We are delighted to welcome John Philbin to Hoxton Health to start a new acupuncture clinic with us. John has joined us from Monday 22nd May and has taken over Esperanza’s clinic.
John has 30 years experience in treating a wide range of health issues as well as supporting patients undergoing conventional treatment for various health conditions.
In his treatment approach, he believes we are all unique and that the notion that one size fits all is ill-founded. From a holistic perspective finding a treatment that works for an individual is paramount. Creating a treatment plan specific to a person’s needs is a key element in supporting their goal of achieving optimal health.
Initially training in holistic medical massage and aromatherapy, he then went on to train as an acupuncturist. He specialises in chronic pain, stress related illness and fertility.
John also studied Balance Method acupuncture with the late Grandmaster Dr. Richard Tehfu Tan. The Balance Method has revolutionised the acupuncture world. This simple, logical 3-step strategy precisely and effectively stimulates a minimal number of distal points. The system is rooted in the ancient classics of Acupuncture, the Nei Jing, and based on the concept of healing the body by balancing channels/meridians. John also incorporates bodywork into his treatments tailoring treatments specific to an individual’s needs.
Acupuncture treatments are available every Wednesday and Thursdays. For the full price list, please visit our treatments page here: https://hoxtonhealth.org/treatments. To book an appointment or if you have any queries, please feel free to call us on 020 7739 2533 or email reception@hoxtonhealth.org.
Earlier this week we caught up with Valerie, a regular patient that has been coming to Hoxton Health since the pre-pandemic times.
What brought you to Hoxton Health?
During COVID my health deteriorated, I was at home, I broke my foot, and suffered a close bereavement – and I was walking around with a cloud over me. I used to come to Hoxton Health before, and then I was in a situation where I needed to make a change.
Now I feel like me again; I just needed to get my health sorted. Hoxton Health provides so many different treatments, that you are bound to find one that works for you! So all these different treatments, in line with pain management programmes, and a desire to improve my health in 2023 – that’s what brought me to Hoxton Health!
Patient Valerie
How have the treatments helped you?
For one, coming here gets me out of the house. If I come regularly, it’s something that gets me up and out. Each treatment has done something different. I was bedbound, then in a wheelchair – and when I came I was using a stick, now I walk with a limp, but no stick. The therapies have shifted my energy, they’ve allowed me to feel like me again. There were times when I didn’t recognise myself, and now I do. I feel brighter and more able.
The therapies have shifted my energy, they’ve allowed me to feel like me again.
Patient Valerie
Reflexology with Paula – I ended up in tears and I don’t know why, she has such a lovely way with her – it has really helped.
Acupuncture with Fatima – I tested it and I know it really works for me. I suffer with hyperhydrosis, and when I first came to Hoxton Health it was out of control. I said to Fatima forget all the pain, that is what I need to sort out – and it has happened. These are the 2 treatments I really like, but I have tried most of them, and not been disappointed with any one of them
Would you recommend Hoxton Health to your friends and family?
ABSOLUTELY!! And I do. I keep trying to get my mum’s carer to come. Absolutely recommended, I wish you did home visits, so someone could come and give my mum a massage as she is housebound. Also I hope that in the future Hoxton Health will join up with the pain management groups in the borough, so costs could be subsidised
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Here at Hoxton Health we have a range of low-cost complementary and alternative therapies, as well as exercise groups running from Monday to Friday, which you can view on our site here.
In this video, Janet and Rosie talk about some of the stress symptoms that people have experienced as a result of lockdown. These include sleeplessness, irritability, hunger, depression, weight gain, tiredness etc. Rosie, our aromatherapist, explains how different essential oils can help to alleviate symptoms.
We continue on in lockdown mode. Working from home due to the Coronavirus is becoming the new normal. There has never been a better time to ensure your working environment is set up to encourage the best balance of productivity and comfort [1]. Each item you choose to include in your home office space has the potential to hinder or enhance your work performance, from the positioning of your desk, quality of (natural light), right down to the ergonomics of your equipment [2]. There are additional comforts that can enhance your workspace to boost your mood and hence enhance your natural creativity. The idea of bringing nature into the office has been suggested by research, that having access to a window view, natural light and having live or even artificial plants, can contribute in decreasing stress [3][5]. The presence of plants can also improve mood, aid in the quality of indoor air and some may have the ability to remove various pollutants [4][5][6]. The fragrance that emits from specific plants also has the potential to trigger our senses through our olfactory system, which is linked to our mood, feelings, emotions and long-term memory [6] [7]. The powerful aromas from various aromatic plants are extracted into more potent concentrations as essential oils and are utilised in various ways, with diffusers being one of the popular mediums [8].
In recent years, the trend for replicating the spa ambience inside the home has seen a multitude of various diffusers appear on to the market, which has led to a rebirth in the inhalation of essentials oils. Consumers have become more aware of the benefits of certain essential oils as they become more conscious about ways of self -managing their own health [9]. Lavender, Citrus oils and oils belonging to the Mint family are currently seeing an increased demand globally [10]. Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) is one of the essential oils that continues to see extensive research into its benefits, which include improved sleep patterns and relaxation [10]. Lavender has also been used in cognitive studies where it has been shown to encourage sustained attention during prolonged tasks and also to aid memory [11] [12]. Lavender has been found to work in great combination with Orange oil (Citrus Sinensis) in improving mood and reducing anxiety. Orange oil used singly, may exert calming effects through its interaction with the central nervous system. [13].
Lemon oil is also reported to work in a similar way to Orange oil, but it is more associated with increased heart rate [14]. This oil can be a great choice for the home office environment, as it has been associated with enhanced mental and physical task performance, as well as it’s mood elevating properties. [15]. To compliment the citrus family further, Lime oil, which to this day is under researched for its own capabilities, may also have the ability to alleviate nervousness, anxiety and stress-related tension. [16] For oils supporting more focus on brain function, we look no further than to the Mint family, with specific focus on Peppermint and Spearmint. [17] The aroma of Peppermint oil along with its main chemical constituent Menthol, may activate various receptors in the brain and nervous system that regulate our behaviour or functions such as cognition, emotional states and moods. [18] [19].
Spearmint oil seem to mainly work by activating the nervous system and influencing some receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety and assist in keeping us alert, by reducing fatigue. [17] [20] [21] [22]. While only a few essential oils have been mentioned above for their beneficial properties, there are still a wide range of other oils to explore, with the vast range of which can be overwhelming for any consumer.
A simple way of making your essential oil choice is by smelling the aroma itself and seeking further advice from a qualified Aromatherapist or those with an in depth knowledge of essential oils. [23] [24]. There will be certain essential oils like floral and citrus aromas that will more readily diffuse, than oils that have woody, earthy aromas or that are more visceral in their composition. [25] [26]. The issue of safety regarding essential oils should always be considered mainly in terms of quality, dosage and storage [27].
At present consumers would do best to use the guidelines set out by the Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC), an independent self -regulatory body for those in the essential oil trade. The ATC set out the standards that their members should follow, ensuring that they produce quality essential oils that can be safely used and they also provide a membership list of essential oil suppliers that promotes consumer confidence. [28] [29]. These suppliers may also provide guidance on how to safely use essential oils in your diffuser in relation to dosage. In most cases, only a few drops of your chosen oil are needed, due to our inherent ability to detect low levels of scent. [30] [31]. Robert Tisserand (international speaker, educator and consultant on the science and benefits of essential oils) recommends that inhalation from diffusers should be regulated. It is suggested that for the maximum benefit and for increased safety, diffusers should be used for periods of between 30 to 60 minutes with a similar rest period, between each session. [32]. Those who have enhanced respiratory sensitivities, should seek further advice on particular oils to use, as the research differs for specific respiratory related health conditions [33] [34]. As a precautionary measure, it may also help to begin with a low dilution and then gradually increase the strength of the dilution, to experience the optimum effect [35].
As our use for essential oils continues to increase, so too should our awareness of the sustainability, ethical and conservation issues caused by our purchases [36]. In order to gain awareness of which essential oils that are threatened, vulnerable, and endangered, consumers should check the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species website [37] [38]. The Aromaweb website is also a good source of information regarding thisin depth, complicated subject [38][39].
It is the intention of this article to empower you to choose essential oils to incorporate in the home working environment. The information on the oils mentioned is to educate anyone on the possible benefits they may experience and the area of the body that may benefit from that process. As with every product, there are always safety issues to consider and consumers are recommend to always contact quality essential oil suppliers. I hope the basic information provided here will be helpful as a guide when purchasing essential oils and will hopefully encourage further research into the recommendations made above.
[1] Lawrie E, Parry S, (2020) Coronavirus; Five ways to work well from home, BBC
[2] Schofield J (2020) What do I need to work from home due to Coronavirus? The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2020/mar/19/work-at-home-coronavirus-office-self-isolating
[3] Hunt A (2020) Working from home during the coronavirus outbreak? Here’s how to make sure you’re still productive www.womanandhome.com https://www.womanandhome.com/life/working-from-home-tips-productive-351724/
[4] Largo-Wight, E., Chen, W., Dodd, V. and Weiler, R., 2011. Healthy Workplaces: The Effects Of Nature Contact At Work On Employee Stress And Health. Public Health Rep. 2011; 126(Suppl 1): 124–130
[5] An M, Colarelli SM, O’Brien K, Boyajian ME, (2016) Why We Need More Nature at Work: Effects of Natural Elements and Sunlight on Employee Mental Health and Work Attitudes PLoS One.; 11(5): e0155614.
[6] Bill F, Fares S, Ghirado A, De Visser P, Calatayud V, Munoz A, Annesi-Maesano I, Sebastiani F, Alivernini A, Varriale V, Menghini F (2018) Plants for Sustainable Improvement of Indoor Air, 23 (6) P507-512
[7] LaCova-Bhat L (2017) Benefits and Attributes of Plants & Aromatherapy within
A Healthcare Environment and Their Influence on Healthy & Longevity, International Journal of Complementary & Alternative medicine Vol 8 (2)
[8] Shaaban H A E, El-Ghorab A H, Shibamoto T (2012) Bioactivity of essential oils and their volatile aroma components: Review The Journal of Essential Oil Research Vol 24 (2) 203-212 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233833053_Bioactivity_of_essential_oils_and_their_volatile_aromacomponents_Review
[9] Brien C (2020) Anxiety: How Aromatherapy oils could ease your symptoms www.stylist.co.uk (https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/best-aromatherapy-products-oils-ease-anxiety/246612)
[10] Global Essential Oils Market Forecast 2019-2027 www.linkwoodresearch.com https://www.inkwoodresearch.com/reports/essential-oils-market/#report-summary
[11] Research and Markets (2020) Global Essential Oil Market Insights 2020-2025: Lucrative Demand for Lavender Essential Oils Over the Forecast Period www.globenewswire.com (https://www.globenewswire.com/newsrelease/2020/03/09/1996996/0/en/Global-Essential-Oil-Market-Insights-2020-2025-Lucrative-Demand-for-Lavender-Essential-Oils-Over-the-Forecast-Period.html)
[12] Filiptsova O V, Gazzavi-Rogozina L V, Timoshyna I A, Naboka O I, Dyomina Y V, Ochkur A V, (2018) The effect of the essential oils of Lavender and Rosemary on the human short-term memory Alexandria Journal of Medicine 54 (2018) 41-44
[13] Tahmasebi H, Poorkhiz A, Joubari H A (2019) Comparing the Aromatherapeutic Effects of Orange and Lavender Essential Oils on Anxiey and Physiological Indicators in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Clinical Trial Study Medical Surgical Nurse Journal 8 (3)
[14] Kiecolt-Glaser J K, Graham J E, Glaser R (2008) Olfactory Influences on Mood and Autonomic, Endorcrine and Immune Function Psychoneuroendocrinology 33 (3) 328-339
[15] Ali B, A-Wabel N A, Shams S, Ahamad A, Khan S A, Anwar F (2015) Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Vol 5, Issue 8, Pages 601-611
[16] Khan M M, Al-Yahyai R, Al-Said F (2017) The Lime: Botany, Production and Uses, UK, CPI
[17] Kennedy D, Okello E, Chazot P, Howes M J, Ohiomokhare S, Jackson P, Haskell-Ramsay C, Khan J, Forster J, Wightman E (2018) Volatile Terpenes and Brain Function: Investigation of the Cognitive and Mood Effects of Mentha × Piperita L. Essential Oil with In Vitro Properties Relevant to Central Nervous System Function, Nutrients 10 (8) 1029
[18] Solt K, Ruesch D, Forman S A, Davies P A, Raines D E (2007) Differential Effects of Serotonin and Dopamine on Human 5-HT 3A Receptor Kinetics: Interpretation within an Allosteric Kinetic Model, The Journal of Neuroscience, 27(48):13151–13160
[19] Fakhfouri G, Rahimian R, Dyhrfjeld-Johnsen J, Reza Zirak M, Beaulieun J M (2019) 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists in Neurologic and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: The Iceberg Still Lies beneath the Surface, Pharmacol Rev 71:383 412,
[20] Jaradat N A, Al Zabadi H, Rahhal B, Hussein A M A, Mahmoud J S, Mansour B, Khasati A I, Issa A (2016) The effect of inhalation of Citrus sinensis flowers and Mentha spicata leave essential oils on lung function and exercise performance: a quasi-experimental uncontrolled before-and-after study, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 13 36
[21] Nogoceke F P, Barcaro I M R, de Sousa D P, Andreatini R (2016) Antimanic-like effects of (R)-(−)-carvone and (S)-(+)-carvone in mice, Neuroscience Letters, Vol 619, Pages 43-48
[22] Johnston G A R, Hanrahan J R, Chebib M, Duke R K, Mewett K N (2006)
Modulation of Ionotropic GABA Receptors by Natural Products of Plant Origin Advances in Pharmacology, Vol 54 (6) 1054-3589
[24] Vankar P S (2004) Essential Oils and Fragrances from Natural Sources, Resonance 9 30-41
[25] Sadgrove N, Jones G (2015) A Contemporary Introduction to Essential Oils: Chemistry, Bioactivity and Prospects for Australian Agriculture, Agriculture, 2015, 5, 48-102
[26] Herman R A, Ayepa E, Shittu S, Fometu S S, Wang J (2019) Essential Oils and Their Applications -A Mini Review, Advances in Nutrition & Food Science, Vol 4 (4) 1-13
[27] Lis-Balchin M (2005) Aroma Aromatherapy Science, A guide for healthcare professionals, First edition, London, Pharmaceutical Press
[31] Schneider R, Singer N, Singer T, (2018) Medical aromatherapy revisited—Basic mechanisms, critique, and a new development, Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical & Experimental, 34, 1-10
[33] Choi S Y, Park K (2016) Effect of Inhalation of Aromatherapy Oil on Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
[34] Gibbs J E M (2019) Essential oils, asthma, thunderstorms, and plant gases: a prospective study of respiratory response to ambient biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), Journal of Asthma and Allergy, (12) 169-18
[37] Brummitt N A, Bachman, S P Griffiths-Lee J, Lutz M, Moat J F, Farjon A, Donaldson J S, Hilton-Taylor C, Meagher T R, Albuquerque S, Aletrari E, Andrews A. K, Guy Atchison, Baloch, E, Barlozzini B, Brunazzi A, Carretero J, Celesti M, Chadburn H, Cianfoni E, Cockel C, Coldwell V, Concetti B, Contu S, Crook V, Dyson P, Gardiner L, Ghanim N, Greene H, Groom A, Harker R, Hopkins D, Khela S, Lakeman-Fraser P, Lindon H, Lockwood H, Loftus C, Lombrici D, Lopez-Poveda L, Lyon J, Malcolm-Tompkins P, McGregor K, Moreno L, Murray L, Nazar K, Power E, Tuijtelaars M Q, Salter R, Segrott R, Thacker H, Thomas L J, Tingvoll S, Watkinson G, Wojtaszekova K, Nic Lughadha E M (2015) Green Plants in the Red: A Baseline Global Assessment for the IUCN Sampled Red List Index for Plants, PLOS one 10 1371
[38] IUCN (2020) International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Specieshttps://www.iucnredlist.org/
[39] (2020) Guide to Essential Oils and Sustainability, Aromaweb, https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/essential-oil-sustainability.asp
Helen is a singer. She’s made a video of an exercise Ingo Titze invented to help singers strengthen their lungs. Right now, we all need to do that, so take a look at this exercise and practise, practise, practise.
It’s a challenge being isolated at home. Nothing like this has ever happened to me. I’ve always joked that if I was in prison I would like to be in solitary confinement but now I am starting to see what a harsh punishment that is.
I like being left alone with my thoughts, but I am finding it very difficult to do the things I feel I should. I have a to-do list but I can’t quite make myself start it in any organised way but I know that if I got to the end of this social distancing and I hadn’t crossed everything off I will have very little self-respect left.
What I have started doing is Adrien’s 30 day yoga challenge. She’s delightful and although the first one is called Ease into it, it’s going to be a challenge.
What are you doing in your social distancing? I know some people have isolated themselves with specific friends, some completely alone at home.
It’s a time to keep in touch with everyone we know who might be lonely, frightened and vulnerable.
It is with great sadness that we have decided that in order to protect our vulnerable, older clients, we have decided to suspend the service until further notice.
We will be calling all our most vulnerable clients regularly and will get in touch when we are confident the danger is lower.
We hope you all keep well. Don’t forget to wash your hands, try not to touch your face, eat and sleep as well as you can, and if you are able, take exercise. All those things will help your immune system.
