Golborne Place likes... 'Sea Without Shore'

Last week saw the premiere of the highly anticipated new feature by Andre Semenza and Fernanda Lippi 'Sea Without Shore' at Glasgow Film Festival. 

Semanza and Lippi are founders of critically acclaimed Anglo-Brazilian physical theatre company Zikzira and makers of ‘Ashes of God’ which was celebrated as 'stupendous' by Time Out Critic’s Choice.

Sea Without Shore is set in remote forest landscapes and interiors in rural 19th century Sweden and was photographed in cinema-scope by award-winning British director of photography, Marcus Waterloo with a sound design supervised by Academy-Award® and multiple BAFTA winner Glenn Freemantle of the film ‘Gravity’.

The film is described as a 'rhythmically captivating exploration of love and loss between two women' which follows an amorous relationship cut abruptly short.

Sea Without Shore will be screening this week, on the 5th march, at the Barbican Centre, and at ICA on the 10th March. For full listings see here.

"If ever there was a film about love, this is it"

Pedro Olivotto

National Film Curator, Brazil

Interview with…Monica Koechlin

This week we caught up with one of our lovely Pilates Instructors, Monica Koechlin. Monica has been with us at Golborne Place since our first year on the Golborne Road and she's an integral part of our community here.

We thought it was about time we introduced her to those who haven't had the pleasure of taking a class with her!

Monica, tell us about your background, how did you come to teach Pilates?

I’m a lawyer by background. While I was writing my PhD in the field of European Human Rights I worked in Academia. Later on, I moved into management consulting.  As the years went by, I developed bad lower back pain. Pilates was a revelation. There came a point where I felt I wanted to make this my profession and never looked back. It’s such a positive and effective thing to share. Every client requires different work. It is incredibly rewarding to help clients improve their well-being.

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

Sometimes a slower and more mindful approach is far more effective, whether working on your muscle tone or generally in life. Also, don’t wait to follow your dreams, do it!

Great advice!..

Do you have any valuable insider exercise or lifestyle tips for us?

Glute squeezes  My clients will laugh! The gluteals are one of the most important core muscle groups and often very weak. Whenever you are waiting for a bus or washing up, gently squeeze the buttocks together (without tensing your lower back) and hold for 4 counts. 

You're a local to the area and of course you spend four days of your week with us at Golborne Place. Where's your favourite place to grab a bite to eat?

It’s difficult to pick a favourite; we’re so spoilt for choice. When I’m not working, you’ll often find me in my local “The Academy” in Princedale Road because it’s so close to home. Otherwise, Golborne Deli or Pizza East on a work day, if not one of the soup or fish stands on a sunny day in the Golborne Road.


And what's your fave thing to do in Notting Hill?

And finally, tell us something about yourself -  what do you do when you're not teaching?

My stroll to the studio along the Portobello and Golborne Roads must be the best way to start or end a day’s work.

Totally agree! Ok, if you could take only 5 things to a secret island, what would they be?!

My husband; my siblings (oops that’s 5 things already!); if I’m allowed more:- my nephews and nieces (that would make quite a crowd on the island). Otherwise:  music; the books I’ve been meaning to read for ages; goggles and a snorkel as I love deep sea diving.

And on a more profound note, who inspires you?

Currently, it’s the Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, for her beautifully written and pertinent books written with great insight (e.g. Half of a Yellow Sun). I just finished Americanah and highly recommend it.

And when you're not teaching, what do you love doing?

Ideally I’d be dancing salsa – unfortunately not often enough, as class times often clash with my work hours. Otherwise I love going to our local cinemas The Gate, Coronet or the Electric. A lot of spare time is spent reading - a great way to survive the tube)! Or I'll do outdoor activities; I try to run, usually in Holland Park, and in the winter I love skiing. This is usually a welcome opportunity to catch up with my siblings too as I’m from Switzerland.

Thank you so much for talking the time to share your tips, advice and stories with us Monica!

To find out more about Monica's teaching take a look at her profile on the Golborne Place website.

Interview with…Jemima Powell, Nutritional Therapist

It's that time of year, we're feeling bloated and slow after a few weeks of over indulgence and now we're all trying to gear our selfs up to kick start the new year with energy and enthusiasm to achieve our goals and ambitions for 2014. Exercise is a great way to shred the extra pounds that have crept on during the Christmas season and generate those feel good endorphins. Nutrition is a vital element that goes hand in hand with detoxing, losing weight and increasing energy levels.

As luck would have it we have a fabulous Nutritional Therapist who has just joined the Golborne Place team. We thought it would be a good idea to find out more about Jemima and how she came to specialise in this field.

Jemima, we hear you once owned your own catering company, what made you decide to move in to Nutritional Therapy?   

The part of catering I enjoyed the most was discussing food and helping people to create menus and get excited about different tastes, flavours, and textures that would suit their event.   After a couple of years of working long hours and weekends I felt something was missing. I wanted more interaction with people and to understand the impact of food on health in a more scientific way.  Personally I had become quite confused about what eating healthily was; there seemed to be so much conflicting advice.  It was a really tough choice, but when I found out about nutritional therapy everything seemed to slot into place.  What is really good about what I do now, is that I still get to talk about food, help people devise specific menus and get excited about taste, flavour and texture, but with an understanding on a microscopic level on how it impacts the body.  It is my dream job.

I totally agree, even though we work in a well being environment the notion of 'healthy eating' is often confusing as we hear so many contradictions. We're so glad you've found your dream job to help us out! What's the most valuable lesson you've learnt from Nutritional Therapy?

There is no quick fix or one food you can eat that will change your life, make you feel good, loose weight or manage a certain condition.  Nutritional therapy is about changing your attitude towards food and eating healthily for the foreseeable future.

Your job involves guiding people towards healthier lifestyles and achieving physical goals, where do you start?

The most important thing to do is to listen to the patient and try to address their goals in a way that is realistic for them.  No two clients are the same.  Some people can cope with a lot of change, where as others find small changes very difficult and will require more support.  To that end, during the fist consultation I try to gain a complete picture of the clients goals and priorities, issues and concerns, medical history, current lifestyle and diet, needs and ability to change, access to food and cooking skills.  This information will help me devise a personalised protocol that is realistic and achievable for the client.  Clients generally have two consultations within two weeks of each other and then typically do not need to come back for 6-8 weeks.

Do you have any valuable insider lifestyle tips for us, or a motto you try to live life by?

Food is important emotionally as well as physically, and it is really hard work to have a perfect diet 100% of the time.  I love eating out or having indulgent evening in with my husband and friends to celebrate something, or just for the hell of it, and don’t want to feel guilty about it.  I try to eat really well for 80-90% of the time, meaning guilt free enjoyment of delicious meals the rest of the time. That does not mean that healthy food is boring or tasteless - just sometimes it’s nice to not worry about what you are eating.  However for some people there are foods that will need permanently excluded to maintain health.   

What three  foods do you think we should all include in our diet?

This is a tough question as everyone has different requirements but generally...

1) Oily fish like salmon, trout, sardines or herring at least twice a week.  As well as being a delicious source of protein it’s the omega 3 fats EPA and DHA (which have anti-inflammatory mechanism) that are found in a form the body can readily absorb that makes oily fish so important.  

2) Cabbage, well sauerkraut - I know… who would have thought!  I’ve just come back from a few days in Cologne where i ate vats of saurkraut and other slightly pickled cabbage.  Homemade sauerkraut is an excellent source of probiotics - the bodies beneficial bacteria.

3) Flaxseeds (or linseeds) are a great source of soluble and insoluble fibre as well as having omega 3, although not is as readily a usable form as oily fish, and lignans (phytoestrogens with antioxidant properties). Having two dessert spoons of ground flaxseeds a day delivers nearly half of our average daily fibre requirement.  Be sure to soak whole flaxseeds in a little water overnight before you eat them.

Is there any food you rely on when dealing with periods of stress?

I don’t rely on any one food but try to be more organised and eat regularly to manage my blood sugar.  When I’m stressed, frequently I do not having time to eat. This can mean I am tempted to skip a meal or think I will get something when I’m on the run.  Often I suddenly get very hungry and find it hard to make a healthy choice.  I try to make sure during these times that there is always something healthy and quick to eat that is easily accessible.  For example I will carry a high protein snack, like a 'bounce ball', in my bag so that if I have not had enough time for breakfast and have to leave the house I will have something to eat rather than be faced with eating the quick breakfast options available in cafes like pastries.  I will also always have some soup in my freezer which I can quickly defrost and top with some tinned flageolet beans for extra protein and a handful of watercress for vitamin C. I always have eggs too so I can have a poached egg with avocado or sautéed spinach and garlic.  

If you would advise limiting anything our diets, what would it be?

Without a doubt, sports drinks and fizzy drinks - you know the ones.  Unless you are a top class athlete, you do not need to drink sports drinks after exercising.  These processed drinks are full of sugars, salt and other things we just do not need.  They are just making us fatter and have all sorts of other issues besides if consumed all day every day.  Ideally adults should drink 1-2 litres of liquid; water, herbal and fruit teas etc, a day - slightly more if intensively exercising or it is very hot.  

Most of us have just had returned from our Christmas holiday, which often involves varying amounts of relaxation and stress! How do you relax? 

Hmmm I have a small child who has just started walking so not much relaxing goes on in the day time, if i’m lucky I can squeeze in an afternoon nap with him which is great after waking up at 5am! However, when our baby is in bed, my husband and I will cook supper together and talk.  Slowly pottering in the kitchen with some nice music in the background I find very relaxing.  But if we are really being honest here, there is nothing like a day in a spa with various treatments and saunas and... well if i’m very lucky that might happen every couple of years!

You're a local to the Notting Hill area, what is it about this part of town that you love?

I have lived here for a few years now and I love seeing the same faces at the market stalls and in local shops and building up relationships with them or haggling with the vendors on Golborne road for the odd bit of junk I think would be perfect for our house. I try to buy all my food from the market and I'm very partial to George’s Fisheries on Ladbroke Grove.

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

A really good heavy based frying pan for cooking my foraged food,  Larrouse Gastronomic - so I can spot up on my french cookery terminology and wonder at some of the food people have eaten in the past. A Bialetti coffee maker and good quality coffee, my sewing machine so I can attempt to improve my appallingly bad sewing and my husbands iPod - he’s got much better music selection than me.

Totally with you on the Bialetti! And finally Jemima, who inspires you? 

Mothers, ones who go out to work and ones who stay at home with their children. 

Jemima will be giving a short talk at Golborne Place on Sunday 19th January from 2.30pm focusing on starting the new year in the right frame of mind. Jemima will be covering the ways in which Nutritional Therapy can help us all, weight loss and how to cope and importantly, the post Xmas detox!

Afterwards there will be a chance for a Q&A with Jemima so you can ask some specific questions. If you want to come along send us your name to amy@golborneplace.com. Thanks and all the best for 2014 from Golborne Place!

How to feel good over Christmas and into the New Year...

It’s that wonderful time of year again, but is it possible to have fun and stay healthy and feel good? We get some top advice from our wonderful Nutritionist, Jemima Powell... 

There is something about the festive time of year that means we pay less attention to our diet and indulge in a way we don’t at other times of the year.  

As a result January often leaves us with: feelings of lethargy and January blues increased by the seemingly endless dark days; tighter fitting clothes and stepping on the scales to discover new pounds that weren’t there in early December; and on-going boughts of coughs, colds and flu that are zapping around at this time of year.  Although this blog does not advocate total abstinence from fun by any means at all, paying attention to your diet can be beneficial to ward off these concerns before they arise.  

Here are 3 tips that aim to help you enjoy December and make 2014 get off on the right note.

1. Eat well when you are in control of the choices.

Eating and drinking the right kinds of foods can be trickier in December, as chances are you will be socialising more, leaving other people to determine what you eat. There are a number of ways you can deal with this: Take your own food with you everywhere you go and risk a) offending your host/hostess and feeling like a social pariah and b) causing yourself and AWFUL lot of work; OR you could try to pay EXTRA SPECIAL attention to your diet when you are in control.  By eating a well balanced diet when you can, you will ensure that you are getting the nutrients that your body requires with the aim of not putting extra weight, keeping your immune boosted and giving your digestive system the required substances to process and remove the unwanted toxins.  

Start by cleaning up your current diet and remove refined carbohydrates, sugars, alcohol, and decrease caffeine intake to one cup of coffee. Try to increase fibre from brightly coloured fruit and vegetables and low GI whole grains as this will help increase satiety and help the gastrointestinal tract remove unwanted toxins.  In addition fruit and vegetables contain many vitamin like A, C and E and phytochemicals like flavonoids and carotenoids which are powerful antioxidants. Low GI whole grains like brown rice and oats are good sources of B vitamins which are required for energy production.  

Tips: 

• Chop finely or quarter and lightly steam brussel sprouts, season with olive oil.  Brussel sprouts contain high levels of the antioxidant, glucosinolate in the form of indol-3-carbinol and sulphur, both these compounds are required to support liver detoxification.  As well as containing dietary fibre, a large portion of brussel sprouts contains a significant amount of omega 3 (alpha linolinic acid) which has anti-inflammatory properties as well as vitamins K, A, C and E.  

  2. Start every day well

After a particularly indulgent evening, the next morning our natural instinct is to reach for foods to get us going that are convenient, like coffee a croissant.  Although this makes us feel great for a short while, soon the effects begin to wear off, we get hungry, low or just need something to keep us going though the next part of the day.  If you can start the day well, you will be more likely to make good food choices through the rest of the day as you will not be lurching from one sugar low to the next and finding it hard to decide what to eat.  Don’t skip breakfast either – this can make you feel too hungry later meaning you will eat more.

Try to be organised, have something to eat by 10am or within 2 hours of waking.  Have your fridge stocked with good easy choices for breakfast that you like. Eat good quality protein at every meal (lean white meat, fish, eggs, lentils and pulses, quinoa etc).  Eating protein at every meal will help to manage your blood sugar balance decreasing the likelihood you will have a mid-morning or mid-afternoon slump.  As well as being a healthy source of protein, turkey is a good source of tryptophan, this is the amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin – the happy and sleep well hormones. (This does not mean that eating turkey for breakfast will make you sleep through the day, but a small mouthful with a little bit of carbohydrate an hour before bed might lead to a peaceful nights sleep). 

Tips: Oil fish is a great source of protein and ideally should be eaten at least twice a week.  In addition, oily fish contain omega 3 fats in the form that our body can readily use. Try lemon roasted salmon on pumpernickel bread with sautéed spinach leaves. 

3. A little restraint is good

Although there is nothing wrong with indulging at this time, especially if you are following point 1 and 2, there is a point at which a little restraint is needed.  A few chocolates is ok but try not to eat the whole box.  Alcohol is often a tricky one too.  Do try to make sure there is time for food if you are drinking. We all know what the recommended units of alcohol consumption is (14 units for women and 21 for men) so try to stick to them and have at least 2 consecutive alcohol free days in a 7 day period.  

Tip: Sip your drink slowly and enjoy it! Try to alternate with a glass of water or at least have a few glasses of water over the evening (you will appreciate this in the morning).  

AND FINALLY…

Don’t feel guilty

This is Christmas and it is meant to be a fun time.  If you know that there is a wonderful party or meal coming up and you will find it hard to say no then relax and enjoy it.  There is no point if you are going to beat your self up about it.  Vow to start each day afresh and follow these 3 simple tips, to give your body time to recover before the next party and start the new year feeling good.

The advice that Jemima have given here is general.  If you would like more detailed personalised help on how to cope with Christmas or any other concerns then please contact her to arrange a consultation.

If you would like more information about Jemima or nutritional therapy then please visit her gorgeous website www.jpowellnutrition.co.uk

Jemima will be talking about nutrition at the Golborne Place studios in the new year, keep a look out for more info soon!

Interview with...Charlotte Crowther

This week we welcome Charlotte Crowther, Grinberg Method Practitioner and Reflexologist, to Golborne Place. We thought this would be the perfect time to find out a little more about Charlotte's journey to becoming complimentary therapist as well as a few words of wisdom from the lovely lady!

Charlotte, you're a lady of many talents! We hear you studied fine art, how did you go from the art world to the Grinberg Method? 

Thanks Amy! Yes, I studied at Oxford University in the Ruskin School of Drawing & Fine Art. During the course I found a need to express myself fully and to create in the truest sense of the word. I was frustrated with the intellectual approach that is dominant in contemporary art. As part of my exploration, I began to make paintings that were larger than my body span, which meant in order to paint I had to move my whole body. I also decided to not have a plan while working, and simply see what came up. To my surprise I found that each painting was incredibly different, had its own qualities, was a new experience, and reflected who I was and how I was at the time. The paintings would have been very different if I had painted who and how I thought I was! 

The experience of doing a number of these paintings showed me how much we change, how many options we have when we quieten our minds, and how our movements can not only reflect who or how we are, but by having attention to these movements, we can also influence and choose who and how we are. It was a very freeing, expansive and illuminating experience. 

After the course I wanted to explore this more directly. I didn't know where to start but it was clear I didn't need to make paintings to explore the subject, I needed to investigate it directly in my own life and in collaboration with others. I also wasn't feeling one hundred percent - for several years I had discomfort in my belly which seemed to be more or less severe erratically, as well as a sensation of not being fully satisfied, and periods of little energy and feeling lethargic. I remembered how during these years I had enjoyed receiving Reflexology as a support, and found the sessions useful, so I decided to start studying it. I loved learning about the body, and how much we can influence it and our well-being with our diet, emotions, exercise, relaxation and sleep. I also began practicing Tai Chi and enjoyed the quietness and focus I reached through the movements. However, I found both personally and in working with others, if we did not stop relevant aspects in our lives, the symptoms or sensations that disturbed us would remain - perhaps to a lesser degree, but without the sensation of a complete recovery or change. 

Shortly after living and working in Barcelona five years ago, I came across the Grinberg Method and was amazed by it's proposal that we can learn how to be well - learn how to increase our energy, manage pain, quieten our non-stop thoughts, stop what limits us.. And as well as learning such life skills, train in applying them in situations in life where we struggle to use the abilities and qualities we possess to reach our desired outcome. The sessions were simple, the learning through the mind and body, and with practice I created clear results, changes and steps in my life. I found a practical way to apply what I learnt while painting, and decided to train in the Grinberg Method to learn more. Since I've worked with people from all walks of life and ages. I am grateful and enjoy to collaborate and continually learn with others in their wishes to develop, break limits, gain new experiences, and give their best - both personally and professionally.

Wow, what a journey! I feel a lot more informed now hearing your personal journey to this practice. What do you think is the most valuable lesson you've learnt from the Grinberg Method?

I've learnt and continue to learn many valuable lessons! Currently I'm enjoying learning how to act on what I truly wish for and not follow the tricks and reasoning of my mind..!

Do you have any valuable insider lifestyle tips for us?  

That's a very personal question - I say that because I think living well for each of is completely unique and constantly changes. We probably would describe what it is to live well differently as we each have different body make-ups, experiences, jobs, relationships. For me, there is no one approach that fits all nor at all times - I think it's wise to get different reference points, experiment, and be attentive to how you are.

How do you relax? 

I love to meet with friends, dance, cook, and get outdoors.

You've spent the last five years living in Barcelona, maybe you can give us a local's tip for a must-see place to visit on our hols in Barca? 

A must-see is Gaudi's 'Casa Batlló'. It's a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is no-one like him.

A must-do is wander in the winding, old and narrow Roman streets and discover the numerous squares of the 'Gotico' quarter.

A must-eat is of course any of the delicious tapas. I recommend 'Cervecería Catalana' for their fresh classic dishes and great atmosphere.

Thanks! And what is it about London that drew you back here?

Many things! First-off would be the large scope of the city - from the quantity and variety of people one can meet and engage with, to the many little corners and communities throughout the metropolis. I also love the ambition people have here in general. I wish for lots too!

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

Someone dear to me to share the experience with, a sketch-pad and drawing materials, contact lenses, fish net, and cooking materials!

Who inspires you? 

I'm inspired by anyone I meet who is themselves and does what moves them.

Finally, tell us a little something about yourself - what do enjoy doing when you’re not practicing at Golborne Place and in Barcelona?!

I'm quite an adventurer/ traveller/ explorer.. this means I regularly like to discover unknown places both close by and far away.. and I can get up to all sorts of projects with this curiosity.. for example a few years back, I co-organised and participated in a Cambridge University expedition to the Peruvian Andes. 

We carried out medical research on high altitude sickness, climbed peaks (with the aim that some would have been first British ascents had there not been so much risk of avalanches), and created artwork for exhibition in the UK. It was a year-long project, endorsed by the Royal Geographical Society and supported by the explorer Ranulph Fiennes and artist Richard Wentworth.

Amazing! :) Sounds like you've had an exciting and fruitful few years! And thanks for the snaps Charlotte.

If you would like to book in with Charlotte for an introductory session this week, between the 14th and 17th, or if you'd just like to get a feel for the Grinberg Method with a 20 minute taster, give us a call on 020 8969 8907 or email amy@golborneplace.com.

Alternatively to contact Charlotte directly call 07463861218 or email charlotte@learntobewell.co.uk.

www.learntobewell.co.uk

www.golborneplace.com

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.