mind, body, spirit

Alchemy

In the busy rush of Camden Market London, there's a place of stillness and peace. The Centre called Alchemy. Like the medieval science for which it's named, it is defined by discovery and transformation. Here, you'll find some of the newest and oldest methods for aligning body, mind, and soul through yoga, meditation, holistic therapies, and more. Offers traditional forms of yoga, including Kundalini, Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Jivamukti yoga, meditation circles, life counseling or a variety of restorative holistic therapies such as reiki, acupuncture, and massage - the choice is yours. Alchemy, Unit 101 · Stables Market · Chalk Farm Road · London · NW1 8AH. Tel: 020 7267 6188. Map Ref: D6

Acumedic

Acumedic is the largest and oldest Chinese medical organisation outside Asia. This Camden-based centre offers a full range of services for both professionals and the general public. The extensive shop sells a huge range of books and health and beauty products with knowledgeable and helpful staff on hand to help you find exactly what you are looking for. The centre houses a clinic with a Chinese herbs dispensary and a new tea room. It also runs acupuncture courses for local doctors and health professionals. Acumedic is the place to go for anyone interested in Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Acumedic: 101-105 Camden High Street, NW1. Tel: 020 7388 6704. Map ref: E17

Soho Gyms, Camden

The Camden Town branch of the fashionable Soho Gyms group is located on Camden High Street just opposite the tube station. With no joining fees and no need for long term contracts you can pay as you go in one of London’s most vibrant social scenes. Soho Gyms are as much a place for meeting and making new friends as they are for working out, however, an impressive array of cardiovascular, resistance and free weights equipment covering 10,000 square feet of gym floor cater for even the most dedicated fitness fanatic. Combine your workout with a bit of star spotting to the sounds of London’s top DJs playing live on the gym floor. Soho Gyms memberships start from just £25 per month, day and week visitor passes available from £5. For info call 0207482 4524

Heruka meditation classes

Heruka Buddhist Centre offers meditation classes on Wednesday evenings. They explain: "If we examine our life we will discover that most of our time and energy is devoted to mundane activities, such as seeking material and emotional security, enjoying sensory pleasures, or establishing a good reputation. Although these things can make us happy for a short time, they are not able to provide the deep lasting contentment that we long for. Sooner or later our happiness turns into dissatisfaction. If our mind is pure and peaceful we'll be happy, regardless of our external conditions. The purpose of meditation is to cultivate those states of mind that are conducive to peace and well-being, and to eradicate those that aren't." Meditation classes: Wednesday nights, 7pm - 8.30pm, Cecil Sharp House, (English Folk Dance & Song Society), 2 Regent’s Park Road
London NW1 7AY. Try a class for £8. Tel: 0208 455 7563 for more details.