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Journeys

Mourning our late Queen

Anne

The Queen has been a constant in most of our lives, for all of our lives. Like the seasons and breathing, we took her for granted. Like the Lake District and the River Thames, we knew she was always there, and typically British, even though we didn’t see her every day.

I admired her duty or work ethic, her calm, no-nonsense attitude and her sense of humour But also her ability to carve out time for herself – her summers in Balmoral and the anniversary of her father’s death spent at Sandringham. These times were set in stone for her and whilst she did plenty of work during these periods, I think it showed that the Queen realised you can only be effective in your role if you take time to rest and do things that you enjoy.

My own personal memories of the Queen are of her two visits to Bedford, I was lucky enough to see her on both occasions! In 1976 (I was just 4 but I do remember seeing her) she visited a nursing home in Putnoe and Mum took me along. And in 1996 when she walked down Harpur Street, before opening the new Cygnet Wing, and timed it perfectly to coincide with my lunch break, thank you ma’am.

The Queen visits Bedford in 1996 – I was in that crowd somewhere!

She will be sorely missed and my heart goes to her family at this time. For many of us who have lost loved ones it will bring reminders of their passing and of our grief at that time. I hope this encourages the nation to support the Royal family during their grief and the new King in his difficult transition. In my small way, I am sending love and Reiki, and if we can all do this I believe it will help King Charles, his family and the nation over the next few days, weeks and months.

If you are feeling sadness for the loss of the Queen or of a loved one closer to home, then I invite you to feel into your grief rather than bottling it up. Tears, sadness and reflectiveness are part of the healing process and as the Queen once said, “it’s the price we pay for love”. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself a little time to grieve if you need to.

As a mark of respect, Medulla Holistic Therapies will be closed on Monday 19th September.

woman touching her back
Health, Holistic, Lifestyle, Reflexology

Do you live in pain?

Anne

Do you suffer from a painful condition? Many of us live with pain and take painkillers although we may not want to. We do this because we think there is no alternative.

Some of my clients who struggle with long term chronic pain or have acute pain have noticed that reflexology reduced their symptoms. From back problems, arthritis and tight shoulders to menstrual pain and headaches.

You’ve heard me say that reflexology doesn’t ‘cure’, so how does this work?

We still don’t understand the science behind why this works. It could be associated with the relaxation that comes with a reflexology treatment or even a placebo effect if you believe strongly enough that it will help. Or maybe there really is a neurological connection between the reflexes on the feet and the associated parts of the body?

It doesn’t work for everyone but for many it can have a profound effect. And one that lasts with regular treatments.

In this article from the Federation of Holistic Therapists Carol Samuel, PhD, FFHT, discusses reflexology in the management of pain.

Here are some of the comments from my clients:

“My body tells me when I’ve missed my regular appointment”

“Regular reflexology keeps on top of my aches and pains”

“I just needed to tell you that 2 days after my session with you I no longer have pain in my right knee so now I’m pain free in both my knees.”

If you feel that reflexology is something you would like to try then this link will take you to my Treatment List and booking page.

RLD approved practitioner logo
Journeys, Reflexology, RLD

I am now an Approved RLD Practitioner

Anne

I am so pleased to have completed my training and case study work and that I have now been placed on the register as an Approved RLD Practitioner.

RLD (reflexology for lymph drainage) is an award winning reflexology technique which focuses on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes on the feet. The aim is to cause an effect on the lymphatic system in the body. It is a unique sequence that has been researched and developed by Sally Kay, whilst she was working in cancer care. The results appear to support the theory of reflexology.

RLD is reflexology for lymph drainage and was originally designed from manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), a recognised technique which reduces breast cancer related lymphoedema.  Lymphoedema is defined as tissue swelling due to the failure of lymph drainage. After breast cancer a person may experience psychological or emotional difficulties due to altered body image, and a swollen limb can exacerbate this.

Other Uses

MLD may be useful with the following conditions and RLD can be used similarly:

  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Eczema
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Long Covid
  • ME
  • Sinus problems
  • Migraines
  • Headaches
  • Muscular tension
  • Aches and pains 
  • Premenstrual Syndrome

I use this reflexology system extensively with the patients at Bedford Daycare Hospice. I am now also incorporating it into the treatments offered to my private clients because it is helpful in maintaining general health and well-being as well as recovery from illness and stress.

If you are affected by lymphoedema or any of the other conditions that RLD can help them please click here to my booking form.

Holistic lifestyle, Lifestyle, NYRO

Why did I join Neal’s Yard Remedies to become an Independent Consultant?

Anne

There are a few reasons why I joined Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic (NYRO) but the main one was to get the discount on a brand I loved!

It was as simple as that.  In fact many consultants do just that, they join to purchase the products they already know and love with a great discount.  Some then go on to sell to a few friends and family.  There are lots though who see the potential to run their own business with flexibility around their families.

For me, the natural products seemed to sit nicely alongside the holistic nature of my business, healing from the inside as well as the outside is part of the NYR ethos – take the logo for example – the tree takes in from the roots as well as from the leaves.  What we put in our body impacts our health and well being as much as the creams we put on the skin.

Once I’d signed up and received my starter kit I couldn’t stop sharing the products with people because they all smell so beautiful.  I started attending some of the free training (there is soooo much more on the consultant’s website now) to understand better how the products work and what to recommend to whom.  Although it actually didn’t seem to matter that I didn’t know too much in the beginning, I enjoyed reading the bottles and the website and sharing that with the people I spoke to.


My reason for joining is mostly product based but NYR offer a generous and ethical incentive scheme for those wishing to build a larger business and introduce many others to share in the success.  I have a small team who all asked me if they could join up because they love the product or it would enhance their existing business like mine.

If this is something you have considered then now is a great time as there are two amazing offers to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

You can find information here, you can ask me any questions you have and my upline mentor does regular ‘Come and take a look’ events online.

Events

Pop up market back for 2022

Anne

After the popularity of our pop up market in the garden for the last two years. We are bringing it back again for this year.

Saturday June 11th 10am to 3pm

Gorgeous pop up market stallholders

Sally Day Stationery and Gifts

Gift it 2

Moochimoo

Joy Davies Crystals

Neal’s Yard Remedies

Old Chapel Cake Co

Directions

The address is School Farm, Robins Folly, Thurleigh MK44 2EQ.

Find me on Google Maps – ‘Medulla Thurleigh’ as above (or satnav which will take you half a mile down the road!) but I’m right at the village (north) end of the road and our drive is directly opposite the SLOW sign painted on the road. Look out for the white planters and the sign.

If you have any difficulty finding me please call 07779 088281.