Open Days & Workshops in November...

November is turning out to be a very exciting and busy month in the Golborne Place studios and clinic. We have some super things lined up to help you prepare for the crazy Christmas period ahead!

There's been great feedback from Charlotte's clients...

To find out more you can visit Charlotte's website www.charlottecrowther.com. To book or to ask any questions you can contact Charlotte directly on charlottecrowther@me.com.

We also have Andrzej coming back to do his wonderful Antigymnastique® Workshops over the weekend of the 16th and 17th for group workshops and private one-to-ones by appointment.

For info on the Antigymnastiqe® method please see their website www.antigymnastique.com

And finally Anusha Pillay will be holding a Saturday Open Day on the 23rd for those who have not yet had the pleasure of trying her treatments. Make the most of her great offers for Body realignment therapy, Reflexology and Facial Rejuvanessence! 

Get in touch on 020 8969 8907 or amy@golborneplace.com to ask any questions or to book in!

Interview with Anusha Pillay...

Ahead of Anusha Pillay's Open Day on Saturday the 23rd of November, we've been getting to know the multi-talented therapist a little better. Anusha has been with us since spring this year and she specialises in Body Realignment, Facial Rejuvanessence and Reflexology.

Anusha, tell us about your background, have you always been a therapist? How did you come to it?

I have a BCom degree and majored in Business Information Systems.  My journey through the corporate world has taken me from the technical side of things into Human Resources where I worked in Human Capital Development.  It was at this time through my exposure to lots of self development that I became interested in the mind-body connection.  I started off with Body Work in 2003 instructing Pilates and later in 2007 started with subtle energetic work doing Reiki - all part time.  My opportunity to practice as a complimentary therapist came when I relocated from South Africa to the UK about four and a half years ago.

What's the most valuable lesson you've learnt from your treatments?

The most valuable lesson I've learned is that I don't have control over the outcome of a treatment.  The body will heal at it's own pace and in it's own time depending on the client's belief system as well as their physical and emotional states.

How do you relax?

I find quiet time after everyone in my house as retired to their rooms, normally around 10pm.  I create a dimmed relaxing environment using lights and candles and unwind with a book for about twenty minutes and then spend some time doing a quiet reflection or a Reiki healing.

You've been working on Golborne Road for a few months now, what's your favourite thing about this street?

I don't think there is one thing! The things that draw me to it are the different aromas from the multi-cultural food stalls, the lively markets and the quirky antique shops and especially the lovely friendly people who create the ambiance of lively chatter on the pavements.

If you could take only 5 things to a secret island, what would they be?

A sketch pad, pencil colours, wheatgrass, a book - what ever I fancy at the time, at the moment I'm reading a book by Dr Joe Dispenza called Breaking the Habit of being yourself. Also a xylophone

That's an interesting range of objects! Who inspires you?

Children and nature

Finally, tell us a little something about yourself - what do you do when you’re not treating your clients?

I'm a mother of three teenage boys who keep me very busy with their various sports and leisure activities!  I look forward to Sunday afternoons when we get to spend time together as a family.  I volunteer at my local hospice two mornings a week and in between my daily chores and clients I try to fit in an activity such as stretching or Pilates. My interest in the mind body connection keeps me reading, Googling and speaking to people in the field constantly.

Thanks Anusha - I definitely feel we know a little more about you. Fascinated by the xylophone! :)

To find out more about Anusha's therapies and what they can do for you why not book yourself in for one of her Open day special rate treatments.

Body Realignment 90 mins - £55 (usually £100)

Described by Anusha as a "powerful yet subtle method of setting free physical and emotional trauma or damage by releasing myo-fascial restriction". The treatment involves a thorough consultation and assessment of the body. Gentle techniques are then applied to the body in order to facilitate a recovery back to alignment and health.

Reflexology 30 mins - £20 or 60 mins - £40 (usually £60)

A therapy based on the principle that reflex areas in the hands and feet correspond to our glands and organs. Stimulating these reflexes properly assist health problems in a natural way. Stress related issues, headaches, sleep problems, digestive discomforts and an overall sense of improved well being can result.

Facial Rejuvanessence 90 mins - £55 (usually £100)

A natural therapy that reduces patterns of tension we hold in our facial muscles. Working on the connective tissues the muscles can relax as well as tone resulting in detoxification, softening of lines and improved flow of nutrients to the skin.

For info or to book contact amy@golborneplace.com or call 020 8969 8907

Interview with...Andrzej Szkandera

From the 18th-20th of October we welcome back the very gifted Andrzej Szkandera for his monthly Antigymnastiqe Workshops and one-to-one sessions. We thought this would be a great opportunity to get to know Andrzej, the first therapist to bring Antigymnastique to the UK, a little better!

Andrzej giving a group workshop in the Golborne Place studio

Andrzej, tell us how you came to work in the field of Antigymnastique.

One day I felt a big pain in my right hip, I couldn’t move, walk, or do anything! I took drugs for the pain that the doctors prescribed, for many days, but there was no solution to my problem, according to the doctors. I remember it happened in summer holidays, and my acupuncturist was away.  When he came back, he helped me a lot, but I still had difficulties and the pain in my right hip. 

I met up with my friend Ana Piñero. I told her my hip story. I didn’t know she was a practitioner of Antigymnastique. By the way, a very good professional!  I began to take part in her Antigymnastique weekly sessions. In a really short time I noticed changes to my whole body, especially my hip. It was fantastic. I felt better and better, and here I am, safe and sound.

What's the most valuable lesson you've learned from Antigymnastique?

There’re a few, I was surprised when I discovered how a very little movement of one part of the body can cause big changes in another part. I experienced it the first time I did an Antigymnastique session, and it still happens. Also, this lesson is transferable to our lives: little movements can cause big changes.

How do you relax?

Usually I practice Creative Relaxation by Dr. Eugenio Herrero. It's the best! It's great. And my favourite way to relax is by letting time go by to see and feel what happens around me. It's not only relaxing but also hypnotic and wonderful.

Who inspires you?  

People, human beings.  My friends, my students, my teachers, and people I meet every day in different situations.

If you could only take five things to a secret deserted island, what would they be?  

Without internet and electricity? Without my love? Alone in a secret deserted island? It's very exciting! The first – a sleeping bag, ha, ha. A compass and a good knife, they're very useful on a deserted island, ha, ha. A photo album with the pictures of the people I love. And two books: 'Treatise of Botany' and 'Rubaiyat', by Omar Khayyam. OK so that's six, yes, I know. And I'm not going with Easy Jet but with British Airways, ha, ha.

Andrzej, tell us something interesting about yourself that we don’t know?  

I don’t know…that's difficult…wait a moment…Maybe you don't know yet that I like stories, I love to listen to storytellers. Yes, it's wonderful world.

Thanks Andrzej!

Andrzej's one-to-one sessions and group workshops start on the 18th of October. To find out more and to book yourself in please contact Amy on 020 8969 8907 or email amy@golborneplace.com

Natural Remedies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

As the days are getting shorter and slightly cooler many of us start to feel fatigued and sluggish. This is a fairly normal reaction to the changing of the season and lower levels of light. There are some great natural remedies for these feelings, such as Acupuncture, Deep Tissue and Aromatherapy Massage, as well as nutritional and lifestyle changes that can be made accordingly, and regular exercise . 

However, for some daily tiredness is something that remains all year round and can affect everyday life without the remedy of sleep or rest, this is known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or ME (Myalgia Encephalomyelitis).

CFS is a condition that can cause long-term illness and disability, although many - particularly younger people - can improve over time. Most cases of CFS are mild or moderate, but 1 in 4 cases are described as severe. The varying levels of the condition are described as follows by the NHS:

• Mild: you are able to care for yourself, but may need days off work to rest. 
• Moderate: you may have reduced mobility, and your symptoms can vary. You may also have disturbed sleep patterns, and need to sleep in the afternoon.
• Severe: you are able to carry out minimal daily tasks, such as brushing your teeth, but you have significantly reduced mobility. You may also have difficulty concentrating.

The cause of CFS is not exactly know, although there are some theories; such as a viral infection, immune system inefficiency, hormone imbalance or psychiatric issues, such as high levels of stress and/or trauma. Some people are thought to be more susceptible due to their genes. 

Diagnosis can be tricky but there are guidelines set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) that state CFS should be considered if extreme fatigue cannot be explained by any other conditions, if the sufferer experiences sleep and concentration problems as well as muscular and joint pains, mood swings and headaches, and these issues last for a period of several months.

Unfortunately there is no cure for CFS, although there are treatments designed to reduce the symptoms. These treatments offered by western medicine tend to cover the symptoms for only a short period and sadly carry side effects; such as anti-depressants, anti-inflamatory drugs and anxiety medications. 

On a positive note, there are some effective natural therapies available that can provide long-term solutions and help living with CFS become a less stressful and more manageable experience.

Acupuncture

Several studies suggest that Acupuncture may help reduce the symptoms of CFS. According to 'Natural Therapy for All', a study by the University of Hong Kong found that those participants who received Acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in physical and mental fatigue, as well as an improvement in their physical component scores. The philosophy behind Acupuncture is that well-being is achieved by maintaining the body in a balanced state, and that many diseases and disorders are often caused by an internal balance, which blocks the flow of qi (vital energy) pathways, also known as meridians. Qi can be unblocked by using acupuncture at specific points on the meridians. 

Massage

Massage has been proven beneficial and effective in reducing anxiety and promoting quality of sleep. For those sufferers of CFS who are not in a position to exercise, massage acts as a great alternative in promoting good blood circulation, which is vital in maintaining the health of muscles and joints. Deep Tissue is one of the most common types of massage used for people with CFS as the techniques target tissues located several layers below the skin's surface. Aromatherapy oils can be effective also in promoting calmness and healthy sleep.

Exercise

Those with CFS are advised to keep physically active, but it's important to find an appropriate form of exercise that suits the level of severity of the condition. Exercise that utilises all muscles of the body, promotes movement and is in a safe and comfortable environment is important. Pilates and Gyrotonic are great options as they both work to strengthen, condition and systematically work the joints and muscles of the body. The body develops a more co-ordinated, balanced and aligned figure, but not only is a healthy physicality promoted, the mind and soul are also relaxed and awakened together, with the combinations of breathing and movement. One to one classes are recommended so attention can be given accordingly and specific exercise programs can be designed for all the varying levels. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

The cognitive approach helps you take control on a mindful level, act as detective and examine the beliefs and thoughts held on to, these thoughts effect the way we view ourselves and others and feed disorders such as anxiety, depression or low self-esteem for example. CBT is a useful therapy when dealing with side-effects of this condition and lifestyle has a direct impact on the severity and management of CFS. Therefore having a positive outlook, well-balanced diet and healthy habits can only have a beneficial effect on dealing with this condition.

At Golborne Place we have, and continue to, work with sufferers of CFS. It's a joy to assist those on a journey of self-discovery, on a path back to health, by helping those who have trying conditions, injuries, physical and emotional stresses, as well as those wishing purely to connect mind, body and soul through the joy of movement. 

Check out our website for more details on all the classes and treatments we offer - please feel free to call our teachers and therapists directly with enquiries, or call reception on 020 8969 8907 or email amy@golborneplace.com.

Summer Term Review

We are now at the beginning of the Autumn Term at Golborne Place! 

Welcome back to our lovely clients if you have just returned from a well-earned summer break. We hope you’ve all had the chance to enjoy some of the summer’s festivals, carnivals and/or jetted off somewhere exotic!

Image from divewise.worldpress.com

As it's time to pop the swimming goggles and beach wear away for a while we thought it would be a nice opportunity to review the summer period and officially welcome some new (and familiar!) faces  to the Golborne Place team! In the studio we have the experienced Dylan Elmore teaching Gyrotonic & Pilates, Talia Druker teaching Pilates, & Ana Maria, who has been a friend of Golborne Place for a couple of years, taking ballet with Everybody Ballet & Gyrotonic classes with Tomoko. Ana Maria is now teaching Pilates with us! Welcome!

In the treatment room over the summer term we introduced Anusha Pillay, Refelexologist, Facial Rejuvanessence, & Body Realignment Therapist. I think I can speak for all of us who have enjoyed Anusha’s treatments already that we highly recommend her work!

Some of us have also reaped the benefits of numerous open days & workshops over the last term. Andrzej Semaza’s popular Antigymnastique Workshops have proved a success with professional body work teachers & movement novices alike! Anusha’s Body Realignment & Facial Rejuvanessence Open Days generated great awareness & some new friends of Golborne Place, whilst Crispin Gordon has completed one of two Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture Open Days which we've received great positive feedback about! Look out for his next Open Day on 21st September!

Looking forward in to the Autumn Term we are happy to be introducing Suzanne Reid, an Acupuncturist & Herbal Medicine Therapist who specialises in, but does not exclusively work 

with, women and children’s wellness. Other areas of interest for Suzanne include food energetics, nutrition, stress-induced conditions, immune deficiency, fatigue & gastrointestinal conditions to name a few. We will be divulging more information about Suzanne and her treatments soon!

We would like to say a big thank you to all our wonderful teachers and therapists for their great work so far this year as well as to our lovely clients, we feel very blessed to have such great friends of Golborne Place. Here’s to a happy & healthy Autumn term!

Illustrations are by the very talented Nora Monkman

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture - Open Day Special Offer

We are very lucky to have working alongside us at Golborne Place the very talented Crispin Gordon. With more than 15-years experience as a complementary health practitioner, Crispin is a qualified Acupuncturist and Shiatsu therapist who has worked in the NHS, and in collaboration with private doctors and specialists. Alongside a busy private practice, Crispin treats clients voluntarily for a charitable group helping many people with a wide array of conditions.

In August and September Crispin is running special offer open day appointments at Golborne Place to give those interested a taster of his Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture treatments. Dates for the diary are Saturday August 17th and Saturday 21st September.


Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is an anti-ageing beauty therapy that promotes a naturally healthy and radiant appearance​​. The treatment works to:​​

-Rejuvenate the tissues of the face-

-Help the skin return to its natural elasticity and tone-

​-Encourage the regeneration of skin cells​-

-Revitalise cells that lie deep under the surface of the skin​​-

-Lift and firm facial muscles​-

-Stimulate the natural production of collagen-

-Plump up unwanted lines and wrinkles-

-Transform sagginess​-

This specialised treatment will be offered for this select period at the rate of £55 for 90 minutes, reduced from £115. I'm sure you'll agree it's an offer not to be missed!

To book in with Crispin either contact us here at Golborne Place on 020 8969 8907 or amy@golborneplace.com. Alternatively, if you would like to ask Crispin any questions and book directly with him please contact info@crispingordon.com.

For more details on Crispin's complimentary health treatments see his website www.facialacupuncturelondon.co.uk

The Doreen Wells Summer Ballet School

We are very pleased to announce that our lovely Acupuncturist and Gyrotonic Instructor, Tomoko Ando, is coaching and treating the group of 14-19 year olds on this years Doreen Wells Summer Ballet School at East Bridgford Hill, Nottinghamshire.

Tomoko Ando

"A new approach where all elements of mind, body and soul are unified to bring back the joy of dance"

This Summer School provides intensive, small classes and one to ones with some amazing teachers. Exercises to help posture and physique, complimentary therapies and taught breathing techniques, as well as education in healthy living and nutrition provide an all round, holistic approach to life as a dancer.

Check out the Doreen Wells website for more information on daily schedules here!

Dates for the Easter Summer School will be coming shortly so if it's something you're interested in please keep an eye on the Doreen Wells website or follow her on twitter @Doreen1Wells

Casualties at The Park Theatre, Finsbury Park

At Golborne Place we're all about Mind, Body & Soul, not just in relation to body work but through enriching our daily experiences with all kinds of creative and experiential endeavours. This week our very own Moni Zamora is recommending everyone books a seat in The Park Theatre in Finsbury Park for Ross Ericson's 'Casualities'; a fresh and insightful look into the effect that armed conflict in Afghanistan is having on soldiers and their families. 

Ericson, who served briefly in the military, is described in The Telegraph as 'a playwright who is still finding his voice. But he already has interesting things to say'. Alex Fearns, playing Gary, a British soldier, describes the themes and importance of the play in a recent interview in the Hackney Gazette:

“It’s told from the soldier’s point of view and what they go through. It’s very now. Nobody has written a play dealing with issues in Afghanistan, or doing it without trying to fudge it. Every soldier you speak to knows the whole thing is futile. It’s controversial and it’s so relevant considering what has happened in Woolwich. It’s holding up a mirror to British society – this is what’s going on. It covers our reaction – or non-reaction – to the fact we are in the middle of a war".

He goes on to say that despite the heavy subject matter it's: “not full with doom and gloom. I would say it’s about how war affects relationships. It’s about humanity among the carnage and madness. It’s about the human qualities coming out – humanity, compassion and brotherhood. It also features black humour – military humour.”

With positive reviews across the board we've put it high on our list of things to see this month. There's just 12 days left of the run so make sure you get your tickets soon. Tickets cost £22, and can be booked on 020 7870 6876, showing until 14th July.

Gyrokinesis Workshop with the fabulous Master Trainer, Salvatore Lo Monaco...

We are thrilled to announce the date for Golborne Place's first ever Gyrokinesis® Workshop. 

Sunday 23rd June from 11am-4pm

The intense five hour workshop will be focused on providing an experience of connecting with the body on a deeper level, for those involved within the realm of movement based body work; Gyrotonic® & Gyrokinesis® Trainers, Pilates Instructors, Yoga Teachers and dancers.

This is a great opportunity to reconnect with previous work you may have covered, or discover a movement that systematically, yet gently. works the joints and muscles through the guidance of rhythm and breath together. The workshop will unveil the true capabilities of the spine whilst increasing flexibility and agility, all under the expert supervision and support of one of the most experienced Master Trainers.

Salvatore has an extensive background in dance, Yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis®, he travels the UK and Europe to deliver comprehensive Gyrokinesis® teacher training programs, workshops and classes tailored to the individual.

Salvatore was recently awarded the prestigious title of Authorised Master Trainer in Gyrokinesis®. He is the only man in the world to have been picked by Juli Hovarth for this role, so you can imagine it is with great privilege we welcome Salvatore to the Golborne Place studio!

The workshop is on Sunday 23rd June from 11am-4pm. The group will be no larger than 7 people.

For more details and to book your place please contact Amy on 020 8969 8907 or email amy@golborneplace.com

Body Realignment, Reflexology & Facial Rejuvanessence® Open Day

Coming up this Saturday & Monday we have two fantastic Body Realignment, Reflexology & Facial Rejuvanessence® Open Days with Anusha Pillay. Anusha began her career in body work 9 years ago as a Pilates instructor and has since trained in complimentary therapies, practicing at St Lukes Cancer Hospice as well as her own private practice in Surrey. 

Anusha is offering treatments at a very special rate of £40 for 90 minutes and £30 for 60 minutes. Truly unmissable..and our clients think so too! The Open Days are totally booked up but due to the enthusiastic response we are working on arranging 2 more dates for June!

For those who are unfamiliar with the treatment of Body Realignment, it is described by Anusha as a 'powerful yet subtle method of setting free physical & emotional trauma or damage by releasing myo-fascial restriction’. Body Realignment treatments benefit conditions such as:

Chronic muscular or skeletal pain 

Chronic headaches

Emotional imbalances

Slow healing after injuries or operations

Scar release and post-operative problems, such as adhesions

Poorly healed fractures & skeletal displacements

Deeply held physical or emotional trauma

Sports injuries including old, reoccuring and new

The peaceful treatment room here at Golborne Place

During a 90 minute Body Realignment session Anusha will assess the body with an indepth consultation. Using gentle pressure on key points Anusha enables the body to release any muscle-holding patterns which are distorting the natural alignment of the body. This release restores circulation of energy & blood to the affected area & stimulates a self-healing process. Muscle knotting can be eliminated, the whole body can be realigned & compensation patterns corrected.

Normal price £100 for 90 mins, Open Day offer £40

Facial Rejuvanessence® is a natural therapy that reduces patterns of tension we hold within our 

face. By working on the connective tissues that encase the muscles in the face, neck & shoulders 

Anusha creates space for the muscles to relax, become more elastic & tone.The skin is shaped 

towards its optimal, natural harmonious form.

Benefits include:

Improved definition of jaw line

Softened fine lines & wrinkles

Minimalisation of scar tissue

Releasing of tension in jaw & headaches

Detoxification

Enhanced flow of nutrients to the skin

General improved youthful apperance of skin

Normal price £100 for 90 mins, Open Day offer £40

Reflexology is a unique method using thumbs & fingers on specific reflex areas in the feet & hands. 

It deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet & hands which correspond to all of our glands, organs & parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes properly using massage & pressure techniques can help many health problems in a natural way. It improves circulation in areas of congestion, helps overactive glands & organs return to a state of balance, frees lymph vessels & therefore helps expel waste the body doesn’t need. New vibrant energy is directed along natural pathways to untangle stagnation as well as relax and soothe the body & mind. 

Benefits of Reflexology include:

Stress Related Conditions

Migraines & headaches

Sinus & breathing problems

Digestive discomforts

Sleep problems--Oedema (swelling of body tissue)

Fertility issues

PMT & Menopause

Improving general well being

Normal price £60 for 60 mins, Open Day offer £30

To make sure you don't miss out on our Open Days, Work Shops and general good, healthy news please send your email address to amy@golborneplace.com