Are you ready to face the winter blues?

We can hardly complain about the summer and autumn of 2006 even if August did let us down a bit. But, with the long evenings, are we ready for the onset of winter?

The practitioners of the Dedham Vale Network here give some advice on certain actions you can take to maintain health over the cold, dark days ahead. The DVN, formed a year ago, is a group of therapists pledged towards promoting health, support and Therapy choices in the Dedham Vale area and the wider locality.

Each therapist is trained in a different discipline, but the common denominator between each is the intention to provide  appropriate, quality advice and therapy to the community.

Following are listed the names of each member of the network as well as a little incite into how each can work with the range of conditions that can  come under the general heading of the "winter blues". If you would like to know more about the Dedham Vale Network please consult the DVN website - www.dedhamvalenetwork.com

JACQUI FLOWERDAY  (Tel: 01449 722649,email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )  homeopath, points out that homeopathic remedies can help your body focus all its energies on curing itself of winter bugs, while it can also ensure that the immune system will  be better prepared for your next cold should you have one. She also highlights the difficulty posed by a long hot summer and a damp autumn for people with asthma, rheumatism and arthritis. She says it is important not to self prescribe for these serious conditions. So why not consult Jacqui if you have concerns in these areas?

Counsellor AMANDA PORTWAY (Tel: 01206 299 979, email : This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) makes us aware that winter can be a time when the loss of daylight can make those "blue" feelings that much harder to deal with, and we all know how hard the stresses can be leading up to Christmas. If you are already feeling troubled then these additional stresses can feel too much to cope with, and, and if other ways of coping are letting you down, maybe it is the right time to seek help through counselling.  Amanda  is available to talk about these troubles and more.

Wellness consultant LIZ KOTARSKA  (Tel: 01206 299724, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )talks about making your home, and indeed your body, a "haven". She warns that when all the windows and doors are sealed shut the quality of the air in our houses deteriorates with a build up of pollutants and stale air. She says that by investing in a high quality air filter, which also ionises the air (giving the fresh sensation after rainfall), you are going a long way to mitigating this problem.

Liz also stresses the importance of drinking the best possible water that is compatible with the human body. This helps us to remain properly hydrated and in balance. She states also the importance of thinking about the correct supplements for ourselves, which are based on whole foods rather than synthesised, and which give the best possible nutritional support, particularly at a time of the year when obtaining freshly harvested produce is most difficult. Contact Liz if you want further advice in this important area.

Hypnotherapist, Hypnohealer and NLP Master Practitioner HUGH CLOVER   (Tel: 01206 323089, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is keen to indicate that hypnotherapy can be used to promote wellbeing as well as facilitate positive change in problematic circumstances. Hypnotherapy can be excellent for helping us cope with stress, and for boosting confidence and self esteem at a time of year when people might not always be feeling at their best. And what about boosting your confidence and potential in those winter sports? Psychological, emotional and some physical conditions can all be alleviated using hypnotherapy. Hugh will be pleased to hear from anyone wanting to know more.

And  what about the benefits of Reflexology at this time of year? MARION GILL (Tel: 07989048826 - email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )  states how reflexology can help you to maintain your own natural balance and immunity against winter ailments. If you do succumb, she says, it can help you to fight back more quickly. With regard to colds, asthma and allergies, reflexology can stimulate energy and strengthen the immune system, facilitate deeper breathing, and break up congestion. With influenza it can aid the regulation of body heat, aid the lymph in its process of destroying bacteria, maintain mineral balance, and help release toxins. For arthritis sufferers it can help reduce the inflammation and thus help relieve pain.  If you are interested in consulting Marion, she will explain her therapy in more detail and answer any questions you may have?

The change in season, as we all know, means a decrease in temperature. This, in turn, leads to a change in posture, especially around the neck and shoulder region as we tend to hunch more, explains physiotherapist NEIL FOSTER (Tel: 01206 29974, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) This can lead to injury. The simplest precaution is to ensure that you are wearing enough clothes both indoors and out.

Neil also points out that for the gardener there is the tendency to work at a faster pace to get warm so be careful not to push yourself. Try to wear clothes that cover the back even when you are bent over, and if you have worked up a sweat try and get fresh clothes on as soon as possible so the cold has less chance to penetrate. If you are a dog walker there is a tendency to walk faster in winter to avoid the cold. Neil says be careful not to exceed the pace that suits you so that your knees are not detrimentally affected. 

If you are can recognise any of the problems Neil highlights, the former England cricketer is there to help you as required as he is also to treat any of your winter sports injuries. 

ANDREW STEWART (Tel: 01473 652093, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) looks at winter through the perspective of Shiatsu, and the body's energetic system.. He states that the best way to make sure that you are prepared is to make sure that your Ki energy is strong and functioning efficiently. Efficient flow of energy ensures greater resistance to winter ailments by keeping your immune system and other natural defences strong.

There are three points to remember. Firstly, and most importantly, Andrew says keep your kidneys warm. In energetic terms your kidneys are your "batteries" providing the energy to warm your body and keep Ki flowing. Cold invading the kidneys often results in lower back pain, and a propensity to colds and flu. Secondly, eat well. Nature provides certain food at certain times of the year for good reason. These appropriate foods provide you with the food you need to maintain Ki over winter. Thirdly, see your local practitioner to get your energy flowing and iron out all those winter problems before they arise.  If you are interested in learning more about Shiatsu, Andrew is waiting to hear from you.

The Dedham Vale Network is now here to help you. If you feel you can benefit from any of our services or simply want advice, please don't hesitate to call or email us, or, as stated above, have a look at our website