“homeostasis the physiological process by which the internal systems of the body … are maintained at equilibrium, despite variations in the external conditions.” -OED

The body is kept in balance by the nervous system and the endocrine system. Conditions such as blood pressure, body temperature and pH concentrations of hormones in the body, are all governed by this.

The body wants to return to its equilibrium and without it, disorders or disease may follow.

What is the holistic approach?

A holistic approach to health means that we are interested in engaging with and developing the whole person. Holistic is from th Greek “Holos” meaning whole. This includes the physical and mental strengths and difficulties, the psychological, social, nutritional and environmental factors which have an effect on the whole person. This differs from the symptomatic approach which looks at symptoms to diagnose a problem or disease.

The holistic approach is the concept that humans are multi-dimensional and that the systems within us are inter-connected. It treats each person individually and takes account of all aspects of their life.

The holistic approach enables people to improve their health through their on actions and helps to restore the body’s equilibrium.

This balance is homeostasis. Help your body by booking a massage today!

Time for resolutions? Well possibly, but for me it’s about really making time for yourself. Not just when we hit a difficult point but throughout the days and the weeks. Each time I sit down to reflect, the most fundamental of practices comes to the forefront. Just Breathe. So here is one of my favourite easy techniques shared by my good friend @jillyoga.

3 minute breathing space.

Take a moment to find a comfortable place to sit. Bring your awareness into your breathing. And as you exhale, close your eyes. Bring your awareness into your body. Allow your muscles to begin to relax. Starting at your feet and scanning up the whole of your body. Noticing as you do if you are holding any tension anywhere. And just seeing if you can let go any of that tension. Just a little.

Become aware of your breathing. Notice the inhalation, and the exhalation. Not changing it in any way. Just noticing. Is it deep or shallow? Short or long? Feel the breath in your abdomen, expanding as the breathe comes in, and falling back as the breath goes out. The breath is our connection to the body, to mindfulness, becoming present. If you want to you could introduce counting. Counting 2 or 3 on the inhalation and 2 or 3 on the exhalation. There’s no right way to feel. No control. Just allowing the breath to breathe itself. The whole body breathing, from the inside out. And then letting go of the breathing, not even trying to breathe. Allowing the mind to do exactly what it wants to do. Just allowing the body to be just the way it wants to be.

Coming home to your body. To this moment. Remembering the stillness we seek, doesn’t come from because the world is quiet or the mind is still . Stillness is nourished when we allow things to be just the way they are, in this moment. Moment by moment.

I found it useful to imagine this exercise as an hourglass shape. Suggested by Mark Williams and Danny Penman in their Mindfulness book.

The wide opening at the top is like the first stage of the breathing space. Becoming Aware and gently acknowledging whatever is entering and leaving awareness. It allows you to notice whether you are caught in the Doing mode of life and if so helping you to shift to the Being mode.

The second step is like the narrowing of the hourglass. Focusing attention on one specific area and observing rather than influencing. Focus on the breath moving in the lower abdomen, focus on the physical sensation and gently coax your mind back to the breath when it wanders.

The third step is the broadening base of the hourglass as you open your awareness. Here you gently and firmly affirm yourself in the world.