Does Your Body Need an MOT?

Does your body need an MOT?

The Body MOT is a movement system consisting of muscles, joints, and neural components. The correct functioning of each, both statically and dynamically, is required for optimum performance and movement.


In other words it is your body and all of its’ components that provide movement and or stabilise other movements. If one area is not working effectively, it will have a knock on effect with the rest of the body.

For example, did you know that if you have something wrong with your big toe, it can change the way that you stand and walk, and therefore have a knock on affect to your ankle, knee, hip, lower back and even affect your neck?

This is why the Body MOT is the most important starting point of any exercise programme. Once you know more about how your body is put together you will be given exercises that suit your body, and maximise the affect of exercise on your body. 

This assessment will be used to develop a Corrective Exercise programme to rectify any muscle imbalances. You will then begin to bring the body back into perfect alignment and allow it to function and perform at its’ optimum level.

Body MOT Tests:

·         Posture

·         Strength

·         Flexibility

·         Movement patterns

·         Potential muscle imbalances across the whole Kinetic Chain.

It will identify the possible causes of specific movement dysfunctions and the knock-on effect these may have on the rest of the body.

From here, a relevant, evidence based and up to date, individualised treatment plan can be agreed and implemented.


All treatment at Bare Health is "hands on" treatment (manual and massage therapy techniques including mobilisation and manipulation of tissues and joints). The facilities are perfect for the rehabilitation and self exercise plans needed in the recovery and prevention of your injury.


Nicola Mapes, Bare Health Sports Massage & Injury Rehabilitation therapist, also promotes positive lifestyle behaviours by teaching individuals to self manage their condition, which improves confidence, sense of well being and quality of life.


With these new acquired skills, we can give you a long-term solution so you can prevent re-occurrence of your condition and return to activity with confidence.

To book Your MOT Assessment, injury rehabilitation or Sports Massage with Nicola, Please call Bare Health on 01260 408413

A healthy Beet for your Heart!

'A healthy Beet for your Heart'

Beetroot is one of the many cultivated varieties of beets (Beta vulgaris) and from as far back as the Middle Ages it has been used as a treatment for a number of conditions, especially illnesses relating to digestion and the blood. Bartolomeo Platina recommended taking beetroot with garlic to nulify the effects of ‘Garlic Breath’. Most of us, however, will be more familiar with the pickled variety that is eaten with salad. Beetroot is a sweet, earthy tasting vegetable rich in indigo plant pigments known as anthocyanidins.  These pigments have potent antioxidant properties and are known to inhibit oxidation (rancidity) of fragile fats whilst helping the liver in breaking down stored fats. It is also a source of Vitamins A,C and E and the minerals Iron, Pottasium and Selenium. Over the last few years this humble root vegetable has received a lot of publicity and has been the focus of a number of research studies investigating its benefits to health especially its potential for supporting the cardiovascular system.

Research published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension showed drinking 500 ml of beetroot juice led to a reduction in blood pressure within one hour. The reduction was more pronounced after three to four hours, and was measurable up to 24 hours after drinking the juice.

The blood pressure lowering effects of beetroot have been attributed to the presence of high levels of nitrate. Studies have shown a correlation between high nitrate concentrations in the blood following ingestion of the beetroot juice and a drop in blood pressure. Dietary nitrate, such as that found in the beetroot, is thought to be a source for the production of nitric oxide, which is used by the body to help increase blood flow by dilating blood vessels leading to blood pressure reduction.

It is the presence of these nitrates in beetroot that have also been reported to improve exercise performance, especially stamina, endurance & speed during activities such as running, cycling & walking.

In 2012 The Daily Telegraph reported that Paraolympic athlete David Weirs Gold Medal Haul was attributable to a secret ingredient – something completely legal and scientifically proven to aid sports performance and was described as ‘legal blood doping’ – yes you got it! The Simple Beetroot.

But these benefits have also been seen in more average athletes too. Research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology carried out by Exeter Medical School reported that after drinking beetroot juice, study participants muscles were more efficient and used less oxygen whilst walking. The juice had the effect of widening blood vessels, increasing blood flow; and it reduced the oxygen needed by muscles, enabling them to work more efficiently. Further published studies from the University of Exeter found that drinking 500ml of beetroot juice before exercise improved stamina with a more recent study finding that cyclists could shave seconds off their time, increasing endurance levels by 16% -similar benefits were found for runners in a US study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in April 2011.

So this is great news for those of us that run out of steam after an hours jogging – with the help of a shot of beetroot juice we might just be able to keep going for a further 10 minutes!

On the other hand, for those who are not thrilled with the idea of drinking large quantities of this juice the good news is that it is now available in capsule form and exhibits the same beneficial effects.

For more information please call into Bare Health, Congleton. Your local independent Health Store or email your questions to mel@barehealth.co.uk Alternatively, call 01260 408413 and speak to a member of staff who will be more than happy to help.

Any information contained within this article is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or healthcare professional. Please always consult your GP if you are taking prescribed medication.

Remedy of the week - Ruta

As Congleton Harriers completed the Cloud 9 Hill Race on Sunday I was reminded of one of the first homeopathic remedies I ever prescribed.   A neighbour had turned over one of her ankles and ended up in plaster for several weeks in order to heal her sprained ankle ligaments.  She was expecting to have full mobility once the plaster came off, yet she returned home with a limp.  Several days later I noticed she was still walking with some difficulty.  She complained the bone along the side of her foot felt sore and bruised and she could not put her foot fully to the floor.  As a keen student of homeopathy at the time, I suggested she try some Ruta 30c.  Within 24 hours, after 3 doses, the lameness had gone and she was walking normally again.

Ruta is an excellent first aid remedy for problems with the connective tissue due to sprains, overuse of muscles or injury of the joints and ligaments.  There is typically stiffness and pain in the surrounding muscles and tendons.  The person is usually quite restless and wants to keep moving the joint.  The area will be better for keeping it warm and rubbing it.  The discomfort will feel worse for sitting, or being cold and damp.  

For an acute sports injury always apply the appropriate first aid and make sure a doctor assesses the injury if the joint cannot be straightened, bent or bear weight.  Arnica will help overcome the initial shock and pain.  Once the injury is assessed Rhus Tox and Ruta are two of main remedies that will give relief to a sprain or strain.  Ruta is always the remedy of choice where there is bruising to the bone.  Consider it too for injuries that have mostly healed but nodules or thickening on the bone can be felt and remain sore.  I trust all the runners on Sunday remained sure footed, but for any sprains or strains, then do remember Ruta.  It is handily available to buy over the counter at Bare Health in tablet or homeopathic ointment when needed.

For any enquiries about using remedies in first aid situations I am available for a free session on the 2^nd Saturday of each month at Bare Health.  I will be at the shop next on Saturday March 9^th 2013.  Though please note at the different time of 9.30am to 12 noon.  To be sure of a slot you can book a place by calling Bare Health on 01260 408413.

Jane Bowdenleigh, LNWCH. Tel 07740 798595 www.jbhomeopathy.co.uk

Coping with Everyday Stresses - Think yourself into a better head space

Dealing with the stresses of everyday life
   (From the viewpoint of Lisa Barlow Personal Development Coach at Bare Health)  

Do you want to experience more joy?

Do you want to reduce emotional suffering?

Do you want to experience fulfilling relationships with everyone in your life?

Do you want to know how?

How we think about our life will determine the quality of our days.  It’s not what happens to you in life but how you respond to what happens to you that matters. Becoming aware of the thoughts we’re thinking is a step towards living a life where you can be fully responsible, content and dare I say ‘happy’ with the life you are living. Getting in touch with how you really feel and having the courage to address the issues that your negative emotions unveil for you means you will understand the purpose of sorrow, grief, anger, frustration etc and these emotions won’t scare you so much as they can empower you to make the changes necessary to enable you to live your best life. Becoming aware of the thoughts we are thinking and by observing them in a non-judgmental way enables us to see the true nature of our emotions and how they drive our behaviour.  Understanding ourselves better means that we can start to take personal responsiblity for how we feel and this will empower us to become more confident in our ability to cope with emotionally charged events in the future.

Life has become hectic. We are rushing here, there and everywhere to get ‘everything’ done. When do we stop and assess what is this ‘everything’ that we ‘have to’ get done? Simplify your life! It’s time for a spring clean.  There are many different tools you can employ to enable you to create your best life and I would like to introduce you to a few that I have personally found to be extremely useful.  Each person will find the tools most useful for themselves as we are all unique and no doubt we already have some strategies that have got us this far in life.  I liken it to crawling along as a caterpillar. As a caterpillar I’m functioning pretty well however, I yet have no idea that instead of crawling I could be flying. I will undergo a phenomenal transformation that will give me wings.  Flying is so much better that crawling! Transformation can be painful and so many people don’t bother as the majority will take the path of least resistance. To live a life of no regrets and to get to the end of my life knowing that every day I gave the very best of me is all the incentive I need to entice me to the higher path.  Are you ready to embark on the journey of self discovery?  It’s not for the faint hearted.  It can be painful, requires courage, determination and persistence.  Do I think it has been worth it for me? Absolutely!

Next Stress Busting Workshop is on: Wednesday 17th April 7 – 9pm

Learn how to get the most out of mind training techniques and find out which natural supplements can help to boost feelings of emotional well being.

For more information and to book your place call into Bare Health or phone Mel, Lisa or Sue on 01260 408413. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Shiatsu - An introduction

Shiatsu @Bare Health with Alison Thompson MRSS - Registered Practitioner

Hi my name is Alison, I am a qualified & registered Shiatsu Practitioner practicing from Bare Health in Congleton, Cheshire. I hope you enjoy my first blog which will hopefully give you a brief insight into this powerful and very effective therapy, its benefits and an idea of what you can expect from a treatment.

I have always had a keen interest in complimentary therapies and body self awareness through yoga, receiving regular reflexology and massage treatments. The true value of holistic health became very personal to me when I was involved in a minor car accident which resulted in whiplash. I then struggled with re-occurring whiplash for over ten years which started to restrict my movement and constant pain became the norm. I tried all sorts of treatments but Shiatsu helped my general well-being the most effectively. Through regular sessions, I realised that the pain was not just physical but also emotional. Shiatsu helped me release these blocks and I didn't even need to voice my feelings to the practitioner if I didn't want to. The practitioners knowledge, skill and intuition released the blocks and I felt more alive than I had ever done in a very long time. This new energised me wanted to find out more about Shiatsu and help others in the same way.

I graduated from a three year training programme at the Shiatsu College Manchester in 2009, and further completed a one year post graduate course. I am fully insured and a member of the Shiatsu Society, abiding by their code of conduct and ethics. I am also a member of the CNHC (Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council).


I am fully committed to on-going continual professional development and I have completed various workshops:

Sei-Ki workshops with Akinobu Kishi Sensei & Paul Lundberg
Women's health & PMS
Shiatsu Shintai - workshops relating to non-invasive structural alignment of the neck & spine.

SHIATSU EXPLAINED........

Shiatsu is a traditional holistic therapy that moves stagnant energy, removes blockages and stimulates the body to gain it's 'natural equilibrium' creating balance in the body's energy systems. By applying steady continuous pressure using hands and thumbs to energy points (acupressure points), the flow of energy is restored. Shiatsu practitioners facilitate this change. The body then begins to repair itself and all major systems begin to improve. The receiver of Shiatsu begins to feel more empowered and more responsible for small changes so, over time, the body feels rejuvenated, calmer and more energised. Continual stress leads to pain and illness. Ignoring the body's signals for sleep, exercise and good nourishing foods and equally nourishing relationships, causing more stress and more illness. Shiatsu encourages you to make changes in your life to find the positive way of improving the quality of life.

The benefits of Shiatsu include:
Long-term changes to health and well-being and is ideal for people of all ages.
Excellent for promoting relaxation, which can in turn improve your mood, relieve tension and aid your sleep, and prevents the build-up of stresses we experience in everyday life.
Help us to understand what is happening to our bodies and improve the overall health of muscles throughout the body.
Effective on all levels, mind, body, spirit and emotionally - a true holistic therapy.


WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A SESSION........
The session takes place at floor level, lying down on a futon, but if you are unable to lie down there is a therapy chair to relax on. The client remains fully clothed at all times. The first session is 1.5 hours to allow time to discuss your health/lifestyle history. Thereafter each session is 1 hour. The underlying patterns and presenting symptoms are considered and each session is specifically tailored to your own personal needs and preferences. Shiatsu imparts a soothing, meditative and deeply relaxing sensation.

Regular Shiatsu sessions can make a real difference to quality of life, physically and emotionally


For more information or to make an appointment please do not hesitate to call Bare Health, Congleton on 01260 408413

Remedy of the week - Mimmulus

I was at the Dentist last week for a routine check-up. Yet I still found myself nervous the week before in anticipation of the appointment coming up.  As my fear and anxiety heightened I remembered a remedy that I had used before to good effect; Mimmulus.  Mimmulus is a Bach Flower remedy and a wonderful remedy to help reduce the fear of known things e.g. fear of exams, the dentist or the dark.  I took 4 drops of the remedy in water, four times a day for the best part of a week leading up to my appointment.  When the day arrived I felt much calmer and managed to walk through the door without my legs shaking or the usual tummy upset (which I have known in the past).

Bach Flower remedies are a range of flower essences made from 38 non-poisonous wild flowers.  Discovered and produced by Dr Bach, a physician and homeopath over 80 years ago, the remedies are something you can buy over the counter at Bare Health.  Rescue Remedy is one of the remedies that most people have heard of and contains five different flowers that can help reduce shock, stress and panic in emergencies.  For some people taking Rescue Remedy before and after the Dentist, if they are required to have a lot of treatment, works really well too.

As I had Mimmulus to hand, then I chose to take a more specific remedy for my fear.  I am pleased to say I did not require any major treatment, but if I had then I would have continued taking the remedy 3 to 4 times a day until my next appointment.  Bach Flower essences work gently to bring balance and equilibrium to our mental and physical distress.  Next time you find yourself with a real known fear of something, try Mimmulus and see how it can help you through a situation.  

If you have a query about Bach Flower remedies or using Homeopathic remedies in acute situations remember I am available at Bare Health on the second Saturday of each month from 10am to 1pm.

Jane Bowdenleigh, LNWCH.  Tel 07740 798595.  www.jbhomeopathy.co.uk