Category: Healthy Ageing & Women's Wellness

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week 2018

   Posted on 9:00am Monday 18th Jun 2018

   

    

   Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week: Holistic Support and Aromatherapy

   Today marks the start of Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week, run by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.

   Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This can cause inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness. Without appropriate treatment, ongoing inflammation can damage the joints and affect their shape, alignment and function.

   Rheumatoid Arthritis is a serious condition that requires appropriate medical care, but complementary therapies such as massage, aromatherapy and Reiki may also have a place alongside conventional treatment to support relaxation, comfort and overall wellbeing.

   Key Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis

   Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of any age. Around three-quarters of people with rheumatoid arthritis are first diagnosed during their working years, and women are around three times more likely than men to develop the condition.

   Rheumatoid arthritis is also often confused with osteoarthritis. Although both conditions can cause joint pain and stiffness, they are very different. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, whereas osteoarthritis is primarily associated with changes to the structure and function of the joints.

   More than 400,000 people in the UK are estimated to have rheumatoid arthritis, making it an important condition to raise awareness about.

   Conventional medical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can include medication, physiotherapy and, in some cases, surgery. Complementary therapies may be used alongside medical treatment to support relaxation, comfort and quality of life.

   Holistic Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

   In terms of the treatments I offer,  Aromatherapy Massage may be suitable for some people with rheumatoid arthritis, depending on their individual circumstances and whether they are experiencing an active flare-up.

   Aromatherapy massage can provide several potential benefits:

   • Relaxation and comfort
   • Gentle massage can be deeply relaxing and may help ease muscular tension and provide a sense of comfort. For some people, this can also make everyday aches and stiffness feel more manageable.
   • Supporting emotional wellbeing

   Living with a chronic condition can be physically and emotionally challenging. Massage and aromatherapy provide dedicated time to relax and switch off, while the aromas of essential oils can create a calming and uplifting experience.

   A personalised aromatherapy experience
   Essential oils are highly versatile and are commonly used in aromatherapy to support both physical and emotional wellbeing. Different oils have different properties and aromas, which means that an aromatherapy blend can be personalised according to your preferences and treatment goals.

   Important: Massage During an RA Flare-Up
   During an acute rheumatoid arthritis flare-up, when the joints are particularly painful, swollen or inflamed, massage may not be appropriate.

   In these circumstances, I would recommend speaking with your healthcare professional about your symptoms and treatment.

   If you would still like a relaxing complementary therapy without massage or physical manipulation, Reiki may be a more suitable option to consider.

   Reiki is a gentle treatment that does not involve massage or manipulation of the body. It can be carried out while you are comfortably seated, which can be particularly helpful if lying on a massage couch is uncomfortable.

   As with all complementary therapies, Reiki should be viewed as supportive wellbeing care rather than a treatment or cure for rheumatoid arthritis.

   Personalised Aromatherapy Products
   Essential oils can be used in different ways, including topical products and inhalation. However, the way an essential oil is used affects how much exposure you have to its individual components.

   When essential oils are used in a wash-off product such as shower gel, facial wash or soap, there is very little contact time with the skin. Aromatherapy through inhalation is primarily experienced through the nose and respiratory system rather than relying on absorption through the skin.

   Essential Oils Commonly Used in Aromatherapy

   Different essential oils are traditionally chosen in aromatherapy for their particular properties and aromas.

   For relaxation and calming:
   Lavender, Roman Chamomile

   For a warming and comforting massage blend:
   Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Sweet Marjoram, Black Pepper, Ginger

   Black Pepper and Ginger are warming, stimulating essential oils and may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly when joints are acutely hot or inflamed. This is why personalised aromatherapy advice is important.

   For an uplifting aroma:
   Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang

   Essential oils are concentrated substances and should always be used safely and appropriately. Some oils are not suitable for certain individuals, medications, health conditions or circumstances, which is why professional advice is particularly important when creating a personalised blend.

   Learning to Use Essential Oils Safely
   If you haven't used essential oils before, I also have a beginner's eBook which explains how to use them safely and responsibly.

   Aromatherapy can be a wonderful addition to a holistic self-care routine, but it is important to understand how to use essential oils correctly.

   

    

   Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis
   Rheumatoid arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition, and everyone experiences it differently.

   Alongside appropriate medical treatment, finding ways to relax, manage stress and look after your emotional wellbeing can be an important part of living with a long-term condition.

    

   If you're considering a complementary therapy, always let your therapist know about your diagnosis, medication and any current symptoms before treatment.

    

   If you are experiencing an acute flare-up, significant swelling or severe pain, please seek appropriate medical advice rather than relying on complementary therapy.

    

   I hope you have found this post useful.

    

   For more information and support about rheumatoid arthritis, I recommend visiting the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, which provides a wealth of information and resources for people living with rheumatoid arthritis.

   Until next time

   Zoe

   x 

2. Stress Awareness Month

   Posted on 9:00am Sunday 1st Apr 2018

   Stress Awareness Month: Understanding Stress and Finding Ways to Relax

    April is Stress Awareness Month, so I’ll be writing a series of posts around this important issue and exploring some of the different ways we can support our wellbeing when life becomes stressful.

   What Causes Stress?

   Stress can build up for many different reasons and is often caused by a combination of circumstances rather than one single event.

   Some common causes of stress include:

   Too much to do, lack of time, financial worries, heavy workloads, job uncertainty, family troubles, relationship breakdowns, bereavement, moving home, urban living, conflict at work or home, isolation, redundancy, retirement, going to university, planning a wedding, pregnancy, becoming a parent, concerns about world events and, of course, many more.

   Sometimes even positive life events can be stressful because they involve change, uncertainty and additional responsibilities.

   The Effects of Long-Term Stress

   A little stress is a normal part of life, but when stress becomes prolonged or overwhelming, it can affect both our physical and emotional wellbeing.

   Long-term stress can manifest itself in many different ways.

    

   Some common experiences associated with prolonged stress include:

   Headaches, physical and emotional tension, muscular aches and pains, digestive upsets, exhaustion, feeling constantly "on the go", anger and irritability, feeling overwhelmed, anxiety and low mood, overthinking, difficulty sleeping, loss of concentration, difficulty making decisions, brain fog and feeling emotionally drained.

   Everyone experiences stress differently, which is why it’s important to listen to your own body and recognise when you may need to slow down and take some time for yourself.

   How Can Holistic Therapies Help With Stress?

   The holistic treatments I offer are all designed to provide a deeply relaxing experience and give you valuable time away from the stresses and demands of everyday life.

   While complementary therapies shouldn’t replace appropriate medical or psychological support, they can be a lovely addition to your regular self-care routine.

   Which Treatment Is Best for Stress?

   The best treatment depends on how stress is affecting you and what you feel you need most.

   Swedish Massage

   If stress has left you with physical aches, muscular tension and depleted energy, Swedish Massage may be a good choice.

   The flowing massage techniques are designed to relax the muscles, encourage circulation and provide a deeply calming experience.

   Aromatherapy Massage

   If you are experiencing physical tension, aches and pains alongside feeling mentally frazzled or overwhelmed, Aromatherapy Massage may be more suitable.

   Your massage can be combined with an essential oil blend selected or customised according to your individual preferences and wellbeing needs.

   The combination of massage and aromatherapy creates a wonderfully relaxing treatment for both body and mind.

   

   Reflexology

   If stress is affecting you emotionally or you simply need some time to completely switch off, Reflexology can be a wonderful choice.

   Reflexology involves applying gentle pressure and massage techniques to different areas of the feet and is particularly popular with people looking for deep relaxation.

   It can also be a good option if you have several different wellbeing concerns and would prefer a gentle, holistic treatment.

   Reiki

   Reiki is a gentle complementary therapy that focuses on relaxation and subtle energy.

   For many people, a Reiki treatment provides an opportunity to slow down, become still and take some much-needed time away from the outside world.

   Bach Flower Remedies

   Bach Flower Remedies are another holistic approach that some people choose when they feel emotionally overwhelmed or are experiencing particular emotional states.

   I can help you select a personalised combination based on how you are feeling at the time.

   Crystal Healing

   Crystal Healing is another relaxing holistic treatment that can provide dedicated time for stillness, reflection and self-care.

   For those who enjoy working with crystals and subtle energy, it can be a lovely way to create a calming ritual around their wellbeing.

   If you need a combined treatment, I offer a Classic or Deluxe Pick and Mix Package.

   Remember: You Don’t Have to Wait Until You’re Stressed

   One of the most important things I’ve learned over the years is that self-care shouldn’t only happen when we’re already exhausted or overwhelmed.

   Regular relaxation can be part of maintaining your overall wellbeing.

   This could be a monthly massage, a relaxing aromatherapy ritual at home, a walk in nature, practising yoga, spending time with friends or simply making space in your diary for some quiet "me time".

   Small, regular acts of self-care can make a big difference to how we cope with the demands of everyday life.

   If stress is beginning to take over, don’t wait until you’re completely exhausted before giving yourself permission to pause.  If you are interested in learning how holistic therapies can be incorporated into your own stress-management self-care activities, please browse the Revive Self Care Hive.

   Stay tuned for more posts on stress relief throughout Stress Awareness Month.

   Until next time

   Zoe

   x

   Note: If stress is causing you physical and/or mental health problems, please visit your GP.