Ritualising Birth: Birthlight Day Conference: Saturday 7 May 2011

Womb to World series 2010-2011, Conference 2:  Physiology and Birth Rituals Across Cultures

Birthlight’s Womb to World conference series addresses the interface between science, medicine and the social and cultural dimensions of pregnancy, birth and early parenting. This second event ‘Ritualising Birth’ will explore some examples of the complex relations between physiology and ritualised behaviour, science and cross-cultural traditions: swaddling versus movement of babies, interactive musicality, use or withdrawal of colostrum,  research findings on the placenta, fathers cutting the cord. 

Speakers include: Francoise Barbira Freedman, Wendy James, Colwyn Trevarthen, Pascal Odent, Abby Fowden,Liliana Lammers, Rob Williams and Sheila Kitzinger.

Birth rituals are not just ceremonies but the vast array of changing day to day practices through which we create culture around birth. Womb to World is linked to Born Today, a series of four events curated by Thereza Wells, Artakt, University of the Arts London for Wellcome Collection.

We hope that a large number of Birthlight members will be able to attend and that the conference will enrich your understanding and practice, offer an opportunity to listen to and meet outstanding speakers and enable exchange with colleagues from Birthlight and also from other organisations in a stimulating environment. Attendance at the events will count towards the non-teaching component of CPD for Birthlight Members.

Details and Further Information http://birthlight.com/public/latestnews/news.aspx?id=5840443a-7317-409c-bba3-36972258d9c3

Booking: Please book your place as soon as possible, booking form

Venue:  University Centre, Granta Place, Cambridge CB2 1RU
Venue for the evening events: Clare Hall, Hershel Road, Cambridge CB3 9AL

Hawkwood College:  Mindfulness and Breath: Optimise your Health and Wellbeing

Tutors: Dr David Beales FRCP MRCGP Dip Psych and Jonathan Nunn DO

Date: Saturday, 30 Jul - Sunday, 31 Jul 2011

Learn how to breathe better by learning how you breathe now, then creating new conscious breathing patterns that can improve your health and well being. Biofeedback, breathing techniques and mindfulness meditation will be covered, helping you to appreciate the breath in a new and deep way and understand its pivotal role in physical, emotional and spiritual health. Led by a Doctor and an Osteopath, the course is suitable for anyone interested in mind/body balance and the process of awakening. Health practitioners and those undertaking professional development are also welcome. CPD certificates available on request.

Hawkwood is a lovely, welcoming venue with gardens, woodland, Cotswold views and delicious home cooking. Come and be looked after!

Tutor Information:

Nunn, Jonathan DO (Osteopathy) has over 30 years experience, including as a clinical tutor at the British School of Osteopathy and a Harley Street practitioner. He studied Theology and Comparative Religion at King's College London and currently runs a busy osteopathic practice in Gloucestershire. Tel. 01453 751345. Mob. 07976 278053. Email: nunnthewiser@tiscali.co.uk

Beales, David FRCP MRCGP worked within the NHS as GP and physician until 2000 when he extended his holistic practice by further training in mind/body medicine, including mindfulness-based stress reduction and cognitive therapy. Books include Emotional Healing (Wiley 2009) and Science and the Holistic Approach. Tel. 01962 895782. dbeales@heartsandminds.fsnet.co.uk 

Further Information

Hawkwood College, Painswick Old Road, Stroud, Glos GL6 7QW. Tel:  01453 759034;    www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk  www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/courses/Mindfulness_And_Breath_July

Booking Form: www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/booking/form.php

Practitioner Diploma in New Homeopathic Micro-DNA Therapy

Highly diluted DNA has been used as a Homeopathic remedy for many years. It has been subject to provings and is included in Materia Medicas such as those compiled by Dr AO Julian and Dr R Murphy.

Present Homeopathic DNA remedies include genetic material from various species and of unknown sequence. With a view to increasing the specificity of Homeopathic remediation, Dr. Marichal successfully established the use of highly purified DNA molecules of known sequence to help boost the activity of immune response genes to fight infections.

The use of highly diluted sequence specific DNA molecules to target health promoting genes is called New Homeopathy. That is because, even though it works on a “like-promotes-like principle”, it does not cause symptoms of disease in healthy subjects. The Homeovitality system uses the same principle.

Recently, scientists have shown that Homeopathic remedies prepared from plant extracts and human cancer tissues do promote the expression of genes that play an important role in killing cancer cells and slowing down their growth. With these new findings in mind, this entirely new course has been designed to give alternative health practitioners a basic understanding of molecular genetics of health and disease so that they can deliver the benefits of Homeopathy, New Homeopathy and Homeovitality to the community more effectively. 

Course enrolment is open to everyone. This distance learning course is presented in 9 modules: Cost is £285 + VAT for the 9 modules.

Qualifications

Participants who complete the course will be issued with a Diploma stating that they have achieved a satisfactory understanding of the benefits of and basic principles that underpin the use of gene targeting by Homeopathy, New Homeopathic micro-DNA therapy and Homeovitality. They will also be able to use the title NDTP (New Homeopathic micro-DNA Therapy Practitioner). Those who wish to have only a brief introduction to basic chemistry and cell biology will be issued with a Certificate on satisfactory completion of the first 3 modules. They will not, however be permitted to use the title NDTP.

Further Information

Applications and payments are to be submitted to www.homeovitalitycentre.com

Your tutor, Dr Peter H Kay can be contacted at peterhkay@gmail.com  His academic CV can be supplied on request. Contact details will be supplied on course enrolment..

Fountain of Youth Exercises:  For Vitality, Radiance, Joy and Fulfilment in Fifteen Minutes

by Naomi Sophia Call

Published by Findhorn Press. 2011. Softback. £12.99. $19.95. ISBN 978-1-84409-528-5.

If there are secrets to ageing gracefully, then there is no doubt that many of them can be found in the pages of Fountain of Youth Exercises. Naomi Call offers an inspiring and achievable recipe for a joyful, healthy life. Drawing upon the ancient wisdom of Tibetan monks, yoga and chi practitioners, and indigenous people, she has created a manual filled with unique exercise and lifestyle ingredients designed to help anyone, of any age, live with vitality and look great.

The inspiring models in Call’s book are all real practitioners of yoga ranging in age from their mid 50s to their 90s. Call offers several different modifications to the asanas meaning that no matter what level of flexibility you have, you can still practise the poses.

Fountain of Youth Exercises offers a combination of Do-In (an ancient technique of self-massage that strengthens the chi and warms the body from the inside out), yoga poses, breathing exercises, meditation in motion, healthy cuisine and lifestyle, and longevity tools for the mind and spirit. With illustrations of all the exercises and advice on how to adapt them for a less than athletic body Call ensures that any reader, no matter what their degree of flexibility is, will be able to start gently exercising and improving their physical, mental and spiritual health.

Fountain of Youth Exercises will help the reader to: live in radiant health, be flexible and strong at any age and live with clarity and energy.

About the Author

Naomi Sophia Call is a Kripalu Yoga Teacher with advanced certifications and 30 years experience of teaching and consulting in the Healing Arts. Her primary focus is working with older adults and people in chronic pain. She is also the author of Yoga in Bed. www.naomicall.com

Further Information

Available from Amazon www.amazon.co.uk/Fountain-Youth-Exercises-Vitality-Fulfillment/dp/1844095282

and Findhorn Press www.findhornpress.com/yoga-21/the-fountain-of-youth-403.html

Your Bones: How You Can Prevent Osteoporosis & Have Strong Bones for Life—Naturally

by Lara Pizzorno MA LMT with Jonathan V Wright MD

Published by Praktikos Books. 2011. Softback. £6.58. $12. ISBN 978-1-60766-007-1.

A decade ago, author Lara Pizzorno was diagnosed with osteopenia—a loss of bone density. Today, by following the recommendations in this authoritative title, she has strong, healthy bones. The medicines prescribed for osteoporosis should be your last choice: not only do they have terrible side effects; they cause retention of old, brittle bone instead of creating new, healthy bone!

Osteoporosis is a widespread problem. Nearly one-third of all women and one-sixth of all men will suffer an osteoporotic hip fracture. The most catastrophic of fractures, hip fracture leads to death in 12-20% of cases and long-term nursing home care for over 50% of those who survive.

Your Bones outlines what is putting you at risk for osteoporosis and explains why conventional medicine is not the answer for strong bones. It tells you how to have strong bones for life—highlighting safe, natural, and effective prevention and treatment strategies. It is a down-to-earth handbook written in a style which is as easy to read as the tips and insights on bone-building living are easy to implement.

About the Authors

Lara Pizzorno MA LMT is the managing editor for Longevity Medicine Review and senior medical editor for SaluGenecists, Inc. She is co-author of Natural Medicine Instructions for Patients, co-author of The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, and editor of The World's Healthiest Foods: Essential Guide for the Healthiest Way of Eating. 

Jonathan V Wright MD is the founder and medical director of Tahoma Clinic in Renton, Washington. With advanced degrees from Harvard and the University of Michigan, Dr Wright has been at the forefront of natural biomedical research and treatment since 1973 and has written many best-selling books including Your Stomach, also published by Praktikos Books.

Further Information

Your Bones is available from Amazon www.amazon.co.uk/Your-Bones-Osteoporosis-Life-Naturally-ebook/dp/B004X2HV8A

www.amazon.com/Your-Bones-Prevent-Osteoporosis-Naturally/dp/1607660075/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1

and from Praktikos Books   www.praktikosbooks.com/books/Your%20Bones/ 

Living Nature’s Firming Flax Serum – Natural Health Beauty Awards Winner 2011

For an extra-special, anti-ageing treatment that effectively firms, smoothes and softens the skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps keep the complexion looking young and fresh, and uses only 100% pure, natural ingredients, look at Living Nature’s certified natural skin care range from New Zealand.  Living Nature’s Firming Flax Serum was voted Winner in the Skin Serum category of the Natural Health Beauty Awards 2011.

In-vitro tests at the highly respected ABICH Laboratories in Italy, have confirmed that the advanced, all-natural formulation of Living Nature’s Firming Flax Serum maximizes the healing and renewal process of the skin that takes place during sleep.  Crucially, Firming Flax Serum was shown to increase synthesis of Hyaluronic Acid, which is naturally produced by skin and gives it its firmness and protection against moisture loss, by up to 86% after 48 hours after exposure.

Firming Flax Serum draws on the powerful therapeutic properties of some of New Zealand’s unique natural botanicals, to provide skin with a vital boost of hydration and nourishment.  Active Manuka Honey is included in this unique rejuvenating serum for its ultra-moisturising, nourishing, rejuvenating and protecting benefits.  This special New Zealand honey possesses the ability to attract and retain moisture, ensuring skin is properly hydrated, and its highly nutritious nature effectively nourishes and nurtures skin to keep it soft, supple and smooth. 

Manuka Honey also possesses special antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help stimulate the body’s natural repair processes, aid rapid recovery, and prevent inflammation or infection of broken skin. Harakeke, the New Zealand Flax plant, also provides Living Nature’s Firming Flax Serum with intense soothing, hydrating, antiseptic and healing benefits and Rosehip oil is included for its potent antioxidant properties that help prevent signs of ageing on the skin.

Further Information

Living Nature’s Firming Flax Serum is available from a nationwide network of salons, pharmacies and health stores, by mail order and online.  For further information, contact Living Nature (UK) on Tel: 0845 2508455; uk@livingnature.com   www.livingnature.com

Sarah’s Last Wish

Mark Westley and his wife, Dianne raised their six children on a charming country property. The Westleys were a typical, close-knit Australian family who enjoyed happy, healthy lives - until the day eleven-year-old Sarah was struck down by a severe mystery illness. Sarah’s parents rushed her to several small country hospitals in search of help. Yet before adequate tests had been performed, doctors announced that Sarah was pregnant - an outrageous misdiagnosis that triggered a devastating chain of events for the family. It was only when Sarah was finally transferred to a large teaching hospital that doctors discovered the true diagnosis: a rare condition they had never seen before…and wanted to study.

When Mark and Dianne asked the usual questions about their daughter’s treatment, doctors stonewalled them. Unable to penetrate the strange medical secrecy surrounding Sarah’s case, her parents set out on their own to find the best treatment available for their daughter. However, two of Sarah’s doctors had other ideas, and summoned the help of a government department with police powers to force their will on the young girl. The unsuspecting family suddenly found themselves up against a powerful industry and an utterly ruthless state system. Nothing could have prepared them for the horrors they would have to face…

A chilling glimpse into the dark side of health care.

The true story of a brave young girl claiming her right to live and die with dignity. 

...and of a few heroic health professionals who put everything on the line to help her.

Her last wish is already changing the system…

Further Information

To read the first chapter visit www.sarahs-last-wish.com/Free-sample-chapter.html

To purchase the entire book visit www.sarahs-last-wish.com/Sarahs-Last-Wish-Book-Store.html

Swine Flu – What Parents Need to Know

by Terence Stephenson DM FRCP FRCPCH
Published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 2010. Paperback.  £7.99 / US$12.95. ISBN: 978-1-84905-085-2.

Conflicting information in the UK about the swine flu epidemic has left many parents anxious and confused. In this clear and concise book, leading paediatrician Professor Terence Stephenson presents all of the key facts about swine flu, and explains in plain and simple English what every parent needs to know about the virus, including:

      •  What is swine flu?
      •  Just how dangerous is it?
      •  What are the symptoms?
      •  What treatments are available?
      •  Is swine flu more dangerous in children and, if so, why?
      •  What can we learn from past pandemics?

This useful book gives clear guidance for parents and carers in the United Kingdom and also offers simple yet effective tips for helping children to avoid contracting swine flu. It also includes a full list of Frequently Asked Questions with clear, honest and down-to-earth answers.

This is a must-read book for any parent who feels confused about swine flu, or worried about how best to protect their child, and for anyone working with children.

About the Author
Professor Terence Stephenson DM FRCP FRCPCH is President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in the UK. He is Nuffield Professor of Child Health at the Institute of Child Health, University College London, and a practising Paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College Hospital, London.

Further Information

Available from Amazon www.amazon.co.uk/Swine-Flu-What-Parents-Need/dp/1849050856

And Jessica Kingsley Publishers www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781849058216/review/

Sanda Wellness Body Rebalance And Cleanse Programme

Sanda Wellness, the team behind the world famous resort The Beach House in Goa and their highly experienced Naturopath Christopher Pick are to launch The Body Re-Balance & Cleanse Program - the ultimate at home detox product.

The benefits of a full body cleanse such as this are many and long lasting, including reducing the risk of bowel and breast cancer as well as improving general energy and vitality, having clearer skin, a flatter stomach and weight loss. It can also help reduce the risk and lessen the effects of the conditions IBS and Crohn’s disease.*1

Christopher Pick ND a Naturopath with over 20 years clinical experience in private practice is keen to highlight the importance of breaking the taboo and understanding the serious health implications of having a toxic bowel.  He found that 46% of 800 patients tested showed indications of having a toxic large bowel.*1

The Body Rebalance & Cleanse Program from Sanda Wellness Ltd is an extensive month long programme undertaken in the comfort of the home using tried and tested products to ensure a positive outcome from a gentle detoxification program. A detailed 26 page instruction manual guides users through every step of the programme; Christopher Pick ND also provides online support for all customers to help ensure the full benefits of the cleanse programme are realized.

The Body Rebalance & Cleanse Program starts with the Remove Formula followed by the Replenish Formula and Rebuild Formula lastly the Support & Assist formula. The formulas include natural ingredients such as kelp, spirulina along with vitamins and minerals. Christopher Pick ND has launched his new book Body Rebalance & Colon Cleansing, which details the importance of colon cleansing for fulfilling health potential. Sanda Wellness is giving away the book to the first 1,000 purchasers of The Body Rebalance & Cleanse Programme

Reference

1*: Christopher Pick ND, The Health of The Nation, based on over 800 nutritional urine screens was published in the Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine – April 2002.

Further Information

Any treatments or products that we offer have been proven by us in clinical practice in the U.K. and in our health retreats in Goa, India.  www.sandawellness.com

Ultrasound Pain Relief at Home

A new, therapeutic ultrasound device for home use is now available from Cosyfeet. The first of its type, the Ultralieve Pro® treats pain, swelling and inflammation in the same way that doctors and physios have done for decades.

The handheld Ultralieve Pro® emits a high frequency ultrasound vibration which penetrates damaged tissue. Heat is created deep within the injury, easing pain and reducing inflammation.  At the same time localised blood flow is increased, helping to speed up healing. A typical treatment will take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the injury.

Ultrasound can be used to successfully treat arthritic pain, muscle aches and pains, back and neck ache, knee problems, shoulder injuries, sprains and strains, sciatica, foot pain and Plantar Fasciitis.

Simple to use, a booklet gives instructions about appropriate length and intensity of treatment, and a gel is supplied which enables the ultrasound waves to be transmitted through the skin. No pain is created during use and a comprehensive list of contra-indications is supplied. (For instance, Ultralieve Pro® should not be used over pacemakers, or over electronic or metal implants.)

Further Information
The Ultralieve Pro® is priced at £149.00. For more information call Tel: 01458 447275; www.cosyfeet

Lifegain – Soy Isoflavone New Drink Product

The creation of an innovative drink using soy beans heralds the birth of a new breed of lifestyle supplement in the UK. This lifestyle supplement has been available in South Africa for over 10 years where it has helped thousands of individuals get the body they want, keep themselves in tiptop condition and recover from illness.

Now Lifegain has arrived on our shores with its unique formula providing a whole host of important nutrients to help maintain good health, including essential and non-essential amino acids, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, a range of vitamins, fatty acids and fibre.

The vanilla flavoured drink also contains a powerful triple formula of soy, whey and milk proteins combined with 19 amino acids, essential for body repair, growth and fat metabolism, a must for anyone wanting efficient recovery, whether from a hard session in the gym or a bout of the flu.

What really sets Lifegain apart from the pack however is that it’s full of soy isoflavones, which have been seen to have a large range of benefits. Just one serving of Lifegain contains 66mg of isoflavones. These miracle molecules are well known for helping with osteoporosis and promoting a healthy circulatory system; just 25g of Soy Protein a day (40-90mg isoflavones) can help control blood cholesterol and therefore promote a healthy hear

Combining soy with the other nutrients and vitamins means Lifegain helps your body to stay healthy…keeping your body in tip-top condition has never been so easy.

Further information: www.verdurehealthcare.com