Look after yourself naturally during the summer holiday season

summer-fun-list


Aromatherapy applications for the summer

Summer is almost at its peak and with holidays fast approaching, here are some holistic tips for you!

Some of the typical summer complaints include overexposure to the sun, sweating, heat rash, sunburn, bee stings, bug bites, allergies and tiredness.

Although many of us are well aware of the above and take protective measures, it’s always good to remind ourselves about prevention and symptoms, especially when hot and sunny days can take us by surprise in the UK!



What can you do when you’ve spent too much time in the sun?

 

Sunburn

 

Nature-Republic-Soothing-Moisture-Aloe-Vera-Soothing-Gel-2Try aloe vera gel as it has a cooling effect,  it’s readily absorbed

and leaves a very light  residue that will continue to soothe the

skin.

 

 

Or use pure coconut oil which again has a cooling effcoconut-oilect, is rich

in minerals and will effectively hydrate the skin and is useful

for dry and brittle hair.


Insect bites and stings

 

Spritzes or sprays can provide immediate relief from stings and insect bites, and also can help you to cool down on hot days. Essential oils can be added to purified water. If you don’t know much about essential oils, find a qualified aromatherapist who can easily prepare natural spritzes and sprays for you and your individual needs.
Or if you don’t have time to contact an aromatherapist, a great alternative is a hydrosol which can be used on its own and which has its own therapeutic properties. For example, peppermint and spearmint hydrosols have cooling effects. However, use with caution in case you suffer with any allergies or skin sensitivities. Always check the product labels.


 

Essential oils which can be applied to the skin

(used topically) in small amounts:

 

oil bottles

  • Lavender essential oil is considered effective on bee/wasp stings. It is one of the most versatile oils in Aromatherapy. It is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising.

*Caution: avoid using lavender essential oil if you suffer with clinical low blood pressure or take medication for hypotension, or during pregnancy.

 

  • Tea tree essential oil is considered effective for insect bites, and has been used as a local antiseptic for cuts and abrasions, fungal feet infections like athlete’s foot or infections of the nail (onychomycosis) – use cotton buds when applying to the affected area to prevent spreading any infection.

  * Caution: Tea tree is generally safe, though can irritate the skin in some cases, especially when applied neat.

 


 

 

Travel / motion sickness – Traveling by car, train, boat or

airplane this summer?

 

 

travel sicknessIf you or your loved ones suffer with motion,
travel sickness, one of the simple ways to
alleviate your symptoms is to put a drop of
one of the following essential oils on a tissue
and inhale when needed.

Excellent essential oils to use are ginger,
peppermint, pink grapefruit, and orange.

 

Keep these tips in mind, as well as staying well hydrated

as you enjoy your summer!

 

 

Katie Pomklova is a qualified Aromatherapist, Reflexologist and Massage Therapist, delivering therapies and relevant advice to clients with common ailments and general health issues, as well as specialising in supporting people diagnosed with cancer during and after their conventional treatments.

 

To book your appointment with Katie at the Stepping Stones Clinic, contact Katie directly at katie@goodenergytherapies.co.uk or on 0798 421 7666.

"Acupuncture during pregnancy was amazing… each trimester is a different… during the first I needed energy and help with the sickness, during the second I had a rash, during the third I was suffering from pelvic problems and insomnia and the extra weight... the personal, friendly and detailed individual approach was so beneficial to me. I feel like it paid a huge part in my well-being over the 9 months… thank you, Amelia.”

Kelly

I had been suffering from a severe and unexplained break out of hives for over two weeks, when a friend recommended Stepping Stones to me. The hives had been so bad that they covered my face and body and I had been back and forth to the doctors with no luck; none of the medication they gave me worked and it was getting worse. When I came to Stepping Stones I had never had acupuncture before and didn't know what to expect. But the space was clean and relaxing and Amelia was very kind and welcoming and put me at ease straight away. After just one session at the multi-bed clinic the hives went down 50% by the following day, and then continued to consistently fade away over the next two days. I then had one more session, and the following day they were completely gone! I feel so happy and grateful to have found Stepping Stones and would definitely recommend it to anyone. Thanks so much Amelia.

Molly

I came to Stepping Stones after a long period of sleeplessness and general fatigue. After one session I already feel significantly energised and rejuvenated - my skin is glowing and I have slept better than I have in weeks! The clinic is serene and comfortable and the perfect place to enjoy treatment. I would highly recommend incorportating acupuncture at Stepping Stones into any plan to live a happy and healthy life

CA, London

I just wanted to say a big thank you to all for the treatment (and warm welcomes and cups of tea) you've given me over the last few months.

I think that as is the case with many symptoms unease, brought about due to imbalances in the body, the signs and symptoms appear gradually and over a period of time, and likewise do not just tend disappear over night. Having said that I feel that the course of acupuncture I've received has been of great benefit, and there are subtle improvements and changes in my general wellbeing which I can say the treatment, at the very least, played some part in bringing about.

M, London

I was first attracted to the Stepping Stones project when my husband found the card in the church. The very cleverly designed card was telling me of affordable acupuncture, with the added bonus of being very near to my home. When I first phoned for an appointment I felt encouraged by the friendly voice of Amelia.

On my first visit Stacey interviewed me most sympathetically, I immediately felt safe. Although the space is rather small they create a comfortable atmosphere, the room is warm and privacy is always maintained with the use of towels and screens.

I have had many treatments, they are always helpful, and it is so nice to be able to complain about pain knowing they will be understanding and can offer relief. Once the needles are in place, privacy and comfort is ensured, the wonderful warming lamp and the quiet allows for deep relaxation.

I am happy to recommend Stepping Stones to anyone, I have already informed several friends.

Pat, De Beauvoir

I’d thought about acupuncture before, but had never been able to afford it. My experience here has been very positive – it’s inclusive and relaxed. The treatments are enjoyable and, over time, the process has made a definite difference in my life. The diet and lifestyle advice, which goes with the acupuncture itself, would also have been unavailable elsewhere, and support with my nutrition in particular has been really good in helping me make changes beyond the treatments.

D, 28 London