The Maris Practice

10/10/2025

Halloween is coming in a few weeks. Although if you go to the supermarket, you could be forgiven for thinking it is nearly Christmas! Being a scrooge here about that :-( Time to start thinking about minimising your carbon footprint from the celebrations?

halloween pumpkins Ten Green Halloween tips Play virtual wildlife games at World Wildlife Fund. Learn and have fun with wildlife games for kids

07/10/2025

Happy patients 😍

"I highly recommend Angelina He. She is an excellent acupuncturist who listens carefully, giving time to establish best treatment. I attended following a recent period of stress and re-occurring infections. I began to feel better after the first treatment. Having made a further appointment, I will continue to see Angelina. She most certainly treats the whole person and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. The improvement is subtle and lasting."

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02/10/2025

Early Autumn easy supper full of goodness provided by the sun on the end of season tomatoes - family friendly but also tasty for more mature palates! Serve with some freshly made croutons (fried in olive oil, salt, garlic, pepper - or in the air fryer!) or garlic bread, some grated cheese, and a salad

This flavoursome tomato soup by James Martin is brought to life with cream, garlic and fresh basil. Perfect for using up a glut of tomatoes.

30/09/2025

Are you struggling to find your motivation this September? Would you like to find out how hypnotherapy and EFT/tapping can help you to boost your confidence and achieve your goals? These techniques can help you to overcome blocks, boost your confidence and enable you to live your live by your values.

Find out more here:

Over the next few weeks I will be writing more about each of these September Blues issues I mentioned earlier and discussing more about each one in turn and

26/09/2025

My partner is a lot like Apple… always finding new and innovative ways to be annoying. 🍏

But speaking of apples—it's officially apple-picking season! If you’re lucky enough to have your own tree, here are some ways to make your harvest last (and delicious!):

Dried apple rings – Slice thin, pop them in the oven on low, and enjoy a healthy snack for months.

Apple puree – Perfect for mixing into yoghurts, smoothies, or feeding to babies.

Apple chutney – Cook with a little sugar, vinegar, and spices for a tangy, sweet condiment that pairs beautifully with cheese or roasted meats.

Apple crumble – Classic comfort dessert! Mix sliced apples with a touch of cinnamon and sugar, top with buttery crumble, and bake until golden.

Freezing – Slice or cube apples, toss with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning, and freeze for later use in pies, sauces, or smoothies.

Turn all that apple chaos into something sweet, savoury, and lasting!

23/09/2025

Reading: my favourite form of ‘me time.’ 📖

Whether it’s losing myself in a cheeky romance, chuckling at a witty line, or soaking up a bit of serious knowledge, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book and letting the world wait outside.

Life gets busy, but it’s so important to make time for your own version of ‘me time’—whether that’s reading, walking, journaling, or simply sitting in silence. It’s quiet, indulgent, and a little act of self-love that keeps you grounded.

19/09/2025

How can I help my anxious child? Parent-led CBT workshop with Louise Coyle

Recent data has shown that feelings of anxiety are rising fast for our children, and this often leaves a parent feeling scared and helpless about what to do for the best.

Are you facing the reality of an anxious child? Are you desperate to help but not sure what approach to take? Louise will be talking about how a parent can help their child to be less anxious and more resilient.

A very interesting new approach has shown that it may not be necessary for primary aged children to see a therapist themselves in order to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy. They seem to get as much benefit from being shown how to look at thoughts and behaviour from their parent – so only the parent needs to see the therapist!

Louise will be explaining how this works and discussing a few simple ways that you, as a parent and the expert on your own child, might be able to change things.

Recent data has shown that feelings of anxiety are rising fast for our children, and this often leaves a parent feeling scared and helpless about what to do for the best. Are you facing the reality of an anxious child? Are you desperate to help but not sure what approach to take? Louise will be talk...

16/09/2025

EFT – what is it and how can it help me? A new workshop here at The Maris Practice

EFT, also known as Emotional Freedom Technique or simply “tapping,” is a gentle yet powerful method that can help you feel calmer, more balanced, and less anxious when faced with stress, worries, or overwhelming emotions. It combines the principles of ancient Chinese acupressure with modern psychology, using a series of light taps on specific points on the body while focusing on thoughts or feelings that may be troubling you. This simple technique can be learned quickly, and once you know how to use it, you’ll have a practical tool at your fingertips to ease tension, shift your mindset, and restore a greater sense of peace.

In this workshop, Louise will guide you step by step through what tapping is, how it works, and why it is so effective. You’ll not only hear about the technique but also have the opportunity to practise it yourself in a safe and supportive environment. This way, you’ll get to experience the calming benefits firsthand and notice how it can positively affect the way you feel in the moment.

By the end of our time together, you will leave with a clear understanding of how to use tapping in your daily life, whether to manage stress at work, calm nerves before an important event, or simply create more space for relaxation and self-care. You’ll also receive information and guidance so you can continue using EFT whenever you need it. Louise's goal is for you to walk away feeling empowered with a simple, effective technique that can truly make a difference in your emotional wellbeing.

EFT or tapping, is a really helpful technique to learn that will enable you to feel calmer and less anxious about any kind of stressful situation. In this workshop I will explain what tapping is, we will practise it so you can experience the benefit of it for yourself, and you will leave with inform...

12/09/2025

EFT – what is it and how can it help me?

This is a new workshop here at The Maris Practice led by hypnotherapist, Louise Coyle.

EFT or tapping, is a really helpful technique to learn that will enable you to feel calmer and less anxious about any kind of stressful situation. In this workshop Louise will explain what tapping is, we will practise it so you can experience the benefit of it for yourself, and you will leave with information that will help you to use it in your life to change how you are feeling.

EFT or tapping, is a really helpful technique to learn that will enable you to feel calmer and less anxious about any kind of stressful situation. In this workshop I will explain what tapping is, we will practise it so you can experience the benefit of it for yourself, and you will leave with inform...

10/09/2025

****** Immune System Tune-Up: Natural Support Before Autumn Flu Season ******

As the long days of summer give way to cooler evenings, many people begin to notice sniffles and fatigue creeping in. Autumn often signals the start of flu season, making this the perfect time to give your immune system a gentle tune-up. By using simple natural approaches, you can strengthen your body’s defences and feel more resilient as the seasons shift.

** Nourishing Nutrition **

A well-balanced diet lays the foundation for immune health. Prioritise colourful seasonal vegetables, particularly those rich in vitamin C, such as peppers, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Zinc, found in pumpkin seeds and chickpeas, also plays a key role in immune function. Warming soups, bone broths, and slow-cooked stews can be especially supportive as the weather cools, offering both comfort and essential nutrients.

** Herbal Allies **

Herbal teas are an easy daily ritual to strengthen immunity. Echinacea is well known for its role in preventing colds, while elderberry provides antioxidant support. Ginger and turmeric teas add anti-inflammatory benefits and gently warm the system, particularly useful as temperatures drop. Rotating a variety of these herbs can provide broad support without overwhelming the body.

** Acupuncture Points **

Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasises maintaining balance in the body’s energy pathways to ward off illness. Certain acupuncture points, such as Large Intestine 4 (on the hand) and Stomach 36 (below the knee), are often used to strengthen immunity and vitality. Even simple acupressure—applying gentle pressure to these points at home—can help support overall wellbeing.

** Homeopathy and Seasonal Support **

Homeopathy offers a subtle yet individualised approach to immune resilience. Remedies are chosen to match a person’s unique constitution and symptom picture, aiming to gently stimulate the body’s natural healing capacity. Consulting with a qualified homeopath before autumn can help you identify remedies best suited to your needs.

** A Seasonal Reset **

Immune strength is not built overnight but cultivated with consistent, supportive habits. By combining nourishing foods, herbal rituals, and traditional practices such as acupuncture or homeopathy, you can enter autumn with greater vitality and confidence. A little preparation now may make all the difference in keeping seasonal bugs at bay.

05/09/2025

After a season of sunshine, holidays, and long days outdoors, our skin often shows the after-effects: dryness, tightness, sensitivity, or uneven tone. While the sun provides valuable vitamin D, too much exposure can leave the skin in need of care and repair. Fortunately, there are gentle, natural ways to support recovery and restore radiance.

Aloe Vera for Cooling Relief - Fresh aloe gel is one of the best known remedies for sun-touched skin. Naturally rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides, it hydrates, soothes redness, and supports cell renewal. Applying a thin layer of pure aloe vera after cleansing can help calm irritation and replenish lost moisture. We always keep an Aloe plant in a pot in the bathroom (these survive my lack of green fingers and seem to enjoy the humidity of a bathroom!), ready for snapping off the end of one of its succulent leaves for using the inner liquid on burns, mosquito bites and irritated skin.

Calendula for Repair - Calendula (marigold) has been traditionally used for centuries to reduce inflammation and encourage skin healing. Creams or infused oils containing calendula can be massaged lightly into areas of dryness or sensitivity. Its gentle antimicrobial properties may also help protect compromised skin as it repairs.

Gentle Massage for Circulation - Light facial massage using a nourishing oil, such as rosehip or jojoba, supports microcirculation and lymphatic flow. This not only improves skin tone but also helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. Use slow, upward strokes with the fingertips, avoiding any vigorous pressure on sensitive areas.

If I don’t have any similar light oils to hand, I use a small amount of Olive Oil instead – this may not suit oily or acne-prone skin and I always pat off any excess with a tissue.

Skin brushing, also known as dry brushing, is often used in wellness routines to help support healthy circulation and promote a sense of vitality. Using light, sweeping strokes toward the heart, the practice gently stimulates the skin and encourages the flow of both blood and lymph. This boost in circulation can leave the body feeling refreshed, energised, and more balanced, while also awakening the nervous system and giving the skin a natural, healthy glow.

For those seeking deeper recovery, natural facial rejuvenation therapies such as Osteopathic Facial Massage, Natural Rejuvenation Facial Massage, and acupuncture complement home rituals.

Hydration from Within - Topical remedies work best when paired with adequate hydration. Drinking sufficient water, and including water-rich foods such as cucumber, melon, and leafy greens, helps restore elasticity and prevent further dryness.

A Seasonal Reset for Skin - By combining soothing botanicals, mindful self-care, and professional natural treatments, it is possible to gently repair sun-exposed skin. With consistency, these rituals not only calm the surface but also support long-term skin health, leaving you refreshed and ready for the shift into autumn.

After a season of sunshine, holidays, and long days outdoors, our skin often shows the after-effects: dryness, tightness, sensitivity, or uneven tone. While the sun provides valuable vitamin D, too much exposure can leave the skin in need of care and repair. Fortunately, there are gentle, natural wa...

02/09/2025

Summer often brings a wonderful mix of travel, BBQs, outdoor events, and late nights. But once the season winds down, many of us notice the toll: dehydration from sun and cocktails, sluggish digestion from indulgent meals, and disrupted sleep patterns. The good news is that the body has an incredible ability to rebalance when given the right support. With a few nutritional therapy-inspired strategies, you can restore your energy and feel grounded as you transition into autumn.

-- Replenish Hydration - Heat, alcohol, and travel all deplete fluids and minerals. Start by gradually increasing your daily water intake - aim for at least 1.5 - 2 litres. For deeper hydration, add a pinch of mineral-rich sea salt or a squeeze of lemon to your water to support electrolyte balance. Herbal teas like nettle or chamomile can also nourish and soothe.

-- Reset Digestion - Summer barbecues and restaurant meals can leave the digestive system sluggish. Support it with whole, nutrient-dense foods: plenty of fibre from vegetables, prebiotic-rich foods like onions and garlic, and fermented options such as sauerkraut or kefir to restore healthy gut bacteria. Eating mindfully - chewing slowly, pausing before seconds - helps your body properly absorb nutrients. If you feel particularly sluggish, try a gentle “reset” by prioritizing simple, unprocessed meals for a week.

-- Restore Sleep Rhythms - Late nights and irregular schedules often throw circadian rhythms off balance. Begin winding down earlier by dimming lights, avoiding screens before bed, and incorporating a calming ritual such as herbal tea, light stretching, or journaling. Magnesium-rich foods (almonds, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds) can also promote deeper rest. Aim to wake and sleep at consistent times, letting your body re-establish its natural rhythm.

The Nutritional Therapy Connection
Nutritional therapy emphasises supporting the body’s innate ability to heal by restoring balance to its systems. By rehydrating effectively, nurturing digestion, and prioritising sleep, you’re helping your body reset from the inside out. Small, intentional shifts now can prevent lingering fatigue and set you up for a stronger, more vibrant season ahead.

As autumn begins, think of this transition as a gentle reset - an opportunity to tune back into your body’s needs and nourish it well. If you would like advice and support in improving your nutritional health, contact us to meet with our nutritional therapist, Claire Mac Donald.