re:vitalise

The darker side of the beanIt looks innocent enough, but could you be addicted to coffee?

These hot teas are caffeine-free and available at most health stores and supermarkets. Give them a try and let us know the outcome.

LIQUORICE TEAGood for a morning pick-me-up. It also gently aids digestion.

MINT TEAKind on the stomach with a refreshing taste. Also aids digestion so is a great after-dinner alternative to coffee.

GINSENG TEABelieved to reduce fatigue, so can be useful for a morning or afternoon energy boost.

ROOIBOS TEARich in antioxidants. Can be enjoyed without milk or sugar. Thought to help relieve headaches, asthma, hay fever and also insomnia.

ROASTED DANDELION ROOT Pleasant roasted taste, sweet and slightly bitter. Good for detoxifying the liver.

The alarm goes off and you’re in a daze. You plod to the kitchen and pour yourself a large coffee and consume.

Minutes later, you feel awake and ready to face the world. But do you think you could start the day without your fix of the black stuff?

If the answer is “no”, it may be that you have a dependency. One way to tell for sure is to go without coffee for a day and see if you develop headaches. According to the NHS website, people dependent on caffeine (known as “caffeinism”) who suddenly stop consuming the product can develop withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and anxiety. Other common signs are drowsiness, fatigue and lethargy.

You may be wondering, “So what if I am addicted to coffee?” Well, as long as you’re not exceeding the maximum daily intake recommended by the Department of Health (DoH) – seven instant coffees a day – you should be alright.

But if you are drinking more than the recommended dose, you may experience some of the negative side-effects of excessive coffee consumption, including increased heart-rate and high blood pressure. Even if you’re not over-doing it, ask yourself if you’re happy relying on caffeine to wake you up and give you energy every day.

If you’re not, there are lots of alternatives on the market that don’t carry the same potential risks as coffee and can be equally as refreshing and energy-giving. JB

Other types of popular holistic massages include:

SWEDISH MASSAGEMassage oils are applied using long smooth strokes, kneading and circular movements. This treatment helps with back pain, arthritis and muscle conditions.

HOT STONE MASSAGESmooth heated stones are placed on certain points of the body to loosen tight muscles. This helps poor circulation.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGERelaxing and energising oils, such as lavender, are used to reduce stress.

Fancy a massage but worried about getting your body out on show? A shiatsu massage is the answer.

Shiatsu, a traditional Chinese healing method dating back 5,000 years, is a safe and effective oil-free body massage that eases aches and pains and leaves you feeling rejuvenated.

Loose and comfortable clothing can be worn for the treatment, which usually lasts an hour. The masseuse applies pressure to the body’s acupuncture points using hands, fingers, thumbs, elbows, knuckles, knees and feet.

The aim of shiatsu, which translates as “finger pressure”, is to improve the balance and flow of the circulatory system and strengthen organ function. Not only does shiatsu promise

to energise and invigorate you, it has also proven results in helping migraines, cramps, respiratory conditions and digestive problems. Claire Caddock, spa manager at the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel, is a big believer in the treatment. “Shiatsu massage is most popular among clients aged over 50 who find they have small niggles and pains that they want to get rid of,” she says. “Most see a huge difference after their first session, but it takes around three sessions to really feel the benefit.”

Caddock advises her clients to book monthly shiatsu sessions to treat any pains and reduce the impact of daily stress. “Shiatsu is a holistic treatment, which means it takes into account the emotional, psychological and spiritual needs

of the person as well as the physical condition and needs,” she says. “It’s a feel-good treatment that leaves you happy and relaxed.” Shiatsu also helps treat anxiety, insomnia, tiredness, stress, poor digestion, constipation, depression and recovery from injury.”

The massage costs between £40 and £60 for an hour and is often done on a low massage table on the floor. So why not de-stress yourself and take a trip to your local spa? Most UK spas offer shiatsu as part of their holistic range – and you won’t have the worry of stripping down to your underwear to contend with, either. LB

Time to unwindTreat those niggling aches and pains

with a shiatsu massage

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