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Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

http://www.ilkleycomplementarytherapies.co.uk/

Ilkley Complementary Therapies, 2 Castle Hill, Ilkley (2026)

15/03/2026

It was World Sleep day on Friday this week (13 March 2026)
The theme this year is Sleep Well. Live Better.

This reminds us that sleep isn’t a luxury but a powerful foundation of wellbeing. Good sleep supports your memory, immune system, hormones, mood and energy.

And the secret to sleeping well? It actually starts in the morning.

Reset your body clock by stepping outside to get natural daylight in your eyes within 30 minutes of waking. This simple habit helps regulate your circadian rhythm so your body naturally produces melatonin at night.

Other sleep supporting habits include:
Moving your body during the day.
Reducing screens and bright lights in the evening.
Creating a calming wind down routine such as an aromatherapy bath, listening to music or an audio book or sipping mindfully on a herbal tea.

Herbs that support sleep include: Chamomile, Passionflower, Limeflower, Valerian, Vervain, Lemon balm, Skullcap, Hops, St John’s Wort, Oats, California Poppy.

Flower essences are particularly useful when sleep issues are linked to worry, racing thoughts or emotional overwhelm.

If poor sleep is an ongoing problem for you, a personalised approach can make all the difference. You can book a consultation with me as a medical herbalist or my colleague, Jenny Howarth, flower essence practitioner.

Because when you sleep well, you live better.

What helps you get a good night’s sleep? Please share your tips in the comments.

08/03/2026

It's International Women's Day, 2026, a moment to celebrate women’s achievements, recognise those whose stories are often overlooked and reflect on how we can continue to support one another.

On Friday evening I attended a fascinating talk at Ilkley Manor House by social historian and writer Irene Lofthouse titled Brilliant Bradford Lasses.

It shone a light on extraordinary women from across the Bradford district, from the 19th century through to today. She spoke of women who achieved remarkable things in their communities, professions and public life. Yet many of their names rarely appear in history books or the media.

Listening to these stories was both inspiring and thought provoking. It was a reminder that history is full of women who shaped the world around them, even if their contributions were not widely recorded or recognised.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Give to Gain. The idea is that when we give support, recognition, knowledge or opportunities to women and girls, everyone benefits. When women thrive, communities thrive.

Irene’s talk was a perfect example of this. By researching and sharing these stories, she is giving visibility and voice to women who might otherwise remain hidden and in doing so we all gain a richer, more complete understanding of our shared history.

At the end of the talk, Irene asked us all a simple but powerful question:
Who is your own Brilliant Lass?

Today seems like the perfect day to reflect on this question.
It might be someone who inspired you, opened doors, challenged expectations or quietly made a difference in your life or community.

I’ve been lucky enough to have some amazing women in my life from my Grandma, Mother, Godmother, teachers, colleagues, managers, mentors and friends. You all know who you are: Kate; Jennifer; Christine; Helen; Diana; Nora; Jill; Jenny; Rita; Sarah; Stacey; Carole; Amanda; Andreea; and Mandy to name just a few.

I’d love to hear about your own brilliant lass/es. Please share in the comments.

05/03/2026

Today is World Book Day UK

This year the focus is on enjoying reading on your own terms and discovering how books can enrich our lives through imagination and curiosity.

If you were to browse my Kindle library you’d see consistent themes in my choice of novels: warm coastal settings; or historic cities where art, history and food blend into the story. There are stories of book /art clubs and renovating old houses. All create pleasurable, aesthetic images in my mind as I’m transported to those locations. I also love dual timeline novels because I enjoy hearing how people used to live and the socio-economic factors that shaped their lives.

Yet, non-fiction can be pleasurable too.

I love learning new things or reading different perspectives connected to my professional work.

This year I was excited to start reading Age Like a Girl: How Menopause Rewires Your Brain for Mental Clarity, Increased Confidence, and Renewed Energy by Dr Mindy Pelz because its message resonates with me and the work I do as a medical herbalist and wellbeing coach.

It’s a guide that helps you stop fearing the transition into menopause and start owning it. She takes us through what is really happening in our bodies physically and mentally, so we can make informed decisions about lifestyle changes and /or medication choices. If you don’t want to feel like a victim of peri-menopause and menopause, I highly recommend this book. It will help you embrace your next chapter with power, vitality, and peace.

I always have a fiction and non-fiction book on the go.

What are you reading for pleasure at the moment? I’d love you share in comments what you love about it.

01/03/2026

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi (Happy St David’s Day)

Today we celebrate Saint David, the patron saint of Wales and the leek.

Leeks are linked to St David’s Day through legend. Some say St David asked his followers to wear leeks in battle for divine protection as the plant symbolises resilience, unity and rooted identity. Welsh archers also wore leeks at the Battle of Crecy, 1346 as a symbol of bravery and loyalty. In Shakespear‘s Henry V, a Welsh character wears a leek. Tudor monarchs later encouraged wearing leeks on 1 March. While the stories may not be factual, the leek has become a symbol of Welsh identity and pride.

Did you know leeks are full of health benefits? Here’s how:

Gut health
Rich in prebiotic fibres (especially inulin). These feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation.

Heart health
They contain flavonoids (notably kaempferol), which research links to reduced inflammation and protection of blood vessels.

Immune support
High in vitamin C and antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress.

Blood sugar balance
Their fibre content slows glucose absorption, supporting steadier energy levels.

Bone health
Contain vitamin K, essential for bone strength and proper blood clotting.

Easy ways to incorporate leeks into your diet

Make leek & potato soup
Sautée with garlic and butter / olive oil as a simple side
Add to risotto, pasta, tarts, quiches. They pair well with sage and parsley.
Roast whole with thyme and a drizzle of balsamic
Finely sliced into stir-fries

Today is a perfect reminder that simple, seasonal foods can be powerful medicine.

Tonight I cooked sautéed leeks in butter, olive oil, sage, parsley, a grating of nutmeg and cream as a sauce for butternut squash ravioli.

Are you cooking with leeks today?
What’s your favourite leek recipe? Drop it in the comments and inspire us .

22/02/2026

On Tuesday this week, the Year of the Fire Horse was welcomed in.
In Chinese astrology:

The Horse symbolises:
Freedom & independence
Energy & vitality
Passion & forward movement
Sociability & optimism

Fire symbolises:
Courage
Visibility
Creativity
Strong drive for action

So how does this link to wellbeing?

Freedom supports mental health
Horses thrive in open space. Where do you need more space? This could be outside, inside, in your job, relationships or schedule.

Energy needs direction
The Fire Horse reminds us that motivation is powerful but without focus can lead to burnout. Wellbeing this year is about channeling your energy on activities and people that mean the most to you, rather than scattering it everywhere.

Passion fuels purpose
Fire is heart-centred. Reconnect with what lights you up: hobbies, creative work, movement, meaningful relationships.

Foster sociability and optimism
Fire energy thrives on connection. Wellbeing this year comes from sharing your spark. Spend time with people who lift you up, volunteer with like minded people on something you are passionate about improving, laugh more. Optimism is fuel to feeling good.

Balance action with rest
Fire can burn bright and fast. True wellbeing means pairing action with recovery.

Things to consider trying as we move into the year:

Choose one bold, brave goal that could be accomplished in next 90 days. Start the first step.

Schedule weekly energy check-ins : what’s fuelling you? What’s draining you?

Move your body daily: choose to walk, dance, stretch, play sport, garden. Horses don’t stand still for long.

Create a small ritual to rest and refresh such as journalling, meditation, mindfulness, breathwork or time in nature.

This year invites brave but sustainable action.
Shine brightly without burning out.

What are you thinking of starting or stopping? I’d love you to share in the comments.

15/02/2026

Last night I attended Luminiscence Manchester at the cathedral.

It was wonderfully uplifting which left me reflecting on why so.

Was it the live choir’s harmonies?
The sacredness of a historic church?
The immersive play of light across ancient stone?
Probably all three.

What does luminescence actually mean?
Luminescence is the emission of light that isn’t caused by heat, rather it’s light produced through energy changes within a substance (chemical, electrical or biological). In other words, light generated from within, not from burning.

This translates to wellbeing.

Listening to live choral music can steady breathing, calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol. When we listen together, heart rates can synchronise and a shared emotional experience increases oxytocin, the bonding hormone.

Sacred, spiritual, historic spaces amplify this. Historic churches evoke awe. Research shows awe can reduce the stress response and increase feelings of connection and belonging.

Soft, shifting light influences mood, supports circadian rhythm and signals safety to the brain. It changes not just how a space looks, but how it feels in the body.

Song. Sacred space. Light. All spark our inner glow.

Ways to bring a little luminescence into your week
- Listen to choral or instrumental music and really immerse yourself in it.
- Spend time in a space that evokes awe or stillness - nature, a gallery or historic building
- Soften your lighting in the evening with low lamps or candles.
- Take three slow breaths and notice what settles you

Where might you create light from within this week? Please share in the comments

08/02/2026

Spice up your Valentine’s Day with heart healthy Cardamon

I love Cardamom because it smells so fragrant and is a gentle heart lover too.

Why cardamom benefits your heart:
• Polyphenols & flavonoids help combat oxidative stress linked to heart disease
• Potassium supports healthy blood pressure
• Antiinflammatory compounds support circulation and cardiovascular function

Ways to fall for cardamom this February:
• Add a pinch to your morning coffee or chai
• Sprinkle into porridge, smoothies, fruit & yoghurt bowls
• Crush into curries, rice dishes & desserts

Remember to love responsibly:
Culinary amounts are safe for most people. If you have gallstones or a sensitive stomach, stick to small amounts and avoid supplements without medical advice.

Make a Valentine’s treat:

Cardamom Coconut Cacao Rose Bliss Balls
Blend 1 cup each of pitted dates & soaked & strained almonds ( or nuts of choice), ½ cup shredded coconut, 2 tsp of crushed cardamom seeds, 1 tbsp cacao powder, 2 tsp coconut oil & a splash of rose water. Roll mixture into balls, then optionally - seeds, rose petals, cacao or melted chocolate. Chill & enjoy.

Added heart bonus:
Rose supports emotional wellbeing by reducing stress & supporting circulation - key in heart health.

Cacao is rich in flavanols supporting blood flow, nitric oxide production & overall heart health. It also boosts mood.

Please share your favourite cardamon recipe in the comments.

❤️

01/02/2026

It’s the first of February, the sun is shining where I am and we’re at the tail end of winter.

Whilst I’m not in full spring mode yet, I have a sense of being almost ready to come out of hibernation and start moving forward with intention. This feeling aligns with the new moon on 17 February which marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. It’s a natural invitation to renew and reset.

In Chinese tradition, the 2026 Lunar New Year is that of the Fire Horse. The Horse symbolises energy, freedom and forward movement. When paired with the Fire element, it encourages things that have been dormant to come back into view: ideas; projects; identities; or cultural patterns.

What this means for wellbeing:
It’s a year that supports steady re-emergence: building energy: confidence; and clarity without burning out. The pace is purposeful and self directed, moving forward whilst honouring your own rhythm.

How to gently prepare:
• Reflect on what you’re ready to leave behind from winter
• Set intentions for how you want to feel this year
• Add grounding practices to support rising energy like slow mornings, gentle movement, time outdoors and breathwork.
• Get some social dates in your diary. The Lunar New Year centres on community and belonging.

How are you preparing to trot or gallop into Spring? I’d love you to share in the comments.

25/01/2026

I’ve long supported the idea of a gratitude practice for wellbeing.

Whether it’s writing down 3–5 things you’re grateful for each day / week, running through them in your mind before sleep, or sharing them around the dinner table with family or friends.

Research shows that regular gratitude practice can:
Improve mood & emotional regulation
Reduce stress & anxiety
Improve sleep quality
Strengthen relationships
Increase resilience & life satisfaction

I also love discovering fresh takes on familiar tools. This week, whilst listening to Dr Suzan Song on the Good Life Project podcast, I heard her reframe - she calls it her Emotional GPS.

A simple nightly ritual that helps reset and guide how we want to feel.
Her approach is grounded in key neurochemicals:
Oxytocin — feeling loved & connected
Serotonin — joy, meaning & self-worth
Dopamine — inspiration, motivation & pleasure

Dr Song keeps a journal with a column for each and reflects every evening on moments that made her feel loved, joyful or inspired — even tiny ones. A neighbour checking in during bad weather. A moment that made her smile. Something that inspired her.

You might ask yourself:
Oxytocin - who helped me feel supported, seen or connected today?
Serotonin - what am I proud of? Where did I stay true to myself or my values?
Dopamine - what brought me a sense of joy, inspiration or progress today?

Regular practice strengthens neural pathways in the prefrontal cortex, promoting long-term emotional regulation and positive thinking for sustainable wellbeing.

Please share in the comments:
How do you practice gratitude?
Which question feels most helpful right now?

18/01/2026

Set the table for lunch on an ordinary weekend. Why not?

With Blue Monday occurring tomorrow, lunch with family ticks many wellbeing boxes:
• connection & conversation
• nourishment
• comfort in a relaxed aesthetic environment
• making time to slow down

What is Blue Monday?
Identified as the third Monday in January, when shorter days, colder weather, post-Christmas fatigue and new year work pressures can combine to lower mood. Many people notice a dip around this week.

Ways to reduce low mood this week:

At home

Eat regularly and warmly. Try a new recipe for fun.
Create small rituals (a candle with coffee, music whilst doing housework, shared meals)
Get daylight first thing am for better sleep pm
Rest without guilt

At work

Break tasks into manageable steps. Try the Pomodoro technique (work in 20-25 min slots) and take breaks in between.
Step outside at lunchtime alone or with colleagues
Connect with colleagues by having lunch or coffee together. Have a theme day - eg. everyone brings in a Mexican dish to share. Or start a lunchtime book/movie/theatre club.

Small, intentional choices can make a difference.

How will you support your mood this week?

I’d love to hear in the comments.

And if you’d like extra emotional support, you can book in with our Flower Essence practitioner Jenny Howarth, who can help you find the right essence for your emotional wellbeing.

15/01/2026

A great chance to share all that we offer at Ilkley Complementary Therapies as well as Yorkshire Flower Essences. More on our websites: ilkleycomplementarytherapies.co.uk and yorkshirefloweressences.com. We always love to hear from people who are seeking natural support for their emotional balance and healing . No obligation, free of charge exploratory chat always available.

11/01/2026

Left over herbs from Christmas? Focus on Sage
With the festive season behind us, are you turning your focus to cleaner eating and reduced drinking this January? Start incorporating left over herbs into your daily diet. Or buy a few pots of winter herbs and keep them growing on your windowsill ready to use.

One of my favourite winter herbs is Sage because it supports the body through the colder months. It contains:

• Volatile oils – supporting digestion & easing bloating after heavier meals
• Polyphenols & flavonoids – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, supporting immunity
• Rosmarinic acid – traditionally linked to cognitive support, clarity and focus
• Tannins – gently astringent, soothing for sore throats & helps reduce menopausal sweats

Ways to use sage
• Add fresh leaves to roasted root vegetables
• Stir finely chopped sage into butter or olive oil to drizzle over veg/meat/poultry/fish
• Make a tea by steeping 1–2 fresh or dried leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes

For more details on the benefits of sage and my favourite sage recipe see my previous blog:
https://www.enhanceone.com/single-post/what-s-growing-in-your-garden-focus-on-sage-salvia-officinalis

What’s your favourite way to use sage? Please Share in the comments.

Ilkley Complementary Therapies

15/03/2026

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05/03/2026

01/03/2026

22/02/2026

15/02/2026

08/02/2026

01/02/2026

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