aqua viva health blog

Reduce toxic shock risk and help the environment

2008-06-18T11:05:00.003+01:00

Did you know? A typical woman uses 10,000 sanitary towels and tampons in her life. As well as the health risks associated with tampons, the contribution to landfill is enormous. Aqua Viva Health thinks there's a better alternative!

A Mooncup is a re-usable menstrual cup that is made from medical grade non-allergic soft silicone rubber. It is worn internally like a tampon but collects rather than absorbs menstrual fluid. It can safely be used overnight and is great for all sports, swimming and travelling.

Unlike tampons and sanitary towels, a Mooncup contains no bleaches, deodorisers or absorbency gels, doesn't interfere with your vaginal environment, and is not associated with toxic shock syndrome. It's suitable whether you have normal or sensitive skin, thrush, eczema, allergies or any other condition made worse by tampons. AND because its reusable, you don't need to carry bulky spares.

For less than £20 delivered to your door, it's certainly worth trying!

£5 off at Beauty Expert

2008-06-16T15:58:00.004+01:00

Not content with just offering a 10% discount code, Beauty Expert are also offering £5 off spends of more than £25, valid until 1st July if you use the code BIRTHDAY5 . Just follow the link above...

We're Gut Trust member friendly!

2008-06-12T11:48:00.005+01:00

If you have irritable bowel syndrome, the Gut Trust can be of invaluable help. From communicating with people going through the same as you, to being able to access latest IBS news, and being able to talk to qualified nurses who are IBS specialists, it's worth a small membership fee (currently £24 a year).

As well as being able to access the information on their website, membership benefits include a quarterly members' journal 'Gut Reaction', a 'Can't Wait' card to help you get to a toilet in an emergency**, access to local self-help groups, a specially written Self Management Programme written by Prof. Nick Read and much more.

** that's where we come in...if you're shopping in Grimsby and need the loo in a hurry, just pop in, flash your card and you're sorted!

So, why did we get in touch to offer this? My e-mail to the Gut Trust explains:

I did my MMedSci at Sheffield and my dissertation on the effect of liquorice on IBS was printed in Gut Reaction (GR52 Jan 2004). I have since qualified as a colon hydrotherapist and help many people with their IBS symptom management - as a sufferer myself, I do know how colonics help me...We would like to open our toilets to Gut Trust members so they can use our facilities if necessary.

Fathers Day gift ideas - Mankind discount

2008-06-09T16:15:00.003+01:00

Father's Day is on 15th June this year and Mankind is offering a range of bespoke Father's Day Gift Sets to suit all gift and budget requirements. All gifts come ready-packaged in a Mankind gift box, so you don't even have to struggle with the wrapping paper!

Follow the link above to Mankind and get 10% off any Mankind products until 18th June if you use the code FATHERS2008.

Father's Day Skincare Collection (link)

The ultimate gift for Father's Day, this set contains every product a skin conscious, or not so conscious Dad could need. Covering all the bases: A fantastic gift which comes stylishly gift wrapped in a Mankind signature gift box, this set includes:

Zirh Clean - Facial Wash 250ml
Nickel Super - Clean Face Scrub 125ml
Anthony Logistics Oil - Free Facial Lotion 70gm
REN Multi-Mineral Detox Facial Mask 50ml
Baxter of California Hydro Salve - Lip Balm 15ml
Kiehl's Eye Alert 15ml

Elemis – Everyday Men's Collection (link)

Presented in an Elemis Men's Travel Bag, this collection is brimming with skin and bodycare essentials:

Elemis Ice Cool Foaming Shave Gel 200ml - a high performance foam for a clean, close shave
Elemis Deep Cleanse Facial Wash 50ml - the ultimate daily cleansing solution for all skin types
Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak 125ml - the perfect way to relax and recharge, particularly after sport
Elemis Sharp Shower 50ml – the wake-up shower wash

Exclusive 10% off Beauty Expert Discount Code

2008-06-09T13:59:00.005+01:00

If you're stuck for gift ideas, those nice people over at Beauty Expert have made the decision slightly easier for you, by rewarding your for shopping with them and giving you lots of ideas at the same time!! So please find below an EXCLUSIVE affiliate discount code. The offer code is OFJB130 for 10% off all Beauty Expert products until 31 June.

Beauty Expert are also offering a Free 'L'Occtaine Shea Butter Collection', when you buy any two L’Occtaine products, with the offer code 'Shea'.

Cheaper vitamins, minerals and health supplements

2008-06-09T13:25:00.003+01:00

Healthy Direct have just launched their summer sale today, promising 50% of selected products in addition to their normal free P&P on all orders.

AND, if you use the link above, enter the discount voucher code summer08 at checkout for even more money off (up to 20% depending on how much you spend).

The voucher expires on 30th September 2008, so you've got plenty of time, even if you don't grab a sale bargain!

What is the Chi Machine?

2008-06-05T00:15:00.002+01:00

We've been asked what the Chi machine is, mentioned in some of our colonic packages, so here's the lowdown:

The Chi machine is a very low impact form of exercise, suitable for people of any age and those with physical limitations preventing traditional exercise (no stress is put on the spine, joints, heart or lungs). It is generally thought that 15 minutes of the Chi machine is the equivalent of 90 minutes of gentle walking. Of course, the Chi machine can't replace a healthy diet and exercise, but can certainly help as part of a balanced lifestyle!

Reported benefits include:
More energy; better sense of wellbeing
More supple joints and better posture
Firming and toning of hips, thighs and buttocks
Improved sleep, breathing and immune system leading to alleviation of stress-related conditions
Improved circulation
Improved function of internal organs e.g. large intestine

It is also thought to help with jet lag, swollen limbs, sports injuries, congested lungs, asthma, cold sensitivity, impaired immune function, arthritis, insomnia, period pains, osteoporosis and many more conditions.

It works by moving your legs from side to side in a wave-like motion, which improves blood and lymph circulation which in turn removes toxins from cells and allows the same cells to absorb vital nutrients. This movement also increases the suppleness of joints and improves muscle tone.

Get 'feet' for Summer!

2008-06-03T12:18:00.003+01:00

Our foot health specialist Sally has put together some advice for getting your feet ready for summer - just follow her few simple 'steps':

Use a pumice or foot file to rub off hard skin 3-4 times a week.
Moisturise your feet daily with a foot cream or a good quality moisturiser - a facial one won't work, you'll need something quite thick as the skin on your feet is tougher than the skin on your face.
Exfoliate legs and feet weekly.
Keep your nails trimmed, but not too short, and shaped.
See a Foot Health Professional or chiropodist if you have corns, calluses, verrucas or fungal infections!

Or why not take take advantage of Sally's "Summer Feet" Package - two foot health treatments (nails trimmed and shaped, hard skin removed, corns, callus and fungal infections etc... treated) PLUS two lower leg and foot aromatherapy massage treatments PLUS a goodie bag to help you keep your feet beautiful. Just take the treatments within 4 weeks to maximise their effect.

All this for £55, a saving of over £25 on the normal price, so book in now and get your feet looking beautiful.

Review: FitFlops - fashion fad or fabulous physique?

2008-05-27T14:03:00.004+01:00

Unless you've been stuck in a cave recently, you'll no doubt have seen the passing trend in shoes. First of all the Croc (practical, virtually indestructable, colourful but not the sleekest shoe around*), then MBTs (Massai Barefoot Technology, these shoes were the first "physiological footwear" and retail at around £130) and now we have the FitFlop.

The FitFlop certainly looks the nicest when compared with MBTs and crocs, but is a summer sandal rather than suitable winter footwear. A range of colours is available along with limited edition variants, and they cost only a little bit more than Crocs (between £35-45 depending on which particular shoe you go for).

Manufacturers of the FitFlop state on their website "It's like the flip flop with the gym built in" which is quite a big claim. The curve in the sole is supposed to force a different walking position - a front to back rolling motion, and it is this that helps tone thighs, calves and gluts and activate the slow-twitch muscle fibres which lead to leaner-looking legs.

The inners are made of EVA, which is a type of odour-free (and non-absorbent) foam and the shoes should last for more than a million flexes, so even wearing them everyday won't wear them out too quickly.

Several people I know have bought them, and all claim they feel it in the backs of their thighs and calves for the first few days, but then don't notice after that. The manufacturers do warn on their website thought that the FitFlop be used progressively more to avoid excess muscle soreness.

Different people do find different shoes more beneficial - some people find high heels comfortable to wear whilst others shun the mere thought. Shoes such as the FitFlop may help people with flatter arches, but then again, may be uncomfortable for those with higher arches - best to try a pair on and see how they feel.

Sally, our foot health specialist, also suggests that wearing the same pair of shoes too regularly (more than one day in a row) is bad for your feet and legs, as they will get used to walking in that particular way and not all muscles are exercised fully.

Conclusion?

Hype or not, any shoe that promises to improve an aspect of your health whilst being fashionable is bound to be popular.

Buy Crocs | Buy FitFlops | FitFlop website | Buy MBTs | MBT website

* New styles coming over from the US and available in the UK include the very nice looking Sassari model, so all hope is not lost!

deep abdominal massage now booking!

2008-05-12T15:01:00.002+01:00

There was a huge amount of interest in deep abdominal massage after it was seen on several different television shows recently.

Although we don't take measurements (after all, everyone is different, and not everyone will want to have a bowel movement partway through the treatment), this massage relieves trapped matter and gas, and will make passing motions easier, though you won't necessarily 'get the urge' straight away.

There are many benefits to the treatment - not just relieving bloating and constipation. By working on the connective tissue between your different organs, your breathing will improve, your posture may be better, fluid retention will be reduced, your digestion improves and you help your body to detox.

For more information, see our deep abdominal massage webpage, or ring 01472 722444.

Case Study: Food Intolerance Testing Works

2008-04-30T11:52:00.004+01:00

Mike came to see me at the end of January with skin and stomach problems - mainly his stomach. He didn't smoke, wasn't a heavy drinker, had a healthy diet and exercised.

After a consultation, we decided that a food intolerance test was suitable and went ahead with the 59-food test. The results came back positive, showing a reaction to brazil nuts, mushrooms and yeast.

Yeast plays a major part in Western diets - as well as the obvious foods such as bread and pizza, yeast extracts such as Bovril, stock cubes etc..., there are also fermented foods to consider such as beer, vinegar and soy sauce. This is by no means an exhaustive list, so a major dietary change was required, which would not be easy.

However, I recently received an e-mail from Mike:

Hi Emma,
Been meaning to send an email for a while now.
You did a food intolerence test for me in January which showed I had an intolerence to yeast.I have cut out alot of foods which contain yeast- mainly bread-and the results have been really good, I no longer get stomach problems which had caused me a lot of grief in the past.I hope this continues and I am very pleased the food intolerence showed this up,the test was worth every penny!
Kind regards
Mike

I'm really pleased for Mike that the test worked and has such a positive result.

Food intolerance testing for 59 foods costs £89 and results can be obtained within an hour. Alternatively, there is an indicator test costing £20 that will tell you whether you have an intolerance or not, if you are not sure that your symptoms are caused by foods.

Pilates evening classes from 1st May

2008-04-28T16:34:00.001+01:00

Pilates is a non-impact form of exercise which focuses on core posture to help keep the body balanced and the spine supported. It also teaches awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aims to strengthen the deep torso muscles.

Pilates classes start at Aqua Viva Health on Thursday 1st May 2008.

The class, held at 7.15pm-8.15pm every Thursday evening is £4 per session.

For further information and to book please ask at reception, or give us a ring on 01472 722444.

please note this is an update from a previous post

Pilates classes starting 17th April

2008-04-10T10:53:00.004+01:00

Pilates is a non-impact form of exercise which focuses on core posture to help keep the body balanced and the spine supported. It also teaches awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aims to strengthen the deep torso muscles.

Pilates classes start at Aqua Viva Health on Thursday ~~17th April~~ 1st May 2008.

The class, held at ~~10-11am~~ 7.15pm-8.15pm every Thursday ~~morning~~ evening is £4 per session.

For further information and to book please ask at reception, or give us a ring on 01472 722444.

does reflexology work?

2008-04-08T16:51:00.001+01:00

According to "Alternative Therapies" on BBC television recently, reflexology cannot possibly work. But how accurate is this?

The findings that reflexology increases a sense of wellbeing and fulfilment, and this allows us to cope better with incidents in life are certainly true. However, looking from a strictly scientific viewpoint, there was no satisfying explanation as to how reflexology could anecdotally provide so much benefit to so many people.

Kathy Sykes looked at reflexology from various angles - she spoke to an anatomist who told her that there is no part of the nervous system that connects the soles of the feet with various organs of the body. Fair enough.

She spoke to a gout specialist who told her that breaking down of crystalline deposits was not possible. Okay.

And she spoke to a leading scientist who told her that science cannot account for reflexology - it can't possibly work. Here's where the problem lies in science. This eminent scientist should have said "science cannot currently account for reflexology". I'm going to skip to plate tectonic theory in geology for a second (yes, bear with me!) to explain myself more fully.

Plate tectonic theory basically states that Earth's surface is made of large sliding plates which move in relation to each other and at the boundaries of these plates earthquakes, volcanic and mountain-building occur. This theory supercedes previous ideas of continental drift and sea-floor spreading and is based on our most current knowledge. As short a time ago as 1988, some very prominent scientists in positions of influence and authority ridiculed the whole plate tectonic theory, yet it is now commonly accepted. Scientific knowledge changes - there are trends in science just as there are trends in fashion. And new discoveries are being made all the time.

The programme didn't investigate energy meridians any further, which seemed an ommission - particularly as the previous series looked at the effects of acupuncture, another therapy involving energy meridians. The conclusion from this programme was that acupuncture was a powerful healing therapy.

So, to bring back to my thoughts on reflexology, just because science cannot currently account for a particular idea, doesn't invalidate it entirely.

Further information: reflexology | acupuncture

food intolerance test - a video review

2008-03-28T11:26:00.004Z

The Yorktest Foodscan food intolerance test has been reviewed in a previous post, and to complement this, I took the plunge into the world of online video making.

To see how to use the test, see the video below:

Yorktest foodscan - food intolerance test review

2008-03-22T12:45:00.004Z

There are several food intolerance tests in the marketplace, and generally, Yorktest is considered the best. However, it does come with a heftier price tag. This two-part review investigates the Yorktest FoodScan 113 in more detail.

introduction

At Aqua Viva Health, we perform food intolerance testing and use a 59-food test, which costs £89. Results are obtained within an hour of taking the blood sample and I sit with the client immediately afterwards and discuss the implications of the results. We also offer the Yorktest FoodScan tests, but send the results off for analysis, requiring the client to come back for a second visit.

A simple way to have the Yorktest FoodScan intolerance test is to order it directly on the Internet, and do it as a home test kit – it costs the same and you get the consultation and advice over the telephone direct from Yorktest.

When advising clients which test to have, if they have a good idea what their food intolerance is, it's on the 59-food test, and they just want confirmation, I suggest the £89 kit. However, if they are unsure what is causing their symptoms, I suggest the Yorktest kit instead.

which foods are tested in each test?

Aqua Viva Health in-house test

Cereals - corn, durum wheat, gluten, oats, rice, rye, wheat
Nuts and beans - almond, brazil nut, cashew, cocoa bean, olive, peanut, soya bean, walnut
Meats - beef, chicken, lamb, pork
Fish - freshwater fish mix (salmon, trout), shellfish mix (shrimp, prawn, crab, lobster, mussel), tuna, white fish mix (haddock, cod, plaice)
Vegetables - broccoli, cabbage, carrot, celery, cucumber, leek, legume mix (pea, lentil, haricot), peppers (red, green, yellow), potato
Fruits - apple, blackcurrant, grapefruit, melon mix (cantaloupe, watermelon), orange and lemon, strawberry, tomato
Other - whole egg, cows milk, garlic, ginger, mushroom, yeast

Yorktest foodscan test

Grains - barley , buckwheat, corn (maize) , gliadin (gluten) [not a diagnosis of coeliac disease], millet, oat, rice, rye, wheat
Dairy - cow’s milk, egg – white, egg – yolk
Meats - beef, chicken, duck, lamb, pork, turkey
Fish - crustacean mix (crab, lobster, prawn/shrimp), mollusc mix (mussel, oyster, scallop), oily fish mix (herring, mackerel), plaice/sole, salmon/trout, tuna, white fish mix (cod, haddock)
Nuts - almond, brazil, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, peanut, walnut
Vegetables - asparagus, aubergine, avocado, carrot, celery, cucumber, haricot bean, kidney bean, lentils, lettuce, mushroom, mustard mix (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower), onion, pea, peppers(capsicum)/paprika, potato, soya bean, spinach, string bean
Fruits - apple, apricot, banana, blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry, cranberry, grape, grapefruit, kiwi, lemon, lime, melon mix(cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon), orange, peach, pear, pineapple, plum, raspberry, strawberry, tomato
Herbs/spices - chilli pepper, cinnamon/clove, coriander/cumin/dill, garlic, ginger, mint mix (basil, mint, sage, thyme), mustard seed, nutmeg/peppercorn, parsley, sesame seed, vanilla
Other - carob, cocoa bean, coffee, cola nut, hops, sunflower seed, tea, yeast (brewers and bakers)

receiving the Yorktest pack

After placing the order, my foodSCAN pack arrived really quickly from Yorktest through the Royal Mail. The contents were:

Introductory letter giving an overview of the entire procedure.
Customer Details form pre-filled with my details:
1. These needed checking for accuracy, and a few more boxes filling in e.g. date of birth, symptoms, and ensuring that I'm not on any unsuitable medication that could stop the test from working.
2. Signature, date and marketing opt-out required.
Yorktest marker pen - I'm not quite sure why this was sent, but free pens are always a bonus!
Test kit:
1. Sleeve with a few testimonials and a list of what you get with the test results:
  1. Lab analysis test results
  2. Support pack including guidebook, food diary and recipes
  3. 1 year free membership to Allergy UK
  4. Two free telephone memberships with a qualified nutritionist
  5. Re-tests at discounted prices
2. Green plastic case:
  1. Instruction leaflet
  2. Blood collection kit:
    1. antiseptic wipe
    2. single-use lancet
    3. absorbent wand and container
    4. plaster
3. Prepaid return envelope for the sample.

first impressions of the Yorktest pack

I felt it was a well organised pack without complicated instructions. The green plastic case was difficult to get into though – one clip came undone easily, I nearly broke a nail on the other (and yes that is a very girly thing to say!).

I was impressed that the telephone number provided (if you needed further help) was a freephone number – a lot of companies give you a national rate number to call, especially after they've taken your money!

Instructions were clear, although I had doubts as to the relevancy of a plaster as further instructions stated to take the sample from a finger or thumb tip – an awkward place to put a plaster if you've ever tried.

I also wondered what would happen if the lancet was misused, didn't work, or not enough blood was collected the first time. They are single use devices, whereby the needle retracts so it cannot physically be used again. Perhaps two lancets in the kit would be better.

The instructions also stated to return all parts of the test kit – both the used lancet and sample so that everything could be disposed of in the right way, which was a nice feature. It prevents a small child or pet getting hold of anything they shouldn't do.

the test itself

Admittedly, I am a bit of a wimp, so wasn't looking forward to the finger prick blood test. I firstly ensure the form was filled out correctly, then laid everything out for the test itself and had a quick read of the instruction sheet. It was very straightforward and the test itself only took a few minutes – rinse hands in warm water (to ensure the blood is flowing properly!), then clean the finger with the sterile wipe provided. The sterile wipe wasn't the nicest smelling thing in the world, but washing my hands afterwards soon sorted that out.

Twist the cap off the lancet then hold it firmly against the finger tip and press the plunger. I also realised that unscrewing the lid of the container with the absorbable wand in first, would be easier than when I had blood on my finger.

I chose the middle of the pad on my middle finger, and perhaps this was slightly more painful than if I had gone more to the side. It was a very slight pinprick in the end though – the anticipation was much worse than the actual event! By squeezing the finger, a small drop of blood had formed, and I started 'mopping up' with the wand. It was a very easy method – much easier than using a capillary tube, and by squeezing/massaging the finger, the wand was filled really quickly.

When putting the wand back in the container I noticed that on the instruction leaflet, the container had a name written on, but there was no mention of labelling it with your name in the instructions – I guess that's where the free marker pen comes in.

I put the used lancet and sample in the green plastic case and put it in the return envelope with my customer details form and dropped it in the letter box.

Let's see how long I have to wait until the results come back…

Part two of this Yorktest FoodScan113 review will be posted on the blog shortly. (Why not subscribe by RSS reader or e-mail so you don't miss it?)

calling all wives and girlfriends!!

2008-03-19T17:09:00.005Z

Want to go shopping without a big kid at your heels? Recognise the following scenario? Your husband/boyfriend hates shopping with you - he gets bored, you argue, you don't buy anything and you end up at home empty handed and in a bad mood...well, we have a solution for you!

Why not book your man in for a massage at Aqua Viva Health and enjoy some whinge-free shopping time? There's plenty of boutique shopping down Abbeygate itself, or Freshney Place shopping centre is less than five minutes away.

Our shopping-friendly prices start from just £12 for a far-infra red session lasting 45 minutes.

hypnotherapy - alternative therapies on the BBC

2008-03-18T09:43:00.003Z

Kathy Sykes is back for another series of examining different alternative therapies from a scientific viewpoint. From the programme's website:

In Alternative Therapies, Kathy found that hypnosis is being investigated by a number of mainstream scientists and that hypnotherapy is currently offered for a wide variety of conditions.

Kathy discovered there is often a lack of strong supporting clinical evidence but even so, there are a number of conditions where it seems hypnotherapy really could be of value.

She investigated two of these: meeting a dentist who uses hypnotherapy as a spectacular form of pain relief for a patient undergoing extreme dental surgery without an anaesthetic and a doctor who has had great success using it to treat the most severe form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

If you are interested in hypnotherapy for phobias, weight loss, smoking cessation or any other reason, please contact Aqua Viva Health and speak to Michael, our clinical hypnotherapist.

easter opening times

2008-03-14T11:28:00.002Z

We are normally open 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, but have altered times over Easter:

Friday 21st March - closed
Saturday 22nd March - open as usual
Monday 24th March - closed
Tuesday 25th March onwards - normal opening times

difference between food allergy and food intolerance

2008-03-11T15:36:00.003Z

There's a lot of confusion over the difference between food intolerance and food allergy and this article will summarise the difference.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance is a delayed reaction which occurs when the body is unable to completely break food down into absorbable components, due to an insufficient amount of digestive enzymes e.g. lactose intolerance, to a pharmacological effect (chemical sensitivity) e.g. tyramine in red wine, or IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibody reaction to the food.

In enzyme insufficieny, the food remains undigested in the small intestine, it exerts an osmotic effect, which means that salts and fluids are drawn in to the small intestine. This mixture moves rapidly into the large intestine, where it provides an ideal environment for the bacteria that normally reside there without doing any harm, to ferment the undigested foods.

When the foods are fermented, different substances and gases are produced, including carbon dioxode, methane, hydrogen and hydrogen sulphide - all causing bloating, cramping, wind and general discomfort. Other substances produced are re-absorbed into the body where they can produce feelings of nausea and headaches etc...

If undigested food remnants pass through the small intestine wall into the bloodstream, rather than passing into the large intestine mixed with salts and fluids, the immune system recognises these as 'foreign' and and launches an attack by using IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies to destroy them. In some people, especially after food poisoning or other gastro-intestinal illness or disease, the small intestine wall becomes inflamed or irritated. This allows partially digested foods to leak into the bloodstream, which causes the IgG reaction; in this case, the condition is known as 'leaky gut syndrome', and people with this typically have multiple food intolerances.

Food intolerances are not generally life-threatening, but can be very unpleasant.

If after eating you regularly experience the following symptoms, then you may have a food intolerance:

Bloating / stomach pain
Diarrhoea / constipation
Wind / "grumbly tummy"
Headache / migraine
Lack of energy / constant tiredness / lethargy
Food cravings especially for wheat (bread, pasta) or dairy foods

Food Allergy

Allergies are caused when a substance, called an allergen, comes into contact with the body. The immune system thinks the allergen is an 'invader' and launches an attack by using IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies. These IgE antibodies release histamine to destroy the allergen but this also causes the allergic reaction.

If after eating you regularly experience the following symptoms, then you may have a food allergy:

Tingling on or around the lips and tongue
Itching around the mouth area
Swelling in the mouth or throat
Streaming eyes or nose
Acute nausea or vomiting
Wheezing or breathing difficulties
Rash anywhere on the body

Healing Journey for the Soul Workshop

2008-03-05T17:11:00.002Z

Veronica White, a Spiritual Healer and Reiki Master teacher is holding a one day seminar at Aqua Viva Health.

"Life - A Healing Journey for the Soul" gives you the opportunity to take the first steps into looking at:

Who we are;
Where we are on our own healing journey; and
Are we helping ourselves to make the soul connection?

The workshop is on Saturday 17th May 2008 and is from 10.00am until 4.30pm. Places cost £50.00 each.

Places are strictly limited and are on a 'first come first served' basis.

If you want further information or wish to book, please contact Veronica directly on 07933 791302 or drop in to Aqua Viva Health.

acupuncture effective in treating asthma

2008-02-26T10:09:00.003Z

The beneficial effects of acupuncture on treating asthma are long known, but a new clinical study has backed this up.

The University Hospital of Vienna carried out a study of long-standing asthma patients, by giving them acupuncture treatment over a period of ten weeks. After this time, over 70 percent of the patients agreed that they felt "significant improvement in their symptoms."

Sarah Ray, a qualified acupuncturist is the newest member to join the Aqua Viva team and will be starting mid-March. She offers acupuncture as well as acupressure massage and other non-invasive acupuncture related therapies for those with a fear of needles.

Acupuncture Grimsby.

non-invasive colonic? deep abdominal massage is your answer

2008-02-22T12:43:00.007Z

This video was shown on Channel 4's "Supersize Vs Superskinny" on 29th January (Episode 2), and shows the effects of a deep abdominal massage after just one session.

To view the video at its optimum, click the big 'play' button in the middle of the screen and as soon as you see the controls at the bottom of the video, click the "pause" button, and wait for the grey line to go all the way across to show that it's fully streamed and ready to play. Pull the slider across the red bar until the time says 5:35 and then press play:

More information on deep abdominal massage grimsby...

colonics - machine vs gravity-fed - our verdict

2008-02-20T10:33:00.003Z

There's two ways that a colonic can be done - either mechanised or by gravity and as far as colon hydrotherapists go, it really comes down to cost and preference. As far as the receiver of the colonic is concerned, they might have something different to say!

Therapists using either system should use a full disposable kit, and filter the water supply (UV, particle and carbon three-stage filtering) to ensure your safety.

At Aqua Viva Health, we don't charge extra for the disposable kit and we use a machine-led therapy - ask to see testimonials from happy clients!

The gravity-fed system is a far older method than any mechanised system - indeed colonics have been traced back thousands of years when only much more primitive systems were possible. The equipment setup costs involved with a gravity-fed system are much lower than with a mechanised counterpart.

How does a gravity-fed colonic work? The basic mechanism of the gravity-fed system are as it sounds - it uses gravity to introduce water at a pressure of about 2 PSI (pounds per square inch) to clear out the bowel. A tank of water at a set height on the wall is heated to a pre-set temperature. Water flows from this into the water inlet pipe, which in turn allows the water into your body. The colon hydrotherapist controls fills and the rate of elimination of water and wastes by manually applying pressure to the waste outlet pipe.

The mechanised colon hydrotherapy system is obviously a far newer technology and incurs much higher setup costs. This cost reflects the extra safety mechanisms and safe plumbing into the waste and water supply to meet legal requirements. Therapists that perform colonics with the mechanised system feel there is much greater control over temperature and pressure.

How does a machine-led colonic work? Water is heated to a defined temperature and flows from the machine into the water inlet pipe, which in turn allows the water into your body. The colon hydrotherapist controls fills and the rate of elimination of water and wastes by turning the pressure gauge up and down (normally between 0.8 to 1.5 PSI) according to client needs.

Conclusion? In the hands of an experienced therapist, both systems (gravity and machine) will produce a good result for the client, and in any colonic, the entire process should be client-led not therapist-dictated. Generally speaking however, gentler treatments can be obtained from a machine-based colonic.

Did you know..?
...A normal bowel movement can build pressure of up to about 1.5 PSI just by itself?
...A standard hospital enema starts at about 2PSI?

super smooth skin for summer

2008-02-19T16:57:00.005Z

We've done it! Put together a winning formula that'll minimise your orange peel and maximise your sex appeal. Enough of the puns though as we have got a great anti-cellulite package that you can mix and match to suit your budget.

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The anti-cellulite package consists of your choice of Guam wrap followed by a range of optional extras - detoxing infra-red sessions, drainage drinks or a specialised cellulite-breakdown massage.

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