A JOURNEY THROUGH THE CHAKRAS WITH CRYSTALS

Chakras are rotating discs of subtle energy moving within the body’s aura that connect with the physical body.  They are located at specific points connecting both at the front and back of the body.  The word Chakra is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘chakram’ which means ‘wheel’.

There are seven major chakras aligned with the spine which govern the central nervous and endocrine systems.  Complementary therapists work with these chakras. In addition, there are 21 minor chakras located around the body, which are also used in holistic treatments, in acupuncture, shiatsu and yoga.

HOW DO CRYSTALS WORK?

All things in the universe vibrate and we can use the vibrations from crystals to help unblock stagnant energy, which then allows the body’s own natural healing abilities to work.

The seven main Chakra’s are:-

THE BASE CHAKRA – RED

This Chakra is where our life force energy and our will to live emanates from, giving us our strength and vitality.  The areas of the body that are governed by this chakra are the feet and legs to the base of the spine; bones, teeth, nails, prostate and suprarenal glands (situated on top of the kidneys).  These glands produce many hormones including adrenaline. 

The element associated with this Chakra is Earth and it is linked to our sense of smell.

Crystals with earthing qualities are used with this Chakra including:-

Garnet, Smoky Quartz, Ruby, Agate, Red Jasper, Bloodstone and Black Onyx.

               

THE SACRAL CHAKRA - ORANGE

The area of the body governed by this Chakra is the area between the base of the spine to just below the tummy button. This is our emotional centre that governs our sexuality, relationships and happiness.   It covers all the reproductive organs and glands, the bladder and kidneys. This Chakra governs all the liquids in the body including lymph, blood and water. 

The element associated with this Chakra is Water and it is linked to our sense of taste.

Crystals to balance the emotions are used with this Chakra including:-

Moonstone, Carnelian, Jasper, Orange Calcite, Topaz and Haematite.

THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA – YELLOW

The Solar Plexus Chakra is situated from just below the tummy button to just above it.  This is our centre of power and governs both our mental and intellectual abilities, as well as linking to our digestive system.  The gland associated with this Chakra is the pancreas and the related areas of the body are the lower back, stomach, liver, gall bladder and the autonomic nervous system.

The elements associated with this Chakra are Fire and Air and it is linked to our sense of sight.

Cystals with clearing and empowering properties are used with this Chakra including:-

Tiger’s Eye, Citrine, Yellow Flourite. Yellow Topaz, Amber

THE HEART CHAKRA – GREEN

This Chakra is linked to our physical heart and our ability to give and receive love.  The areas of the body governed by this Chakra along with the heart are the rib cage, upper back, lower lungs, skin and hands.

The element associated with this Chakra is Air and it is linked to our sense of touch.

Crystals to bring peace and harmony to balance this Chakra include:-

Emerald, Green Jade, Aventurine, Peridot, Green and Pink Tourmaline, Kunzite, Roze Quartz, Green Quartz and Lepidolite.

THE THROAT CHAKRA – BLUE

This Chakra is situated at the base of the throat and is linked to our throat, vocal chords, oesophagus, lungs, bronchial tubes and jaw.  It also governs the metabolism of both the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Blue stones are used with this Chakra which are cleansing, cooling and calming.   They can help where there is difficulty with expressing oneself, lack of energy and motivation and any breathing or thyroid problems.

The elements associated with this Chakra are Air, Fire and Ether and it is linked to our sense of hearing.

Crystals used with this Chakra include:-

Blue Topaz, Aquamarine, Blue Agate, Turquoise, blue Obsidian, Lepidolite and Chalcedony.

THE BROW CHAKRA – INDIGO

This Chakra is situated in the centre of the forehead between the eyebrows. It is associated with our intuition, our higher self and broadening the mind.  It covers the sinuses, ears, nose and eyes, and part of the nervous system.

The Element associated with this Chakra is Ether and it links to all our senses as well as our extra sensory perception.  This Chakra governs the Pituitary Gland and thereby the release of hormones to all of the endocrine glands.

Deep blue crystals are used to bring balance to this Chakra, including:

Lapis Lazuli, Hawk Eye, Iolite, Sodalite and Sapphire. Violet and white crystals can also bring balance to this area.

THE CROWN CHAKRA – VIOLET

Located at the crown of the head, this Chakra links to the Cerebrum.  It governs the Pineal Gland and the sympathetic nervous system.  If this Chakra is out of balance we can suffer headaches, migraines and other mental or nervous disorders.

This Chakra is associated with the element Ether; and violet and white crystals are used to bring balance and harmony, including:-

Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Diamond.

Crystals for both the third eye and crown chakras.

Great News! 
We have been shortlisted for Tesco Bags of Help Scheme which will enable us to transform the Centre's garden in to a sensory delight.
To vote, you will need to make a purchase within Axminster or Lyme Regis Tesco store of any value.
You will receive one token per transaction.  Voting takes place from July 1st 2017
Please encourage friends and family to vote for our project.

Staff and Volunteers from the Axminster Health and Wellbeing Centre were pleased to join volunteers from HALFF, HospiceCare Axminster, Axminster Care Service and Silverleigh Care Home for a fantastic afternoon tea provided by River Cottage HQ.  The event was held to welcome walkers on 'The Great Big Charity Walk' to this area. Walkers from Batley in West Yorkshire are walking five different routes in the UK over three weeks in memory of Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen who was tragically killed on 16th June last year.

Small picnics and community events will be held across the UK a year on from the day the married mother of two was shot and stabbed in her Batley and Spen Constituency to commemorate the life of Mrs Cox who said that "in Britain we have far more in common than that which divides us".

Many thanks to River Cottage HQ for a splendid afternoon tea which allowed local voluntary community groups to meet and socialise together, as well as meeting the inspiring Big Charity Walkers and hearing their uplifting stories of the amazing people they had met on their journey.

Mindful Eating and Hypnotherapy week 3

Week 3

After being on the ‘F’ it plan for so many years, I will let you into a little secret. There has been a breakthrough, not an Earth shattering movement, but for the first time in many years (while not being on a diet) I have genuinely refused pudding. I didn’t do this to be ‘good’, reward myself, guilt or for punishment, it was because I had recognised ‘full’. What a lot of old rubbish I hear you splutter about now. What I really meant to say was I did not eat my way past full and into uncomfortable, I just…stopped and it felt kind of nice.

I was really excited to tell the group and was even more excited with this week’s topic, the power of the pause. How many of us really stop to think about what we are eating? Many people now are eating on the go, let alone allowing time in between forkfuls. So we pause. I am going to listen to those pauses from now on in the hope they have a little code waiting for me to crack.

Favourite foods were up next and why we love them so much. On some mindful eating courses they encourage people to eat as much of this food as possible to try to ascertain why we continue to over eat. I’m not sure they have enough crisps in East Devon for this challenge but it’s a challenge my husband thought would be fun. If I am brave enough, and I usually am, I will let you in on what a marathon crisp binge feels like. I will point out this was not part of this course and I have realised I didn’t buy any crisps on this week’s shop! So something is definitely working.

This week’s homework was to pause wherever possible and practice the art of enjoying our food. It was no longer a vessel fed by our hunger but something we just did and took pleasure in. This was most important because I see food as one of my best friends, sad I know, but I get so much pleasure from it that I realise now why diets can’t work for me. So like any invested relationship I am going to help ‘my friend’ be the best they can be and that means looking at all my food choices.

If you would like to know more I will be posting this blog for the next six weeks. Please like and share. For interest in doing a course please phone Katherine Locke on 07791182023 or email katherine@followyourfreedom.co.uk and for similar courses please phone the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre on 01297 32331

Mindful Eating with Hypnotherapy Week 2

Week 2

Frustration is in the air harked the group when we met up. Our minds had been so consumed by the way normal ‘diet’ plans work that we weren’t totally sure if we were doing things right. The simple answer was there is no such thing as right or wrong, just what’s right for each individual. This was a scary concept in the thought that we could be left to our own devices. We all agreed on being more aware about what we were putting into our bodies and were looking for little triggers: smells, tastes, touch, sadness, anger, loneliness and boredom.

Can you remember the last time you were hungry? I bet you CAN remember the last time you were full. Were you feeding physical or emotional hunger? It was safe to say in our room we weren’t feeding physical hunger. So what were we feeding if it wasn’t physical hunger? This part of the session was trickier, and we would be exploring this all through the course. It did highlight very different reasons for eating from person to person. Individuality was key to this session and being aware of how we related to our food. We finished with a group hypnotherapy session which took us a little deeper than the week before and left us relaxed ready to take on the next emotional challenge.

This week’s homework was to document how we felt about the food we were eating and how we behaved around it. Here’s hoping my emotional journey isn’t too deep this week - just some breakthroughs. It has started off well and I definitely want to eat healthier food but I’m still giving myself some rewards. But rewards for what? 

If you would like to know more I will be posting this blog for the next six weeks. Please like and share. For interest in doing a course please phone Katherine Locke on 07791182023 or email katherine@followyourfreedom.co.uk and for similar courses please phone the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre on 01297 32331

Mindful Eating with Hypnotherapy

Week 1

After an already hectic week I wasn’t sure how I was feeling about my new course. I knew relatively little about Mindful Eating, but what I did know was I needed to explore my relationship with eating. Over the years I have tried a lot of different ‘diets’ and needless to say I have a liberal sprinkling of scepticism about the course. This was totally my own fears and self-sabotage rearing its ugly head.

The best part about the introduction was finding like-minded people who were also exploring food relationships and a facilitator who understood frustration. It became quite apparent that this course was NOT about weight management, goal setting, unrealistic expectations or guilt. This was a welcomed start to our journey.

The introduction to the Mindful Eating Hypnotherapy was clear and targeted for the group, which made us all feel at ease. We all left with a feeling of calm and relaxation. In the days since the course we have been asked to be aware of how we felt about eating and ourselves when we are around food. There have been some interesting discoveries, at certain points I have decided to say ‘no’, I have wanted to eat a lot of childhood foods and generally felt food as something happy. I’m not sure what other developments, if any, will happen over the course but I will keep you posted. Aynsley

If you would like to know more I will be posting this blog for the next six weeks. Please like and share. For interest in doing a course please phone Katherine Locke on 07791182023 or email katherine@followyourfreedom.co.uk and for similar courses please phone the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre on 01297 32331

Thank you and a fond farewell to Nikki our volunteer

I began volunteering at Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre in July 2015, having only moved down to Axminster from Bedfordshire two months earlier. I was welcomed in as one of the team of volunteers who man the reception desk, and I also took on the task of creating a computerised catalogue of all of the books held in the centre’s library – no easy task with approximately 1000 books to list! Originally when I began volunteering, I thought the main benefit would be to meet new people and hopefully make some friends along the way. However, after a few weeks here, I realised just how much they offer in terms of the therapies available and how they look after the team of volunteers to make sure that they are not doing more than they are able to realistically manage. 

Whilst here, I have been able to help with things such as the Wishing Well cancer support group, and help out at the annual Health & Wellbeing Exhibition which I thoroughly enjoyed as I got to meet and speak to hundreds of people. I have also been lucky enough to have some therapies here outside of my working hours, including massage and mindfulness. I have learnt a great deal more about the wide variety of complimentary therapies available as well, and will definitely be trying a few more!

In the last two months,  after being put in contact with an organisation called Pluss, I was given the opportunity to work more hours at the centre and be paid by Pluss (this is known as an Options Traineeship) to help me to get ready for finding permanent employment. Little did I know that, less than six weeks later, I would be sat here writing this blog post, on my last day working at the centre before starting full time work in the morning! It happened so quickly and everyone at the centre has been so supportive of my decision to apply for and then accept the offer of the job. I will miss my shifts at the centre but will still be helping at their events such as the Exhibition (Saturday 8^th October at Axminster Guildhall!). 

 I cannot thank them enough for the experience and support they have provided here. If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity then definitely get in contact with them as it’s a lovely place to work and meet new people from the local area.

Homeopathy - Chamomilla

As part of our homeopathy treatment of the month - this week we are exploring Chamomilla.


No. 1 remedy for:
Teething
Colic
Earache from exposure to cold

Person is extremely angry, irritable, cross, whining, can't be satisfied

One cheek is red the other pale

Diarrhoea like chopped spinach and belching smells like bad egg

Symptoms that come on after extreme anger

Worse for being touched, looked at, covered up

Better for being carried and cold compresses

If you'd like to know more about Homeopathic medicine then please visit www.lindalester.webeden.co.uk

The benefits of Arnica montana - Homeopathy therapy of the month

Linda Lester
01404 813074
www.lindalester.webeden.co.uk

Homeopathy is a safe, gentle and effective natural health system. Homeopathy assists the body's own natural instinct to heal itself and restore natural balance. 
Homeopathy is safe for people of any age, pregnant, mums, babies and older people and can be used with other medicines if necessary.
Homeopathy is a holistic system of health care, that takes into account every aspect of your daily life and enables the homeopath to look at your unique symptoms and choose a treatment that is specific to your needs. It is not addictive and is free from Side effects.
When you have your case taken by a homeopath you will be asked lots of questions about yourself and it is this information that helps the homeopath choose a prescription that best suits you as a unique and individual person.

         

        Arnica montana

Leopards Bane. 

The tincture is made from 

the roots of the plant.

Arnica montana has an

affinity with blood vessels

and is used to assist with:

• Bruises, concussion, shock and trauma of an accident, post operative bruising

• Helps prevent Jet lag and DVT

• Remedy for muscular diseases: strains, sprains, bruising and swelling.

• Head hot and body cold

• Lumpy bed flu (if the patient complains that the bed feels hard and uncomfortable

Better for : open air, wind in the face, cold water.

Worse for: mental exertion, getting hot and cold food.

In case of accident can give 30c potency up to 4 times in

an hour. If patient starts to feel better stop giving remedies.

What Linda says on volunteering...

                   Linda Farnham Volunteer Receptionist Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre

In February 2016 I saw an ad seeking reception volunteers at the centre. I had just given up work & liked the idea of being a receptionist. I have always enjoyed being in a face to face environment and this sounded perfect for me. I rang the centre and spoke to Aynsley and was invited to pop in for a chat. The centre had a very welcoming atmosphere and after agreeing a regular shift I agreed to start the following week. I must admit it was all a bit daunting on my first session – I had to answer the phone, transfer calls and meet & greet. But after the second week I felt fine.

I have met so many interesting people, have learnt so much about the local community and feel part of a team. Everyone is friendly. I was astonished to find out how much charities rely on volunteers. This centre virtually runs on volunteer help from reception to food bank. The three centre managers are really lovely and obviously care a great deal about their work and the local community.

My Friday mornings as receptionist –

I arrive at about 9.25 where I meet the duty manager. We generally have a chat about anything really and then I take my seat at reception.  On my days I usually have specific tasks to perform which suits me, however if you don’t want to do any tasks it is fine as long as there is some-one to meet and greet, answer the phone, offer visitors a drink

I enjoy doing little projects or tasks. I have drafted letters for funding, posted ‘events’ on Facebook pages of local groups, contacted local interest groups with a view to presenting at our Wishing Well group.

During my morning there are times when the phone rings a lot and then nothing for ages. The reception area can be a hustle and bustle of visitors and then all peace and quiet but that is what I like – a bit unpredictable.

I generally work until 1.30pm when another volunteer comes in and takes over.

Since starting in February I have found that I look forward to Friday mornings, a reason to get up earlier and not wear my old working clothes, style my hair and apply my make-up. I also feel more fulfilled and part of the local community.

Life is too short for maybe’s so give it a try and I am sure you too will enjoy it.

If you would like to be a volunteer please pop into the Centre or give us a ring on 01297 32331 for more information as we would love to hear from you. 

Hypnotherapy - Therapy of the month

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy – Deborah Pearce

Debbie works with clients who are looking for a more enjoyable experience of life.  This may mean working with clients to reduce anxiety, or to help clients get a better night's sleep or to help clients become more confident. It may mean getting rid of unhelpful fears or phobias, or taming your 'inner critic'.

Debbie practises Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, which means that rather than focusing on problems Debbie encourages you to identify solutions that will work for you. Debbie’s approach utilises Solution Focused Brief Therapy techniques, encouraging the client to adopt a more positive outlook on life. Call Debbie on 01404 813388 or 07939 840788 or email dpearcehypno@gmail.com

How can hypnotherapy help?

STRESS

It’s not always easy to remove the source of the pressure or challenges that you face. It may be that you are stressed because of work pressures or illness in the family. Hypnotherapy can help you, though, by helping you to cope so much better. Remember, it’s not the situation you find yourself in that is causing you stress, it’s your response to it. By using Solution Focused techniques, we can help you to formulate a better way of coping with your situation. We help you to visualise your preferred future so that your sub-conscious mind has a positive template to work with. By responding to external pressures in a calmer, more positive way, stress-related symptoms often improve. Life can, indeed, be fun.

SLEEP

Anxiety is a common cause of insomnia, and of course worrying that you’re not sleeping only makes the problem worse. It’s not long before a vicious cycle sets in and the harder you try the more elusive sleep becomes. It can be really debilitating and can seriously impair a person’s ability to function normally or enjoy life.

Hypnotherapy can help insomnia sufferers by addressing the underlying anxiety, often caused by work, relationship, health or financial worries. Ruminating on problems serves to amplify their significance and even small issues can get out of proportion in the middle of a sleepless night.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Now, hypnotherapy isn't a magic wand. You won't be able to lose weight unless you change what you eat or take more exercise, preferably both. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you find the motivation for making the necessary changes. It is a modern research-based combination of psychotherapy techniques and hypnosis, aimed at encouraging you to focus on how you want things to be. We avoid problem-talk and instead help you to visualise your preferred future. There's a huge difference between saying 'I don't want to binge on a whole packet of doughnuts' and 'I am going to eat healthy and nutritious food'.

Hypnotherapy can help you address the underlying stresses that get in the way of you making appropriate choices around food and exercise. But it can only help if you make an effort to do something different, so be prepared for change. And be prepared for steady, sustainable weight loss, rather than a quick fix. By dealing with the underlying issues that get in the way of managing your weight, you'll feel motivated to make more helpful choices about food and exercise.

Please also contact Debbie for Anxiety, Motivation, Confidence, Phobias, Blood pressure, calmer Childbirth and much more.

deborahpearce.co.uk

Therapy of the Month - Counselling

Gillian Perrow is a trained Relate Group Leader, Family Counsellor and Therapeutic Mediator. She shares a Group Practice in Somerset with six other practitioners called Relationship Somerset. She runs her own practice from the Health & Wellbeing Centre, where she is also Director and Chair of the Trustees. She has been involved with  self-development of both herself and others for over 30 years.

Gillian is committed to Continuous Professional Development and she attends conferences and training days regularly, to keep up to date with new developments in the field. She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and she adheres to their code of ethics. She is committed to working for the client’s best interest; practising confidentiality, having a transparent working contract and promoting the client’s right to make their own decisions.

Services Include:

Ø Couple Counselling

Ø Family Counselling

Ø Individual Counselling

   COUNSELLING CAN HELP WITH:

• More intimate and satisfying relationships
• Greater sense of self-worth and self-awareness
• Increased confidence and self esteem
• Feeling calmer and more relaxed
• Better communication skills
• Develop healthier patterns of relating to others

Whatever your problem, you really don’t need to feel alone.

CONTACT:

Gillian Perrow

Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre
Hanover House
Chard Street
Axminster
EX13 5DZ

Phone: 01297 32530
Mob: 07877 721297

www.axminstercounselling.co.uk