Style and Beauty: Trick or treat? Lou's Winter Tonic - Total Immune Booster
How does it work? At this time of year everyone suffers from a winter-related ailment or two, whether it's a cough, cold, headache or slumping energy levels. But how much of it can be avoided? Lou began by asking me a range of questions about my diet, exercise, sleep patterns and general health so she could get a clear picture of my wellbeing, which would allow her to advise me on which foods and supplements could keep me healthy and beat the winter blues. These answers also give her an idea of what to put in my herbal tonic.
The treatment room was toasty warm, creating the perfect environment for the full body massage. I'd mentioned that my shoulders and lower back were a hot bed of tension knots, so although this is a full body treatment, Lou gave particular attention to those areas, which at times was slightly painful, but it felt great afterwards.
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Hide AdStrip off or cover up? Keep your clothes on for the first part, then strip down to pants for the massage.
Does it work? Within a few days you receive an e-mail with dietary and supplement advice, and your tailor-made herbal tonic (two week's supply) will arrive by post. I think of myself as being quite healthy so this was a great opportunity to find out the truth and to get some expert advice. Lou had plenty of suggestions of how I could get my diet on track. These included eating a variety fish of (not just mackerel) and also having more protein in my evening meals. She also suggested I take fish oils to encourage a healthy mental state, beating winter blues and boosting energy levels.
Results can vary depending on the issues being addressed but by the seventh day of taking the herbal tonic you may notice a lift in energy/mood during the day and may feel less bloated/sluggish. I thought I was getting a cold but it didn't end up being as bad as those I usually get and I'm also sleeping much better. Many of Lou's clients have remarked on improved whiteness in their eyes.
While I do a reasonable amount of exercise, my deskbound job means that certain areas – ie neck/shoulders – are very tense. The massage highlighted these problems and reminded me how important good posture is.
Who's it for? Want to try and avoid sniffles and winter blues? Then this is for you.
How much does it cost? One-and-a-half-hour treatment of massage, herbs and nutrition, 75 (inclusive of herbal tonic).
Louisa Johnston, Tonic Health Naturopath, 27 Montague Terrace, Edinburgh (0786 675 5931, www.tonichealthscotland.com)
This article first appeared in Scotland on Sunday on 3 January, 2010