A WELLBEING expert and author from Kendal is launching a one-day event that promises to benefit participants’ bodies and minds.

As well as yoga and movement, the Cumbrian retreat founded by Alison Marsden will look at how to harness the power of the moon to rebalance diet and bring healing to stressed digestive systems.

Later during the event, Lake District artist Fiona Clucas will lead a creative workshop inspired by foraged wild food.  

The whole event, held at the Hare Hill Barn at Cartmel Fell, has been devised to give people the opportunity to reset their digestive systems and relax their bodies, but also to go away with knowledge of how to bring continued improvement to their lives.

Alison has taught the Alexander Technique since 2001 and is also trained in reflexology and as a yoga teacher. She runs cookery demonstrations and teaches her Rebalancing Your Diet Programmes.

She said: “This is for people who need some me-time to nurture themselves. It will help them increase their flexibility, improve their posture and calm their minds. It is also the opportunity to reset their digestive system – all in one day.

“The retreat offers yoga for all levels of ability with enlivening yoga in the morning and drawing from foraged food in the afternoon with Fiona Clucas. Lunch will be my own delicious vegan and paleo friendly recipes.”

Alison will use theories from her latest book The Jigsaw Method to inform the day’s menu. In the book, she documents her principles of aligning diet to the moon phases and to eating to support particular organs.

She said: “The Jigsaw Method is the result of many years helping clients with their digestive issues. It’s not a diet, it’s a holistic approach to food and bringing your body back into balance.”

Fiona Clucas is a member of The Lake Artists Society and the Society of Wildlife Artists. She is inspired by the local landscape, its wildlife and flora.

She will be helping retreat participants access their observational skills and be in the moment.

She said: “Drawing from life is a wonderful way to connect with nature. Absorbing and relaxing, it can feel almost meditative. Lose yourself in the beautiful forms and structures of foraged plants, observe their individual details and make simple life drawings.”

The retreat takes place on Saturday, August 17 from 10.15am to 4.30pm at the scenic Hare Hill Barn at Cartmel Fell.

For more information contact Alison on 07929 151240 or visit her website: integratinghealth.com.