Starting a new journey as a mature student, home, work, and learning can be a balancing act and requires a sense of humour, a healthy dose of dedication and letting go of preconceived ideas.
Denzil Washington summed up any challenge in his quote.
Back at school, students are much younger and seem more together than Anne.
They enter the classroom and Anne wonders if she is in the right place. What made her think she could return to school after so many years?
Gathering her bag and pencil case, she stood, ready to leave – She had made a terrible mistake.
Too late, the professor, a little older than Anne, walks in with an air of superiority and knowing.
She sits back down and hopes no one notices her.
Roll call starts, and Anne’s name is called out.
“Yes”, she squeaks, losing her voice.
“Ah yes”, says the professor, “you are the student with a higgledy piggledy background in Education. I don’t think you will do well here; you can leave before we start?”
Anne stares at him in disbelief. Taking a deep breath and standing up, she says.
“I know I am in the right place and am certain it is for me to say if it is right for me, not someone who knows nothing about me.” Anne could feel the anger rising; she stared at this man, waiting for a response.
None came; he moved on with the roll call.
She sat down. A guy, she later learnt his name was Steve, sat before her. He turned and gave me a thumbs-up and a big smile. He was in his late 20s, almost half her age. She smiled back, feeling sheepish. She wondered what made her say that and probably created an enemy before classes started.
The rest of the day went much better; they made their way to the cafeteria after being given a timetable with class schedules and room numbers. Steve and a few other students gravitated to sit with Anne.
The building was an old university with a paternoster; jumping on and off moving lift compartments was scary. Overall, it was a difficult day, but Anne survived and felt a great sense of achievement at the end of the day.
Driving home after a day of complete chaos and fear, Anne was relieved and satisfied that she had achieved quite a lot. Now, to face the challenges of home.
Home was a haven filled with joyous chaos of two small boys rushing towards her, grabbing her legs and pulling her into the living room, eager to share their day with Anne.
“Come see what we have built”, they both excitedly shout. The living room had been transformed into a makeshift camping ground; pillows, cushions, blankets, and sheets made a tent filled with books and toys. Anne fell into the tent onto the cushions; the boys fell on top of her, giggling and grabbing at books and toys, taking refuge in the familiar warmth. The doubts she had earlier were dispelled with the warmth and delight of her children.
“Read this book, Anne; please read it now”.
After putting them to bed, they were all exhausted with their new experiences.
Doubt once again resurfaced: could she sustain the delicate balancing act?
Sitting quietly with a cup of tea, she recalled the quote from Martin Luther King Jr.
“The function of Education is to teach one to think intensively and critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true Education.”
Martin Luther King wrote this in a newspaper when he was only 18 years old. His words became a mantra to Anne as she navigated her way through the three years of University.
Three years later, after making some great – albeit younger friends – Anne graduated and wouldn’t change anything. Everyone benefited from the experience. Her boys became more confident and learnt new skills with their nanny, attending playschool and later big school. They all learned so much and grew in strength, knowledge, and confidence. The journey was a testament to the transformative power of Education, proving that dedication, passion and family support could overcome any obstacles.
In the end, Anne showed them all – the doubting professor, the sceptical classmates and, more importantly, the nagging voice.
It was all worth it.
]]>Introduction
In today's fast-paced and demanding world, stress has become an unfortunate part of our lives. It affects our mental well-being and physical health in various ways. One such significant impact is its link to weight gain and the subsequent difficulty in losing weight. This blog post will explore the relationship between stress and weight gain and highlight how daily meditation can help combat this issue by reducing cortisol levels and promoting a healthy body composition.
Understanding the Stress-Fat Connection
When we experience stress, our body releases cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol plays a crucial role in our fight-or-flight response, helping us cope with demanding situations. However, chronic stress can lead to consistently elevated cortisol levels, disrupting our body's balance and contributing to weight gain.
Daily Meditation: A Powerful Tool for Stress Management
Meditation is an ancient practice that involves focusing one's attention and eliminating the stream of thoughts to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. Research has shown that incorporating a daily meditation practice can profoundly affect stress reduction, overall well-being, and weight management.
Conclusion
The relationship between stress and weight gain is complex, with various physiological and psychological factors at play. However, incorporating daily meditation into our routine can be a powerful tool for managing stress, reducing cortisol levels, and achieving a healthier body composition.
By practising mindfulness and fostering a deeper connection between our mind and body, we can regain control over our eating habits, reduce emotional eating, and improve our overall well-being. So, let's embrace the power of meditation to squeeze out the harmful effects of stress and promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Contact us for meditation classes and mindful eating consultation 04 3887552
]]>The Significance of International Qualifications: Going Beyond Workshops
Introduction
The importance of acquiring qualifications that transcend borders has become increasingly evident today. As professionals, we strive to enhance our skill sets and expand our horizons, and one way to achieve this is by obtaining an international qualification. While workshops and short-term training programs certainly have value, international qualifications offer a comprehensive and recognised standard of expertise that can open doors to opportunities. In this blog post, we will explore why international qualifications hold immense importance and why they should be prioritised over workshops.
Globally Recognized Accreditation
One of the primary advantages of international qualifications is their global recognition. Reputable organisations or institutions typically establish these qualifications with a well-established reputation. This recognition extends beyond borders, making your credentials valuable in various countries and industries. When you hold an international qualification, potential employers or clients can trust the standards, providing you with a competitive edge.
Comprehensive Skill Development
Unlike workshops, which usually focus on specific topics or areas, international qualifications offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of a particular field or profession. These qualifications are designed to provide a deep understanding and mastery of the subject matter, ensuring a well-rounded skill set. By pursuing an international qualification, you can acquire in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and a broader perspective beyond what a workshop can offer in a limited time frame.
Enhanced Professional Credibility
International qualifications are synonymous with professionalism and excellence. They signify a commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and staying up to date with industry standards. Possessing such qualifications demonstrates your dedication to your field, making you a desirable candidate for employers or clients seeking individuals with proven expertise. Your professional credibility and reputation are substantially boosted with an international qualification, leading to increased career prospects and potential for advancement.
Networking Opportunities
International qualifications often provide an invaluable platform for networking and connecting with professionals from diverse backgrounds. These programs allow you to interact with peers, experts, and industry leaders worldwide. This exposure broadens your knowledge and enables you to establish meaningful professional relationships that can open doors to new collaborations, job opportunities, and mentorship.
Global Job Market Advantage
The job market has become highly competitive. Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to work effectively in diverse environments and adapt to international standards. International qualifications help you stand out in a crowded job market, as they showcase your ability to navigate challenges and work within international frameworks. They provide the necessary validation and evidence of your capabilities, making you a desirable candidate for positions that require a global perspective.
Conclusion
While workshops undoubtedly have their merits, the significance of international qualifications should not be underestimated. These qualifications offer a globally recognised standard of expertise, comprehensive skill development, enhanced professional credibility, networking opportunities, and a competitive edge in the global job market. They provide the foundation for continued growth and open doors to many possibilities across international borders. By investing in an international qualification, you invest in your future, ensuring you have the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
]]>Covering nails with polish looks great, however nails need to breathe as nails are an extension of your skin.
Nail art is fun and popular. Nail extensions and different coloured nail French polish is trending. Nail designs have become a work of art, with colour, extensions and designs.
Gel, colour, designs, and such beautiful art on nails, can be fun and a lucrative additional to a beauty therapists' skills. Come and join in the fun. Shorts courses and workshops plus services available in our newly opened salon.
]]>Lavender has been a favorite with the English for all time.
The aroma invokes calm, peaceful summer days. Memories of grandma telling us tales of her life as a girl. Memories of walking through the garden, the warmth of the sun on my face, and bird song on the wind. Fresh, clean, and crisp bed sheets blowing in the breeze, drying on a summer’s day.
Aromas invoke memories and senses; lavender brings joy and peace to those memories.
The old favourites often dubbed as housewives’ myths, are not to be dismissed, with evidence proving the health benefits of lavender.
As an antiseptic, antiviral helps heal wounds and improves mood and sleep.
The British Nurses association, many years ago, used lavender essential oil infusions and mist sprays in an elderly people’s home. Most of the people were under the medical supervision of a team of doctors who had prescribed sleep medication. The nurses sought permission to take everyone off the medically prescribed sleep drugs and to use lavender in its place.
Lavender essential oil was used in diffusers and oil burners and sprayed on linen, the whole home smelt divine.
All the lovely elderly people began to sleep better, and their moods changed to be engaging and happy. Peace and joy reignited throughout the home. One drawback: the soothing effects of lavender also affected the nurses who were very sleepy on duty during the nightshifts but also very happy.
Lavender has been used in many cases to reduce anxiety and effectively by Nurses associations in many countries.
At the healing zone, we offer diplomas and short introductory courses in Aromatherapy.
For more details on how lavender has been used to reduce anxiety
Effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality and anxiety of patients - PubMed (nih.gov)
]]>Benefits of aromatherapy
(NB: it is recommended to use aromatherapy essential oils only with a professionally qualified therapist)
Throughout history, many cultures have used essential oils and perfumes for different reasons, to mask not-so-nice smells to enhance and elevate mood.
Rose was the first flower in recorded history to be made into an essential oil. This was done through distillation by Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, a Persian Polymath and famous in the west for being the successor of Galen the Greek physician.
Avicenna has been credited for the steam distillation of Rose Essential oil.
Rose has a history throughout the time of being the perfume of love or the oil of love. It is believed to open the heart and mind and is often referred to as the King of Flowers. Rose has been used for spiritual awakenings, in medicine and its heady perfume in perfumery.
Fossils have been found as old as 35 million years ago with Rose flowers from Central Asia. Rose was used by the Ancient Chines, Egyptians, and Persians and in more modern times by the Romans.
In Bath, the UK, the Roman baths are now a tourist attraction; the history of the Romans using essential oils is a prominent feature of the museum. Romans used bath houses for meetings, relaxation, and chatting; soldiers used these for prayer and meetings. Essential oils were used in the treatments and baths to calm and relax soldiers. The essential oils commonly used were Rose, Myrrh, Cinnamon, Cardamom and Melissa. In their bathhouses, they particularly enjoyed the use of Lavender Oil.
Rose essential oil relaxes the mind, relieves stress and anxiety also smells divine.
Myrrh essential oil has a warm and earthy scent that helps kill bacteria and eases pain and has been known to reduce swelling.
Mellissa, also known as lemon balm, has alleviated depression by balancing emotions.
Everyone has probably heard of Lavender oil as it has been used throughout time by many cultures. My grandmother and mother both loved lavender and grew them in their gardens. Summer evenings were a heady experience of lavender and rose sitting in the garden.
Lavender was used in an experience by the British Nurses who have conducted several projects using the lavender essential oil, to help the elderly with better sleep patterns and reduce and sometimes remove sleep medication.
The result was the elderly had better, longer and more relaxing and restful sleep using lavender oil infused throughout the elderly home.
It is as simple as a few drops of lavender essential oil on a tissue next to your bed, will help with sleep.
Aromatherapy can be used around the home in sprays to enhance room fragrance and energy, in essential oil burners, steam diffusers, a few drops in a bath or for steam inhalation in a bowl of warm water – often used with eucalyptus.
Eucalyptus is beneficial for relieving coughs, colds, and flu-like symptoms, easing sore muscles, boosting the immune system and much more.
Lavender relieves stress and helps promote better quality sleep
Sandalwood helps with focus and calming the nerves.
Chamomile used to improve mood and relaxation
There are more than 130 essentials used for therapy in the world all with different properties and benefits
To learn more about our aromatherapy qualifications we look at 60 essential oils and their therapeutic uses and benefits, plus how to decide on which essential oils for massage would be the most beneficial for clients.
During an aromatherapy consultation and massage, the oils chosen are discussed in depth with the consultation and blended with a base oil such as grapeseed oil. The client is then given the balance oil to use at home.
For more details email enquiries@thehealingzoneacdaemy.net or call +9714 3887552
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We see stress in different ways and each person has their own way of coping or not.
Stress that is productive improves productivity, triggers action and can be very beneficial if you are able to handle stress. This type of stress can be seen as the competitive edge, triggering action to stay ahead of the game. Sales teams have goals of their own and often team goals against other teams. This if handled and dealt with in a positive way, is positive stress.
However, not everyone can cope with even competitive stress.
Each person is individual and can find their own ways of dealing with stress.
]]>We see stress in different ways and each person has their own way of coping or not.
Stress that is productive improves productivity, triggers action and can be very beneficial if you are able to handle stress. This type of stress can be seen as the competitive edge, triggering action to stay ahead of the game. Sales teams have goals of their own and often team goals against other teams. This if handled and dealt with in a positive way, is positive stress.
However, not everyone can cope with even competitive stress.
Each person is individual and can find their own ways of dealing with stress.
Stress becomes overwhelming when we can no longer cope with the situation and this is the time to take a step back and seek help.
First thing to do is stop, take a step back and evaluate. This might just mean taking a couple hours out of your day, sitting with a cuppa and a pen and paper and making a list of things that you are not coping with, and a possible action plan of how to change the situation.
If you cannot do this for yourself as the saying goes "you cannot see the wood for the trees", then ask a family member or close friend for help. If you are a private person and need professional or outside help, then do that. When seeking help from outside of your circle check their reviews.
If you are a very private person and need to do this yourself, there are many online self help courses, videos and workshops that can help you.
At the same time, if work is the stress trigger, what can you do to change that? Delegate to others, work less hours, hand in your notice? Only you can decide.
In the meantime, you could use some simple techniques to help you that work immediately.
a) sleep is important - challenged to stay asleep or go to sleep, use a few drops of lavender oil on a tissue next to your bed. Lavender helps you relax, reduces anxiety and stress. You can also brew a light lavender tea before bed, which not only helps with anxiety and sleep, has beneficial effect on the digestive system and reduces tension on the blood stream, which is beneficial for heart and blood pressure.
b) Have a sleep down time routine. one hour before you like to go to bed, have a relaxing bath with soothing oils, plays soft gentle relaxing music, to help you wind down.
c) Meditation in the morning helps set you up for the day, gives you energy and helps you reduce stress and anxiety.
d) write a gratitude journal at the end of each day, being grateful for all the things you have experienced.
e) If the stress is from one person, write them a letter, saying everything you wouldn't say to them in person. Writing everything you need to say. Do not reread it, take it and burn it. Letting it go is the best solution. You might need to do this several times to really let go.
Sometimes things that are causing stress you feel are out of your control. Ask the following of yourself?
i) do I really need to feel this way?
ii) what am I achieving by being so anxious and stressed?
iii) what do I need to know or do to stop feeling this way?
iv) what can I do to help me?
Answer honestly, only you know the true answers and mostly the answers will be to i) No, ii) Nothing and iii) might be as simple as switching off the news and stop following social media. iv) the simple answer is possible do something different.
Who was it that said "doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome is the first sign of madness" - Albert Einstein
Here at the healing zone we have a new course bundle soon to be released which will include the following to help with stress management and well-being all online.
For details contact anne@thehealingzoneacademy.net
]]>It was only 12 months ago, well maybe 13 months ago we could do that.
During Christmas 2018 I became extremely ill, with flu. I had a horrendous cough and intermittent fever. The cough was the worst, and it was at times uncontrollable,
Cold temperatures made it worse and at night, as I was in the UK, if I had forgotten to keep the heating with outside temperatures of minus 4, the cold came quickly into the house, and you guessed it, the coughing started.
Twice through the four weeks that I had this awful flu, I was so ill that I needed to call the doctor as I could not breathe properly.
When the doctor came, she said, no fever, so no bacterial infection.
“It must be a virus – your body needs to work its way through it. Just rest, increase vitamin C, keep up your fluids.”
And that was it.
Well that was before the world went mad!
]]>Rubbing the feet for health, was first mentioned, so it is believed to have been written by Hippocrates and Paracelsus.
reflexology is an ancient treatment, thought to have been used by Paracelsus and Hippocrates and the Ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Romans.
The famous quote from Hippocrates, a Greek Physician from the Island of Cos, became known as the Father of Medicine.
“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates in his treatments for his patience looked at the person's lifestyle, diet, and overall mental health. He often recommended his patients to take herbs and have regular massage or rubbing of the areas that were in pain.
Hippocrates studied the anatomy of the human body and developed the oath that is in some part used by medical doctors even today, although it is altered.
Hippocrates understood that fresh air, good food, exercise, herbs, and treatments like massage and rubbing of the body, helped his patients stay healthy.
Reflexology, rubbing of the feet also has its history with the Egyptians as can be seen on the wall drawings in the Kings Physician Chambers of the Great Pyramid in Egypt.
In the UK, the National Health Service has complementary therapies that are offered to patients, to assist in their healing and recovery often after surgery or strong invasive treatment, which has left the patient weak.
Reflexology regularly, once a week, or once every 3 days, will help the patient detox and improves the function of the whole person, increasing the flow of blood, which helps increase the flow and delivery of oxygen and nutrients, thereby improving the patients' well-being a little quicker.
More information can be found on the reflexology page
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It is important to find ways of balancing and reducing stress, as this can have detrimental affects on your health, if left to increase.
When things start to get a bit overwhelming, and we feel a little agitated, which can lead to everyone around us being snapped at – the first thing to do is realize you are not coping and need some help. So yes, take a deep breath and step back, almost literally from the situation.
Well - “that’s easier said than done”, and I agree – the first step to being in control is knowing and realizing that you are not coping as well as you could be.
When you have dropped the kids off at school, or hubby and children have walked out of the door – instead of driving home to start on the washing and the cleaning, or the grocery shopping, take a few minutes to sit, with a cuppa in a quiet place and think, ask yourself these questions.
Read on a bit more, and find out what trees, well actually the flowers from most of the trees used by Dr Edward Bach to help bring balance and harmony into your every day lives.
Cerato is used for those times in your life when you cant seem to decide on things, cannot make up your mind and seek the council of family and friends - but then are so confused you just do what feels right at the time - which doesn't always work out.
Taking Cerato helps you connect with your inner knowing and understand better, what is best for you - and your family.
Elm is recommended when everything just becomes too much and is overwhelming. Find out which remedies can help you, today
There are 38 remedies, plus a recovery remedy used in times of great discomfort. These remedies, work on the emotional feelings you have, when out of balance and cannot cope, to bring balance and harmony back into your life. No drugs, just energy and they are very effective, can be useful for the whole family, including pets.
Ask yourself “What is really going on?”
These are only three of the 38 remedies available to you to use, daily, weekly, even hourly when in great need of help and support.
Far more effective than drugs, or reaching for the bottle of wine at 2 in the afternoon, or the secret stash of cake and biscuits or chocolate – which let’s face it, only increases the size of your love handles and really only makes you feel better for a very brief moment.
I can here you saying ..
“where do I get these remedies from” and “how do I use them?”
Most health food stores stock Bach Flowers, or you could seek out the advice of a Bach Flower Practitioner first, to try them out, see if they help and if they work – which is what I would advise. Anne will be able to help you here, as she has been a Bach Flower Practitioner for several years now and is often seen to be helping people with these remedies – in The Healing Zone Training Centre
We also offer short courses to learn for yourself, so you can use them easily for yourself and family, every day available online - very soon
No need to suffer in silence, or put on a painted smile – come along and get some help, now.
What is aromatherapy?
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used plants as perfumes were made for fumigation, libation, and ablution – these rituals became an element in the art of therapy in these ancient cultures.
The Origins of Aromatherapy go back as far as the Neanderthal Man, who archaeologists believe, was one of the first users of plant-based medications.
Aromatic plants have religious, mystical, and healing significance, as fragrance was the connecting link between the mind, spirit, and the body.
Odor is the most powerful and yet the most disregarded sense.
Aromas affect the mind, they also affect the body, because the limbic system has an interaction with the hypothalamus which in turn governs the bodily functions such as digestion, nerve responses, appetite, and hormonal reactions.
Think about biting into a lemon, the possibility that your mouth is now watering is probably pretty accurate. Imagine also smelling the lemon, the senses of your mouth watering increase.
Lavender is the most known and used essential oil and history shows that it has many uses as Gattefosse a French chemist, accidentally found that Lavender oil had healing properties when he knocked over a Bunsen burner and burnt his hand. He instinctively plunged his hand into a large jar of lavender oil. Only to find later that there was no scaring, the lavender oil had saved his skin.
The roman baths in Bath, UK are a great place to visit if you have an interest in aromatherapy. The museum takes you on a tour of the baths and the history of the uses or aromatherapy in those ancient Roman times, together with the healing properties of the spring water.
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy, as we take the Body’s Immune System and restoring the harmony between mind and body and can positively affect the way we look and feel. Bringing about restoration, balance and calming mind, body, and spirit.
An aromatherapy massage, with a professional aromatherapist who after a detailed consultation will choose professional oils to meet your holistic needs for restoration of mind, body, and spirit. He/she will then provide a relaxing aromatherapy massage with the personal mixture of oils that together you have agreed upon are the best for you right now. You may also have the oil mixture to use at home, to continue the healing till your next session.
Stress and insomnia are a major health problem of todays society, even more so with this pandemic.
What could the therapist choose for stress? Let us look at a scenario where the client is unable to sleep well and has a lot on their mind and as so many people do now, finds it a challenge to go outside and even to go to work.
A relaxing blend, to strengthen the immune system and to ease anxiety would be suitable.
Petitgrain from the bitter orange tree calms body and mind, has a woody aroma and a sedative effect. Especially useful here for someone who is suffering with nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions, especially if they find themselves becoming angry and have panic attacks and helps to calm a rapid heartbeat.
Clary sage helps lift mood and calm nerves, bringing a sense of peace. Often useful to return vitality after an illness. Caution when using clary sage as it can act as an aphrodisiac and restores libido.
Lavender is immensely popular to help relax and excellent to help with insomnia.
Mixed as a blend with grapeseed oil for use at home can be used in the bath, or as a massage oil before bed.
For a specific blend it is advisable to seek a professional aromatherapist.
If you are interested to learn all about aromatherapy for yourself we have an online course, that can be taken on its own to learn about essential oils and their uses and if you wanted to take it further and become a professional aromatherapist, then taking the practical classes and exams would get you a CIBTAC UK qualification, for details contact us
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There are many things to consider before starting any business, this article will talk about three elements, that are essential and which many entrepeneurs miss out. They are not the fun part of creating a new enterprise, but essential to success.
1. Business plan
Having a plan, done well, gives you a guide and map to what will work and what might not work so well. It also gives you an insight into how much money you will need, what equipment and your expenses and most importantly if you will make a profit.
Many people have great ideas and miss this part out, then wonder at the end of the day, where all the money has gone, not in their pocket, but in the day to day running of the business.
What goes into a business plan?
The mission statement gives you focus, a summary of why you exist and helps your clients and customers know what they can expect. It is essential that all employees also know what your mission statement is, so they know your reason for being.
A Vision statement is where you are going and helps you focus on moving forward.
When a business gets into trouble, and all businesses at some time or another have difficulties, going back to the mission and vision statement helps you return to the reason you created your business and when written well, will motivate you and your staff.
Without a mission statement you are the only one who knows why you created your business. With a mission statement everyone else also knows and can support you. Same with the vision statement.
Tag line is a really concise statement of the mission statement and helps your marketing and pr and advertising focus.
Putting everything into a document, your business plan, helps you not only focus, but is a working breathing living document for partners, investors, helps you raise capital and most importantly grounds your business.
Everything is created and manifested starts with an idea, is grounded with a written plan and manifested by you giving it all energy.
Many of our students groan at the thought of having to write a business plan, as do many entrepreneurs. Students that I have taught who are starting their own business, once they have their business plan are delighted and are so focused and inspired. Yes it takes time and energy and can sometimes be boring especially the financial forecasts and crunching numbers. In the end it is essential and will make sure your business starts with a great foundation, essential building blocks.
2. Finances
How much money do you need? The business plan has shown you the exact numbers to start and operate your business. The next stage is to know that once you open your doors, clients and money take time to give you a viable business, to pay all your bills in the first three months would be great, but often this isnt the reality.
Ensure you have enough cash in the bank to operate and run your business for a minimum of three months, covering all your expenses. Having paying clients and customers in that time is an added bonus.
Many businesses fail within the first 3 months because of lack of cash, not being able to pay the rent and salaries. Dont be tempted to start your business without this basic amount of funds. You will fail. Dont be tempted to start a business with large premises you really cant afford, start small and build later.
"Laura Ashley today is an international fashion success. Laura started her business in her garage, with hand printed fabric she made into tea towels. She loved fabric and prints and designs, had a vision and a mission"
3. Location, location, location
Where do you want to be and where can you actually be? They may be quite different places, based on what you can afford and what the location offers.
Do you need premises? Many companies in this fast paced world of communication through the internet, are down sizing or dont even have offices or retail outlets. It depends entirely on your business, is it client and services related where the clients come to you, or can they buy and use your products and services in their own home, in cafes at the beach.
If you need physical premises take time to consider where will be the best place and also can you afford the rent.
Paying huge rent, may give you prime location where everyone can see you, but at the end of the day having a collossal rent to pay each month, could be challenging, especially when times are slow.
Being visible with prime retail space gives you footfall past your door and most likely inside your business. Check before you sign on the dotted line, are the people walking past your door the right people who will come in and buy.
Big corporations like MacDonalds look at these three aspects
If the premises and location doesnt meet these three criteria, they wont open in that location. This is a good guide for all business to follow, as it will most definately give you a better start if you research different locations.
You might be more comfortable having premisess that are not so highly visible, but with a much lower rent. This would mean that you will need to spend more money and time on marketing to get people through you door.
These three elements can be the start to a successful business and can also be used in redefining an existing business that could benefit from a little more focus.
Still not sure how this all comes together, join our business classes available every month.
Call 04 3887552 today to register for a business class, one day of business planning or join our spa and salon management course, which covers this and many more aspects of creating, operating and running a spa and salon
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Throughout the years massage has been given a bad wrap. Yet it is very popular with men, women, sports enthusiasts, housewives and businessmen.
Ancient civilisations have documented the benefits of massage, from Hippocrates the father of medicine, writing about the importance and benefits of "rubbing" the body, the ancient Egyptians and Chinese to modern day.
Yes your body knows better and how does it tell you? By the aches and pains these are your bodies way of communicating with you that something is not right.
Stress - the silent killer - can be reduced with a regular massage.
What happens to your body when you have a massage?
Before a massage you may feel pain in your shoulders, legs, arms, tension headache and just feel strained and stressed.
After a massage you may feel relaxed, less pain, better mood, relief for headache and better equiped to face the day and the world.
A word of advise - make sure your therapist is professionally trained and hold a licence as a massage therapist as going to a therapist that isnt professionally trained may cause your body damage and not be at all beneficial.
It is your right as a client in a salon, spa, wellbeing centre to ask to see the therapists qualifications and licence. If they refuse - walk out. Be picky about who you allow to give your a massage as their energy can affect your energy.
Be safe, improve your wellbeing with professional massage
Want to experience a professionally trained therapist - our students are often looking for clients, give us a call add your name and details to our mailing list.
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Why choose us?
I have a great team all who are dedicated in what they do; each has a different role within my small company.
We all work together as a team and meet all the students and mostly we all meet potential students, as we all chip in with what needs to be done, when it needs to be done. The phone is ringing, whoever is free will answer.
We don’t stand on ceremony, we don’t balk at the idea of being on reception, doing the laundry (and there is a lot of laundry), putting the dishes in the dishwasher at night. The only time our jobs become separate is when we do what we each are specialized and qualified in.
Take me for example, I am the owner and principal of the Centre. I often answer the phone, send emails, answer Facebook messages to get the job done. It always surprises me when we have students that are horrified they are asked to “clean up” after their days work. One student even said to me and meant it “we have people at home to do that, we don’t do menial work”.
That stopped me for about 2 seconds and the student who came to learn reflexology was told very firmly but politely, her job is to learn ALL aspects of being a therapist, not just the really great bits dealing with your client and helping them.
Each person that comes into my Centre to learn or to work is treated the same, with respect and everyone, with no exceptions “mucks in and does everything”.
So back to Why Choose US?
Our approach is 100% professional in everything we do and our professionalism reaches above the standards that are required by the examining authorities and also higher than the regulations in the UK and the UAE.
We pride ourselves in our professional approach in everything we do, even cleaning, but most especially with the standards, the hygiene, the care and the training and professional care and attitude our students are taught.
We pride ourselves in the success rate of our students. No we don’t get 100% pass rate, first time. We do get 100% pass rate with every student. As we support our students 100% and the ones that unfortunately don’t study enough, don’t have enough time due to work or life commitments are the once that may fail the first time with the anatomy, physiology and pathology. We make sure they take the exams again and pass the second or maybe the third time – but EVERY student passes.
What does that mean for our students?
They walk away with several things
And they deserve it, as they work really hard to get their qualifications and it shows in the way they practice their treatments and therapies and in the way they conduct themselves.
Read our testimonials on our website home page, just to see how our students, through all the sleepless nights, losing weight, hard studying and hard work really also enjoy being our students.
So Why Choose US?
For all of the above reasons from a student’s perspective, from our faculty staff perspective and from their practice clients – who all sign up willingly to be practiced on by our students.
Would you like to train with us? Check out our website www.thehealingzoneacademy.net and chose a subject and then email or better yet, just drop by and chat with one of us.
We are located at 1067, Al Wasl Road, Umm Sequeim 2
open Sunday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Closed Friday open 10am to 2pm Saturdays
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Many therapists working in the beauty, wellness and salon industry are qualified, have had excellent training from colleges and centres that offer internationally recongised training and qualifications.
Many other therapists also working have never received any formal training in these industries especially in the Middle East.
What is the difference? Can a client tell if a therapist has received professional training or inhouse training?
We have many practicing therapists join our training programs as they want to have the "certificate" to be able to stay in their jobs and to also increase their earning potential. Most say "how much for the certificate" expecting to be able to buy the piece of paper as they have been working as a massage therapist or beauty therapist for many years, some more than 15 years without any formal training.
When they realise they must come to school for many hours they mostly are not interested.
However the ones that do come to us and enrol on the training programs soon understand what they have been practicing and working as is very different from professionally trained and qualified therapists.
Even during their training, the therapists become very quickly profecient, professional and their treatments change quiet significantly, to the extent that more and more clients want the trained therapists. This is really good for the therapist and also the company they work for, as the business owners soon see a rise in repeat bookings and an increase in revenue.
We are receiving some really great stories from our students both qualified and still learning, as they are being offered better jobs, and not just one or two of the students, most are being offered jobs before they qualify and from several different companies.
We are approached by many salons, spas and wellbeing centres looking for qualified and professionally trained therapist that can obtain the DHA licence.
Do you need a qualification? Maybe not, but your career will change when you do have a professional internationally recognised qualification, so come along and join our students and change your career today.
]]>Many people have different ideas of what a successful business looks like or even what success is or means.
Most people would say a successful business is one that is profitable, makes money and preferably a lot of money for the business owner and has a lot of clients or customers. I would agree that would be a successful business.
To achieve this type of success, it requires hard work, dedication and commitment one hundred percent all of the time - or so most people would think.
Richard Branson has a different view point, profit is not always the key to success.
Having a good idea, also doing the things you enjoy doing and seeing them through with planning and foresight will bring success.
How do you do that?
First thing to do is research, who else has a similar business idea to yours? Find people who are already successful doing something similar to your idea and then find out in detail how they go about doing it.
There is no point in re-inventing the wheel if there is already a model and plan to follow, especially if it works and is already successful.
Many people have similar products and businesses they are all very different and some work and some don't. If you are passionate about what you do or want to do, then as Nike says "just do it"
Being turned down and laughed at and people telling you it won't work - ignore them if you are really passionate about what you do, it will be successful.
How to ensure success?
Planning - I can hear you moaning as planning and research are the key to success. First create and write a business plan. It doesn't have to be in too much detail, but it really needs to be written down on paper so you can see the following in black and white
Many new companies start out without any of the above information, they just have a great idea and think, I can do this. You might be working for a company and see a lot of money coming into the business, unless you are in the accounts department, you don't see the money that goes out of the business. Basing your idea on what you see others doing, might not be as profitable as you think.
There are set formulas that work to find out how much you need and these can be calculated down to the hour or even half hour. This can be for many businesses the key to failure or success.
With new companies and even established companies that have not done the basic calculations on what their fixed costs, variable costs and relate this to the rate they need to bring into the business to even break even - this will be contributing to failure.
If you want to succeed in business, be profitable, and live longer than one or two years in the same business - then planing and research are key.
Want to know how to do this? We have several workshops to help businesses. We also have business consultants who can come and meet with you, do a fact finding report and offer you a quotation on what areas that need addressing that can turn your business around from being barely profitable to very profitable
for more details email anne@thehealingzoneacademy.net
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Many of the hotel spas are looking for bespoke products and therapies to offer their clients, or unique themes and experiences.
This does not create client retention - mostly it creates ONE OFF visits!
Many spa managers and directors have to work within tight budgets as spas are renowned for having large areas within the spa that are not generating revenue but are an essential part of the spa experience.
This is short sightedness by your finance director - he/she needs to read this article.
Five star hotels in particular need to offer the spa experience and wow factor to their clients, as this is part of their whole hotel experience and essential to have renewed and regular visitors to the hotel that enjoy the spa treatments and feel good factor.
The biggest most important part of the spa, that is essential for revenue and repeat clients, that most spas in this region, United Arab Emirates and Middle Eastern countries tend to neglect is the expertise of the therapist and the training the therapists have received, as most are trained in house and do not hold professional qualifications.
This is mostly due to the influence of the finance directors or owners that are mostly focused on the bottom line as a professionally trained and qualified therapists, as with every professional in all industries, they will require a higher salary.
Why then is it important?
A professionally trained and qualified therapist brings so much more to the spa and their guests experience.
Recent case study of one of our students.
Sheila had been working as a massage and beauty therapist in a leading five-star hotel spa in the middle east for more than 10 years. She decided she wanted to have an international qualification so that she could enhance her career and earning potential.
At the beginning of her training, she chose to attend the 500 hours CIBTAC massage qualification so that eventually she would be able to have a DHA licence and possibly work in a wellbeing medical facility. After only two classes I asked her, how she found the training compared to how she had been trained over the years, in house? Her answer was “I never knew there was so much more to learn, I am stunned and love it”.
After she completed her training and obtained her qualifications, I asked her how was her work and clients experience with her massage and beauty treatments. Sheila had increased her sales and rebooking’s not by double, she was now fully booked and her boss was begging her not to take days off as everyone loved her treatments.
The result of Sheila taking the initiative to increase her professional qualifications and enhance her career worked well for her as she now has a higher paid, better job and the hotel increased their revenue not by a small amount, with only one therapist who increased her bookings from 40% to 100% with repeat business.
The same story happens with all our qualified therapists. Our training is to the highest international standard and the exams are rigorous with external examiners ensuring we the educators and our student therapists meet the highest professional international standards.
Why are managers and owners not investing in professional qualifications? They believe its not worth it and too expensive.
Seems to me that it is a no-brainer!
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What does this mean? Health Behaviours? Why are these important to look at? Read the list below and find out
We offer a solution for you to implement your own effective and sustainable, and yes enjoyable health and wellness program for you which benefits your company and your employees and more importantly INCREASES your profit and reduces your expenses. How great is that?
This one day workshop will enable you to
Don't have enough time to invest in putting a program together? Help is at hand. We can do it for you
Call us today to set up a meeting to discuss how we can put together an awesome program for your company, reducing your overheads, improving the wellbeing and health of your employees, and reducing absenteeism.
People commonly mistake this treatment for just another foot massage that applies that extra bit of pressure your regular massage therapist may lack. You go into the run-of-the-mill Salon/Spa looking for some form of relieve for your feet, and the therapist does just that without telling exactly what you’re in for.
Good news, is that with many experience in this industry, I have a few guidelines to finding the PERFECT food for your sole, and once you have had a taste of what this treatment really is, you will not see it as just another foot massage
Let’s take It back to ancient Egypt. It is no secret that Cleopatra was the queen of all things luxury and has influenced modern day spa treatments with her use of goat’s milk and 24crt gold. But way before her time, a Physician called Ankhmahor, had pictures of foot reflexology in his tomb, dating back to 2400 BC. It was also practiced by the Indians who learn the technique from Buddhist monks who had travelled to China. The Incas, who passed it on to Native Americans, and On and On and ON…
Bringing us to the 20thCentury, Dr William Fitzgerald practiced and form of reflexology where he divided the body into 10 zones for energy flow, these zones ended at the feet and so he believed that using the feet and pressuring in specific zones in the body opening the energy passages to allow a state of balance in the body.
Well, we all know that behind ever successful man, there is a woman. She came along in the 1930’s. Eunice Ingham known as the pioneer of what we know reflexology took everyone all of the history and turned into what we know reflexology to be today.
So, what is reflexology really? You may wonder… In simple terms, this result driven treatment, uses the zones of the body and works on the principle that all the nerves end at the feet and by stimulating the soles of the feet, the therapist will allow energy to flow freely through the zones of the body, promoting a state of balance…
Now if that is not food for your sole… I don’t know what would be.
]]>Often we over work, work long hours, get stressed and tired and cannot find the energy to pull ourselves out of it.
What can you do?
Go to see the doctor? You could, the advice might be something like, take this medication, you are stressed and overworked, come back in 3 months if you don’t feel any better.
This may or may not be useful. For me, I prefer not to take medication as often the medication makes me feel worse.
What else can you do? Eat more healthily, exercise more often and go to bed earlier to get longer sleep.
These are all good things to do, and I would definitely recommend them.
However the energy can be slow in building up and sometimes, having a boost of energy is needed and often regular boosts of energy are much better.
Paying someone to do this for you, having a reiki session is really great and the benefits lasts at least one week with a good reiki practitioner.
Being able to give yourself reiki, whenever you need it would be a much easier and quicker solution. Have reiki, can give energy and travel – all the time, any time of day and night.
How wonderful to be able to give yourself a boost of energy, in as little as few minutes, as and when you need it.
What are the benefits of being able to give yourself reiki?
When you can give yourself, even a few minutes reiki, sitting at the traffic lights, stuck in traffic, sitting in a boring staff meeting, watching TV, reading a book the benefits are profound and long lasting.
How can you become a reiki practitioner?
Call us today on 04 3887552 for details, our beginners class is only one 6 hour day and you could be giving yourself energy boosts when you need it, instantly
click here for further information
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Energy healing and Grand Masters?
I have been asked recently by several of my students, some of whom have trained with me a long time ago, and have been practicing as reiki master/teachers for many years, about several “new” energy healing systems and training courses that are on the market and being offered here in Dubai.
If you are thinking about taking a reiki or energy healing course my advice is listen. Listen to your intuition. What is it telling you? Not sure?
Many people find it quite a challenge to “listen” or “feel” what their intuition is telling them and end up asking their friends and family, “What shall I do?” “Do you think this sounds like a good course for me?”
Not an easy question to answer.
Another good way to find out is to ask the course leader if people they have already taught could call you and chat with you about their experience on the course. If the course leader is unwilling to do this, this is something to be cautious of.
Ask others who you know have taken similar courses, how was their experience. What did they learn? Do they use what they learnt? This is a great measure of whether the course was really great or just mediocre. If they don’t use it, why not?
Questions about Reiki Grand Masters have recently come up too. Let me tell you a story about Reiki Grand Masters, there is NO such thing.
Being a reiki master is a title only, which shows everyone else, you are experienced enough and trained in being able to pass along attunements. That is all that it means. It does not mean that you are “master” of the universal life force energy!
Being a reiki master is about being humble and willing to help others, being vulnerable enough to be able to admit to not knowing something when your students ask you questions. You are not a guru and all knowing all healing master, you are the same as your students, but with some experience.
An excellent reiki master is someone who is willing to learn and understands that the students that come to them, will teach them with every lesson, every group and they will grow for the learning, just as their students do.
Listen, feel, wait and sit with information. Don’t rush out and join up, just because the person selling it is telling you they are a Grand Master! This is from their ego and most likely they will not be vulnerable, will not be very useful in their teaching as they know better than their students. This is not a good teacher.
Good teachers impart knowledge.
Great teachers help and support and empower their students.
Energy or reiki – what is the difference, so many different healing courses available now, Usui Reiki, Karuna Reiki, Violet Flame Reiki, Grecian Reiki – Theta Healing.
Have you researched into any of these different forms of reiki?
Usui reiki appears to be the original or most used reiki around the globe. Karuna reiki was put together by William Lee Rand as he was given part of the information each by three ladies, who did not know each other. William “formed” Karuna reiki as he was guided to do.
Violet flame reiki – I am not sure where this originates from, but I can say that many of the symbols and practice of violet flame definitely comes from both Usui and Karuna reiki with additional symbols, some of which I am not so sure about the authenticity of them being “energy” healing.
Saying that, everything has energy, so each symbol no matter where it originates from will have some vibrational energy, whether it is used for healing or not is something to speculate.
Grecian Reiki was “made up” by the person who says they are the founder – they definitely are the founder of this form of reiki, but does it work? It did not originate from a place of love and enlightenment; rather it came from a desire to make money. Or so I was told by a very reliable source, who was told this by the founder!
So guys, be aware, there are many types of reiki and energy healing out there, some and I am sad to say actually many are only “made up” for the sole purpose of making money. Do they work, to some degree yes, as I said earlier everything has a vibrational energy, but not all will be from a place of love and enlightenment.
For example Theta Healing – this is being taught all over the planet. Where does it come from? It is a mish mash of energy healing, reiki techniques and shamanic healing and techniques, not an original form of healing, but a mixture of a bit of this and a bit of that – and is it safe?
My answer to you, can only be from my own experience and I can say it is definitely NOT safe.
Students are being given very simple techniques of how to journey into the unknown, with no protection, no guidance other than asking questions of some mystical all knowing all seeing entity, who is this entity? How do you know you are speaking and asking questions of the absolute power of the universe? Are you given any guidance as to be aware of who is answering, who is guiding you? No – how can you be sure it is not a malevolent entity that is really having a great time playing with you?
You have no way of knowing, or to be more precise you are not given any guidance on how to be safe and check.
Before you enlighten on a course, ask questions, seek others experiences and go safe.
]]>Stopping eating isn’t the solution to loosing weight. It is all about the quality, type and quantity of the foods you eat.
Great breakast would be a bowl of organic healthy cornflakes with an organic apple cut up into the same bowl, with a splash of zero fat organic milk.
Health mid morning snack would be a piece of fruit, or a handful of nuts and seeds.
Health lunch would be organic fresh salad, made with cucumber, lettuce lots of different ones, raw capsicum pepper, even brocolli, tomatoes and any other green vegetable, a small grilled piece of salmon, or a tin of tuna, with either a piece of wholemeal bread or even a small baked potato. For dressing on the salad lemon juice or a sprinkle of organic olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Health snack a handful of nuts, or a small muffin if you get really hungry mid afternoon. This time is usually when the munchies kick in, or after dinner. It is a good idea to ensure you are also taking a good quality multi vitamin, preferably without iron and with chromium or an additional chromium supplement.
Dinner – eat lightly, with grilled steak and salad, or a jacket potato with baked beans.
Drinks throughout the day, lots of natural spring water. NOT mineral water, as it is too dense in minerals and actually makes your body loose the vital minerals you need.
You can also drink herbal teas, even black tea with zero fat milk – or if you are like me and really don’t like zero fat milk, low fat milk is also good, but not too much, 500ml is sufficient and if you can get used to it, 250ml is even better daily.
Remember to eat lots of fresh healthy food that is packed with energy to sustain your energy. Cooking food reduces the vitamin content and gives you less energy.
If you are allergic or think you have intollerances to food, come for an allergy and intolerance test.
]]>In 2009, one on my clients, AH, female, age 26, was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. After one Reiki treatment she found relieve from the pain and numbness she had been feeling in her arms legs and back.
Based on these positive results, I taught her how to treat herself on a daily basis. AH returned to work doing international travel with only occasional pain.
This was a huge change in her life. I believe that it is important to empower people with the methods that will relieve them of chronic pain.
A number of my clients come to me when their doctors confirm that there is nothing they can do other than to treat them for pain. JR, female, age 55, had a torn retina in each eye affecting her ability to work.
Her eye surgeon said there was nothing he could do for her. She had been to a number of specialists. After 20 Reiki sessions focusing on her eyes with me, JR’s surgeon found no sign of a tear.
Caregivers often are in need of relief from stress and anxiety that comes as they provide for their loved ones.
When my Dad’s health declined due to Parkinson disease, my mother’s emotional and physical well ness also declined due to the stress of caring for him. I take this to heart when working with my clients. For example, I was treating SL, a female, age 32, who was in a wheel chair with cerebral palsy and living with her mother BL, age 54.
We were working together to improve her quality of life. BL assisted her daughter with daily chores. Caring for SL increased her mother’s stress. By teaching BL basic Reiki techniques, the mother lessened her stress and received the emotional healing she needed to continue her role as SL’s caregiver.
A number of my clients have felt an immediate relief of stress just from the day to day worries of life. JN, female, age 31, came to me with lower back pain. She was four months pregnant and dealing with a stressful work environment.
It became evident that she was carrying this stress in her lower back which the Reiki was quickly able to relieve.
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