Prescribing yoga, arts and Xbox fitness classes on the NHS can cut A & E visits by a sixth, according to an analysis of one of the largest such schemes. Lonely older patients are much happier of GPs send them to knitting, woodwork or local history groups and the NHS could save money because they need less treatment, the study suggests. Family doctors say they have replaced priests as the first port of call for people with social or financial problems, and non-medical help will free up appointments. Loneliness exacerbates health problems of the elderly. In one of the longest running programmes, health chiefs in Rotherham have spent £500,000 a year since 2012 on community groups and advisers to help vulnerable patients to joint them. Tai chi, quizzes, indoor curling and other exercises are among the groups offered to lonely older people, while those with financial problems are given debt and welfare advice and those with depression are steered towards music or creative wr

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YOGA FOR BIRTH PREPARATION NEXT COURSE: Wednesday 4/5 and Wednesday 11/5/2016 Diane's "Yoga for Birth Preparation" classes are tailored for the final stages of pregnancy (from 32 weeks), where what we need most is to quieten the mind, let go of time pressures and constant doing and be in a consciously relaxed state, where we can connect with ourselves, our babies and our inner birthing wisdom. The course runs over two weeks covering the following topics: Week 1: The natural physiology of birth – What to expect at different stages of the labour process Using breath as your anchor in labour – Detailed breath techniques for the different stages of labour. Week 2: Managing fear – Trusting your body and nurturing a sense of empowerment Creating a positive intention and guided relaxation – Letting go of the intellect and connecting with intuition and instincts. After the initial discussion, the session then becomes more body focused incorporating yoga postures

To rest, relax and restore is essential in today’s society where stress levels are rising. To rest deeply is to experience absolute relaxation, where there is effortless stillness, quietness and peace. Restorative Yoga provides bespoke restorative postures, specific yoga based sequences, breath awareness practices and relaxation. Open to both men and women this class is suitable for couples trying to conceive naturally or through IVF (providing you have been referred by your IVF consultant). The physical focus of the postures is to create space and ease and to optimize the blood flow to the muscles and connective tissues in the lower pelvis. On an emotional level, the benefits of restorative yoga and the haven of a safe, nurturing environment, can help both men and women cope with the stress associated with trying to conceive and to increase the ability to self nurture, deeply relax and accept where they are in the process. Our restorative fertility classes are in conjunction

The tongue, like a sharp knife, kills without drawing blood. Buddha

I am about to start this detox from Littleton Mill. I think this is a brilliant idea, and the price makes it pretty affordable. I'm hoping to cleanse and purify my body before the Christmas madness takes it toll. I have run retreats at the Mill,- the team make the most wonderful food and are renowned for their detox weekends ( Kate Moss is a fan). I will post here about my experience ...watch this space...... Littleton Mill's experienced team of nutritional advisors, fitness instructors and wellbeing experts have helped hundreds of people transform their health through our juice cleansing program. Now for the first time you can benefit from a formula that has been developed and refined by our experts, all in one package: The Detox Box. We want everyone to be able to experience our signature juice cleansing program, so we have made the Detox Box affordable and easy to use. Enjoy the benefits of a professional retreat program from the comfort of your o

There was an interesting article by Peta Bee in The Times this week about the growing number of people who are turning to a restorative yoga practice. It’s time to slow down your hot yoga moves by Peta Bee Somewhere along its path to finding inner peace, yoga seems to have lost its way. For the past decade and more we have embraced the ancient practice in our droves. We have rushed from our high-pressured jobs and snatched time to keep up and it has progressed to being a gym-class staple with lightening pace. Getting ashtanga arms and a Bikram butt became our obsession as we pushed ourselves into postures more frenetically than its original devotees would have ever done. Yoga is now suggestive of competitive stretching by lithe, super-bendy bodies and an emphasis on sweat. Yet just as we got used to the ever more dynamic downward dog, there is an opposing trend emerging among those who are trying to slow it back down. Fed up with being wedged into a room packed to capacity

Eight hour Studio is a beautiful luxury and contemporary range of sleep wear. Every item is hand made and constructed from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are hand wood block printed using colours made from AZO free dyes. Eight Hour Studio has an absolutely beautiful website . I shall definitely be looking them up when they are at The OM Yoga Show in London this October.