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MA, BSc psych (Hons), NLP, EMDR, IEMT

Abigail believes that we can all go through periods of instability, confusion, stress and trauma. Such periods of transition can bring with them troubling thoughts, intense emotions and experiences of acute concern, yet they potentially hold the key to greater self knowledge, individual awareness and personal evolution. Abigail's aim is to work intensely with her clients in order to unravel and explore both consciously and unconsciously inner emotions, thoughts, beliefs and values which may stand as obstacles in attaining a sense of true well being, wholeness and ultimate autonomy.

Psychotherapy can help with anxiety, trauma, phobias, relationship difficulties, addictions, abuse, bereavement/loss, depression, low self esteem and crisis in times of change to name just a few. For further information you can go to www.potentialcharisma.com.

Tursday's: 3-9
Contact: 07961963610

Dip NLP, MRNT PT, Reiki

"I was afraid and lacking in confidence. Since seeing Alexis, I feel I am capable of doing anything in my life and opening my first business”

Contact: 07950920155

Dip Ac, Bsc Hons, MBAc, Herbs

Aliza believes you must treat the mind and the body when helping a person back to wellness. She is training to be a transpersonal psychotherapist. Aliza specialises in Fertility and has done post graduate studies in Fertility and Acupuncture. She has published numerous books on health.

"Having worked with Liz throughout my IVF procedure I found her invaluable. With her sound knowledge and understanding of fertility she catered a treatment plan that not only increased my chances of a successful conception but also eased the difficulties of the IVF away. Thank you Liz for your gentleness, insight and for the wonderfully informed place you approached my pregnancy from." Emma, PsychotherapistI

"feel so much healthier and happier and am now able to sleep which I haven’t done in years."Rita



Lic. Ac. , MBAcC

Facial Revitalisation Acupuncture: why not try the new way to lose your wrinkles without surgery.

"I really appreciate everything Bryan did for me right through trying to get pregnant to having the baby"
Victoria, Features Writer

Alternate Wednesdays
Brian takes his own bookings so please call him directly
Contact: 07771901131

B.Ost.

Chris takes pleasure in the technical side of Osteopathy and following his training has gone on to work alongside one of the UK’s top lecturers in Osteopathic technique. He has also attended post graduate courses in biomechanics & rehabilitation and works to retrain your neuro-muscular system, to lead your body back to health. He treats patients from all walks of life and always approaches people positively and with enthusiasm. Many years of experience in Wing Chun Kung Fu have taught Chris the importance of movement in Health, which is a key concept in Osteopathy.

Tuesday's: 3-9
Thurs 9-3
Contact: 07966243653

P.G. Dip Hom. M.I.F.R.

"I would recommend fleur as an intuitive, down to earth, strong, gentle, relaxing, empathetic, wise reflexology and homeopathic practitioner"
Francis Nutt

Wednesdays: 9-12
Contact: 07941589177

I.T.E.C

"Francois is very passionate about his work. He would not let anybody leave the table until he makes sure he has found and worked on all tensed or painful areas. I find holistic massage with Francoise complimentary to my daily yoga practice".
Weronika- yoga teacher

ITEC diploma

"I felt amazing after my treatment, relaxed and rejuvenated, thanks"
Jo, Media Sales, London

Mon 3-9
Tuesday: 9-9
Saturday's: 9-6
Contact:07989404270

Lic. Ac., MBAcC, BA Hons, Dip.BM .A&P. Reiki

ITEC

"Jo’s healing touch and intuitive nature puts you immediately at ease. She takes the edge, stress and pain out of your body, replacing it with a calm strength and a deeper sense of balance. She has treated me for everything from jet-lag and intense back pain to a broken heart and I have always get a renewed sense of spirit and centeredness”Kathleen McGarry
Stylist to Emma Thompson

Wednesday's: 3-9
Thursday's 3-9
Friday's: 9-3
Contact: 07957473667

ITEC III, FHT, BABTAC, CTHA

"Lara set me on the path to recovery, I am feeling human again"
John
Politician and Farmer
"Lara is a miracle worker, I was in absolute agony and could barely move, after I had seen her I Was pain free and back in the gym. I highly recommend seeing her!"-Alice Barrow
Portabello trader

LCH

"Since seeing Lynda I feel connected and alive and I am now able to communicate better and have more intimacy in my relationship"
Lizzie, Teacher

Alternate Wednesday's: 3-9
Contact: 07899928089

LicAc

Bsc (hons) Ost Med, ND, DO.

"I would recommend Nadia as a competent and extremely approachable practitioner - after weeks of sore hips one treatment with Nadia has resolvedmy discomfort."
Julia, homeopath

Saturday's: 2-6
Contact: 07740476574

After more than 30 years involved in esoterics, spirituality and metaphysics Phil brings an extraordinary mix of skills and abilities to help one find peace, balance and harmony whether that is required physically, emotionally or mentally. Life is primarily about relationship and the most important of these is with oneself.

"Phil has the astonishing ability to know exactly what is going on in the mind and body and help you to discover why. I’ve learnt so much about myself and those around me. I’m more confident, more open to life and less obsessed with being perfect, preferring to take chances rather than play it safe and live in fear. He has helped me to discover myself and honestly love and accept what I’ve found"
Georgette, Pilates instructor

Thursday's 3-9
Contact: 07811374923
Phil takes his own bookings so please call him

BSc Hons, MBAcC

Ross’ passion for Acupuncture is born from personal experience of effective treatment. He was persuaded to visit an Acupuncturist to deal with shock, heartbreak and grief over the unexpected loss of his dad. The treatment he received left him feeling more positive and ultimately inspired him to become an Acupuncturist, so that he too could help others, the way he had been.

 “Ross Barr… is leading the new holistic approach to anti-ageing”
Sunday Times Style

"Ross is a bit like Neurofen - but for everything: head, heart, body, the lot. Since seeing him, I am infinitely more chilled out, less neurotic, less anxious, more cheerful, less fatigued and less grumpy. I get fewer headaches and much less back ache, I am less reliant on coffee and booze… People keep asking whether or not I'm getting Botox, because my skin's so improved. I am a total cynic about alternative therapies; basically, I think it's all nonsense, apart from Ross."
Polly Vernon, Observer Magazine

Monday's: 9-9
Contact: 07836205076
Ross takes his own bookings so please call him

BA(Hons), Dip.CHyp., Dip Psyc., MHRS

M.I.F.P. AA.O.R Dip N.S.R.T

I initially saw Sibyl for my bad back. She has since helped me with shin splints and an in-flexible hip. Now a regular part of my life and integral to my well being, I can’t recommend her treatments highly enough
Emma Norton, Producer

Tuesday's: 3-9
Contact: 07801018967

"I had my first session last week and not only did it clear up a nasty cough, I also resolved an underlying emotional issue I had had for a number of years."
Chloe


Contact: NA

BA, DO, MOst Med

“I only needed two treatments before I was ready to get on with a home exercise program... Thank you.”
~J
“I would recommend her, unreservedly, to anyone...”
~ Sharon Z


Contact: NA

ITEC & IPTI Certified

Venetia specialises in alleviating muscular pain caused by injury, tight muscles and stress. Using deep tissue massage techniques, Trigger Point Therapy and stretches she combines her professional knowledge with intuition, locating where the pain is and knowing how to treat it. Venetia’s treatments are tailor made to suit each client’s individual needs using a unique blend of the above therapies.

" Venetia has an absolute miraculous gift of healing, an intuitive painstaking way of finding the very deep painful spot and applying the right amount of pressure to leave me pain free. I highly recommend Venetia, especially to people with chronic pain."
Susan O’Donohue (Scoliosis Sufferer)

Sunday's: 3-7
Contact:07981007415

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What is it?

Acne is caused by an obstruction in the flow of Sebum, causing bacteria to multiply, the follicle becomes inflamed, and a spot forms. Acne can be genetic but also can be caused by drugs, or hormonal/ digestive imbalances.

Acne occurs mainly on the face, the chest, the back, or the shoulders or neck. As the pimples heal, others tend to appear and scars often form leaving small depressed pits.

In natural medicine Acne is usually thought to be a dysfunction of either the digestive system in men and women or hormonal system in women.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

An allergy is an over -sensitive reaction to something that normally doesn’t cause problems. A classic example is peanuts, the majority of people don’t have a problem but for an unlucky few they can cause a dangerous reaction, some people get hay fever when the pollen is high; others get itchy eyes and rhinitis when in contact with cats or dogs. Allergies are caused by an imbalance to the immune system.

Food allergies can cause migraine, eczema, arthritis, colitis, ear infections and hyperactivity in children. When the digestive system is working properly, allergies are not a problem, but stress, a modern diet of refined foods and high fats, antibiotics, and a range of other factors can reduce its efficiency. When this happens, partially digested food particles can leak from the gut into the bloodstream, where they trigger off an immune response, which resembles an allergic response. Food allergies can be identified by blood testing.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

There are several types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis can develop with age, often due to old injuries or in joints due to wear and tear, perhaps due to someone’s occupation. The cartilage covering the surface of the joint breaks down and the underlying bone becomes thickened and distorted, making movement difficult and painful. The joints most commonly affected are the hips, knees, and spine. Being overweight and being elderly can make the situation worse.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the immune system, besides affecting the joints, can also involve the skin, lymph nodes, heart, lungs, blood and nervous systems. Joint pains are sometimes combined with a low-grade fever. It affects people of all ages, and three times as many women as men get it. Many sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis have bowel problems, bacteria in the gut leaks into the bloodstream. Interestingly the disease is rare in societies that don’t eat a Western diet. Rheumatism is a general term for muscular aches and pains that may be the forerunners of rheumatoid arthritis or due to a virus infection.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

The number of cases of asthma has increased dramatically over the past 50 years. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and difficulties in breathing. Asthma often begins in early childhood during an asthma attack, the airways of the lungs narrow as their walls go into spasm. Breathing is often made even harder because the airways can also become blocked with thick plugs of phlegm.

The attacks can be triggered by all sorts of irritants that are harmless to most people – pollen, house-dust mite, cat hairs, and even cold air. It is considered to be an allergic response because of the high level of the white blood cells which are involved in an allergic reaction. Also, asthma patients often suffer from other allergic diseases such as eczema or hay fever.

In non-allergic cases the culprits include certain types of drugs (for example beta-blockers, aspirin and its relatives such as ibuprofen). colds, laughing, talking too much, stress, and passive smoking all make asthma worse.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

‘Non specific back pain’ is one of the largest single causes of working days lost through sick leave in the west. It may simply be due to ‘over-doing it’ – lifting or gardening, in which case these back aches and pains should get better of their own accord after a relaxing bath, a massage, some rest and, on occasion, a couple of analgesic tablets for pain relief. However, some people are more prone than most to back pain such as the overweight or people like nurses and builders whose work involves lifting and carrying. Non-specific back pain is thought to occur as a result of ligament strain, a muscle tear, damage to a spinal joint, or a slipped disk. This often triggers spasms in the surrounding back muscles, causing additional pain and tenderness over a wide area and, in some cases, can lead to temporary scoliosis (abnormal sideways curvature of the spine). A slipped disc and damage to the facet joints of the spine can also cause sciatica (pain in the buttocks and down the back of the leg into the foot).

Back pain may also be due to osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis affecting the spine), causing stiffness and loss of back mobility. fibrositis (pain and tenderness in the muscles) can sometimes affect the back without there being any problems of the bones or joints.

Within complementary medicine it is believed that there may also be an emotional reason to back pain.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Inevitably we lose loved ones – bringing us closer each time to our own mortality. Death is generally considered taboo in the west: and bereavement, together with other kinds of loss such as divorce, loss of a job or home or separation from loved ones or our children, can have serious consequences for our health. Our sleep patterns, appetite, mental health, and physical energy and well-being can all be affected. In the early days and months of bereavement, people can experience distressing physical symptoms, including headache, dizziness, tiredness, diarrhea, nausea, tightness in the throat, difficult with breathing, palpitations, and chest pains. There is evidence too that serious illnesses like cancer are more common in people who have suffered a recent bereavement.

Our previous experience of loss and the amount of support we get can affect how well we deal with bereavement, loss or separation. Conventionally grieving is a process which has several stages, beginning with numbness or a sense of unreality, then moving on to a mixture of complex emotions including guilt, fear, longing, and anger. Depression and despair may follow; it is only after a year or two, perhaps more, that life returns to some semblance of normality.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Blood pressure is a useful way to measure changes in someone’s health. It forms a standard part of an orthodox medical examination and is widely accepted as a barometer of stress. Blood pressure can tell us how hard the heart has to work to pump blood round the body.

Both high blood pressure ( hypertension) and very low blood pressure (hypotension) may require treatment, although hypertension is usually regarded as more serious. Hypertension is more common in middle-age (affecting 1 in 10), particularly in men. It can be an invisible disease many people are completely unaware they have it. Others can get symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or ringing in the ears.

Any one or more of the following can cause high blood pressure: being overweight, drinking too much, eating too much salt, insufficient exercise, hardening of the arteries, taking the contraceptive pill, smoking or hereditary factors. In rare cases, the cause may be a kidney disorder, and pregnancy. If hypertension continues, it can contribute to serious conditions such as angina, heart attack, stroke, hemorrhage, or kidney complaints.

Low blood pressure can be equally hard to detect, it often affects elderly people and is usually temporary. The symptoms, if there are any at all; include momentary giddiness or fainting on standing up suddenly after sitting or lying down. Persistent low blood pressure may indicate an under active adrenal gland.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

C.F.S. can be a severely disabling and chronic condition that has a devastating impact on your daily life, work and independence – an impact often made worse by the prejudice and disbelief which surrounds this complex disorder. People with C.F.S. have often been very active and enjoyed good health before coming down with a range of symptoms which suggest a change in brain function. C.F.S. can cause loss of concentration and short-term memory; dyslexia, nausea, clumsiness and disturbed balance. There may also be problems with vision and sensitivity to light, as well as sensitivity to noise and misjudgment of distance. People with ME are often depressed and may suffer from mood swings. Other symptoms can include problems with bladder control and changes in bowel function. The causes of C.F.S. are unknown , but it often begins at the time of an acute infection and there is the possibility that it is linked to certain common viruses. There is also speculation that certain neurotoxins such as pesticides could trigger C.F.S.. it is recognised that psychological and emotional states may also have an influence.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

One of the first indications that our diet is inadequate is constipation. It is caused by not eating enough fiber to help the body rid itself of waste products. The strain of trying to pass small, hard stools from the bowel can lead to further complications like bowel disorders and piles. If constipation lasts more than three days, it is worth seeking advice from a physician. In rare cases, constipation, particularly if there is blood in the stools when you do finally pass a motion, can be a warning sign and you should seek advice from your doctor.

Other causes of constipation include eating too much meat or dairy produce, not drinking enough water, food allergy, lack of exercise, ignoring the need to pass a motion, dependence on laxatives, the side-effects of some medicines, pregnancy (the pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes the muscles of the intestine, which slows down bowel movements, making you more likely to become constipated), anxiety, stress, and tension.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, episodic, inflammatory bowel disease, it is classified as an autoimmune disease. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus; as a result, the symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary among afflicted individuals. The disease is characterised by areas of inflammation with areas of normal lining between in a symptom known as skip lesions. The main symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody, though this may not be visible to the naked eye), constipation, vomiting, weight loss or weight gain. Crohn’s disease can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes and arthritis. Crohn’s disease tends to present initially in the teens and twenties, with another peak incidence in the fifties to seventies, although the disease can occur at any age.

Although the cause of Crohn’s disease is not known, it is believed to be an autoimmune disease that is genetically linked. Smokers are three times more likely to get Crohn’s disease. Allopathic Treatment options are restricted to controlling symptoms, putting and keeping the disease in remission and preventing relapse

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Cystitis is a bladder infection that makes you feel as if you want to urinate frequently. Each time you do, however, you feel an experience a burning sensation. You may also get mild fever symptoms such as headaches, a pain in the abdomen, and a high temperature. Cystitis can be caused by bacteria, but over-enthusiastic love-making can also cause inflammation of the urethra, resulting in these acutely uncomfortable symptoms. Most women experience cystitis at one time or another, but for some it is a constantly recurring complaint.

Thrush is a yeast infection (Candida albicans) caused by an imbalance of the organisms in the vagina or gut. The symptoms are a thick, yellowy, “cottage cheese” discharge and soreness or itching of the genitals. The vulva can become painfully swollen and red. Many women can have thrush without suffering any symptoms at all, though their partner may be affected. You may develop thrush when you are rundown after an illness, particularly if you have taken antibiotics which kill off the natural bacteria in the gut, allowing the Candida to take over. The hormonal changes of the menopause and pregnancy may also trigger vaginal thrush.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Depression can be very complex, varying from just feeling blue to terrifying anxiety and suicidal despair, people may experience physical symptoms ranging from flu-like aches and pains and may be extremely tired. Depressed people – and one in five of us will come into this category at some point during our lives – tend to feel very isolated. The stigma which traditionally surrounds “mental illness” makes the sense of misery even worse and stops many people from seeking help. But depression is not anyone’s fault; it is a recognised illness which can be effectively treated in a whole range of ways.

Depression has a range of causes as wide as life itself. Stressful events which cause a deep sense of loss – such as bereavement, divorce, physical illness or the loss of a job – can trigger depression. It is also believed that bottled-up anger and frustration also turn into depression. Chemistry and hormonal changes (such as PMT) can also be a factor.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

The need to clear out and clean up all the systems of the body becomes increasingly pressing in this modern age. Toxins that build up in the body due to polluted water systems, contaminated animal feeds, and the pesticides and herbicides used on crops. But we are also exposed to metal poison, organic solvents, vehicle exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke, cleaning products, the contraceptive pill, and radioactive pollution. Detoxification of the system is best done by complementary approaches unless the condition is life-threatening.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

In anorexia nervosa, people (mostly young women) starve themselves, sometimes to the point of death. Anorexics become skeleton-thin, yet don’t see themselves that way. Emotionally they may become irritable, isolated, depressed – even suicidal. With extreme weight loss comes the unpleasant symptoms of malnutrition and dehydration. Menstruation stops, teeth decay, the blood will lose important minerals, there will be increased risk of osteoporosis– and there may also be inflammation and even rupture of the stomach and oesophagus.

In bulimia nervosa, binge eating is followed by self-induced vomiting, periods of starvation and/or purging with laxatives. People with bulimia – mostly women, and generally of an older age group than anorexics – also go through emotional extremes, often feeling out of control, helpless and lonely.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

The incidents of allergies has exploded in recent years due to our increased exposure to additives, chemicals and detergents. Allergies can take many forms but when manifested as an inflammation of the skin, an allergic reaction is often diagnosed as eczema. That said, there are cases where eczema appears for no known reason, in its commonest form, atopic dermatitis usually affects people with a family history of asthma and hay fever the other common allergies. The other most prevalent forms are seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis (eczema).

Serborrheic dermatitis is a red, scaly, itchy rash that develops on the face (particularly the nose and eyebrows), scalp, chest and back. On the scalp, it is the most common form of dandruff. The rash often develops at times of stress but its exact cause is not known. It is believed to be an overreaction to the natural yeasts in the skin and it seems that keeping the yeast levels low helps to keep the condition at bay. Orthodox treatment of dermatitis and eczema is aimed at suppressing symptoms, with little time or effort spent in isolating the cause.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Epileptic seizures happen when changes in brain chemistry cause the complex electrical messages traveling between our billions of nerve cells to become scrambled. There are over 40 different types of seizure that have different effects. Grand mal is the most common type, people tend to fall down unconscious, the body stiffens and jerks. The other kind is more of a generalised attack, known as “petit mal”, which is a lapse in awareness in which you may stop what you are doing, stare or look as if you are daydreaming for a few seconds – before carrying on as usual. It is more common in children (especially girls) and in teenagers than in adults. Common “trigger factors” include alcohol, stress, fever, lack of sleep and (in women) changing hormones. It is thought that certain foods can trigger seizures.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Pre-conceptual care:Preconception care start at least six months before you try for a baby. Preparation for pregnancy enables both parents to be as healthy as possible when the baby is conceived. This goes a long way towards safeguarding the health of the unborn child, promoting a trouble-free pregnancy and is particularly important where there has been a history of miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects, or problems with fertility that seem to have no particular cause.

Pregnancy and child birth:
in the months leading up to childbirth your body goes through huge changes affecting you emotionally, psychologically and physically. You may get morning sickness during the first three or four months sore breasts, a bloated feeling, dizziness, weepiness, or skin problems in the early weeks. None of these are dangerous either to you or to your baby and most doctors will quite rightly be reluctant to prescribe anything for what is usually a very temporary discomfort.

In the later months of pregnancy it is quite normal to have leg cramps, sleepless nights and indigestion (heartburn) or constipation. Your increased weight, blood supply, and changing shape make a lot of demands on your body. Softening ligaments may cause pain around the pelvis and you will probably experience some back or neck ache. You may have slightly swollen fingers or puffy ankles.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Gall stones are the principal disorder of the gall bladder, and are very common. Women are 4 more times likely to be affected than men, though this figure varies according to age and nationality.

Attempts by the gall bladder to expel the stone(s) can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen, this pain can radiate into the back, particularly behind the shoulder blades. If a gall stone becomes stuck in the outlet for the gall bladder, the trapped bile may irritate and inflame the gall bladder, which can result in a fever with severe abdominal pain and tenderness under the ribs on the right side.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

One of the most common forms of gastric problem is irritable bowel syndrome (I.B.S.), Patients have symptoms of pain, gas, diarrhea or constipation and indigestion. I.B.S. is a disturbance of involuntary muscle movement in the large intestine, I.B.S. seems to be stress related, is more common in women and often starts in early adult life. Some 10-20 percent of adults suffer from I.B.S. and although symptoms may subside and even disappear, it may reoccur again at any time.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

There are a number of medical conditions that make it physically difficult or impossible for a man to have an erection. These include injury or surgery to the spinal cord, certain chronic illness such as diabetes, some nervous disorders, and a number of different drugs-tranquilizers, diuretics, antidepressants, barbiturates, drugs for high blood pressure, stomach ulcers and of course old age.

Impotence may be either due to physical or psychological reasons. They can be helped by trust, relaxation and fantasy and can become a problem because of guilt, stress, sexual taboos and fears of inadequacy.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Most physicians will be prepared to start a preliminary investigation if a couple have been trying to conceive for over a year without success. If you are over 35 or have a history of miscarriage or pelvic infection, the investigations may start sooner, and you may be referred to a specialist to see if there is any specific reason for failure to become pregnant. These investigations can take some months and involve both partners from the beginning. Most physicians are well aware that fertility is a sensitive topic. Even so, the process of investigation may seem intrusive, embarrassing, and lengthy, and can put a strain on your relationship. Having said that, recent advances in this area mean that many couples can conceive today when in the past they would not have been able to do so.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Worry, unfamiliar surroundings, noise and pain are just some of the causes of occasional disturbances or lack of sleep. Sleep gives our bodies and minds the opportunity to repair and rest. We feel irritable and inefficient, and we are less able to concentrate on our daily tasks without sufficient sleep. We all need a different amount of sleep, ranging from 5 – 12 hours a night with 7 being the average. The amount of sleep we need to revitalise and function efficiently during the day also changes as we grow older. Insomniacs have regular difficulty in falling asleep, wake frequently and are restless throughout the night, and often wake early only to feel tired during the day. The effects of a few broken nights are not serious but, for insomniacs, sleeplessness can last months or years. They frequently find themselves in the relentless, vicious circle of overtiredness and worrying so much about the need for sleep that they cannot relax enough to drop off.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

The menopause takes place between the ages of 45 or 55. Falling level of the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone in the body as the ovaries stop working results in the physical and emotional problems we associate with this phase of women’s lives.

Some women experience few or no problems, others suffer a great deal for several years. Hot flushes and night sweats are two classic symptoms, other side-effects are general tiredness and depression, irritability, broken sleep, memory lapses, vaginal dryness, and a lack of interest in sex. All these symptoms are temporary and treatable, however on occasion the long-term effects of declining hormone levels can lead to osteoporosis and heart disease.

Conventional medicine offers Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which replaces some of the hormones that your body is no longer producing. H.R.T. is controversial, some women find it a convenient solution to the problem of hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness and it is claimed to improve the appearance of skin and hair, and improves general well-being. It is also believed to help prevent against osteoporosis and the post-menopausal risks of heart attacks and strokes. However, many women complain of side-effects such as weight gain, hair loss, headaches, tender breasts and water retention.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

About a quarter of the population has experienced a migraine and about 10 percent have them regularly. They can develop in childhood or adolescence, are at their worst in the 30’s and 40’s and then decline. The classic migraine begins with a warning “aura” – flashing lights in one eye, blurring, blind sports, distortion of vision, and tingling of the arms or face. After about 30-60 minutes a pounding, excruciating headache begins, usually on one side but sometimes all over. The patient may feel irritable or depressed for hours or even days beforehand. But symptoms vary widely – periods of paralysis, dizziness, or even loss of consciousness are all possible.

Attacks may be triggered off by all sorts of thing. Common ones include: food, red wine, chocolate and caffeine; they can also be caused by fasting, stress, strong emotional reactions and fatigue; changes in the weather or altitude and hormonal changes such as those caused by menstruation or taking birth control pills.

Some unfortunate people suffer ‘cluster headaches’ that occur daily or several times a week – for weeks or months and then stop for months at a time. They last for about an hour and the pain is almost exclusively on one side of the head, often around or behind the eye.

The common “tension headaches” which nearly everyone gets sometimes are caused by involuntary tensing of the face and neck muscles over a long period, usually after concentrating hard or because of stress. The pain is a steady ache, which can last for hours or days, around the back of the head and neck, in the forehead, and around the eyes.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

M.S. occurs as a result of damage to the nerve fibres of the central nervous system. This happens when the myelin sheath which insulates the nerves is attacked and becomes inflamed. Symptoms can vary depending on which nerves have been damaged. The most common age of diagnosis is late 20’s to mid 30’s. Depending on which nerves are scarred, movement, touch and sensation may be affected. M.S. is a very variable condition, but early symptoms often include tingling sensations or numbness which may affect a hand or foot – sometimes described as “walking on cotton wool”. Other common symptoms are blurred or double vision, weakness or clumsiness of a limb, giddiness or lack of balance, disproportionate fatigue.

Researchers have been looking for the causes of M.S. for years, so far without success. It could be that a virus causes the inflammation of the myelin sheath, or inherited factors could be to blame. Complementary practitioners have linked M.S. to weakness of the nervous system which may be caused by stress, shock, infection or toxic metals.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

True obesity is defined as a 20 percent excess of body weight. People may become obese due to a complex interaction between food choices, genetic inheritance, exercise, and physiological issues. Other factors involved in the complex process of weight gain include food allergies, nutritional deficiencies, chemical toxicity, sluggish metabolism, lack of exercise, a diet high in refined and processed foods, or insulin imbalance. There may also be further psychological complications of guilt, self-loathing and fear of “forbidden” food, driving the vicious circle of dieting and bingeing. Conditions such as Arthritis, diabetes, cancer of the colon and rectum, heart disease and high blood pressure may be exacerbated by excessive weight gain. Excess weight can restrict movement and make it difficult to take exercise.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Osteoporosis affects women more than men and is thought to be linked to a fall in hormone levels during the menopause that interferes with the absorption of calcium and slows the formation of new bone. The progressive loss of bone density leads to fractures of the wrists, spine or hips. Bone is not a static tissue- it is constantly being broken down (a process known as resorption) and rebuilt throughout our lives. If less bone is being made than is disappearing it becomes porous and easily broken. Visible symptoms are loss of height and the development of a stoop or “dowager’s hump” as the skeleton weakens and shrinks.

Smoking, habitual dieting, prolonged absence of periods, and treatment with corticosteroid drugs are risk factors. Heredity also plays an important part. Hormone Replacement Therapy (H.R.T.) is the prime treatment prescribed for women at risk of osteoporosis or already showing some bone loss.

What treatments can help?

What is it?

Parkinson's symptoms vary greatly between individuals and may appear very gradually. Shaking, or tremor, is a common sign, stiffness or muscle rigidity are others. Those with Parkinson’s may have trouble getting up from chairs, or doing up buttons or generally getting around. They may have altered posture, difficulties in balance, speech and writing, as well as an absence of facial expression. In practice what all this means is that Parkinson’s can dramatically upset your quality of life, affecting everything you do from getting dressed in the morning to being able to smile. Scientists have not as yet come up with a cause for Parkinson’s, although we know that it is neither inherited nor contagious.

Conventional treatment involves pharmaceutical drugs as part of a package of treatments which also includes exercise, diet, physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy.

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What is it?

PMS symptoms include depression/mood swings, acute anxiety, food cravings, water retention, abdominal pain, sore or lumpy breasts and sleep problems. The cause of this collection of symptoms usually experienced in the two weeks before a period are still debated. Hormonal imbalance, a deficiency of oestrogen and a problem with the way the body uses progesterone are believed to be factors. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress undoubtedly aggravate and exacerbate the situation. There is also evidence that “oestrogen overload” may be a factor, this is something of a modern epidemic caused by a combination of the contraceptive pill, poor diet, and stress.

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What is it?

The prostate adds acids, trace elements, and enzymes to seminal fluid. For reasons we don’t understand the prostate tends to enlarge and stiffen with age, but is probably connected with changing levels of various hormones. About a third of cases clear up of their own accord, but it can lead to infection in the bladder and kidneys.

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What is it?

Psoriasis is a disorder which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. These are sites of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes a silvery-white appearance. It often occurs on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp and genitals. Psoriasis is believed to be immune related and is not contagous. The disorder is a chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localised patches to complete body coverage. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints. The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. There are many treatments available but because of its chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat.

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What is it?

The number of people exhibiting the symptoms of R.S.I. (repetitive strain injury) have increased roughly in proportion to the rise in the use of word processors and desk-top computers. The condition features disabling hand and arm pain, stiffness and an inability to continue to perform a particular function, especially the use of a computer keyboard.

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What is it?

Stress can be a double-edged sword. We need a certain amount of stress to keep us healthy and motivated, but too much of it and we can crash into nervous breakdown; too little and we are bored and apathetic. It can be caused by pressures of work, tension in relationships, the difficulties of raising a family or a range of other factors.

The consequences for our health can be overwhelming. An estimated three-quarters of all medical complaints are stress-related, which means that 75 percent of those that visit their GP could benefit from de-stressing advice. The effects of stress can be both obvious and subtle. Some people show up with noticeable symptoms such as rashes or headaches. Often, however, the physical effects are less evident and so more potentially dangerous in the long term; they could include high blood pressure, ulcers and stomach disorders, panic attacks or rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Stress may be at the root of a host of disorders, from migraine to strokes, from constipation, colds and eczema to impotence and insomnia. Indeed, many complementary practitioners argue that stress – by undermining our immune systems – is a factor in almost all cases of illness. Stress may be at the root of phobias, compulsions, anxieties, and nervous habits. Stress can also lead us to unhealthy habits of smoking and/or drinking, as a way of coping.

Conventional medicine will often treat the physical symptoms of a stress-related disorder, such as ulcers, with drugs. Emotional and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, may be treated by a combination of drugs and counselling.

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What is it?

Brain cells, once damaged are not good at repairing themselves, they can be damaged quite easily – by infection, injury, or oxygen starvation. Should any part of the brain go without oxygenated blood for more than a few minutes the affected cells will be permanently damaged.

The signs of a stroke vary a great deal, depending on which part of the brain has been damaged, symptoms range from a sudden loss of speech or movement to dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, and unconsciousness. They may last only a few hours: this is called a transient ischemic attack (T.I.A.). If the symptoms don’t disappear, this is a full-scale stroke.

There are various ways that the flow of blood to the brain can be slowed or stopped. Sometimes a clot (thrombosis) forms, blocking the flow of oxygenated blood. Or a blood clot (embolism) which formed somewhere else in the body breaks free and ends up blocking an artery to the brain. In other cases, blood bursts through the wall of a weak artery into the brain (hemorrhage), eventually building into a clot.

The good health of our arteries is crucial for avoiding strokes. Anything that makes them fur up or harden – such as smoking or high levels of cholesterol (caused by eating animal fat, lack of exercise and stress) can make a stroke more likely. These are not risks to be taken lightly: a third of first strokes are fatal.

Luckily, our brain cells have so many connections between them that healthy cells can often take over the function of damaged cells so that we hardly know that anything has gone wrong. Half of stroke survivors return to full health, but much depends on how much damage has been done to the brain, as well as on the aftercare provided.

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What is it?

Hives or urticaria are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They range in size from a few millimetres to several inches in diameter. Wheals (welts), red lesions with a red “flare” at the borders, are another manifestation of hives. Hives can occur anywhere on the body, such as the trunk, arms, and legs. Hives tend to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours. Swelling deeper in the skin that may accompany hives is called angioedema. This may be seen on the hands and feet as well as on mucous membranes, causing swelling of the lips or eyes. Hives are produced by histamine. Histamine causes fluid to leak from the local blood vessels, leading to swelling in the skin.

Hives may be caused by allergies to such things as foods, medications, and insect stings, but the large majority of cases are not allergic, and it can be hard to find a specific cause for them. Patients can find it frustrating not to know what has caused their hives. In rare cases, urticaria and angioedema are accompanied by shock and difficult breathing called anaphylaxis. Hives may be widespread and disturbing to look at, but the vast majority of cases do not lead to life-threatening complications.

What treatments can help?