Allergy testing is used to find the causes of many problems such as asthma, irritable bowel syndrome and skin irritations. An allergy is a response by the body’s immune system and will be felt almost instantly. A hypersensitivity is a reaction where the body does not enjoy the substance and may take longer to show up. Sneezing, eczema, diarrhoea are all common reactions to a sensitivity. In today’s toxic world we are exposed to more and more substances which can create irritation and disease within our bodies.

If you would like to know what may be causing some of your health problems then book a session with Craig for him to explain what is involved or contact him using the form above.

Chinese medicine is a collection of ancient healing techniques designed to treat an individual holistically.  Its three main branches – herbal medicine, acupuncture and tui na massage aim to both redress underlying imbalances that cause ill health and also to tackle particular symptoms.  It can be used in all stages of life to deal with illness, whether severe or mild, and to prevent illness by improving health.

Chinese medicine has been evolving for over 4000 years.  It is rooted in the ancient philosophy and culture of China and reflects a world view in which all things are inextricably interrelated.  At the human level this means that not only is a person inseparable from his or her environment, but also that there is no true division between the mind, emotions and physical body.

According to Chinese medicine well-being and good health arise when the various systems within the individual are in equilibrium.  Ill-health arises out of imbalance or disharmony which Chinese medicine explains through analogies to the natural world around us.  By helping redress these imbalances, Chinese medicine seeks to get to the root causes of ill health and not merely to suppress the outward manifestations and symptoms.

Chinese medicine is a highly flexible system which can be used:

• in the treatment of chronic or serious conditions either alone or in support of western medicine;
• in the early stages of illness or for mild ailments; or
• to prevent illness and promote good health.

Chinese medicine can be used for a wide range of conditions such as fertility problems, skin problems, migraine, gynaecological problems, digestive problems, urinary tract infections, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and pain related problems, among many others.

Chinese medicine has developed far beyond its early origins and is now used alongside western medicine in China as a frontline therapy in modern state hospitals.  A large amount of research is carried out both to quantify the efficacy of particular herbal medicines and acupuncture procedures, and also to identify the biomedical mechanisms behind particular therapeutic effects. Much of this research has supported the clinical findings of Chinese doctors over the centuries and some has also identified new ways in which traditional medicines can be used.

While this type of research has been carried out predominantly in China, Japan and South Korea, in Europe and the United States western bioscientists are increasingly recognising Chinese medicine as a valuable resource for the future development of modern medicine.

Leo Dening practices Chinese medicine here at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic, Fulham Rd, SW10.

One branch of Chinese medicine is Chinese herbal medicine.  The use of plant products is the origin of most medical systems around the world, and Chinese medicine is no exception.  Indeed, despite Chinese medicine having become best known in the west for acupuncture, in China, herbal medicine has always been the most important part of Chinese medicine.

Herbs used in Chinese medicine are each considered to have particular properties which can be used in the treatment of illness.  During a consultation a practitioner will formulate a Chinese medicine diagnosis from which he or she can tailor a unique herbal formula to suit an individual’s specific requirements.  Traditionally, dried herbs are boiled up or ground.  Today, concentrated powders, pills, capsules and tablets are also available.

Chinese herbal medicine has a huge array of uses is commonly used for infertility, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, gastrointestinal problems including IBS, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, gynaecological problems, and rheumatological conditions among many others.

Leo Dening practices Chinese herbal medicine here at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic as part of his Chinese medicine practice which embraces, predominantly acupuncture, tui na massage and Chinese herbal medicine.

Tui na (pronounced tway nah) is an ancient Chinese massage technique based on similar principles to acupuncture.  It is still widely used in China today.

Tui na is typically used as a remedial form of massage, for conditions such as back and neck pain, tension, stress, insomnia, sports injury, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder and many others.  It is also beneficial for relaxation and general well-being.  The practitioner uses his hands and arms to encourage energy to flow freely.  This helps to redress any imbalances and to restore the patient to health.

For patients who prefer not to have acupuncture, tui na can be a suitable replacement.

Leo Dening practises tui na massage here at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic as part of his wider Chinese medicine practice which embraces, predominantly acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and tui na massage.

I bring to you Cosmetic Facial Shiatsu. A perfect time too as the sun is trying to stay in the sky and this will help prepare your skin for summertime.

Let’s detox the skin with this wonderful treatment helping you feel new again and ready to take on the world.

With a course of Facial Shiatsu’s, it will help create balance, addresses any imperfections that the body will then display on the face for me to work with.

With Cosmetic Facial Shiatsu, it helps you create a new skin, a new look, thus aids you looking younger for far longer and no needles, surgery or oils are necessary.

I offer this treatment along with Bodywork to assist and strengthen the treatments. I highly recommend a six week course to fully appreciate the full effects thus feeling like a new person.

Prepare to let go of the past, the old you and embrace the new younger inner self.

I very much look forward to booking you in shortly. Book early and get a 20% discount.

For more information please feel free to contact me using the form above.

• Stress in the Workplace and Shiatsu
• Shiatsu Shown to Improve Health
• Shiatsu and Building the Immune System
• Shiatsu Massage for Pregnancy and Birth

Simon Heale, Clinical Hypnotherapist at Chelsea Natural Health is delighted to be able to offer you the chance, via this web site, to listen to samples of his hypnotherapy MP3′s, and download them should you so wish.

His MP3′s cover issues such as Sleep, Smoking and Health and Vitality and they can be found in the download section of this site.

• Perinatal Hypnotherapy
• Sports Hypnosis and Sports Psychology
• Hypnotherapy
• Hypnotherapy MP3 downloads

By Nicola Croote, Counsellor at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic SW10.

Has the credit crunch affected your wellbeing in that you have found your life taking a turn in a different direction?   Do you find yourself feeling stressed and anxious about the future?   Or do you resent the fact that choices about your life have been made for you making you feel out of control?

You may be experiencing feelings that you are unfamiliar to you and are unsure of what your next step could be.

Maybe you have turned to alcohol, drugs or other unhelpful behaviours to help you deal with this difficult change and found that they helped in the short term but are now creating more stress and loss of control in your life.

Many people are finding themselves in a similar position at this time and are turning to counselling in order to help them adjust to their new situation.   Counselling can help you to find ways of managing your stress levels and turn a new and uncomfortable change of circumstances into a beneficial and positive outcome.

Having a regular space available to you each week and someone to listen and help you find the answers that you already have within you can be hugely empowering and satisfying.   Unlike the quick fix you get from alcohol, other substances or behaviours, the results are permanent and much more rewarding!

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be an excellent way of changing unhelpful beliefs and behaviours and can be done quickly and effectively if you are committed to achieve the results that you want.     The first session would be to discuss your desired outcome and the struggles that you are currently having and then set goals to help you focus on during future sessions.   I will regularly check out with you if this way of working feels right and if it doesn’t I will discuss alternative methods. I have a large therapeutic toolbox!

We can also discuss how many sessions you may realistically need.   A typical duration is 6-8 sessions to explore a basic issue and to work on solutions, some deeper emotional issues can require more time.   I am mindful that you may require certainty around costs in order to make counselling financially viable and I am therefore open to providing estimates so that you are clear about the financial outlay.

For the month of October as part of Chelsea Natural Healths birthday promotion I am offering counselling sessions at the reduced price of £48 (normally £60).

I am also offering you a free half hour session which will give you the chance to come and meet me and answer any questions that you may have about counselling before making your first appointment.

Alternatively feel free to email me or call to discuss any concerns or queries.

All the best

Nicola

• Counselling with Nicola Croote
• Counselling to help with credit crunch blues

My name is Nicola Croote and I am a BACP-certified, experienced counsellor.   I can help anyone to address problems or issues that they cannot resolve alone. I know counselling is effective, having   experienced it’s positive benefits for myself.   I am truly passionate about my work and commit to the highest ethical and professional standards.

What is counselling?

Counselling provides a safe confidential space for you to talk about your problems in order to gain understanding of them and to find solutions to them.   Counselling helps you to work through feelings that are preventing you from having an enjoyable and fulfilling life.     I believe you have all of the answers you need and it is my job to guide you to quickly identify any issues and patterns that are holding you back so that you can find those effective solutions that you need to move forward with your life.

Counselling is different from coaching in that it provides the space and time to work through and understand difficult feelings before finding solutions to the issues or problems that you bring.

What is involved?

Our first session will give you the chance to meet me, to discuss your reasons for wanting to come to counselling and to discuss the structure and duration of counselling, if you decide that you would like to continue meeting. We will arrange a set time and day that is mutually convenient.     I am skilled in a range of counselling tools and techniques and I will choose those I believe are most appropriate for you. I will ask for ongoing feedback throughout the process in order to ensure you are satisfied my approach is effective.   We will also regularly review your progress against the goals you have set for your counselling.

Are you the right counsellor for me?

Only you can decide whether we have the personal chemistry you require to make our meetings a success.   I can, assure you of my passion, commitment and experience.   I can offer you an initial half hour session free of charge to give you the chance to meet me and decide if you feel that we can work together.

What are your professional qualifications?

I am a member of the BACP – the largest and broadest body in the UK therapy sector.   I hold a Diploma in Integrative Counselling, integrating Person Centred and Psychodynamic theories, I also hold a Certificate in Person Centred Art Therapy Skills.

I have training, understanding and experience of other therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Brief Solution Focussed Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

How often and how many sessions will I need?

It is important to have these sessions weekly in order for the work to be effective.   The duration is different for everyone, however I would recommend 6 – 10 sessions initially to explore a basic issue and to start working on some solutions.   Some deeper emotional issues may require more time.   I am mindful that many clients require certainty around costs in order to make counselling financially viable and I am therefore open to providing an estimated time frame which will give you a more solid idea about the costs involved.

I am available on Monday afternoon and evenings from 3pm to 8pm at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic.

So in summary counselling can help me

l               Have healthier more fulfilling relationships

l               Develop confidence

l               Learn to relax

l               Heal addictions

l               Manage difficult feelings

l               Uncover your potential and discover hidden talents

l               Feel good about myself

l               Become the person I want to be

• Counselling with Nicola Croote
• Counselling to help with credit crunch blues

Coaching is a communication-method of providing an individual with structured, impartial support to implement specific strategies towards setting well-defined goals. With coaching, you can re-connect with your core values and needs. You can gradually feel more at ease, think better, feel more secure and take charge of your life.

Coaching is not therapy: it does not dwell on past mistakes or behaviours. Instead, it is forward-looking, inspiring you to draw on your natural strengths.

Yasmine focuses on you as an individual to: build confidence; strengthen your motivation; rediscover your talents; deal with phobias; improve relationships; harmonise family- and parenting-dynamics; support you in career-changes; and maximize your performance.

Yasmine is available on Thursday morning between 9am and 2pm.   If you would like more information or to make an appointment please feel free to contact her using the form above, or call reception on 0207 352 3087

What is Hair Mineral Analysis (HMA)?

HMA is an analytical test that reveals the mineral composition of the hair. It is becoming increasingly used in the field of preventative health care.  Interpreted correctly, the analysis may provide indications of mineral imbalances and toxic metals.

Why use hair?

Hair is ideal for mineral testing as it contains all the minerals present in your body.  Unlike blood, it can be sampled easily and it is simple to transport.

When it reaches the skin’s surface, the hair’s outer layers harden and lock in a blueprint of the nutritional metabolic activity during the past 1-2 months.  A properly obtained sample indicates your body’s mineral levels and your accumulation of toxic metals.  You can detect what the levels are right now and see how the levels have changed during the last month or two. A blood test cannot do this.

What can cause a mineral imbalance?

The principal contributory factors are:

Data may be affected by the individual’s lifestyle, personal activities, diet, medication, environment and hygiene for example.

You should also be aware of the potential influence of the following:

Published research relating to Hair Mineral Testing:

Increased Release of Toxins Into The Environment

In 2005 approximately four billion pounds of chemicals were released by industry in the United States.  According to the EPA, chemical releases have increased by 117 million pounds over the past year.  Lead compounds alone amounted to about 469 million pounds, while mercury was approximately 4.4 million pounds.  Sci.News. 171, 2007.

Aluminum Induced Cholestasis Reduced By Vitamin E

Aluminum is known to reduce bile secretions by impairing hepatocellular transporters. Investigations on animals were carried out to determine if the aluminum-induced reduction in bile flow was related to oxidative stress.  It was found that aluminum increased lipid peroxidation by fifty percent, reduced liver glutathione by forty-three percent, catalase by eighty-three percent and glutathione peroxidase activity by fifty percent.  Vitamin E supplementation reduced these adverse effects significantly, as well as increased bile flow and contributed to an increase in aluminum removal.  Gonzalez, MA, et al. Involvement of Oxidative Stress in the Impairment in Biliary Secretory Function Induced by Intraperitoneal Administration of Aluminum to Rats. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 116, 2007.

Mercury and Heart Disease

Numerous studies over the last decade have shown the potential of the harmful effects of mercury on cardiovascular disease (CVD).  A study following a group of men over a period of thirteen years found that for each microgram of mercury found in the hair the risk of acute coronary events increased by an average of eleven percent, and CVD death by ten percent.  The mechanism for increased susceptibility is associated with the interaction of mercury and selenium, reducing the free radical scavenging effects of glutathione enzymes.  Selenium protects the body from adverse affects of mercury.  When mercury enters the body it is bound by selenium forming a mercury selenide complex.  However, in those cases of high exposure to mercury, selenium will be required in greater amount in order to bind the mercury.  As a result, selenium bioavailability will be reduced, thereby allowing increased free radical activity, which can promote cardiovascular disease, cancer and other related health conditions.

Virtanen, JK, et al. Mercury as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. J..Nutri.Biochem. 18, 2007.

If you are a new client of Halina’s you will be required to download a questionnaire (please click the link below) and return it to her by e-mail or by post (details are on the form).

DOWNLOAD FORMS

For further questions please contact Halina using the form above.