Do you find the time just before and during menstruation extremely tiring?  Are your energy levels at rock bottom and your usual motivation levels flagging? Are you looking for a way to exercise gently without adding to the overwhelming feelings of exhaustion? 
If you like the thought of a practice which leans more towards the restful and re-energising read on...
Ultimately it is about what intuitively feels right for YOU. 
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Practicing a Yoga sequence which is focused on helping to reduce the symptoms of PMS, such as cramping, low back ache and headaches can help us feel less crotchety! 
Exercises/ Asanas and breathing techniques that are helpful at this time focus on encouraging activation of the body's own natural relaxation response; which helps to relieve muscular tension and tightness, encouraging softness and release. Strong abdominal activation, harsh closed twists, headstands and full inversions have the potential to make you feel weaker, tighten the psoas muscles and strain the broad ligament which helps to support the uterus. These  combined with the increase in the hormone *Relaxin (which softens ligament and joints) after ovulation can lead to increased risk of strain or injury to the low back and sacrum. 
A practice that encourages a natural opening and flow, can over time help to release congestion in the pelvic bowl, reduce cramping, calm the nervous system, reduce headaches and lead to a more healthy cycle.  
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Even if you haven't got time to take it easy for the whole of your bleed doing it on the first day when you are bleeding more heavily may help you to re-energise and feel more rested. 
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'Many women turn more mentally inwards during menstruation and may notice that they become less sociable.
​Taking on challenging tasks may seem too much of an upheaval and rational thinking may be more difficult.
Menstruation is often a good time to slow down and reflect' 
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​I will be posting more on this soon.  
References *
https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-relaxin.htm
​https:blissbabyyoga.com

Retreat - has the word TREAT in it doesn't it?  It also means a quiet place in which to rest and relax.  In January I am starting tiny retreats in the shape of a Fertility Workshop for anyone who would like to learn some restorative Fertility Yoga poses, how to massage their abdomen/sacrum and womb area, how to apply a castor oil pack and enjoy some relaxing hypnosis. 
If this sounds like something that you might enjoy and you are willing to invest three hours on a Saturday morning enjoying rest and relaxation with a few other like minded ladies please get in touch. I have priced this at a very reasonable £35.00 (goody bags included).  

About:
I specialise in Abdominal Massage Therapy and Scar Tissue Release. 
Abdominal Massage and Scar Release is generally not just a one stop treatment - it can take a few treatments to notice change and this also depends on the severity of the scarring. 
The massage can affect the appearance of the scar although this is NOT guaranteed. 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1360859218301657
​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4051807/

It's been a busy week in the world of Fertility - Louise Brown the worlds first IVF baby was born and BCRM celebrated its 10 year anniversary. 
Yesterday I spent a very civilised afternoon enjoying the celebratory Tea Party held at BCRM at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
It was lovely to see staff chatting to families whilst their young children and babies enjoyed the ice creams and cakes. 
Mr Akande made a speech about the interesting history behind BCRM, and acknowledged the work that had been done by his predecessors in progressing the work done here in Bristol. He also talked about the new and future developments that were being introduced to the centre and how they would impact on treatments.  One thing that I hadn't realised about BCRM is that it is also a teaching hospital and offers opportunities to medical staff who are training in reproductive technologies. 
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I felt very privileged to be invited to this event because I work with people who struggle with fertility issues - and know how much these couples go through to have a baby.
It is great that BCRM are interested in the support which is on offer outside of the hospital they are very aware of the emotional impact that IVF can have on patients. 
I talked at length with one of BCRMs Embryologists who was really very keen to make sure that her patients had support and clarity whilst going through IVF. 
BCRM offer sessions with their own dedicated counsellor Wendy Martin - whom I have been wanting to chat to for a while now. Wendy has worked as a Fertility Counsellor for 22 years and has helped many couples through IVF and other fertility related issues. I often see clients who have really benefitted from their sessions with her. 
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Thank you again BCRM for the invitation to join in with your celebrations and I wish you all the best and many more happy years of helping couples to achieve their dreams of having a family. 
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If you are looking for extra support on your fertility journey we run a monthly support group.
You can find us here at www.bristolfertilitysupportgroup.com







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Clary Sage Essential Oil is one of the all time favourites for what ails us women. 
It has been used for birth, menstrual problems, fertility & menopause so it's there for us at each stage of life.
It is an uplifting scent with musky, woody and sweet notes which can calm the mind & restore clarity which is pretty useful when you reach menopause.
Even though it is one of our *BFF's there are times when you should not use it! 
During Pregnancy/While Breastfeeding 
Drinking Alcohol
Makes you a cheap date as increases effects of alcohol! 
*(Best Friends Forever) 
Clary Sage is a biennial herb and grows to around 3 feet in height - it is a little bit hairy with pretty pinky/purple flowers (leaves & flowery tops used in oil) Planted in a sunny site with good drainage it will self seed and provide lots of flowers for lovely Bees. 
You can buy seeds at Jekka's Herb Farm 
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Traditional Chinese Medicine & Clary Sage 

As a trainee acupuncturist I am also interested in the way that Chinese Medicine looks at the use of essential oils.  As I understand it, it is an interaction between plants & humans. It is the interaction of the energy of the plant with the Qi (Wei Qi, Ying Qi & Yuan Qi) of the human.  
Clary Sage is said to strengthen Qi that is depleted and to relax and improve the circulation of Qi
It is used as a general tonic and antispasmodic. 
Temperature is Cool, Flavour is Pungent/Sweet, Route H Liv K, regulates the heart 
Five Elements and Essential Oils - Water Deficiency - Clary Sage, Basil & Geranium