Vicki Pitman
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Reflexology, Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy, Iridology, Remedial Massage, Ayurveda, Lymphatic Drainage, Ear Acupuncture in Bradford-on-Avon
Traditional Healing, Sound Science : Integrated Therapies for the Whole Personno obligation to have a course of treatment.
I am listed on the Complementary Therapy Directory webpage. Complementary Therapy Directory">Complementary Therapy Directory
* See, The Nature of the Whole, Holism in Ancient Greek and Indian Medicine, Pitman 2006
"Neither wealth nor anything else is of any value without health."
Hippocrates
Invest in your health!
1. If you are "going on a diet", be sure to choose the right time The middle of winter is not the most favourable for restricting food intake. It is the coldest time of the year, when the body is naturally conserving energy to keep body temperature up. Also, severely restricting calories - the units of heat energy from food - can actually cause the body to react, as if facing famine, by slowing metabolic rate and holding on to fat.. If you do begin in winter, minimise your exposure to cold. Waiting till spring or summer is a better option.
2. Choose the right type of changes for you. Each of us is individual in body type and metabolism. Take into account your activity level and age too. As a general rule, "cold" foods are not good for the body during the cold of winter, except in very small amounts. Warm types can tolerate them better than cooler ones among us. Eating only salads and raw foods should not be the basis of winter meals- use warming vegetable soups instead. The exception is sprouts which are rich in enzymes and vitamins and "warm" with the energy of growth. Let wholegrains, rice, and pulses form the core of the diet, with fish and lean meat a few times a week, if desired. Keep cold drinks, foods and cold dairy products to a minimum. Try not to eat foods and drinks straight from the fridge. The coldness of foods can be balanced by cooking (e.g. baked macaroni cheese) and by including warming herbs or foods: fennel, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme and rosemary, onions, shallots, and garlic. These additions strengthen digestion and absorption of nutrients, reduce accumulation of wasste.
3. Let your food be fresh and freshly made. Use good quality, cold-pressed vegetable oils. Avoid processed foods or precooked meals, which contain unnecessary additives, unless you make them yourself - i.e. simple soups and one-dish meals, with all that goodness you've put into them, that you can re-heat for meal times.
4. Exclude or restrict salt and alcohol intake. Most of us use far too much salt and it causes the body to retain water. Alcohol has to be processed by the liver and the liver is also a major player in digestion and nutrition. Let it devote all its energies to giving you the maximum energy from your food. You will feel the difference.
4. Think positive and find time for some genuine relaxation and recreation - whatever works for you: meditation, singing, communing with nature. Let go of an activity for a little while, if it only adds another layer of stress. Review and release any old attitudes and habits of mind that are no longer valid to make room for more positives in life.
5. Get a sound sleep. Some thrive on less than others but it is important to wake up feeling rested and refreshed. If you are not, seek help from your doctor or other healthcare practitioner.
6. Exercise can't be forgotten. Again choose something you really enjoy to really reap the rewards in vitality. Work up gradually to a new regime. Exercise until you begin to sweat a little, then allow time for cooling down with slower movements. Drink some water about 30 minutes later.
Happy New Year!
The September Seminar was very success full. Comments include: " I enjoyed the seminar. You have inspired me to look more deeply". "I told my husband about it and he wished he could have come too." " Many thanks for such an inspiring day."
Next Seminar is March 16, 2008 Near Edinburgh . Please contact me for details.
HIPPOCRATES NOW! ANCIENT SOURCES OF THE WESTERN HERBAL TRADITION
email info@vickipitman.com for details and registration form.
Some good links:
The Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners
European Herbal and Traditional Practitioners Association for , for the Frankincense Newsletter and updates on herbal medicine
International Federation of Aromatherapists
Association of Reflexologists
International Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists
HerbalGram , a US source for excellent information on herbal medicines
International Academy of Ayurveda in Pune India
Planetary Herbs, the site of my teachers Michael and Leslie Tierra. Lots of good information.
Jonathan Treasure's site, for his brilliant discussions of issues affecting herbal medicine and natural healing
Henrietta's herbal pages , another good site for herbal information
Yuan College , for information and courses on ear acupuncture
