Authoritative books on complementary and alternative health, Tai Chi, Qigong and ancient wisdom traditions for health, wellbeing, and professional and personal development.
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Practising regular breathing exercises helps to develop healthy breathing patterns, which can lessen the effects of breathing difficulties caused by COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
This is a short, practical guide to using new therapeutic breathing exercises which focus on techniques to reduce breathlessness and control coughing to help you to get the most out of every breath. The exercises are simple, easy to follow, and designed to work alongside usual medical care. No special equipment is necessary, you can practise in your own home at your own pace, and this illustrated guide contains all the information you need to get started.
Chair yoga is a revolutionary concept designed to make the numerous benefits of classical yoga available to a wider range of physical abilities. This step-by-step program can be practiced by virtually anyone, anywhere, in any chair, to stimulate physical and mental well-being.
The healing properties of colour and light have been recognised since ancient times; today colour therapy techniques are used to great effect in a range of complementary therapies and for personal wellbeing. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to colour healing and offers step-by-step instructions for treatment.
An invaluable companion for complementary and beauty therapists working with older people in care, this book offers unique information and practical advice on the issues that are often overlooked in training. The author addresses the common pitfalls and difficulties practitioners are likely to encounter when working with this client group, offering encouragement and down-to-earth advice for tackling them.
Drawing on the writings of Nicholas Culpeper, the 17th-century herbalist, apothecary and astrologer, this updated, accessible introduction celebrates the holistic medical traditions of the West, and places Culpeper in his appropriate context as one of the forebears of modern holistic medicine and a prophet of the NHS. An extensive new introduction to the work comments on the latest research and developments in the area.
The Eight Extraordinary channels are amongst the most interesting and clinically important aspects of Chinese medicine and Qi Gong. This book introduces the theory behind the channels, explains their clinical applications, and explores their psycho-emotional and spiritual qualities. The author also describes how to cultivate the channels through Nei Dan Inner Meditation.
Based on Five Elements theory, this practical, fully illustrated guide to performing facial enhancement acupuncture (also known as cosmetic acupuncture, facial revitalisation or facial rejuvenation acupuncture) shows in detail the acupuncture points, techniques and equipment used in this procedure. Facial enhancement acupuncture targets points and muscles of the face in order to improve the elasticity of the skin and general overall appearance, as well as addressing constitutional points on the legs, arms and body to balance and harmonise the inner elements. The author clearly explains the rationale behind the needling of each face and neck point, which are shown in colour illustrations. He also discusses the advantages of acupuncture over surgical intervention in dealing with wrinkles and sagging jaw lines, and a chapter is included on discussing treatment with prospective patients, follow up and after care.
For thousands of years fragrance has been used, across many varied cultures, for altering mental and emotional states, and as part of spiritual practice. This book explores the impact of fragrance on the psyche from biological, anthropological, perfumery and aromatherapy viewpoints.
Based on the ancient system of Chinese medicine, Japanese holistic face massage has been used for centuries to maintain a youthful complexion, reflect inner calm and promote longevity. This comprehensive introductory guide explains how to perform the massage and explores the therapeutic benefits of this treatment.
The five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water – are fundamental to Chinese medicine and metaphysics, but it can be difficult to get beyond the purely intellectual level of understanding. This rich book gets to the heart of five element theory, and offers passionate reflections on the spirit of each element, and the practice of five element acupuncture.
Frog, Dog, Flamingo and Dragon are all very upset – Frog has too many chores to do, Dog has writer's block, Flamingo is being bullied at school and Dragon's granddad has just died. Ladybird listens to their worries and comes up with a plan that will help them all – let's learn Ladybird's Remarkable Relaxation!
Drawn from two of the most important ancient texts on the subject, the Natya Shastra and the Abhinaya Darpana, this attractive set of user-friendly cards shows the 52 fundamental hand mudras used in Indian dance and theatre. These gestures provide the basis for an entire language of hand articulation. Each card presents a full-colour image of the mudra with Sanskrit name, transliteration and English translation, as well as concise information on origins and applications. The cards are arranged in the traditional order with 28 single-hand and 24 joined-hand gestures, as described in the Abhinaya Darpana. From storytelling to representations of human emotion to spiritual symbolism, hand mudras are one of the most potent and expressive features of Classical Indian Dance.
Hand mudras have been used for centuries in yogic traditions to promote health and wellbeing, and they are considered valuable tools on the path of spiritual awakening.
This card set provides 72 of the most important hand mudras used in yoga. The gestures presented support mental and spiritual development, and have a wide range of health benefits. Each card presents a full-colour image of the mudra with the Sanskrit name, transliteration and English translation. The back of each card includes concise information on technique and applications as well as the physical, energetic and spiritual benefits of the mudra. The accompanying booklet contains background information on the mudras, how to practice them at home, and details on how each of the 72 mudras can be used to address a variety of common health complaints.
This card set will enrich the practice of students and teachers of yoga, and will be of interest to anyone looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of hand mudras.
Rather than simply a different version of western medical practice, acupuncture, as the author of this thoughtful and challenging book shows, is based on a different philosophy and leads down directly into the deepest areas of human experience. Based on many years as a five element practitioner, Nora Franglen explores the way in which the practice of acupuncture enlarges the experience and understanding of the practitioner. She shares, through case study and reflection, some of the larger questions and insights that emerge from a dedicated approach to this form of healing work.
Scent is often used to accompany meditation but is rarely the focus of it. This card set, which brings together ancient and contemporary understanding of the influence of aromatics on our wellbeing, is an introduction to meditating on scent and discovering the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of beginning your own sensory journey.
Nora Franglen's straightforward, accessible guide introduces this ancient Chinese system of medicine. She briefly covers its history and explores the philosophy behind it, explaining how it can benefit the reader personally by addressing specific health needs and general well-being. Five element acupuncture treats the whole person by accessing the natural energy channels each of us possess and correcting the imbalances between our five elements to restore both physical and mental wellbeing. With case studies of patients throughout, the guide provides immediate insight into how an acupuncturist diagnoses and treats patients, looking at the importance of each of the five elements in turn, and how they relate to each other.
Combining a wide range of drug-free therapeutic approaches, this book is a step-by-step guide to Peter Smith's unique, 100% natural sleep solution. It:
· Explains how sleep 'works' and the physical and psychological causes of insomnia.
· Offers practical advice about how to practice good sleep behaviours and switch on relaxation responses within the nervous system, including the revolutionary concept of 'virtual darkness'.
· Gives tips on getting the right dietary supplements for a good night's sleep and creating the right sleeping environment.
· Advises 'night owls' 'early birds' and 'free runners' about how to reset problematic sleep cycles.
· Provides guidelines for preventing jetlag.
This is a unique, revolutionary and totally natural self-care programme developed to treat muscle based health problems and reduce the signs of ageing.
The fully-illustrated handbook guides you through stretching and massage techniques to relax the facial, neck and shoulder muscles, with particular emphasis on the jaw, where tension is often held. The exercises address health issues such as teeth clenching and grinding, pain in the face, jaw, head or neck, and can even improve the effects of Bell's Palsy. They also achieve positive cosmetic results such as reduced facial lines and healthy glowing skin. The strengthening exercises will help to lift the facial features and prevent facial sagging. The impact of each exercise is clearly explained so you can concentrate on techniques to target your individual situation, needs and goals.
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