A MUM-of-six who gave birth to five of her children without pain relief and three at home says it's all down to yoga, breathing and relaxation.

Heather Lucas is a keen believer of natural healing therapy and is currently studying for a reiki masters degree in the subject.

The 44-year-old, of Swanlow Lane in Winsford, has been practising natural healing for more than 20 years and claims she has used her talents to help cure her children's ailments over the years.

She is a certified reflexologist and also has qualifications in relaxation therapy, yoga, nutrition, natural healing and first aid in herbal medicine.

Heather described how she has used her profession to help others.

She said: "When my son Christian was about one-and-a-half he used to have problems with his digestive system.

"I gave him slippery elm, a thick paste or glue which you swallow, and it really helped him.

"I also use reflexology and flower remedies to help my husband, Michael, who has had a back defect since birth. Fortunately, he now only has to have minimum pain relief from the doctor."

Heather is now working towards a reiki masters degree at Manchester in natural healing therapy.

She described her work: "Reiki helps to speed up natural healing processes, working on mental, physical and emotional levels.

"Energy is directed by the laying on of hands allowing the areas that need more energy to take as much as they need.

"If somebody has an emotional problem that they are keeping inside, the reiki treatment will help it to surface and then they can deal with it."

But Heather's ultimate ambition is to work with a doctor at his practice, treating people with stress related illnesses or other problems where natural healing can assist.

"Reflexology is good for problems with the kidney or bladder, asthma or congestion, among others," she explained.

"Also conditions such as tension headaches, muscular problems and other stress related problems can be greatly improved by following anti-stress therapy."

Around 12 regular clients currently visit Heather's home for treatment but she would like to take on more.

She said: "People are very welcome to book an appointment and come along to try out a treatment.

"When they first told my husband Michael there was nothing they could do for his back problem I thought perhaps I could help and now his condition has really improved."

"I have even had expectant mothers visit me for advice about relaxing the mind and suitable yoga exercises during pregnancy."

Heather is a good person to ask about this in view of the fact she has six children, Jared, Ammaron, Carissa, Christian, Samuel and Venetia-Faith whose ages range from eight to 24.

"Five of my children I had with no pain relief, I just used yoga, breathing and relaxation to prepare for their births," she said.

"I went on to have the last three at home and by the time I had the last one, Venetia-Faith, I had it down to a tee."

Heather can be contacted on 01606 559428.

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