Dec 06 - TLC IN A COLUMN

Season's Greetings friends & neighbours,

Much as I love the buzz of summer, I also love this time of year; burning woodsmoke, thick warming winter soups, mulled wine, & wild, windy walks on the beach & cliffs.



However, it can literally be a pain for some folk who suffer with poor circulation & really feel the cold. It can be very painful, especially for those who suffer with Raynaud's Syndrome, where arteries contract suddenly & turn fingers & toes blue…..and as circulation returns it can result in a throbbing & uncomfortable pain.

So whether your circulation is a bit sluggish, or whether you need a super boost, here are some top tips to help keep you & your loved ones toasty over Christmas.

1. Drink herbal infusions instead of drinking tea or coffee. Try ginger, rosemary, black pepper, garlic, blackberry leaf or gingko. Sweeten it with a little honey to taste if you wish. Rosehip tea with cinnamon orange & nutmeg is another delicious way to bring some warmth to your toes.

2.  Eat plenty of: avocados, blackberry, blackcurrant, black pepper, blueberry, cabbage, carrot cayenne pepper, chervil, garlic, ginger, onions (raw, or lightly cooked is best) red currant, soya beans, tofu, wholegrain cereals, nuts seeds, & plenty of oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel & sardines

3. Consume plenty of hot drinks & warming foods like soup.

4. Avoid sugar which can adversely affect your circulation. Check the labels on foods you buy for hidden sugars.

5. Avoid too much salt.

6. To restore circulation to your hands & feet, whirl your arms about in the air & swing your legs to & fro.

7. Ensure your hands & feet are warm before you go out in cold weather. Warm gloves & socks on a radiator before you go out.

8. Make sure gloves & socks are not too tight to prevent further restriction of the blood flow. You can get soft-top socks which are ideal.

10. Try aromatherapy massage, osteopathy, Tui Na or chiropractic treatments to see if they help.

11. Hydrotherapy, jacuzzis & saunas can boost circulation.

12. Try essential oils ginger, black pepper & plai, or rosemary & thyme, nutmeg, lavender & geranium ……………10 drops each of 3 of these oils in 30mls arnica or comfrey oil & massage all over. Please feel free to call in to Half Moon on a Friday & I can make up an oil to suit if you wish.

13. The occasional nip of alcohol can help thin your blood & improve your circulation. 1-2 units a day is a good guide, but remember to have a day or 2 off a week to allow your liver a breather.

Remember this advice is to complement any treatment you may be receiving from another health professional e.g. your GP

And how do you like my 12 days of Christmas….

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me

12 bars of fair trade chocolate

11 Bellringer cocktails

10 Chardonnays for my mental health

9 Shiraz's for anti-oxidants

8 Green Tea hot toddies

7 Cornish Yarg cheeses

6 Organic Xmas puddings

5 Capp-a-ci-no Zings

4 ales for my arthritis

3 pints of hangover helper

2 for champagne breakfast

& a sugar free devil's chocolate cake!

Recipes:

Bellringer Cocktail

1 ½ oz gin

1tsp cointreau

½ fresh squeezed orange…shake, hold ½ orange in front of lighter flame & squeeze to release flaming burst of orange over drink…then toss it in.

Green Tea Hot Toddy

1tbsp honey

¾ glass green tea

2 shots brandy

1 slice lemon

Cappacino Zings

1 cup of cappacino & add glug of orange liqueur

Hangover Helper

1 pint of water & 1 slice each of lemon, lime & orange, keep topping up & drinking till human again

Devils Sugar Free Chocolate Cake

I'd give you the recipe, but then I'd have to kill you……….oh okay next year….. maybe.

Have a wonderful, happy holiday, & peace into the New Year.

Next month, suggestions for New Year's Resolutions; some green tips to help nurture your planet's health.

Nicolle Mitchell I.T.E.C., EMBODY, A.C. Registered

Holistic Health Therapist & Practice Manager

THE LITTLE MASSAGE CLINIC

HALF MOON

TEL: 01209 711686

Email: nicolle@tlcinabottle.co.uk

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH: "Traits that are common amongst those who are truly successful: accomplished in overcoming what is; in living life passionately & in ‘going for gold'. In being better & not bitter” Nyali Muir