December Newsletter

Did you know joy has an impact on every cell in your body? To find out more in my Christmas message click on this link

I would like to start this month with the exciting news we raised over £500 for Homeless Scotland. Our tree was a special “Wonky Tree” which Feddal Trees sell in aid of Young Minds and we also sold Bethlehem Baubles, a social enterprise, producing handmade Christmas decorations and Peace Lights made in and around Bethlehem.

It’s a mixed time of year for us in the medical profession as colder weather, low stores of Vitamin D, additional stress and more time spent inside inevitably leads to the annual round of respiratory and alimentary ailments. Last year we had an unprecedented number of clients looking for urgent healthcare over the festive season so I would urge you in these winter months to make sure you are up to date with your prescriptions and take preventative measures, such as booking yourself an appointment for a vitamin boost to ensure your body is in the best health it can be going into this season.

A major source of joy at any time of year of course is singing - more important singing together. Why not come along for the last event of the year between 5-7pm for mulled wine, mince pies and merriment as we carol sing at the Studios to raise funds for homeless Scotland, our chosen charity of the season.

The New Year brings with it plenty of opportunities to reset your system and look after your health through the darker months - look out for our Day Retreat, the popular Sound Medicine Workshop, a magical floating hearts event and a Community Film night.

Asthma is a long-term lung condition.  It affects the airways (breathing tubes) that carry air in and out of your lungs causing them to become inflamed (swollen).  When this happens the airways become narrower and less air can get into and out of the lungs.

Asthma is a common condition.  In the UK 7.2 million people - about 8 in every 100 have asthma.  

People with asthma can get symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness, a cough or a tight chest.  Sometimes symptoms can get worse quickly - this is an asthma attack.

Symptoms can be triggered by things like exercise, allergens or changes in weather.  There are lots of potential triggers and everyone with asthma will have their own set of triggers.  At the moment there is no cure for asthma, but most people with asthma can control their symptoms well with asthma inhalers and other medicines.  Some people with asthma may not have symptoms for weeks or months at a time.

Asthma can be much worse in the colder winter months.  If you have been worrying about your respiratory health I would love to see you and check this for you. 

We offer asthma management appointments, reviews, changes to asthma, look at trigger factors - if it’s seasonal.  Learning the difference between chest infection and asthma.  Can get seasonal asthma - lots in clinic at the moment as it’s a new season.

When we do an asthma review - we look at your medical history to establish potential triggers and causes.  We offer spirometry to examine your pulmonary function - which is the diagnostic for Asthma and COPD.  We then look at what you are prescribed to make sure you are on the  medication tailored specifically for you.

Westbourne sees prevention and early diagnosis as a key factor in maintaining optimum health.  We believe taking a proactive approach to health, with an annual medical including blood measurements and top to toe examination and throughout the year being able to deal quickly with issues that arise provides peace of mind and confidence.

We look at the whole person from a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual perspective; Our package includes face to face appointments with our medical team and holistic treatments.

This package includes a comprehensive medical examination including blood screenings, a combination of GP and nurse appointments in person and over the phone, holistic treatment, yoga classes and exclusive events.

We have a limited number of these plans available but you can also purchase vouchers for your friends and family.

Find out more at the Christmas Fayre and in the December Newsletter

We love to get feedback like this one below from someone who’s been with us from when we opened the clinic. If you’d like to leave a review please click here.

Your secret to a sublime season

Acupuncture works to restore the body’s natural balance by regulating the flow of energy, or Qi, throughout your system. Alongside acupuncture, I use additional TCM therapies where appropriate during treatments. This includes moxibustion, cupping therapy, bodywork, gua sha, and traditional Chinese nutrition.

Acupuncture can be a secret weapon during the Festive season.  Some people feel overwhelmed by family, finances or all the social obligations at this time of year.  This can be much worse if you are struggling with seasonal depression or mood shifts - and of course this colder weather can cause many chronic conditions to flare-up.

Many people also dread the assault on the digestive system at this time of year but issues such as IBS, bloating and reflux are easily helped with acupuncture.

These therapies are designed to work with your body, addressing the root cause of health issues while stimulating the nervous system to release natural pain-relievers, improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, releasing muscle tension and activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

On Sunday 18th January from 10 - 4 why not join us for a Day Retreat?

You will be greeted with a welcome health drink, take part in gentle yoga session.  Marie Dandie will talk to you about nutritional adjustments that can make a world of difference to your health and then you will be treated to a delicious lunch.

After lunch Dr V will talk about how to look after your mental wellbeing to keep you happy and well all year round and then to round off the day she will take you through a guided meditation using singing bowls, gongs and chimes.  As you feel increasingly calmer you start to explore your body's response to sound.  The vibrations and sounds at these sessions can help induce a state of deep relaxation and well-being leaving you ready for anything the year can throw at you.

If you wanted to get this for a gift for someone else simply add their name when booking it online.

On Thursday 28th January, 7-8.15pm why not join us for our monthly Sound Medicine Workshop?

Dr V will take you through a guided meditation using singing bowls, gongs and chimes.  As you feel increasingly calmer you start to explore your body's response to sound.  The vibrations and sounds at these sessions can help induce a state of deep relaxation and well-being.

No need to bring anything except yourself - we have mats, cushions, chairs and blankets so you are comfortable.

Click here to book

Escape the hustle and bustle with Dr. Veronica's guided meditation sessions every Wednesday from 12.30 - 1pm. Join us for a moment of tranquility and rejuvenation as we embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Join us every Thursday evening at the new time of 6-7pm for rejuvenating yoga sessions with Jen. Dive into relaxation and mindfulness as Jen guides you through poses in our serene studio setting. All levels are welcome!

Every Tuesday/Wednesday - Nurse Consultant IV Vitamin Therapy - book

Every Wednesday 12.30 - 1pm - Lunchtime Meditation

Every Thursday 6-7pm - Yoga

Tuesday 23rd December 5-6pm - Carol Singing

Sunday 18th January 11-4pm - Retreat day

Wednesday 28th January 7-8.15p - Sound Medicine

Sourdough Stars

The problem with most crackers is they go soft very quickly - not so with these very simple to make crackers. They have the added benefit of containing post-biotic which are fantastic for helping the body with inflammation.

To make your own sourdough starter mix 50g flour and 50g water in a sealed container every day for a week. When it starts bubbling and smelling slightly vinegary you have a perfect base for your crackers. 

Ingredients:

120g strong white bread flour

½ tsp salt

250g sourdough starter

60g butter, soft

1 tbsp fennel seeds

1 tbsp caraway seeds

Course salt (e.g. Maldon) for sprinkling on top

Mix together the flour, salt, sourdough starter and soft butter together in a bowl. Add in the fennel an caraway seeds and mix together to form a smooth dough. Wrap in clingfilm and rest in the fridge for minutes to allow the butter to firm up.

Lightly flour a piece of baking paper, and roll out the cracker dough directly onto this, as thin as poss (approximately 1-2mm). Transfer to a baking tray, brush lightly with oil and sprinkle with course se salt. The crackers can be baked as one large sheet and snapped into shards when baked, or cut into shapes at this point.

Bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until browned and crisp. Allow to cool on a cooling rack.