Do you suffer from hay fever? NOW is the time to take action to minimise the effects. The following tips will help to alleviate itchy eyes, runny or blocked nose, sneezing and other unpleasant symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis.

Diet and Nutrition

Cut down on any mucous forming foods such as dairy products, citrus fruits (especially oranges), wheat, foods high in saturated fats, white flour products (eg biscuits & cakes), and meats and pies.

Also try to avoid sugar as this compromises the immune system. Reduce salt, artificial additives, caffeine and alcohol.

Step up your consumption of garlic and onions which contain the flavinoid Quercetin. This is a natural anti- histamine and helps reduce the severity of the allergy. Take a freshly squeezed vegetable juice in the morning such as beetroot and artichoke, with some ginger, garlic, apple and carrot - this boosts the immune system and helps to eliminate toxins.

Eat plenty of bioflavinoids which are in certain fruits, which help protect mucous membranes. Choose from blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and kiwi fruit. Also eat plenty of fresh vegetables, whole-grains and brown rice which all help to eliminate toxins, boost antioxidant levels and Vitamin B.

Recommended supplements: Vitamin B complex, large doses of Vitamin C (1-2grams), 200iu Vitamin E, 7500iu Vitamin A and Quercetin (400mg x 3 a day).

Alternatively take a good quality strong multivitamin and mineral containing all of the above, plus extra Vitamin C and Quercetin.

Next month: Hayfever (Part 2) looks at herbal and homepathic remedies, plus helpful essential oils.

Fit teens less apt to have chronic pain later on

Good flexibility in the teen years for boys can lower the risk of tension neck in adulthood, while good endurance strength may do the same for girls, Finnish researchers report...

Acupressure beats physical therapy for back pain

Results of a study conducted in Taiwan suggest that acupressure is better at alleviating the pain and disability of lower back pain than conventional physical therapy, according to a report in BMJ Online First.

Docs more apt to pen headache script for women

Women are more likely to consult their doctor about headaches or migraine, and are more likely to come away with a prescription to treat the problem than are men, according to a UK study.

Sunday 26th March is Mother's Day, so book your treatments now, before they sell out!

This year, we are offering a free 'Pocket Angel' essential oil mix (value £5.99) if you book a Facial Rejuvenation Massage (see below) as a Mothers Day gift. Choose from:

• Neroli & Frankincense
• Rose & Chamomile

We are delighted to now be able to offer you Facial Rejuvenation Massage, courtesy of Angela Asplin.

Facial rejuvenation works to release stuck tissue, smooth out tension, lengthen & lift muscles and stimulate fresh circulation to the face.

With fresh circulation come nutrients to the skin, which enables cell repair and renewal. Lymph drainage is stimulated and toxins are swept away from areas of puffiness and stagnation. Problem areas are targeted, such as crow’s feet or eye bags. Muscles are trained to lift and skin to become supple again.

As this happens, the muscles slide more freely over the underlying structures, like they did in our youth. The complexion improves, replacing dull, tired skin with a beautiful glow. It gives you a natural, flattering lift and a sense of deep relaxation.

After your massage you will be shown facial exercises to address the areas you are least happy with, so you have the tools to deal with them yourself.

Angela is available for treatments every Friday, and on other days by prior appointment.

For lasting changes to muscles, a course of 8 – 10 treatments are recommended. If you wanted a quick boost, then a one-off treatment can leave you glowing and feeling fabulous.

You may like to try your luck again for our Spring Pamper Day prize – we are offering one lucky winner the chance to win a Pamper Day simply by entering your name and address into the draw on

Thursday 16th March from 6.30 – 10pm. It's the ‘Friends Spring Event’ at Priory School

Come and say hello to the team on our stall! It's always a pleasure to meet our readers, and we might just be able to offer you a mini-treatment to de-stress you on the spot! We'll also be showcasing the new Zen Chi Relaxerciser which we'll be offering in the clinic from next month...

Can't come to this event? You can still enter the prize draw - see the panel on the right for more details.

Our next Pilates course begins on Tuesday 21st March.

Then after Easter we have: Yoga and Tai Chi courses starting on Monday 24th April.

Remember - most classes sell out so it pays to book early and get the class of your choice. We are unable to take credit card bookings, but call or email and we'll reserve a place for you for 48 hours.

Want to see what else is in the pipeline? We list all forthcoming courses & events in the next 12 months at http://www.healthypages.co.uk/equilibrium (Click Courses & Events).

Members receive:

• 10% off all treatments, every visit
• Priority booking on all courses
• Advance notification of special events
• Special Discounts on books, candles, oils, yoga mats, massage oils and other healthy products
• FREE Members Only evenings with free drinks & refreshments
• The cost is only £20 per year, or £50 for Life

Please write or email for a Membership application form - and start saving within 7 days.

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart"

Helen Keller

Win a Pamper Day in our easiest competition so far.

No questions to answer, or riddles to solve. Just forward this email to a friend using the 'Forward email' link at the bottom of this newsletter, and then tell us why you'd like to win the Pamper Day.

All entrants will be added to the hat, from which one lucky winner will be pulled on 31st March and notified by email.

Last month's prize winner was Andrea P, who wins a fabulous Pamper Day, comprising 2 treatments plus a tasty vegetarian organic GM-free lunch at Seasons...Congratulations, Andrea.

Good luck!

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