Sue Ricks

Our immune system is amazing!

Recent research has found that our skin maybe more important to our overall health than first thought.  We all know that the skin is the barrier that protects us from the outside environment and is the end of "us" and the beginning of our surroundings and contact.  This research however shows that how our immune system remembers infection and how it prevents against re-infection

The findings suggest that the most important elements of T cell memory to infectious diseases may reside in tissues, rather than in the blood.

"The immune system provides the right T cells, at the right place and time, to protect us from an environment that is full of potentially harmful pathogens." said Kupper. see further info at:-

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-02-virus-infection-memory-cells-skin.html

Interestingly enough I have been working with a couple of people taking part in new trails of a new way of preparing patients for operations. Each person is asked to wash in the supplied body wash for several days prior to their operation and results show how incredibly good it is at combatting infection and the dreaded MRSA.

Having always been a fan of silver and its’ health saving properties it seems sensible to think of keeping safe and healthy by using colloidal silver topically, especially as it now seems that our immune system is more heavily accented on our skins ability to remember previous infections and so protect against further infections.

Colliodal silver has been known about for ages and can be one of the very best things for dealing with infections and wound healing problems.  You can also use it for everyday things like keeping your toothbrush fresh and clean of removing bacteria and other unwanted 'nasties' from fruit - a quick spray when you get back from the shops and the job is done!

Another great skin helper is the humble chick weed!  Whenever I get clients who have excema or dermatitis I recommend SOS cream as it is great for sore skin areas, sore lips, sensitive scalp.  SOS cram is great as it has a combination of Stellaria (Chickweed) and Burdock extracts to comfort and soothe skin, plus Macadamia and Evening Primrose Oil to deeply moisturise it, with Organic Sulphur (MSM) to replenish any dry skin and Neroli and Chamomile essential oils to nurture the skin! The rescue cream works so well for those with problems and so by the time we have discussed colloidal sliver and rescue cream I hope that we are well on the way. Luckily used on their own, they can have super results, however alongside any Reiki or Reflexology treatments etc each client gets the best of both worlds!

 

 Further reading:-

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-02-virus-infection-memory-cells-skin.html

 http://www.colloidalsilvercuresmrsa.com/mrsa_cure.htm

 

Treatments and Training Options - see www.suericks.com

 

 

 

Happy New Year - all the best for 2012

Wishing everybody a really happy New Year.

It has been a really super year with many challenges, experiences and changes both personally and professionally. I've been lucky enough to spend longer than I thought with my mum before she peacefully passed away in November. I feel very lucky that I had time to truly be with her. We had a magical holiday in France in July where she revisited a favourite area of Brittany (France) and we even took her to her special place where she was able to dangle her feet in the sea.  My beautiful second grandson, Charlie was born and is adored buyye veryone including his big brother Oscar. We just spent a lovely Christmas together as a family. I feel very lucky to have a wonderful partner, children, grandchildren and all my family.

2011 was many things including a time of travelling within the UK,  America, Ireland and Europe.  We've seen lots of students complete some superb complementary therapy and energy work. We been blessed with a beautiful group of new Gentle Touch Reflexologists (GTR) and in all our new 2012 courses are now launching as well.

We've revamped the clinic room and the training area so that it is really beautiful peaceful and restful and gives an added ambience to the work that we do together. We are very lucky to be working in therapy and training as it is immensely rewarding to see people going out and changing other people's lives for the better.

This year has seen a total relaunch of www.SueRicks.com where we can offer a range of treatments and online booking service and a completely new range of courses. There are now evening courses, daytime courses, full-time courses and part-time courses.

The clinic is operating in Loughborough, Leicestershire where I plan to be offering the people of East Midlands a range of therapies including reflexology, Hopi ear cancelling, Reiki, electro crystal therapy, NLP,  life skills and coaching, personal mentoring, EFT (emotional Freedom technique). There are some specific reflexology treatments available in is Gentle Touch Reflexology, reflexology for babies and children (infants), maternity reflexology and treatments to support those hoping to become pregnant (fertility and preconception care). Treatments available.

We really pleased to be able to offer some super courses in 2012 that include reflexology, hand reflexology, foot reading, Hopi ear cancelling energy and vibrational healing, chakra balancing understanding illness and disease, reflexology and retirement, reflexology for babies and children (infants), personal development seminars, the mirror principle, Reiki, Indian head massage, NLP  and feng shui.

It's been an exciting time of growth and development. We've got some online distance learning programs that are just about ready to be launched is there some webinars, and new training packages to suit all.

I'm so grateful to my mum who first introduced me to the healing arts, I feel her presence.

With love and blessings to everyone for a lovely 2012.

www.suericks.com

 

 

 

New version of website coming soon

I have been having a great time sorting out the new verson of my website (www.suericks.com). It will look similar to the current site but will have many updated features.

There is more information on:-

Gentle Touch Reflexology,

Advanced Reflexology

Loughborough Therapy Clinic

Foot Reading

Health Products

Information on lots of things including courses, ebook, products and events too.

www.suericks.com

 

Foot Reading revisited

I have been asked to write more about foot reading and return to the subject. Foot reading is becoming increasingly popular as there is so much that we can learn about ourselves via our feet. These are hidden treasure troves of information when we know where to look!

We can see how certain careers suit some, whilst others are more suited to different careers. Someone may have natural strengths and be in the right career and yet another person maybe in the wrong career for their personality (as shown in their feet).  We can see if someone is really intuitive if they have along second toe - longer than the big toe -(hallux). We can see if they are likely to be following their path or are unable to follow their intuition. We may see that another person maybe extremely intelligent and great at making very logical decisions whilst totally disregarding their feelings.

Anyone who has a long first toe (the toe next to the big toe/ hallux) has a great capacity to feel and sense things, they are intuitive and check their how they feel about things all the time.  Anyone who has an extremely long big toe is very intelligent and likes to think things through.  Those who have a degree of ‘webbing’ between their first and second toes will check how they feel before doing anything and if it does not feel right they will not move  forward at all (even when it has been planned and mentally gone over time and time again). Someone with a very large big toe may be immensely logical but miss the wider issues whilst someone with long big toes and a long first toe may also be aware of how they feel about it to and that will help make a balanced decision.

 

Click here for my Foot Reading Chart

 

Foot reading is fascinating.  My manicurist has recently become intrigued and has started asking me for more information on what you can read via hands and feet. She knows that I am currently writing about it and keeps asking me how far I have got and wants to know what I am writing about at the moment. Each time I go I tell her where I am and what the subject is about and she them looks out for it with her clients who go for manicure or pedicures.  She says that she has found it really unnervingly accurate!  She had even started check her own feet. She has found out that she could predict that a client was actually really annoyed with her family when outwardly she implied that life was perfect.  She has also noticed that one client was dreading her son leaving home (all by ‘reading’ her feet).

If you would like to know more about foot reading visit our website www.suericks.com

Click here to find out about our Foot Reading courses

Crystals for Children

Crystals for Children

Children just love crystals. They loved everything about them and are frequently found exploring the baskets of tumbled stones in visitors’ centre and gift shops. The key to getting the right stones for your child is simply to follow their lead. Each one of us has an instinctive side that blossoms when we let it. Your child will naturally pick up the stones that are just right for them.

If we think about it too much or ponder which will be best stone for us then you can guarantee that you will pick the wrong stone or crystal for you. The best way is to simple notice which stone you or your child is attracted too and then  just allow your hand not go to the stone or ‘hover’ over it to “feel” for the best ones. Children are especially  good at this.

Click here to read more and find out what crystals suit your child

Baby Reflexology

Reflexology for Babies and Children

The benefits of Reflexology for both babies and children are endless and, although sometimes underestimated, this wonderfully simple and effective therapy can be perfect for them. Amongst the many reasons why this therapy is so helpful, supportive and healing for the younger generation are that it can help them to cope better with tough situations, become more confident, improve their sleep, reduce irritability or relieve physical discomfort.

Reflexology is as suitable for a new born baby as it is for a child or an adult.  There are now children’s charities, organisations, schools and even doctors offering Reflexology for their young clients.  This is wonderful news for all the babies and children who will benefit from Reflexology in their younger years and take this advantage into adulthood.  Everyone wins!

Gentle Touch™ Reflexology can be done on either the hands or the feet and is suitable for all ages.  It is the very lightness of touch that makes it so suitable for the youngest of babies or children and throughout their lives.  The therapeutic touch applied to certain parts of either the hands or feet can have an effect on the whole child. Gentle Touch™ Reflexology is a wonderful treatment and is both pleasurable to give and to receive.

Reflexology

Reflexology can be superb for children whether they are well, stressed or in critical care.

It can be useful in a huge range situations ranging from:

       General care and support of a baby/ child

       Creating links and bonds with baby/children

       Creating an environment and treatment that supports/ improves their capacity to heal.

It can provide assistance in:

§  Optimising the level of therapeutic touch available

§  Counteracting the child’s negative experiences whilst  in hospital

§  Improved parent/ carer bonding

§  Provides opportunities for deep rest and relaxation

§  Easy integration with existing practice – no extra tools required

Babies

       Calming and relaxing

       Aids restful sleep

       Helps to boost their immune systems

       Improves digestive functions

       Helps to alleviate colic

       Can help to improve excretory functionality

       Improves ability to breast-feed

       Improves bonding between Mother and Baby

 A loving touch can communicate care, love and a sense of “being there” for the child. 

To read more please click here

New Sue Ricks Courses Dates Announced

I have just released the course dates for the first 6 months of 2011.

All courses are on line here - please see all courses

If you would like to se the list of all the dates (plus booking form)- please click here.

We have new dates for:-

• Baby and Child Reflexology Courses
• Foot Reading
• Hand Reflexology
• Reiki
• Hopi Ear Candling
• Life Skills Facilitator
• Energy and Vibrational Healing
• NLP
• Feng Shui

All courses and dates with booking form

All courses on line booking facility.

An Introduction to Energy and Chakra

Many people ask me about how energy works and want to know more about chakras too.  In this day and age it may seem that all our energy is taken up with work and computers and yet our energy is something that we know when we have, and miss when we do not have any! 

Energy – what is that?

How do we get some energy at times when we are low and struggling? Maybe we would love a quick intravenous infusion as an immediate pep me up! Luckily there are numerous ways that we can boost our energy and have more to use to work, play and restore with. 

Everything that we do can affect our energy levels and the function of our chakras. The works Chakra is a sancrit word and means wheel. It is a vortex; like water spinning down the plug hole or corn wisps swirling in a field. It is a spiraling movement. Every one of us has chakras and we have seven major ones (and many more minor ones too).  When we feel great, our chakras are doing well and when we are feeling low, dispirited, or tired, then our chakras may be out of sync.  Ideally we will have seven shining and actively rotating chakras, however it is part of the human condition to be aiming to balance our chakras by improving one or other area of our lives and things that have an impact on our chakras.

For courses on energy and chakras or one to one tuition in person or over Skype - please see our website at www.suericks.com

For chakra Charts - please see www.suericks.com or call +44 (0)1509 214373

When someone wants to say something and feeling that it maybe the wrong time or inappropriate this will affect the throat chakra as the theme of the throat chakra is communication. Communication covers all kinds of ways in which we communicate. This includes the spoken word, expressions, and all types of verbal and non verbal communication. It even covers what we say inside our heads too. How many times have you wanted to say something and felt better of it? This is the time when our throat chakra may be affected. A free flow of soft and gentle energy around all areas of combination I.e. in and out – giving and receiving of communication can aid a health throat chakra and its generated energy. “It is not what you say.... It is how you say it that matters”.

The energy of the throat chakra governs a wide range of things as each and every chakra is found in a particular location and will govern the energy of wide area of the body. The throat chakra governs the maxilla (top of the mouth), lower half of the ears, lower neck areas, shoulders arms and hands. It is also linked into the endocrine system (hormonal system) and is directly linked to the thyroid that has an impact on metabolism, growth and energy levels.

It is therefore easy to see that if there is some issue going on that is affecting someone’s ability, circumstance or permission to speak, then this may negatively affect their throat chakra and therefore affect the thyroid and shoulder, arms, jaw etc. 

I realised that it might be good to start to write some more articles on how energy works and affect us and hope to expand on this more over coming weeks. It is a wonderful and fascinating subject and one that I find is quite incredible in showing us what is really going on with an individual when you piece together the contributing factors relating to energy and chakras.

Reflexology for the Elderly

Reflexology is superb for people of all ages.  Over the years many individuals who have been in pain, discomfort or lacking in mobility have turned to Reflexology for relief.

There are many kinds of complementary therapies that can help and Reflexology can be one of the most effective.  The current situation is that more people than ever before are moving into retirement age and are wanting to maintain or improve their health, they are not taking “it is old age” as an answer to aches and pains. They are turning to various different treatments to support their own health. Reflexology provides a marvelous opportunity to support their immune system, increase flexibility and also increase mental agility and memory. Many have been prescribed a multitude of medicines that may have side effects and unwanted downsides, even though they are necessary.  Some are finding that holistic treatments offer an alternative form of protecting and improving their physical, mental and emotional health.

There are a number of different types of reflexology and although the public very reflexology as one subject, there are in fact a variety of different way in which reflexology can be practiced and received. These vary from the Ingham method as lovingly given to us by Eunice Ingham (regarded as the Mother of Reflexology), to VRT (vertical Reflex Therapy where the client may be standing for some of the treatment, through to ART (advanced and heavier pressure reflexology and also Gentle Touch™ Reflexology (GTR).  Each person can therefore choose which type of treatment that suits their preferred style of treatment. In Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology (www.g-t-r.org) the client will receive a very light, soothing and flowing treatment that is suitable for those with fragile skin and tender feet of hands. 

to read the full article - click here....

New Life Skills Facilitator Course Launched

This three day course is designed to provide the key skills required to become a Life Skills Facilitator. The participants are provided with proven skills knowledge to be able to assist clients and facilitate life changing situations.  Support others through personal knowledge and growth. Handle self esteem issues, bullying, relationship crisis, healthy connections with both young and old, business development and achievement skills.

The aim of this workshop is to be thought provoking, thoroughly interesting, easy to access and hugely rewarding for both participants and their clients.

It is perfect for:-

       Anyone who works with others in assisting them personally

       Practitioners

       Trainers / Teachers

       Therapists

       Group leaders

       Development managers

       Those setting up their own businesses.

What will I Learn?

On this three day course (two days, plus one day) you will learn a huge range of skills from:

·         Understanding how and why people vary and how to get the best rapport with others.

·         Being aware of where the problems originate form in problem solving with others

·         New ways to really listen

·         Building and maintaining participant self esteem

·         Knowing how to recognise the signs of over load and disconnection/ dissatisfaction

·         How to inspire and support other (rather than tell and instruct)

·         Whose bike is it anyway? Your guide to why issues frequently occur

·         A healthy working or personal relationship – how is that achieved

·         How to foster openness with others

·         Progress management – key skills guaranteed to ensure progress and self development

·         How to detect subtle signs in others

·         Which questioning methods work and which do not.

·         Handling disagreements and arguments effectively

·         Appreciation of the energetics of home, work and school bullying and how to stop it.

For more information please see www.suericks.com