The impact of diagnosis of any serious condition can be traumatic, and subsequent treatment may be challenging the following examples of Complementary Therapy support to improve Quality of Life include:
- Counselling to minimize stress response by identifying individual stress trigger/s such as work-related issues, family dynamics, living environment, financial worries, unhealthy lifestyle, health concerns or loneliness. Once identified coping strategies can be explored such as how, where and who to seek for professional advice for worries, getting answers or solutions can prevent anxious “What if” thoughts taking over. When feeling overwhelmed explore opportunities to talk things through with a professionally qualified listener (Counsellor), who may act as a guide through meditation or mindfulness practice to help calm the mind and focus thoughts on breathing to reduce the fight or flight response. Feeling isolated has been identified as a cause for anxiety so look for opportunities for social interaction, meeting with friends, joining special interest groups or activities.
- Nutritional Therapy. Choosing a healthy diet as a concept sounds simple common sense but there are some that would benefit from education and support to enable them to make healthier choices. The UK Gov and NHS have produced an Eatwell Guide which is a simple and easy to understand illustration of a balanced diet and the following information has been taken from the British Heart Foundation website echoing NHS guidelines. A balanced diet should include plenty of fruit and vegetables – aim for at least 5 portions a day meals based on starchy foods, such as potatoes, bread, rice or pasta some dairy or dairy alternatives some beans or pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other sources of protein low levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar. For personalized support visiting a professional (Nutritional Therapist) for guidance may prove to be more effective for example, how to safely move to plant -based dairy alternatives and eliminate foods that stimulate the nervous system e.g. sugar, caffeine ( coffee/tea) chocolate, alcohol and special note: chemical food additives recognised E Numbers the flavouring Monosodium Glutamate or E621 and Chemical Azo Dyes used to colour food including some fish/meat products, fizzy drinks, sweets and medications.
- Clinical Reflexology. Appropriate physical activity is widely advocated to improve general health and wellbeing and attending regular exercise classes improves mobility and provides a space for social interaction. What and how much exercise is safe can be provided by NHS Cardiac Rehabilitation Programmes, where patients are individually assessed and guided to appropriate classes. The simplest form of movement is walking, taking a stroll in the fresh air not only improves mental health but the circulation. The circulatory system consists of the heart (pumps blood around the body) blood vessels (veins and arteries) and the lymphatic vessels and lymph. The first signs of circulatory issues are often experienced in the legs and feet. With swelling or feeling heavy, weak or numb in the legs, aching tired calf muscles, thighs, or hips that start when walking and stop with rest or unusual skin rash or open wounds or ulcers on legs or feet that take a long time to heal. A consultation with a professional (Clinical Reflexologist) offers specialized advice on how to improve poor circulation and a Clinical Reflexology assessment will determine the level of functionality of the lower limbs, gait and identify areas of concern. Clinical Reflexology treatment has been shown to help reduce swelling and pain in the lower legs and feet. With increased foot flexibility and leg muscle activity, strength, balance and confidence will grow and walking activities can be fully enjoyed. If you need some help to improve your Quality of Life please contact me, I am always happy to advise and help.