston sheds light on the extraordinary health bene ts of adaptogens, o ering valuable insights into the power of nature’s ‘superherbs’ (page 10).

Our exclusive interview with Dr. Barbara Kubica unveils her mission to revive the ancient tradition of bathing as a wellness ritual, providing a glimpse into the transformative potential of this simple yet profound practice (page 22).

Now to business advice. In a rapidly expanding wellness retreat sector, our expert guide o ers strategic advice for those looking to create a successful and lucrative retreat business. Whether you are well-seasoned or a budding enthusiast, this is a must-read for anyone considering venturing into the realm (page 34).

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Finally, due to a substantial increase from your current insurance provider Holistic Insurance, we have secured a new lower rate, exclusive to our members, with Balens, turn to page 32 for details. As the owers bloom and the days grow longer, we hope this issue provides a source of inspiration and motivation to nurture you from the inside out. Wishing you a season lled with abundance.

Sharon Martin, Editor

The Heart and its Healing Plants

Renowned ethnobotanist Wolf Dieter Storl delves into the history of plant-based remedies used in both ancient and modern times to treat heart conditions and ailments.

Coronary heart diseases have become a big business. It seems obvious that the human heart is barely able to take the conditions that prevail in our modern world of machines and technology: stress and anxiety, job insecurity, pent-up anger, and lovelessness. Then there is the constant stream of terrible news on television – wars that involve us indirectly or even personally; globalized criminal networks involving things such as child pornography; young people dying from deadly drugs such as fentanyl; or the recent increase of myocarditis apparently resulting from Covid vaccinations, for instance – and the insecure feeling of having very little say in one’s own life while living under an increasing amount of government regulations. All of these things and many more take a toll on the human heart that is generally underestimated. They represent a societal-cultural problem that requires a remedy, for it also lters down and directly a ects our health. Many of today’s bright minds have convincingly questioned the belief that a body is basically just a machine that needs maintenance or repair when the parts wear out. It has become more and more apparent that disease has a psychosomatic aspect and that our emotions have a very real e ect on our health. In the realm of heart disease, this seems to be even more the case than with other diseases. The stress of living in a modern industrial society makes it di cult to experience great joy of life – joy that has traditionally always been perceived as experience of the heart.

There are now more than a hundred di erent types of cardiovascular or cardiotonic drugs that can help the cardiovascular system and the stressed heart that may be heading toward a heart attack. Particularly suitable plants are those with toxic glycosides that can split into a partial steroidal agglutinin (aglycone or adenosine, a nonsugar) and another part sugar (for example, rhamnose,

digitoxose). In their molecular structure, the active substances resemble steroids and are like sex hormones, bile acids, cholesterol, and vitamin D (Schmidsberger 1990, 52). Correctly dosed, these heart glycosides strengthen and slow down the heartbeat – the heart races less. By increasing the stroke volume, they improve the blood circulation in the kidneys and increase urination. This also helps reduce venous congestion and uid retention (oedema).

Plants with cardiac glycosides are often found in the gwort family (Scrophulariaceae), such as foxglove*; the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), such as oleander (Nerium oleander), yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana), and especially strophanthus; members of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), such as adonis and hellebore; and additionally, plants of the lily family (Liliaceae) are used, such as sea squill or lily of the valley. Based on the molecular structure of the cardiac glycosides, a distinction is made between the cardenolides (Adonis, Convallaria, Digitalis, Nerium, Strophanthus, Thevetia) with a ve-membered lactone ring and the bufadienolides (Helleborus, Urginea) with a six-membered lactone ring. All these plants are highly toxic and as such hardly play a role in folk medicine.

The cardiac glycosides favoured by conventional medicine belong, in the categorisation of Rudolf Fritz Weiss, mainly to the forte remedies. He counts the lily of the valley (Convallaria) and the Adonis ower as media remedies. Heart-calming and preventive plants, such as lemon balm, valerian, lavender, ginkgo, motherwort, sloe, passion ower, garlic, mistletoe, onion, and hawthorn are among the mite remedies.

The heart, circulatory system, and blood vessels form a functional circuit; one cannot examine them in isolation. Therefore, even medicinal plants that do not act directly on the heart muscle can be regarded

“...digitalis preparations corrected irregular heartbeat and cardiac contraction (systole).”

as modern heart plants. These include, for example, those that are suitable for borderline hypertension, such as garlic, mistletoe, snakeroot, onion, and hawthorn; and even those that can act on low blood pressure, such as ginseng, lavender, and rosemary. It also includes those that play a role in venous disorders, such as horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus), and witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), which improves the blood flow, and bloodthinning plants, such as sweet clover (Meliolotus officinalis), also deserve mention.

Foxglove is biennial. It blooms in the bright midsummer. Clusters of bell-shaped flowers always hang on the top of the stem and on the side of the strongest light incidence. Large bumblebees pollinate the blossoms. The heart-shaped seed capsules each contain several tens of thousands of tiny seeds (10,000 seeds weigh one gram). These seeds are light germinators. In its essence, the plant moves between light and shadow, lightness and heaviness. As a mediator of these polarities, it carries the signature of the heart, which also rhythmically beats between lightness and heaviness, flowing air, and flowing blood. When the heartbeat in the human microcosm weakens and threatens to fade, then the macrocosm offers this plant as an aid.

The unusually deep reddish-purple flowers of the foxglove are similar to the hollow organ of an animal. Usually, plants have no internal organs. As the German writer (and plant enthusiast) Johann Wolfgang von Goethe already observed, plant tissue is flat and directed toward the outside world. Foxglove is not only a living, growing being, but –

as the flowers suggest – it is almost animated or “astralized.” It is this animation that makes us stop and marvel at it when walking through the forest, and which evokes associations with fairies.

Foxglove thrives in the northwestern EuropeanAtlantic climate.* Therefore, it was well known (and sacred) to the Celts but unknown in the Mediterranean. Neither the writings of classical antiquity nor those of monastic medicine mention foxglove. Celtic healers, such as the Welsh Meddygon Myddfai (twelfth century), used this fairy plant, mashed, externally as a poultice to eliminate tumours, pus, fever, and inflammation. Foxglove is still known in Germany as Schwulstkraut (tumour herb) and in Aveyron, Occitania (southern France), as èrbo dé désènfladuro (also meaning tumour herb). This is because the plant was used to heal tumours caused by snakebites. It was also referred to and used elsewhere as a “snake herb” (Marzell 1943–1979, II:135).

The botanist Leonhart Fuchs, who in 1542 was the first to name the plant digitalis (“thimble,” based on Latin digitus, “finger”), had no knowledge about the cardiac efficacy of this forest plant. He wrote that the doctors of his time hardly know how to use it. He described its strengths and characteristics: “The digitalis herbs, boiled and drunk, break up the coarse moisture in the body, cleanse and purify, and take away obstructions of the liver and other internal organs” (Fuchs 1543). In addition, women can bring on “their time” (menstruation) with it; boiled in wine and drunk, it drives poison out of the body (certainly a very dangerous practice!); mixed with honey and applied, it dispels stains and impurities from the face ►

and body. This “breaking up of coarse moisture” describes the plant as a purging and purifying agent, a remedy that puri es by producing vomiting, diarrhoea, urinary urgency, and cold sweat. It has probably always been used in folk medicine as a purgative and antitumor agent.

Not until the time of the Industrial Revolution in the late eighteenth century did the English country doctor William Withering (1741–1799) discover the cardiac e cacy of foxglove. Withering was a follower of the then modern “heroic medicine,” which rejected the herbalism of folk medicine as unscienti c and practiced its craft with only mineral poisons (mercury, arsenic), purgatives, the scalpel, and bloodletting. Nevertheless, he had a soft spot for botany. His ancée, like many a bourgeois lady of the time, painted watercolour ower motifs, and he helped her to nd suitable plants. In 1775, when the couple went for summer retreats in Shropshire, he met a dropsical woman with grotesquely swollen arms, legs, and feet. She asked him for help, and he prescribed some placebos, but he thought to himself that the patient would not live much longer. However, when he visited the village again a few weeks later, to his surprise, he saw the patient completely happy and well again. He wondered how that was possible and inquired. He was told that there was an auld hag (“old hag,” meaning an herbal practitioner) who had administered an herbal concoction. Because the good doctor found it beneath his dignity to ask himself, he had the herbalist secretly observed. He discovered that the brew consisted of more than twenty di erent herbs. He examined the mixture and became convinced that the foxglove it contained was the e ective ingredient. Unfortunately, he did not think it necessary to name the other “useless” herbs – an example of the reductionism under which pharmacological science su ers to this day.

Now, he set out to study the e ect of the poisonous plant on animals. He fed it to turkeys, who painfully vomited their intestinal contents and died miserably. He then experimented with destitute patients, whom he treated with foxglove for free (!) at a clinic in Birmingham. As a result of his research, in 1785 he published the classic An Account of the Foxglove, and Some of Its Medical Uses: With Practical Remarks on Dropsy and Other Diseases and thus became the “founder of cardiac therapy.” Withering did not know that dropsy, the accumulation and congestion of uid in the tissues, is not a disease in itself but the symptom of heart or kidney failure. Only later did it become clear that digitalis preparations corrected irregular heartbeat and cardiac contraction (systole). These preparations contain glycosides, which increase the pumping capacity of the

heart, thereby accelerating the blood circulation and ushing out water congestion through increased urination (Pahlow 1979, 134). From the midnineteenth century onward, it increasingly became the medical fashion to “digitalise” patients with a weak heart. There were often failures. Digitalis poisoning became the most common iatrogenic cause of death at the time. Until 1914, foxglove was given in the form of dried leaf powder, and then standardised doses were synthetically produced –rst digitoxin, then digoxin. For these toxic drugs, the safety factor is so tight that it is considered very important in medical school that students can accurately identify the symptoms of an overdose. They learn to pay attention to three consecutive stages of digitalis toxicity:

1st stage: gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting

2nd stage: arrhythmias in the atria of the heart 3rd stage: life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia, in which the heart chambers beat irregularly (Weil 1983, 103).

The well-known American physician Andrew Weil was surprised that he never saw the rst stage of digoxin overdoses. First, there was no nausea or vomiting, just atrial arrhythmias that only became noticeable on the electrocardiogram. Later he realised that the rst stage was only apparent when the herbal drug was administered. From then on, Dr. Weil treated cases of heart failure with the plant itself. If he over-administered, the patients rst got an upset stomach. Then he was able to reduce the drug without the patients even coming close to arrhythmia. In this way, he could determine the individual dosage very accurately. Dr. Weil arrived at the following conclusion:

The whole plant has certain built-in safety mechanisms that are lost when the cardiotonic elements are re ned out and used in pure form. Call this the wisdom of nature if you like, or don’t if you don’t like; it remains an empirical truth. (Weil 1983, 105).

Excerpt taken from The Heart and Its Healing Plants, Traditional Herbal Remedies and Modern Heart Condition by Wolf Dieter Storl.

*The woolly foxglove (Digitalis lanata), favored today by the chemical-pharmaceutical industry because it can be cultivated in elds, is originally native to the steppe areas of the Black Sea and the Balkans

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wolf Dieter Storl, Ph.D., is a cultural anthropologist and ethnobotanist who has taught at Kent State University as well as in Vienna, Berne, and Benares. He is the author of more than 30 books on indigenous culture and ethnobotany in German and several in English. His latest title The Heart and Its Healing Plants, Traditional Herbal Remedies and Modern Heart Conditions is available to purchase from innertraditions.com or Amazon.

Nature’s Superherbs

Clinical herbalist David Winston explores the extraordinary health benefits of adaptogens.

Adaptogens are remarkable natural substances that help the body adapt to stress, support normal metabolic function, and help restore systemic equilibrium. They increase the body’s resistance to physical, biological, emotional, and environmental stressors and provide a defense response to acute or chronic stress. They are unique from other substances in their ability to restore the balance of endocrine hormones, modulate the immune and nervous systems, and allow the body to maintain optimal homeostasis.

There is a great deal of research on the health benefits of adaptogens, spanning more than seventy years. The fact that these herbs have such a broad influence on the entire body requires that we take a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to fully understand this complex information. We do know that adaptogens are effective tonics and can be taken daily for overall health. In fact, throughout the world millions of people are using these herbs on a daily basis. Many of the adaptogens that are commonly used today have a history of use that goes back hundreds or thousands of years. Over that time, a vast amount of experience has been gained that has gone toward understanding their therapeutic applications.

Adaptogens can greatly increase the effectiveness of some modern drugs, including antibiotics, anxiolytics (anxiety relief), antidepressants, and hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) agents. They also can reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the side effects of

some drugs. They have a proven record of being safe, efficacious, and quite versatile in their treatment of many conditions. All adaptogens have antistress qualities that provide stabilizing effects on the neuroendocrine system, especially the HPA axis and SAS. All adaptogens help modulate and enhance the immune system, and they inhibit cortisol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

The listed benefits and uses of adaptogens are based on all available information, including modern scientific research, records of their use in traditional medical systems, ethnobotany, and clinical observations made by practitioners.

It is important to remember the following conclusions about the health benefits of adaptogens:

• All adaptogens have antistress qualities that help provide stabilizing effects on the neuroendocrine system, especially the HPA axis and SAS.

• All adaptogens help modulate and/or enhance the immune system.

• All adaptogens inhibit cortisol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Because they have these qualities, adaptogens have been proven to help:

• Reverse immunosuppression caused by stress

• Reverse the decline of immune system function as people get older

• Reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease

It is important to use herbs (including adaptogens) that are appropriate for the individual who is taking them. While adaptogens are generally safe, they are not “one-size-fits-all” tonics. A person’s age, health issues, medications, and energetics all need to be considered before that person uses them. If you have a serious health issue, it would be best to consult with a health professional or clinical herbalist before use.

ADAPTOGENS FOR LONGEVITY

Adaptogens help deal with the wear and tear of the body, anabolic and catabolic activity, inflamm-aging, and free radicals because they contain and upregulate antioxidant and antiinflammatory compounds.

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have studied longevity herbs for thousands of years. Asian ginseng has been known in China as the leading longevity herb, and its use has been widely documented. Reishi has been called “the mushroom of immortality,” jiaogulan currently is being touted as “China’s immortality herb,” and cordyceps has been used for centuries as an invigorating tonic to promote longevity, fertility, and vitality.

In the Ayurvedic tradition, all of the rasayana herbs promote longevity. Another Sanskrit name for guduchi is amrit (or amrita), which means “immortality” or “nectar of immortality.” The chyawanprash formula, which contains the restorative tonic amla, is believed to help maintain youthfulness, vigor, and vitality.

Basically, all of the Chinese tonic herbs and Ayurvedic rasayanas may help slow the aging process and promote longevity.

• Antiaging in general is supported by the following adaptogens: American ginseng, Asian ginseng, cistanche, cordyceps, cynomorium, eleuthero, jiaogulan, reishi, rhodiola, and shilajit.

• The following adaptogens have antiinflammatory activity: ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, cordyceps, eleuthero, guduchi, holy basil, jiaogulan, licorice, morinda, reishi, rhodiola, schisandra, and shilajit.

• The following adaptogens have anabolic activity: American ginseng, ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, cordyceps, eleuthero, horny goat weed, rhaponticum, and shilajit.

• The following herbs protect our DNA: cynomorium and a phytochemical extract from the restorative tonic astragalus have been shown to inhibit the shortening of telomeres, the protective caps on our chromosomes.

ADAPTOGENS FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Adaptogens have a direct effect on nervous system health. They enhance mood and relieve stress. Many adaptogens have mild anxiolytic or antidepressant activity, as well as nervine (nerve tonic) effects. In addition, adaptogens upregulate neuropeptide ►

Y (NPY), which inhibits anxiety and, at least in animal studies, exhibits antidepressant activity.

• The following adaptogens can provide relief from anxiety: ashwagandha, cordyceps, holy basil, jiaogulan, reishi, and schisandra.

• The following adaptogens act as mild antidepressants: ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, holy basil, rhaponticum, rhodiola, and schisandra.

• Central nervous system support is provided by the following adaptogens: Asian ginseng, rhaponticum, rhodiola, and shilajit are stimulating; ashwagandha, cordyceps, jiaogulan, and schisandra are calming.

• Nervines (nerve tonics) also support and complement adaptogens in the treatment of nervous system conditions such as anxiety and depression.

• Nervines that have anxiolytic activity include: blue vervain, chamomile, fresh milky oat, hawthorn, linden ower, motherwort, passion ower, and skullcap.

• Nervines that have antidepressant e ects include: lavender, lemon balm, mimosa, rosemary, and St. John’s wort.

ADAPTOGENS FOR INCREASED ENERGY

The quest for more energy and reduced fatigue probably dates to the beginnings of humankind. The worldwide habits of consuming co ee, black tea, maté, guarana, and other stimulants attests to the daily need for greater focus, alertness, and vigor. In addition, when the body is under intense stress, it uses more energy. If the high stress level is a chronic condition, it can lead to fatigue and exhaustion.

Adaptogens enhance a person’s capacity for physical work and can provide an increased ow of steady energy throughout the day. They help improve work performance and endurance and aid in recovery after strenuous physical activity. Adaptogens provide an adaptive energy reserve that can be tapped under intense physical or emotional stress, when the body needs it most. In addition, many adaptogens are e ective in enhancing mental capacity and concentration. This was discussed in the Brain Function section (page 108).

At the cellular level, chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can

cause mitochondrial dysfunction. The mitochondria are the “engines of the cells.” Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with bromyalgia and chronic fatigue immune de ciency syndrome (CFIDS).

The following adaptogens can reduce fatigue (some act as mild stimulants, others improve sleep quality, and all promote increased “adaptive energy”): American ginseng, ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, cistanche, codonopsis, cordyceps, cynomorium, eleuthero, holy basil, jiaogulan, prince seng, rhaponticum, rhodiola, schisandra, shatavari, and shilajit.

ADAPTOGENS FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

All adaptogens are used for immune system support. They strengthen and modulate the immune system, improve immune response, enhance humoral and cellular immunity (increase T-cell and B-cell function), and have anti-in ammatory and antiallergy activity. Adaptogens support a healthy immune system that provides protection from acute illness (colds and u). They also are used to treat immunological health problems such as viral infections, autoimmune disorders (including rheumatoid arthritis), allergies, and cancer. Adaptogens have been shown to improve immune dysfunction and help reverse immunosuppression caused by stress or drugs.

• The following adaptogens are immune amphoterics (normalizers): American ginseng, ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, cordyceps, holy basil, jiaogulan, licorice, reishi, rhodiola, schisandra, and shilajit.

• The following adaptogens nourish or stimulate the immune system: codonopsis, eleuthero, prince seng, rhaponticum, and shatavari.

• The following adaptogens have antibacterial and antimicrobial activity: holy basil, licorice, schisandra, and shatavari.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

• Antiviral activity has been noted in the following: holy basil, licorice, reishi, and rhodiola. There are several additional herbs (many of which are not adaptogens) that are considered to have immunoregulatory activity. They are anti-in ammatory, inhibit excessive immune response, and help prevent deposition of immune complexes.

• The following herbs have immunoregulatory activity: boswellia, bupleurum, cinnamon, dan shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), gotu kola, guduchi, huang qin (Scutellaria baicalensis), sarsaparilla, and turmeric.

ADAPTOGENS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Adaptogens support weight management by regulating blood sugar, insulin metabolism, and cortisol levels; enhancing digestion; reducing stress and stress-induced eating; promoting healthy sleep (which reduces MetS and insulin resistance); and upregulating the body’s metabolic rate. With increased adaptive energy and healthier endocrine function, weight management becomes a bit more possible.

• The following adaptogens may help support weight management: American ginseng, ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, codonopsis, cordyceps, eleuthero, guduchi, holy basil, jiaogulan, licorice, reishi, rhaponticum, rhodiola, and shilajit. Further detailed information about speci c adaptogens that may be useful for many conditions, including aging, cancer, elevated cholesterol levels, decreased immune system function, fatigue, stress, and weight management can be found in Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston with Steven Maimes available to purchase from innertraditions.com or Amazon.

David Winston, RH(AHG), is a clinical herbalist with 50 years of training in Chinese, Western/Eclectic, and Southeastern herbal traditions. He is a founding member of the American Herbalists Guild, the founder/director of the Herbal Therapeutics Research Library, and the dean of David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies.

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Volcanic Stone Massage

A therapeutic approach that combines the benefits of massage with the healing properties of volcanic stones to promote healing, relaxation, and physical & mental wellbeing.

The history of volcanic stone massage and its use in ancient civilizations dates back thousands of years, with evidence of similar practices found in various cultures around the world. The use of heated stones for therapeutic purposes can be traced to ancient times when volcanic rocks were believed to possess healing properties and were revered for their connection to the earth’s energy. Below you will find a brief overview of the history of volcanic stone massage and its significance in ancient civilizations.

Ancient China – In ancient China, the use of hot stones for healing dates back to the time of the Shang Dynasty (16th to 11th century BC). Chinese medicine practitioners believed in the concept of energy flow, known as Qi, and used heated stones to promote the flow of Qi and restore balance in the body. The practice of using stones for massage and healing rituals was an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine and continues to be practiced today.

Ancient Egypt – The ancient Egyptians also incorporated the use of heated stones in their healing practices. Hieroglyphics and ancient texts depict scenes of massage therapy using heated stones to alleviate pain, reduce ►

inflammation, and promote relaxation. The Egyptians believed in the healing powers of stones and used them in conjunction with aromatic oils and herbal remedies for various ailments.

Native American Tribes – Several Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and the Navajo, have a long history of using hot stones for healing purposes. Stones heated in fire or hot water were placed on the body to relieve muscle tension, promote circulation, and facilitate the release of toxins. The Native Americans viewed stones as sacred objects with spiritual significance and used them in ceremonies and healing rituals.

Ayurveda in India – In Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient healing system from India, the use of

“The Native Americans viewed stones as sacred objects”

heated stones is known as “Shila Abhyanga” or hot stone massage. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that the warmth of the stones helps to balance the body’s doshas (energies) and promote overall wellbeing. Hot stone massage is often used in Ayurvedic treatments to relax muscles, improve circulation, and promote detoxification.

Ancient Greece and Rome –The ancient Greeks and Romans also recognized the therapeutic benefits of heated stones for massage and healing. Greek physicians, such as Hippocrates, used stones in conjunction with massage techniques to treat various medical conditions and promote relaxation. The Romans incorporated hot stone baths into their bathing rituals as a form of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Overall, the history of volcanic stone massage in ancient civilizations highlights the universal belief in the healing powers of stones and their ability to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The use of heated stones for massage and healing has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular therapeutic practice in modern spa treatments and holistic therapies.

BENEFITS OF VOLCANIC STONE MASSAGE

Relaxation and Stress Relief: The gentle warmth of the volcanic stones helps to relax muscles and promote a sense of deep relaxation. The heat from the stones also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, allowing the body to unwind and release tension.

Improved Circulation: The heat from the volcanic stones dilates blood vessels, improving circulation and promoting the flow of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. This can help to alleviate muscle soreness and promote healing.

Pain Relief: Volcanic lava stone massage can help to alleviate muscle tension, reduce pain, and promote overall comfort. The combination of heat and massage techniques can target specific areas of discomfort and provide relief from aches and pains.

Detoxification: The heat from the volcanic stones can help to stimulate the lymphatic system, promoting the release of toxins from the body. This detoxification process can help to improve overall health and well-being.

Balancing Energy: In traditional Chinese medicine, volcanic lava stone massage is believed to help balance the body’s energy flow and promote harmony between mind, body, and spirit. The gentle pressure of the stones and the soothing warmth can help to restore balance and promote a sense of inner peace.

Skin Rejuvenation: The heat from the volcanic stones can help to open pores

and improve skin texture. This can result in a rejuvenated appearance and a healthy glow.

The volcanic rocks used are typically smooth, flat stones that have been heated to a specific temperature. These stones are strategically placed on the body to target specific areas of tension and promote relaxation. The heat from the stones helps to relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress and anxiety.

During a volcanic rock massage session, the massage therapist may also use the heated stones to perform massage techniques on the body. The combination of heat and massage helps to release muscle tension, alleviate pain, and promote a sense of deep relaxation. In addition to its physical benefits, volcanic rock massage is also believed to have therapeutic effects on the mind and spirit. The warmth of the stones and the gentle pressure of the massage can help to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of overall well-being. Overall, volcanic rock massage provides a holistic approach to relaxation and healing that offers a unique and rejuvenating experience for both the body and mind. Whether you are looking to alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, or simply relax, volcanic rock massage is a therapeutic treatment worth exploring or adding to your treatment portfolio.

Exercise, Long Covid and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Long Covid and CFC can cause changes in the body that makes exercise debilitating, Dr Sarah Myhill has created a simple roadmap to recovery for su erers.

Long Covid – persistent, long-lasting symptoms after a Covid-19 infection – is estimated to a ect around 2 million people in the UK and can follow even a mild Covid infection. These symptoms include extreme fatigue, ‘post-exertional malaise’ (where symptoms get worse after even minor physical or mental e ort) and muscle pain ( bromyalgia) – all symptoms also associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) following any acute infection.

Generally, we are told that activity and exercise will make us feel better if we are ‘down’ – that they will ‘increase endorphin levels’ and lift our mood. But exercising when you have Long Covid, or CFS in general, does not have that e ect. It results in worse symptoms, often delayed so the su erer ‘crashes’ the day after pushing themselves to do more. Indeed, a recent 2024 study found that muscle abnormalities worsen for Long Covid su erers who engage in exercise, supporting NICE’s decision in 2021 to remove what is known as ‘graded exercise therapy’ from their recovery recommendations for CFS and ME. Why does this worsening happen and what can we do to reverse it?

The symptoms of fatigue have not been properly addressed by doctors for decades, even though it is estimated

that fatigue-related conditions a ict 8% of the UK population. When I worked as an NHS GP during the 1980s, the TATT (tired all the time) symptom was one of the commonest reasons for a consultation. It was also the worst understood. Decades later, e ective and logical ways to treat fatigue are my area of expertise and, together with Dr John McLaren Howard and Professor Normal Booth, I have published three peer-reviewed papers looking at the central pathological lesion in CFS (on which see more below). These ways to treat CFS are simple in principle but tough to put into e ect, requiring nonnegotiable changes in lifestyle, as you will see. There is no ‘magic bullet’.

Medicine should be a process of detection to identify the causes of disease. Symptoms give us the clues from which we get a di erential diagnosis to help identify the mechanisms by which symptoms arise. From this, the ‘how’ logically follows.

Like pain, fatigue is a vital symptom for survival. We all have a ‘bucket’ of energy available to spend during the day. Should we spend more energy than we have, the heart will have no energy to beat, the liver will have no energy to detoxify the blood and the brain will have no energy to think. This means that when our energy is running out, our body tells us to stop, and we must listen to it or collapse.

In other words, fatigue is the main symptom that keeps us from death. Case in point – once the ancient herald Pheidippides had completed his run from Marathon to Athens to announce an Athenian victory, he promptly died of exhaustion. If only he had listened to his body!

Energy levels may run low because our mechanisms for making and delivering energy are impaired. They may also run low because we are wasting the energy we do have. In combination, this can leave us with barely enough energy to stay alive. Addressing the root causes of the problem involves improving delivery mechanisms while addressing ‘holes in the energy bucket’.

One of those holes is in ammation due to chronic infection. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the clinical picture we see when energy delivery mechanisms are slow. Myalgic encephalitis (ME) is the clinical picture of CFS plus in ammation. Long Covid (LC) has a similar clinical picture, but, as it follows a COVID-19 infection, we can infer that the in ammation is driven by infection. Because of that association with infection, it is tempting to surmise that there is a chronic infection that can be treated with antiCovid micronutrients, herbs or drugs. But it is not that simple.

One of the problems with Covid-19 is that it overwhelms our immune defences so that hitherto wellcontained underlying infections become activated. Typically, this is the Epstein Barr virus to which we may have been exposed years before, perhaps without even knowing it, but any of the herpes viruses or a chronic fungal infection can also emerge. Then, when the immune system is activated, it can make bad decisions – there is potential to switch on allergy and auto-immunity. Multiple layers of issues leave us with what I call ‘muddy clinical waters’, where there is little chance of single interventions resulting in a cure.

The practical reality is that there is much overlap between the mechanisms for improving energy

“...not only does sugar feed all infection, it also damages mitochondria and is markedly pro-inflammatory.”

delivery and those for reducing in ammation. Crucial to energy delivery are our mitochondria, the microstructures in nearly all our cells that make energy from ‘fuel’ in the presence of oxygen. The ideal fuel for our mitochondrial engines are the ketone bodies that we get from consuming fat and bre, which also happen to be anti-in ammatory. We can fuel our mitochondria with sugar, but not only does sugar feed all infection, it also damages mitochondria and is markedly pro-in ammatory.

Even worse, sugar, carbohydrates and processed foods in general feed unfriendly microbes in the upper gut – the mouth, oesophagus, stomach and small intestine. This should be near sterile, but its defences can be overloaded with carbs and the fermentation that results drives much pathology. Toxic products of fermentation (ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohols, D lactate, hydrogen sulphide and more), together with bacterial and fungal endotoxins, essentially poison us. Microbial translocation (whereby bacteria, yeasts and viruses can get into the bloodstream) may drive pathology all over the body –for example, in the joints. In other words, you are likely to end up with muscle in ammation ( bromyalgia), joint in ammation (arthritis), gut in ammation (irritable and in ammatory bowel disease) and so on.

So how do we support our mitochondria to improve energy delivery and reduce in ammation to stop those leaks in the energy bucket? Over the past four decades of practising medicine, I have gone down many rabbit holes and blind alleys, but I am con dent I have now arrived at a simple approach that should work for the majority. The third edition of my book, ‘Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalitis and Long Covid: It’s mitochondria, not hypochondria’ is written on a need-to-know basis and contains the bare minimum that

all must do to start the process of recovery. Here is that roadmap to recovery in brief:

• Practise energy ‘pacing’ – Spending your energy wisely is very boring yet remains essential in the early days. You need energy for healing and repair, so undertaking exercise beyond your limits will set you back on your journey to recovery, as the recent medical study has con rmed.

• After pacing, work on improving your energy delivery mechanisms. An understanding of mechanisms is vital to recovery because recovery requires di cult interventions and, without the intellectual imperative, determination fails.

I use the car analogy to describe energy delivery mechanisms. Our body needs:

• The right fuel in the tank i.e. Diet – this is the ‘paleo-ketogenic diet’ described below

• Oxygen, without which neither a car nor the body can move

• An e cient, well-functioning engine i.e. Healthy mitochondria

• The accelerator pedal i.e. The thyroid, and

• The gear box i.e. The adrenals. To sort out these mechanisms, follow these guidelines:

• Get yourself/your patient onto a paleo-ketogenic diet. This means low carbohydrates, no gluten, no dairy products. Then sort out the upper fermenting gut – starve out the

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

fermenters with the low-carb diet and kill ‘em with vitamin C and iodine.

• Look at breathing patterns. Many people unknowingly hyperventilate, and this impairs oxygen delivery to mitochondria.

• Correct the mitochondrial dysfunction. This is my special area of interest –the peer-reviewed papers I published together with Dr John McLaren

Howard and Professor Normal Booth, demonstrated that poor mitochondrial function was the central pathological lesion in CFS.

• Diagnose and treat the underactive thyroid and adrenal glands – a remarkably common problem.

• Finally, identify the holes in the energy bucket. This may be an immunological hole (a dormant infection reactivated by Long Covid, hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue) or an emotional hole (often PTSD). Address the cause(s) of in ammation, which may be driven by infection, allergy and/or auto-immunity.

Recovery is like building a house –there can be no short cuts. You have to do it all and hold it all in place. CFS, ME and Long Covid are eminently treatable. You now know, in summary, the Rules of the Game and the Tools of the Trade.

I have seen people bounce back from being bed-bound. I see miracles on a daily basis. I see pathology reversed. What is common to all such recoveries is that these people have taken control of their own health, working from my rst principles. As I say to all my patients, do not make excuses about how di cult the PK diet is. Get disciplined with pacing and sleep, listen to your symptoms and always think causation.

In other words, just do it!

Dr Sarah Myhill quali ed in Medicine (with Honours) from Middlesex Hospital Medical School in 1981. Since then, she has focused tirelessly on identifying and treating the underlying causes of health problems, especially the ‘diseases of civilisation’ which beset the West. She has worked both in the NHS and in private practice, also serving for 17 years as the Hon Secretary of the British Society for Ecological Medicine, a group which focuses on the causes of disease, treating through diet, supplements and the avoidance of toxic stress. She helps to run the Society’s training courses, regularly lecturing on organophosphate poising, the problems of silicone and chronic fatigue syndrome. For more information, visit drmyhill.co.uk.

Janey Loves

Embrace Natural Wellbeing with these Plant-Powered Products

SUPPORTING BEAUTY FROM WITHIN

Aduna’s Advanced Superfood Blends o er an easy and e ective way to support your overall health and alongside their formulas designed for Mind, Energy, Super-Greens, and Digestion, they also have a Beauty Formula. These blends contain their Essential Superfood Formula – a combination of seven superfoods chosen by nutritionist and gut microbiome expert Farzanah Nasser. Rich in prebiotics, nootropics, and adaptogens, these blends contribute to a diverse gut microbiome, crucial for a robust immune system and overall well-being. The Beauty Formula is loaded with antioxidants from Hibiscus, (nicknamed the anti-ageing plant) and a whole bunch of other anti-in ammatory ingredients. It’s rich in vitamin C and protein, and supports cell growth collagen formation and skin elasticity. aduna.com

ANTI-AGEING FROM WITHIN

For better sleep, hair, energy and stamina try Primeadine – a pure wholly food-derived spermidine supplement sourced and manufactured in Japan, home to some of the world’s longest-lived people. Leslie Kenny, an Oxford-based entrepreneur born in California and a graduate of Berkeley and Harvard Business School, was diagnosed in her early 30’s with an array of autoimmune conditions and her doctors told her there was no cure and that they could only be managed with strong immunosuppressant’s. On a quest to revive her own health, she went back to school at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC. She learned of a natural compound called spermidine, found in a Japanese fermented soybean dish called natto – ‘an anti-aging vitamin’. She decided to bring a highly concentrated spermidine supplement to the US market and launched Oxford Healthspan with its agship product, the plant-derived spermidine supplement, Primeadine®. The research on spermidine shows it to inhibit 9 of the 12 root causes of aging (known as the Hallmarks of Aging), such as in ammation, gut dysbiosis, stem cell and mitochondrial dysfunction, and trigger autophagy (cellular renewal). Studies also revealed it to increase lifespan, enhance hair growth, and improve heart health, memory and cognition. You can get 15 per cent o with my discount code JANEYLEE. oxfordhealthspan.com

Your sense of smell is the most powerful sense, and it can really help to improve your mood, so why not craft your own natural fragrance or massage oil. One of the simplest ways is to combine as few as three essential oils in a base of good quality sweet almond oil. This can then be used as a lotion to massage the body, too. You’ll need a ‘top note (try a light fragrance) middle or ‘heart ‘note (deeper and more subtle) and the base note which underpins and becomes more noticeable as the others fade away.

HERE’S A ROUGH GUIDE

Choose a head note, a heart note and a base note.

Head notes – lemon, oregano, orange, basil, bergamot, lavender, ylang ylang

Heart notes – rose, geranium, cedarwood, chamomile, neroli, rosemary

Base notes – clove, nutmeg, sandalwood, rosewood, clary sage, cinnamon, patchouli, ginger, juniper, black pepper

Smell each and imagine how they might blend… then experiment!

AROMATHERAPY FOR RADIANT SKIN AND MIND

Tisserand Aromatherapy’s Real Calm Massage & Body Oil o ers a 100% natural blend of Lavender, Bergamot, and Patchouli essential oils. Bringing balance and calm to the skin and mind, this oil is designed to provide a deep meditative calm, promoting inner peace. The accompanying Pulse Point Roller Ball enhances the calming experience, its perfect for on the go! tisserand.com

Put 1 drop of each: one head, one heart, one base, into a tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Swirl it around and use a tiny bit dabbed on your wrist or in massage oil.

Energising morning fruitiness:

• 2 drops grapefruit

• 2 drops rosemary

• 2 drops juniper

• 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil

Elevating Wellness through the Art of Bathing

Dr Barbara Kubicka is on a mission to rekindle the age-old tradition of bathing into a modern wellness ritual recognised for immense therapeutic benefits,

In an era marked by the hustle and bustle of modern life, one woman’s vision is rekindling the age-old tradition of bathing, not just as a mere act of cleansing but as a profound wellness ritual. Dr. Barbara Kubicka, a known Aesthetic Doctor, and entrepreneur, is at the helm of “The Bath Project,” a movement that has been changing the way we perceive baths and their immense therapeutic potential. Dr Kubicka explores the history, biology, physics, and chemistry of bathing while shedding light on the cultural significance of this age-old practice.

A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: BATHS THROUGH THE AGES

Bathing is far from a modern concept; it has been an integral part of human history and culture for thousands of years. Ancient civilisations such as the Greeks and Romans regarded bathing not only as a means of cleanliness but also as a sacred and social activity. The Roman baths, in particular, were opulent centres of relaxation and rejuvenation, with water being infused with herbs and minerals for therapeutic purposes.

Throughout history, various cultures have embraced the healing powers of bathing. From Japanese hot springs (onsen) to Turkish hammams, different regions have developed their unique bathing traditions, all rooted in the belief that water can heal and soothe the body and mind.

THE SCIENCE OF BATHING: BIOLOGY, PHYSICS, AND CHEMISTRY

Bathing goes beyond mere relaxation – it has profound effects on our biological, physical, and chemical makeup.

Biology: When we immerse ourselves in warm water, our blood vessels dilate, leading to increased blood flow. This improved circulation enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to our cells while aiding the removal of waste products. This process not only relaxes our muscles but also promotes overall well-being.

Physics: Water buoyancy reduces the effect of gravity on our bodies, providing relief for joints and muscles. This is particularly beneficial for athletes, as it can aid in recovery and reduce the risk of injury.

Chemistry: The minerals and salts found in bathwater can have therapeutic effects. For example, Epsom salt, rich in magnesium, can help alleviate muscle soreness and stress. Bathing can also improve the skin’s barrier function, helping it retain moisture and protect against environmental factors.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: BATHING AS A WELLNESS RITUAL

Bathing is not merely a physical experience; it carries cultural and emotional significance as well. It offers a sanctuary of calm and reflection, a time to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with oneself. This sense of ritual and mindfulness is at the heart of The Bath Project’s mission.

are designed to cater to various wellness needs, whether it’s enhancing sports performance, promoting better sleep, or providing a soothing experience for sensitive skin.

Sports Formulation: Enriched with minerals and essential oils, the Sports Formulation is tailored to athletes and active individuals. It aids in muscle recovery and relaxation, helping you perform at your best and recover faster after strenuous physical activity.

THE BATH PROJECT FORMULATIONS

Dr. Barbara Kubicka and her team have meticulously curated a range of formulations of natural ingredients that transcend traditional bath products, offering a holistic approach to wellness. These formulations

To use, simply mix the blue spirulina, fractionated coconut oil, a blend of mint, black pepper and eucalyptus essential oil and mint tea infusion together, combine with the Epsom salts and pour under running water.

Sleep Formulation: In a world filled with stress and distractions, quality sleep has become a precious commodity. The Sleep Formulation is a blend of calming botanicals and natural sedatives that promote relaxation and restful sleep. Add it to your bath before bedtime to create a tranquil atmosphere conducive to a peaceful night’s sleep. To use, simply mix the blue spirulina, beetroot powder, apricot kernel oil, a blend of Melissa and Lavender essential oil and camomile tea infusion together, combine with the magnesium flakes and pour under running water. ►

camomile tea infusion together, combine with Epsom salt and pour under running water.

BENEFITS BEYOND BEAUTY

The Bath Project’s combination of natural ingredients transcends traditional beauty products, focusing on holistic wellness. While they certainly contribute to skin health, their true value lies in their ability to promote physical and mental well-being.

Regular use of The Bath Project formulations can lead to reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep quality, enhanced athletic performance from recovery, relief from muscle soreness and joint pain, improved skin texture and skin hydration and increased mindfulness and self-care.

Using The Bath Project bath-in-a-box is simple and can easily become a cherished part of your wellness ritual. Each box contains ingredients enough for 5 baths. Priced at £60 – £70.

“ ...rekindling the age-old tradition of bathing, not just as a mere act of cleansing but as a profound wellness ritual.”

Sensitive Formulation: Sensitive skin deserves the utmost care, and The Bath Project’s Sensitive Formulation delivers just that. Free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, it soothes and nourishes delicate skin while providing a gentle bathing experience. Perfect for those with sensitive skin conditions, this formulation ensures your skin feels pampered and refreshed. To use, simply mix the oat milk powder, aloe vera powder, fractionated coconut oil and rose bud tea infusion together, combine with dead sea salt and pour under running water.

Skin formulation: Among The Bath Project’s lineup, the Skin Formulation holds a special place, addressing not only physical well-being but also the health and vitality of your skin. The natural ingredients deeply moisturise your skin, helping to combat dryness and maintain a healthy moisture balance. This unique formulation is a celebration of the body’s largest organ, the skin, and the importance of nurturing it for overall wellness. To use, simply mix the beetroot powder, coconut milk powder, argan oil, rose essential oil and green tea infusion together, combine with dead sea salt and pour under running water.

Little One formulation: extending The Bath Project’s commitment to holistic wellness to the littlest members of your family, crafted with utmost care, this natural combination of ingredients is specially designed for toddlers and young children, ensuring a gentle and nurturing bathing experience that supports their skin, aids sleep and promotes wellbeing. To use, simply mix the, jojoba oil, lavender and

A RETURN TO WELLNESS

The Bath Project, spearheaded by the visionary Dr. Barbara Kubicka, is not just a product line; it’s a movement that rede nes bathing as a wellness ritual. By blending science, culture, and tradition, The Bath Project o ers a path to enhanced well-being, transcending the con nes of traditional beauty products. As we rediscover the transformative power of the bath, we also reconnect with ourselves, nding a moment of solace and self-care in an increasingly chaotic world. Embrace the art and science of bathing, and experience wellness in its purest form with The Bath Project.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Barbara Kubicka MD, CIME/ICAM, MBCAM, an aesthetic medicine physician and author of The Bath Project: The art and science of bathing is the founder of The Bath Project. Dr Kubicka has worked with top companies including Harrods, Allergan, Remington and Restylane. She established Clinicbe®, her own revolutionary clinic in the heart of Knightsbridge to o er patients and clients a broad range of health and lifestyle therapies in addition to cosmetic and medical skincare treatments. She also spent 2 years working for NHS hospitals at Imperial College London in various elds including Breast Surgery, A&E and Endocrinology. Dr Kubicka’s interest in holistic approaches was harnessed from an early age by her mother who was a botanist. thebathproject.com.

WHAT WE DO

We o er courses at all levels of knowledge starting with three-weekend Foundation Courses for beginners, followed by a one- year course which is the first part of the threeyear Practitioner Training.

The Bristol School of Shiatsu training courses are fully ratified and recognised by the Shiatsu Society UK.

Our Three Year Professional Practitioner Training is a ‘Level 4 Diploma in Shiatsu’ government recognised qualification (RQF), regulated by Ofqual.

OUR APPROACH TO

TEACHING SHIATSU

WWW.BRISTOLSCHOOLOFSHIATSU.CO.UK

Contact Elaine on 07791364460 elaine@bristolschoolofshiatsu.co.uk

Our teaching emphasises an intuitive approach to Shiatsu within a framework of traditional oriental medical theory. We see Shiatsu as both an art and a science, encouraging the student’s self-development and creativity, based on a firm foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge. A major focus of the school is on the development of the intuitive awareness and

sensitivity of the students.

At the Bristol school we Practice ‘Relational Shiatsu’. At the core of our training is attention to and focus on our own unfolding selfawareness and resulting personal transformation. We consider that our own personal transformation is integral to the depth and quality of the Shiatsu we give.

Our Shiatsu becomes profound when we are fully in the present moment and are in authentic relationship with both ourselves and the receiver. Being present and alive to both we enter the mystery and awaken to our deepest intuitive wisdom.

OUR MISSION

To guide people in remembering our health and wholeness through the power of touch. Shiatsu is more than massage. It is a body of wisdom that comes from a rich heritage, developed to support the inherent desire of our body, spirit and mind to be whole and well through the energy

of touch. When we are connected with another or others, we are more present to this inner health – the balance of which is unique to each person. There is magic and power in the space created in that connection.

UPCOMING TRAINING PROGRAMMES

Foundation Course 3 weekends (36 Hours)

2023 Spring Foundation

Course April 27/28; May 18/19; June 1/2

The Wildgoose space, Mina Road, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9YP

Times: Sat/Sun 10.00 - 5.00

Fee: £440 (Deposit £200)

2023 Autumn Foundation

Course September 7/8; September 21/22; October 12/13

Lam Rim, Centre for Whole Health, 12 Victoria Place, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 3BP

Times: Sat/Sun 10.00 - 5.00

Fee: £440 (Deposit £200)

Integrative & Personalised Medicine Congress

CThA is pleased to support the Integrative and Personalised Medicine (IPM) Congress which is taking place on 6-8 June 2024 at the QEII Conference Centre in London.

Join 2,000+ healthcare professionals at the Integrative & Personalised Medicine Congress taking place at the QEII Centre in London from 6-8 June 2024. Organised in association with The College of Medicine, UK the congress focuses on taking a whole-person patient centred health, uniting the community and bringing together healthcare professionals from across the globe. The 2024 congress is anticipated to welcome more than 2,000 healthcare professionals from over 40 countries when it returns to the prestigious QEII Centre in the heart of London in June.

Representing conventional, integrative, functional, lifestyle, environmental, complementary and holistic medicine,

the community will come together to discuss the benefits of taking a wholeperson, patient centre approach to health. Highly acclaimed healthcare professionals from across the world will present evidence-based research and case studies during three conferences (Whole-Person Health, Integrative Mental Health and Food on Prescription).

Running alongside the conference is an international exhibition of 120+ international companies showcasing the latest solutions for taking an integrative approach to health and a programme of CPD approved workshops hosted by exhibitors and supporting organisations focused on topics such as complementary therapies, diagnostic testing, gut health, group health, health coaching, health tech, herbal medicine, integrative oncology, longevity, lyme disease, mental health, mycotherapy,

mind & body, mycotoxin, nature therapy, nutrition, nutrigenomics, pain management, nutraceuticals and womens health.

By sharing clinical experience, knowledge and ideas, doctors, therapists and practitioners gained a greater understanding that a multidisciplinary team and whole-person approach can provide the patient with the best possible outcomes.

The International exhibition will showcase a range of associations, organisations and companies, offering the latest products and services designed for integrative healthcare professionals.

person, patient centred approach to healthcare can provide better patient outcomes. Including: doctors, functional and integrative medicine practitioners, nutritionists, naturopaths, nurses, counsellors, psychiatrists, psychologists, herbalists, dentists, complementary therapists, osteopaths, homoeopaths, acupuncturists, hypnotherapists, touch therapists, mind and body therapists and more.

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT – HEAR WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY

“This event is a turning point and the momentum is now unstoppable. The magic and passion was palpable and it has given me such hope for the future. An incredibly special event.” Dr Sally Moorcroft, Integrative and Functional Medicine Doctor

“The event of the year for health professionals from all disciplines, who are committed to advancing personalised and integrative medicine and healthcare. The congress opens doors for like-minds from all parts of the health space to step out of silos and to come together for three days of stimulating, evidence-based and informed sharing and learning… and I can’t wait!” Izabella Natrins, CEO, UK & International Health Coaching Association

“In the spirit of integrative medicine this event connected the dots; people, disciplines, ideas and thought leaders, in a way that will have immeasurable bene ts to healthcare for years to come. Big vision, beautifully delivered. Bravo! So impressed.” Ben Brown, Founder and Director, Nutritional Medicine Institute

REGISTER ONLINE TO RECEIVE 20% DISCOUNT

Members of the CThA can register to attend the conference at the discounted ‘members rate’ using the code: CTHA-20 (20% discount o the standard price to attend). There are two ways to register. Register for a Conference Delegate, Workshops & Exhibition Pass from just £149 or a Workshops & Exhibition Pass from £25 per day.

We hope you will be encouraged to attend the 2024 congress, which will take place from 6-8 June 2024. Be part of the largest Integrative & Personalised Medicine Congress in the UK! ipmcongress.com

Female ginseng compound holds promise as osteoporosis treatment

With ever-increasing life expectancy comes the challenge of treating age-related disorders such as osteoporosis. Although there are e ective drugs for treating this metabolic bone disease, they can be expensive and have side e ects, limiting their availability to some people. In the search for alternative drug candidates, researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have discovered and fully replicated a compound from a botanical source, female ginseng, that had potent antiosteoporotic activity in cellular tests. Several drugs have proven e ective in either preventing bone loss or promoting bone formation, but each comes with potential side e ects, including injury to jaw and leg bones. Searching for alternative

They also determined potential biosynthetic precursors and metabolic pathways that the plants use to form these compounds. Then, with these mechanisms as starting points, the team devised lab synthesis methods and produced the compounds at quantities su cient for biological testing. Inspired by the traditional e cacy of female ginseng, the team tested the compounds for their impact on the formation of cells called osteoclasts, which facilitate bone loss. They observed that only falcarinphthalide A and its precursors showed osteoclast inhibitory activity and an antiosteoporotic e ect. Further analysis showed that falcarinphthalide A blocked key molecular pathways involved in osteoclast generation. The researchers say that this study

Chinese medicine herb may have the power to help heart attack patients

Aplant-based compound purified from the traditional Chinese herb, Astragalus, has the potential to improve the outcome of heart attack patients, new research has revealed.

Experts at Newcastle University have found that the product, known as TA65®, significantly reduces inflammation and, unlike current cardiovascular treatments, does not negatively impact immunity. A study, published in GeroScience, showed that when TA-65® was given to older patients for over a year after their heart attack, it specifically increased lymphocytes, improving immunity of patients. In addition, patients treated with the drug experienced far less complications, or issues such as chest or joint pains, following their heart attack.

Ioakim Spyridopoulos, a Professor of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Gerontology at Newcastle University, has led the study, working with the heart team at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. Professor Spyridopoulos said: “It has become widely recognised that inflammation plays a key role in the formation, progression, and rupture of a coronary plaque, which induces heart attack, but, importantly, it is also a major risk factor for further complications. “Reducing inflammation is, therefore, considered a key treatment target following a heart attack for patients and our study showed that TA-65® reduced inflammation by up to 62%.

“While some potent anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to improve

“...TA-65® was shown to reduce inflammation but also appears to improve immunity...”

outcomes after heart attacks, they result in suppression of the immune system and increase the risk of severe infections. In our study, the widely available drug TA-65® was shown to reduce inflammation but also appears to improve immunity by increasing a patient’s immune cells.”

Scientists, including experts at The James Cook University Hospital, carried out a randomised controlled pilot study in which patients were given a placebo drug or TA-65®. The study was carried out on 90 patients aged 65 and over and performed as a Clinical Trial for Medicines under the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency conditions.

Patients had blood measurements taken at baseline, six months, and a year, to assess the study outcomes. Participants were reviewed regularly in the clinic to check them for any side effects.

TA-65® is a patented, plant-based compound that helps maintain or rebuild telomeres. It is isolated from the herb Astragalus, a traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Those who received the TA-65® drug had few adverse effects, such as a fever or new medical problem, following their heart attack and, in fact, they showed 30% less adverse effects than the group given the dummy drug.

Professor Spyridopoulos, who also works at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “If we can show that TA-65® improves the clinical outcomes of patients who have suffered a heart attack, on top of modern treatment options, it will become an important addition to patients’ medical care.”

The research team would like to follow up with a further study to confirm the results in a larger trial, if funded, and further research will focus on whether TA-65® reduces adverse cardiac events, such as more heart attacks or even death. Reference:

Acupuncture linked to lower incidence of ischemic stroke

For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the risk for ischemic stroke is lower for those receiving acupuncture, according to a study published online February 13 in BMJ Open

Chia-Yu Huang, from Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital in Taiwan, and colleagues conducted a propensity score-matched cohort study involving 23,226 patients with newly diagnosed RA between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2010. The acupuncture cohort included patients who were administered acupuncture therapy from the initial date of RA diagnosis to December 31, 2010; the no-acupuncture cohort included patients who did not receive acupuncture during the same time interval.

The researchers found that the cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke was lower in the acupuncture cohort. At the end of the study, 341 and

605 patients in the acupuncture and no-acupuncture groups, respectively, experienced ischemic stroke (5.95 and 12.4 per 1,000 person-years, respectively; adjusted subhazard ratio, 0.57). The reduction in incidence of ischemic stroke was independent of sex, age, types of drugs used, and comorbidities.

“Our study demonstrates that the ischemic stroke risk could be reduced by acupuncture treatment in patients with RA ,” the authors write. “The possible mechanism may involve reducing proinflammatory cytokines through acupuncture therapy, thereby attenuating cardiovascular disease, including ischemic stroke.”

“The researchers found that the cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke was lower in the acupuncture cohort.”

Beetroot juice boosting exercise performance

In a recent review article published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition , researchers in the United States synthesised what is known about the beneficial effects of beetroot juice (BRJ) in terms of exercise capacity and physiological function. They concluded that the benefits of BRJ surpass those of dietary nitrate (NO3-) and nitrate salts (NIT) because of the variety of phytonutrients it contains, boosting training and recovery outcomes. To read the full study visit frontiersin.org/ articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1347242/full

Journal reference: Beetroot juice supplementation and exercise performance: is there more to the story than just nitrate? Zoughaib, W.S., Fry, M.J., Singhal, A., Coggan, A.R. Frontiers in Nutrition (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1347242.

SILAS – HAMMAM AT HOME GIFT SET

Scrub, soak, relax and wrap up with a Hammam at Home gift set. First - lather up with ‘La Dolce Vita’ a natural, cold pressed vegan soap made with shea butter and calendula petals to soothe and soften the skin it also comes in a handy cotton travel bag. Then it’s time for some TLC with the So Eco 2-1 body glove. One side is textured to help slough o those dead skin cells and the other side is cotton woven to help you get the most from your soap lather. Finally step out and wrap up in a Silas striped peshtemal for your body and matching hair and hand towel. Traditionally woven from 100% Turkish cotton these beautifully made towels are lightweight and quick drying. A beautifully curated gift for those who value handmade, natural products. £85 | thepositive.co

Spring Showcase

ADAPTOGENIC APOTHECARY

Rooted in nature & backed by science, Adaptogenic Apothecary are proud creators of organic, ethically sourced, life enhancing, powdered supplements using medicinal mushrooms, adaptogenic herbs and clinically proven A ron®. Carefully curated to support health, wellbeing and increase vitality, the award-winning range includes Freedom. A combined powder clinically proven to naturally ease menopausal symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, depression, brain fog, low libido, fatigue, hot sweats, and joint aches whilst supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health. Freedom can be used instead of, or in combination with HRT and is for women who are no longer have regular menstrual cycles and/or women using hormonal treatment (HRT, coil, pill etc).

£40 (£36 with monthly subscription) adaptogenic apothecary.com

Infuse your life with products that will upli your spirits, engage your senses and bring a sense of rejuvenation, calm, and joy.

GLASS WATER BOTTLE

Reusable high quality borosilicate glass Water Bottle with a food grade silicone sleeve and bamboo lid. All materials 100% recyclable and BPA free. Fully leakproof screw top lid, lightweight and durable. Dishwasher safe. Size 550ml. £20 | thepositive.co

TIMELESS ELIXIR FACIAL SERUM

Everyday stresses and strains can quickly build up and show in the form of a tired, dull or irritablelooking complexion. Timeless Elixir Facial Serum helps you combat the negative impact of daily mental and environmental stresses on your skin. Repair and rejuvenate with an e cacious blend of 20 botanical extracts to destress your skin and mind while o ering visible skin bene ts. Divine scent lifts your spirit and calms your senses. £27.50 | thepositive.co

REIKI INFUSED CANDLE

Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free hand poured Reiki candle with essential oils comes with a crystal that has been infused with special a rmations and Mantras which get released into your space as you light so you can immerse yourself in the healing energy.

£40 | thepositive. co

DAISY SPINNER RING

This adorable gold-plated spinner ring features a cute daisy design that will surely brighten your day. Designed as a dget ring, it serves as a valuable tool during moments of anxiety and stress, providing a soothing outlet for nervous energy. The smooth spinning motion o ers a calming sensation, allowing you to refocus and nd peace. £12 | sunshinelane.co.uk

BEAN BAG CHAIR & LOUNGER

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this beanbag is a versatile and very comfortable piece of furniture. It has a high back and a deep seat, and it is covered in water-resistant woven fabric. It is available in a range of vibrant colours, so you’re sure to nd one to suit your sense of style. £64.99 | wayfair.co.uk

PREMIUM LINEN & COCONUT ACUPRESSURE MAT & PILLOW WITH CARRY BAG

Experience the remarkable natural remedy that can banish stress, pain, and anxiety. Feel the gentle kneading of each acupoint on the mat and pillow as it releases built-up pressure and eases tension. Made with premium cotton linen and lled with coconut, this acupressure mat looks as good as it feels. Also Included is a matching linen carry bag so you can easily transport your mat for an onthe-go massage experience.

£55 | levelwellbeing.com

Important Members Update

Changes to Insurance Supplier

and New Lower Rates for Members.

We have changed our recommended insurance provider from Holistic Insurance Services (HIS) as they are increasing your fees by 10% up to £55.50. Your insurance policy fees with HIS are set to increase from April 1st.

In order to mitigate the impact of this price hike, we have taken proactive steps to secure a new and more coste ective insurance solution for our valued members. We have successfully negotiated a lower rate with our new CThA recommended supplier, Balens, underwritten by Zurich, with the added advantage of even more cover – up to £6 million.

• Your current fee with HIS is £50.50 for £5 million of cover

• Your new increased fee with 10% uplift from HIS will be £55.50 for £5 million of cover

• The new fee with CThA recommended

supplier Balens is £49.72 for £6 million of cover

• You will save almost £6 per year as we are passing on all bene ts to our members and you will be covered for over a million pounds more.

This new discounted fee is available from 1st March 2024. Please use the link below to renew your insurance: secure.balens.co.uk/QuoteBuy/ YourDetails.aspx

In the ‘Your Business’ section please ensure you complete the question where it asks if you are a member of an Association and type CThA and our organisation will automatically appear as an option. As with any insurer you will need to verify your quali cations. You can add any new quali cations as you achieve them. We have also negotiated a new discounted fee for students of £24.56 for £4 million of cover.

Balens, established in 1950, is a

reputable insurance provider and part of the PIB Group. As a fourth-generation, ethical, family-run insurance brokerage, Balens is committed to providing guidance, support, and service to professionals in the health, well-being, beauty, and tness industries. They are known for their integrity, competence, and expertise in the eld. With over 30 years of experience working with Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners, Balens understands the unique needs of therapists and practitioners.

You do not need to take any further action until your membership and/or insurance is due. We will send you an automated renewal note at that time.

If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact your membership administrator Vilas Chauhan on 07718 479416.

The Janey Loves Platinum Awards 2024

Are you a therapist, coach, or natural brand owner who would like more visibility for your work?

Check out the Platinum Awards run by our very own health and wellness columnist, Janey Lee Grace, who is a great ‘influencer’ in this arena and can help to raise awareness of holistic living, natural wellbeing products and services. The judges alongside Janey are Jo Wood, Glynis Barber and Carrie Grant. It’s not a case of ‘Enter and Wait’, we work together to get maximum visibility for your work across the promotional period - whether you win or not!

There are a few different levels of entry depending on the level of promotion you’d like and there is an early bird discount for our members. Vist the website to find out more www.platinumawards.co.uk

CThA Reflexology Members Receive Free NHS Search Listing

CThA are pleased to announce that NHS England has agreed to include CThA Reflexology members on its search listing for Reflexology services in the UK. All CThA Reflexology members have automatically been added to the NHS search listing. To check you have been added, and that your information is current please visit nhs.uk/servicesearch/other-health-services

Volunteer opportunities within the NHS

Barts Health NHS Trust is looking for complementary therapists in London who are willing to volunteer within the NHS. The post is voluntary, however, in exchange for working outpatient and inpatient clinics you will receive many bene ts including those listed below. • Gain extensive experience of working with NHS patients

• Gain experience working with an NHS multi-disciplinary team

• Full access to certi cated CPD and other training free of charge, including completing a Competencies Tracker that will demonstrate that you are ready for salaried work in an NHS clinical setting.

This is an emerging area of medicine

and NHS experience, and an NHS reference may help with longer term career prospects.

If you, or someone you know, are interested please contact Neil Browne, Lead Clinical Therapist, for advice on how to apply: neil.browne@nhs.net Telephone – 020 8539 5522 extension 5840

Creating a Wellness Retreat

Get ready to unlock the potential of a retreat business with internationally recognised expert, Sarah Riley’s guidance

How do you plan a retreat business successfully and what steps are involved?

People host and run retreats for a multitude of reasons. For some, it might be they have a passion for helping people improve their health, destress through mindfulness at wellness retreats or improve their flexibility through yoga retreats. They might have a skill they want to share in craft retreats or they might be leaders wanting to organise spiritual retreats. Maybe they have retired recently and are looking for a lifestyle business idea that can

supplement their pension. Others might be more business-focused and want to improve the occupancy of their hospitality business during the quieter shoulder months or run corporate retreats, which can be quite lucrative. Whatever the reason, deciding to host retreats may be the perfect career path for you into your own lifestyle business that reignites your inspiration and allows you to start something as a stand-alone business, an extra service to help you ride the wave of an unstable economy or to run alongside your existing day job as a passion project.

”Start by identifying your target audience and their needs and interests. Then, create a program that addresses those needs and interests in a creative and engaging way.”

WHEN YOU PLAN A RETREAT, DEFINE YOUR NICHE AND TARGET AUDIENCE FIRST

Before you start planning your retreat, it’s important to define your niche and target audience. What type of retreat do you want to offer? Who is your ideal customer? Are you targeting busy professionals looking for a weekend getaway, or are you catering to those seeking a more spiritual experience? Once you have a clear understanding of your niche and target audience, you can tailor your retreat to meet their specific needs and preferences. This will help you attract the right customers and build a loyal following for your business.

CHOOSE A LOCATION AND VENUE THAT FITS YOUR BRAND AND GOALS

When it comes to planning a successful retreat, choosing the right location and venue is crucial. Your location should align with your brand and goals, and provide the right atmosphere for your attendees. Consider factors such as accessibility, amenities, and the overall vibe of the location. You may also want to consider partnering with a venue that has experience hosting retreats, as they may be able to provide additional support and resources and take

the majority of the retreat businessbuilding pressures away from you while you spend your time looking for your customers. Remember, when considering how to plan a retreat, the location and venue you choose will play a big role in its success, so take the time to choose wisely.

DEVELOP A UNIQUE AND COMPELLING RETREAT PROGRAM

To stand out in the competitive retreat industry, it’s important to develop a unique and compelling program that will attract attendees. Start by identifying your target audience and their needs and interests. Then, create a program that addresses those needs and interests in a creative and engaging way. Consider incorporating activities such as yoga, meditation, workshops, and outdoor adventures. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and offer something that sets your retreat apart from others. Remember, a strong and unique program will help you attract and retain attendees, and ultimately lead to the success of your retreat business. A great place to start is thinking about what you can provide from your own skills that are a bit different. After all, there’s only one of you so create something compelling that will help your retreat event stand out. ►

”When considering how to plan a retreat, the location and venue you choose will play a big role in its success.”

BUILD A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE AND MARKETING STRATEGY TO ATTRACT SALES EVERY DAY

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence and marketing strategy is essential for any business, including retreats. Start by creating a professional website that showcases your retreat program, amenities, and testimonials from past attendees. Use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to promote your retreat event and engage with potential attendees. Consider partnering with in uencers or bloggers in your niche to reach a wider audience. You can also use email marketing to keep in touch with past attendees and o er special promotions or discounts. Remember, a strong online presence and marketing strategy will help you reach more potential attendees and grow your retreat business.

In the Perfectly Planned and Pro table Retreats System®, we share the strategies we use to ll retreats and unique events. Many of them can be automated to attract sales every day and free you up from having to build an audience, post social media content and share emails with your followers. These are the ones we like to call our set-and-forget strategies and they can be hugely rewarding

from a retreat business point of view. However, don’t forget they rst need to be set up and that does require some attention to detail, but once the steps are laid out for you it can be remarkably easy to do.

CREATE A POSITIVE AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR GUESTS

One of the most important aspects of running a successful retreat business is creating a positive and memorable experience for your guests. This starts with providing comfortable accommodations, delicious and healthy meals, and a variety of activities and workshops that cater to your guests’ interests and needs. Make sure to also prioritise excellent customer service and communication throughout the entire retreat experience. Encourage feedback from your guests and use it to improve and enhance your retreat program for future attendees. By creating a positive and memorable experience,

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

you’ll not only attract repeat guests but also receive positive word-of-mouth referrals and reviews.

If you are struggling to understand how to plan a retreat that sells out, retreat business training makes it easy for you with video guides, downloadable checklists and done-foryou templates.

Sarah is kindly o ering CThA Members 15% o her Perfectly Planned And Pro table Retreats® Masterclass. To redeem, visit inspiredcoursesvip.com to enrol and enter the code: RET15 at checkout. The discount code expires on 30th April 2024.

Visit inspiredcoursesvip.com to learn more about The Perfectly Planned And Pro table Retreats System®.

Sarah Riley is a retreat expert and has been immersed in the world of entrepreneurship for over 20 years by helping thousands of students design their dream lifestyle businesses. As a certi ed Performance Coach and CEO of Inspired Courses, she uses her experience to help others move to the next level in business and life. Her coaching programs help launch ideas quickly, start earning immediately and get ahead of the competition, without sacri cing life goals or the environment. She has been featured by The Sunday Telegraph and The Daily Mail inspiredcoursesvip.com

Online Courses:

Nutrition, Homeopathy, Herbalism, Yoga, Naturopathy: Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Tibetan & Unani, Naturopathy, Homotoxicology, Psychosocial, Iridology, Hydrotherapy, Oral Health

Medical science courses: Anatomy & Physiology and Pathology & Disease Flexible · Professional · Accredited

CranioSaCral Therapy Training

“It’s amazing what you can hear when you listen with your hands.”

Most of us are taught that we hear with our ears. In CranioSacral Therapy we learn to hear with our hands Using the lightest touch, we listen to the subtlest rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid as it flows round the central nervous system. This is one of the methods we use to evaluate & treat clients to help release tensions & patterns held deep in the body.

There are five core classes starting with CST1, at venues in Brighton, London, The Midlands, Liverpool and Scotland. Get in touch - find out more

Balens Specialist Insurance Brokers

Proud to now be working with the CThA .

Established in 1950 Balens have been o ering specialist insurance across the Health, Well-being, Fitness and Beauty sectors since the early 1990s and now insure over 100,000 clients. Our teams have considerable experience in these elds enabling them to focus on guidance, support and service to our clients.

As an individual Health and Wellbeing practitioner you can be held legally liable for loss or damage to other people’s property, injury, harm or nancial loss alleged to have been caused to your clients, patients or other parties as a result of your actions or advice that you have given. Balens have devised a policy speci cally for individuals who are members of the CTHA to protect you as an individual practitioner.

At Balens we believe we are more than just insurance, we have witnessed many of our clients businesses grow and have been there throughout their journey o ering insurance solutions along the way. Our focus is on supporting you and your business so you can focus on your

specialist area whilst caring for your clients.

The insurance scheme o ered through our A nities team is unique to us and is one of the most comprehensive wordings of its type within the UK. Through our chairman David Balen’s teaching and healing, colleagues in the Natural Therapy elds asked him to get involved in the early 1990s in setting up multi-therapy insurance schemes for Health and Wellbeing Professionals. Such policies were not easily available to therapists at this time as the policies were more focused to those in the medical professions. David worked on designing and re ning cover that would meet the speci c needs of Health and Well-being professionals, this is where our journey with these clients began.

Spring 2024 BOOK CASE

HEALING THROUGH SOUND

Awakening Your Audible Body

By Vickie Dodd

In this guide to sound as bodywork, sound healer Vickie Dodd shares her system for addressing trauma locked in the physical body with the healing power of sound. Touching on the function of the nervous system and the parasympathetic breath, she reveals how sound travels the inner pathways of the body, eliciting responses from the body memory of tissues and muscles while bypassing the mind. Sharing examples from sessions with her clients across five decades, she explains how sound can change the body’s tissues, rearrange posture, and release undigested emotional experiences. She teaches how to prepare the body for the work of sounding and releasing and explains the vocabulary of healing sounds, in particular the power of vowels to start the healing process. Presenting experiential exercises, the author explores how to listen deeply and precisely to the body’s stories and discover the rhythms of the areas to be treated as well as how to intuit the sounds required for healing.

ISBN-13: 9798888500316 | Publisher: Findhorn Press

THE WAY OF THE WILD SOUL WOMAN

5 Earth Archetypes to Unleash Your Full Feminine Power

By Mary Reynolds Thompson

An initiatory and Nature-based guide to rewilding your soul. Taking you on a journey of transformation and rebirth, Mary Reynolds Thompson reveals how to unleash your full feminine power and discover authenticity, creativity, and healing through initiation with ancient Earth Archetypes. She includes rituals, exercises, and meditations to help you integrate each initiatory stage and embody the ways of a Wild Soul Woman.

Providing a guided map for rewilding your soul, the author introduces the five archetypes of the Wild Soul Woman’s psyche – the untamed, unashamed, and unstoppable aspects of inner feminine power that many women have forgotten or disconnected from. You will undergo five powerful initiations, each centred on ancient Earth wisdom. Woven throughout with inspiring stories of women from around the world who embody these archetypal energies, as well as exquisite illustrations by Kathleen Brigidina.

ISBN-13: 9798888500330 | Publisher: Findhorn Press

ZEN IN THE VERNACULAR Things as it is

By Peter Coyote

In this engaging guide to Zen Buddhism, award-winning actor, narrator, and Zen Buddhist priest Peter Coyote helps us peer beneath the Japanese gift-wrapping of Zen teachings to reveal the fundamental teachings of the Buddha and show how they can be applied to contemporary daily life. The author explains that the majority of Western Buddhists are secular, and many don’t meditate, wear robes, shave their heads, or believe in reincarnation. He reminds us that the mental/physical states achieved by Buddhist practice are universal human states, ones we may already be familiar with but perhaps never considered as possessing spiritual dimensions.

Exploring Buddha’s core teachings, the author shares his own secular and accessible interpretations of the Four Noble Truths, the Three Treasures, and the Eightfold Path within the context of his lineage and the teachings of his teacher and the teachers before him.

ISBN-13: 9781644119754 | Publisher: Inner Traditions

An Embody Professional finds some interesting reads

THE WRITER WHO INHABITS YOUR BODY

Somatic Practices to Enhance Creativity and Inspiration

By Renée Gregorio

Drawing on her extensive martial arts training, the author emphasises creating your own internal writing “dojo” to clear the mind and enable you to access the deeper currents of language. Exploring discomfort as a doorway to deeper experience and new writing territory, she reveals how to examine di cult topics, express the full range of emotions, and turn selfdoubt, fear, and painful experience into courage. She also explores how to unearth the power and physicality in your own voice, using techniques like “re-visioning” to e ectively edit your work, ultimately embodying your writing with complexity and fullness.

Through immersive and physically focused experience, this book will help seasoned and aspiring writers alike work with the body as a wise teacher to better access, hone, and express their authentic inner voice.

ISBN-13: 9781644119235 | Publisher: Park Street Press