Totally Holistic Therapies

Foresight Preconception Care

2011-05-19T17:40:00.002+01:00

Foresight, The Association for the Promotion of Preconception Care, was founded by Belinda (Nim) Barnes, a former nursery nurse in 1978. Through looking for ways to help her own children’s health concerns in the 1950’s and 60’s, Nim met various English and American doctors who opened her eyes to how important the right nutrients were to good health. One of Nim’s sons suffered badly from hyperactivity and was greatly helped after being treated with nutrients and vitamins.
By 1978 Nim and a group of health professionals launched Foresight, to work promoting preconception care with a network of practitioners around the country which includes doctors, nutritionists, homeopaths, naturopaths, reflexologists, kinisiologists, acupuncturists and osteopaths. Their aim is to promote preconception care and get couples into optimum health prior to conception and to produce a healthy baby.
By hair analysis in Foresight’s own laboratory which checks for any deficiencies in vitamins or too higher levels of heavy metals, a personalised supplement plan is made for each potential parent. Other life style changes such as stopping smoking and drinking, and cutting out as much as possible all food additives and pesticides will help the programme. By achieving the optimum health of the parents the quality and vitality of both ova and sperm will improve, so it is possible to reduce the incidence of infertility, recurrent spontaneous abortions, premature births, perinatal deaths, low birth weight and malformations. The Foresight programme is continued throughout pregnancy and breast feeding for the women, helping to give the best possible start in life for the baby.
As a reflexologist I can help support you through this programme. Reflexology may help with many problems causing infertility, such as lack of ovulation, irregular cycles, PCOS, endometriosis and poor sperm counts or mobility. The first time I see a client a detailed medical history is taken and a treatment plan drawn up. The best results are obtained if treatments are carried out for six weekly sessions, then fortnightly, reducing to monthly. This helps to restore normal cycles and regain optimum health in conjunction with the Foresight plan. While pregnant reflexology may help with many of the discomforts of pregnancy such as morning sickness, tiredness and backache.
For further information on Foresight please visit their web site www.fore-preconception.org.uk

Maternity & baby reflexology

2011-05-19T17:38:00.002+01:00

Reflexology can be used from pre-conception, through pregnancy, and even help with babies and toddlers. When you decide to try for a baby reflexology may help to balance hormone levels, enhance the body’s natural healing abilities and optimize body functions.
Regular treatments together with life style changes, such as optimizing your diet can increase your body’s abilities to conceive.
Sometimes things don’t always work out as you have planned and you may need fertility investigations followed by assisted conception such as IVF or ICSI.
The calming and relaxing support of reflexology may help to prepare your body for these procedures. It may also help make sure you are at optimum health prior to taking fertility drugs such as Clomid.

Once you are pregnant, maternity reflexology may help you through all the stages of your pregnancy. It is a specialised treatment and should only be carried out by someone who has undergone Maternity Reflexology training.
It has been shown to help with conditions such as;
Morning Sickness
Hyperemesis (persistent vomiting)
Back Pain
Syphilis Pubis Dysfunction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Fluid Retention
....... And most importantly it will help you relax and prepare your body for the birth of your baby.
Post-natal treatments can help your body rebalance hormone levels and adjust to being a new mum!

After the birth of your little bundle of joy you can use reflexology for baby too!
Baby Reflex is specially adapted reflexology for babies. The techniques originally were developed for bonding and over the years have helped to ease, relieve and eliminate many baby discomforts proving to be very popular and successful with parents. It may be used from the age of 4 weeks onwards.
It works in the same way as reflexology on adults, however it is specially adapted to suit the needs of babies and toddlers, taking into account their size and well-being. Baby Reflex may help to calm and relax babies and toddlers and may also help with infant colic and teething. It can be used anywhere, even the super-market queue.
It is a short and complete training course provided for mothers or fathers in the use of simple reflexology techniques for parents to give to their babies and toddlers. It is taught in 3 weekly 1 hour workshops themed feeding/digesting; sleeping/comforting and finally well-being. Toddler reflex is taught in 2 weekly 1 hour workshops themed with nursery rhymes for simplicity. Training materials are provided, with foot maps for parents to keep.

Baby Reflex course

2010-06-06T11:40:00.001+01:00

The next Baby Reflex course will be starting on 16th July 2010 at Pregalicious Maternity Wear,Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone from 10.30am - 12 noon. Please ring for more details on 01622 843453

Free Maternity Taster Day

2010-06-06T11:36:00.001+01:00

Come along to Pregalicious Maternity Wear in the Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone, Kent on Saturday 3rd July 2010 for a Free Maternity Reflexology Taster. I will be there from 10.30am - 2.30pm so come along and have a short pamper and find out how reflexology could help you through your pregnancy.

Using Kayseye Blends

2010-05-12T10:26:00.000+01:00

With all the changeable weather we have had the last month its no surprise that my family has all been down with colds this week. So I turned to my trusty blends of essential oils from Katseye. I used blend 41 for my husband who came home from work feeling ill, this blend slows down infections such as colds and flu and it certaintly did the trick as he recovered much quicker than before. I used it blended in some base oil rubed into his lower throat. We also had the burner going with blends 2 and 11 added to combat the sore throats, stuffy noses and sinus headaches.
Even my dog has been sneezing and has benefited from breathing in the oils vapors. He also hurt himself a couple of weeks ago and became very stiff after any period of not moving around so I have tried something I read about in a natural health book which was to add some tumeric to his food, this has anti inflammatory properties and has definitely worked and of course a lot cheaper than the vets!

First Katseye Blends AGM

2010-05-06T13:26:00.001+01:00

Update from Teresa Wright

It was lovely to see so many at the first Katseye AGM and have a chance to put faces to names. As always I learnt an awful lot from our trainers and Chris Katsis and came away with plenty of new ideas on how to use the range of blends.
Sara Turner had asked if I could take along samples of the products I have from the blends Chris Katsis designed for me. These came about from my own experience of bereavement and grief, losing my first baby at term and wanting to help others who had been through the same devastating trauma and heart break. Even though these two blends were designed from my own personal experience’s they would be of great benefit to others going through bereavement of any kind or for other therapists such as councillors to use with their clients.

Teardrop – This Blend is to help keep you grounded and centred in peace and comfort as you mourn your loss.
When I first smelt this blend I felt as if warm comforting arms were embracing me, holding me safe and stilling my mind. I think this blend will really help to still your thoughts and balance your emotions.
The blend contains essential oils of Sweet Orange, Neroli, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Basil and Chamomile.

New Breath – This Blend is designed to help rebuild inner strength and restoration, to help you face life again and encourage you to look forward to new beginnings.
When I first smelt this blend it had the same underlying notes of “Teardrop” but also a fresher scent which made me feel as if a veil was being lifted, that I could move forward and look to the future.
Having lost our first child we felt terrified at the prospect of another pregnancy. This blend could help to restore inner strength and let you move forward. We now have a very lively nine year old son following an uncomplicated pregnancy.
(The Blend should not be used once you have started trying for another pregnancy.)
The blend contains essential oils of Jasmine, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Rosewood, Pine, Patchouli, Myrrh, Marjoram, Lavender, Juniper, Hyssop, Cypress, Clary Sage, Chamomile, Cedar wood and Benzoin.

Since I first started things have developed and I now have clients buying via my web site with a donation from each sale going to Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death society). The products I have at the moment are Body Lotion, 5 ml Essential Oil, and a new venture into Votive Candles. These were a hit at the AGM with everyone wanting to know how I made them and the supplier’s details.
They are so easy to make being melted paraffin wax (65 degrees) with 30 or 40 drops of essential oil added. The company I brought them from has all the equipment you would need, plus info on “how to” on their web site.
So why not have a go!

Candle supplier’s www.fullmoons-cauldron.co.uk

Or contact Teresa at info@totallyholistic.me.uk www.totallyholistic.me.uk

Maternity Reflexology

2010-02-18T14:27:00.002Z

Maternity Reflexology

Totally Holistic run by Teresa Wright offers mobile complementary therapies in the comfort of your own home. These include Maternity Reflexology now used in some hospitals, and Sub-fertility Reflexology. Maternity Reflexology should only be under taken by someone qualified and I have been trained by Val Groome who has worked on the Maternity unit at Southend hospital for many years.

Reflexology can be of great benefit while trying for a baby. It helps balance hormone levels to their optimum, enhancing the bodies own healing abilities and preparing the body for pregnancy.
Conditions which are common in women trying for a baby such as;
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Irregular Periods
Premenstrual Syndrome
These will all benefit from having regular Reflexology treatments.
It will also help get your body in optimum health if undergoing fertility treatments such as IVF, being supportive, calming and stress relieving.

Once you have fallen pregnant if you look down at your feet you will be able to see the growing baby on the inside edge just before the ankle.

Reflexology can help with many of the conditions that arise during pregnancy such as;
Morning Sickness
Hypermesis (persistent vomiting)
Ligament and Back pain
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Fluid Retention
Heartburn and other digestive disorders
In fact nearly all the conditions that cause discomfort during pregnancy will improve with regular treatments of Reflexology.

And most importantly it will improve sleep, help you to relax and prepare your body for the birth of your baby!

I can also use “preparation for birth techniques appropriate for mum- to- be and her baby”.

Reflexology can be used during labour to help with keeping you as relaxed as possible. This will help with pain levels and research has shown that regular treatments of Reflexology during pregnancy can also shorten the length of labour.

Postnatal treatments will help mum get over the birth and rebalance hormones, the body has been under enormous strain for nine months and now she has a new baby to look after, and Reflexology can help with the body returning to pre-baby normality.

Baby can have very gentle treatments to, for conditions such as Colic
Irritable babies
Poor feeder
Gastro-oesophageal reflux
Vomiting

I am hoping to start running Baby Flex classes in the future were I will be teaching parents how to do Reflexology on their own babies. This will be both beneficial in that it will help with bonding plus parents will be able to provide on going Reflexology at home.

Essential oils for use in Infertility and as a Reproductive Tonic

2010-02-13T14:40:00.000Z

Essential oils for use in Infertility & Reproductive Tonic

Rose Absolute – Has a powerful effect on the uterus. It is cleansing, purifying, regulating and a tonic. It is helpful when the menstrual cycle needs to be regulated and it appears it can increase the production of sperm.
On an emotional level it is a potent antidepressant, and has aphrodisiac qualities.
It should only be used in small amounts with it making up 5% of a synergistic blend.

Ylang Ylang – As with Rose, Ylang Ylang is antidepressant, aphrodisiac and sedative, and can be used for sexual difficulties. It is calming and relaxing and good to help break through any anxiety regarding sexual inadequacy.

Geranium – Is an adrenal cortex stimulant. The hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex are primarily regulators governing the balance of hormones secreted by other organs, including male and female sex hormones; so it is of great assistance were fluctuating hormones balance is indicated. Good for PMT and menopause as well.

Fennel – Fennel is one of the plants that have been known for thousands of years for its effects on the female reproductive system. It has a plant form of oestrogen in its structure and can be very helpful in regularising the menstrual cycle, particularly where periods are scanty and painful. Helps stimulate the production of oestrogen by the ovaries.

Cypress – Regulates the menstrual cycle. It helps to relieve painful periods and reduces heavy blood loss.

Clary Sage – Is an emmenagogue and can help scanty or missing periods. It is best used during the first half of the cycle, as if used in through second can cause heavy bleeding. It is also one of the aphrodisiac oils and has proved helpful for couples going through a bad patch in their relationship.

Plant Oestogens

These are found in Fennel, Ravensara, Tarragon, Clary Sage.

Sub – Fertility can also cause great stress and the following oils can help with relaxation. Clary sage, Jasmine, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Rosewood and Vertivert.

Enometriosis

2010-02-10T14:32:00.001Z

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue normally found on the lining of the Uterus grows in other parts of the body. This can be areas such as the pelvic cavity, ovaries, bowel, bladder and rectum, it has even been found on the eye lids. This tissue (endometrium) acts in the same way as it would in the uterus, swelling before each period in readiness for an egg to implant if fertilized, then shedding if no implantation takes place. The result of this is scarring and adhesions from the clusters of endometrial cells.

Symptoms include increasingly painful and abnormal periods, lower back pain, pelvic cramps, pain during intercourse, abdominal pain before or during menstruation, blood in the urine, fatigue, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Some women may not have any pain. Serious side effects include blood cysts in the ovaries and infertility.

The cause of Endometriosis is not known, though if a close family member such as mother or a sister has the condition the chances of getting the condition are greater. Mild cases are treated with pain killers, or by creating a pseudo-pregnancy or menopause using hormonal drugs. Scar tissue is removed by Laparoscopy and where no pregnancy is desired, options include a hysterectomy.

Blends for Sands

2010-02-10T14:30:00.001Z

I have had a growing interest in Women’s well being and health for a number of years, and it was fate that gave me the opportunities to train with Sara Turner of Katseye Training.

I had been booked in on a Reflexology for Women post graduate course, but was cancelled so allowing me to attend the foundation “Wellbeing for Women” Katseye course. This has opened up so many opportunities for me and I now have two on-line shops selling Aromatherapy products aimed at helping women through the many different stages of their lives.

Having lost our first baby Benjamin through still birth at the end of my pregnancy I have always wanted to give something back to the Sands charity who helped us so much through a very traumatic time in our lives. I came up with the idea of making some body lotion that could be used to ease the emotional trauma and approached Sara with this idea.

Sara approached Chris Katsis and he asked if I and my husband could put into words all that we had felt at the time, this was hard for both of us but also very healing as we both learnt so much and had the relief of saying things that hadn’t been said at the time. So it was a very emotional but healing experience for the both of us.

From this work Chris came up with two blends which I have called Teardrop and New Breath.

Teardrop; This Blend is to help keep you grounded and centred in peace and comfort as you mourn your loss.
When I first smelt this blend I felt as if warm comforting arms were embracing me, holding me safe and stilling my mind. I think this blend will really help to still your thoughts and with balancing your emotions.

The blend contains essential oils of Sweet Orange, Neroli, Frankincence, Sandlewood, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Basil and Chamomile.

New Breath; This Blend is designed to help rebuild inner strength and restoration, to help you face life again and encourage you to look forward to new beginnings.
When I first smelt this blend it had the same underlying notes of “Teardrop” but also a fresher scent which made me feel as if a veil was being lifted, that I could move forward and look to the future.
Having lost our first child we felt terrified at the prospect of another pregnancy. This blend could help to restore inner strength and let you move forward. We now have a very lively eight year old son following an uncomplicated pregnancy.
(This Blend should not be used once you have started trying for another pregnancy.)

This blend contains essential oils of Jasmine, Frankincence, Sandlewood, Ylang Ylang, Rosewood, Pine, Patchouli, Myrrh, Marjoram, Lavender, Juniper, Hyssop, Cypress, Clary Sage, Chamomile, Cedarwood and Benzoin.

Chris and Sara have given me so much support while doing this work and I would like to say a big thank you from me and the many people I hope it will help.

What are Holistic Therapies?

2010-02-10T14:25:00.002Z

What are Holistic Therapies I hear you say?
How can they help me?

Well Holistic Therapies or as they are often referred to Complementary Therapies, have the view that to effectively treat someone you have to look at the whole person. This takes into account what sort of job they do, their family unit, hobbies, diet and past and present health. This gives us a whole or Holistic idea as to your current state of health and helps us to decide what form the treatment would take. So when you go to see a complementary therapist you will be asked to fill in a questionnaire to help the therapist plan a course of treatments for you.

Now I work as a Refexologist and Aromatherapist and have a passion for helping women with the sorts of health issues that can be intrusive with their lives. One such condition is Endometriosis which can cause debilitating pain and discomfort every month. This is caused by the tissue that normally lines the womb appearing in other sites such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, abdominal cavity and occasionally the lining of the nose. Every month the women’s body goes through changes, hormones released that normally prepare the womb for a fertilised egg increase the lining of the womb. Now if no egg is implanted into the lining this breaks down and is shed as a period. Endometriosis cells grow in the same way, but as they are outside of the womb they cannot break down and leave the body, causing internal bleeding, inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.

Conventional treatment will depend on the age of the women, severity of her symptoms and her wish to have children. This can be from hormone treatment, surgery, pain management, nutrition, emotional support and complimentary therapies.

Reflexology may be beneficial in controlling symptoms of Endometriosis and be supportive for any other conventional treatment the women may decide to take. Reflexology can alleviate tension; improve sleep, balance hormone levels and congestion from the body and also by offering a caring emotional environment with a chance to talk during the treatment, which would normally take up to an hour.

The theory behind Reflexology is that the body is mirrored in the feet, with the right side being on the right foot and the left side of the body on the left. The body is then divided into ten zones, five on each foot. Which then run up the entire length to the head.
Now this is done by the therapist working over the feet using small creeping caterpillar moves with the thumb and sometimes fingers, working over small pressure points. These pressure points correspond to the parts of the body in that zone or on that foot, so helping the therapist to work areas which could help relieve symptoms. Sometimes congestion can be felt and the client may feel areas are more sensitive than others, but a treatment should not cause discomfort and will leave you feeling as if your feet are walking on air! Most clients also report sleeping extremely well the night after a treatment and a total sense of well being.

I have been working as a Holistic Therapist for over sixteen years, and offer Reflexology, Aromatherapy and Reiki treatments in client’s homes. I spent two years working and studying in New Zealand, during which time I became attuned to Reiki, which is an ancient Japanese healing art. I also have an online shop selling Aromatherapy body lotions, bath foams and oils; these are aimed at women during the Menopause, Pregnancy or hormonal problems such as PMS.
I have also just developed with the help of a clinical Aroma therapist two special blends of essential oils to help people through the trauma of Baby Loss. These are being sold with a donation of £1.00 going to Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) from each purchase.

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-01T10:03:00.000Z

Well we have reached another year and will no doubt be making plans for what we want to acheive in 2010.
I,m going to continue to learn and grow as a therapist as much as I can, adding Baby Reflex to my therapies by the end of Febuary. I also hope to do some more courses for the maternity/ fertility side of my work.

So heres to a fruitfull 2010 !!

Powerful VRT

2009-12-11T15:50:00.000Z

A couple of weeks ago I attended Lynn Booths basic Vertical Reflex therapy course in Essex. Wow! what a fantastic tool to add to my Reflexology. I have noticed a benefit in doing the self treatments and my clients are reporting back that they like it to.
One client who I am supporting through infertility treatments has been using the points I showed her at home with great results. She had her first period since her last ici cycle and is feeling really good.
I can,t wait to see what other great results I can acheive for my clients!

Relexology Chart

2009-12-07T09:13:00.001Z

Learn to read your foot

More about reflexology

Reflexology Charts

2009-12-07T09:12:00.003Z

I have just found this great little tool online and thought I would share it with you.

Learn to read your hand

More about reflexology

I have just joined Forstal Holistic Health at Headcorn!

2009-11-19T14:46:00.000Z

Just to let you all know that I will now be working from Forstal Holistic Health, High St, Headcorn ,Kent.
Tel 01622 892266 on Tuesdays from 9-3 and Saturday mornings. I will be offering Reflexology and Aromatherapy massge.
Hope to see you there.

Sign Up to Monthly News Letter

2009-11-13T09:55:00.001Z

And be in with a chance of winning a free Reflexology treatment. (Maidstone/Ashford,Kent area only).

Body/Mind Connection

2009-11-12T14:38:00.002Z

It sometimes amazes me how by thinking about something you dread will make it happen.
A few weeks ago while visiting a client who I treated earlier this year while she was undergoing hormone treatment for Endometriosis, she mentioned that she thought it may be coming back and she really did not want to go through the treatment again.
After her laparotomy to laser the endometrial tissue away, she had a few weeks discomfort while the incision healed, which it did. Now after no problems from the incision site all of a sudden six months on a stitch that had not dissolved caused an infection around the area of her tummy button!
Now just by thinking about the possibilities of it returning had manifested its self as an infection in the site of the original incision. Now if it works to bring about things we do not want to happen what could it bring to us if we think positively- law of attraction!

The client has since had a scan and all is well.

Good to feel unknotted.

2009-10-29T14:28:00.003Z

I have been to see my remedial sports therapist this morning; man it feels good to get rid of all those little knots that build up in my arms, shoulders and back, but boy dose it hurt. As they say no gain without pain.
Its just as important for us therapist to look after us as well as our clients and make it part of your work life to get those little niggles sorted out before they become big problems and impinge on your work.
Apart from going for my massage every month I try to do a swap for a reflexology as well, its great to have treatment from a friend, catch up and swap notes on cases that have come up over the last month. I also often pick up new ideas of approaching problems within my practice and as many of us work alone its great to have feed back on your treatment as well.

My First Blog!

2009-10-28T15:11:00.002Z

Its great when you have some wonderful feed back from a client.

A few weeks back I was asked by a therapist friend if I could offer any help to a little girl who had a stroke. She is only 4 years old and has had a tough time all her life being born with heart problems. I emailed Chris at katseye blends straight away and he told me to use their blend number 4 in sunflower oil, to be massaged on to her limbs before bed.

This has had a wonderful effect in helping her to settle to sleep and has improved her recovery no end, her parents are so pleased and its what we do this job for; to help people.