Welcome to our September Newsletter! As a glorious summer comes to an end and autumn approaches, we’re all hoping summer will last a little bit longer. September quite often feels like a new year, as it is back to school, work, new routines and schedules.

Our new fitness schedule, has as usual something for everyone. We have added another Zumba class on a Monday evening, as there has been several requests for a later class, but there are also some spaces available in the Thursday morning Zumba. A new lunchtime Legs, Bums and Tums has been added on a Tuesday and if you are looking for lunchtime exercise, there are also availability in the Friday Lotte Berk class with Rob at 1pm. On Wednesday evenings at 6pm there will be a new beginners Hatha Yoga class. So, come along to tone up, get fit, have fun and make new friends. Click here to see our full schedule. Our early booking discount of 10% is available for full courses, booked and paid for by Friday 3rd September.

The Lotte Berk Method is one of our longest running exercise classes. It is a low-impact, extraordinarily effective program that firms, lengthens and shapes muscles to their optimal form, which will make you feel and look fabulous.

If you are curious about Yoga or would like to deepen your practice, why not try one of our 2 Saturday Yoga workshops in October? Regular Yoga practice will create noticeable benefits to your health, mind and body.

Hilde has now qualified in Advanced and Pregnancy level of Hydrotherm Massage, so we are extending our offer of 15% off, throughout September & October. In addition we will also offer 15% off our 10 Years Younger Organic Facials.

Insomnia can affect you both mentally and physically and make you feel tired, depressed and irritable. Read about how you can help yourself getting to sleep and also how some of Earthlife’s therapies can help.

Kew Fete was a massive success; we really enjoyed meeting and treating so many people. As many as 5000 people had a wonderful day on Kew Green and the Fete succeeded in raising over £5000 which will be shared among four local charities.

This Newsletter will be re-sent early September, for the ones who may have missed the email due to holidays.

We are looking forward to seeing you in September!

Insomnia means poor sleep. About one in five adults does not get as much sleep as they would like and when you don’t sleep, well you will be tired during the day, have reduced concentration, become irritable and struggle to function well.

Poor sleep can mean:

•    Not being able to get off to
     sleep.
•    Waking up too early.
•    Waking for long periods in the
     night.
•    Not feeling refreshed after a
     night's sleep.

Insomnia can be a symptom of physical disorders, although for most of us it's the result of tension, stress and anxiety—and of course the more anxious we get about not sleeping, the worse it gets.

When our minds are well-rested and refreshed after sufficient sleep, we have more energy to tackle our problems and will be in a more balanced emotional state; resulting in more positive moods during the day.

People who get enough sleep will be less susceptibility to illness, be more creative and have better long term memory. Sleep time is also when your body and immune system do most of its repairs and rejuvenation.

Many people can sleep better simply by making a few changes in their sleep habits. The following are some things you can do to help you sleep better:

•    Take a warm bath
•    Have an evening massage
•    exercise regularly
•    Put a few drops of lavender on
     your pillow
•    Avoid caffeine, alcohol and
     tobacco
•    No napping during the day

Complementary therapies at Earthlife that can help:

Hypnotherapy:

Hypnotherapy involves hypnosis combined with relaxation, which in itself is one of the key elements in falling asleep easily. First you learn to relax physically; secondly, you learn self hypnosis to relax mentally. Earthlife’s hypno-therapist, Kathleen Freeman, offers an excellent insomnia program which includes a training session on how to quiet your mind when you go to bed together with self hypnosis techniques to help you take control and re-educate your mind into relaxing easily into sleep. You will also receive a CD that you can play to help you fall into a nice deep relaxing sleep and wake up in the morning feeling great!

Acupuncture:

Chinese Medicine views insomnia and sleeping difficulties as the result of imbalance in physical and emotional health. Treatment for sleeping disorders involves making a diagnosis based on what you are experiencing emotionally, mentally and physically. Sleep can be disrupted by pain, emotional problems, digestive, hormonal or cardiovascular disorders and by some medications. This can manifest as difficulty in falling or sleep that is short or disturbed.

Chinese medicine and acupuncture can be very beneficial in regulating and nourishing the energy of the

body to allow your body and mind to rest at appropriate times and re-establish a sounder sleeping pattern. The treatment also includes advice on changes to your lifestyle and daily habits to help put an end to sleepless nights. If your sleeplessness is caused by western medications, Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help to reduce their side effects and dependence.

Reiki Healing:

During a Reiki session, anxiety (the one thing that seems to make sleep impossible), is reduced on a mental and emotional level; our sense of well-being is increased and a different level of relaxation can be felt. At this level of deep relaxation, a re-balancing of energies can occur and the body’s natural healing ability is improved. Reiki is effective and has no side effects and can be used along with other treatments and medication for sleep problems.

If you feel that an illness or medication is causing you poor sleep; then see your GP. Treating any underlying conditions that might be causing the problem can help to promote sleep. In particular, depression and anxiety are common causes of poor sleep and can often be treated.

Should you like more information on any of these treatments or would like to book an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 8940 0888 or info@earth-life.co.uk.

Yoga combines breathing and stretching with a relaxed awareness, resulting in a toned body, glowing complexion and a positive attitude towards life. A regular practice of yoga may bring about benefits, which include:

•    Muscle toning throughout the
     body
•    A clearer and more relaxed
     mind
•    Improved posture
•    Improved circulation of blood
     and lymph
•    Improved breathing techniques
•    Becoming supple, flexible,
     strong and fit

If you are curious about yoga or would like to further your practice, why not come and try one of our October Yoga workshops?

Yoga & Meditation
Sat 2nd October – 10:30-13:30

The focus of this workshop is on using the breath to stay fully present in the experience of the moment. Learning tools to concentrate and focus the mind. Fun and humour plays an important role in this experiential way of practicing yoga. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as the one’s that would like to further their practice and work deeper.

This workshop will be instructed by Jagadamba (Cristiana de Melo)

who has been practicing yoga and meditation since the early 90’s. She is trained in the Sivananda tradition and she bases her teaching on the ancient classic and pre-classic yoga forms.

Iyengar Workshop
Sat 23rd October - 13:30-16:30

"Backbends are rejuvenating, they give energy and courage." This statement will be the theme of this workshop on backbends. In the first part of this workshop, we will peel away any concerns to reveal energy and courage. Backbends will open the chest, upper back and shoulder girdle while creating integrity and flexibility in the spine and produce a wonderful effect of unleashing stress and opening the heart. The session will finish with a restorative practice. This workshop is suitable for people who have done some yoga in the past (not for complete beginners!).

Jackie McCaul is an Iyengar Yoga teacher qualified to Junior

Intermediate level 2. Since discovering Iyengar yoga seventeen years ago, regular practice has led to a greater understanding of the many benefits yoga can bring into daily life and as a teacher she enjoys encouraging other people to experience this. Jackie's classes are disciplined yet fun, she is a good communicator, a lively teacher and encourages participants to push themselves but also enjoy themselves.

To book any of these workshops, please contact Earthlife on 020 8940 0888 or info@earth-life.co.uk.

One class that has always been a popular choice is the Lotte Berk Method. This class has run regularly since Earthlife opened up over 6 years ago.

The Lotte Berk Method, combines elements from modern and classical dance, orthopaedic back exercises and yoga into a highly sensual and satisfying fitness system and unlike many other forms of exercise; it will not leave you with bulked up unsightly muscles.

In fact everyone who does Lotte walks taller, gets firmer thighs, a flatter stomach and a nicely defined perky ‘Ballet Bum.’

It is a low-impact extraordinarily effective program that firms, lengthens and shapes muscles to their optimal form. The system of concentrated movements and deep muscle conditioning was designed to help each woman achieve her best body – fast! Lotte Berk teaches you targeted exercises that will work poorly toned, unused muscles, particularly in your thighs and abdomen.

From your first workout you will begin to create strong, toned muscles and burn calories. The results will look and feel fabulous!

Our Lotte Berk classes are held on a Monday night at 18:30 and 19:30 and on Friday lunchtimes at 13:00-14:00.

To book your space, please contact Earthlife on 020 8940 0888 or info@earth-life.co.uk.

Boost Your Memory!

Here are some tips for improving your memory:

•    Drink plenty of water during the
     day.
•    Increase consumption of high
     fibre foods.
•    Get 20-30 minutes of sun each
     day.
•    Do some mild exercise.

After 15 days or less you will find improvement in your memory. Continue for 60 days (or even better; for the rest of your life).

To celebrate that Hilde has passed her training and exams in the Advanced level and Pregnancy level of Hydrotherm Massage, we will extend our 15% discount offer throughout September & October.

Hydrotherm is a deeply relaxing massage system carried out whilst lying on two warm water filled cushions. This unique approach to massage encourages a feeling of immense calm and wellbeing whilst at the same time, the body is supported in perfect spinal alignment.
 
The gentle, enveloping warmth of the water filled cushions helps to soothe painful and tense areas of the body. It helps to ease joint and muscle stiffness, whilst relieving stress and aiding relaxation.

Throughout the treatment, the client remains on their back, thus avoiding the disruption and discomfort of having to turn over.

Hydrotherm massage is suitable for everyone, but is particularly fantastic during pregnancy to help relieve any aches and pains,

reduce oedema and improve circulation. The massage can be enjoyed to full term, with no turning over. It is also very beneficial in the first few months after birth, as it may be difficult lying on your front.

Anti Ageing Facial - 15% off

Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed before exfoliation and a deep, penetrating mask, using products that are suitable for your skin type. A facial massage with oils of Lavender, Chinese Geranium and Patchouli will give an extra boost to dry skin, before the Rejuvenating Day Serum is applied to feed the skin with intensive vitamins. The antioxidants in these organic skincare products keep skin cells safe and healthy helping them to rejuvenate, strengthen and protect.

To book your appointment, please contact Earthlife on 020 8940 0888 or info@earth-life.co.uk.

I am very sad to let you know that Richard Pierre, our Salsa instructor, has decided to pursue a venue in Central London for his  Sunday night Salsa classes.

We have not been able to find another instructor who would be as fantastic as Richard and as such, we will not be able to continue with the classes at Earthlife for the time being.