Subtle Indicators of Muscle Pain in Dogs
Holistic Integrated Ayurvedic Medicine for Prevention of Chronic Disease
Improving Iron Status with Lactoferrin
The Institute of Health Sciences is offering this ICF approved ACSTH
SUBTLE INDICATORS OF MUSCLE PAIN IN DOGS
Galen Canine Myotherapy is a specialised muscle treatment that is hands-on and totally targeted; to functionally and therapeutically manage chronic conditions that are being presented by the dog.
So often as a Galen Myotherapists we see dogs that are in so much discomfort, that the pain perception within their muscular function has reached such a peak that it is having a total impact on their lives and creating so much stress that their behaviour has changed, reflecting how they feel and perceive the world around them. When we see dogs like this we just wish we could have seen them earlier.
For those who know me will know that I always go on and on about how muscular issues are not easily or rarely diagnosed, so if we could pick up on earlier indicators that our dogs are exhibiting then earlier treatment and therefore quicker resolution may be possible; to understand the problem can mean earlier management and treatment.
This article is dedicated to just giving a few indicators that are so common to dogs who are displaying muscle pain; some are early signs and some when the compensatory issues have progressed and are having a dominating effect on the dog, i.e. effecting behaviour patterns and self-perception.
Here are seven indicators; this is not a complete list and dogs may be displaying one or more of these symptoms or they may be displayed with other observations that can help you to build a picture of what may be going on with your dog.
LAMENESS, if your dog is lame, consistently or intermittently, a little obvious maybe but I would say 100% of cases displaying lameness have muscular pain.
Groaning. Involuntary groaning when a dog is lying down or sitting is not really normal. If we groan when we sit or lie it is because we are just finding the movement a little difficult, dogs are the same. If your dog is groaning when they lie or sit maybe it is also a sign that the movement is becoming a little difficult.
Stretching excessively. What does this actually mean? When we are healthy, we can get up from a sleep and stretch, comfortably, most animals do the same. If fact it is a sign of bad health if an animal such as a horse or cow get up without a stretch. So when is stretching not a healthy sign? Like so many of these indicators they are easy to relate to ourselves; if a muscle is tight then we have to stretch it to aid movement or just to help remain comfortable. Dogs are the same, if they are just standing and stretch then they could feel a little ‘tight’ or uncomfortable, if they consistently get off their bed (or sofa!) and use it as an extended stretching mechanism, this too can be an indicator that their muscles in their back are tight.
Collar size. If your dog wears a collar then the size shouldn’t change and there should not be a need to ease the collar. However, if your dog is compensating through their ‘front-end’ (this could happen when they have a problem in the back or hind legs) then there will be a hypertonia or extra muscle tone within the neck and therefore the collar will get tighter. Sometimes this can be misconstrued as the dog putting on weight, but generally it is compensatory muscular issue and usually lameness or previous stiffness would have been observed.
Rolling on an object/toy. Have you ever got a muscle pain between your shoulders? It is a place that is difficult to reach but a good way of trying to relieve it is to push the region into a hard object; I use a door frame! Dogs do the same to reach these uncomfortable and difficult to reach regions but they can be seen rolling on a toy or a bone or something similar. Sometimes this can be perceived as trying to apply scent, maybe it is but every time I have seen a dog with this behaviour they also have a particularly painful shoulder and neck region.
How they chew. This is something that is rarely considered to be a muscular issue. Chewing has a complex neurological response based on the mechanical action. The muscles of mastication or chewing have a direct interrelationship with the brain and also the neck. Some accidents can directly affect the jaw and its alignment, if this is the case a dog that was happy to eat hard food or chew will gradually be more reluctant to do so. This is another insidious indicator that so often goes ‘under the radar’ or is not considered important or relevant enough.
This section could be a book! Just think, if your back hurts you will behave differently, not so keen to participate, or not so active, or maybe a little grumpy, all these characteristics are same with our dogs.
Other indicators: a reluctance to lie down or sit down, or lying down using a strange movement pattern, not happy to jump into the car/or a bed, cramming themselves into a small space, having to lie with their back against an wall or back of bed, lying with their neck hanging off a bed/sofa, how they defecate or urinate, how they chew a bone.
To find out more information about Galen Canine Myotherapy please contact Natalie on natalie@caninetherapy.co.uk or phone 0845 375 1767. We also run externally accredited courses to teach you how to become a Galen Canine Myotherapist.
Website: www.galentherapycentre.co.uk
Dr Milind Jani Holistic Ayurvedic Integrated Medicine
Holistic Integrated Ayurvedic Medicine for Prevention of Chronic Disease
Making the world a healthier place through Holistic Philosophy for our children and generations to come..
Having passionately practiced for last 25 years as an NHS and Private GP with special interest and practice in Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Primary Care in UK I have developed with my wife Asmita Jani a Holistic Model of healthcare incorporating the Ayurvedic medicine philosophy, Yoga and other natural medicine.
When we talk about Chronic Disease, the overarching important National Priority for the last 2 decades is Obesity ( which is now considered as a chronic disease and which can cause all the other following diseases too!), Diabetes, Heart disease and Cardiovascular Disease including Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Respiratory Disorders and Chronic musculoskeletal conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain and chronic pain disorders fibromyalgia, irritable bowel and inflammatory bowel disease.
For all of these conditions whatever the cause, modern medicine categorically and repeatedly has come to the conclusion and advice that the best Preventative strategy in order to reduce the risk of chronic illness is a healthy Lifestyle! Most of us know this anyway instinctively.
Ayurvedic Medicine starts with the slogan from Ancient times-
“ Body, Mind and Spirit are the Tripod of Life so nurture each one for a healthy living”- Carak Samhita
This is where modern medicine overlaps and draws heavily on Complementary and Alternative Medicine and yet the modern medicine fraternity is reluctant to acknowledge the authenticity of many time-tested well established medical systems like Ayurveda and Yoga, Chinese medicine, Homeopathy, Osteopathy, Reiki.
YOGA however has been universally accepted and adopted as the rich heritage of Indian Medicine and Science of Spirituality and is practiced worldwide with great benefit to so many. Yoga is closely related to and an integral part of Ayurveda which we have promoted over the last three decades.
The overwhelming emphasis and Healthcare policy funding from Governments worldwide now includes ways to increase physical activity, eating healthy well balanced diet, and a well-balanced mental state- mental wellbeing with good stress managemen- in the population.
Increased physical activity with good cardiovascular exercise for 20 minutes five times a week or even just moving about and being active, sufficient good quality sleep, not smoking or drinking alcohol ( or in strict moderation) – can all ensure a healthy energetic life free from chronic disease.
The overarching time bomb is Obesity- 40 % of the population in UK, Europe and US are overweight or obese. This is expected to rise to 60% by 2050, increasing the associated co-morbidities like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, dementia and cancers many fold.
Obesity can cause Complications including the following: ( reference NICE – National Institute of Clinical Excellence).
Metabolic syndrome
Diabetes mellitus
Cardiovascular disease
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty liver)
Gallbladder disease
Gastroesophageal reflux
Obstructive sleep apnea
Reproductive system disorders
Many cancers
Osteoarthritis
Social and psychologic problems
Here is a quote from the GP Notebook- National Institute of Clinical Excellence :
“The health benefits of modest (10%) weight loss have been summarised (SIGN, 1996) – although the precise benefits will vary in individuals depending on initial body weight, current health and degree of weight loss)
mortality
20-25% reduction in premature death
30% reduction in the risk of dying from diabetes-related complications
40% reduction in the risk of dying from cancer
Blood pressure
10mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure
20mmHg decrease in diastolic blood pressure
Diabetes 50% fall in fasting blood glucose levels
Lipids
10% fall in total cholesterol 15% fall in LDL cholesterol
8% increase in HDL cholesterol
Reference:
NICE (November 2014). Obesity guidance
SIGN. Obesity in Scotland. Integrating prevention with weight management. Edinburgh: Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, 1996.
“Even without weight loss, exercise decreases the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Dietary fiber decreases the risk of colon cancer and cardiovascular disorders”. (Merk Professional Manual)
How do we treat our patients with a Holistic approach at our Holistic and Ayurvedic Health Centre?
A summary of the key principles of Preventative as well as part of treatment strategy offered by Ayurvedic medicine which everyone can adopt is given below:
Just to give you a taste of the eternal Wisdom of Ayurveda, I will quote the all-encompassing Shloka- Sanskrit verse -from Caraka Samhita – the Timeless Ayurvedic Reference Text Book – defining Good Health and what constitutes and ensures good health and healthy ageing:
Sama dōṣa sama dhhatu sama agni mala kriyā |
Prasanna ātmā indriya mana ha svāsthya iti abhidhheeyate-
Translation:
“A well-balanced state of the Doshas (the three physiological energies in the body- the neuro-muscular- respiratory motility – vata, metabolic fire-Pitta and the Reproductive and Nourishing energy- fluid balance, weight and body tissue control- Kapha),
Well balanced Tissue elements- blood, plasma, muscle, bone, fat, skin, bone marrow, sperm/egg – built from good wholesome essential nutrition- ( Quote – Ahar Eva Aushadham “You are what you eat- Your Food is Your Medicine”
Well balanced and strong metabolic fire of Digestion and Assimilation –
A healthy Excretory function to throw out the waste products and toxins from the body
A Happy State of Soul and Mind in a state of equilibrium with our Five Senses- a balanced moderation in the use of our senses
This is called a state of good health…||”
Firstly, the biggest factor in getting started is personal motivation and mental wellbeing.
You will notice that for many people it is often either impractical or inconvenient or we feel just too tired or lazy often to go out and start doing jogging, or join a gym or do exercise outside or go cycling cross country running although these would be ideal. For those who are already overweight or obese or have other conditions often find it difficult to do exercise.
We recommend that in order to motivate oneself one should start with simple things you can do at home – Meditation, Yoga , Pranayam – Calming th eMInd, Stretching exercises for the body with easy Postures and deep breathing exercises (Pranayam) can be easily done at home- Yoga postures offer a well proven system of exercises to stretching of the whole body.
Learning to do one Surya Namaskar the Sun salute is 12 exercises in one and it stimulates all the endocrine and autonomic nerve centres to regulate/restore the body’s metabolism and normal functioning.
We recommend that people learn how to do Meditation, Yoga postures and Pranayama breathing exercise from trained experts. Doing any exercise or breathing technique incorrectly can cause problems with muscle cramps or back and leg strains or shortness of breath and dizziness.
There is plenty of evidence now that Mindfulness meditation is very effective in calming our mind, generating peace and tranquillity which in turn helps with reducing Anxiety and Depression- a major cause of over eating or binge eating which in turn causes Weight Gain Obesity and Sedentary life, ultimately leading to heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, along with social deprivation.
Ayurveda says that HAPPINESS is a very important factor in good health- Just se ehow we are daily bombarded by NEGATIVITY around us- financial problems, peer pressures, family pressures, housing difficulty, food banks, fighting , killing, the Media is constantly throwing negative stuff which breed FEAR into us. We need to learn how to create and maintain Peace and Self Confidence through inner connection with our Spirit.
So now you have it! My logical thinking in motivational holistic strategy to start looking after yourself and doing your exercise regularly!
Ayurvedic herbs that help build our immunity , mind and body strength and help keep our mind strong and help ease anxiety and depression are Ashwagandha- Withania Somniferra, Brahmi- Centella Asiatica, Jatamansi, Shankhapushpi, Serpagandha. Withania Somnifera and Centella asiatica healthy libido and sexual function, memory and concentration.
After that, a healthy Daily Routine in life called Dincarya in Ayurvedic Panchakarma System- the Five Fold Detox and Rejuvenation system of therapies ( more detail about that in next article) .
We teach our patients and people at our Workshops how to do self-help message regularly once or twice A WEEK OR DAILY IF YOU HAVE MUSCLE OR JOINT PAIN, OR TO RELIEVE STRESS or give simple therapeutic and relaxing message at home to each other, using warm oils.
We recommend Sesame seed oil -heavy rich oil with Vit E and lipo-proteins or Almond oil ( lighter) and you can add aroma oils like Lavender, Cedar wood, Frankincense for calming the mind down. Rosemary and Eucalyptus oils added to warmed up base oils are good for muscle aches and sprains like neck ache and tension, calf pains backpains.
The Ayurvedic medicated message oils we offer for musculoskeletal pain in muscle pain, myalgia, arthritis , leg pain ( painful leg syndrome) are Mahanarayan Oil , Dhanvantaram Oil, Nirgundi Oil- these are made by infusing multiple therapeutic herbs which are known to exert a therapeutic effect on muscles, bones , skin and nerve pain receptors.
Immunity plays a central role in determining our susceptibility to disease. We all know in our hearts that good healthy food which provides GOOD NUTRITION with lots of fruits , green vegetables and protein rich foods, whole grain , milk , ( meat fish poultry for non-vegetarians) and a Mediterranean type diet with unsaturated oils like olive oil are good for the nutrition and the heart.
Our diet should include nuts and dry fruits to provide us with Calcium, iron and Vitamin D and trace elements ( also available in Milk, Cheese for vegetarians) . Our body needs Macronutrients- a good balance of Carbohydrate, Fat and Proteins with fibre, Micronutrients- Vitamins and Minerals and Trace elements like B-Complex, iron, Copper, Magnesium, Zinc and others. This type of wholesome fresh diet keeps our immune system strong and fights infections and chronic diseases.
The Ayurvedic Elixir for maintaining immunity and fighting off Flus, Viruses, Infections, and to recover from fatigue, tiredness, and operation or illness is the Indian Gooseberry preparation called Chyavanprash. Fresh Indian Gooseberry pupl rich in Vitamin C and Fibre and other minerals is cooked with some 30 herbs and spices and pharmaceutically prepared with honey, cane sugar( raw –not processed) and Ghee ( purified butter ) to balance the various herbal energies and natural chemical actions. More detail in next article…
High Fibre Diet helps to reduce the absorption of fats, regulates the bowel action, and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.
It is important to Detox our body regularly – everyday our body produces free radicals which damage our DNA and create an environment for the development of cancer, diabetes, and other diseases- Our Ayurvedic Panchakarma system is a comprehensive treatment for prevention and management of Chronic Disease and Stress as well as preventing early Ageing!
At home we can all detox every week by fasting – once a week we should cleanse the body by eating only fruits and drinking soups, taking herbal teas – ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, chamomile, mint, fennel, coriander are digestive teas. Studies have shown that spices and chilli can help control weight and also help digestion and bowel action. People who suffer from acidity and gastric problems should avoid very spicy teas .
Trifala is an Ayurvedic preparation popularly known as the king of herbs for detox and rejuvenation- It is a combination of three myrobalan fruits which are considered to be powerful AntiOxidants and scavengers of free radicals in the blood – Embelica Officinale (Amla- Indian Gooseberry, Terminalia Chebula ( Haritaki) and Terminalaia belerica- (Baheda) .
One or two teaspoonful of ground mixed herb powder ( Churna) or 2-3 tablets daily for 2-3 days will gently cleanse the bowel and purify the blood.
Obesity control and Weight loss medication in Ayurveda:
Trifala Guggul and medohar Guggul ( “medohar” means “Fat buster” in Sanskrti) is the well proven Ayurvedic herbal compound supplements which we prescribe for weight loss as well as for maintaining a healthy cholesterol and Triglyceride fat content in the blood.
Several studies carried out by the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda- India ( references available) have shown that Guggul which is a purified gum resin from the bark of Camiphora mukul tree ( mainly grown in the North west of India- Gujarat and Rajasthan) helps to metabolise and mobilise fat, as well as being an anti-inflammatory used in arthritis, inflammatory conditions of muscles and joints like rheumatoid and fibromyalgia.
Trifala guggul is widely used safe Ayurvedic compound which has been described in various Ayurvedic texts as the herb that keeps a healthy heart and a healthy blood glucose for diabetics.
Medohar guggul is specifically formulated to control weight and obesity by combining herbs like long pepper, star aniseed, Nagarmoth- Cyperus rotundus, and trifala with guggul for their specific fat busting properties when taken with the correct dietary and exercise protocol.
For a proper understanding and treatment, like anything else in life, we always recommend one consults a qualified Practitioner. We must combine the terrific advances in Modern Medicine for its Investigations and treatment of serious disease with using Complementary medicine for a more gentle and wholesome preventative therapeutic effect on the body and mind, to reduce side effects from necessary medication, and to relieve physical and mental tension, stress, anxiety and depression and pain.
Complementary medicine like Ayurveda and Yoga also address our emotional side of things which is heavily ignored by modern medicine.
Remember- Man is a Social Animal- the best way to keep motivated is to interact with friends and family, have a healthy relationship and team work where ever we are! Be kind to yourself and others, let us not be too hard on ourselves or others and let’s ..
Be Naturally Happy, Healthy and Loving!
Copyright: Dr Milind Jani MBBS FRCS Dip Urol, Cert Ayurveda, Cert REBT and Stress Management
Integrated Holistic and Ayurvedic Health Centre
Pavilion Healthcare International Limited, Brighton, UK
www.pavilionhealth.co.uk
info@pavilionhealth.co.uk
Tel: 01273298286
IMPROVING IRON STATUS WITH LACTOFERRIN
By the BioMedica Nutraceuticals Technical Support Team
The complex biochemistry of iron homeostasis illustrates the need for holistic strategies in iron reparation. The impacts of inflammatory processes, parasitic infections and impaired gastrointestinal function on iron repletion strategies are well known.1-2 In addition, gastrointestinal side effects that may accompany supplemental iron can severely limit patient compliance, further complicating interventions.1 The combination of these factors can make improving and maintaining iron status a clinical challenge. Careful selection of iron form may assist with compliance and improve absorption rates.
Lactoferrin: a complex role in iron homeostasis Supplementation with lactoferrin may offer additional assistance in improving and maintaining iron status. Lactoferrin is an iron binding glycoprotein found endogenously in human breast milk, neutrophils and certain exocrine secretions.3 It has been proposed that lactoferrin positively affects iron homeostasis through several mechanisms, including; modulating inflammatory responses, providing additional routes for absorption, and enhancing defences against microbial infection.4
Inflammatory processes and iron absorption Lactoferrin may positively affect inflammatory processes associated with impaired iron utilisation.4 Hepcidin is an important modulator of iron homeostasis, and when elevated it causes the inhibition of iron absorption at enterocytes, along with reducing iron recycling processes, thereby decreasing available iron. Hepcidin is increased in response to inflammatory cytokines, particularly interleukin 6 (IL-6).2 Lactoferrin has been shown to reduce the production of selected inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Lactoferrin may also increase the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.4-5 Through this anti-inflammatory action, lactoferrin may reduce hepcidin and improve iron absorption.
Lactoferrin may also act to enhance the uptake of iron by intestinal mucosa. With a demonstrated high affinity for binding of iron molecules, lactoferrin also has a resistance to proteolytic degradation.6-7 Maintaining this capacity across a broad pH range, lactoferrin also facilitates iron absorption pathways independent of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1).4,6,8 Unique lactoferrin transporters have been identified along the length of the infant small intestine, as well as the Caco-2 human cell line.9-10
Gastrointestinal infections and biofilms Lactoferrin may improve iron homeostasis and absorption during infection. As an iron sequestering agent, lactoferrin is produced by neutrophils to reduce the amount of iron available to iron dependent pathogenic bacteria.4 Further to this capacity, lactoferrin may act to disrupt inflammation driven by pathogens by binding bacterial receptors or cell wall components such as lipopolysaccharides.4 Supplementation with bovine lactoferrin may be of benefit during gastrointestinal infection, by redirecting iron from gastrointestinal pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori and back to serum stores.11 Further to this, lactoferrin may act as an anti-biofilm therapeutic, although the precise mechanism is yet to be fully elucidated.12
Research and clinical considerations Lactoferrin has demonstrated efficacy in supporting iron homeostasis in humans. In an 8-week double-blind placebo controlled trial, an intervention for the prevention of exercise induced anaemia in female long distance runners was investigated. Lactoferrin combined with iron was found to prevent decreases in ferritin levels, iron levels and red blood cell count when compared to iron supplementation alone.13 In another study, 200mg of lactoferrin alone was found to have lower levels of gastrointestinal complaints and be as effective as 100mg of iron (as sulphate) in improving haematological parameters in pregnant women.14
In conjunction with a preferential form of iron, lactoferrin may be a useful clinical adjunct for practitioners seeking to effectively support iron functional status.
Selected references
Tiwari AK1, Mahdi AA, Chandyan S, Zahra F, Godbole MM, Jaiswar SP, Srivastava VK, Negi MP. Oral iron supplementation leads to oxidative imbalance in anemic women: a prospective study. Clin Nutr. 2011 Apr;30(2):188-93.
Collins HL. The role of iron in infections with intracellular bacteria. Immunol Lett. 2003 Jan 22;85(2):193-5.
Adlerova, L, Bartoskova, A and Faldyna, M. Lactoferrin: A review, Veterinarni Medicina, 53, 2008 (9): 457–468
(Full reference list available by request)
About BioMedica Nutraceuticals
BioMedica is an Australian company synonymous with exceptionally high quality nutraceuticals developed by practitioners for practitioners. BioMedica’s growing reputation is founded upon quality, efficacy, and unique no to low excipient formulations; along with our dedication to preserving and enhancing the role of the holistic practitioner through our stringent practitioner only sales policy. Our products are produced to pharmaceutical standards enforced by Australia’s GMP and TGA guidelines. GMP quality controls ensure what’s on the label, is what’s in the formula.
BioMedica offers a comprehensive selection of core dispensary formulas, as well as those developed specifically to support various common clinical presentations. Our products feature in Australian clinics specialising in fertility, adrenal health, gastrointestinal health, and oncology support. Our unique clinical range is available in the UK either directly from BioMedica or from The Natural Dispensary.
Tanya Kwiez (MSc-Nut, BHSc, ND) is the UK Practitioner Consultant for BioMedica Nutraceuticals
Tanya is a qualified Nutritionist and Naturopath with over 6 years’ experience consulting within the healthcare industry. Tanya has a Masters of Human Nutrition and Masters in International Development. Highly dedicated to the natural therapies industry, Tanya is excited to be bringing BioMedica’s ‘Strictly Practitioner Only’ product range to UK practitioners.
For further information please contact Tanya:
Phone: +44 7511 533 979 or
tanya@biomedica.com.au
www.biomedica.uk.com
The Institute of Health Sciences is offering this ICF approved ACSTH programme in partnership with Real Balance Global Wellness Services, Inc.
Real Balance founder and CEO, Michael Arloski, Ph.D., PCC, CWP Writes about ‘Crafting A Wellness Lifestyle With A World Of Choices’
Crafting A Wellness Lifestyle With A World Of Choices
If we know that our lifestyle has tremendous effect upon our health, how then shall we live?
How trapped are we in the limitations of the culture we have experienced most of our lives? Greater travel and today’s technologically shrunken world has immensely increased our awareness of alternative ways of living. We do, in fact, have a world of lifestyle choices to draw upon. Let’s look at some cultural concepts and practices we might draw upon and explore some strategies for doing so and some challenges we might face.
Coaching The Art of Living
Rather than pine away for a villa in the Tuscan hills what can our clients (and we coaches) do to make their own lives a work of art?
Without the surrounding culture already supporting such a way of living, how can our clients still create a consciously crafted lifestyle with more choices?
Realizing The Choices We Have
There are many ways we can modify our lifestyles and borrow from other cultures without losing our own cultural identity. One way is to help clients identify when they are operating on assumptions and sheer habit. Help them discover the “blind spots” in the lifestyle where they have been making certain choices simply because they have “always done it that way”. Work with your clients to distinguish between the “imperative” and the “volitional”. When something feels imperative it seems like we “must” do it that way. Ask to clients to challenge themselves at such a moment and ask “Who says?” Help them reclaim greater volition in their lives.
Resetting Priorities
Not everything can be a priority. That defies the very definition of what a priority is. When clients clarify and connect with their values and create a life that is more congruent with them stress is reduced and inner peace is found. Explore what the true priorities are in life with your client and coach them around the sometimes daunting challenges of living in accordance with them.
Possibility Thinking And Exploring
Creating an artful life often begins with the joy of discovery. Learning more about new ways of living may take on a fun process of exploration. We know that the stage of Preparation is what ensures successful Action. Make it a conscious process with support and accountability built in. Allow the client to share their discoveries in the coaching session and acknowledge their efforts. Coach them around distinguishing what new ways of living will work for them and what old ways they would like to let go of.
Focus On Quality Of Life
As Máté shared (above) “What they seem to be talking about is the quality of life.” Don’t just think about food alone, but rather the greater question of how can one infuse greater quality into every aspect of one’s life. When we look at L’Art De Voir we might do well to consider The Wisdom of Tuscany and its emphasis on the pace of life, the feeling of peace and tranquillity, enhancing our physical surroundings, valuing social togetherness and, of course, putting quality into our way of eating and what we eat as well.
Experimenting
Coach your clients around ways to live more consciously, more artfully, and make it a part of the Wellness Plan. Identify experiments to try out new ways of being, new foods to eat (it’s okay if you really think some olives are too sour), new ways to get together with friends, etc. Start small. Integrate new ways of living slowly into the current lifestyle. Make it part of the coaching to create these action steps, commit to conducting the experiments, and being accountable to follow through. While much of this is true fun, there can be challenges that arise that require some processing in coaching. Conflict may show up. Your client’s friends pan the new recipe or activity that they thought would be so enjoyable. The new boundaries around work and personal time get lots of pushback from co-workers. Such experiences are important to process in coaching so the client can continue with improving their lifestyle instead of giving up too soon to avoid conflict. This is why the next step is so important.
Gathering Support
Living L’Art De Voir is possible in Tipperary or Tulsa, not just Tuscany. The key is gathering support for one’s new way of living. An effective coach will already be working with their client around enlisting others in their Wellness Plan. Lasting lifestyle improvement comes from the supportive network that helps a person sustain their healthier ways of living. Building that network needs to be a conscious process. Before launching new experiments successful clients secure commitment from other that will be affected. Getting “buy-in” from the family on a new dietary shift can be critical to its success. Sharing with others the real intention behind a new move to set boundaries around twenty-four-seven availability helps engender support rather than criticism. Just as it helps to get a “walking buddy”, so too it may make the process more fun and successful to engage like-minded friends in these ways to culturally shift one’s lifestyle.
Keeping Life Artful – Maintaining
Like any new behaviour, the real challenge is often in maintaining the change. Coach your client around maintenance strategies that they can develop when the lifestyle shift is still new. One approach is to anticipate boredom and have “variations on the theme” available. Keep it fresh. Don’t get stuck on that favorite recipe or it will become like a favorite song on the radio that, when overplayed, becomes annoying. Joining interest groups or classes focused on their new culture-blending pursuits may serve to reinforce interest, learn new skills and access fresh resources.
The other key to maintenance is tracking. Encourage your client to find a way to keep track of their new ways of living. Just how often are they practicing some new skill or behavior? The old habitual ways of living, reinforced constantly by the dominant culture the person is surrounded with, will re-emerge and vie for supremacy. Some clients may find that keeping a lifestyle journal works for them. Others may need to get more specific using coaching tools and/or smartphone apps.
The Art of Living
Londoners discovered over a hundred years ago that they didn’t have to dress like people from India to enjoy a good curry and today the city is famous for this dish. We live in a world with unprecedented access to information and products about and from other cultures. The invitation is there for us to explore and to begin to consciously choose what we will integrate into our lives. Part of being well is having more choices and the world today gives that to us. The remaining challenge may be within us rather than in our culture. Will we allow ourselves to experiment, to try something new? What kind of mindset shift needs to occur for us to give ourselves permission? Can we realize that we can still hold onto our own traditions and customs and choose what else we might add? Salt and pepper over and over again is fine, but have you really looked at the rest of the spice rack.
The Institute of Health Sciences is proud to introduce this course to Ireland and the UK in association with Real Balance Global Wellness Services, Inc. approved by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as an ACSTH (a training organisation offering Approved Coach Specific Training Hours). This means that students taking this course through IHS can apply for 37 hours of ACSTH credit that can help them pursue an ICF professional credential in coaching, if they so choose. This course is aimed at complimentary health care practitioners. For more details on our Cert in Health and Wellness Coaching click here : http://instituteofhealthsciences.com/course/certificate-in-health-and-wellness-coaching/
For information on any of our courses contact
Tel: UK 0845 568 7000
Tel: IRE 00353 1 531 1150
web: www.instituteofhealthsciences.com
Email: IRE info@ihsireland.com UK info@ihsuk.com