Wellness Guru: Jenny McElvaney, Nutritional Therapist

We're really lucky at Wellclik.com HQ to get to meet some of the most inspiring therapists and wellness practitioners in the world on a regular basis. People who are dedicating their lives to helping their clients live happier, healthier lives, designing new methods of treatment, nurturing the tried and tested methods of the past that are proven to work and ultimately educating us all to how these methods can be woven into everyday life.

One such person is our own Jenny McElvaney, a nutritional therapist from Dublin, Ireland, who specialises in working with cancer survivors. As a cancer survivor herself, she knows first-hand the journey her clients are on and has a wealth of knowledge on the subject. I sat down with Jenny to ask her to share this knowledge with you all today ahead of her appearance at Thrive wellness festival this weekend in Kilruddery House.

1. Tell us about yourself, and how you got to be where you are today?

As a result of being diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2009, I started my training as a Nutritional Therapist and then a Herbalist, and have furthered my training to Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and developed my business, JM Complementary Therapies. I now specialise in working with those going through their own cancer journey.

I have found that those having conventional treatment need support around what they can do for themselves. Complementary Therapies can offer self-empowerment and gives them a sense of control, in order to take better care of themselves.

As a result of my training with botanical medicine, I have developed JM Skincare, and my first product will be available to purchase from my website in the coming weeks. It is a natural, organic, facial serum, which offers women the reassurance of using toxin-free and cruelty-free skincare.

2. Tell us how you spend your average working day

I like to start my morning by reading up on research or studying, before going to the gym. After the gym, I have my first meal, and my workday begins. I see clients at various times throughout the day. I generally deal with my email and phone calls later in the day, so they aren't pulling me away from other tasks.

Outside of work, I spend time with my husband, family and friends. I also love reading books and spending time experimenting with new skincare recipes.

3. What inspires you?

I’m inspired by the many people I work with who have been diagnosed with cancer and have made the decision to turn their diet and lifestyle around. It takes courage and self-awareness to be able to take this first step, and I find working with them to be inspiring and extremely rewarding.

4. What’s your goal in life?

My goal is to offer nutritional consultations, herbs, acupuncture and natural skincare, to make people's lives easier and healthier.

There are many therapies that can be used in conjunction with conventional treatment, such as pain management therapies, the use of immune modulating herbs and dietary interventions. Many people are unaware of the vast range of complementary therapies and natural skincare options available to them, and my goal is to bring this information to them.

5. What does Wellness mean to you?

Wellness to me, means looking at every aspect of your life and working on each one. It’s not just about diet and exercise, but other aspects play equally significant roles, such as environmental and emotional state.

In today’s world, it’s easy to get sucked in to a time-poor way of living, and it takes a conscious effort to step away from this and slow your life down, in order to take care of yourself. I was once told, “nobody will care about your health like you do”, and it’s so true. We must make ourselves a priority or it will have a knock-on effect on everyone and everything around us.

To me, without wellness, we literally have nothing.

6. What advice would you give to a person looking to change their lifestyle to a happier healthier one?

Don’t take your health for granted. Look after yourself now in order to stay well in 10, 20 and even 30 years from now.

Begin to form a habit with one aspect of your life. If you fall off the wagon, don’t give up. Pick yourself back up and start again.

Lastly, get support if possible. Having a partner, friend or coach can help keep you on track, especially in the beginning.

7. Tell us about your business?

I offer complementary therapies as well as natural skincare products. The aim of JM Complementary Therapies at jennymcelvaney.com, is to provide the consumer with therapies and skincare products that will enhance their wellbeing, and that will offer them reassurance that they are doing everything they can to help themselves.

I see clients on a one-to-one basis, either face to face or on Skype, and also do group talks. I’m also busy behind the scenes creating more natural skincare products.

8. Tell us your Top 3 Tips for Wellness?

1. Take care of your body, and it will take care of you.

2. Get enough Sleep.

3. Believe in your own ability to change your world.

9. So what’s next in your career/life?

I plan to continue to grow JM Skincare Products, finish my Acupuncture and TCM studies, and to have as much fun as possible doing both.

Find out more about Jenny McElvaney and her Complementary Therapies HERE jennymcelvaney.com and on WELLCLIK.COM

To find a Nutritional Therapist in your area or online, simply visit Wellclik.com

About Thrive Wellness Festival

Thrive, Groove Festival’s all new health, fitness and wellness precinct, offers festival goers the chance to relax, rejuvenate and reenergise the mind, body and soul through our weekend program of over 35 free movement classes, wellness workshops and inspirational talks.

Featuring over 20 leading names from the world of health, fitness and wellness, including Jenny McElvaney (above), Derval O’Rourke, Roz Purcell and Andrea Hayes, the broad program promises to challenge, excite and inspire.

Set in a secluded woodland sanctuary within Killruddery’s gardens, Groove Festival goers can find their flow in a gentle yoga class, let their hair down in a vibrant dance class, or take a seat at the Thrive Talks Stage to discover the secrets to nourishing the body and mind inside and out. Then it’s time to dance the night away to Groove Festival’s stellar line up of top international and local music acts, tuck into wholesome festival fayre, and discover all that the new and improved festival has to offer.

If you’re excited by health, fitness and wellness Thrive is the place for you.

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