The Maris Practice

29/04/2026

To supplement or not to supplement?

That is the question my husband asked!

My husband works in the sports industry and this morning he asked me to look at a product to work out its value and potential efficacy. It’s something I get asked a lot in clinic too. Supplements can be amazing and used at the right time, for the right duration can be potent in getting us to optimal health, healing and recovery.

But it is a supplement minefield out there.

More isn’t always better - read Claire's top tips on how to know what your body actually needs....

More isn’t always better - top tips on how to know what your body actually needs My husband works in the sports industry and this morning he asked me to look at a product to work out its value and potential efficacy. It’s something I get asked a lot in clinic too. Supplements can be amazing

24/04/2026

You’ve heard of Arnica, right?

This is my usual ‘way in’ when introducing patients to Homeopathy. Some people have never heard of it, some love it, others out right dismiss it. I have found it to be very controversial, and can evoke quite strong reactions in people, positive and negative.

I once posted about the benefits of a Homeopathic remedy on Facebook and someone appeared from the depths of the internet to strongly inform me that all Homeopaths are charlatans, out for money, and should be avoided at all costs. I can assure you, Homeopaths don’t go into it for the money. They study thousands of remedies over years of training and yet you don’t hear the words ‘loaded’ and ‘Homeopath’ in the same sentence!

Pharmaceutical executives… that might be a different story.

https://themarispractice.com/youve-heard-of-arnica-right/

19/04/2026

Pam H (March '26).....Great news, we are so happy to hear that Angelina has worked her magic once again! Others suffering with IBS will also be delighted to hear this.

"I went to see Angelina for repeated bad flare ups of IBS and after two sessions of cupping and acupuncture I can say I am very well for now and am so grateful for her gentle concern and knowledgeable hands on experience, I shall continue with her and also this excellent Practise for the foreseeable future."

17/04/2026

Bloating is one of those things that happens so often we’ve quietly filed it under “normal”. Just because something is common doesn’t make it normal - something that is currently being shown in world events!

We’re talking:

- clothes suddenly not fitting by 3pm
- that heavy, uncomfortable, “I can’t quite stand up straight” feeling
- low energy, brain fog, general ugh

And here’s the bit that often gets missed – bloating can also be a sign that we’re not properly absorbing our food. So even if your diet looks great on paper, your body might not be getting what it needs, resulting in a number of symptoms including fatigue, brain fog and irritability

7 Reasons You Bloat and what to do One of those things that happens so often we’ve quietly filed it under “normal”. But as I say in clinic (on repeat), just because something is common doesn’t make it normal. For some it happens occasionally, for others it’s daily - either way it can be mi...

14/04/2026

Being in Your Body – It Might Save Your Life

When did ignoring what our body is telling us become normal? When did the body’s little tell-tale signs that something isn’t right become things we just brush aside?

I see reflections of this every week in clinic. People ignoring fatigue, pain, skin complaints, digestive issues — all treated as things to be tolerated. Often explained away as getting older, having a busy life, or “it runs in the family.”

Sometimes this happens out of fear:

What if there is something serious going on?
What can I do even if there is a problem?
And sometimes it’s simply that we struggle to look after number one when we’re busy looking after everyone else.

More worryingly though, I think it’s become cultural. We’ve moved so far away from trusting our instincts — and the wisdom of the people around us — that we no longer listen to what our bodies are telling us. We’re busy. We push through symptoms and just crack on.

https://themarispractice.com/being-in-your-body-it-might-save-your-life/

07/04/2026

Tiny white pills. Big reaction.

Mention homeopathy at a dinner party and you can almost guarantee at least one raised eyebrow, one passionate advocate, and one person saying, “But isn’t it just sugar?”

And yet… these little remedies have survived for over 200 years and are still finding their way into people’s cupboards, handbags and parenting survival kits.

This carousel is my top ten remedies — the ones I come back to again and again in practice. Arnica for bumps and bruises, Chamomilla for when a child is behaving as though the world has ended, Nux Vomica for when modern life has well and truly caught up with you…

You do not need to know 500 remedies. You just need to know a few good ones well.

I’ve written more in my latest Substack article, including why homeopathy still causes such outsized reactions for something that comes in such tiny bottles.

https://clairebrasher.substack.com/p/youve-heard-of-arnica-right?r=4tdlq7

Team curious, team sceptical, or team “don’t knock Arnica till you’ve tried it”?

15/03/2026

Mike's review......

From skeptic to convert. I had gone to see Claire about a back problem and in the course of the appointment she suggested I try cranial therapy. I was unsure about the merits of cranial osteopathy but Claire’s care and work has done nothing less than changed my life for the better. I have gone from struggling through months of lethargy to having a complete new lease of life. Fantastic traditional osteopath as well. Andrew is also a miracle worker when it comes to osteopathic medicine. Can not recommend this practice enough.

08/03/2026

Healing from Within: How Yoga Therapy Supports Physical & Mental Resilience

Illness, whether sudden or long-term, can challenge every aspect of life—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Recovery is rarely a straight path, and true healing often requires more than medical treatment alone. Yoga therapy offers a complementary approach, guiding individuals toward renewed strength, balance, and resilience during and after sickness.

Unlike general yoga classes, yoga therapy is tailored to the individual’s needs, abilities, and current state of health. Through gentle postures, breathwork, and guided relaxation, it supports the body’s natural healing processes. Movements can be adapted for those with limited mobility or chronic pain, while breathing techniques help restore vitality and regulate the nervous system. Over time, this mindful approach can improve flexibility, circulation, and energy levels—helping the body feel more alive and capable (Cramer et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017).

Equally important is the impact on mental and emotional well-being. Illness often brings fear, frustration, or a sense of disconnection from oneself. Yoga therapy creates space for self-enquiry and reflection, encouraging participants to listen inwardly, understand the body’s signals, and respond with compassion. This mindful awareness can reduce stress, improve mood, and build emotional resilience—qualities that are essential for navigating both recovery and daily life (Pascoe & Bauer, Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2015).

Yoga therapy also fosters a sense of empowerment. Instead of passively waiting for health to return, individuals learn practical skills to manage symptoms, ease discomfort, and nurture a positive outlook. Studies show that regular yoga practice can lower inflammation markers, improve immune function, and enhance quality of life in those recovering from illness (Bower et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2012). Simple practices, repeated regularly, can create profound changes in how the body and mind respond to challenges.

By integrating movement, stillness, and reflection, yoga therapy not only supports healing but also helps maintain overall health long after recovery. It offers tools that adapt to changing circumstances, ensuring that well-being is sustained in the face of life’s inevitable shifts.

Wellness is not just the absence of illness; it’s the presence of balance, vitality, and self-understanding. Through yoga therapy, this balance becomes not only possible, but sustainable.

Illness, whether sudden or long-term, can challenge every aspect of life—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Recovery is rarely a straight path, and true healing often requires more than medical treatment alone. Yoga therapy offers a complementary approach, guiding individuals toward renewed st...

06/03/2026

STRONG FOR LIFE 💪

Building strength isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about creating a body that supports you for life.

This small-group workshop (max 6 people) is designed to give you clarity and confidence around strength training, without overwhelm or burnout.

🧠 You’ll learn:
• Why strength training is one of the most powerful tools for longevity
• The fundamental movements that matter most (and how to do them safely)
• How to build strength consistently without overdoing it
• How to turn knowledge into habits that actually stick

📍 Twickenham (30 seconds from Maris Practice)
🗓 Saturday 28 March
⏰ 10:00–12:00
👥 Max 6 people
💷 £35 per person

If you’ve ever thought “I know strength training is important, I just don’t know where to start” — this is for you.

01/03/2026

Scenting your laundry with aromatherapy is a natural, non-toxic alternative to synthetic fragrances, using essential oils to provide pleasant scents while offering, in some cases, antibacterial or relaxing benefits.

We have recently discovered that putting wool balls in the dryer (using a dryer just for the final bit helps soften clothes meaning a conditioner isn't needed) with a couple of drops of essential oil adds a light but delightful scent - how about some lavender for bed linen, orange for towels and tea tree or peppermint for clothes (offering refreshment and deodorising effect).

Search for organic wool dryer balls and you will find lots of options

27/02/2026

Acupuncture is a system of medicine based on the fact that our body is an organised energy system, which, if out of balance, may cause disease.

The internal causes of disease include the emotions, which can affect the internal energies; the external causes of disease include the environment – the elements and our lifestyle.

A diagnosis of these imbalances requires precise knowledge of the interaction of the different flows of energy (meridians) – in Chinese medical terms the Chi – and the points of access to these flows. It also requires a superb manual skill to feel the “pulses” at the wrist which reveal the quality of these flows.

06/02/2026

Shorter daylight hours can influence:

- Serotonin (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter)
- Melatonin (which affects sleep)
- Blood sugar and cravings
- Energy metabolism

This is why many people naturally reach for warming, comforting foods. The good news? You can work with your body by choosing foods that steady your mood, enhance energy, and support immunity.

Read here for ideas on how to work with your body during these wet and cold months:

January often brings cold mornings, early sunsets, and a natural dip in motivation. What we often don’t realise is that winter can change the way our bodies function - from energy levels to mood, immunity, and digestion. The right winter-friendly foods can make a surprisingly big difference. Here....