Health, Beauty and Lifestyle with Denise McNamara

Julie Clarke had a serious car accident in 2006 which left her with life-changing injuries. She hit her head on the steering wheel and it caused cervical dystonia which is in the family of Parkinsons, damaging the part of the brain that covers muscle movement.

Her body locked down, leaving her with a neck twist, a raised shoulder and involuntary muscle movement.

There was little understanding of her condition here and medics gave her no hope of recovery.

It took a long time to get a real diagnosis, she recalls.

She went to London and eventually to Russia for treatment for what medics over there called post traumatic dystonia. ‘Scenar’ (Self Controlled Energo Neuro Adaptive Regulation) therapy based on the principles of acupuncture and shiatsu is what proved her salvation.

“My recovery journey spanned many years and some dark days. Along the way I had some inspirational teachers and I learned the power of meditation, sitting still and visualising,” she explains.

Before the crash, Julie was involved with community and adult education, working mainly with the Traveller community, but had to give it up due to her level of pain.

In 2014 she decided to pursue her passion for natural candles and botanical fragrance that can aid in general wellbeing.

“My mission was to create beautiful products that bring joy into people’s lives and help people to sit still.”

Pictured: Julie Clarke