IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a modern miracle, responsible for 3% of babies born in the UK. However undergoing IVF treatment can be extremely stressful. For the women with fertility problems, it is often a lonely road speckled with feelings of failure, guilt and desperation. This is made worse when seeing friends, family and colleagues …
Birchfied Big Local recently conducted video interviews of clients and their views on the service.
A ‘trapped nerve’ describes compression on the nerve, usually due to pressure applied by the surrounding tissue, muscle, tendon or bone. This can present as pain in the neck and shoulder, back, legs, arms and wrists. Common examples include; bulging of the spinal discs and carpel tunnel syndrome. In other less serious causes it can …
What are FODMAPs? FODMAPs are short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols naturally occurring in foods or as an additive. As a group they are known as FODMAPs (Fermentable Oliogosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols). Not all carbohydrates are considered FODMAPs and the content level also varies. Collectively they have three common properties: Incomplete digestion and absorption. …
Almond milk is one of the dairy free options that can replace the use of milk. Making almond milk is actually not a new thing that has come out of the gluten-free or dairy-free world. It is readily available in the shops, but you can easily make it yourself at home. Simple homemade almond milk …
Gradually we are moving from spring to summer and the combination of sun, fresh flowers and warm air, but for some its means puffy itchy red eyes, runny noses, sneezing and headaches. Good News! although the seasons are unavoidable, the need for antihistamines and a constant supply of tissues can be avoided with a few …
Having to change to a gluten-free diet can be very challenging for those who eat Chapatti (flat-bread) as a central part of their diet. For anyone with an allergy or intolerance to gluten, the chapatti / paratha / puri is by far the most missed item, particularly in an Indian meal. On its own gluten free flour …
Stress is a normal response of the body to unwanted stimuli. These can be physical, mental or environmental. When stress becomes continuous with little reprieve it can elicit negative body responses. Often it can affect your health without you realizing it, e.g. headaches, heartburn, insomnia and memory problems. Thoughts and feelings are also affected which …
Part 9: Mechanical signaling as a mechanism for Acupuncture To date much of the acupuncture mechanism of action has been related to the nervous system, linking it to the medical physiological concept of ‘‘Gate control theory of pain’. Based on this theory acupuncture needling or electrical stimulation is said to activate relevant neural pathways. However …
Part 8: Arrival of Qi (De Qi) The phenomenon of “Arrival of Qi” (De Qi) has been described as a vital part of the effectiveness of an acupuncture treatment. It is described as a sensation of soreness, numbness or a feeling of distension around the point after the needle is inserted to a certain depth. …
