Vicki’s 4 Pillars to Improve Your Health & Happiness
Twenty years ago, at just 58, my mum sadly passed away from pneumonia after years of living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). That same year, I had two severe relapses that left me wheelchair-bound for a period, I too received the diagnosis of MS. The news was both a shock and a turning point in my life, forcing me to reflect deeply on my experience and my mother's journey with the illness.
When the neurologist recommended Disease Modifying Treatments (DMTs), I knew it wasn’t right for me. While I respect those who choose medication, something deep inside, told me to look elsewhere. I wanted to understand my body, to listen to it, and to find ways to manage MS that aligned with my values and hopes for the future.
Determined to take control of my health, I explored natural methods and holistic practices. I wasn’t willing to let MS dictate my life or define my future. Instead, I was driven by resilience, determination and a desire to thrive, not just survive. I wanted to strengthen my immune system and not suppress it. With that mindset, I set out on a journey of research and experimentation, eager to discover what natural strategies could help me regain balance and wellbeing in my life.
With my resilience I went to work researching what I could do naturally to gain control of this potentially debilitating disease and found Dr Ashton Embry whose son Matt Embry was diagnosed with MS in 1995. They founded MS Hope, and through science-based facts published an eating plan called the ‘Best Bet Diet’ (and other great suggestions) - I started following a gluten, dairy and legume free diet. I did also experiment with Wahls too, but that wasn’t for me.
Seeking further improvement, as fatigue was debilitating and very challenging with a young child, I committed to a three-month programme titled ‘Live Disease Free’. This led me to embrace a ‘Nutritional Ketogenic Diet’, which is low in carbohydrates, but rich in protein and healthy fats, while concurrently sticking to the ‘Best Bet Diet’. Through this holistic lens, I learnt to target the underlying causes of chronic disease and inflammation. The programme expanded to include herbal parasite cleanses, enemas, leaky gut treatment, and addressing issues like Lyme disease, fungal and mould infections, minimising electromagnetic field exposure and reflecting on any past.
Fast forward to today, and I am symptom-free from MS. Occasional brain fog, mood swings and lethargy do crop up, which make me wonder: is it menopause, MS, or simply the passage into middle age? Nonetheless, I now enjoy a robust, healthy lifestyle 20 years on, rooted in regular exercise, wholesome nutrition and effective stress management—what I call my ‘Four Pillars to Improving Health & Happiness’.
My journey has not been straightforward, but I have learned how to treat the root cause of chronic disease and inflammation, using a holistic approach. As time has passed, both my body and circumstances have changed, requiring constant adaptation and a willingness to try alternative approaches. I’ve accumulated a ‘toolbox’ filled with therapies, ideas, supplements, diets, and invaluable connections. Sometimes I return to these resources, sometimes I set them aside, but they remain available whenever needed.
Here are the details of my ‘Four Pillars’:
· Diet: Eat a balanced diet tailored for your body—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy proteins, and good fats. Hydration is key. Minimise processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine, and be mindful of trigger foods.
· Exercise: Incorporate regular movement such as yoga, walking, running, cycling, swimming, and strength training. Blend cardiovascular, strength and gentler forms of exercise for holistic wellbeing.
· Manage Stress: Discover positive outlets for stress relief including meditation, mindfulness practices, yoga, breath work, pursuing hobbies, socialising, journaling, or creative pursuits. Avoid alcohol, caffeine (even green tea), overly strenuous exercise and drugs.
· Lifestyle: Surround yourself with uplifting people, prioritise good sleep, laughter, dance, and music, eliminate harmful chemicals from food, skincare, and cleaning products, reduce multitasking, establish healthy morning and evening routine and distance yourself from toxic people or environments.
Based on both my personal journey and research, focusing on Diet, Exercise, Managing Stress and Lifestyle offers a powerful foundation for day-to-day health. Maybe choose one area to work on if you feel overwhelmed - whether it’s reducing disease symptoms and pain, addressing weight, navigating menopause, overcoming addiction, healing childhood trauma, or simply adapting to a new stage of life. I’m confident you’ll notice and feel the benefits and find yourself inspired to keep exploring new ways to thrive.
Much Love
Vicki x
I invite you to come to my Spring Equinox Retreat Saturday 21st March, where I will be expanding further on my Four Pillars to Improving Your Health & Happiness in a half day Yoga and Wellbeing Retreat in Wimborne, Dorset.
This will be an opportunity to go away with a plan and a ‘spring’ in your step!
(Book with a friend and receive 10% off - use code BRINGAFRIEND10)
Thank you for reading — please get in touch if this has affected you.
I’m here to listen and support. Contact me to:
share how you’re feeling
ask about gentle yoga, breathwork or Yoga for Men
explore menopause-friendly or ayurvedic practices
find classes, courses or retreats in Dorset with me
get nourishing skincare and self-care recommendations