Friday, February 1, 2013

The 'Nurture Special'

A few months ago one of my regular massage clients arrived and said she would like to try reflexology but she wasn't sure because she loved her massage so much. After a little think I suggested that we do a bit of both. She was thrilled and so off we went. I adapted the treatment to what she needed at the time and she left a very happy customer. Next time she came back she simply said, 'Can I have the Nurture Special please' and so that's what I've decided to call it!

It's not just limited to massage and reflexology however. It can be a combination of any two treatments. 

So what combination does your heart desire?
Get your wish list fulfilled with a mix of therapies in a 90 minute 'Nurture Special'! You choose!


Loretta's suggested combinations:

- Facial Massage & Reflexology*
- Back, Neck, Shoulders & Facial Massage
- Hand Massage & Reflexology*
- Reiki & Subtle Aromatherapy (using aromatherapy oils in the auric field)

'Nurture Special' - 90mins for €90
Gift Vouchers available


* Reflexology is a holistic therapy that, to have full effect, involves full treatment of all the points in the feet over the space of 50 minutes. The reflexology mentioned above is a shorter treatment designed for relaxation as part of a combination package. Full therapeutic reflexology is also available as is maternity reflexology as their own separate treatments. 


Sunday, August 12, 2012

Reflexology, Massage, Reiki & Exercise in Pregnancy





Reflexology, Massage, Reiki & Exercise in Pregnancy
Details extracted from Dr. Gowri Motha www.gentlebirthmethod.com

BIRTHFIT means that the mother is:
Physically fit and supple at term
Confident and emotionally in control
Capable of meeting the demands of birth
Knows and understands how to manage labour
Normalizing the normal
By being BIRTHFIT you have the optimal chance of having a Gentle Birth a dream of 
mothers and fathers.

Reflexology
This specific type of treatment of the feet is offered throughout pregnancy (CAUTION is not recommended before first trimester of pregnancy). Reflexology has been found to ease common symptoms of pregnancy and facilitate the smooth progress of labour. It can also help mothers to give birth in a shorter time, which helps mothers to feel energetic after giving birth.

Reflexology in Pregnancy
Dr Motha pioneered the use of Reflexology for pregnant mothers in London in 1987. She then set up "The Gentle Birth Preparation Programme" (now called "The Jeyarani Way" Gentle Birth Method) that included Reflexology as one of the main components. Dr Motha has written articles and also lectured on Reflexology in pregnancy to the Association of Reflexologists and obstetric units throughout the UK. Her extensive years of experience and knowledge have made her one of the foremost experts of the use of Reflexology in pregnancy in the world.

Safety of Reflexology in Pregnancy Reflexology has been performed by Dr Motha and her team throughout pregnancy and has been found to be safe during pregnancy in terms of helping mothers to go all the way to term and beyond, with a reduction 
of the common symptoms of pregnancy. However, before 12 weeks gestation (before the placenta is fully established) Dr Motha generally advises a GENTLE foot massage, concentrating on LIGHT drainage and working only on the upper areas of the foot. Despite the fact that we have found Reflexology to be safe during pregnancy, occasionally there have been reports that Midwives have told expectant mothers not to have reflexology during pregnancy as it might provoke miscarriage or bring on early labour. Dr Laurence Wood, Obstetric Consultant at Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry asked us to research this. Dr Motha then presented our findings at the “Clinical Governance in Maternity Services Meeting's at the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists on 16th November 2001. For this study we 
established the gestation of the baby born to all mothers (who we were able to contact) who had had any reflexology in pregnancy with a Jeyarani practitioner between the years of 1997 and 2001. As can be seen from the graph on the website the majority(45.5%) of babies were born at 40 weeks gestation. Only 1.7% of babies were born at 36 weeks, these babies were twins.

Benefits of Reflexology in Pregnancy
Reflexology can help with all the major and minor symptoms of pregnancy. Moreover, Dr Motha and her team also find Reflexology a useful technique in identifying areas of the mother's body that requires additional attention and that may benefit from another treatment, such as Creative Healing or Bowen therapy. Dr Motha has researched Reflexology in pregnancy; the main results of this study are shown below; these results were presented at the First European Conference on Reflexology in 1994 Research on Reflexology in Pregnancy and on labour outcomes Dr. Gowri Motha, Ms Zia Rowji and Dr. Jane McGrath.
In 1992-93 Reflexology was offered free of cost to 64 pregnant women from 20 weeks of pregnancy to term, in Forest Gate, London. Thirty-seven completed the set course of 10 treatments.
The remaining group found that Reflexology helped with the following presenting problems:
Musculo-skeletal
24.3%
Cystitis
5.4%
Heartburn
18.9%
Insomnia
5.4%
Oedema
16.2%
Irritable uterus
5.4%
Hypertension
13.5%
Migraine
5.4%
Social Stress
10.8%
No problems
5.4%
Immunological Stress
8.1 %
Nose bleeds
2.7%

It was discovered that the effects of Reflexology on labour outcomes were outstanding. Some had labour times of only 2 hours, some 3 hours. The 20‑25 year olds had an average time of first stage labour of 5 or 6 hours, as did the first time mothers (text book average is 16-24 hours). Second time mothers, 
26‑30 year olds, seemed to have longer labours (and may have fallen into the group experiencing more social stress). The second stage of labour lasted an average of 16 minutes (compared to the text book expectancy of 1-2 hours). In this small study it was found that there was very little difference between the labour times of 30 year olds and 40 year olds, even though many of the 
40-year-olds were first time mothers – (who had 2‑3 hour labours).
Outcomes for mothers receiving reflexology in the study
Normal Deliveries
89.0%
Inductions
5.4%
Forceps
2.7%
Selective C/Section
2.7%
Emergency C/Section
5.4%
Immunological Stress
8.1 %
(13.0% in Newham District)
In a separate study in an antenatal clinic, Dr. Motha had found that weekly Reflexology treatments of between 30 to 45 minutes normalised hypertension avoiding the usual hospital admittance for 48 hours rest and observation.
Other benefits of Reflexology in Pregnancy include:
  • Provides a sense of well-being and helps prevent problems from starting.
  • Reduces swelling in feet and ankles
  • Relieves tired, aching feet
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Aids digestion
  • Creates a sense of well-being for the foetus
  • The mother feels supported mentally, physically and emotionally 
  • throughout pregnancy.
  • Reflexology during labour can intensify contractions and shortens labour 
  • as a result.
When should I have Reiki in Pregnancy?
Reiki can be received at any time during pregnancy - it only ever does good. In early pregnancy it is appropriate to offer a subtle treatment such as Reiki until the early foetus implants deeply. Often mothers in early pregnancy find the stillness that is induced during a Reiki session helps them to come to terms with the emotional time of early pregnancy.As Reiki is a very calming, relaxing therapy it is particularly beneficial when clients have an emotional upset. The aim of the Gentle Birth Method is to make expectant mothers BIRTHFIT (over and above being medically normal)

Creative Healing Massage was introduced into the programme as a result of the obvious need for the lower back, sacrum and coccyx (together with the muscles associated with those areas) to be extremely mobile and free from congestion to facilitate a gentle birth. 

Therefore, throughout pregnancy, Creative Healing treatments focus a lot on the spine, pelvic area, sciatic areas and sacrum, because the health and mobility of these areas are directly related to the birthing process. However, as birth is a 
function of the whole body the Jeyarani schedule of Creative Healing has been developed to align the energy flows in every system of the body. Therefore, Creative Healing treatments for the heart, liver, lungs, pancreas and gut are included at relevant times during the pregnancy.Creative Healing treatments 
used during pregnancy include:


  • General Treatment (Lymphatic drainage): The most important aspect of Creative Healing is general lymphatic drainage. This is done on the upper back, middle back and sacrum and is offered throughout pregnancy. Especially important is Pelvic lymphatic drainage, which drains excessive tissue away from the central part of the pelvis and increases the space within the pelvic area, thereby making more room available for the baby’s head to fit into the middle of the pelvis for birth. Abdominal Toning: Good for digestion and assimilation of food - vitally important to maintain the health of the mother and baby. 
  • Pancreatic treatment: Excellent for improving digestive function. As well as insulin the pancreas secretes important enzymes to complete the digestion of food. The symptoms of pregnancy associated with the digestive system such as nausea, heartburn, abdominal bloating and constipation improve after a pancreatic treatment. Note: In our programme the pancreas is specifically treated between 32 - 36 weeks to prevent gestational diabetes from developing as the placental hormones might suppress maternal insulin response around this time.
  • Liver: Helpful in stopping nausea and vomiting. These symptoms seem to relate to high levels of circulating tissue toxins that clog up the liver and slow down its detoxification mechanism - a liver treatment can clear these symptoms.
  • Heart Treatment: Given in early pregnancy (to help it cope with the mother’s increase in circulatory blood volume) and before delivery (as the cardiac muscle will have to work quite hard during the birth process). The heart treatment also helps to calm any anxieties and fears that a pregnant mother may have.
  • Hiatus hernia: Helps reduce the feeling of nausea during pregnancy.
  • Back and spine treatment: Helps alleviate backache and helps the whole function of the body. May include the neck treatment, if needed.
  • Thyroid treatment: Helps increase the mother’s energy.
  • Kidney treatment: The kidneys excrete excessive tissue fluids so it is important that they function well.
  • Spleen treatment: Helps immunity.
  • Sacrum drainage and sacro-iliac treatment– Decongests the pelvis and loosens the sacro-iliac joints ensuring that the sacrum is able to move and mould as the baby drops down. This greatly reduces the second stage of labour (the pushing time).– Treats constipation
  • Sciatic treatment – Treats the classic symptoms of sciatica.
  • Pancreatic treatment: Excellent for improving digestive function. As well as insulin the pancreas secretes important enzymes to complete the digestion of food. The symptoms of pregnancy associated with the digestive system such as nausea, heartburn, abdominal bloating and constipation improve after a pancreatic treatment. Note: In our programme the pancreas is specifically treated between 32 - 36 weeks to prevent gestational diabetes from developing as the placental hormones might suppress maternal insulin response around this time.
  • Liver: Helpful in stopping nausea and vomiting. These symptoms seem to relate to high levels of circulating tissue toxins that clog up the liver and slow down its detoxification mechanism - a liver treatment can clear these symptoms.
  • Heart Treatment: Given in early pregnancy (to help it cope with the mother’s increase in circulatory blood volume) and before delivery (as the cardiac muscle will have to work quite hard during the birth process). The heart treatment also helps to calm any anxieties and fears that a pregnant mother may have.
  • Hiatus hernia: Helps reduce the feeling of nausea during pregnancy.
  • Back and spine treatment: Helps alleviate backache and helps the whole function of the body. May include the neck treatment, if needed.
  • Thyroid treatment: Helps increase the mother’s energy.
  • Kidney treatment: The kidneys excrete excessive tissue fluids so it is important that they function well.
  • Spleen treatment: Helps immunity.
  • Sacrum drainage and sacro-iliac treatment
– Decongests the pelvis and loosens the sacro-iliac joints ensuring that the sacrum is able to move and mould as the baby drops down. This greatly reduces the second stage of labour (the pushing time).
– Treats constipation
  • Sciatic treatment – Treats the classic symptoms of sciatica.
Note: It is possible for your partner (or a friend or local therapist) to do some of these Creative Healing treatments on you at home. Details on how to do them can be found in our book, The Gentle Birth Method – month by month programme, and they are also available in DVD format.
Exercise & Yoga
Remember, your labour may go on for a few hours – the fitter you are physically, the easier you will be able to sustain your energy levels and so have a better birth experience.
Yoga. Gowri highly recommends yoga during pregnancy; however, it is generally not recommended in the first three months. Slowly introduce it between 14 – 16 weeks of pregnancy and then do at least 20 minutes, daily. Please don’t worry; you do not have to be a gymnast, or contortionist to do yoga. Yoga is good to increase muscular strength and flexibility – which is just what you need when you are getting into your delivery positions!
Walking is a great form of exercise, walk briskly for 30 minutes daily.
Swimming, (preferably in a non-chlorinated pool, such as an ozone-treated pool) once or twice a week. Swimming increases stamina, relaxes the mind, improves circulation, and increases endorphins - the feel-good factor. As well as this, in the water you are a third of your body weight, therefore you will find that you are more mobile and can achieve a greater range of movements of the upper and lower limbs. Swimming also helps you to control your weight gain – it not only burns calories through increasing your fitness level but, when in the water, your body automatically has to heat up your skin so you are burning even more calories – helping you to maintain a trim figure throughout pregnancy. Remember the fitter you are the more enjoyable your birth will be, so build up your stamina over the weeks to your own 'Olympic' standard.
In order that you have an optimum sized baby for your pelvis size, it is important that you don’t overeat during pregnancy. Moreover, the type of foods that you eat can affect the degree to which your pelvis is congested; which then has an impact on the ease of giving birth. These nutritional guidelines have been developed with these factors in mind.
There are 2 types of oil that we recommend that you use:
Pregnancy & Anti-stretch Mark Oil (Choice of the Ayurvedic or Aromatherapy blend)
Perineal & Vaginal Oil, which you should use from 36 weeks. (Dr Motha also recommends that mothers perform a special stretching technique in these last few weeks of pregnancy
OILS AND STRETCHING TECHNIQUE
Pregnancy & Anti-stretch mark Oil.
This oil is to be used from week 20. It should be applied daily over the abdomen, breasts, waist, hips and buttocks. This oil prevents the development of stretch marks. It is absorbed and helps the elasticity of the underlying tissues. It is also, anti-inflammatory and helps to relieve the aches and pains caused by the stretching of the lower back muscles and pelvic ligaments.
We sell two formulations:
Perineal and Vaginal Oil
To be used from 36 weeks to birth. This oil helps to aid the birth by helping the perineum to expand smoothly during birth. Many mothers have reported back that using the oil has helped them to have intact perineum after giving birth.
Stretching technique
After 36 weeks of pregnancy Dr Motha also recommends that mothers perform a specially devised massage that helps soften and stretch the lower vaginal tissues ready for birthing. It also shortens the pushing stage and reduces vaginal and perineal trauma. Dr Motha can teach this technique to you as it is described fully in the book, The Gentle Birth Method – month by month programme.

HOMEOPHATIC TISSUE SALT PROGRAMME
During pregnancy the baby requires certain salts, which it gets at the expense of the mother. This programme helps to make good any maternal salt deficiencies and help the baby with its salt requirement.
Remedies: (6c potency)
Calc. Fluor. – for bone development and elasticity of connective tissue (helps prevent stretch marks)
Mag. Phos. – for hearburn and nerve development
Ferr. Phos. – for blood oxygenation
Nat. Mur. – helps control salt, and therefore fluid balance, and helps prevent swollen ankles.
Silica – for teeth, bones, hear and general strength.
The Jeyarani Homeopathic Tissue Salts are especially formulated into one tablet – so you just need to take one, of the specified remedy for that month of pregnancy, twice a day.


Please see The Gentle Birth Method Book– month by month programme.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Heal Your Life 2 Day Workshop 2016

2018- Heal Your Life 2 Day Workshop

-28th and 29th April - join us for this amazing 2 day workshop in 4 Adelaide St, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin





"I do not fix problems, I fix my thinking and then the problems fix themselves" - Louise Hay

Ring Loretta on 087 - 1267 427 for more details or email info@nurturetherapies.ie

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Heal Your Life Coaching

Do any of these questions apply to YOUR life?

  • Do you find yourself often worrying about the future?
  • Are you unhappy with your job or career?
  • Do you feel frustrated with the things you have to do rather
    than being able to do things you choose to do?
  • Do you have goals you haven’t been able to achieve?
  • Is your life out of balance?
  • Do you experience a number of stress symptoms?
  • Would you like to develop more effective skills and habits to help you achieve your goals?
  • Do you feel like something is missing in your life?
  • Do you have a sense of your life purpose?
  • Are you lacking as much joy as you used to have?
  • Do you need help deciding what you want to be when you grow up?
  • Do you want to achieve greater self-acceptance?
  • Do you ever feel there is something holding you back from success?
  • Do you want to create a healthier lifestyle

Loretta is now available for one to one Heal Your Life Coaching.

Heal Your Life® Coaches can help you improve EVERY area of life - relationships, health, financial well-being, business success, spiritual growth, and overall living life more full.

We promote the development of inner skills like meditation, visualization, and affirmations, more than other coaching programs. While the Law of Attraction concept is a part of many coaching programs these days, Louise Hay's work has always included this concept.

If you are ready for change call Loretta now on 087-1267 427 or email info@nurturetherapies.ie to book an appointment.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

New* Natural Face Lift Massage - Facial Rejuvenation

NEW *Natural Face Lift Massage - Facial Rejuvenation

Now available with Loretta at Nurture Therapies

(Created originally by Nahendra Mehta & Kundan Mehta www.faceliftmassage.com)

This massage may provide one or more of the following benefits:

*Lessens wrinkles and habitual expression lines

*Releases tension in surrounding muscles

*Reduces under-eye bags and puffiness

*Tones and firms facial muscles

*Tightens facial contours

*Increases elasticity

*Improves skin tone

*Softens the skin

*Refines pores

*Enhances supply of nutrients to skin cells

*Promotes better blood and lymphatic circulation

*Frees constrictions in connective tissue and facial muscles

*Encourages connective tissue to glide more smoothly

*Increases elimination of toxins

*Balances the body’s subtle energy

*Generates a glowing look for days

*Creates brighter and more alert eyes

*Encourages innate beauty, confidence and radiance

*Promotes a relaxed, more mobile and youthful experiences

*Relieves stress-related symptoms such as headaches, eyestrain and insomnia

For any long-term results a series of treatments is recommended (alongside healthy eating, drinking lots of water, regular exercise, daily skin care and facial exercises recommended by Loretta).

Book Now on 087- 1267 427 / info@nurturetherapies.ie with Loretta Whelan

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Visualisations Basic Guidelines



I hope all is well in your world.

Whatever you think about most often expands in your life. So if you are constantly worried about not having enough money, you will get more life experiences of not having enough money. Focusing on opportunities to make money will get you a thousand times further than worrying about the lack of it.

Visualization is more than just positive thinking. It's about putting your mind and body in the ideal place first, and then flooding your subconscious with a colourful experience of life as you want it.The more relaxed you are, the more open your subconscious is to receive the messages you want to send it. And the more senses that you involve in your Visualization, the more of an impact it will have.

Let's say that you wanted to buy a new car. The meaning of a "new car" is too vague a term. What kind of new car do you want?

You need to be absolutely specific. So you don't just want a new car. You may feel you only want a red ferrari for example but incase the Universe decides it's not the best car for you Affirm for a red ferrari or something better as in that way you won't be disappointed. You want a brand new red (or any colour) 2011 (car of your choice) with cream interior and a 360 horsepower engine. And once you have that decided, you're going to Visualize it. You are going to see yourself walking up to it. You are going to feel how smooth and perfect the outer body feels. You are going to get inside of the car, and smell the leather. You get the point.

Here's another important characteristic of the subconscious mind: it can't tell the difference between your outer world and your imagination. Meaning that if you visualize an event like a party or wedding in great detail and with a lot of emotion, your subconscious mind will believe that it's really happening. And the more times you practice Visualization properly, the more "real" it will seem to your subconscious.

This is key because once it believes your visualization to be a fact, it will then be of assistance by sending you ideas, opportunities and motivation to transform your outer world.

Action Steps for Visualization:
1: Decide on what desire or goal you want to visualize.

2: Lay or sit down in a comfortable position. You can have easy listening music playing or pure stillness in a quiet place

3: Take a deep breath, hold it for a count of three, and as you exhale, say the number 10 to yourself. Take another breath, hold it for a count of three, and as you exhale, say the number 9 to yourself. Repeat this until you get to zero.

4: Now visualize your goal. Don't view it from the third person. Put yourself there. Use all of your senses. Experience in vivid clear detail how this goal looks, feels, tastes, sounds and smells like. The more specifics you can add, the stronger the effect. You will know that you are doing it correctly when you start to feel excited. This is caused because your subconscious mind honestly thinks that this event is happening. It causes you to feel joy.

5: Once you have visualized as many details about the goal as you have the time for, usually about fifteen minutes, you can start to come back to full awareness. Remember to ground yourself. Imagine roots growing down from the soles of your feet and stamp your feet to bring you right back down into your body. You will feel energized and refreshed. Take a deep breath, hold it for a count of three, and as you exhale, say the number zero to yourself. Continue this process until you get back to ten. Hold your breath once more, and this time as you exhale, say the following phrase out loud: "I am now fully awake, energized and refreshed and I love myself.

Perform the Visualization once daily, usually sometime in the middle of the day. We all lead very busy lives and sometimes scheduling in this exercise takes some skill. Be creative because you can do this almost anywhere.

"I see with love and joy"

Many thanks and best wishes, Loretta x
(Adapted from Greg Frost)



Friday, January 7, 2011

Reiki

Reiki is a healing practice used to promote balance & energy throughout the whole system. Reikidoes not involve physical manipulation or the ingestion or application of any substances, but works with the subtle vibrational field known to surround the body. Hands are held over and on the body in various energy centres known as chakra's & replenish these areas on many levels with clearing positive healing energy. If can help relieve depression, illness, addictions, stress & promotes balance & a deep feeling of peace & calmness. Reiki is also a tool for personal growth.


A Reiki practitioner has been attuned to the healing energy field that surrounds us in the Universe. They are a channel for this healing energy to enter the client's body and increase the flow of positive energy. This stimulates and activates their energy system and through these gentle non-intrusive techniques the healing begins. Reiki can be given seated or on a plinth where the client lies down with their eyes closed. The client remains fully dressed and is covered with a blanket for warmth and comfort. The Reiki practitioner will then place her hands on to the client with the intent of transmitting the healing energy of the Universe to the client. Generally they will feels a warm / cold tingling sensation in the palms of the hands. The client receiving Reiki will acquire a sense of inner tranquility, deep relaxation, sometimes a meditative state, some fall asleep and they may also feel some heat flowing through their body. Hand positions used are on / above the client's head, over the eyes, shoulders, limbs and trunk. Reiki energy will flow to the area of the mind or body that needs this energy most. Some clients have found that during a Reiki session they have received insights into issues that they were facing in their lives. Others have found alleviation of physical symptoms.

Book a Reiki session with Loretta at Nurture Therapies on 087-1267 427