Living a healthy life is often one of our greatest goals, yet something that generally takes a back seat to everything else that’s going on, including working, paying the bills, socialising and family commitments. So we’ve put together an A-Z guide of healthy living resources in London to help you along.
A is for Acai Berry
The Acai berry is considered by many to be one of nature’s superfoods and was recently featured on Oprah. Known for its age- defying abilities and many other health benefits, the Acai berry contains a huge variety of essential fatty acids as well as all major vitamins and minerals. Purchase yours via http://www.pulpastore.co.uk/ or http://www.efoodies.co.uk/invt/acaiberry/ and start enjoying the many benefits of this fantastic fruit!
B is for Buteyko Breathing
Correct breathing is said to have numerous health benefits! The Buteyko Breathing Method is a set of breathing exercises developed by Dr K P Buteyko to maintain the correct ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the bloodstream. According to his research, some 150 diseases are linked to dysfunctional breathing, including asthma, allergies and emphysema. The Centre can be contacted on 01789 298290 or via www.buteyko.co.uk.
C is for Chinese Medical Centre
The Chinese Medical Centre of London was established by Dr. Vincent Yu in 1994, and is considered the leading provider of Chinese herbal medicine and Acupuncture in London. The Centre treats a wide variety of ailments including skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, back pain, fatigue and depression. The Centre is located at 337 Kilburn High Road, London and can be contacted on 020 7372 2184 or via http://www.chinesemedicalcentre.net.
D is for Dental Health
Are you visiting the dentist at least twice a year? If not, you could be in danger of developing gum disease and a number of other problems, many of which you would be unable to detect yourself until it’s too late. Don’t put off your next visit. Visit http://www.londondentist.co.uk/ to find a dentist in your area.
E is for Essence Oils
Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses essential oils and aromatic plant compounds to improve a person’s health or mood. To find out more, or to order your on oils, visit http://www.baldwins.co.uk/ – the UK’s leading supplier of essential oils and natural remedies.
F is for Farmer’s Markets
London has not shortage of Farmer’s Markets for those who prefer fresh produce to the prepared kind! The nutritional benefits of buying food as close to the source as possible are numerous! Visit http://www.visitlondon.com/attractions/shopping/markets/farmers-markets for a great list of London’s Farmer’s Markets.
G is for Gong Therapy
The Gong originated nearly six thousand years ago in Sumeria and is used in the Buddhist religious tradition. During Gong therapy the body is literally bathed in sound and takes in the sounds that it needs for healing, & filters out what it does not need. Visit http://www.healingsound.net/Contact.htm to find out more or book an appointment.
H is for Health Spas
If a day at a spa is what you need, check out http://www.timeout.com/london/feature/1169/best-spas-in-london – a comprehensive list of London’s best spas.
I is for Iridology
Iridology is the study of the iris of the eye in order to find invaluable information regarding the state of one’s health and to establish the root cause of practically any physical ailment. Visit http://www.harrietdiluzio.co.uk/iridology.html to find out more about this fascinating science or book an appointment.
J is for Jin Shin Jyutsu
Jin Shin Jyutsu® is an ancient Japanese Art of harmonising life energy within the body. It involves the application of the hands for gently balancing the flow of life energy in the body, promoting optimal health and well being. To find out more about this ancient art or to book a session, visit http://www.london-therapy.com.
K is for Kids’ Health
The Central YMCA Club in London offers an amazing Y Active children’s programme, which was established in 1995 and promotes health, fitness and sport in kids. The emphasis is on fun, participation and development through a range of activities and aims to make a positive impact on the trend towards inactivity and obesity in young people. The current programme includes after-school Term Time Courses, Play schemes during school holidays, a Saturday Club and a crèche facility. Visit http://www.ymcaclub.co.uk/PROGRAMMES/YActive/default.aspx for more information and to get your children on track to better health!
L is for Life Coaching
Life Coaching is fast becoming a fantastic way to achieve all your goals and make things happen! Carol Ann Rice is one of the country’s leading life coaches and the coaching columnist for The Daily Express. Find her on http://www.realcoachingco.com/ and start making real, feel-it-in-your-life changes!
M is for Meditation
Meditation has long been accepted as a wonderful tool to happiness and wellbeing! Physical benefits include the stabilising of blood pressure, lowering of the heart rate, improved mental functioning and improved strength of the immune system, Psychological effects are plenty and include reduction in stress and general feelings of fear, an increase in self confidence, compassion and spiritual awareness. There are many meditation centres in London – visit http://www.londonmeditationcentre.com/, http://www.meditateinlondon.org.uk/meditation-classes-london.php and http://www.innerspace.org.uk/ to get started!
N is for Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional Therapy helps you to achieve optimal health through the correct intake of food and can have a massive effect on your everyday wellbeing. Each of us has different nutritional needs based on our individual make up. Nutritional therapy addresses these needs through a tailor-made diet and supplement programme. Visit http://www.feedyourhealth.co.uk/ to find out more about nutritional therapy in general and to get in touch with Allie Godbold, a leading specialist in the field.
O is for Organic
If eating organic foods is important to you (and why wouldn’t it be?) use this handy guide to find organic food suppliers in your area – http://www.infolondon.ukf.net/organic/.
P is for Pilates
Pilates is designed to engage and strengthen core waist and lower back muscles, helping to improve posture and prevent injury. To find out more about this dynamic exercise, visit the Ten Pilates website at http://www.tenpilates.com or call any of their four branches: Notting Hill: 020 8969 9677; Chiswick: 020 8996 1710; St James’s: 020 7930 4442 and Mayfair: 020 7495 8642.
Q is for Quitting
Are you still smoking cigarettes? If health is important to you, then now is the time to stop! The health benefits of quitting are too many to mention, whereas there are NO real benefits to smoking, only perceived benefits which we fool ourselves into believing. If you would like to give hypnosis a try, visit http://www.harleystreetstopsmokingclinic.com/. Alternatively, visit the London Allen Carr Clinic at http://www.allencarrseasyway.co.uk/ and try what is probably the world’s most effective method of quitting! The Allen Carr Easyway has helped millions to kick the habit, including Richard Branson and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
R is for Reflexology
Reflexology is an alternative healing massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head linked to every part of the body. To find out more, visit http://www.reflexologylondon.com/, the website of Kyoungjin Ha, a seasoned reflexology expert who has been practicing in London for 10 years.
S is for Sunshine
Vitamin D is essential for general wellbeing and happiness! While the sun is still shining, why not get out there and spend some time in it? Visit http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/free-london-outdoor-activities.aspx for a list of fantastic (and mostly free) outdoor activities in London.
T is for Time Out
Simply taking time out for yourself is often one of the best ways to de-stress. Find a movie theatre near you, rent some DVDs, buy a great book and simply… relax! Check out www.viewlondon.co.uk/cinemas, which lists the latest screenings in London and if you visit http://www.timeout.com/london/books/features/4862/London-s_best_bookshops.html you will find a comprehensive list of bookstores in the London area.
U is for Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound Therapy is used by physical therapists or occupational therapists to treat pain and promote tissue healing, particularly with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, myofascial pain and pain from sprains and strains. To find out more, visit the Wimbledon Clinic of Natural Medicine or call them on +44 208 5403389.
V is for Vaccinations
If you are travelling outside of the UK, make sure you know exactly which vaccinations are needed for the area you are visiting. Pop into the http://www.1stcontact-travelclinic.com/ for free advice and info, or to have your yellow fever, malaria or other vaccinations at a great price, by an experienced nursing sister.
W is for Water
Water is the very essence of life and we should all be drinking between 1 and 3 litres per day. If you are wary of drinking your tap water, consider having a water filtering system installed in your home in under 30 minutes. Excess limescale is removed and your tap water smells, looks and especially tastes clean, clear and healthy! For more information, visit http://www.londonwaterfilters.co.uk/.
X is for X-Ray of your Aura
New technology allows an “X-ray” photograph to be taken of your aura. You are then able to see which of your chakras are out of alignment and recommend a suitable therapy, including aura cleansing and chakra alignment. Interested? Visit http://www.auraphotoclinic.com/ – one of the UK’s leading aura specialists.
Y is for Yoga
Yoga is a wonderful way to all-round good health, from weight-loss to stress management and plenty in between! For an intense workout, try “hot” bikram yoga – visit http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/free-london-outdoor-activities.aspx to find out more. For a gentler type of yoga, try www.yogaplace.co.za.
Z is for Zen Buddhism Therapy
If all else fails, perhaps you could go a more esoteric route in search of emotional well-being? Zen is a form of Buddhism that strictly emphasises ’sitting meditation’ for realising the truth of no-self, emptiness, and the original, pure nature of the mind… Find out more at http://www.zeninlondon.org/.
