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  • 6 Reasons to go on a Life Coaching Retreat

    Reasons to go on a Life Coaching Retreat

     

    We’ve all been there. Whether you’re down in the dumps or feel like your life has become some-what dull, you’ll find yourself in need of someone to put the spring back in your step. No matter how you’re feeling, it’s hard to avoid the fact that life can be overwhelming. It’s okay to ask for help when you’re struggling to reach personal life goals because sometimes things are not as easy as “try getting up a bit earlier in the morning” or “be more organised.” On one of our life coaching retreats, you can learn to become more positive and manage the stresses of daily life without the fear of being judged or criticised. For some, asking for professional help can be tough decision to make, so to ease you into it, here are the top six reasons to get away from it all and go on a life coaching retreat.

  • 6 Wellness Work Retreats for Business and Leisure

    6 Wellness Work Retreats for Business and Leisure
    With stresses and strains often being caused by high flying and intense business environments, it’s important to take some time out so you can recuperate back to full capacity. More recently, bleisure travel, or mixing business trips and leisure, is becoming extremely popular. Gain the benefits from a corporate wellness retreat, from boosting positive work ethics to obtaining greater staff loyalty.
  • 7 Essentials To Pack On Your Next Overseas Adventure

    Holidays are super relaxing; that is once you actually get on them. The planning and the saving money and at the last minute the packing are enough to send you over the edge. You’ve got the obvious things on your list like passport, plane tickets and camera. But what else will make your trip a breeze? If you have an overseas trip planned then these are the 7 essentials to bring along so you can enjoy your holiday start to finish.

  • 7 Ways to Stay Healthy on Long-haul flights

    7 Ways to Stay Healthy on Long-haul flights

     

    Arrive at your destination rejuvenated...

  • 8 Best Spas for Weight Loss

    8 Best Spas for Weight Loss

     

    If you find yourself struggling to shift those extra pounds, take the time to re-assess and learn a healthier lifestyle in the lap of luxury with our 8 best spas for weight loss. Through a combination of indulgent spa treatments, fitness classes, nutrition and educational lectures, our healthy spa holidays will help you learn not only how to achieve, but how to maintain your ideal weight long-term.

  • 8 Mobile Apps for a Healthy Holiday

    The mobile application industry has become increasingly popular as more and more of us are incorporating apps into our daily lives. The health and fitness industry has benefitted from this trend, and now a huge range of wellness apps are available designed to help us get stronger, lose weight, eat better and lead a healthier lifestyle. We looked at the most popular apps in health and fitness from run trackers using Nike+Running to calorie counters like MyFitnessPal. We chose 8 of the best mobile apps suitable for a healthy holiday and better yet, most of them are free to download and enjoy!

  • 8 of the Best Wellness Retreats for Health-Conscious Men

    8 of the Best Wellness Retreats for Health-Conscious Men

    The 10th to the 16th of June marks . So whether you’re travelling alone, looking for some peace and quiet, or if you’ve got a fitness boot-camp in mind, we have you covered.

  • 8 Tips to Sleep Well

    Having a good night's sleep is extremely important for us to feel refreshed and ready for the next day. Today, trouble sleeping is very common and can have bad effects on our health like weight gain and stress, but prolonged lack of sleep can also lead to more severe illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.  A study by the Mental Health Foundation in 2011 revealed these statistics:

  • 8 Ways to Help You De-Stress

    8 Ways to Help You De-Stress

    There's nothing worse than stress getting the better of you. The endless list of things to do always seems to leave your own needs last and evokes a war zone between your mind and body. The numerous work deadlines, career dilemmas, and personal commitments generate a tolerance for migraines, bitten fingernails and bad eating habits; finding yourself indulging in too many naughty snacks or sometimes not eating at all. But don't allow stress to become a regular occurrence in your daily life, or worse the cause of bad health and unhappiness.

  • A guide to surviving your long haul flight

    Arrive at your destination rejuvenated...

    Keep Hydrated

    It is easy to become dehydrated whilst flying, as the air inside a plane cabin is very dry, so make sure to drink plenty of water. To avoid the hassle of constantly having to ask for water, bring along your own filtered water bottle and refill it with tap water on the plane. Although it might be tempting to indulge in a glass of wine or cocktail to relax your nerves, try to avoid alcoholic or carbonated drinks, as they will only add to dehydration.

  • A Holistic Approach to Health and Fitness

    Karina StewartKarina Stewart

    Karina Stewart, co-founder of Kamalaya in Thailand has twenty-two years of experience in the study and practice of diverse Asian healing and spiritual traditions. Inspired by her mother's interest in natural healing, meditation and yoga, Karina founded a health centre in Kathmandu, Nepal prior to opening Kamalaya. Her vision behind the award-winning retreat in Koh Samui is integral wellness programmes that aim to access the inner healing power within each individual and support a harmonious integration of heart, body, mind, and spirit

     

  • Are you old before your time?

    There is no denying the ticking of our biological clock, but why feel old before your time? The stress of modern day life as well as the usual factors, age, weight and diet can often make you look and feel years beyond your alleged age. 

  • Becoming a centenarian

    We are living in a time where life expectancy in the UK is continuously improving, and reaching 100 years in age will become more common. Being 50 can hardly be considered old; it will soon mark the halfway point in many of our lives. But why are we all going to live longer?

  • Bikini-Proof Your Body in 7 Days

    Bikini-Proof Your Body in 7 Days

     

    With every summer comes the sudden realisation that a winter spent gorging on comfort foods has its price. However, panicking and embarking on a crash diet can lead to future weight-gain and serious health issues. Here some leading health experts share some tips on how to look amazing in your bikini in 7 days without risking your health.

  • British Pursuit of Health Holidays Increases

    The days of fly and flop holidays seems to be out the window as 94% of people now seek holidays to pursue health and fitness. The Body Holiday *survey commissioned by Health and Fitness Travel, experts in tailor-made active and wellness holidays worldwide found that 85% of Brits are now willing to try a health and fitness holiday to improve their body and mind.

  • Dangers of Inactivity: Kick-start Your Active Lifestyle

    Dangers of Inactivity: Kick-start Your Active Lifestyle

    According to a new report published today by the respected medical journal Lancet, a lack of exercise can cause more deaths than smoking. The report said that physical inactivity in approximately one third of adults causes around 5.3 million premature deaths a year, which is more than the 5.1 million deaths that smoking causes. This comes as quite a wake-up call to those leading sedentary lifestyles and proves how important an active and healthy lifestyle is to increase your longevity.

  • Discover Canyon Ranch; the wellness resort to transform you

    Health and fitness, the newest growing trend still yet evolving in travel with more people ditching the traditional fly and flop for the more active and healthy holiday, didn't just start a few years ago.  Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona kick started the wellness revolution in 1979.

  • Discovering Naturopathy

     

     

    Sue Davis - Lifehouse SpaSue Davis

    Prior to becoming a naturopath, Sue Davis spent many years working in the corporate environment; this experience helped her gain invaluable insights into the multi-layered health and wellness challenges faced by busy executives. It was Sue's hectic, fast paced and ultimately unhealthy lifestyle in Hong Kong that spurred her on to retrain as a naturopath for four years in Sydney. After a successful number of years helping the elite clientele of the top ranking International Health and Wellness Resort 'Chiva-Som' in Thailand, Sue is now back on her home ground in the UK.

     


     
    Interview with a Naturopath

    Can you explain what being a naturopath and naturopathy treatment entails?

    The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and to treat the root cause of disease. Symptoms of disease are seen as red flags highlighting improper functioning of the body. Naturopathic medicine is the fusion of modern scientific research and the timeless wisdom of nature. It is a profound healing system that encompasses all aspects of health and truly embraces the mind-body-spirit connection. The most basic premise of naturopathy is that the body has the inherent ability to heal itself if given the right tools. These could include dietary and lifestyle correction, the concept of 'food as medicine', herbs, flower essences, nutritional supplements, detoxification and exercise.


    What are the most common health benefits after a naturopathy treatment?

    Naturopathy is very empowering as much emphasis is placed on education so that the person has the tools to take control of their health. Once someone understands that health doesn't just happen by chance and that it is a life-long process that involves a clear understanding of the factors that affect their health then they are in a much stronger position to achieve long term health and vitality.

    Some people have a whole range of symptoms that they have been unable to address on their own or with the help of other medical practitioners. With a broad understanding of the relationship between health, life and the environment naturopaths are often able to offer a new perspective and provide safe and effective ways to restore health. Naturopathic medicine is very effective in improving quality of life for those with serious and life threatening illnesses. It works very well for those patients that are looking to combine conventional and naturopathic treatments with the aim of minimising side effects to drugs and conventional treatments.


    What treatments would you recommend for clients who are stressed?

    In terms of spa treatments, ESPA personalised massages are a wonderful way to relax. For those requiring something more indulgent then a Hot stone back, face and scalp for the ladies and a Stress buster for the gents are highly recommended. Meditation classes are also a great way to reduce stress, especially as a private session. Other great treatments for stress are Shiatsu massage which works on balancing and releasing energetic blocks from joints and muscles to restore vitality. For those that don't like massage, Reiki is a gentle, healing process performed while fully clothed aimed at restoring balance to mind, body and spirit.

     

    Lifehouse Spa ESPA personalised massage

    An ESPA personalised massage


    What part do herbs play in Naturopathy and how can herbs work in combination with other forms of natural medicine?

    Many pharmaceuticals have been formulated by isolating an active constituent in a herb. A great example is aspirin derived from Willow Bark. Nature is very clever and doesn't tend to get things wrong so herbalists traditionally use the whole herb rather than a part. Whole plants are known to synergise and potentise an active ingredient as well as ward off any side effects common in conventional medications.

    Herbs are very effective in the initial stages of a naturopathic protocol and can work quickly to help alleviate a condition. Digestive health issues and hormonal imbalances respond very well to herbs. They are prescribed either as liquid blends, tinctures or as herbal teas. Herbs are also great in treatments for stress in conjunction with meditation. Reflexology can help herbs to work more quickly and efficiently and acupuncturists routinely prescribe herbs to balance and heal the body following a treatment.


    If you lived on a deserted island for one year, what seven foods would you most want to take with you?

    1. The first food would already be there, the humble coconut. So versatile and excellent for good fats, protein and the isotonic properties of the coconut water.
    2. Dark chocolate for antioxidants and magnesium and I'm a woman so a no brainer.
    3. Quinoa working on the basis it's the only grain that's a carbohydrate and a protein plus it kept the Incas going.
    4. Potatoes -surprisingly a good source of vitamin C and excellent for making fat chips
    5. Almonds - good for calcium
    6. Extra Virgin Olive Oil - good source of omegas and needed for the fat chips
    7. Red wine - for antioxidants and to relieve the inevitable boredom


    Can you name a few examples of common ailments or problems that can be treated by a naturopath and how?

    Digestive health issues respond particularly well to naturopathic intervention. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common ailment with stress as the root factor. Advice will include practical ways to reduce stress levels including relaxing abdominal breathing techniques, yoga, regular massage and meditation. Inflammation of the digestive tract is often present and this is addressed through 'healing and sealing' of the digestive tract with soothing demulcent herbs such as Slippery Elm and Aloe Vera. Oily fish two to three times a week or fish oil supplementation will be recommended for the Omega 3 anti-inflammatory properties. Food intolerances may be an issue particularly if the integrity of the gut lining is compromised so a finger prick blood test may be performed in the consultation to detect for food antibodies. Probiotics to restore friendly gut bacteria and digestive enzyme supplements for the efficient breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates may be necessary to help the body better assimilate nutrients and build healthier cells. Those with big coffee habits will be cajoled to switch to soothing chamomile and peppermint teas.

    As a Naturopath much emphasis is placed on the digestive health as we very much believe 'you are how you digest'. You can have the best diet in the world but if your digestion is compromised you won't reap the full benefits.

    Feeling tired all the time (TATT) is another common complaint that responds well to naturopathy. Some initial blood tests may be required from the person's doctor to rule out any thyroid problems or anaemia. Emphasis would again be placed on improving the overall digestive health to promote better energy production. The liver is a governing organ for energy so cleansing herbs, juices and foods such as beetroot, proven to generate nitric oxide and stamina would be prescribed. White refined carbohydrates such as bread, pizzas, baguettes, pasta, potatoes and white rice often form the bulk of a person's daily dietary habits and these can swing blood sugars causing a person to feel extremely tired. To break this cycle each meal would need to include some type of protein together with complex carbohydrates and beneficial fats. B-Complex supplementation would be prescribed as well as my favourite recommendation of supergreens powder which is a powdered blend of wheatgrass, barleygrass, chlorella, nettles, sea greens and other green dried superfoods. Both of these create more energy.

                                         Lifehouse Spa hydrotherapy pool  Lifehouse Spa leg massage

    Relaxing in a hydrotherapy pool and receiving a leg massage


    Tell us about a client that you most enjoyed helping any why?

    My favourite client was a very busy events organiser in his mid 50's based in Hong Kong. He would regularly visit Chiva Som in Thailand for 2 weeks at a time. The first time he arrived he was very overweight, with a poor complexion, bloating, very stressed and completely burn out from flying all over Asia. He didn't have time for exercise, was an insomniac and tended to eat all the wrong things at all the wrong times due to the nature of his job. His blood pressure and cholesterol were very high. 

    From a practitioner's view point this was damage control at the extreme, however, it is never too late to create positive health changes especially when an individual has identified the need for help and this chap was willing to consider anything if it meant he would look and feel better.

    Initially I worked on correcting his poor dietary habits providing him with tips and advice that were practical and achievable for his erratic lifestyle. He undertook a cleansing detox programme at the start of his stay to give his liver some support, normalise his digestion and create some motivational weight loss. Heavy duty exercise is not recommended during a cleanse so this provided the perfect opportunity for him to rest and recharge and normalise his sleeping patterns.

    After the detox and for the rest of his stay he ate a balanced daily diet of good quality protein, fruit and vegetables. He exercised with the physiotherapist in the swimming pool in the mornings to protect his joints and back and in the afternoon either did interval training in the gym or went for long brisk walks. This combination proved to be a winner and he had lost 7kg by the time he left. His blood pressure had normalised and blood tests revealed much improved cholesterol levels.

    Once home he hired a personal trainer and became more organised with his food, often taking his own snacks on planes or by simply making better choices. We had talked about the 80/20 rule meaning 80% of the time he followed the plan and 20% of the time he could relax and eat anything he fancied. This worked well as it ruled out denial and cravings, the downfall of most diets. Two years later and with regular trips to the resort I was greeted with the question 'Would you like to see my six pack?'


    What's the most significant thing you've learnt about your health over the course of your career?

    That my body likes routine and if I swerve away from regular good habits then I'll pay for it with poor sleep and lower energy levels.


    Why do you think alternative therapies like naturopathy are becoming more popular?

    I think there is a general air of disillusionment with the healthcare service and that people are becoming more wary of prescribed pharmaceuticals that often carry unwanted side effects. Articles on natural health are becoming more mainstream in popular magazines and newspapers so people know that they can take Echinacea to ward off a cold or drink more water to cure a headache. If they venture to see a naturopath they are guaranteed at least an hour to focus on themselves rather than the 3 minutes allocated by a time poor GP.


    What are your top health, lifestyle and diet tips?

    Start each morning with ½ lemon squeezed in warm water to cleanse, alkalise and initiate digestion. Add a thumb size piece of fresh grated ginger to improve circulation and alleviate bloating then stir in a teaspoon of manuka honey to keep the immune system happy.


    If you had to recommend one simple lifestyle change we could make, what would it be?

    Switch off all technological equipment before going to bed. Electro-smog from technology builds up in our bodies so it is not a good idea to use your mobile phone as alarm. Televisions should be switched off at the plug in bedrooms and Wi-Fi should be off when not in use. You will sleep better for it.


    View our Luxury Spa Breaks for further inspiration.

  • Eight easy ways to exercise

    Eight easy ways to exercise

     

    The 21st century sees the majority of the people in the UK leading hectic lifestyles, that are not conducive to fitting in time to go the gym or arranging sports matches with your friends. However, do not despair, as Health and Fitness Travel has 8 sneaky ways to fit in some mini-bursts of exercise into your busy schedule.

  • Exploring Yoga and Pilates with Angie Newson

    Angie NewsonAngie Newson

    Angie Newson has been in the health, fitness and well-being industry for over 21 years and over that period has taught all aspects of fitness. She is fully qualified to teach Pilates with The Pilates Foundation UK and is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher. Angie is the author of Get Fit for Free with Yoga and Pilates published by The Reader's Digest and she is also the Pilates presenter on Sky's Fitness TV. As a health and well-being writer, she writes regularly for the national press and many women's magazines and is The Sunday Telegraph's Stella magazine's Yoga/Pilates 'expert'. Angie regularly travels overseas to teach classes and retreats and now hosts an exclusive Yoga & Pilates holiday at Longevity Wellness Resort in Portugal. Her classes appeal to all ages (her oldest client is 84!) and she adapts her sessions to suit her students of all levels. www.exploreyogapilates.com

     

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