Yes, health is a simple concept based on good body structure and functioning, good food and nutrition, good breathing and oxygenation and a good mind-set able to respond well to the environment and community. It is also incredibly complex since each of those four factors affect each other, and all are affected by the environment and community.

The debate begins when we try to agree on what constitutes good body, good food, good breathing and good mind.

This is my attempt to offer a definition for each of these pillars of health:

Good Body:
As I was trained as an osteopath my definition stems from that discipline; the body structure is not unlike any machine made by man in that its normal functioning requires the entire structure to be aligned and connected as it was designed to be, and that it functions in the way it was designed to function. How that design evolved or was conceived I leave to greater brains than mine, but I do accept our body is beautifully and perfectly designed for living. Thus, it does matter if one vertebra is slightly out of alignment, or a muscle group is too tense, or a nerve is irritated and it is the task of any physical therapist to try to restore it to normal.
The old adage of osteopathy is “ Structure governs function” and “Function governs structure”.
To understand some of these body/health connections visit: www.thebodyconnection.co.uk.

Good Food:
Now this is far more difficult a subject for agreeing a definition. It is perhaps one of the best examples of how we have confused and bewildered the public with the un-ending opinions of good diet. When opinion rules against observation of facts then we are in trouble. For this reason I decided I would not offer advice to patients on diet for over thirty years in practice. It was only when I discovered an approach to diet that was based on the largest epidemiological research study ever done in the study of diet and health, with over fifty years of additional research with laboratory work and international comparisons, that I introduced dietary advice into my practice. The work I refer to is “The China Study” that is now used by 12,000 doctors in the USA as the basis for patient nutritional advice, where possible using dietary changes rather than drugs to treat any health problem. Its simplicity was also one of the reasons I embraced its concept. It is a diet based on Whole Plant Nutrition. It is not a Vegan or Vegetarian Diet, those diets are significantly different but have many common elements. Generally no supplements are needed if the diet is well balanced but in certain individuals a B12 or Vitamin D supplement may be advised. The range of foods includes all whole, unprocessed vegetables, fruits, grains, pulses, nuts and seeds with no dairy, meat or fish or refined or processed foods such as oils. To gain a fuller understanding of the Whole Plant Nutrition visit: www.thefoodconnection.org.uk

Good Breathing:
This is relatively easy to define, as there are generally accepted physiological measures that define normal breathing. Although our breathing changes considerably depending on our activity, at rest we should be breathing approximately five to six litres of air per minute and taking ten to twelve breaths per minute. Our End-tidal CO2 should be about 35 to 45 mmHg or 5 to 6% in our exhaled air. With such a breathing rate at rest our cellular oxygenation is optimal. From past published medical measures, our breathing has changed over the last decades as chronic hidden hyperventilation has become the norm with many people breathing up 20 breaths per minute and 10 to 15 litres of air per minute. For further information on the breath/health connections visit: www.thebreathconnection.com

Good Mind:
This is another difficult concept to define. We may all recognise a good mind in action; calm, speedy responses to any situation arising, free of stress, flexible and fully alert, able to easily cope with everyday demands and showing a confident easy relationship to others. A mind that is contented, yet always seeking new challenges to improve itself. There is a vast amount of information on the mind/health connection, a valuable book to read deals with the “Plastic Brain” and entitled “The Brain’s Way of Healing” by Norman Doidge or visit: www.themindconnection.co.uk for more information.

Summary:
The complex aspect of the above is that each one of these factors influences all the others. Also they in turn they are all influenced by the community and environment.

Our body structure is derived from the nutrition we take in, how we feel affects our posture, our breathing is affected by our respiratory system. Our breathing appears to change the way we eat and vice versa, our mind state has a profound impact on our breathing and vice versa. Change any one of these four factors and all the others change. There are a series of complex feedback loops.

Despite these complex interactions, by simply improving all four components of health there will be a overall improvement in health. This is the simple approach.

The situation is different when treating a specific disease, here other medical interventions may be necessary to complement the health promoting approach above. I have often thought of Modern Medicine as Complementary Medicine, a total reversal of current thinking. This view is based on the belief that we should all be more responsible for our own health and that there should be more health promotion education that includes the four pillars of health above. This education should be for young children, parents, the general public and in particular for doctors and health workers in the NHS, as it is only to be expected that the public will go to their doctor for any advice on health matters. Presently most doctors are ill prepared to offer such advice because it is not part of their training and they are usually already overburdened dealing with sick patients who demand “quick fixes” from them. This is the end result of a health service that has been dominated by pathology, in reality we have in the UK an excellent National Sickness Service but a underfunded Health Service.

Michael Lingard BSc. DO. BBEC. WPNut.Cert.

totalhealthmatters.co.uk

01580 752852

The post The fundamentals of a healthy life appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

We may think that the effect of our emotions occur only in our brain, however research has shown that the effects go way beyond the brain to the heart and the rest of the body. The heart has its own nervous system which sends out more signals to the brain than the brain does to the heart. In the body, the heart generates an electro magnetic field which is 60 times greater than that of the brain. The heart magnetic fields can be picked up by magnetometers several feet from the body. This may account for why we can sometimes sense things before we realise they are there.

Different emotions create different heart rhythms – emotions such as anger, hatred, fear, and insecurity create irregular patterns and the opposite, happy, confident, feeling safe, create smooth rhythms. So if life is telling us we are not safe the heart sends the irregular messages to the brain which then tell the body to go into a fight or flight mode for our survival i.e. a stress response. For our general good health and wellbeing we need to find ways of releasing stress responses.

Breathing can create smooth regular heart rhythms which in turn allow the body to come out of the fight or flight mode. Sometimes we don’t know that we may be holding our breath – quite often in a stressful situation. It is a good idea to get used to breathing as an exercise. Breathe in to a count of 5 and out to 5, repeat a few times. Placing your hand on your chest (over the heart) can assist you to tune in.

Ann Rambaut, Chartered Physiotherapist, specialises in connecting Body and Mind. If you’d like to know more please contact her without obligation.
01323 411900 or 07436 810181
annrambaut.com

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Relaxation is a way that the body can counteract the effects of stress, in that the body’s response to relaxation is almost the exact opposite to that of stress. Overall the mind and body respond favourably to relaxation – it lowers the blood pressure, creates an anti-inflammatory response in the body thereby reducing aches and pains. When relaxed we often see things more clearly, finding it easier to navigate life’s ups and downs.

One of the worst things to be told is to relax at a time when the mind and body do not feel safe to do so. Putting effort into ‘trying’ to relax can create its’ own stress. Certain forms of relaxation may not be relaxing, although it is probably more about what you choose to do to relax and how you feel about doing it.

Research has shown that a group of highly stressed individuals did not relax very well when using television and video games to de-stress. However the same research found those individuals felt guilty and ashamed for using that form of activity to unwind.

What are the best ways to relax? The method you choose should be one that you enjoy, that you can allow yourself to do without creating any negative feelings around doing it. For instance; an activity that requires a financial outlay that you cannot afford; one you choose because you feel you ought to, or you have been doing a particular activity for a while and it no longer inspires you. Relaxation can be as simple as going out for a walk or sitting down on your own and practicing deep breathing. Maybe you have a hobby that relaxes you. Whatever you choose, you may have to retrain yourself to relax.

‘The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it’ – food for thought, in the words of Sidney J Harris

Ann Rambaut, a Chartered Physiotherapist and a Mind Body Coach, is always happy to chat with you about your particular situation without obligation to find out if any of her modalities could help you. If you wish to contact Ann please call on 01323 411900 or mobile 07436 810181.
annrambaut.com

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There are many quotes from philosophers to suggest that we are what we think and feel. Modern research is showing that these quotes may have some factual basis.

Neurotransmitters are the group of chemicals that carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body via the nervous system. Looking beyond the nervous system these same chemicals are also found in various organs of the body such as the heart, intestines, kidneys. The neurotransmitters send messages to and from the brain, creating a response to every thought, feeling and emotion we have. The responses (such as change in blood pressure, body temperature, cell chemistry) are minuscule and therefore we are unaware of them. The human brain changes its’ thoughts into thousands of chemicals every second. For example: if an event makes you feel angry it will create a response similar to a stress response. Anger causes adrenaline to be released which then stimulates the neurotransmitters to create the raises in blood pressure, for example.

Often as adults we suppress what we feel and the anger response becomes almost buried in our bodies. A classic response to anger is the clenched jaw; we may even be unaware we are clenching the jaw until we develop pain in it.

As you can see the body-mind connection is profound; the body responds to protect the mind and the mind is there to protect the body. Like most pain responses, be they emotional or physical they can be eased by body and/or mind therapies. Do you think your thoughts, feelings and emotions are holding you back from a life you wish for – one without pain. be it emotional and/or physical?

Ann Rambaut is a Chartered Physiotherapist and a Life Transformed coach. Using these body and mind skills either separately or in combination she can help bring about profound changes not only in your body though also to assist you in moving forward with your life.

If you would like to chat with Ann to find out how her therapies may help with your current situation, please call, with no obligation, on 01323 411900 or 07436 810181 annrambaut.com

The post The body-mind connection is profound! appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Pain is defined as an unpleasant feeling in our body that makes us want to stop and change our behaviour. Pain can be triggered, or turned up by anything that tells the brain that the body is in danger and needs protecting. Emotional pain is created through feelings, and can aggravate already existing pain. Emotional pain can also create physical pain.

Emotional pain is usually brought about by a change or unease in our environment. It, too, is there to protect you. Often the emotions are there for a while before we experience physical symptoms. It has been shown that cell chemistry alters in response to emotion, and gradually there are noticeable physical changes in the body. Emotional pain is a signal that we need to change how we are responding to the environment. Often we may wish to run away or bury the pain, though this may not be the way to go and as we know it’s usually a temporary solution.

Having graduated as a Life Transformational Coach, Ann Rambaut has been integrating her substantial skills as a Chartered Physiotherapist with her coaching skills. Ann facilitates the connection between mind and body. Her hands-on skills enable her to combine direct treatment of physical pain with insightful questioning in order to assist in relieving emotional pain. The hands-on techniques are all light touch and the questioning will gently lead you to explore places which will ease your emotional pain. You’ll never experience more than you can handle, as each treatment is lead by your body and yourself. Effects can be profound and bring you to a state of ease and freedom that you may not have felt for a long time.

Each Body Mind session costs £50 and Ann is offering the discounted price of £40 for the first session. She is also offering subsequent packages which would offer further savings. For more information or if you wish to discuss sessions please contact Ann on 01323 411900 or 07436 810181

Ann Rambaut
annrambaut.com

The post Body mind connection appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

On reading the title what thoughts and feelings sprang up for you? Your relationship with your body is one of the most important relationships you’ll have; after all it is a relationship for life. Like all relationships it changes and evolves, sometimes not in ways to our liking.

We may feel we have to control it and discipline it into not doing what it’s doing. What if your body can be your greatest protector, your most useful advisor? The body’s most primal urges such as eating when your hungry, sleeping when you need it, are very difficult to override. It is possible for awhile though this creates huge stresses in your body. The body starts complaining and almost goes into overdrive as its’ very survival is threatened. Example being, it doesn’t know that you may be intentionally restricting food intake in order to lose some weight. After a time of what the body perceives as famine, the body’s drive to eat and put on weight becomes paramount. Of course that scenario is an over simplification, however it illustrates well the essence of the body being your greatest protector.

Apart from your basic physical requirements your body functions best if your thoughts feelings and emotional needs are met too. If you are not happy with your living or working situation, over time you begin to feel you don’t have any energy, and become demotivated, then you develop aches and pains which become more and more pronounced. Your body is saying ‘please listen to me – you don’t really want to be like this every day and I am trying to protect you by slowing you down’. What will it take for you to change things to make you feel better?

What if you could have a Conversation with Your Body which would enable you to awaken your desire to live life to its fullest? Ann Rambaut is running a series of five evening workshops over as many weeks covering topics such as pain, stress, ageing, sleep, bodyweight and more.

The introductory class is free. Each subsequent workshop will be a stand alone class at £15 per class, however progress is enhanced by participating in all four subsequent classes. A discount will be given when all the four other workshops are booked at the Introductory session, where the offer is £50 for all four (a saving of £10 overall).

Course dates:

Wednesday 21st September – Introduction

Wednesday 28th September
Wednesday 5th October
Wednesday 12th October
Wednesday 19th October

7pm – 8.30pm

All evenings to be held at The Therapy Centre, 3 Hurst Road, Eastbourne, BN21 2PJ

Please visit www.annrambaut.com or contact Ann directly if you wish to find out more.
aepr291 @gmail.com
07436 810181
01323 411900

The post Your body – your lifelong friend! appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Do you talk to yourself or have a lot of mind-chatter going on? How much of that talk is berating yourself or your body? Would you ever consider asking your body about the information it’s giving you? Would you ever ask your body what it wants to eat knowing that you can trust what it’s telling you? Would you like to be able to listen to and trust what your body is already telling you, and interpret those gut feelings for example?

The effects of our thoughts, feelings, and emotions on our bodies, and how they create changes in cell chemistry, has been well documented over the years. We have 37.2 trillion cells in our body – goodness knows how that’s been calculated! Amplify the effect of those thoughts, feelings and emotions by 37 trillion and maybe you can sense what an impact they can have on your body.

Would you like to awaken your desire to live life to the fullest? Discover what’s holding you back? Perhaps you don’t believe it’s possible to live a more fulfilling life, particularly if you’re experiencing health issues such as pain, anxiety, or general loss of wellbeing.

Ann Rambaut will be presenting a ground breaking series of classes entitled Conversations with Your Body. The series will inspire people to move forward in life in a positive, joyful way, by providing useful, fun and easy to use tools to integrate into everyday life. Using these tools you will be able to ‘chat with your body’.

After the introductory class, each class will cover specific topics such as pain in the body, stress and anxiety, general wellbeing, ageing. The final class will offer an opportunity to ask questions and go over the tools given previously. Class format will be relaxed, interactive and above all light hearted.

The introductory class will be held during the last week in September (class dates, programme and venue are still to be confirmed). Interested participants will be given the option to purchase all classes in a package or only selected classes as desired. More information will follow in the next issue of Wellbeing Magazine, and Ann will be offering a discount to Wellbeing readers if you bring the magazine – Jul/Aug or Sept/Oct issues, or mention these online articles.

If you’d like to know more, please contact Ann Rambaut on 01323 411900 or 07436 810181. Class information is not yet on the website, however the other services Ann has to offer as a chartered physiotherapist are.

The post Relief from stress and anxiety appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.