Hygge Directory

What is “Hygge?”

Lucy Webster — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:09:21 +0000

Hygge typically pronounced HU-GA or “HI-GA” is a Danish word, that has no direct translation. But the concept of hygge is about creating a sense of comfort and well-being, regardless of the season. It’s about recognizing the importance of slowing down, taking a breath, and enjoying the moments in life that bring us happiness or our motto which is “enjoyment of the good things in life”

Danish people are said to be the happiest people on the planet, even though they only have up to 4 hours of sunlight in the Winter times. Why? Because they look after their mental health and well-being.

Here’s some tips to creating a hygge lifestyle:

Create a cozy space: A hygge home is warm, welcoming, and cozy. Lighting is an important factor in creating a hygge atmosphere, so consider using softer lighting like candles, fairy lights, or lamps with warm light bulbs. Add soft blankets and comfortable pillows to your spaces to make it more inviting.

Spend quality time with loved ones: For hygge to truly flourish, it’s essential to spend quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s enjoying a meal or simply sitting together and chatting, spending time with those we love can bring immense joy and happiness into our lives.

Engage in simple pleasures: Hygge is all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Take a walk in nature, read a good book, drink a nice cup of tea or hot chocolate, or simply take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the world around you. Pamper yourself – go book that spa day or pamper session. You deserve it! Find a therapist that works for you!

Experience the seasons: Part of enjoying hygge is embracing the changing seasons. Whether it’s going sledding in the winter, picking fresh berries in the summer, or admiring the colors of fall, finding joy in the seasons can help bring a sense of balance and peace into our lives.

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What is Access Bars?

Lucy Webster — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 15:47:58 +0000

Access Bars Therapy – An Introduction to This Innovative Holistic Healing Approach

Access Bars therapy is a holistic healing approach that has been gaining popularity over the years. This unique form of therapy utilizes gentle touch and pressure on specific points along the head. The primary goal of this therapy is to release the blocked and trapped energy present in the body, which often leads to physical, mental and emotional tensions.

The concept of access bars therapy is based on the idea that the points on the head, which are touched during the session, store the electromagnetic components of thought and experiences. These stored components can often lead to problems such as stress, anxiety, depression or physical tension in the body. The therapy aims to release these stored blocks by opening up the energy pathways in the body, enabling a more natural flow of energy.

During an Access Bars therapy session, a trained practitioner will place their hands gently on the recipient’s head, at specific points known as “access bars.” As the practitioner moves their hands over these points, they work to release the blocked energy held in each point. The recipient remains fully clothed, lying down, and relaxed during the session.

Access Bars has been known to provide a range of benefits, including stress reduction, mental clarity, reduced anxiety and depression, improved sleep, and increased overall wellbeing. Many people who have undergone this therapy report feeling lighter, more energized, and more emotionally balanced after a session.

Although Access Bars therapy has been around for over 30 years, it’s only in recent years that it has become more mainstream. Today, it’s practiced in over 170 countries and is becoming increasingly popular due to its effectiveness. Access Bars is a non-invasive and low-risk therapy that can benefit anyone. It’s especially helpful for those who experience stress and anxiety in their lives, as well as individuals who need emotional and mental support.

In conclusion, Access Bars therapy is a holistic approach to health and wellness that is worth exploring. It’s an effective, low-risk and non-invasive therapy that offers numerous benefits to those who practice it. If you’re interested in trying out the therapy, it’s important to find a qualified and experienced practitioner who can guide you through the process.

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What is Bowen Therapy?

Lucy Webster — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:08:46 +0000

Bowen Therapy is a Natural Technique for Pain Relief.

Bowen Therapy is a gentle and non-invasive technique that has been developed to relieve pain and promote healing in the body. It is named after its founder, Tom Bowen, an Australian who began developing the technique in the 1950s. The Bowen Therapy technique involves the use of gentle rolling movements over key points on the body.

These movements stimulate the body’s nervous and musculoskeletal systems, encouraging them to reset and rebalance themselves. Bowen Therapy is a holistic approach to health, treating the body as a whole rather than focusing on individual symptoms. Bowen Therapy works to balance the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs in the body.

By balancing this tissue, the body can heal itself and prevent future injuries from occurring. The Bowen Therapy technique is gentle and pain-free. The practitioner uses only light pressure to make the rolling movements, and there is no need for deep tissue work or forceful manipulation. The movements themselves are relaxing and can be done through clothing, making it a convenient technique for anyone. Bowen Therapy can treat a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, sports injuries, and stress-related conditions. It is a safe and effective therapy that can be used in conjunction with other treatments or on its own.

The length of a Bowen Therapy session can vary from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the condition being treated. At the beginning of the session, the practitioner will evaluate the patient’s posture and movement patterns to determine the source of the pain. The practitioner will then use the Bowen Therapy technique to gently release any tension or imbalance in the fascia. Patients may experience immediate relief after a Bowen Therapy session, or the benefits may take a few days to become apparent.

The number of sessions required will vary depending on the severity of the condition being treated. Some patients may only require one or two sessions, while others may need several over a period of weeks or months. In conclusion, Bowen Therapy is a natural and gentle technique that can help to alleviate pain, promote healing, and restore balance to the body. It is a safe and effective therapy that can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, and is suitable for people of all ages. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, Bowen Therapy may be the solution you have been looking for.

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Benefits of Yoga

Lucy Webster — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:52:34 +0000

Yoga is a form of exercise that originated in India thousands of years ago. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Yoga includes a range of physical and mental practices, including postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.

Here are some of the benefits that come with practicing yoga:

Improves flexibility

One of the most well-known benefits of yoga is that it can improve flexibility. Yoga postures can stretch and lengthen your muscles, which can increase your overall range of motion.

Boosts strength

Yoga is not just about stretching. It can also help to build strength, especially in your core muscles. The postures, or asanas, require a lot of engagement from your muscles, which over time can lead to increased strength.

Reduces stress and anxiety

Yoga can also be an excellent tool for managing stress and anxiety. The breathing exercises, or pranayama, used in yoga can help to calm the mind and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Improves sleep quality

If you have trouble sleeping, yoga might be just what you need. The relaxation techniques used in yoga can help to improve sleep quality, so you can wake up feeling more rested and refreshed.

Enhances overall well-being

Yoga can benefit your overall well-being in many ways. Regular practice can help to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve immune system function. It can also increase feelings of happiness and well-being.

In conclusion, yoga is an excellent practice that can have many benefits for both your physical and mental health. Whether you are looking to improve flexibility, reduce stress and anxiety, or enhance your overall well-being, there are many reasons to give yoga a try. So grab a mat, find a class, and start reaping the benefits of this ancient practice.

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What are the benefits of crystal healing?

Lucy Webster — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:50:52 +0000

Crystal healing is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is based on the belief that crystals and gemstones have properties that can help to balance the energy centers in the body, known as chakras.

While some people may be skeptical about the effectiveness of crystal healing, there are many benefits to this practice that have been scientifically proven.

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

One of the most common benefits of crystal healing is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Certain crystals, such as amethyst, rose quartz, and clear quartz, have properties that can calm the mind and promote relaxation. By placing these crystals on or near the body, the calming energy they emit can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

1. Improves Sleep Quality

Another benefit of crystal healing is its ability to improve sleep quality. Placing crystals under your pillow or near your bed can help to promote restful sleep, as certain crystals, such as amethyst and selenite, have properties that can soothe the mind and provide a sense of calm.

1. Boosts Energy Levels

Crystals can also help to boost energy levels and promote a sense of vitality. Certain crystals, such as citrine and carnelian, have properties that can help to increase motivation and stimulate the body’s natural energy flow.

1. Provides Emotional Support

Crystal healing can also provide emotional support. Many crystals, such as rose quartz and green aventurine, have properties that can help to heal emotional wounds and promote feelings of love and harmony.

1. Strengthens the Immune System

Finally, crystal healing has been shown to help strengthen the immune system. Certain crystals, such as clear quartz and amethyst, have properties that can help to cleanse and purify the body, which can help to boost immunity and support overall health.

In conclusion, crystal healing is a powerful practice that offers many benefits for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By using crystals and gemstones to balance the body’s energy centers, people can experience a sense of calm, clarity, and vitality that can improve their overall quality of life.

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Mental Health Awareness May!

Lucy Webster — Sun, 07 May 2023 10:55:59 +0000

This month is mental health awareness month. 15th May – 21st is all about anxiety. This time of year is a great reminder of how important it is to look after our mental health, build that resilience and work towards good mental health and wellbeing every day.

Mental health is so important, but many of us don’t realise why or how to look after it. Let’s all do our bit by making small changes, big enough to help clear the stigma that surrounds mental health.

When it feels like anxiety is getting the best of you, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Everyone experiences anxiety at different times in their lives, whether it’s before taking an exam or waiting for a job offer. But if this is a pattern, get help fast.

There are lots of options out there to help with anxiety. Talking therapies, online activities and social media platforms have really changed our world. We also have therapists in your area, that can help with feelings of anxiety. Please visit our find a therapist page for a full list. or for more info, visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Mentalhealth.org.uk charity have provided this document to help cope with anxiety.

For teachers, and children with anxiety, there is a booklet here, which can be a good reference.

Click the tab on the right to view the booklet

Coping with Anxiety

Anxiety in children

Coping with Anxiety

Anxiety in children

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How holistic therapies can help with the daily struggles of ADHD in adults

Lucy Webster — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 13:06:20 +0000

So, I felt like I needed to write this, due to personal experience that have come up recently for me.

When ADHD is mentioned, stereotypically a lot of people relate to the naughty kids in the playground, running riot and out of control. (ive thought it myself too). But recently due to social platforms such as TIKTOK and Instagram where people share personal experiences, i have learnt and discovered that in fact it is SO SO much more than that.

Also, naively people tie it to “mental health” due to some of the things that run hand in hand with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, anger outbursts, “forgetfulness”. Which in fact it isn’t mental health, its a neurodevelopmental condition and falls under the autism spectrum. It affects the frontal, limbic system, basal ganglia, anterior cingulate, temporal, and parietal regions.

Frontal Cortex

Limbic System

Anterior Cingulate

This part of the brain is responsible for a number of cognitive functions, including:

Basal Ganglia

This area of the controls impulses and lack of attention

Temporal Region

The Temporal region is the bit that sits close to the ears. It is associated with processing auditory information and encoding it to memory.

Parietal Regions

The Parietal Region is associated with understanding the world around you, it processes senses.

How Can Holistic Therapies Help?

Mindfulness & Meditation

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations in a non-reactive way. So using this technique can really help with ADHD as it can help to manage emotions and improve focus.

Meditation is one way to practice being mindful, as it helps you to stop and pause before acting. This could be useful if impulsiveness is one of the things you struggle with. Meditation can also be helpful as it can be a way of not “silencing” your mind, but rather learning how to listen, appreciate, and not get caught up if something negative pops up.

Yoga

Yoga has many benefits including improved flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation. It can also reduce stress, anxiety, and chronic pain, and improve heart health and overall well-being.

There is lots of research to suggest that practising Yoga regularly* can actually improve some of the symptoms of ADHD. It is said to strengthen the Frontal Cortex of the brain. Most of the research that I found does carry out the research in children as apposed to adults, and it had positive results. There doesn’t seem to be a vast amount of research carried out on adults.

Regularly implies 2-3 times a week*

Some articles I have found useful:

https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-mindfulness-meditation-yoga#:~:text=Meditation%20is%20thought%20to%20help,short%20supply%20in%20ADHD%20brains.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-yoga#benefits

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Infographic – A Guide To Colour Therapy

Lucy Webster — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 18:25:13 +0000

Chromotherapy, or more commonly known as colour therapy is using the vibrational properties of colour to heal, and enhance all areas of health and well-being.

Did you know that colour therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions? Learn more about the power of colour therapy and how it can improve your health and well-being.

RED

Using the colour red, can help with conditions of the blood, such as anaemia and other related issues. The colour red can also help with conditions of the heart, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition to these physical conditions, the colour red can also be used for emotional issues related to stress and anxiety.

ORANGE

The colour associated with warmth and fire, is a great colour to use for people who are feeling cold and isolated. It can also help with depression, fear or anger issues. The colour orange can be used in situations where someone needs a boost of energy or enthusiasm. The colour orange can also be used for physical issues related to the body, such as fatigue.

YELLOW

The colour associated with light and positivity, is an excellent choice for anyone who is feeling down or depressed. It can help with issues of confidence, low self-esteem and lack of motivation. In addition, yellow can be used for physical conditions that affect the eyesight such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.

GREEN

Green is the colour of nature and growth. The colour green can be used for ailments related to the lungs, heart or even the immune system. It’s the most restful colour for the eye and can be used for stress-related issues. It also helps with problems related to physical health such as digestion, ulcers or nausea. The colour green is often associated with nature, so it may help people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

BLUE

The calming colour of Blue that can be used for people who suffer from insomnia, hyperactivity or stress. It can also be used for people with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The colour blue is often associated with clear skies and water, which makes it ideal for people who want to reduce their stress levels.

PURPLE

Purple is a colour associated with spirituality, and wealth. It’s good for using in meditations, and also helps with psychic power.

WHITE

primarily associated with being pure, clean, angelic, peaceful and also weddings. white light is considered to be very pure, so when you hear the term “surround your self in white light” is deemed to be very healing and pure. It increases mental clarity, purifies thoughts and actions.

PINK

Pink is the colour usually associated with youth. its a loving colour that symbolises softness, calmness, peace and is good to help friendships. It has been proven to stimulate heart rate, blood pressure, energy levels.

BLACK

Even though the colour black is usually associated with death, violence, darkness it actually represents the opposite, which is calmness, rest and renewal. It carries the potential for growth and new possibilities. it is also the colour used for grounding.

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Why essential oils and aromatherapy is good for anxiety

Lucy Webster — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 13:46:42 +0000

First things first please remember the following information when using essential oils:

Never take essential oils internally
Never apply undiluted oils to the skin
Keep away from eyes as they burn! (from personal experience – its not pleasant)

Always buy oils from a reputable supplier
If you are not sure please consult a professional
If you use diffusers that are water based with essential oils please ensure you clean them regularly.

People have been using essential oils for thousands of years. in fact – dating back to ancient Egyptians 4500 BC. The Egyptians used balms, oils and plants to make embalming and mummifications. Since then, people have recognised the properties of essential oils, and realised that certain oils can have positive effects on peoples health and mental state.

Currently 1 in 6 people will face a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety (Mental Health Facts and Statistics, 2020). This includes children as well. Sometimes people are looking for an alterative to medication, I know from past experience that medication is a last resort. So, aromatherapy may just be the option to turn to. It can help children feel more calmer, more focused and less anxious.

I have also found a bracelet on amazon, which can help children and adults wear their essential oils too – plus its pretty and no-one needs to know anything other than it being a bracelet.

How much should I use?

Children are very sensitive, and only require a small amount. In adults this can be increased.

Massage	Diffuser / Vapouriser	Bath	Creams
Babies up to 3yrs 1 drop of essential oils per 10ml of a base oil (almond, grapeseed, sunflower) 2 drops for 4-7 years 3 drops 7+	Use up to 4 drops	In 10 ml you can use 1 drop for babies up to 3, 2 drops for 4-7 years 3 drops for 7+	Add 1 drop in a bath for babies up to 3 years old, use 2-3 drops of 4-7 years old 3-4 drop for 7+

What Essential Oils can I use?

For Anxiety: I have found lavender to be helpful. Other aromatherapists recommend Bergamot, Madarin, or Ylang Ylang which can either be massaged in or placed in a bath.

For a better nights sleep: Lavandar, Ylang Ylang, chamomile, Bergamot Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Marjoram, Clary Sage.

Drops of these can be added to a tissue and placed inside a pillow case.

For Hyperactivity or ADHD: Peppermint, Mandarin, Sandalwood, Cedarwood.

These can be added to a bath or a diffuser, or also massaged in.

For children with Period Cramps: Cinnamon, Lavender, a blend of clove, cinnamon, rose and lavender.

These work particularly well when massaged into the lower abdomen.

References

Mental health facts and statistics. (2020, June). Mind. Retrieved January 10, 2023, from https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/statistics-and-facts-about-mental-health/how-common-are-mental-health-problems/

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The Christmas Giveaway!

Lucy Webster — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:34:42 +0000

So this Christmas we’ve teamed up with Chakras Holistics – based in St Helens, and she has given us a gift voucher for a treatment of your choice.

We also have an amazon gift voucher up for grabs too!

To enter all you need to do is head over to social media, either Facebook or Instagram and share the post, like the page, and tag 3 friends.

To check out Chakras Holistics listing you can click here or why not visit social media below.

So here’s the boring terms and conditions!

To enter, please like and share and tag 3 friends.
Duplicate entries do not count.
All names will be put into a generator and drawn randomly on the 23rd December 2022. time to be confirmed.
Any shares / likes and tags will not be counted after 11.59pm on the 22nd December 2022
The gift voucher provided from Chakras Holistics is valid for 12 months only, and cannot be exchanged.
For Amazon Voucher please check Amazon’s Terms and Conditions.
The offer is valid in the UK only, and on Instagram and Facebook only.
You must be over 18 to enter or have permission from a parent or guardian.

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