Black Lion Guest House What's On - Reflect Magazine

02 Complementary TherapyHolidays 03Find Your Inner Calm…Stress affects us all at some point inour lives and has been linked to anumber of physical and psychologicalailments; from backache and heartdisease, to anxiety and insomnia,prolonged exposure to stress canhave a devastating impact on ourhealth and well-being.There are numerous causes forstress, but our hectic day-to-day livescertainly don’t help. Trying to juggleour nine-to-five working lives withraising a family can leave us withlittle time to ourselves, but workrelatedstress, bereavement and thebreakdown of relationships can alladd to our worries and soon becomeoverwhelming.Research from Aviva RiskManagement Solutions found that13.5 million working days werelost during 2007-08 because ofwork-related mental health problems,including stress. The statistics havebeen blamed on Britain’s long-hoursculture, but it’s also been predictedthat these numbers will graduallyincrease in the future.Complementary and alternativetherapies are becoming increasinglypopular with those looking for away to relax and de-stress. In fact,a third of medical practices nowoffer some form of complementarymedicine in-house and a survey bythe Office for National Statistics,conducted in 2001, discovered thatone in ten people had used someform of complementary therapy in theprevious 12 months.There are numerous therapies tohelp you unwind and let go of yourworries, including Indian headmassage, which helps to release thebodies toxins and relax the upperback, neck, shoulders and arms.Healing has many calming propertiesand can also assist with removingnegative thoughts and negativeenergy. Reiki is an ancient Japanesesystem of natural healing which usesthe body’s own energy and can beeasily delivered to the patient, whocan be either sitting or lying downand is fully clothed throughout theprocess. The practitioner simplyplaces their hands strategically onthe body, with each position held forseveral minutes, leaving the patientfeeling de-stressed.Crystal healing can also bring similarbenefits to Reiki, but works by clearingenergy blockages and amplifyingspiritual energies. Different crystalsare used to focus on different healingenergies and are placed on areas ofthe body, helping to boost your healthand well-being.R A I N B O WH E A L I N GREIKI ~ Treatments & CoursesINDIAN HEAD MASSAGEHOPI EAR CANDLESANGEL WORKSHOPSPSYCHIC WORKSHOPSJUDY CAULDWELLReiki Master Teacher, BABTACTel 01773 828417 or07875 367 270www.rainbow-healing.org.ukReiki heals on all levels, calmingyet re-energising, promoting awonderful sense of well-being. It’snon-intrusive and clients remainfully clothed. I love using crystalsand colour with Reiki treatments,providing relaxing and gentle butpowerful healing sessions. LearningReiki is easy and will add a newdimension to your life – being ableto heal yourself, family, friendsand animals is amazing. RainbowHealing is based in Belper; alltreatments and courses are held ina relaxed, peaceful environment.Britain’s Best BreaksThe traditional British break made a phenomenalcomeback during 2009, as thousands of families flockedto our most popular coastal resorts in search of a nostalgicholiday. From donkey rides along the seafront to buildingsandcastles on the beach, children of all ages enjoyed arange of old-fashioned holiday favourites.Having been charmed by Britain’s great holiday resortslast year, many are now permanently swapping theirforeign breaks in favour of exploring our 1,200 towns andcities, and our hidden country gems. There are plenty ofbrand new experiences just waiting for you to enjoy as acouple or a family, including watersports, outdoor pursuits,historical sites and quiet, secluded open spaces.If you’re looking to enjoy a traditional British break during2010, Reflect have some inspiring ideas to help you find alocation that’s right for you...To ensure your holiday is packed with fun activities head toCornwall, which boasts an outstanding number of outdoorattractions, glorious beaches and breathtaking views.Whether you’re looking to relax with walks along the cliffs,get your adrenaline pumping with some rock climbing orabseiling, or simply lie on the area’s golden sands andread a good book, this county has it all. With so muchto see and do it’s no wonder Cornwall is a firm favouritewith British tourists. The Eden Project, The National SeaSanctuary in Gweek, and Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquariumare top tourist attractions for those who want to exploreeverything the county has to offer.Country holidays were also hugely popular with holidayingBrits last year, suggesting that many simply wanted toescape from it all. As rural retreats offer the unique chanceto relax in peace and quiet, whilst soaking up the beautifulBritish scenery, who can blame them. If you’re looking fora holiday that can offer wide open spaces and tranquillityin abundance then the wonders of Wales will help you feelrelaxed and refreshed in no time.Wales is covered by three stunning National Parks,covering a huge 20% of the total land area. ThePembrokeshire Coast, Brecon Beacons and SnowdoniaNational Parks are all breathtakingly beautiful and provideover 4000 square kilometres of greenery and mountains toexplore, either on foot or by bike. With traditional markettowns, castles, caves and waterfalls to discover, you’llnever want to leave.TreventonGuest HouseEN-SUITE or STANDARD ROOMSAll rooms with H/C and Shaver/DryerpointsTea/Coffee making facilities andColour TelevisionCentral Heating - Easy ParkingIdeal choice for those seeking a quietrelaxing holiday, 200 yards of level walkingto the Promenade.Guest Accommodation: 7 rooms1 Family en-suite sleeps 5 people3 Double en-suite1 Single en-suite £301 Twin standardCharge: £28 PPPN En-suite£25 StandardAlexander Place,Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4NETel: 01736 363521Enter The Fascinating World Of CrystalsOver the last decade, complementary andalternative therapies have increased inpopularity, as more and more people lookto treat the cause of their illness rather thanthe symptoms. Crystal Healing is one therapythat may help. It works with the energy ofspecific crystals to clear energy blockagesin your body, to create a sense of relaxationand well-being.The Vantol College of Crystal Therapy, basedin Egham, Surrey, offers a two-year professionaldiploma course in Crystal Therapy, accredited bythe CMA (Complementary Medical Association)and the BCH (British Crystal Healers). Establishedin 1992 by experienced healer and qualifiedCrystal Healer, Lettie Vantol, The Vantol Collegeof Crystal Therapy is a great place to learn moreabout the fascinating world of crystals.Lettie told Reflect: “I established The Vantol Collegeof Crystal Therapy because I knew there was a needand a desire from people to learn more about Crystals;but nowhere that was already established wanted tohelp me spread the word, so I started my own college.I was a bit ahead of time, as now everybody wants toknow more about Crystal Healing. I’ve been interestedand qualified in alternative therapies since 1983 andam currently qualified to practice a dozen differenttherapies, including Aromatherapy, Reflexology andLymph Drainage, but Crystal Healing is the therapyfor me. Crystal Therapy is very powerful and oftenshows up the cause of symptoms, which in turn can betreated. ”The Vantol College diploma course is a twoyearstudy programme that takes place on 16weekends, spread across the two years, butstudents are expected to conduct their ownindividual theoretical study during that time, aswell as practical work.Reflect have been so impressed by what Lettieoffers, and the feedback from her students,that we have selected her for a Certificate ofRecognition for Spiritual Development.On hearing the news of her Certificate, Lettiesaid: “I’m very honoured to receive this recognition. Ithighlights the importance of an in-depth training andemphasises the fact that crystals are not just prettythings, but powerful tools with great healing potentialin the hands of an experienced, qualified Crystaltherapist.”The next diploma course offered by The VantolCollege of Crystal Therapy starts in September2010. Anybody interested in applying should callLettie on 01932 423696. Alternatively, moreinformation on the college, the course, and CrystalHealing can be found atwww.vantolcollege.co.uk.If you’re interested in crystal therapy, Lettie hasalso written a book, ‘Crystals, Strong and Beautiful’,which can be purchased via The Vantol College oronline at www.amazon.co.uk for £12.50.Wales is an excellent destination for aholiday at any time of year. One placeoffering a warm and friendly welcome toall their guests is The Black Lion GuestHouse, winners of a Reflect Certificate ofRecognition for Wales’ Hidden Gem.Situated in the historical market town ofAbergavenny and owned by Hazel and MikeGray, The Black Lion Guest House boasts fivebedrooms: an en-suite family room with privatelounge, an en-suite twin room, two twin roomsand a single room.As it’s the mostimportant meal ofthe day, breakfastat The Black LionGuest Houseoffers a variety ofchoice, to suit allThe Black Lion Guest House Awarded Certificate of Recognitiontastes and dietaryrequirements.Choices includefresh fruit, cereal,yoghurt, bacon andsausages, eggsof all kinds, andeven kippers or acontinental witha strong Welshinfluence, if that’s how you like to start the day.Everything is locally sourced, and everythingis home-cooked. Evening meals can also beprovided upon request, along with packedlunches if required.Hazel said: “There’s a wealth of attractionsin the area, just waiting to be discovered andenjoyed by the whole family. We’re locatedjust 30-minutesfrom the EnglishBorder and in theheart of the BreconBeacons and TheBlack Mountains,just five minutesfrom the Breconand MonmouthshireCanal, so there’s anabundance of opportunities for country walks.There’s also an abundance of opportunitiesfor fishing, cycling, and golf, especially withthe Ryder Cup being held here from 29thSeptember until 3rd October. Also we are only30-minutes from Cardiff by Train.”With prices ranging from £45 per person, pernight for an en-suite bedroom, to £35pppn fora non en-suite bedroom (£10 single occupancysupplement), a break to The Black Lion GuestHouse won’t break the bank.Hazel added: “We’re a very warm and homelyplace and we’ve had guests stay with us whohave commented that they’ve felt like one ofthe family rather than a paying guest. We reallygo out of our way to ensure every one of ourguests is. Previous feedback can be found onour website www.blacklionaber.co.uk, whereone comment states the only problem theyhave with The Black Lion Guest House is whenit’s time to leave!”As well as The Black Lion Guest House,Hazel and Mike have recently startedwork transforming The Navigation Inn andRestaurant, located on the Gilwern Canal. TheNavigation Inn and Restaurant will have 10 ensuitebedrooms, three of which will be locateddownstairs to specifically cater for disabledholidaymakers. The restaurant will seat 50people, and as it’s located at the rear of theproperty, will have wonderful views over thecanal and surrounding valley.Contact: Mike or Hazel GrayTel: 01873 851920Web: www.blacklionaber.co.ukEmail: blacklionaber@aol.com