PRESIDENT Jenny Friar welcomed everyone to the September meeting. She informed members about the Centenary Challenge to make a quilt, and that tickets were on sale for the group meeting on October 15 and also for the Chinese supper on October 18.

The guest speaker was Rosie Hoyle, a complementary medicine practitioner, who talked about her different approach to treating patients.

In contrast to Western medicine, the whole of the body should be considered, as well as state of mind, lifestyle and nutrition. This requires time as well as extensive knowledge of all branches of complementary medicine.

One of the first things is to gauge whether the patient is either “ying” or “yang” and if these two elements are out of balance. She then asked members about their experiences and the results, and there followed a discussion about the different types of massage.

Treatment can include acupuncture, reflexology, massage, reiki, hypnotherapy as well as herbal remedies.

Soles of the feet are very important as different areas relate to other parts of the body. A model showing the many acupuncture points was circulated, as well as a wide selection of leaflets to take away.

The next meeting is on October 9 in the Village Hall, Norley Road, visitors welcome. For information please phone 01606 888446.

Elizabeth Brown