Wintering

Winter is the time of year for hunkering down in front of the fire.

The lack of daylight hours can often force us to spend more time at home but can also give us the gift of time to reflect and slow down, maybe allowing us to rest and take care of ourselves a little more.

The lower temperatures can mean the spread of colds and viruses too so here are some tips to boost natural immunity.

• Wash your hands regularly
• Gently exercise
• 15 minutes of sunshine 3 times per week
• De-stress and meditate
• Try to rest and sleep well
• Reduce sugar, stimulants and processed foods
• Eat warming foods like soups and stews
• Dark leafy greens, such as kale and chard
• Winter squash, high in vitamin C, A and B6
• Purple potatoes, high in anthocyanins
• Onions, traditionally eaten to help tackle illness
• Ginger, traditionally used to boost blood flow
• Turmeric, rich in antioxidants and has long been used for healing in India

• Porridge, oats are rich in B vitamins and are slow release energy for cold Winter mornings. Pimp your porridge with superfoods.

Ideal treatments are

Lymphatic drainage massage

Lymphatic drainage is a great treatment for both relaxing and giving the immune system a boost. Followed up with your home aftercare of body brushing and moisturising this can really help get you through the wintertime.

Reflexology

A warm bed to snuggle into and massage using acu points to disperse blocked energy,  improve the body's healing ability and leave you feeling relaxed and restored.