We have been Awarded Finalists in the 2011/12 St George and Sutherland Shire Local Business Awards!

 

We are proud to announce that we are finalists in the 2011/12 St George & Sutherland Shire Local Business Awards!  Thank you to all the clients who put in nominations for us.  We are very appreciative and it makes us proud that you thought we were an excellent choice for your natural health care needs.  We also boast that we are the only natural therapies clinic to have received a nomination from anywhere in both districts.

Thankyou!  We look forward to your ongoing support and will continue to care for your wellbeing during 2012.

Five Ways to Manage Stress

1. Get Adequate Sleep – minimum 8 hours a night
• During sleep our bodies go into restoration mode. There is a release of certain chemicals in our body to revive the nervous system and health of the immune system so we are more resistant to stress and disease.
2. Optimal Hydration
• The fluid in our bodies allow for all the chemical and biological process to occur including energy production and muscle function. It is also essential for elimination of wastes from the body.
• Keep an eye on tea and coffee consumption as this actually dehydrate you,  clean, filtered, pure water is best!
3. Regular Exercise
• Exercise promotes blood flow through the body which supplies oxygen and nutrients to all body cells for tissue health and releases tension stored in the body. It also increases endorphins which make you feel happy. Balanced, regular exercise is your best happy pill!
4. Diet
• Sources of essential fatty acids such as fish, flax seed oil, nuts and avocado improves cell membrane health and function of the brain.   We have  great omega 3 essential fatty acid supplements available at the clinic.  Meta Pure EPA/DHA is a fish oil supplement that is more than double strength so you don’t  have to take as many capsules.  It also has been put through a special purifying process that keeps the quality perfect but  ensures you don’t receive the heavy metal contamination that is possible in other brands.
• Antioxidants found in berries, green tea, fresh fruits and vegetables, protect cells and tissues against the damaging effects of stress.
• The B Vitamins are essential for carbohydrate metabolism, energy production and healthy nerve tissue.  We  have Vitamin B supplements available at the clinic suitable for men, women and children.  Tresos B Pluse is great at 1 per day for everyone and Womens Essentials is great for busy women with a lot going on in their lives.  It also contains a stress component to further support our nervous systems.
• Magnesium relaxes muscles and the nervous system.   With our busy lifestyles our body tends to use a lot of magnesium.   Magnesium keeps tension out of our muscles and tissues and supports our blood sugars and stress.   Mag Bio complex is a great tablet option and Fibroplex plus is a great tropical flavoured powdered option.
• Potassium energizes and strengthens muscles and nerve function.
• It is important to avoid saturated fats (‘bad’ fats) as they cause oxidation and deterioration of tissue and cells.  A diet high in quality protein like fish, along with salads and veggies is a great way to keep healthy.
5. Meditation
• Re-establishes harmony in the body by reducing the excessive bombardment of all the external information on the nervous system and the brain.
• Brings us back to reality and helps us let go of the little things.
• Also Massage, Thai Chi and yoga are great stress relievers.  Ask our receptionist for information on our heavenly massages.  They are tailored to your needs and we use soothing warm towels in the cooler months so that you will be warm and cosy during your massage.

Tracie and her colleagues at the clinic, have a number of very safe and effective herbal remedies in tablet and liquid form that can help you with your stress.   We have herbs that help your body systems that are under pressure and remedies to settled jangled nerves as well as feelings of lowness.  If you are very exhausted we also have wonderful remedies to raise your energy levels and vitality.

Book an appointment today by calling 02 9545 2992 and get back to feeling calm, energized and brand new!

Myofascial Cupping

“Cupping” is an ancient practice in which a cup is placed on the skin, and through having the pressure inside the cup reduced, skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn towards and held in the cup.

Myofascial cupping is a modified version of this Eastern technique, which particularly targets the musculoskeletal system rather than just the meridian systems used by traditional Chinese practitioners. It will draw blood from deeper tissue towards the skin and muscle, which can easily become congested  and achy. Applying the cups to various regions of the body that are affected by pain, can bring quick and effective relief .

Two of our therapists have integrated cupping as an option into our regular therapy techniques that can be performed during your remedial massage.  All the techniques are gentle  and can be implemented with your massage treatment, especially if you have some tight, sore and achy areas.

Mention if you would like “cupping” when you book your next massage and we will ensure that we put you with a therapist who  can perform this type of therapy and who will also answer any questions you may have.

Book your massage treatment that includes cupping today with Maryanna or Angie by calling 9545 2992.

Green Tea

It is common knowledge that green tea is high in antioxidants and has many health benefits. Black tea and green tea are both produced from the same plant – Camellia sinensis. So what makes green tea better?

Black tea is made from oxidised leaves whereas green tea leaves are not oxidised at all. This means that green tea has a higher antioxidant effect than black tea and has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol and scavenge free radicals. Green tea also has less caffeine than black tea. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of green tea may reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Research also shows that it may be useful for sunburn protection, reducing dental plaque formation, diabetes and weight loss.

Tea is now considered to be the world’s most popular drink after water. So why not give green tea a try?   If you are having trouble sleeping or are on a low caffeine program with the clinic, keep green tea to 1 per day.  Consumption earlier in the day is preferred.  Your Naturopath can guide you with this.

A new food pyramid for wellbeing!

Hands up all those who remember learning about the old food pyramid at school? Unfortunately new detailed research has shown us that this old pyramid
is highly incorrect and not serving us when we use it to decide our eating choices. For example this latest research has shown that we are having way too many carbohydrates.

But the good news is that you don’t have to go back to school- to help you we have attached the latest healthy food and lifestyle pyramid. Eat according to the pyramid and take on board the healthy lifestyle choices – this will ensure you great wellbeing.

Super Foods

Tired of diets that just tell you what not to eat? Ongoing research continues to help us make informed decisions about the best foods for health and weight control. Nourishing foods containing good fats, some protein and low GI carbohydrates will be the best thing for you. Satisfy your hunger with more of the  unprocessed plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, whole grains and legumes high in fibre –  they also have a high ratio of nutrients to kilojoules.

Try some fish and seafood rich in omega-3 fats prepared using healthy cooking methods (no microwave) – they offer significant health benefits.

Here are some other tips….

Go for deep-coloured fruit and veg

Because your brain burns so much oxygen, it’s a prime target of free radicals. Antioxidants slow mental decline and help prevent your brain from age-related disease. Fruit and veg are powerful antioxidant warriors – choose options with deep colour, such as plums, figs, red lettuce, avocados and spinach.

Drink Apple juice

These days we have to watch all juice consumption because of the amount of sugar in our diets however researchers believe apple juice may mimic drugs that shield against brain disease. It is suggested that apple juice hypes acetylcholine by supplying antioxidants, mainly quercetin, that prevent damage to neurons by free radicals states Massachusetts scientist cellular biologist Thomas Shea PhD.

Eat berries

Even small amounts of berries keep your memory intact. According to researchers at Rush Medical Center in Chicago, older women who ate strawberries once a fortnight slowed their cognitive decline by 16 per cent.

Don’t forget Vitamin D

An increasing number of studies reveal that when your vitamin D levels are low, brain health may suffer. One such report published in Neurology late last year suggests that weekly intake of less than 35 mg is linked with a greater incidence of cognitive impairment. It is suggested that Vitamin D binds to neuronal receptors in the brain, and develops an anti-neurodegenerative action,—one that may be anti-inflammatory and antioxidative.

Don’t forget Vitamin E

Similarly, Vitamin E is receiving attention as a potential brain shield. In a study published in the Archive of Neurology, subjects who consumed the highest amounts of the vitamin were 25 per cent less likely to develop an age-related brain condition that those with the lowest average consumption. Vitamin E, say scientists from the Netherlands’ Eramus Medical Center, may exert an antioxidant effect which counters the oxidative stress induced by a build up of the protein beta-amyloid, a substance that develops as plaque in the brain, which can damage brain cells.  Our Naturopaths will give you the best advice on how to get Vitamin D and E into your sytem.

Get plenty of Iron

When you’re low in iron your attention span drops, you’re less emotionally responsive and you show poorer cognitive performance. The good news: a deficiency is easily treated.  See one of our Naturopaths if you suspect you’re running low on iron, but  top up  on natural sources such as red meat, poultry, oysters, fish and spinach. Vitamin C aids your body’s ability to absorb iron, so combine foods with both nutrients when you can!

Tip: caffeine reduces your ability to absorb iron, so don’t team a coffee with your rump steak.

Further guidance about these super foods can be given during a consultation with one of our Naturopaths.  Likewise,  if  food isn’t enough to strengthen you,  we can devise a plan including food and supplementation to get you back on track and fighting fit again!    Call the clinic on  02 9545 2992 today for an appointment!

Insufficient Vitamin D…. Are you at risk?

With summer in full swing and many of us holidaying around the fabulous waterways and beaches one would think that our sun exposure would provide enough vitamin D to induce adequate levels in the body. Unfortunately this is not the case – factors such as age, time of the day, geography, season, part of body exposed to sunlight, showering directly after sun exposure and the use of sunscreen all affect endogenous production of this very important vitamin.

UVB rays from the sun are a major source of vitamin D, but they have many other well-documented dangers. Australia’s sun safety mantra of “slip, slop, slap” has been drilled into the national consciousness for good reason.  Recent research findings show that the trend of working and spending leisure time indoors, wearing sunscreen and covering up when outdoors, mean people need to rethink how and if they are getting enough vitamin D.

Most vitamin D is produced by sun exposure and an activation process that involves the liver and kidneys. Because prolonged sun exposure to UVB rays is known to promote cancer it is difficult to find that safe medium.

However, it is hard to rely on diet alone to adequately fulfil the essential requirements of vitamin D. Sources include fish such as, halibut, mackerel, salmon, herring, tuna, sardines, cod fish liver oil and also foods such as butter, egg yolk, milk, sweet potato, oatmeal, oysters and sprouted seeds. These foods may assist but not necessarily provide adequate nutritive levels to support the function of the human body.

Vitamin D is required for the utilisation and absorption of calcium and phosphorus, development and normal growth of bones and teeth in children. It regulates heart beat, protects against muscle weakness, breast and colon cancer, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and calcium insufficiency. It is necessary for thyroid function, normal blood clotting and immune function.

So as you can see this vitamin plays a huge role in maintaining homeostasis (balance) within the body. If you are concerned that your levels are low,  we can guide you to get a simple blood test from your G.P  to determine if you are deficient.  If you are deficient,  we are able to bring you into ideal range.  This is an easy solution to a rather common health concern.

 

Happy, Healthy 2011 To All!

All the staff and I at the clinic have been helping the people of Sydney, interstate and even some overseas clients for many years now.

This year promises to be a fantastic year for healing.   We have 2 new Naturopathic staff members, who bring  exceptional qualifications and talent with them.  Both our long term massage staff members and our new, fully qualified massage therapists will also bring their new and fresh slant to massage treatment.

Whether you are looking for a wonderful massage  treatment or a way to Get Well and Stay Well with our Naturopathic Services,  you are sure to receive  expert skill and care when we deal with your health concerns at the Sutherland Shire Naturopathic Clinic.   Most importantly …….. we care!

When Was Your Last Checkup?

Not been to the clinic for a while? Hello and Happy New Year to all our long term clients!

If we haven’t seen some of you for a long time, please remember it is important to have regular check ups. That way we can be on top of and be proactive with your health and wellbeing.  Look after yourself  and make an appointment with us now to have a health check.

We can discuss what direction for you to take with any health concerns. We can check your blood pressure, tune up your diet to ensure you have a healthy 2011 and guide you with any unbalanced blood test results (for example cholesterol) that you may have.

Just a few of the health issues with which we can assist includ; digestion problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, thyroid problems, elevated cholesterol, elevated liver enzymes, low iron, poor immunity and the ever increasing deficiency in Vitamin D!

With you, we can help improve many health concerns significantly. It is just a matter of making a call for an appointment and bringing your latest blood test with you. Your doctor should have these, so please just ring the medical centre and ask for a copy of your last blood test from your records. We will have a look at the blood test and set a plan to guide you back to health and wellbeing…. and feeling great!!!

Beating Spring Hayfever and Allergies

The Respiratory system (including your nose, throat and lungs),  responds beautifully to natural medicines.

In the warmer months with pollens in the air,  many people find themselves routinely prone to sneezing, runny nose and eyes, itchy throat, nose and eyes and even colds and flu.  Tracie, our principal Naturopath, has 22 years experience at battling common complaints including hayfever and allergies. She can help alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms that these bring.

If you or a member of your family have problems like this during Spring, make an appointment now by calling the clinic and one of our highly qualified therapists will plan a personal program to keep you well or return you to health and wellbeing.  Getting in early before symptoms occur can greatly reduce or prevent these uncomfortable symptoms.

SPRING ALLERGY  REMEDIES AVAILABLE AT THE CLINIC

Albizzia Compound is an exceptional, high-quality allergy and immune formula that can greatly relieve symptoms and discomfort of Spring allergies.  It includes herbs that settle the sneezy and itchy side of your immune system and help with healing the mucous membranes that cause our runny and blocked nose symptoms.

Beta A-C in powder or tablet form is a fantastic formula including non acidic Vitamin C, bioflavonoids, beta carotene, Vitamin E & zinc to assist with your immune system.  Betacarotene and Vitamin E aid the health and recovery of your mucous membranes.  This remedy is an excellent addition for the whole family to ward off irritated nose membranes, Spring colds and allergies.

Please note that if you are pregnant, have any particular health concerns or are on heavy medications, check with our Naturopaths to ensure that these remedies are fine for you.  In this instance, a preferred option is to make an appointment with one of our Naturopaths to organise a personalised program for you and have your  allergy wellbeing program tailored to you.