Somacare Osteopathic Clinic

Acupuncture Awareness Week

noreply@blogger.com (Somacare Osteopathic Clinic) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:23:00 +0000

The first ever Acupuncture Awareness Week launches on Monday 27 February 2012 and will attempt to dispel the many myths still surrounding acupuncture.

Recent research has revealed that over 21 per cent of the British public think acupuncture needles are as large as the needles used for regular injections. Not true!

Every year traditional acupuncturists carry out 2.3 million acupuncture treatments and this figure is on the rise. Yet the latest research clearly demonstrates how myths about acupuncture still remain strong.

Some of the common beliefs include thinking Acupuncture is not safe or regulated or believe it will be painful. Kate Henley answers some of the common questions.

What does it feel like? Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache.
How big are the needles? Acupuncture needles are in fact the same width as a human hair and some are just 0.13mm in length.
Is Acupuncture safe? Kate uses uses only pre-sterilised single-use needles which are safely disposed of after your treatment. All treatments are carried out in accordance with exemplary professional standards developed by the British Acupuncture Council and detailed in the BAcC Codes of Safe Practice and of Professional Conduct.
Who can have treatment? Acupuncture is suitable for most people. Children and adolescents usually respond very well to acupuncture, you can also have acupuncture while pregnant.

If you have any further questions or are considering Acupuncture but not sure if it is suitable for your condition; further details about Acupuncture are available at www.acupuncture.org.uk or please contact

Kate Henley www.katehenley.co.uk

Cranial Osteopathy for babies

noreply@blogger.com (Somacare Osteopathic Clinic) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:39:00 +0000

Whilst labour and birthing is a completely natural process for mum and baby to go through, sometimes there can be difficulties or complications. There may have been the use of forceps, ventouse or even caesarean sections. This can lead to the baby having difficulties with feeding, sleeping or generally being unsettled. Cranial Osteopathy uses gentle techniques in order to help restore balance within the baby’s body, helping to relieve strains that may have remained from birth.

Lauren is available for home visits within the area for those mums who have had caesarian sections and so are unable to drive to the clinic. She is happy to see mum or baby or both if needed!

If you would like to chat to Lauren about a home visit call 01582 769 411 or email lauren@somacare.co.uk

Individual: £50

Mum and baby: £75

Nutrition Therapy available at Somacare

noreply@blogger.com (Somacare Osteopathic Clinic) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:11:00 +0000

Somacare is excited to include a Nutritional Therapist at the Clinic. Jane Bains from The Foodtherapy Practice will be available from October for appointments on Monday mornings. Jane is a qualified Nutritional Therapist who graduated with distinction from the internationally renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition.

Nutritional Therapy is suitable for the whole family to help attain optimum health. Jane's areas of particular interest include fertility, pre-conceptual care, pregnancy, children, female hormone health and digestive disorders.

Jane is also training to be a Foresight practitioner to support couples trying to conceive. For more information please call Jane directly on 01582 621453 or 07905 132034 or to arrange a consultation.

Osteopathy for mums and babies

noreply@blogger.com (Somacare Osteopathic Clinic) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:17:00 +0000

Lauren Storey, Osteopath is joining the team in July and her area of special interest lies in paediatric and maternal osteopathy. She has completed a variety of post graduate courses in order to widen her knowledge in these fields.

Lauren completed her training at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating in 2008. She uses a variety of structural,cranial and visceral osteopathy as well as integrating lifestyle and exercise advice in order to achieve the best results possible for her patients.

Lauren is available for appointments on Wednesday's and Friday's, to make an appointment with Lauren call the Clinic on 01582 769 411

Somacare Osteopathic Clinic welcomes Kate Henley Acupuncturist

noreply@blogger.com (Somacare Osteopathic Clinic) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:27:00 +0000

Somacare are pleased to have experienced Hertfordshire acupuncturist Kate Henley joining the team. Kate will be available for appointments on Thursdays 9am-3pm, appointments can be made directly with Kate on 07887 565174.

Kate has seen this long established system of medicine become accepted all over the world as an effective solution to all manner of today’s ills. ‘I am passionate about the role that acupuncture can have in aiding the body’s natural healing process and empowering people to take control of their own health.’

Kate’s particular area of interest is women’s health and specialises in menstrual irregularities, fertility, pregnancy and menopause.

Kate also has a wealth of experience in treating chronic muscular disorders. The scientific evidence now shows that acupuncture is effective at treating back pain and is fully supported by the NHS rationing body NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) and is being advised for persistent low back pain.

More details of the conditions that respond favourably to acupuncture are available on Kate’s website: www.katehenley.co.uk. To make an appointment please call 07887 565174

Kate qualified from the University of Westminster with a BSc in Acupuncture and has been in practice since 1997. She is a full member of the British Acupuncture Council.

Sciatica Exercises for Sciatic Pain Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Somacare Osteopathic Clinic) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:21:00 +0000

While it may seem counter-intuitive, exercise is usually better for healing sciatica pain than bed rest. Patients may rest for a day or two after a flare up of sciatic pain, but after that time period, inactivity will usually make the pain worse. Without specific sciatica exercises and movement, the back muscles and spinal structures can become de-conditioned and less able to support the back.

Sciatica exercises are important for the health of the spinal discs, movement helps exhange nutrients and fluids within the discs to keep them healthy.

In general, walking is an excellent form of exercise for the low back because it is relatively low impact but can provide all the benefits of an aerobic workout. Walking tends to relieve pain from sciatica. If possible, it is best to gradually progress to doing up to 30 minutes of brisk walking each day if you are not accustomed to exercise.

Specific sciatica exercises depend on the cause of the pain
Many sciatica exercise programs focus on strenthening the abdominal and back muscles in order to provide more support for the back. Stretching can include targeting specific muslces that cause sciatic pain when they are tight or become tight due to the pain. When patients engage in a regular program of gentle strengthening and stretches exercises, they can recover more quickly from sciatica and can help prevent future episodes of sciatic pain.

It is important to first get an accurate diagnosis for the cause of sciatic pain, as the specific exercises recommended will depend on the cause. An Osteopath, physiotherapist or your GP should be consulted prior to beginning any exercise program.

Grand Opening on 21st December

noreply@blogger.com (Somacare Osteopathic Clinic) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:44:00 +0000

Do come along and meet Gina and see our new clinic in central Harpenden. Situated directly opposite Waitrose we're the perfect location for combining your treatment with the main shops, banks and cafe's. We look forward to seeing you soon...

Late opening hours

noreply@blogger.com (Somacare Osteopathic Clinic) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:59:00 +0000

We are pleased to offer patients the flexibility of our 8pm clinic late opening hours from Monday to Thursday. A great opportunity for all you commuters and those unable to attend during the working day.