Velvet Magazine April 2017

Health
De-Stress with Inspiral Group
Inspiral Group is volunteer-led organisation which hosts regular
spiritual and holistic themed events across Cambridge. We caught
up with therapist Kyrstyna to hear about the effects of stress and
how their groups and workshops can help...
Our fast-paced lives can often lead to a build up of stress, but how
can we take time out to relax when there seems to be so much to
do all the time?
Fundamentally, what is stress? Well-known author and wellbeing
guru, The Barefoot Doctor, describes stress as a strain placed on
the body and organs which causes you to constantly subconsciously
grip your muscles tightly; this results in a restricted blood, fluid
and energy flow which in turn causes the symptoms of stress.
He suggests that in fact this muscle gripping is simply a habit and
that with practice we can break it; much like giving up smoking
or cutting down sugar. It’s an interesting idea. Many experts in
the field agree and suggest that we should begin to think more
holistically about stress.
Krystyna Newman, Facilitator of Cambridge’s Inspiral Group,
a personal development network said, “The obvious antidote to
stress is self awareness and relaxation, yet so many of us don’t take
enough time to focus on this. Joining a
supportive network such as Inspiral
can help you on your journey of self
discovery and achieving a holistic
balance in life.”
THE BAREFOOT DOCTOR:
MY LIFE, MY JOURNEY
Hear Barefoot Doctor’s
inspirational personal journey as
he discusses his fascinating life.
Wednesday 17th May | 7-9pm
Venue: Co. 15 High Street, Cherry
Hinton, Cambridge, CB1 9HX
Inspiral Group meet monthly on the third
Wednesday of the month and run several
other workshops. If you’re interested in attending
or finding out more, check out their website to see what’s
coming up - www.inspiralgroup.co.uk
Alternative Touch
Lisa Jackson, reflexologist and holistic practitioner, asks what is
stress and why is reflexology good for it?
WHAT IS STRESS?
Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional
pressure. Pressure turns into stress when you feel unable to cope.
Mental health issues may be linked to or exacerbated by the level of
stress a person is under.
WHY IS REFLEXOLOGY GOOD FOR STRESS?
Long-term chronic stress is bad for the body and can result in poor
health and wellbeing not only on an emotional level, but also on a
physical level. Long-term stress can affect many systems in the
body and is thought to be responsible for many illnesses. During
times of acute stress adrenalin and cortisol are released in much
higher levels than required by the body. High levels of cortisol
can cause many side effects, lower immunity and inflammatory
responses and slow down the wound healing process. By letting
the body relax properly, reflexology allows the stress to lessen and
allow some of the dysfunctional areas of the body to rebalance.
Reflexology works on all systems in the body (a holistic treatment).
Reflexology is an amazing non-intrusive treatment. After a
reflexology treatment, you are left feeling relaxed, you may
sleep better, you might notice your mood may improve and your
general level of wellbeing is increased. You might notice other
improvements although this happens on an individual basis.
In times of stress it might seem like an impossibility to take time out
of your hectic schedule however, taking the time for yourself to
have a regular reflexology treatment may help you gain control
over your work and social life and find a healthy balance.
Alternative Touch
Email: lisa@alternative-touch.com
Tel: 07824367977
www.alternative-touch.com
Velvet Magazine | April 2017 71