Spring equinox is on the horizon, and Broadway Market had a taste of spring with sunny weather, al-fresco dining and daffodils in the park.
Sure, the temperatures are dipping again, but hopefully like us you’ve enjoyed the taste of what’s to come in the warm months ahead.
This week sees some celebration days that are particularly interesting to us: World Kidney Day, and World Sleep Day. Obviously we have thoughts, so read on!
How’s your sleep?
At Holistic Health, we are all about evidence-based therapies that can help you live a happier and healthier life. Sleep is important for brain function, digestion, immunity, weight and stress management and so much more – making it an important component to a good life.
Yet in 2022, a study by Miracle Leaf found that Hackney residents Google ‘Why can’t I sleep?’ more than other postcodes, placing them amongst the UK’s most sleep-deprived areas. This means many of our neighbours here on Broadway Market are missing out on the benefits of a good night’s sleep, and feeling tired, struggling to focus, and facing increased risks of chronic health problems.
With stress and pain both major disruptors to a good night’s sleep, many treatments at Holistic Health can help you catch some Zzz’s, including:
- Acupuncture: commonly used to treat insomnia, and clinical studies suggest that it can increase melatonin secretion, reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, and promote relaxation, all of which can improve sleep.
- Massage: by reducing stress and physical discomfort, massage can make it easier to fall and stay asleep. Some studies suggest massage increases serotonin levels, which aid in the production of melatonin – the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
Besides our great therapies, here are some of the things our practitioners swear by for a good night’s sleep:
Melanie says: ‘Not eating too late (last meal at least 2 hours before bed); cooling down bedroom; screens off; no caffeine; and wind down an hour before, enjoy a herbal tea of the calming variety.’
Kat has explored different apps to help with sleep and enjoys Nerva – gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS (side effect: it’s very relaxing); Opal – to cut down on screen time in the hours before bed; and Endel – for science-backed sounds to drift off to.
Celebrating the Kidneys
These bean-shaped organs don’t get the same attention as their cardiovascular or digestive colleagues! Typically, an adult’s kidneys will filter about 180 litres of blood every day, as well as filtering waste to produce urine. Kidneys release hormones that help regulate blood pressure, and produce an active form of Vitamin D that helps to keep bones strong and healthy.
How can you keep your kidneys functioning well? A healthy diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables, limited alcohol and salt, and keeping active all play an important role in protecting these organs. And drink more water!
Keen to learn more about building a diet that is nourishing and tailored to your needs? Our Nutritional Advisors can help.
Our preventative treatments can also help you to maintain an active lifestyle – with Podiatry, Osteopathy and Massage all helpful additions to a movement practice.
We always appreciate hearing about the recoveries, benefits and success stories of our community.
If you would like to share yours, please contact us.
☎️ 020 7275 8434
📧 info@holistichealthhackney.co.uk
Or pop into the clinic on Broadway Market, Hackney.
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