Reiki Level I: Course

Introduction to Reiki, it's history, uses, as well attunement and awareness of use of the sacred power symbol. Awareness of the body's energy systems and practical work. You should be able to perform a Reiki self-healing after Reiki I. All courses are certificated.

For more information, and to book your place just visit: http://www.body-at-ease.com/

Reiki is available to all who wish to learn. Course manuals are packed with information about the Usui and Tibetan Reiki systems and participants learn, and experience how to use Reiki and its benefits and share experiences.

Course is held at Vitality Plus, Ramsbottom. It starts at 10am - 4pm.

Limited places are available, so please email or phone to book your space. If you are interested in a Reiki course, or would like to participate at another time please email or call 07973 453808

Just to say thanks to everyone who came along to our Open Day on Back Pain - today - both therapists and clients! We had a lovely time and we hope you did too. Sara was rushed off her feet with people asking about chiropractic and getting free spinal checks, whilst Jess, Tony  & Gareth were kept busy talking about acupuncture, podiatry and osteopathy. Whilst people were waiting many people were taking advantage of Denise's free reflexology tasters (see picture}, whilst all Tracey and I could do was make everyone cups of herbal tea.


Again Big Thanks - Look out for more Open Days later in the year

Ramsbottom Natural Health Clinic, Vitality Plus, is hosting a Back and Joint Pain Open Day on Saturday 26th March. On offer will be advice from a range of therapists, free spinal checks, free foot health checks and reflexology taster sessions along with a range of discounted back care/pain products.

A massive  80% of us will suffer from back pain, and 1 in 5 of us will visit our GP with it each year. So it's a common problem. The most common symptom is pain in the lower back, but people may also have muscle spasms, reduced mobility and pain down either or both legs. Poor posture and foot problems can also contribute to back, hip and knee pain.   Most back pain is not serious and keeping active or applying hot or cold compresses helps reduce recovery time and pain. However you should seek advice from your GP or a Medical Professional if your pain is associated with fever, swellings or lumps in the back, pain spreading to the higher back or chest or any loss of bowel or bladder control. 


Remember though, most back pain is not serious, and although it can be debilitating at the time, the long-term outlook is good. There are many natural treatments available to help that recovery and many of these are available through the clinic and shop at Vitality +. The Open Day is an opportunity to experience one or more of these treatments without obligation and without charge. On 26th March vistors to Vitality + will be able to gain free advice from  our therapists including the Osteopath, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Podiatrist, and Reflexologist  who all treat back and joint pain regularly. All our therapists are fully qualified and registered with their professional bodies. 

The atmosphere in the clinic is relaxed and friendly with free Herbal Tea for all. Why not come along and join us. We'd love to see you!

This is an opportunity to remind you of the good foot care habits that will help maintain your feet in good condition this Autumn and Winter. During summer lots of people have worn footwear with no heel cup for example: sandals, mules and flip flops. This type of footwear can lead to cracked heels, manage this by reducing callus with a pumice stone after a bath or shower, next apply Heel Balm cream which will moisturise the heel. After three or four weeks heels will be back to normal. If the cracked heel is painful please telephone for further free advice and or an appointment. 

Fungal nail infection can be particularly troublesome please ask for a free advice leaflet. Maintaining good foot hygiene is the key to success, by reducing the moisture in footwear, changing socks regularly, avoid walking barefoot in communal bathing areas, these habits promote good foot health foot. There are many brands of cream to treat fungal nail infections in local pharmacies.

On a medical note Scientists at East Anglia University are carrying out in depth research to confirm that a compound called sulforaphane blocks the enzyme activity which leads to joint breakdown and osteoarthritis. This compound is found in broccoli and when eaten creates high levels of sulforaphane  in the blood stream and this next stage of the project will seek to find out how effective it is at entering joints to slow or reduce osteoarthritis.

Looking ahead to winter, if you are prone to chilblains avoid going outside when it is very cold, with slipper’s as your footwear. The sudden change in temperature from a warm home to frost outside can be very painful. Think about wearing shoes with a thicker sole and appropriate socks or stockings.

Tony Hibbert  M.Ch.S   Podiatrist

Our programme of Herbal Walks for 2011 has now been decided. Following the popular walks this year, we will be running four walks in and around Ramsbottom in the New Year. These walks will be informative and interesting, identifying local plants that have traditionally been used for medicinal purposes and discovering more about the folklore and legend of plant healing.

 The walks will vary in length, suitable for a range of abilities, and take in different aspects of this part of Lancashire’s rich countryside from woodland to riverbanks.

 More details of each walk will be published nearer the time, but for now, put these dates in your diary!

 Monday 25th April 2011 (Easter Monday) –Celebrating Eostre: Help celebrate the pagan spring festival of Eostre by looking for sacred Anglo-Saxon herbs

 Sunday 26th June 2011 – Aromatic Trail: Follow your nose as we seek out medicinal plants with a distinctive aroma.

 Sunday 21st August 2011 – Celtic Legends: In the month of the Hazel Tree, we go in search of trees and plants that were used by the Celtic Druids.

 Sunday 2nd October 2011 – Fruits and Roots: As Autumn establishes itself, we go in search of berries, fruits and roots that provide medicinal help for the coming winter.

 All walks cost £5 each and will be led by Tim Cappelli, qualified herbalist, biologist and experienced walks guide. Please check the website for updates on route details, times and meeting points. 

One of our herbalists, Tracey Humphries, has been asked to demonstrate her herbal remedy skills at this year's Manchester Science Festival.


She, and other members of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, will be running plant-based remedy making demonstrations on the Healthy People- Health Planet stand at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield.


The festival runs over half-term, from the 23rd-31st October and Tracey will be on the stall on the Friday the 29th. Be sure to pop along and see her and give her your support!