Foundational Movement Patterns and why we mustn’t lose them   The movements of our bodies can be broken down into one or more of the following categories:   Locomotion Hinging Squatting Pushing Pulling Rotation Counter rotation   If any one of these categories decline, our bodies can no longer create the same movements as before. For example walking is not just locomotion, but also spinal rotation which allows for the hips and ribs to turn. The hips turn one way, the ribs the other - so both rotation and counter rotation are needed. In order to sit down without assistance, you w ..read more

When your back ‘goes’ it can feel extremely painful and often very scary. It can make you catch your breath with sharp spasms, feel bent forward or lopsided, and can often leave you sleep deprived and anxious. These symptoms are all cues and signals from the body, telling you how to move, sit or stand to help off-load the affected structures, and to encourage you to change movement and behaviour patterns. What can I do? Less than 1 in 100 people with back pain have symptoms that need urgent medical attention, but if you have any of these ‘red flag’ symptoms, get in touch with your GP surgery ..read more

One of the most familiar customs that accompanies Easter is the giving and receiving of chocolate. And while most of us find the allure of chocolate irresistible, it’s common to feel a twinge of guilt after indulging. But the good news is that chocolate can be a delicious, and even healthy addition to a balanced diet, but just watch out for the type of chocolate that you choose to eat. Where does chocolate come from? Chocolate originates from the beans of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree, a name which translates to “food of the Gods”. Cocoa (or cacao) beans develop their unique flavour profil ..read more

 What did you think of? Let me guess… Standing? You’re on the right lines, but the reality is, you have just swapped one static position for another. Neither of which is ideal for long periods when we consider the setting of an office or in the home. The opposite of sitting is when you actually reverse the flexion of the spine, hip, knee and ankle, open and lengthen the body and take it into extension through movement. And what is this special movement that is the opposite of sitting? Its walking! Walking reverses the effects of sitting by, not just taking the joints to a neutral position ..read more

While many people may associate Osteopathy with treating back and joint pain, its benefits extend far beyond just that. It makes my day when I can alleviate a person’s pain or release their suffering, from Migraines, or concussion from a clash on the ruby field or fall. or supporting mothers and babies, to return to a good feeding and sleep routine. with. Other interesting cases, are concussion or babies birth strains. I treat these with Cranial Osteopathy, as a gentle and effective form of therapy it can support people in their recovery. Osteopathy is not just about alleviating pain; it’s a ..read more

Have you heard of Forest Bathing yet? I’m not talking about going all out naturist and rolling around in the leaves ? (although that does sound like fun!) but rather taking mindful strolls through the woods. . Shinrin-yoku is a term that means “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.” It was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. . The idea is simple: if a person simply visits a natural area and walks in a relaxed way there are calming, rejuvenating and restorative benefits to be achieved.  ..read more

 The internal timekeeper that is your circadian rhythm doesn’t just regulate sleep, but influences numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, sleep-wake cycles, and mood. Many of us remain unaware of its profound impact on our overall well-being. The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle governing various bodily functions, orchestrated by a master clock located in the brain's hypothalamus. It receives input from cues, such as light exposure and also mealtimes, to synchronise our internal processes with the external environment. Metabolic Health: Timing Matters Emerging research ..read more

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage? It is a powerful cleansing, relaxing, pain-relieving massage which is gentle, flowing and rhythmic. It is primarily used to promote the optimal functioning of the lymphatic vessels that lead to the circulatory system. The gentle movements of the massage facilitate the removal of metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins, bacteria, large protein molecules and foreign substances from tissue. MLD relaxes the sympathetic nervous system (the network o ..read more

It seems quite fitting that after a few days (or weeks in my case!) of enjoying an abundance of delicious food and a shift in the usual routines, that February is the ancient month of having a good clean up and clear out for the body! However, the term ‘detox’ has become an overused and often inaccurate term in the wellness industry. Its popularity has led to the marketing of products and programs promising quick fixes and often oversimplifying complex physiological processes. So I’m here to set the record straight! The complex process of detoxification and elimination is carried out by the li ..read more

In the last 18 months I have somewhat increased my step count, one of the good points about owning a dog. However many of these miles have been in wellies! Ordinarily a good supportive pair of lace up walking boots or trainers in dry weathers are the best support for your feet and ankles, plus a gel insole cushioning your knees and lumbar spine from the forces on impact. I wanted to share with you a few tips to consider while walking to improve awareness in your stride. Starting with foot placement, then the importance of your first toe’s flexibility for propulsion. Plus a few vital maintenanc ..read more