The fluid in the joint is called synovial fluid, and the production of this fluid can be directly stimulated by using acupuncture, regardless of where the arthritis is in the body. By increasing the amount of fluid in the joint, the cartilage is prevented from rubbing together, therefore eliminating the pain and inflammation.  The fluid may be stimulated by using two or three needles in the body that are usually nowhere near the arthritic joint/s, they are retained for 20 minutes, during which time the patient relaxes. Treatment at first is every two weeks and after some improvement the patient only needs to come for monthly visits.  As and when the arthritic pain is resolved it is then recommended to have four sessions a year help prevent the synovial fluid from becoming deficient again.

Acupuncture is an extremely versatile therapy, suitable for treating many conditions.  For more information please contact Gary Hussey at Lilliput Health on 01202 725090.

If you suffer from any or several of the following symptoms you could have a food intolerance:

Bloating after eating certain foods	Abdominal pains
Constipation	Brain fog
Fatigue	Diarrhoea
Headaches	Malabsorption
Migraines	IBS
Anxiety	Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Depression	Hyperactivity
Arthritis	Water retention
Aches and pains	Sinusitis
Bed wetting	Nausea
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome	Weight control issues
Insomnia	Eczema
Asthma	Acne
Loss of appetite	Fybromyalgia
Respiratory symptoms

Food intolerances can produce a wide mixture of symptoms and it is this which makes it hard to diagnose.  Those affected may have multiple symptoms and often spend years suffering with poor health.

What is a food intolerance?

Food intolerance is not to be confused with an allergic reaction.  In the case of an allergic reaction the symptoms are acute and can be life threatening.  The body's immune system mistakes a food for an 'invader', often resulting in a rapid allergic reaction within minutes.  In contrast food intolerances don't tend to be life threatening and produce delayed onset symptoms - i.e. they can take hours or even days to begin. It is this that makes it hard and time consuming to identify exactly which foods a person is intolerant to without a scientific test.

Food intolerances are due to the body's inability to fully process a particular food.  There are many reasons for this, some are caused by an enzyme deficiency or chemical sensitivity, while others are associated with an immune response related to food specific antibodies called IgG antibodies.  These IgG antibodies recognise and bind to specific food proteins to form immune complexes in the body.  These can accumulate in joints and other organs where they cause inflammation and many of the symptoms associated with food intolerance. 

Food intolerance tests work by detecting raised IgG antibodies.  By identifying the foods that will cause a reaction it can remove any guess work of elimination diets and speed up the whole process of diagnosing food intolerances.

First Step Food Intolerance Test

If you think you may by intolerant to certain foods a good place to start is with a First Step Food Intolerance test.  This involves a simple pin-prick blood test which is sent away to the laboratory. The results will then show whether the sample tested positive or negative. If the result is positive you then have the option to upgrade to one of the larger tests that test either  40, 60, 120 or 200+ different types of food.  The results are available in about 10 working days. Once these problem foods have been identified, you will receive a tailor made printout of the results and comprehensive aftercare support from your nutritionist to aid dietary management. 

Manjula Coté is offering the First Step Food Intolerance Test FREE until the end of March 2010.  The upgraded tests, if you require one, vary in price depending on how many foods you have tested.  If your test does come back positive Manjula will recommend an upgrade to suit your budget.

It is reported that over 75% of people enjoy relief of their symptoms as a result of acting on their test. 

Manjula Coté (BA Hons, DNN, FNTP, ITEC) is an experienced Nutritionist, Nutri-Energetics Systems practitioner and Massage therapist.  For more information or to book a consultation please call Lilliput Health on 01202 725090 or Contact us.

• IBS, Crohns disease, Diverticulitis, Bloating or other ongoing digestive problems?

• Infertility, menopausal problems, PCOS, endometriosis, osteoporosis or skin problems?

Are you always tired but you don't know why?

Then look no further! Functional laboratory testing provides a thorough analysis & diagnostic proof of your medical condition.

Carolyn Leigh, BSc. N. Med, BANT, NTCC is a Clinical Nutritionist at Lilliput Health and is fully qualified to undertake a total analysis and report on your test results. A plan of treatment will then be agreed to treat any underlying medical conditions which are discovered through testing.  

There is a maze of different types of tests on the market, and choosing which is right for you can be very confusing without professional guidance.  Many of the tests that are on offer can be inaccurate and give dangerously misleading results.  Carolyn uses only fully accredited medical laboratories, which are certified & overseen in both the United Kingdom & the United States under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA).  She also chooses to use those laboratories with the highest standards of quality and excellence such as Genova diagnostics. 

A sample of Laboratory Tests which are offered include:

• Food Allergy/Intolerance Testing
• Osteoporosis Screening
• Chronic Fatigue Screen
• IB Status
• Parasite Screening
• Candida Screening
• Heavy Metals Testing
• Epstein Bar Virus Profile
• Full Hormone Panel Testing (Female & Male)
• Comprehensive Cardio-Vascular Assessment
• Thyroid Function Testing
• Liver Check
• Allergy check
• Homocysteine Test
• Body ID Plan

Laboratory testing is not as expensive as you might imagine.  A food allergy test, testing for 40 different foods, costs just £97.

Book an appointment with Carolyn today to find out how functional medical laboratory testing could be your path to preventative and restorative health.  Call the clinic on 01202 725090 or email us.

Detox is abbreviation of detoxification.   This is the body's natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body - a necessary function our bodies naturally perform to keep our system free of poison.  The body has an amazing ability to cleanse itself, but every day our body is bombarded with toxins from such places as:

• Processed foods
• Alcohol
• Damaged fats
• Environmental pollutants
• Household cleaning products
• Food additives & preservatives
• Pesticides
• Pharmaceutical residue

After the festive period, when we may have indulged a little too much, the natural routes of elimination can become quickly overwhelmed.  When this happens, you may need to give the body a helping hand by undertaking a detox programme to aid cleansing the body.

Some signs that your body is not cleansing efficiently include:

• Lethargy
• Body odour
• Foul smelling stools
• Bad breath
• Poor digestion
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Poor appetite
• Insomnia
• Obesity
• Joint pains
• Skin problems

 At times, especially after the festive period, when we have self indulged a little too much we may need to aid cleansing the body, begin the removal of accumulated toxins and unwanted waste.

What are the benefits of detox?

A detox can leave you with glowing skin, a clean smelling body, efficient digestion with regular bowel movements, improved sleep, mental clarity, increased energy and a cleansed bloodstream, liver and kidneys.

A detox can also be an excellent prelude to a weight management or lifestyle transformation system.

How to undertake a detox...

There are many ways to undertake a detox, and it is important to remember that there is no such thing as a detox to suit all.  A detox is personal choice and it is important to adopt a programme that suits your individual needs.

 It is advisable to consult a nutritionist who will take a full case history and help you determine the best way forward.  Manjula Coté is an experienced nutritionist who will devise a personalised detox programme for you and will carefully monitor your progress to ensure that you cleanse your body at a comfortable pace.

An intensive course of Colon Hydrotherapy (3 treatments in a 2 week period) can really help kick start and compliment a detox diet. 

Colon Hydrotherapy can aid removal of waste and toxic burden.  This is a simple procedure that introduces water to the colon and bowel, exercising and toning the bowel, thus aiding the evacuation of waste both during and after treatment.  Colon Hydrotherapy reduces the toxic load on the body and makes the bowel better able to absorb nutrients.  Robyn Powell is a Colon Hydrotherapist, and also trained in abdominal massage which can be used in conjunction with or instead of colon hydrotherapy. 

 If the festive period has left you feeling sluggish and unhealthy and you would like better skin, more energy and improved digestion, contact Manjula and Robyn at Lilliput Health for your personalised detox programme. 

For the months of January and February 2010, Lilliput Health has some tempting offers to help you on the path to a healthier and more energetic you. 

£20 off your initial consultation with Natural Nutritionist Manjula Coté (£45 instead of £65).

Detox course of 3 Colon Hydrotherapy treatments within a 2 week period for just £150 (instead of £175).

Or try our full detox package which includes an initial and follow up Natural Nutrition consultation, plus a detox course of 3 Colon Hydrotherapy treatments.  Just £199 until 28th February 2010.

Call Lilliput Health on 01202 725090 to make an appointment or for more information.

Exercise is a great stress buster as we know but if you don't feel that you have time, even a 10 minute brisk walk can help. If anything is on your mind stopping you from getting to sleep, simply writing it down can help the brain to process it and ''put it away'' until it is needed again.

2 Simple techniques to help you de-stress and relax

WHEN YOU FEEL YOURSELF GETTING UPSET OR ANXIETY RISING... put the palm of your hand flat against your tummy.  Take a slow (count to 5) deep breath in through the nose, hold for 3 seconds (counting in your mind) and then breathe out slowly again, but through the mouth.  Repeat this at least 4 times or as required.  Notice how much calmer you already begin to feel.  Use this any time, anywhere!

The next technique must be done only when you can relax completely and quietly, but done regularly it enhances feelings of calm and peace.  Before you go to sleep at night is a great time.

In a quiet and slow paced voice in your head, say to yourself, with breaks of 2 to 3 seconds between each instruction:

Now I relax my eyes (close them )..... now I relax my eyebrows..... now I relax my jaw..... now I relax my tongue..... now I relax my neck..... now I relax my shoulders..... now I relax my arms..... now I relax my chest..... now I relax my stomach..... now I relax my thighs..... now I relax the fronts of my knees..... the backs of my knees..... now I relax my calves..... now I relax my ankles..... now I relax my toes......

 Pause for a few moments..... notice the feelings of relaxation..... notice the slowing rhythm of your breathing..... and go through the whole process again if you need or want to.  This seems a very simple technique but I can assure you that the more your practise it the more you will realise its benefits.  It is also used regularly at the start of a hypnotherapy session for relaxation.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help With Stress

If problems seem overwhelming and you are not sure where to start in dealing with them, then hypnotherapy can be a great source of help and guidance.  We all worry and have certain levels of stress but when this becomes excessive, the mind is overdoing its job and causing the body and mind harm.  Solution based Hypnotherapy can give you the tools to take control of your own life and wellbeing.  It can help you redefine problems as challenges, and working with your subconscious mind can help you find answers, always using positivity to help you make changes.  It gives you the motivation to find solutions as the subconscious becomes trained to block negativity, enabling it to make positive progress with any issues. 

Hypnotherapy can help remove blockages that may be stopping you from moving forward in life as well as building confidence and self esteem.  The mind is train ed to shift from the negative to the positive, having an overall benefit to body and mind.

Sara Agombar trained for 3 years to Practitioner level with the highly recognised London College of Clinical Hypnosis. She is also a Full Member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis and works in accordance with their high ethical code of conduct.  To find out more about the many benefits of hypnotherapy, contact the clinic on 01202 725090.

Peter says, “There have been huge developments in many aspects of golf fitness in recent years. Golfers of all levels are now finally thinking about optimising their physical capacity in order to play their best possible golf. I guess we have the likes of Tiger to thank for that, running 5 miles in the morning before the final round in a major, but that is only the tip of the iceberg.”

“A typical golf fitness regime consists of many facets, including flexibility, strength, conditioning, core stability, rotational strength and power and general cardiovascular fitness. A combination of all of these factors helps keep the elite players injury free, consistent through the swing and capable of achieving tremendous distances off the tee"

“There is a huge correlation between trunk flexibility, rotational power and driving distance achieved, it is great to see the improvement even some of the top guys can make by working particular muscles in a particular way.”

“Ideally each golfer will undertake a full physical screening, looking at all of the major joints and muscles, considering flexibility, strength and control. This is then compared to what is considered the optimum for golf, and an exercise and physiotherapy programme is set to help them achieve their goals. Previous injuries and posture are also considered, highlighting areas for potential injury in the future, so preventative measures can also be taken.”

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what level of golf you play, there is always an element of your physical self that can be improved which should have a positive impact on your golf. Obviously it is only one aspect of numerous factors in order to become a good golfer, but if you are hungry for success it is imperative to give your physical condition ample thought, effort and time in order to achieve an advantage over your competitors.”

 “We think nothing of spending hundreds or thousands of pounds on new equipment each season, which may just generate an extra 10 or 20 yards off the tee, but if working on certain exercises for a few weeks will generate an extra 30 to 50 yards, costing only time and effort, on the back of a gym programme you may already be doing it seems like the proverbial no-brainer.”

 Featured in "On Par" Magazine

To find out more about improving your performance on the golf course contact the Physiotherapy team at Lilliput Health on 01202 725090.

The Senior Mens and Ladies had a great line up. Ivan Lawler, Mark Ressel and Dan Humble all looking for a win and a good dice was on the cards between Jenna Hawkey and Chloe Bunnett. The mens course was 14km and the Ladies 10km. The course was a triangular route out towards Old Harry then turning and heading towards Alum Chine and back into Sandbanks, the Senior Men did a further 4km out to a bouy towards Old Harry and then into Sandbanks. Ivan Lawler eased through to take the mens title and Jenna Hawkey took the Ladies title with Chloe Bunnett only 2 minutes behind in second. Jenna and Chloe carried on to do the 14km and both finished in the top 10 amongst the men.

Chloe will be racing again this Sunday in the Poole Harbour Canoe race so more news to follow.....

To view a video clip of the race click here.

1. Trauma due to Sprain or Contusion
2. Invasion of External Wind /Cold / Damp and
3. Deficiency of Kidney Qi (energy)

1. Trauma due to Sprain or Contusion

Trauma may cause injury of Qi and Blood in the body's energy channels; this leads to stagnation of Blood and Qi and that stagnation causes pain.  There is often a history of back sprain in the lumbar area, rigidity and pain which is fixed in a certain area, is made worse by pressure or by turning the body. The patient's tongue is purple and their pulse is wiry, reflecting pain, and hesitant, reflecting stasis of Blood.

2. Invasion of External Wind/ Cold / Damp

In this case,low back pain is due to obstruction in the energy channels by damp and cold, disrupting the free flow of Qi. Stagnation of Qi and Blood becomes worse on cloudy and rainy days and so does the pain. It may be caused by living in cold, damp places, exposure to rain or wading in water or being drenched in sweat. This condition commonly appears up and down the coast amongst windsurfers, fishermen and the sailing fraternity. It is characterised by a heavy sensation and stiffness of the muscles in the area of the lower back, limitation of extension and flexion of the back, pain radiating downwards to the buttocks and lower limbs and a coldness over the area.  The patient’s tongue coat will be white and sticky, reflecting damp trapped in the system with a deep, weak or deep and slow pulse, reflecting cold.

3. Deficiency of Kidney Qi

In this case, low back pain is often caused by excessive sexual activity that consumes the Essence and Qi resulting in poor nourishment of the energy channels in the lumbar region. It can also be seen in the senior population, whose Qi and Essence naturally wanes with advancing years. This condition has an insidious onset of longstanding pain and soreness with lassitude and weakness of the loins and knees: it is aggravated by activity and alleviated by bedrest. If the patient is suffering from Kidney Yang Deficiency, typically they will show symptoms of pallor, feeling the cold, lack of strength and drive: their tongue will be pale and wet and their pulse deep and slow. If the patient is suffering from Kidney Yin Deficiency, they will have symptoms of insomnia, irritability, dry mouth and throat, flushed face, sometimes hot palms, chest and soles. Their tongue will be red, without the normal coat and their pulse will be thready and weak or thready and rapid.

Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of hair-fine needles in appropriate acupoints once a differential diagnosis has been made. The action of the needles will move Qi and Blood to expel pathogenic factors where necessary and strengthen Qi. Sometimes electro-acupuncture is used, as well as other techniques such as magnets, cupping therapy or moxibustion (warming the channels by burning a herb on the needle). Pain is dispersed by removing obstructions in the channels, activating Qi and stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers.

Your GP can now recommend a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture over a period of up to 12 weeks.

Read more about our acupuncturist, Noelle Ayers-Morgan.

Fortunately, most people find that their back pain will subside after a few days or weeks, but if you are still suffering after 6 weeks your GP may discuss possible treatments with you.

NICE (The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) is the independent body that advises NHS doctors on best clinical practice has recently officially endorsed complimentary therapies for the first time by recommending acupuncture and manual therapy (such as chiropractic) as the first line treatments for those with persistent non-specific low back pain.

Your GP can now recommend a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture over a period of up to 12 weeks.

So just how does acupuncture help? Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of hair-fine needles in appropriate acupoints which will move the Qi (energy) and blood to expel pathogenic factors where necessary and strengthen Qi. Pain is dispersed by removing obstructions in the channels and activating Qi, as well as stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.  For more information on acupuncture and low back pain click here.

Your GP can now recommend a course of chiropractic treatment to help relieve your low back pain. 

So how will a chiropractor help with low back pain?  Chiropractic treatment is based on the concept that restricted movement in the spine may lead to pain and reduced function.  Spinal adjustment (manipulation) is one form of therapy chiropractors use to treat restricted spinal mobility.  The goal is to restore spinal movement and, as a result, improve function and decrease back pain.  During an adjustment, chiropractors use their hands to apply a controlled, sudden force to a joint - pushing it beyond its normal range of motion.  The joint's movement may be accompanied by a popping or cracking sounds, this is just a release of gas bubbles in the joint, and is much like opening a can of fizzy drink!

Chiropractors may also use massage and stretching to relax muscles that are shortened or in spasm.  Many use additional treatments as well, such as ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation and exercises.  It is recommended that chiropractic care is continued after the pain has subsided to ensure optimum functioning of the spine and to prevent future recurrence of the problem.

TIPS FOR AVOIDING LOW BACK PAIN

A little care and attention can help you keep back pain at bay. Maintain a healthy weight.  Exercise regularly. Sit up straight.  When you lift something heavy let your legs do the work.  Avoid activities that involve repetitive bending or twisting.  If you sit or stand for long periods of time, take frequent breaks to walk around.

Pain is a warning signal indicating underlying damage.  Don't let pain become part of your everyday life, call the clinic today on 01202 725090 to discuss how Lilliput Health's acupuncturist and chiropractors can help you.  

Being overweight has huge health implications – including risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, depression, joint problems and low energy not to mention the cosmetic factor – we all feel happier and more confident when we are at our ideal weight and we want to maintain it year round.

Manjula Coté, Nutritionist at Lilliput Health, has identified that the key to weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight is:

• Eating tasty nutritional food
• Attitude and motivation
• Stress busting techniques for body and mind and
• Exercise

Manjula says: “Using state of the art Nutri-EnergeticsTM equipment I get a comprehensive report on a multitude of factors that affect well-being, including nutritional status, body organs, nervous systems and joint tissues among others. I can then devise a personalised treatment plan with varied weekly diet menus. This four week program is enough for my clients to start towards reaching their weight loss goals and establish good eating habits which are easy to maintain themselves long term. The weekly support group is invaluable to share progress and ideas and keep up the motiviation, plus I see clients for a monthly follow up for as long as they wish.”

If it works for celebrities…

It is crucial to understand that the key to losing weight and keeping it off is making long term lifestyle changes and seeing that there are no quick fixes. Lily Allen, Sophie Dahl and Sarah Ferguson to name a few have all successfully used hypnotherapy to lose weight and stay motivated about their new eating plan. Bringing the celebrity treatment to Sandbanks, Clinic Hypnotherapist Sara Agombar says: “Hypnotherapy can help rid you of unhealthy cravings and remotivate you if you are struggling.” Using this treatment as part of the overall health MOT helps clients to embrace their new lifestyle.

It is no secret that exercise enhances any eating plan when you are trying to shed pounds. Lilliput Health’s Director and exercise professional Mark Avern points out that simply by increasing your lean muscle through exercise you drastically improve your metabolism. Mark adds: “By increasing your metabolism you are basically increasing the rate at which your body burns fat, so you can lose pounds even when you’re not exercising!”

In some cases injuries and ailments may be holding people back from achieving their own body goals. Since Lilliput Health is home to a team of experienced physiotherapists, chiropractors and sports massage therapists, any niggling or persistent issues can be treated as part of a full body health overhaul, ensuring that each client is fit and healthy to reach their weight loss goals. To get more information on the Lilliput Health Natural Weight loss programme give the Clinic a call on 01202 725 090.