Herbal Medicine by Charles Powell at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic, Fulham Road, SW10 9PJ.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal remedies have a therapeutic action that is gentle and restorative, and very well suited to children.  In addition to easing specific symptoms, they enhance the body™s own natural healing capacity. Made from plants whose medicinal properties can be traced to the presence of various pharmacologically active ingredients, herbs work in harmony with the body.

We have found that children whose immune systems have been compromised by antibiotics will often present with eczema, hayfever, asthma, IBS and other illnesses  By treating them gently and holistically, health can be restored often where symptoms have been continuous, sometimes for years.  Similarly, children suffering from allergies or intolerances can find relief through herbs, says Medical Herbalist, Charles Powell.

Whilst the benefits of herbs, including Thyme, Sage and Rosemary, all of which are strongly antiseptic, can be used in cooking and salads, when it comes to herbal remedies (infusions, tinctures, salves, etc) only the gentlest, most tried-and-tested ones are recommended for children.

What kind of conditions is it useful for?

Herbal medicine can help treat and even prevent many childhood conditions.

• Chamomile or Lemon Balm  helps to ensure a good nights sleep
• Raspberry Leaves  soothes digestive problems, diarrhoea, stomach upsets and sore throats in young children
• Echinacea  treats colds and flu
• Elderberry  for coughs, colds & flu
• Fennel or Dill  soothes colic
• Calendula  helps sooth cuts and scrapes

How does it work on my child?

Whilst you can treat your child to some extent, with herbs, at home, a consultation with a medical herbalist will include a full medical history, and an examination if necessary. The herbalist will then treat your child as a whole person, addressing the underlying cause of symptoms. A qualified herbalist will also be aware of the appropriate herbs and doses for your child in order to avoid any possible toxicity.

More information

National Institute of Medical Herbalists

www.nimh.org.uk

01392 426022

• Philip Waldman D.O.
• Simon Heale
• Adriana Pop
• Craig Coman D.O.

Reflexology and depression by Adriana Pop at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic, Fulham Road, SW10.

The exact cause is not known. Anyone can become depressed. Some people are more prone to it, and it can develop for no apparent reason Reflexology helps clients to deal with the symptoms of depression such as insomnia/ disturbed sleep, anxiety, low vitality and fatigue etc.

When people are feeling stressed or depressed, they often sleep poorly. Reflexology can help soothe a troubled mind and body and induce a sense of calm and relaxation, generally helping people to sleep better.

Reflexology is very helpful for depression sufferer as it works emotionally and mentally as well as physically.

To alleviate depression, a reflexologist will concentrate on reflexes of endocrine system including all the hormonal glands which are related to emotional stability and mental health working especially on the reflex of pituitary gland ( the spot in the middle of big toe or thumb) , thymus, pineal, thyroid and parathyroid.

Reflexology for depression will also focus on associated reflex points as are  the reflexes for solar plexus and diaphragm that help clients helps clients go into deep relaxation and to breathe deeply, also the reflexes associated with heart, chest, lungs.
Gentle pressure to the adrenal reflex point is also very helpful for body response to stress.
I also focus on the reflexes of brain and spine (central nervous system ) to calm the whole body system and to release the emotional or physical tension.

Reflexology can also help the release of endorphins within the body. Endorphins are the feel good™ chemical that we naturally produce and are known for relieving stress (which can have a big impact on depression).

In order to feel a maximum effect a course of treatments are recommended.

• Adriana Pop
• Acupressure Massage for muscle tension.
• Indian Head Massage for Headaches and Stress