Ilkley Complementary Therapies

Ilkley Complementary Therapies Our door is open to everyone wishing to maintain or enhance a sense of wellbeing.

I’ve always loved live theatre & as Joint Chair of Ilkley Manor House, I’m delighted we’re hosting Ilkley Playhouse’s B...
30/08/2026

I’ve always loved live theatre & as Joint Chair of Ilkley Manor House, I’m delighted we’re hosting Ilkley Playhouse’s Bard in the Yard in our historic courtyard this Sun/Mon.

This much loved event has been running for several years & sells out quickly because of:

Brilliant local talent
Shakespeare performed in an atmospheric setting
Seeing a story unfold live
Shared experiences by being part of a live audience

Putting my herbalist / wellbeing coach hats on, I also love it because it’s good for you. It can:

Give your brain a break
Being absorbed in a performance creates flow, a state of deep attention where we become less focused on everyday worries.

Boost positive emotions
Research with regular theatre goers found that positive feelings after performances were associated with improved psychological wellbeing over time.

Help us feel connected
Watching something together creates opportunities for social interaction, belonging and a sense of being part of something bigger. UK research found live theatre was one of the arts activities most strongly associated with feelings of social connectedness.

Build empathy
Stories allow us to see the world through other people's eyes. Research on theatre interventions has found improvements in empathy, communication and social interaction.

Support mental wellbeing
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that theatre-based interventions can have positive effects on mental health.

Overall, sitting in a courtyard, watching talented people tell a story, laughing with others and being completely present for a couple of hours is a wonderful form of self-care.

So, if you needed an excuse to go to the theatre this weekend, perhaps this is it as there is standing room access still available:

Bard in the Yard: The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing — shortened productions.
Ilkley Manor House courtyard
Sunday 30 & Monday 31 August; 2–4pm

If you can’t make it this weekend, why not put 'see a live performance' on your wellbeing to-do list?

What’s the last live performance you saw and how did it make you feel?

Could a kiwi before bed help you sleep better?This week my youngest son went back to university leaving a few kiwis behi...
17/08/2026

Could a kiwi before bed help you sleep better?

This week my youngest son went back to university leaving a few kiwis behind in the fridge. I was intending to eat them with my granola and yoghurt for breakfast over the next few days when I heard about some intriguing research suggesting that kiwifruit may help promote better sleep.

Research has found that eating two green kiwifruits about an hour before bed may improve aspects of sleep, including sleep quality, sleep onset and sleep efficiency. Here’s how they work:

SEROTONIN – research has shown that an evening serving was associated with changes in serotonin metabolism and improvements in aspects of morning alertness and ease of waking.

ANTIOXIDANTS & VITAMIN C –these protect cells from oxidative stress which has been associated with disrupted sleep.

FOLATE & B VITAMINS – these help the body make and regulate neurotransmitters, including those involved in sleep.

ACTINIDIN – an enzyme unique to kiwifruit, helps break down protein and may improve the availability of amino acids used in neurotransmitter production.

The evidence is still emerging and kiwifruit isn’t the only strategy to sleeping well, however, it’s a delicious, simple food to experiment with as part of a healthy bedtime routine.

This week, why not try two kiwis after dinner, around an hour before bed and see what happens?

I’d love to hear in the comments how it works for you and any favourite ways to eat kiwi. My son loves a swirl of raw honey on them in a yoghurt bowl.

This week I returned home from winter in Australia to a warm British summer – although, I’m told, I missed the extreme h...
09/08/2026

This week I returned home from winter in Australia to a warm British summer – although, I’m told, I missed the extreme heat!

As I settled back in, I could hear my neighbour’s wind chimes tinkling in the breeze. It’s a sound I love – calming, cooling and evocative of summer.

It got me wondering: could simply hearing, seeing or experiencing things that feel cool actually change how we experience heat?

That curiosity led me to the Japanese approach to summer and the concept of Ryō – creating a sense of coolness through our senses, surroundings and rituals, rather than simply escaping the heat.

It includes:

Furin (wind chimes)
Gentle, predictable sounds can promote relaxation and bring our attention into the present. They won’t lower the temperature, but can change how we experience it.

Uchimizu (sprinkling water)
Water cools surfaces through evaporation, while seeing, hearing and feeling water can support calm and reduce perceived heat.

Yukata (light clothing)
Loose, breathable clothing helps heat escape. Feeling overheated can affect mood, concentration, sleep and wellbeing.

Mugicha (chilled barley tea)
A refreshing, caffeine-free drink that supports fluid intake. Good hydration supports cognitive performance, energy and blood pressure regulation.

Kakigori (shaved ice)
Cooling the mouth and throat activates thermoreceptors, briefly reducing perceived body temperature and increasing comfort.

Kaidan (ghost stories)
Fear can trigger goosebumps and a cooling sensation showing how our brain influences our perception of temperature.

Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
Spending time amongst trees has been associated with reduced stress and improved mood.

Together, these ideas show how small sensory experiences can support wellbeing: wind chimes, water, cool drinks, shade, trees and comfortable clothing.

We don’t always need to do more to feel better. Sometimes we simply need to notice more.

What could you see, hear, taste, touch or smell today that might help you feel a little cooler, calmer and more present?

I’d love you to share in the comments.

Do you prefer reading physical books or digital ones?I love getting lost in an independent bookshop. There are always so...
03/08/2026

Do you prefer reading physical books or digital ones?

I love getting lost in an independent bookshop. There are always so many books I want to buy, whether to read or simply relax by looking at beautiful images in coffee table books. If only my budget would allow!

But when was the last time you visited a library?

I'd hardly been since my children were young. Once I discovered my Kindle, it’s so convenient to read in bed with the light off while my husband sleeps. However, this week, I spent a couple of hours at the National Library of Australia and it reminded me that libraries are so much more than places to borrow books.
There were fascinating exhibitions, events, peaceful corners to read and a lovely café where I sat with a good coffee and drafted this post. And yes, there was also an excellent bookshop filled with titles you wouldn't easily find elsewhere.

One quote in the café really resonated with me
"A library is a place where you can grow things."
You can grow your knowledge, curiosity, ideas, creativity and connections with others who share a love of learning.

From a wellbeing perspective, libraries offer something increasingly rare, a sense of calm. Stepping into a quiet, welcoming space can help lower stress, give your mind a break from constant digital stimulation and encourage deeper focus. Browsing books and exhibitions also stimulates curiosity and creativity, both linked to improved wellbeing and lifelong brain health.

I left feeling calmer, inspired and ready to plan a visit to another library.
Next stop for me will be the library in Leeds when I'm back in the UK.

What about you? When did you last visit a library and which one would you recommend?

For the last few weeks I've been making the most of Canberra's glorious sunny winter days by walking around some of its ...
26/07/2026

For the last few weeks I've been making the most of Canberra's glorious sunny winter days by walking around some of its beautiful lakes. There's something wonderful about the combination of cool winter air with sunshine, reflections on the water and the rhythm of walking. Every time I finish a lakeside walk, I feel a greater sense of wellbeing and there is evidence that supports this.

Lakes, rivers, oceans, ponds and streams are known as ‘blue spaces’ and research shows that spending time near water can have benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing. It:

Reduces stress
The sights and sounds of water calm our nervous system, helping to lower stress and promote relaxation. Many people experience reduced mental fatigue after spending time in blue spaces.

Lifts mood
Studies have found that even a 20 minute walk near water can improve mood and a sense of wellbeing more so than walking in a built-up urban environment

Improves focus and mental clarity
Natural environments gently capture our attention without overwhelming our brains. This gives our minds an opportunity to recover from the constant demands of daily life, improving concentration and clear thinking.

Supports physical health
Walking is one of the simplest ways to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles and support ageing well. Combine walking with a restorative natural setting and you get mind and body benefits.

Encourages mindfulness
Watching ripples across the water, listening to birdsong and noticing reflections naturally draws us into the present moment.

Water has the ability to calm us. Whether it's a lake, river, stream, pond or the ocean, blue spaces invite us to slow down, breathe more deeply and reconnect with nature and ourselves.
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My challenge for you this week
Find your nearest body of water and take a 20-30 minute walk. Leave your phone in your pocket. Listen. Observe. Breathe. Notice how you feel before and after.

I'd love to hear where your favourite blue space is and the benefits it brings you.

One of the things I love about travelling is discovering new things.Whilst doing the bridge to bridge walk around Lake B...
19/07/2026

One of the things I love about travelling is discovering new things.

Whilst doing the bridge to bridge walk around Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra this week, I noticed a banner for Falun Gong. I'd heard of Qigong but this was new to me, so naturally I was curious to investigate it.

As I was taking a photo of the banner, one of the volunteers came over to tell me about the practice. She explained that Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa) combines five gentle meditative exercises with a philosophy centered on Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.

Head to FalunDafa.org where you can watch videos to learn the exercises and download free of charge, Zhuan Falun, the primary text on the teachings. For a more accessible version, the book Falun Gong, provides an introductory overview of the practice and its principles.

As a wellbeing coach and medical herbalist, I'm always interested in approaches that encourage us to slow down and reconnect with ourselves. The volunteer spoke about how many people practice Falun Gong to help them feel calmer, reduce stress, improve concentration and support their overall wellbeing. She exuded a sense of calm.

Whether it's Falun Gong, Qigong, tai chi, yoga, a mindful walk or simply taking five minutes to breathe deeply, the key is finding something that helps you feel more grounded and present.

So, this week, be curious. Try something you've never tried before, strike up a conversation or explore a new way of supporting your wellbeing. You never know what you might discover or how it might make you feel.

Have you ever come across Falun Gong or another wellbeing practice by chance? I'd love to hear about your unexpected discoveries.

This week my selfcare involved spending time with art.Viewing the 20 beautiful tapestries in the Arthur Boyd exhibition ...
12/07/2026

This week my selfcare involved spending time with art.

Viewing the 20 beautiful tapestries in the Arthur Boyd exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia, I was reminded that art has a wonderful way of uplifting our spirits. Though I was visiting at a sad, emotional time in my life, I felt better for wandering around and contemplating these works.

“Art is a journey to unknown destinations. The more you embrace the unknown, the richer the journey becomes." Arthur Boyd

This Selfcare Sunday, why not spend a few moments with a painting, sculpture, piece of music, architecture or anything creative that brings you joy? Your mind and soul will thank you.

Has the recent humid weather made your hay fever worse? You're not alone!Several people have asked me recently what natu...
21/06/2026

Has the recent humid weather made your hay fever worse? You're not alone!

Several people have asked me recently what natural remedies may help ease sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and a streaming nose. While there's no magic cure, some herbs and simple lifestyle measures may help.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)is often called nature's antihistamine. Research suggests it may help modulate the body's response to pollen, thanks to compounds including quercetin. It's also packed with vitamins and minerals.

Try a simple nettle tea: steep dried nettle leaves in boiling water minimum of 5 minute, strain and enjoy. I like adding lemon balm, ginger or lemon.

Eyebright has traditionally been used for itchy, watery eyes.

Peppermint contains menthol, which may help ease the feeling of nasal congestion.

Other useful herbs include chamomile, elderflower and turmeric, while quercetin-rich foods such as apples, onions and berries may also support allergy management.

Remember the basics:
Stay hydrated
Shower and wash hair after being outdoors
Change clothes after gardening or walks
Use a saline rinse or neti pot
Keep windows closed when pollen counts are high
Wear sunglasses outdoors

Always seek advice from a suitably qualified healthcare professional before using herbal remedies.

Have you tried nettle tea for hay fever? What works best for you?

Remembering David Hockney this weekend: A life lived in colour, curiosity and wonder.Hockney's work celebrated the beaut...
14/06/2026

Remembering David Hockney this weekend: A life lived in colour, curiosity and wonder.

Hockney's work celebrated the beauty found in every day scenes. From the iconic blue swimming pools of Los Angeles to vibrant flowers and the ever-changing seasonal landscapes of rural Yorkshire and France. They reveal how light, colour, weather and time transforms what we see.

The relevance to wellbeing is his attention to the present moment. His paintings encourage us to slow down, observe closely and find joy in the world around us. Research shows that spending time noticing nature, colour, light and seasonal change can reduce stress, improve mood and enhance our sense of connection to the world.

Hockney also embraced innovation throughout his career. In his later years, he became a pioneer of digital art, creating hundreds of works on the iPad. His willingness to experiment, learn new skills and remain creatively curious reminds us that growth, creativity and adaptation can continue throughout life, regardless of age.

His art teaches us valuable wellbeing lessons:�
Notice beauty in ordinary moments: colour, light, shape.�
Spend time observing nature and seasonal change.�
Engage in creative activities without fear of experimentation.
Stay curious.

Perhaps one of Hockney's greatest gifts was showing us that happiness can be found not in grand events, but in paying attention to a flower, a landscape, a changing sky, or seasonal colours snd light.

View his works online, in a book or at a gallery and be uplifted.
Look outside and really notice the colours, shapes, textures and light. Notice your stress reduce.

Feeling stressed, tired or under the weather? A visit to a gallery or museum might be just what you need.One of the enjo...
10/06/2026

Feeling stressed, tired or under the weather? A visit to a gallery or museum might be just what you need.

One of the enjoyable parts of my role as Joint Chair of Ilkley Manor House is visiting other heritage buildings which house art and learning about how they engage artists and visitors. This week, I spent a delightful day with colleagues at Sunny Bank Mills and South Square Centre. Even though I wasn't feeling my best, I came away feeling uplifted and inspired.

It reminded me of the wellbeing benefits of museums and galleries: they help us slow down, reduce stress, spark curiosity, encourage mindfulness, connect us with stories and creativity, and provide a gentle escape from everyday pressures.

If you live near Ilkley, consider visiting the Re - Play exhibition at Ilkley Manor House. It's a wonderful opportunity to engage with 2D and 3D works and enjoy all the wellbeing benefits that art can bring. Plus, you can immerse yourself in our beautiful heritage building and peaceful outdoor spaces.

Where will you visit next? I'd love to hear about the galleries, museums and heritage places on your list.

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