Wellbeing boost for New Forest key workers 

 Free treatments for teachers and NHS staff: recognition and appreciation from The Natural Health Hub

This is just lovely! Perfectly in tune with this week's wellbeing theme and at the same time recognising and appreciating the enormous strain under which many of our key workers are working, with a fantastic offer for teachers and NHS staff, to apply throughout February and March. Please if you or someone you know is eligible pass the word on and get in touch with Sue Leach.

We'll let Sue explain...

"At The Natural Health Hub we’re noticing just how much tougher this lockdown is for everyone. Battle fatigue has, understandably, struck so many of us after months of Covid stress that is now being prolonged by continued uncertainty.

Free treatments for teachers and NHS staff from The Natural Health Hub

So three of our therapists are offering free treatments to people who are particularly bearing the brunt of the current situation:

• Neena Saith is making her pranic healing available free of charge for teachers and NHS staff
• Guy Blomfield is offering neuro integration free for teachers and NHS staff
• Sue Leach is giving free homeopathy consultations to anyone struggling to recover from Covid or diagnosed with ‘Long Covid’.

This offer will apply throughout February and March.

Rebalancing the autonomic nervous system

To a greater or lesser extent all of us have been in continual ‘fight or flight’  over the past year. Recognise any of these symptoms? Anxiety, difficulty resting, poor concentration, shallow breathing, palpitations, panic attacks, sleep problems, brain chatter. To fight or flee from danger is a natural physiological response that stood our ancestors in good stead when they were confronted by a lion with its fangs out. But the stream of small triggers we have been encountering since March 2020 – news briefings, scaremongering headlines, mask wearing, social distancing – has meant that our autonomic nervous system, which sets us into fight or flight, is continually being switched on. So not surprising that so many of us are feeling fatigued and demotivated, perhaps even hopeless.

Pranic healing and neuro integration both have a good track record for retuning the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and calming down this fight or flight response.

Pranic healing

Pranic healing focuses on clearing the body of stored-up negative or toxic energy. Prana means ‘energy’ and this non-touch treatment works on the principle that illness and health problems result from disturbances, physical or emotional, to the flow of energy throughout the body. By restoring balance to this energy system Neena is able to treat a wide range of physical and psychological problems. People report feeling ‘brighter’ ‘more energetic’ and able to get things done.

More information click here 

In person or by Zoom. Thursdays throughout February

Neuro integration

Neuro integration (NIS) focuses on switching circuits back on in our body that have become dormant, causing illness and dysfunction. It works on the principle that the brain is the key to the body functioning at its best, but all too often physiologically things block the messages the brain is sending out to the rest of the body, resulting in pain, injury and disease. Identify where you have dormant circuits, switch back on that messaging system and pain, injury and health imbalances diminish.

More information click here 

In person on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout February

Homeopathy for Long Covid

Traditionally homeopathy has been used extensively and beneficially in epidemics, and for post-viral recovery. With the benefit of knowledge handed down by previous generations of homeopaths who treated patients in past pandemic such as Spanish flu which swept the world in 1918, The Hub’s homeopath Sue Leach is offering free treatment to anyone with symptoms lingering after Covid.

Homeopathy has been a successful complementary healthcare system for over 200 years. The philosophy behind it is that by restoring the balance of our body, mind and emotions we can achieve good health and well-being. It is all about kick-starting or stimulating the body’s own in-built ability to heal itself. Homoeopathic remedies are made from thousands of sources, including plants, herbs, minerals, metals and gems, delivered in the form of pills or tinctures. Treatment is entirely individual, depending on your symptoms, personality and past medical history.

In many cases Sue will combine homeopathic treatment with probiotics (from £12.99 for a month’s supply). Research published in the BMJ magazine has shown that patients with Covid who had low levels of beneficial gut bacteria were more likely to have severe disease as well as higher markers of inflammation and tissue damage. It is as yet unknown, says the study, whether poor gut bacteria caused the severity of symptoms or was the result of more severe disease. Either way, the researchers recommend that ‘modulating’ your gut flora – through diet, probiotics and probiotics – may help to prevent, and possibly treat, Long Covid.

More information click here 

In person or virtually, Monday to Friday throughout February

Services available through lockdown: homeopathy, holistic nutrition, pranic healing, neuro integration, NLP and weight loss coaching/mentoring 

The Natural Health Hub is Lymington’s health and well-being centre offering an extensive selection of healthcare and complementary therapies. We specialise in stress and anxiety, natural pain relief, gut health and women’s hormonal issues.

Services still operating through lockdown are: homeopathy, holistic nutrition, pranic healing, neuro integration, NLP and weight loss coaching/mentoring.

Our shop stocks supplements, probiotics and all-natural non-toxic products, with many immune-boosting formulas. For our full range of treatments visit www.TheNaturalHealthHub.co.uk and contact us on 01590 670955 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book.

We are tucked behind the high street in Lymington, down the passageway between Halifax and Dogs Trust

The Natural Health Hub, 87b High Street, Lymington SO41 9AN. www.TheNaturalHealthHub.co.uk. info@The NaturalHealthHub.co.uk. 01590 670955.

Covid-19: staying sane during self-isolation in the New Forest

With weeks of social distancing, home-working, home-schooling and empty diaries ahead of us, guidance on how we can find mindfulness and positivity...

Updated 22 May - originally however published in March hence time related references 

New for children and big kids too: something to do on rainy days: free downloads to paint colour or make cards https://www.sandrabinney.com/free-downloads/.  Sandra Binney is a local artist and lives near Lepe.

The whole world has turned upside down and inside out in little more than a week, yet as the excellent Anne Atkins demonstrated in her lovely Thought for Today on Radio 4 this morning (NB last week’s was brilliant too https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p086vsdp), the ability of humankind to adapt positively to crisis seems to know no bounds.

500,000 people of all ages and from all walks of life immediately volunteering to help the NHS through the crisis is simply amazing.

As our beautiful and beloved New Forest itself changes too with the closure of the main car parks, many contemplating their daily permitted exercise especially as the weekend approaches will be disappointed - but undoubtedly everybody will find a solution somehow.

However most people will also wobble from time to time!

So here follow a few thoughts and tips from local businesses, for staying sane through these unprecedented times of challenge for us on so many levels. 

Live streamed yoga: exercise, calm and relaxation all combined - without even the stress of travel!

Most people had never used the word zoom other than in its old guise of buzzing about, now however Zoom is in every household and it's literally revolutionising the ways in which we can not only hold business meetings but also continue our precious yoga classes. Having "attended" our first Wednesday mutli-level yoga with Ruth Bush in my living room I can report extremely positively about how quickly we all adapted - and the yoga mat on the carpet was also a good deal more comfortable than on the hard village hall floor! (Contact Ruth, New Forest Yoga, via her website here.)

• The Natural Health Hub's Hannah Bimpson is offering yoga classes live from The Hub twice a week for £6: Mondays 9-10am and Wednesdays 6-7pm. Find details here: https://www.thenaturalhealthhub.co.uk/classes/yoga/

• Also at The Hub, NLP life coach and yoga teacher Shelley Edwards is offering a bundle of 6 videos of classes for £48. These are a mix of yoga, breathing techniques, meditation and more which you can download and do any time over and over again. Find details here: https://www.thenaturalhealthhub.co.uk/classes/yoga/
  
  
• Also Heart Yoga is offering free online beginners yoga for menopause classes, plus other self-care techniques; contact Sally at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Keep up your fitness (good for building a strong immune system!)

• Shape Up Fitness are now providing live classes online using Zoom priced at just £1.99 a class or £15 for 10 classes. This is OPEN TO EVERYONE, register online by clicking here: https://app.gymcatch.com/provider/979

• Push Studios have a free live streamed 'Ballet Sculpt' class on their website: https://www.pushstudios.co.uk/push-studios-live-streaming and are now setting up other online classes (payable online): https://www.pushstudios.co.uk/push-studios-premium

Head out on a walk (sticking to the latest regulations relating to coronavirus of course) - find a few ideas in our walks section. Some New Forest National Park car parks have been closed during the coronavirus crisis - for up to date information see https://www.forestryengland.uk/new-forest-closures.

If you find some favourite walks, write them down and send us details on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. along with some relevant photos for inclusion in this section!

Get some culture...

• Learn more about the local area by taking the virtual tour of St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=PcS9Xyz4DuW

• You could also read the articles in our Local History section. If you know an interesting local history story write it down and send it to us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any relevant images for inclusion in this section!

• Explore the great national and international museums online. There are various platforms: from interactive, 360-degree videos and full “walk-around” tours with voiceover descriptions to slideshows with zoomable photos of the world’s greatest artworks. And many allow viewers to get closer to the art than they could do in real life. Try the Natural History Museum: https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/naturalhistorymuseum/, the British Museum: https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/ and the National Gallery: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/virtual-tours/google-virtual-tour - The Guardian recently listed 10 of the world’s best virtual museum and art gallery tours: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/mar/23/10-of-the-worlds-best-virtual-museum-and-art-gallery-tours.

• National Theatre have launched #NationalTheatreAtHome. Every Thursday from 7pm, you will be able to watch some of the best British theatre from the comfort of your living room, via YouTube for free for one week. It all kicks off with James Corden in the hilarious #OneManTwoGuvnors on 2 April at 7pm.

Learn something new...

• Calling all riders! Amanda Barton at Tilefield Equestrian is putting together some Groundwork Tutorial videos on her YouTube channel (click link here to view)
• (And if you already have a horse remember what Celtic Equine said: 

Chat with your friends...

• Being so busy we've become a bit un-used to just picking up the phone!  And in fact we are being encouraged to use landlines where possible to save on the airwaves...with some upbeat chit chat we can help others to feel better which also has a positive impact on ourselves. 
• If you haven't yet discovered the app Houseparty it's going to become a household name like Zoom, very quickly!  Download it now and give it a go! 
• Here are a load more lovely suggestions from Peter Armstrong (thank you Peter from your Facebook page)

"YOU ARE NOT ALONE 

"Even if most people are stuck inside their respective homes, you are still surrounded by a community of people who love and want the best for you! Now is the perfect time to remember that..here are just a few suggestions on how to deepen your connections with the people in your world during this crazy time:

• Pick up the phone and call your friends, loved ones, customers and/or clients to see how they’re doing
• Email or PM people to check in on them and let them know you’re thinking of them
• Go beyond “liking” people’s posts on social media – and start commenting on them instead. Conversation deepens the connection
• Set up weekly coffee or “happy hour” dates with your friends on Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime so you see each other’s faces
• Join (or even start) a community Facebook group to help people during this time
• Participate in a Facebook group for people in your industry, so you can collaborate on solutions to the unique challenges you’re facing right now
• Look for opportunities to volunteer in your local community
• Look for opportunities to share your knowledge or experience to help others

The more you reach out to others to connect with them and offer help where you are able, the more deeply connected you will feel to everyone in your community. And that sense of connection will feed your soul, strengthen your faith in humanity, and create a ton of great goodwill that will make it easier for you to thrive in the days and weeks to come.  We're all in this together!"

(If you'd like to read more from Peter he has lots of helpful information on his Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/peterjarmstrong1

Parents homeschooling can find useful resources and advice here.

If you contact a business, please mention Lymington.com - we're a small local business too and need your support too :-)

Stay in the loop by subscribing free of charge for our weekly email, 'Weekly What's On' - out every Friday. 

Find other useful information during the coronavirus crisis here - including community help groups. This includes a printable postcard that you can drop round to neighbours (do knock on their door and say hello too) - remember some of your neighbours may not have access to the internet or social media.

Find details of New Forest businesses carrying out local deliveries here.

The not the toilet roll news from The Natural Health Hub

Spreading a 'posidemic' with yoga online, consultations and therapies via e-courses and new - The Daily Dose!

by Sue Leach, owner of The Natural Health Hub in Lymington.

Our mission at The Hub is to spread a posidemic. Think positive… there are many positives to come out of this weird time. Communities helping each other, all of us valuing the small things in life, everyone slowing down, treasuring the sunshine. The Hub remains (virtually) open – we have gone online for our yoga and as many consultations as we can and some of our therapists are offering new e-courses. Plus we’re launching The Daily Dose, a subscribers’ only feed of exclusive content about all things wellness, so the team at The Natural Health Hub can keep you on an even keel in mind, body and spirit through this pause to normal life.

Free deliveries

Taking care of our health, emotionally and physically, has never been more important.

So for anyone wanting to boost their immunity or running low on food supplements we are offering a next-day delivery service free of charge. We have a good stock of:

• immune-boosting supplements, including Vitamin C and our special Immune Boost Mix tincture
• probiotics, an unsung hero through times like this, giving you a burst of healthy bacteria when stress depletes the immune system (as 70% of our immune system is governed by the bacteria in our gut)
• essential oils and supplements to calm anxiety and help you sleep
• non-chemical hand sanitisers and anti-bac oils to keep hands healthy while also doing the necessaries.

Check out our website, www.TheNaturalHealthHub.co.uk, for our special packages and call us on 01590 670955 to place an order.

Subscribe to The Hub 'posidemic'

Our team are currently beavering away to launch The Daily Dose, a subscribers’ only feed of exclusive content about all things wellness. The Daily Dose will bring a daily piece of positivity from the team of expert therapists at The Natural Health Hub.

The subscription feed will offer advice, support, news and expertise to keep you on an even keel in mind, body and spirit. Featuring the real facts and figures about health and preventing sickness, the alternatives you can choose and why, self-help guidance, tips and advice, the team’s product recommendations, lots of yoga, breathing and meditation videos… and more (not least exclusive discounts for subscribers).

Here’s how to stay grounded and calm while everything else around us is going pear-shaped.

Launch date is 15 April at £9.99 per month, with an early-bird offer of £6.99 per month if you subscribe before 10 April. To subscribe head to our website, www.TheNaturalHealthHub.co.uk.

Online yoga classes

Our yoga teacher Hannah Bimpson is offering yoga classes live from The Hub twice a week for £6: Mondays 9-10am and Wednesdays 6-7pm. Detail on our yoga page: https://www.thenaturalhealthhub.co.uk/classes/yoga/.

Our NLP life coach and yoga teacher Shelley Edwards is offering a bundle of 6 videos of classes for £48. These are a mix of yoga, breathing techniques, meditation and more which you can download and do any time over and over again.

Details on our yoga page: https://www.thenaturalhealthhub.co.uk/classes/yoga/.

NLP pick-me-up

Home and lost your mojo? Overwhelmed and can’t calm the jitters and get anything done? Working virtually but virtually lost the plot? We’ve all been going there from time to time… But if it’s swamped you, our NLP life coach could be your lifeline to getting your stuff together.

Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) exercises and tools open you up to new ways of thinking and getting from Point A to Point B. Limiting beliefs stop us achieving and moving forward, and by helping to remove those blockages NLP fires up new neuro pathways of helpful and empowering beliefs that ultimately lead to a better life! It is all about being at your best more often.

Shelley is offering a one-off consultation (any way of communicating, don’t let the thought of the technology be the hurdle you put up to her help!), enabling you to ground yourself, regain mojo, focus on the work in hand. This 121 consultation can be on any topic, and is at the special price of £50 for 45 minutes to 1 hour (reduced from the usual hourly rate of £85). Phone Shelley to chat through your options: 07505 600719 with the discount code The Hub pick-me-up.
Now could actually be a time of opportunity and sorting life out, if only we could keep calm amid the panic-demic and info-demic.

Homeopathy e-course

Sue Leach, The Hub’s owner and homeopath, is offering an online homeopathy course via Zoom.

Learn how you can use homeopathic remedies at home for the family for a whole host of day-to-day ailments, avoiding Calpol and other over-the-counter painkillers.

The course (£50) will involve four sessions of an hour long, and includes a free homeopathy kit of 10 remedies. Times tailored to participants’ needs. Email Sue for further details on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Essential oils e-course

Juanita Duffin, our AromaTouch practitioner, is offering an essential oils course all about using essential oils for family essentials, from healthcare to cleaning.

Class 1 (1 April, 7.30-8pm) will be an introduction to essential oils, what’s the difference between them and how to use them safely and effectively. Class 2 (8 April, 7.30-8pm) will cover essential oils and basic healthcare in your home for you and your family. In Class 3 (15 April, 7.30-8pm) you will learn how to switch everyday products in your home from toxic to non-toxic, including a demo of how to make cleaning products.

The course costs £36 and includes a free 5ml bottle of essential oil, information pack, 121 wellness and lifestyle overview and one year’s membership access to buy DoTerra essential oils at wholesale prices (worth £24). Drop us an email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested.

Find out more about the Natural Health Hub here.

The Natural Health Hub is (in normal times) Lymington’s health and well-being centre offering an extensive selection of complementary therapies. We specialise in gut health, intolerances, natural pain relief, women’s hormonal issues and stress. Services include acupuncture, homeopathy, NLP life coaching, reflexology, hypnotherapy, weight loss coaching/mentoring, NIS, polarity therapy, reiki and reflexology (including facial reflexology), all-natural manicures and pedicures, plus our ever-popular monthly sound baths. Our shop stocks supplements, probiotics and all-natural non-toxic products. Book online at www.TheNaturalHealthHub.co.uk or give us a call on 01590 670955. We are tucked behind the high street in Lymington, down the passageway between Halifax and Dogs Trust.

Covid-19 prevention and preparation in Lymington and the New Forest

A few hopefully helpful tips for self preservation from our medical friends and own experience

First a reminder of:

• The official Government advice 
• The official NHS advice 

What follows is a rather more personal article we've compiled (and to which we can add as relevant) containing advice being sent in to us by medical friends and other authorities in their fields, and including new information coming to light which relates to the experience of people we know personally.

We are not attempting to be the experts, simply to share some sensible sounding advice, a lot of which we haven't seen elsewhere. 

Trying to stay healthy in the first place

About exercise...various research studies have proved that moderate to vigorous exercise can reduce inflammation and thus will be able to improve the immune response to respiratory viral infections. Obviously people can't go straight from couch potato to athlete but this information should encourage those used to exercising to keep doing it even if more restricted in terms of where/when it's possible: see our article on staying sane (coming soon) and an increasing amount of online support in the form of videos and zoom classes!

We are also stepping up the fresh fruit and veg wherever possible, and taking other supplements zinc and garlic too. If you're interested to know more about supplements which could boost our immune systems we suggest you talk with people like Fiona Hill who supplies Forever Living products based on the amazing aloe plant, and Sue Leach who owns the Natural Health Hub in Lymington - and make your own decisions. 

Call Fiona on 01425 622848 or 07759 817288; call Sue on 01590 670955 

We have seen lots of additional guidance notes about prevention but there is so much fake news about at the moment.... basically the guidance about social distancing and hand washing does appear to hold the main keys - and the 2 metres is really important .

Preparing in case you get the virus

These next suggestions come from a nursing friend and contact of ours: "What I have seen are a lot of recommendations for how to avoid getting coronavirus in the first place eg good hand washing, personal hygiene and social distancing, but what I have NOT seen is advice for what happens if you actually get it, which many of us will. So, as your friendly neighbourhood nurse let me make some suggestions:

You basically want to prepare as though you're going to get a nasty respiratory bug, like bronchitis or pneumonia. You just have the foresight to know it might come your way!

Things you should try to buy ahead of time (not sure what the obsession with toilet paper is) include: tissues; Paracetamol; honey and lemon; Vicks vaporub."  (Note: we are finding it challenging to find Paracetamol in the shops but we have the Vicks ready in the cupboard!  Brilliant stuff when you have a bad chest!)

"If you don't have a humidifier, that would be a good thing to buy, and use in your room when you go to bed and overnight.. You can also sit in a hot shower breathing in the steam.

If you have a history of asthma make sure you have an in-date preventer inhaler.

This is also a good time to meal prep: eg make a big batch of your favourite soup to freeze and have on hand. Stock up on whatever your favourite clear fluids are to drink - tap water is fine but you may appreciate some variety.

For symptom management and a fever over 38 degrees, take Paracetamol rather than Iboprufen."   

What to do if you get the virus

First we've seen this mentioned in various places but not in the official guidance, it's important not to panic. Try to keep calm, from all that HAS been published you already know quite a lot about this and the steps to take...

(A note about Iboprufen: there are now various recommendations circulating on this subject and it seems sensible to avoid Iboprufen for high temperature - as we understand this, it's to do with the body NEEDING to be inflamed to some extent to fight infection, and the possibility now being researched that Iboprufen being an anti inflammatory somehow diverts/distracts the body from focusing all its effort on that fight against the infection.)

Rest...

"Rest lots. You should not be leaving your house. Even when you feel better you may well still be infectious for 14 days and older people and those with existing health conditions should be avoided.  Ask family and friends to leave supplies outside to avoid contact."

When to call for help

"You do not need to go to the hospital unless you are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high over 39 degrees and unmanaged with medication. 90% of healthy adult cases thus far have been managed at home with basic rest/ hydration/ over the counter medications."

(As we understand it the advice in this instance is still to call 111 but in an emergency 999.)

Drinking... 

There are theories circulating that drinking regularly can really help and especially hot drinks because the virus does not like heat.  We are trying to get more definitive guidance about this because it does sound something sensible to do!

One post, copied and pasted by multiple Facebook accounts, quotes a "Japanese doctor" who recommends drinking water every 15 minutes to flush out any virus that might have entered the mouth. A version in Arabic has been shared more than 250,000 times.

However, Professor Trudie Lang at the University of Oxford says there is "no biological mechanism" that would support the idea that you can just wash a respiratory virus down into your stomach and kill it.

Infections like coronaviruses enter the body via the respiratory tract when you breathe in. Some of them might go into your mouth, but even constantly drinking water isn't going to prevent you from catching the virus.

Nonetheless, drinking water and staying hydrated is generally good medical advice.

Loss of smell/taste could indicate presence of the virus 

Finally something we've experienced personally - a family member who it now appears has had the virus without realising, because the symptoms were so minor:  simply a slight headache, weirdly (because no other nose/throat symptom present) accompanied by a total loss of the sense of smell.  These "symptoms" lasted for a few days and then disappeared.

As reported by health authorities in France,  ENT UK which represents ear, nose and throat specialists in the UK, and now much more widely in international media, this is now becoming recognised but is not yet widely known about.

"The loss of the sense of smell (known as anosmia) could indicate the presence of COVID-19. Patients who had no blocked or runny nose have been experiencing a sudden disappearance of their sense of smell, some have also lost their sense of taste. Both these symptoms appear to be more prevalent in young people with the virus. Sometimes there are no other symptoms present."

ENT UK, has now suggested that anosmia be added to the current symprom criteria for people to self isolate. Although the research is not yet well developed, there’s enough evidence gathering from people we know personally who  experienced a slight headache and loss of smell for up to 10 days followed by gradual improvement.  

More information can be added to this article

If you have tips to pass on from personal experience please email us directly This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Please see also our other relevant articles:

• General article about Covid-19 including local support groups 
  
• Staying sane during the coronavirus - coming soon
• New Forest businesses offering delivery during the coronavirus

If you contact a business, please mention Lymington.com - we're a small local business and need your support! 

If you don't already receive our Weekly What's On sign up now to stay in the loop - currently it's more about What's NOT On but is full of lots of other useful positive information.

Relaxed, rejuvenated, revitalised, energised – all this from reiki!

Take advantage of £10 off your first reiki treatment at The Natural Health Hub Lymington and find out for yourself...

The Natural Health Hub’s reiki practitioner Katharine O’Callaghan is fed up with hearing people dismiss reiki as "out there"!  (And having recently tried reiki myself I can confirm that it did not seem at all whacky but rather a very relaxing and entirely pleasant experience.)

Reiki and its benefits demystified - for the benefit of us all

So Katharine has written a down-to-earth, straightforward explanation of what exactly reiki is and what her treatments entail.

For a limited period and to tempt you to give it a go, she is offering £10 off your first reiki treatment at the Hub - making it just £35 for a whole hour. You can book online here or call the Hub on 01590 670955.

What is reiki, how does it work, why would I want it...

As Katharine says....

"Reiki is quite difficult to describe to people without sounding a bit ‘woo woo’. But I’m going to try to answer some of the most common questions I’m asked about reiki treatnent.

Q: What is reiki? 

A: Reiki (pronounced ‘ray-kee’) is a completely natural, ancient Japanese relaxation technique based on the transfer of energy through the practitioner's hands to treat the whole person on a physical, emotional and spiritual level, promoting the body’s own relaxation response and natural healing abilities.

Reiki is a completely non-invasive holistic treatment that can do no harm, only good.  

Q: How does it work?

A: The treatment is carried out either lying down or seated. The reiki practitioner first scans the body for any areas need attention, working through the ‘chakras’ – the body’s energy centres which can be likened to depleted batteries that need charging. These range from the top of the head (crown), to the middle of the forehead (called the third eye), to the throat, heart and solar plexus (around the stomach, kidneys and liver), to around the navel (sacrum), to the base of the spine (known as the root or base).

The practitioner uses a series of hand positions and intention to channel positive energy to the chakras to help rebalance and revitalise them. The word ‘chakra’ means ‘wheel’ in Sanskrit and the practitioner aims to help all the ‘wheels’ spin smoothly. A positive, soothing energy flows from the hands, promoting relaxation, releasing tension and helping the body to rebalance itself.

Q: Do I have to take my clothes off? 

A: No! Just wear loose, comfortable clothing and all you need to do is lie down and relax. Reiki is practised either hands-on or hands-off, depending on the client’s preference. It works just as well either way.

Q: How will I feel after my treatment?

A: Benefits reported by clients vary widely but include feeling deeply relaxed, nurtured, rejuvenated, revitalised, more balanced physically and emotionally, energised, less tense/stressed and more positive and able to cope with life. Reiki continues to work on the body in the days and weeks following treatment.

Q: Why would I book a reiki treatment? 

A: Reiki is very simple but extremely effective and powerful. Here are some of the reasons people come to me for reiki treatments:

• Stress and anxiety
• Insomnia
• Lack of energy
• Inability to relax and switch off
• Recuperation from illness
• Bereavement (recent or past)
• Headaches
• Feeling ‘out of balance’ and depleted
• Low immune system
• Poor digestion
• To complement medical treatment and other alternative therapies
• Anger management

Q: How often should I have reiki?

A: Ideally, once every 4-6 weeks to keep your body’s chakras in balance and to encourage your own body to restore itself.

Q: What should I do after my reiki treatment?

A: It’s important to drink plenty of water after your treatment and to avoid alcohol and caffeine. Ideally, you should rest as much as possible afterwards.

Katharine offers reiki treatments at The Natural Health Hub 11.30am- 3.30pm on Thursdays. You can book online or call The Hub on 01590 670955.

About The Natural Health Hub

The Natural Health Hub is Lymington’s health and well-being centre offering an extensive selection of complementary therapies.

The Hub specialises in gut health, intolerances, natural pain relief, women’s hormonal issues and stress. Services include acupuncture, homeopathy, NLP life coaching, reflexology, hypnotherapy, weight loss coaching/mentoring, NIS, polarity therapy, reiki and reflexology (including facial reflexology), all-natural manicures and pedicures, plus the ever-popular monthly sound baths. The shop at The Hub stocks supplements, probiotics and all-natural non-toxic products. Book online at www.TheNaturalHealthHub.co.uk or call 01590 670955.

The Natural Health Hub is tucked behind the high street in Lymington, down the passageway between Halifax and Dogs Trust

Harmony and hygge at top class Chewton Glen – February Spa Days

Snap up your choice from a range of great value Spa Day Experiences at this timeless, elegant, warmly welcoming, New Forest hotel during February and March 2020

PLEASE NOTE - DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS SITUATION, THE CHEWTON GLEN WILL BE CLOSED FROM 24 MARCH UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Hygge* may be a buzz word right now but as winter drags on its connotations of warmth and security, cosiness of self and soul are all the more appealing!  

Whilst the pool is being refurbished at Chewton Glen and promises to be absolutely fabulous when it re-opens in late March, on offer meanwhile is a range of “spoil yourself” Spa Day Experiences with deliciously tempting names like Tea and Treat.

Choice of Spa Day Experiences 

We went to find out more for ourselves and can report extremely favourably: trust us, the pool is not needed to bask in a nevertheless immersive, luxurious and really restorative experience.

Both of us always on the go with a todo list of which we never get to the end, unsurprisingly we chose the “Relax and Restore” experience.  This includes a restorative and soothing yoga class which in our case was with highly experienced teacher Ellie, in a luxurious mirrored studio (a far cry from the village hall where I normally take my classes). This was followed by a blissful 50 minute treatment of our choice about which more below, gorgeous sauna and intoxicating steam - and limitless lunch!

Free Glass of Champagne

The Spa is offering all readers of this article an added extra when booking either a Spa Experience or a 60 Minute Treatment: a glass of Champagne when you dine in the pool bar. Simply quote “Lymington.com” when you book - see details below.

Divine 50 minute treatment - choose between facial, body scrub, massage or nail treatment 

Well, the word “facial” simply does not do justice to the absolutely amazing hour I spent cosily tucked under the covers on the warm and comfortable treatment bed in the enveloping care of Michelle who is a gentle expert on many subjects and with whom I had a really wide ranging and most helpful conversation – she is a very special person. As for my face, well it really was glowing when I emerged and remained so well into the next day – many people commented on how well I looked and I shall definitely be returning for another of these!

My colleague meanwhile having opted for a massage to soothe away the stresses and strains also came out full of glowing praise for a thoroughly “relaxing and restoring” treatment with Sian.

Nutritional - and delicious - lunch in The Pool Bar

Still wrapped in our fluffy white gowns and slippers and having chosen to seat ourselves in the Pool Bar close to the deep windows offering a lovely green view of the grounds, we were welcomed to a long and lazy three course buffet lunch accompanied by the promised glass of Champagne (and lots of water recommended post therapy!).

Despite some very exotic sounding and tasting desserts (we recommend fig and blueberry tart – yum!) nearly everything was healthy rather than filling, and after a large pot each of exotic tea (names include “Beautiful Skin”!), feeling replete but in no way uncomfortable we finally, reluctantly, had to return to real life!

The advertising says we’d leave ready to take on the world again but I have to confess we both left feeling we wanted to curl up like dormice and go to sleep – so ideally, be prepared to allow yourself an evening off after this wonderful day.

The Relax and Restore Spa Experience includes:

• 50 minute treatment (choose between a facial, body scrub, massage or nail treatment) 
• Full use of the steam and sauna areas (these are in the changing room areas so separate for ladies / gentlemen)
• Lunch in The Pool Bar with a choice of soft drink
• Yoga class
• Service and VAT
• Free glass of Champagne – don’t forget to quote Lymington.com

£99 per person (Monday - Thursday)

Tel: 01425 282212 / Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Kelly Brooks (Operations Manager) and Melissa Eyre (Spa Manager) will be delighted to have a phone chat with you about the various options if you need help choosing!

Terms and Conditions

Quote Lymington.com when booking a Chewton Glen Spa Experience or 60 Minute Treatment and receive a complimentary glass of Champagne when you dine in the pool bar

Valid on bookings until 31^st March 2020, valid when booking the following spa experiences: Relax & Restore, Tea & Treat, Dine till Dusk or when booking a 60 Minute Treatment only. Subject to availability.

More details about the choice of Spa Experiences included in the Spa Day

Please click the links below:

Relax and Restore  

Tea and Treat

Dine till Dusk: 

Spa treatments (whilst pools closed)

And finally:  What’s new in the Spa

 *Reading The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking is another lovely antidote to Storms Chiara, Dennis etc!

Sort your hay fever NOW!

The Natural Health Hub's Sue Leach explains how you can reduce or remove your hayfever by treating it now, in the winter. 

The Natural Health Hub’s owner Sue Leach specialises in the treatment of hayfever.

"If you get homeopathic treatment now, instead of waiting for the season to start, not only can it help you suffer less – it could get rid of your symptoms altogether," says Sue.

The catkins are out, bulbs are blooming and the trees’ buds are bursting into life… which means some people are already getting first hints of hayfever. Despite the cold snap we’ve been having, anyone whose weak spot is tree pollen is beginning to succumb to those telltale signs of itchy eyes, runny nose, head-blowing sneezing and the irresistible urge to keep scratching the top of the mouth.

"Yes, hay fever can be unbelievably debilitating. I have been a homeopath for 15 years and one of the health problems I have had most success with is hay fever," shares Sue. "I’ve seen people who are unable to go outside on high pollen days, children who have to take weeks off school through early summer, and poor sufferers whose eyes become so swollen they can barely drive. Homeopathy offers a realistic alternative to whatever you may have taken before for your hay fever, often giving relief where over-the-counter drugs have failed to hit the spot." 

"My objective as a homeopath is to give you longterm relief, not just pills that manage your symptoms like the traditional hay fever ‘cures’ such as Beconase, Piriton and Benadril. Homeopathic remedies are made from plants, herbs, gem stones and other natural ingredients. Allium cepa, for instance, is from the onion family and, just as onions make us cry when we chop them, allium cepa is a brilliant remedy when eyes stream with stinging tears that makes you look as if you’ve done a round with Mike Tyson.

"Homeopaths tailor hayfever treatment to you individually, bearing in mind not only your symptoms but also your medical history, state of health, character and any other factors that make you more susceptible to allergies. High stress levels, for instance, can raise histamine levels. A big emotional shock, illness (such as a bout of flu) or long period of emotional strain can trigger hay fever. It is only by looking at the whole picture that we can determine what is causing your hay fever, and then give you an accurate programme of treatment." 

Homeopathy works by treating you with hay fever, rather than hay fever itself.

Homeopathy is:

1. Gentle
2. Non-toxic and non-addictive
3. Safe for all ages
4. Without side-effects such as drowsiness
5. A longterm solution

How homeopathy works

• By raising your body’s own in-built ability to heal itself, so you become less susceptible to your usual triggers, such as grass, pollen and mould.
• By ‘desensitising’ you to particular allergens. Homeopaths can give a dose of the particular culprit(s) for your sneezing and sniffles which (in a similar way to vaccination) raises your immunity to them.
• By getting to the heart of why you suffer from hayfever as well as dealing with your symptoms. This may be an inherited tendency, or stress related, or may have started after a jolt to the system like an illness or vaccination. Sometimes by tracing back to when the hayfever began or addressing underlying causes (which may be inherited or worsened by emotional issues) a homeopath can stop you suffering ever again.

At your first appointment (of one hour) Sue will work out a programme of treatment tailored specifically to your symptoms. Sue will supply you with tablets to prepare your body pre-season so you’re more pollen resistant and tablets to take to ease your symptoms once the pollen count rises. After that it will be simply a matter of tweaking the programme if required at a second appointment, or sending you more supplies.

The beauty of homeopathic treatment is that is individualised. Sue particularly likes helping children with hayfever as they respond especially well to remedies – treatment early on in life could mean no sitting exams with a head full of mucus and no slogging through work meetings in adult life!

Testimonials

‘Ever since you treated our son [three years ago] he has been symptom free!' WP

‘We’re well into the season now… our hay fever has been much better. I am able to walk through fields of grass seeds… not even an itchy eye!' PM

‘My 14-year-old son has suffered from severe hayfever since he was four years old. During peak pollen counts we had to close all the windows, I could not dry his clothing or bedding outside and he would often have days off school because he would get so bad, despite help from the GP. I cannot recommend Sue enough; my son’s symptoms have improved so much since the desensitising and the remedies he can venture outside even during the highest pollen counts. He does still have the antihistamines from the GP but no longer has the eye drops or nose spray, and he is virtually symptom free.’ JA

‘I have suffered from hayfever for all my adult life, sometimes to the point that I used to feel ill. Sue and her homeopathy have been brilliant and I am coping with it through homeopathic remedies and not the antihistamines that I used to take… a terrific benefit.’ AB

‘Just a note to let you know we are getting on really well with the hayfever remedies. The symptoms are much reduced – normally by now I would be sneezing a lot, and feeling sick afterwards, but none of that has happened.’ MJ

Clinical proof

Hayfever is one of homeopathy’s best-researched areas. A study published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet in 1986, by Dr David Reilly, a professor at the University of Glasgow, showed that homeopathically prepared doses of 12 common flowers were very effective in reducing hayfever symptoms when compared with patients given a placebo. Patients who took the placebo had six times more symptoms than those given the homeopathic medicine.

In a randomised, clinically controlled study published in the British Medical Journal in 2000 patients at four GP practices were given doses of the pollen to which they were allergic or a placebo. Those taking the homeopathic pollen had significantly better airflow through their noses.

Seven studies comparing the effectiveness of the hayfever remedy galphimia with a placebo consistently found the homeopathic medicine to be effective. And when researchers compared a homeopathic combination with cromolyn sodium antihistamine spray (NasalCrom), the researchers found both were equally effective.

The Natural Health Hub in Lymington

The Natural Health Hub is Lymington’s health and well-being centre offering an extensive selection of complementary therapies. Services include acupuncture, homeopathy, counselling, NLP life coaching, reflexology, hypnotherapy, weight loss coaching/mentoring, NIS, polarity therapy, reiki and reflexology (including facial reflexology), all-natural manicures and pedicures, plus our ever-popular monthly sound baths. The Hub specialises in gut health, intolerances, natural pain relief, women’s hormonal issues and stress. The shop stocks supplements, probiotics and all-natural non-toxic products. Book appointments online at www.TheNaturalHealthHub.co.uk or call on 01590 670955.

The Hub is tucked behind the high street in Lymington, down the passageway between Halifax and Dogs Trust

The friendly new hair salon in the New Forest

The talented team at Andrew David Hair in Lyndhurst, Hampshire, are passionate about helping you to look and feel fantastic!

On 1 September 2019 a dream came true for New Forest local, Andrew Twydell, when he opened his first salon in Lyndhurst High Street. Eleven years previously he took the brave decision to switch careers from graphic design to hairdressing, training as a hair stylist and colourist with No11 The Salon in Lymington and Goldwell in London. 

"I am passionate about helping others to look and feel good about themselves," said Andrew. "Great hair really can have a positive impact on self-esteem."

As you can imagine, with a background in design, Andrew has a fresh, creative flair and a real eye for colour. He enjoys a challenge and has competed in the internationally renowned Goldwell Colourzoom competition a number of times, awarded with a Top 20 position in 2016. Now an Elumentator for the Goldwell Elumen range, Andrew enjoys learning new techniques and is passionate about helping clients to look and feel great with healthy hair.

"Andrew has a passion for his work which really shows in his work, an amazing stylist and colourist! I would highly recommend."

Andrew David Hair Salon in Lyndhurst 

The atmosphere at Andrew David Hair is relaxed, friendly and therapeutic, brimming with a chilled energy and wonderfully uncontrived. With great coffee and herbal teas, oodles of magazines and a warm, friendly ambience, you'll immediately feel welcome and able to switch off and unwind.

The team are highly experienced both at traditional hairdressing as well as the latest hair cutting, hair styling and hair colouring techniques. They are also meticulous about maintaining your hair in excellent condition.

Whether you're looking for a complete restyle with dramatic colour or a subtle trim and natural highlights, Andrew and his team of hair stylists can help and advise. Every appointment includes a consultation, giving you the opportunity to consider your style, face shape, hair type and hair condition.

The talented team provide a range of hairdressing services for men, women and children, including hair cutting and styling; hair colouring techniques (including glossing, highlights, babylights, balayage, foilyage, ombré, root regrowth, lived in colour...); hair perms and hair straightening; hair extensions and hair treatments, using professional products from KMS and Goldwell. 

"If you want a hairdresser that loves every moment of hairdressing then look no further. Andrew is absolutely amazing and cares so much about every detail. I really couldn’t recommend him enough."

Hair treatments including vegan and allergen-free

Sometimes our hair needs a little extra nourishment. Andrew and the team can recommend a nourishing treatment to help strengthen your hair, such as Goldwell's Bond Pro+.  

If you're trying to reduce the number of toxins in your life, the Goldwell Elumen colour range available at Andrew David Hair is oxident-free, without peroxide and ammonia (therefore ideal for those with allergies). Meanwhile, for vegans there is the Goldwell Nectaya permanent colour range, which contains no ammonia and is derived from plants. Both these products are designed to enrich your hair whilst creating beautiful colour - ask Andrew and the team for more details during your consultation!

Like many of us, Andrew is keen to be as environmentally-friendly and world-caring as possible. The team use biodegradable towels made with recycled materials by a company based in Christchurch, far kinder on the environment than the endless laundering of salon towels. The KMS products on sale in the salon use recyclable packaging, are not tested on animals and most are paraben-free.

In the salon you'll find other delights too - since Andrew loves to seek out great, mindful and sustainable products that are made locally - including the gorgeous, New Forest based products by Mabel and Alma. 

"I’ve not found a hairdresser I’ve been happy with since moving here from London...until now. I highly recommend [Andrew] for classic cuts if that’s your style but for me, I love his excitement and skill at doing something different!"

Book your appointment at Andrew David Hair!

Give Andrew David Hair a call today - or call in to book your appointment. You'll soon be able to relax and unwind with a good coffee whilst the Andrew David Hair team work their magic! 

Find out more about Andrew David Hair here.

Vacancy for Hair Stylist at Andrew David Hair

Andrew is now looking to expand the team with an experienced Hair Stylist who is:

• Fully qualified in all aspects of hairdressing
• Looking to work on a self employed basis
• A great team player 
• Hard working, who enjoys working around other hard working, motivated stylists that encourage each other

If you are interested and would like to find out more, send your CV and portfolio to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Toxin-free manicures and pedicures in Lymington

Our review of The Natural Health Hub's manicure using 'nasties-free' skin and nailcare products

Although I've been using natural skincare products and make up for a while, it didn't occur to me that nail polish was bad, well apart from the smell. But recently I've found out that most nail polishes contain chemicals that are banned in other countries due to their potential health risks. Now surely that can't be good for us!

We may avoid eating ready-made food, preservatives and additives… shun weedkillers and chemicals. Yet we don't appear to think twice about coating our fingernails and toenails in toxic varnish.

So when I heard that The Natural Health Hub was stocking a range of toxin-free nail polish by Dr's Remedy, I was interested. The only problem? I'm totally rubbish at painting my own nails. Even when I remember to wear my glasses, my fingers and toes look like extras from Day of the Dead.

But then I discovered that Elizabeth at The Hub is doing toxin-free manicures and pedicures...

Nurturing Nails

My Nurturing Nails manicure took place in the comfortable and calming ambience of The Natural Health Hub. Nestled in an alley behind the High Street in Lymington, 'The Hub' is a haven of tranquility and relaxation, a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the real world... 

Everything used for manicures and pedicures at The Hub is non-toxic, contains no chemicals and is based around plants and essential oils. The idea is to enrich and hydrate your nails, rather than wrecking them, as well as pampering them to look pretty.

Which would be a job and a half with my hands! I've never had 'pretty' hands - they were wrinkly as a child and my nails are weak after years of sporadic nervous nibbling.

A relaxing and aromatic hand massage 

Elizabeth began the manicure with a cleanse and scrub using Body Smooth Refreshing Polish, Tropic's founding product, which is packed full of nourishing oils and mineral-rich sea salts. Massaging in gentle circles, I could feel my dry 'Mum' hands lapping this up. The gentle scrub made my hands feel incredibly soft.

The scrub and cleanse was followed by a relaxing massage using natural products including Prendé Podicure Intense Nourishing Oil for Skin and Nails. This vitamin-rich oil was quickly absorbed by my moisture-hungry hands and I began to feel really relaxed with the gorgeous scent of pure essential oils (which I later read included benzoin, bay, chamomile, eucalyptus, lavendar, frankincense and myrrh - the latter very appropriate since it was Christmas time!)

The Manicure

Elizabeth then got started with the manicure, using a crystal file to shape my nails. A glass or crystal nailfile is kinder to your nails, gliding smoothly and sealing the nail edge - rather than standard emery boards or files that can weaken the nail, leaving the edge rough.

Already my hands and nails were looking loads better and felt so much softer!

Elizabeth then started on the nail polish, starting with Dr's Remedy Enriched Nail Care Hydration Moisture Treatment which helps to moisturise and strengthen the nails.You can use this as a treatment on its own, or as a base coat.

I chose the dramatic 'Magnetic Midnight' from the comprehensive range of Dr's Remedy polishes - it was a difficult choice as there are so many great colours.

The Dr's Remedy nail polishes are enriched with a special blend of organic ingredients that nurture nails, including tea tree oil, garlic extract, lavender, wheat protein and vitamins C and E. Free from the toxins contained in most nail products, such as formaldehyde, toluene and DPB (banned in America), and ingredients that dry and damage nails, they are specially formulated for – and to prevent – dry, brittle nails. They were developed by podiatrists and recommended for discoloured nails and helping fungal issues. They are also vegan and cruelty free.

Elizabeth applied a clear Dr's Remedy top coat, which can contains Biotin, Tea Tree Oil, Cactus, Ginseng, and Kale for added hydration.

It was the first time that I've experienced Dr's Remedy nail polish - all coats went on smoothly and easily, if anything better than most standard polishes that I've tried (included some very expensive ones). 

And the result?

I was delighted with the result - my previously awful nails looked incredible, my hands felt soft and I felt relaxed from the whole experience!

I wondered if this natural manicure would last as long as one with traditional, toxin-laden nail polish? And it did. In fact, I think it lasted longer. I did purchase my own pot of 'Magnetic Midnight' (knowing how careless I can be!) and so after about a week I carefully topped up the colour on the ends that had a few inevitable chips. In all though, the polish lasted over two weeks, which is impressive.

Elizabeth can also apply the natural equivalent of a 'gel' coat which gives nails a professional, gel-like finish - minus the harmful chemicals and harsh effects. 

Soothe mind, body and soul in the New Forest with CBD at SenSpa

Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa launches CBD treatments and holistic therapies to heighten relaxation

New for 2020, award winning SenSpa at Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst has launched a range of CBD treatments and holistic therapies, set to take self-care and relaxation to the next level.

CBD Oil treatments now available at SenSpa

One of the biggest trends in health and beauty, CBD oil (Cannadbidiol) has been proven to help treat specific areas of pain and discomfort, alleviating tension and relieving inflammation.

In collaboration with MariPharm's pure, organic, vegan-friendly MariCare Essential Cannabis Oil, SenSpa’s new CBD Anti-Stress Massage (£99 for 60 minutes) is a deeply relaxing treatment that will use Swedish massage techniques combined with the CBD oil. Designed to restore inner calm, the CBD infused massage will treat specific areas of tension, reduce anxiety, and improve the overall state of relaxation.

Cannadbidiol (CBD) works by acting upon cannaboid receptors found throughout the body in the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating vital body functions such as pain response, stress relief, sleep and appetite. When the system does not function properly, CBD can act upon the receptors to help reduce pain and decrease inflammation.*

For the ultimate facial, guests can choose the CBD Radiance Face Massage (£80 for 30 minutes), ideal for treating headaches and to nourish and tone the skin. This soothing massage stimulates blood circulation in the face to release tension, eliminates toxins, and gives the skin a renewed glow and freshness. Helping to diminish breakouts and reduce redness, CBD oil decreases excessive sebum production, as well as lessens the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, due to its powerful antioxidant properties. As an add-on to all other treatments, guests can opt for two drops of CBD oil under the tongue to enhance deep relaxation during their spa experience.

Prolong your relaxation with a stay at Careys Manor

Too relaxed to head home? Prolong your visit with dinner at The Zen Garden, SenSpa’s authentic Thai restaurant and indulge in an overnight stay at the luxury 4* star Careys Manor, with rooms starting at £158.

Find out more about Careys Manor and SenSpa

* Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is illegal and removed before the products are created. Although, removed some products can still contain a small percentage of THC, but there will be no psychoactive effect. The maximum amount of THC allowed by The Home Office is 0.2%. For more information about MariPharm please visit https://maripharm.co.uk.