GIVE ME THERAPY!

One of the ideas from The Spark

Tired, stressed, lost and in need of a change? Maybe you need to visit Sparkland, the alternative world in the West Country, where people go to get back in tune or discover hidden talents.

In 1993 The Spark was launched in Bristol. It was the first magazine of its kind in the UK - though there were similar publications across America.

Its distribution area covers from Glastonbury and Bridgwater in the south to Stroud in the North, with Bristol being its main centre.

Spark Editor John Dawson

Its pages are filled with guides from homeopathic medicine to organic food suppliers, acupuncture to ayurveda and witchcraft for the 21st century to ethical investment.

Editor John Dawson says:"The spark isn't just about touchyfeeliness, it's about basic health stuff like organic food and whathaveyou.

"I think a lot of people - normal people - have this in their lives now. You go and see an osteopath if you have a bad back, you might have healthier food.

"Organic food, when we first started, was a bit odd and now it's really mainstream stuff'."

So what delights will you find rummaging through The Spark.

The Bristol Laughter Club, where 'no experience is needed', is more than just a bit of light relief.

Laughing is good for you

In India, Dr Madan Kataria, founder and President of Laughter Clubs International, has developed yogic techniques of laughter therapy.

This is where hundreds of people get together and just laugh.

It is reported that just a simple smile can trigger your endorphins - the body's natural painkillers - and make you feel good. There is scientific evidence that this is the case.

Try Touch Drawing.

In Cheddar you can practice Touch Drawing, an import from America where the artistic and not so artistic create pictures with their hands using oil based paints, a roller, and a sheet of tissue paper.

Recharge batteries with Reiki

Sue Mason, the Touch Drawing Facilitator, explains.

"Touch Drawing is all about being playfully creative - it's giving people the opportunity to be creative and artistic.

"The majority of people say 'I can't draw, I can't paint', but anybody and everybody can do this."

Other alternatives advertised in The Spark include Reiki treatment sessions (this Japanese word means Universal Energy and claims to strengthen the immune system or re-charge an empty battery), and there's also Ben Lawrence's Ghana Drum Workshop.

So one thing's for sure, you're never short of alternatives in the West Country.