Category: Self development

Thoughts on Sleep

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Breath, Health & Wellbeing, Meditation, Reflexology, Sleep, TCM, Yin and Yang
Woman sleeping peacefully.

Aside from nutrition, getting good quality sleep is probably the most important aspect for health and longevity. It is the cornerstone to good health,vitality, living longer and feeling well.

As basic as it sounds, we are designed to live with the diurnal rhythm; we wake with the light, and we sleep in the dark.

From around 5-6pm in the evening, our cortisol levels naturally start to drop, and the natural light starts to dim, and melatonin levels begin to rise. Melatonin is the hormone that makes us feel drowsy and gets us ready for a good night’s sleep.

I love to look at the Yin/Yang aspect of everything, and we can see here we have the dark night time which is Yin, and the light daytime which is Yang. We can also see that cortisol is the Yang to it’s counterpart melatonin, which is Yin. Our Yin and Yang aspects are always ebbing and flowing gently, gradually and naturally. Therefore its a really good idea to get into a winding down routine in the evening to allow our Yin to naturally deepen and do its work for a good night’s rest.

Its a great idea to adjust your daily activities (as much as is possible) to support this natural daily rhythm. Eating breakfast and your main meal, taking physical exercise and doing the main bulk of your work during the morning and earlier part of the day is best as this is when cortisol is at its highest.

As cortisol starts to drop early evening, its better to eat a smaller evening meal at least 3-4 hours before bedtime. The ‘321’ idea is an easy concept to follow:

  • Eat no later than 3 hours before bed
  • Drink no later than 2 hours before bed (any fluids)
  • No screens no later than 1 hour before bed.

If you can’t switch off your mind, meditation is helpful, as is Valerian, chamomile and magnesium. A bath with Epsom salts will give you a great boost of magnesium, and as your body temperature starts to drop afterwards, it will naturally help to make you feel sleepy. A cup of night time tea might also be useful. Try different things and see what helps you – we are all different!

We should be getting around 90 minutes of deep sleep every night and this usually happens earlier into the night. Its during the deep sleep where our body replenishes, heals and rejuvenates.

We should be getting around 2-3 hours of REM sleep a bit later on in the night, after deep sleep, and this is the type of sleep where our mind sifts, sorts through and processes everything that’s happened during the day. I believe this is why meditation can be so useful because sitting quietly and observing our thoughts for a few minutes before bed will get ahead of the sifting and sorting process that happens during REM.

We can disrupt our deep sleep by exercising too much. It’s a bit like taking a car on a very long drive; the engine will have been revved up and used a lot of oil. It will take longer to cool down and get back to normal. It’s the same with our body and mind. It can leave you wired even if you have done a lot and think you should be tired.

If you are a snorer then this will disrupt your sleep patterns, particularly if it causes apnea and wakes you everytime you’re snoring too loudly or gasping for air. It also means that you are not breathing through your nose as much. Nasal breathing increases the gas nitric oxide which is a molecule produced naturally in the body and is important for relaxing blood vessels and allowing them to widen and increase circulation (and so increasing oxygen and nutrient circulation around the body). It also helps us to feel relaxed and switch from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and digest’ i.e. switching off the sympathetic nervous system and switching on the parasympathetic nervous system. Again these are the Yin and Yang aspects of health. Nasal breathing helps us to move out of Yang and into Yin.

Humming on the outbreath creates vibration which will open up the airways and increase nitric oxide, again making us feel relaxed and able to sleep better. So do some “Oms” with your evening meditation and see if you notice the difference!

Going back to snoring; snoring is usually down to raised inflammation making the airways swollen and restricted. Reducing inflammation is something to really work on if you are a snorer; losing weight, eating the rainbow, cutting down on refined carbs and sugars, processed foods, alcohol, smoking, caffeine, upping your omega 3s by eating oily fish, nuts and seeds, olive oil etc.

Working with a practitioner like myself with regular reflexology and/or acupuncture can be so useful in taking care of your overall health and wellbeing, and we can usually pinpoint areas that might be disturbing your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Overall, getting into good habits by creating a bedtime routine or ritual that you follow each night, tailored particularly to those things that work for you, is the best way to set the stage for a good night’s sleep.

If you are interested in working with me please get in touch.

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Stress is a thief

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, Health & Wellbeing, Journalling, Meditation, Menstrual Cycle, Mindfulness, Pregnancy, Reflexology, Spirituality, Stress
Woman feeling stressed.

Stress is bandied about a lot across the internet and social media. But lets cut to the chase.

When you are chronically stressed (and this can be any type of stress, worry or fear because the body treats it all the same; as a threat) then your adrenal glands will secrete more of the hormone cortisol in order to keep you safe.

However, cortisol is made up of various ingredients, one of which is pregnenolone. This is where the steal happens. Pregnenolone is a key building block for the sex hormones: oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. When the body is stressed, it believes it is under threat, and the priority is survival. So of course, the body will prioritise using the ingredients to create cortisol, the stress hormone, over using it to create our sex hormones. Because if your cycle is irregular, or you have unusual mid-cycle bleeding for example, these are not life-threatening. But the body will interpret any stress as life threatening, so other processes of less importance will be “put on the back-burner”.

So if you are having fertility issues of any kind, identifying areas of stress in your life can be a pivotal starting point. Really take some time reviewing your daily activities and routines and see where things could be improved. Spend some time sitting quietly and try not to think about anything. If this is difficult, write down the thoughts or worries that keep reappearing. Other things to consider:

  • Meditation or some sort of spiritual connection
  • Reflexology and/or acupuncture, massage
  • Gentle exercise allowing time for recovery afterwards
  • Setting time aside to do the things you love to do

If you are looking for fertility support in Lancashire please call/email me directly to have a chat and book in.

[Perspectives in Foot Reading #2] – An Example

by JMReflex, posted in Foot Reading, Health & Wellbeing, Learning, Reflexology, Self development

One of the services I provide is “Foot Reading” which can be done in person, or remotely via photographs, messages and/or phone/video calls. This blog gives an outline as to what you might expect to see in a Foot Reading, what information you might receive from my observations, and what kind of suggestions you might be asked to pursue to improve your overall health based on my findings. I hope you find it interesting and useful! If you would like to use this service please get in touch or see this page for further info on price.

Markers observed on the feet are categorised into 4 elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. We all need an even balance of these elements, and when one becomes deficient or in excess, this an reveal where imbalances reside and provide a greater awareness into our own physical and mental/emotional health and well-being.

The feet are a wonderful extremity: we tend to neglect our feet, stuffing them into socks and shoes and walking on them all day, however they hold such fascinating insights into our bodies, emotions and our overall health.

As a general guide, the left foot represents the left side of the body and what is going on in the present moment, while the right foot represents the right side of the body and what is still being processed from the past. Together, they form a perfect picture of present and past experiences, as well as a map of the whole body.

Popped dorsal tendons reveal upper back tension. Popped tendons are a fire marker and tell us that there is potentially heat, over exertion, strain, tension and/or tightness. These tendons are on the top of the foot and beneath the toes, so this is the reflex point for the upper back area across the shoulders and upper thoracic. We can see clearly that the tendons presenting here are beneath the 2nd, 3rd and 4th toes. These represent vertical zones of the feet and are “influencers”. So we could say here that the torso and pelvic regions are influencing the tension held in the upper back.

In addition, these markers are apparent on the top of the foot, which tells us that these issues are exposed to the outside world. Markers on the bottom (or plantar) surface are hidden and are more about what is going on inside of ourselves and which are not as visible or “on show”.

Looking at the bottom or plantar aspect of these feet, we can see that the right foot appears fairly uniform in its position, compared to the left which turns inwards. The left foot is also presenting with more colour which is again a fire marker.

When one foot turns inwards this can reveal an imbalance in the skeletal structure of the body; more weight is likely being put through the lateral edge of the foot where the shoulder, knee and pelvic reflexes reside.

So this can tell us that there is likely to be an issue further up the body, the root cause possibly on the right side of the body causing the left side to compensate.

Lets focus on the toes. These reveal a lot about what is going on in the head, neck and shoulders. Looking at the right foot, the toes seem fairly regular until the 5th toe which is turned and sits tucked underneath the 4th toe. This lateral area of the foot underneath the 5th toe is the shoulder reflex. I often find that 5th toe irregularities are to do with the shoulder leading up into the neck. In addition, and fascinatingly, this individual also has a skin-coloured mole in the right eyebrow; another indication of congestion in the general shoulder area (according to face reading).

Any skeletal irregularities in the feet (and a skin-coloured mole) would be regarded as earth markers; a build up around a vulnerable area, congestion, restriction. Too much earth will result in less mobility and flexibility. In addition too much fire can consume a lot of air (mobility) and dry out the water (flow), leaving an excess of earth (tension, less mobility, feeling stuck).

Mentally and emotionally all of these markers reveal that this person carries a lot on their shoulders, they feel under pressure (from others, or from themselves) and potentially are doing more than they should. Fire markers indicate tendencies to over-do things without scheduling enough rest periods.

Irregularities in the 5th toes indicate emotional insecurities; topics such as finance, home, and their ability to feel confident moving forward in life can be challenging. They represent our sense of security. As this is more apparent on the right foot, it is an indicator of emotional battles from the past still being processed. On the flip side though, these toes also show me that this person has a huge sense of fun!

This person also tends to keep their head separate from their heart; the space between the 1st and 2nd toes reveals a lot about their perceived importance in doing the sensible thing and pushing their hearts desire away, and focussing on the “what I should do” rather than following the freedom of life. As this person has fairly long 2nd toes this shows that they have natural leadership qualities.

To balance out an “infection” of earth, from a physical point of view activities such as massage, stretching and breath-work can help to increase mobility and flexibility. Internally, a lot of hoarding has taken place, so a release of this mental/emotional build up can come from journalling or any form of writing, counselling, crafts and meditation. Reflexology can also be a lovely way to promote deep relaxation and balancing and easing the body and the mind.

To balance out an “infection” of fire, we want to “reduce the forest fire to the hearth”; we don’t want to put it right out, just get it under control and set some boundaries. Physically we can look at hydration, restorative and gentle activities such as yoga and walking. Internally, routines and time budgets can help, as well as venting instead of stoking up the fire with stored anger, and spending time looking at and questioning the real priorities of one’s life.

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin Sea?

by JMReflex, posted in Depression, Health & Wellbeing, mental health, Mindfulness, Presence, Self development

Vitamin Sea? What is this I hear you cry?!

During 2018 I discovered my love for wild swimming, and this has become a regular outing for me: in particular, sea-swimming, even during the winter.

What has this got to do with anything?

Well, there are many health benefits to cold water swimming, of which I won’t go into detail about here because they are not relevant to every reader.

What is relevant and universal to all, is the identification of that certain something that makes your heart sing, what excites you, what do you look forward to the most? What is that sparkly thing that gets you out of bed in the morning? What is that one element that keeps you going during the tough times?

We all have these special connections within our lives. Yours might not be sea-swimming, but it could be another sport, or it could be a particular place, activity, food, book, music, event.

It is also important to note that your special connection to something may change over time, and perhaps you fall out of love with it, or it evolves into something else. This is absolutely fine too. Don’t hold onto it if it no longer serves you. Change is always inevitable.

Continue to explore your life, try new things, keep going, be aware of everything, appreciate each moment and those moments that sparkle will stand out (if you are paying attention).

And if you do this, you will find a happiness, a contentment, an eagerness, and a drive that you wholeheartedly know.

But sometimes the hardest part is the identification. We don’t really know what it is we want, or what will bring us happiness or joy. This is where courage has to play a part; we have to face our fears. For example, it may be finding the courage to go forward alone, try something new, it might be doing something that gets the adrenaline pumping, it might be overcoming self-doubt, it might be perseverance, hard work, a struggle of some kind.

Set out to make small steps forward. The greater your fear the higher the sense of achievement. The more nervous you are, the more there is to gain. The steeper the learning curve, the further there is to travel and grow. Don’t compare yourself to others, go at your own pace. If you are surrounded in darkness, don’t try to pull the curtains drawn all at once. Be kind to yourself.

You are in control of your own well being, and what better way to be well? To find your passion and follow it.

[Perspectives in Foot Reading #1] looking at the groin

by JMReflex, posted in Foot Reading, Journalling, Nutrition, Reflexology, Yoga

Here we have a Fire marker – the popped anterior tibial tendon. This dorsal area of the foot is the general reflex for the pelvic region, including reproductive system, inguinal region and lymphatics, and the muscles and bones of the lower core.

The popped tendon indicates potential pain, inflammation, overuse and increase in muscular tension somewhere in this area.

The excess tension here has created a little cave just below the popped tendon, indicating strain, fatigue and weakness. The little cave would be regarded as an Air marker, and this would make sense that the Fire from the inflammation is leaving deficiency (burnt out).

In addition we can also see an inflamed and over-protruding lateral malleolus (ankle bone) showing that the hip is also affected.

This male client suffers with groin pain on the left side, stemming from a childhood injury (a tear), and continues to have problems while playing sports.

To balance Fire we want to reduce the forest fire to a gentle hearth-side glow, so activities like restorative yoga and gentle swimming would be recommended. Other activities such as Tai Chi might also benefit. In addition, ensuring hydration and diet are optimal.

From a mental/emotional perspective, this would indicate fiery and inflamed relationships with family and those whom we are close; sparks could well be flying and as a practitioner I tread very carefully. Venting and letting off steam about these issues would help, either with a neutral party or by journaling. Routine and boundary setting within the relationship is also needed, as a raging fire can easily get out of control.

Once the Fire has gotten under control, it is then time to gently nourish and strengthen the remaining deficient terrain.

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified reflexologist, clinical acupuncturist, and foot reading practitioner, working from Elder Cottage Clinic, Warton, nr. Preston.

Foot readings are offered in clinic and remotely. 

 

[Book Review #1] Everything You Need You Have

by JMReflex, posted in Books, Five Element Theory, Health & Wellbeing, Learning, Mindfulness, Presence, Reflexology, Self development, Spirituality, Stress, TCM

I recently discovered this little gem of a book while browsing the local library.

Gerad Kite’s Everything You Need You Have: How to be at home in your self is such an easy read, yet so powerful in places with little nuggets to take away and use on a daily basis. It’s simplicity is what makes it so special.

There is also an alignment with the Five Element Theory which also interested me after studying and qualifying in Clinical Acupuncture last year. The natural movements of life according to the tangible elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water (see summary below).

So, I invite you to join me “At Home” and you will be at home in your self. Because, what we’re looking for simply isn’t out there – it is within. We believe that we have to be busy, doing stuff, achieving things, in order to be successful. But really there is no such thing as success – these are just events playing out, finding their way, following natural law.

We have ended up living almost exclusively “in the head”. Standing in the place of “I think” limits us in time and space and for many people great suffering and pain. We have forgotten how to retreat from our thinking minds and take pleasure in the bliss of simply being alive – to “be”; and to know that one’s existence is so much more than mere sequence of events that plays out before us, confirming that we’re “somebody” with a “life”. I find this so humbling and so profound, and also very useful.

It is useful because, when one gets caught up in life’s day to day stresses, or worries, or emotional burdens, it is liberating to retreat back to “Home” (although we never really left) and observe what we are thinking, feeling, experiencing. This is the true essence of life. It is the awareness that what we are going through is simply not real: it is transient and changeable. The quality of Home is peaceful and permanent.

As a reflexologist, offering clients the opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the power of touch is where a lot of healing can take place. And surely this is offering or opening up a path towards “Home”? Switching off the mind and focusing on “the now”. For the past and the future are there by virtue of memory and fantasy – courtesy of the mind – and neither are real in “the now”.

Gerad gives the reader insights, exercises, tools of  how to re-discover Home within your self, and also examples of clients he has helped throughout his career.

Enlightenment is beyond mundane tasks, but it is found within them.

Short Summary of The Law of Five Elements

Gerad states “The unique balance of the five elements that create and maintain you are the gift of your life. This is the foundation and reality of who you are. You are  both a unique form and an integral part of Univeral intelligence, flow and evolution.”

Wood (Liver and Gall Bladder)

  • Get up and grow
  • Renewal
  • Timidity to belligerence
  • Perspective

Fire (Heart)

  • Joy of “Being”
  • Be open to things and experience them from Love
  • Joy emerges from the compassion of Home
  • Easy forgiveness
  • Healthy boundaries (and knowing these)

Earth (Spleen and Stomach)

  • Satisfaction
  • Natural motion “give and take”
  • Identify our needs
  • Integrity
  • Reciprocity, sharing and caring, giving and receiving

Metal (Lung and Large Intestine)

  • Gives the whole cycle of life its value
  • Importance of letting go of all attachments
  • Understand the impermanence of our outer life
  • Root in the quality of the present moment
  • Self value and worth

Water (Kidney and Bladder)

  • This is the base element: death, regeneration and survival
  • The closest we can get to Home
  • The origin of all life
  • Simplicity of Being
  • Stores our essential nature
  • Primitive and True
  • Who are you?

Opportunity for reflexologists to enhance your business

by JMReflex, posted in Business, Carbon Neutral, Eco-friendly, Environment, Ethical Sales, Marketing, Organic, Organic, Reflexology, Sales, Self development, Social Selling, Trading Fairly

Ultimately, selling gets a bad name when the person doing the selling is selling for selling’s sake: they are not passionate about the product and they don’t believe what it stands for, they just want to make money.

As reflexologists we are passionate about our therapy and believe in its powerful yet gentle and subtle effectiveness. Our beliefs and enthusiasm drive us forward in promoting reflexology to everybody we meet.

When you believe wholeheartedly in what you do and why, selling becomes something else, it becomes the promotion of a good thing, it becomes “spreading the word”, it becomes “people helping people”.

So, as therapists we are selling our therapies, so why not also sell products too? Especially when the brand sets the bar in its ethical ethos, organic standards and care for the environment.

So if you want to be about people helping people, where the product ingredients are natural and organic, where the people in the supply chain are treated fairly, and when you look behind you there is no carbon footprint, then adding NYROrganic to your therapy business is a good choice.

By adding NYROrganic to your reflexology business you will open up more doors to an additional income stream, you will discover new ways of marketing your business, casting your promotional net further and wider, you will meet new people and learn new business skills, and become part of a wider community of like minded people, many of whom are also therapists.

I run reflexology parties with NYROrganic.  This works well because you are combining/showcasing both sides of your business.

I use the following products in my reflexology treatments, but this is in no way limited and there are many products that would work with reflexology from the NYROrganic range:

Mother’s Balm This is a lovely medium to work with without fragrance so great for new clients who you haven’t gotten to know very well yet, and for clients who might be hypersensitive to strong fragrances.

Geranium and Orange Body Balm This is another lovely medium to work with, and the smell is quite strong but beautiful. Definitely a great conversation starter. As is the Women’s Balance Balm.

Arnica salve  This is a great medium to work with for client’s feet as it improves circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage, eases tired and aching muscles, and is great for the feet and also YOUR hands! See more about Arnica here.

Organic Defence Hand Spray I use this to sanitize my hands before starting. It smells lovely and can generate conversations. It is also much nicer for my hands than the yukky stuff you can buy on the shelves of the supermarket.

All NYROrganic products are certified by the Soil Association. You can also use one of the two spray deodorants as a foot spritzer.

If you would like to know more about this wonderful opportunity please get in touch with me on 07799144606 or JMReflex@protonmail.com, or take a look at the information here.

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified reflexologist and independent consultant (Group Leader) for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic. Jackie leads and mentors a growing team of consultants (many of whom are therapists integrating organic products into their existing businesses) via the NYRO social selling channel, holding regular team meetings, one-to-one coaching via phone and facetime, and a closed facebook group. All views are my own.

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The Power of Arnica

by JMReflex, posted in essential oils, Health & Wellbeing, Homeopathy, Organic, Pain management, Spirituality, Sports

Arnica is a well-known homeopathic remedy and a gentle herb from the daisy family (a relative to Calendula, Chamomile, Echinacea, Yarrow and Dandelion).

For centuries Arnica has been used for bruising and sprains. It’s old names such as “fall herb” and “wound herb” signify its age-old use for the effects of trauma. Swiss mountain guides chewed Arnica leaves to prevent fatigue from climbing.

Just like the tough, hardy daisy, Arnica will help you bounce back from life’s knocks and tumbles. It reduces pain, inflammation and swelling, and increases blood circulation.

Arnica is an alpine plant growing and thriving in the most extreme conditions, making it a tough, hardy plant. It grows in nutrient-poor soil, at high altitudes and strong sunlight. It is a survivor, getting through the most difficult of times. It’s leaves are also usually full of little insects and parasites, giving it a victim persona. Its root contains essential oils which are powerful anti–inflammatory agents. So there is no wonder that Arnica is a powerful remedy not just on a physical level but also on emotional and spiritual levels too.

If you have fallen over and taken a knock, or are feeling battered and bruised from a tough exercise workout, Arnica knows that feeling. Arnica can sooth your weariness, heal your bruises, remedy the trauma and comfort your injured pride.

Arnica Salve (by Neal’s Yard Remedies) is potent plant power in a jar: organic essential oils and herbal extracts in pure, organic beeswax. Supporting a hard worked body, the salve can be massaged into muscles before and after exertion, stimulating muscles before workouts and easing them afterwards. Of course it is also a necessity for the organic medicine cabinet for emergency first aid for those knocks, bruises, falls and sprains.

When overtired why not enjoy a restorative soak with Arnica in the bath. Infusions of mineral-rich Seaweed, Comfrey and Arnica are combined with pure essential oils of Lemon, Pine, Juniper and Lavender to ease tired muscles and restore a sense of vitality.

Especially formulated to ease weary limbs. Or why not try the Seaweed and Arnica Bath Salts?

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified reflexologist, acupuncturist, promoter of healthy living and independent consultant (Group Leader) for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic.

Image courtesy of foto76 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Fascinating Psoas Muscle

by JMReflex, posted in Breath, Fitness, Health & Wellbeing, Pain management, posture, Reflexology, Self development, Spinal Health, Spirituality, Stress

The psoas muscles (major and minor) are the only muscles to join the upper body with the lower. The left and right psoas join the lumbar spine to the femur, thus joining the upper body with the lower body. This is quite a special function: think spiritually for a moment and the concept of linking the higher self with the earthy presence.

The psoas muscle is at the core of our functioning  bodies, creating flexibility but also providing a deep stabilizer, “supporting the human body much like an arch does in building structures”. [1]

The psoas muscle supports many of our internal organs or viscera. Think of it as a shelf for the intestines, kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas and bladder. Any contraction of the psoas muscle will massage these organs, and due to the close proximity to them can “play a role as a reactor to these stimuli, thus affecting what is commonly termed as ‘gut feelings’.” [1]

The psoas meeting point is at the diaphragm at T12 or L1 (it can vary) and this junction in the body is known as the solar plexus. This area, a nerve network, is related to those ‘butterfly’ feelings we can get when we are nervous or excited. It is remarkable that the psoas muscle is also linked to the diaphragm and thus our breath, and those feelings which can effect the frequency of our breath such as nervousness, anxiety, excitement.

The psoas is one of the main muscles affecting the lower back, so with any lower back pain its condition warrants attention. Because of its deep central position, its closeness to our ‘gut feelings’ and our internal viscera, emotional tension can manifest in the psoas creating debilitating back pain and stiffness. If you suffer with lower back pain, ask yourself: do I feel supported in life? Am I worried/anxious/frightened? Is there a change forthcoming? Working through emotions is a key factor in dealing with back pain caused by the deep psoas, as well as finding the right balance of quality of motion and flow without restriction.

It is interesting to map the psoas muscles on the foot from a reflexology viewpoint. You can see that the psoas covers the medial arch of the foot, which is hugely important in supporting and maintaining posture and gait. It covers a very large area of the foot which only highlights (in my opinion) of its huge importance in our lives, providing support in a physical, mental and spiritual perspective. If you suffer with lower back pain, why not try reflexology or self-treat by massaging the area in red shown on the foot map?

I have been on a personal journey with this muscle. Emotional tension building up this year put me in a debilitating situation with such terrible back pain and restricted motion. It was only when discovering the psoas muscle and its functions and representations did I manage to heal myself and come through the dark and into the light.

Liz Koch says “the psoas is no ordinary muscle but a profound segue into the rich, inner and outer world of awareness and consciousness.”

[1] The Vital Psoas Muscle: Connecting Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Wellbeing by Jo-Ann Staugaard-Jones.

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified reflexologist, acupuncturist, promoter of healthy living and independent consultant (Group Leader) for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic. Jackie leads and mentors a growing team of consultants (many of whom are therapists integrating organic products into their existing businesses) via the NYRO social selling channel, holding regular team meetings, one-to-one coaching via phone and Facetime, and a closed Facebook group. All views are my own.

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Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

Make sure you are properly hydrated with clean, filtered, structured water.

My Healthy Kitchen

by JMReflex, posted in cooking, Deliciously Ella, Healthy eating, Healthy Snacks, Learning, Nutrition, Organic, Self development, superfoods, Vegan

If you’ve been following me on Instagram or Twitter you will have seen me posting some beautifully tasty looking meals and snacks from my own kitchen. Many (not all) of these foods are recipes inspired by Ella Mills (Woodward) from her books and blog “Deliciously Ella”.

polenta

Ella’s story is pretty amazing. In a nutshell, she has recovered and healed herself from a rare disease affecting the nervous system known as Postural Tachycardia Syndrome which had her bed bound for around 16 hours a day at the young age of 19. After  months of suffering and a myriad of steroids and medication (which also came with their own side effects) Ella decided to do her own research and finally decided to become a gluten-free vegan and heal herself through nutrition. This journey has inspired her to get cooking, discover mew foods and experiment in the kitchen, which is where her blog started.

coconut_slab

Ella’s recipes have been enlightening for me. They have opened up a door in my kitchen to combat my own sugar addiction through making delicious healthy but sweet snacks that actually satiate rather than driving the cravings even further. I’ve also learned new cooking techniques and flavour combinations which form a basis of my knowledge for my own creations and adaptations. A huge revelation also is that cooking in this way is super quick!

bolognaise

What is even more exciting is that Ella has been collaborating with Neal’s Yard Remedies to create her very own facial wash and moisturiser! A fusion of rose, cucumber and lime suitable for all skin types. If you would like a sample please get in touch! I’m also taking pre-orders for the eagerly anticipated launch on 4th August 2016. Why not book a party with me and let me bring the new products to you and your friends?

If you’re interested in what I’ve been cooking recently follow my blog for the forthcoming recipes. In the mean time why not check out Deliciously Ella’s Superfood Brownies made with our Organic Greens Complex and our Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. I’ve made these a few times and they taste amazing.

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified reflexologist, promoter of healthy living and independent consultant (Team Leader) for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic. Jackie leads and mentors a growing team of consultants (many of whom are therapists integrating organic products into their existing businesses) via the NYRO social selling channel, holding regular team meetings, one-to-one coaching via phone and facetime, and a closed facebook group. All views are my own.

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