The Jigsaw Method: A memorable book launch and the story behind it

The launch of The Jigsaw Method - Building Balance Into Your Diet Through the Power of the Moon, marked an inspiring moment in the journey of Alison Marsden. The book, born from years of personal challenges and transformative discoveries, was celebrated at two local cafes in Cumbria, with discussions, delicious food tastings, and fantastic support from attendees.

Here’s a look back at the event, Alison's incredible story that shaped the book, and the path forward for readers ready to embark on their own journey toward balance and wellness.

Alison’s story: A journey through challenges and discovery

The foundation of The Jigsaw Method lies in Alison's deeply personal and transformative journey, which began in 2005 during her second pregnancy. This period marked the first of many life-changing moments that led her to develop the insights and principles shared in her book.

A miscarriage and an intuitive awakening

While pregnant with her second child, Alison experienced a miscarriage at 12 weeks. It was an unexpected and harrowing ordeal that culminated in a near-fatal emergency hospitalisation. During this time, Alison began noticing an intriguing connection between her body’s needs and her food cravings. She had an overwhelming urge to drink coffee, a beverage she typically avoided. Later, she discovered that coffee is known in Chinese medicine for aiding elimination—a function her body desperately needed at that moment.

After the miscarriage, as her husband at the time sought to restore her strength with nourishing meals, Alison craved a dish that puzzled even herself: moussaka without the dairy, pasta, or meat. Onions, aubergines, and courgettes were what she specifically desired. Upon researching the properties of these foods, she found that aubergines are associated with cleansing the uterus, while onions are detoxifiers. This realisation marked the beginning of Alison’s journey into understanding the intuitive relationship between food and the body.

Three months later, after incorporating these healing foods into her diet, Alison conceived again and gave birth to her second child. This success deepened her commitment to exploring the profound wisdom her body seemed to possess.

Navigating postnatal detox and skin conditions

In 2008, two years after the birth of her second child, Alison developed a persistent skin condition. When conventional medicine failed to offer a solution, a herbalist recommended detoxing. Alison learned that her body had postponed its natural detox processes during pregnancy and breastfeeding to protect her baby, and now it was signalling the need to cleanse. After completing the detox, her skin condition improved, and her health flourished.

However, the condition returned the following spring, sparking a realisation that this detox pattern aligned with the lunar and seasonal cycles. At the time, Alison was practicing biodynamic gardening, a method that uses the moon’s phases to optimise plant growth. This connection inspired her to experiment with eating in alignment with lunar rhythms, which proved transformative. She discovered that the body naturally seeks a detox in spring, reinforcing her belief in the power of synchronised living.

The menopause journey and dietary adjustments

Years later, Alison faced new challenges as she entered perimenopause. Symptoms like hot flushes, panic attacks, and sleepless nights compounded the stress of caring for her family and navigating a difficult divorce. Once again, her body signalled what it needed through food cravings—this time, for fat. Intrigued, Alison researched the link between menopause and dietary needs, discovering that as oestrogen levels drop, the brain shifts to using fat as its primary energy source.

By adjusting her diet to include healthy fats and reducing carbohydrates, she significantly alleviated her symptoms. She even identified how timing meals influenced her experiences, such as avoiding carbs at night to prevent hot flushes. These insights not only improved her well-being but also empowered her to support clients experiencing similar challenges.

Client transformations and the birth of a book

Alison began sharing her discoveries with clients, achieving remarkable results. One client, for instance, experienced relief from tight, stiff hips after incorporating Alison’s dairy-free recipes into her diet. Inspired by these successes, Alison started offering workshops, cookery demonstrations, and handouts to help others implement her methods.

Her passion for helping people recover from illness through natural means grew into a desire to document her approach. The idea for a book was born, though the journey to publication was far from straightforward. Alison faced numerous setbacks, from publishing disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic to the challenges of navigating dyslexia. Yet, with determination and support, she finally published The Jigsaw Method in May 2024.

A personal and ancestral connection

Throughout her journey, Alison has drawn strength from her intuition and a sense of ancestral support. Her father, who battled bowel cancer and later developed dementia, remains a source of inspiration. Reflecting on his experiences and the link between diet and long-term health, Alison felt a profound calling to help others find balance through food and lifestyle.

Her story is not just about overcoming personal challenges but also about honouring the interconnectedness of body, mind, and the natural world. Alison's resilience and dedication shine through in her book, offering readers a unique roadmap to health and harmony.

A celebration of resilience and discovery

The book launch events were a testament to Alison's resilience and the profound impact of her work. Guests were treated to samples of recipes from the book, and Alison’s talk drew a deep connection between her personal story and the book’s teachings. The audience resonated with her journey, with one attendee commenting:

"I’m really blown away with your story in the video, Alison. It's so interesting to get the whole process of how you got to where you are now. So inspiring! Your strength, intuition, and sensitivity shine through :) Well done!!!"

This sense of inspiration was a common thread among attendees, as they reflected on Alison’s ability to transform adversity into a powerful framework for health and balance.

To see the video of Alison’s story as told at the book launch, visit: https://youtu.be/mHYlwBIt15c

Taking the next step: Courses to support your journey

For those eager to implement the principles of The Jigsaw Method, Alison offers two courses designed to bring the book’s teachings to life. The course includes:

·        Monthly Zoom Sessions: A supportive online space for participants to share progress, ask questions, and refine their approach to balanced living.

·        In-Person “Eat Light Tonight” Events: These gatherings provide a guided breathing meditation

and shared meals, fostering a community of like-minded individuals on the path to wellness.

To find out more and book a place, visit https://www.integratinghealth.com/shop

Alison’s holistic approach ensures that readers are not only equipped with the knowledge from her book but also the tools and support to transform their lives.

The Jigsaw Method is more than a book—it’s a movement toward mindful eating, harmonious living, and embracing the rhythms of nature. Whether you attended the launch or are just beginning to explore its principles, Alison’s story reminds us all of the power of resilience, intuition, and connection in shaping a healthier, more balanced life.