Innehållsförteckning för Issue 182 från WellBeing

When you were little, you’d spend your day dreaming of all the wild and wonderful things you were going to do. You’d play make-believe for hours, making mud pies, drawing with chalk on the driveway and laughing as the sprinkler soaked through your clothes. You’d tell friends you were going to be a dolphin trainer, a firefighter, a doctor or a racing-car driver. As a child, the possibilities were as endless as the days. This month, we encourage you to reignite your childlike mind and revisit a dream you might have let go. As the wonderful Gloria Steinem once said, “Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” Never stop dreaming and your plans will always be possible.…

Sauna sessions equal moderate exercise It’s generally assumed that a sauna visit leads to a continuous fall in blood pressure because the heat opens the blood vessels and this lowers blood pressure. However, for a new study, subjects were exposed to a 25-minute sauna session while having their blood pressure and heart rate measured. Both rose immediately during the sauna visit. After the sauna session, both blood pressure and heart rate did drop below the subject’s baseline levels that were measured before the sauna session. In a second part of the study, subjects completed a short exercise program on an exercise bike while also having their blood pressure and heart rate assessed. Subjects’ heart rate reached the same levels during the sauna session as they did during moderate exercise. The…

Hawthorn, the common name of the genus Crataegus, is a thorny shrub with green leaves, white flowers and bright red berries each containing one-to-three or five seeds. Crataegus is from the family Rosaceae (rose family), which has over 280 species. The flowers, leaves and fruit are primarily consumed for patients suffering from heart failure. Hawthorn grows worldwide and is used in many cultures, featuring in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Western medicine and Ayurveda. Many herbal writers discussed its benefits from the 15th century onwards. In 1640, John Parkinson wrote about the ripe berries being used for kidney stones and dropsy with the flowers steeped in wine being a sovereign remedy for pleurisy. From the 17th century, hawthorn was increasingly used for heart and cardiovascular illness. In Chinese medicine, the fruits…

What was the initial vision for Nourished Life? When did it all begin? Nourished Life started as a blog back in 2011. I had decided to go completely toxin free and wanted to share all of these amazing natural products that I’d found to replace my mainstream makeup, skin care, supplements and cleaning products. Has Nourished Life changed over time? If so, how? Yes, absolutely! What started out as my little blog turned into something so much bigger than I ever could have anticipated. It all changed when I started selling natural lip balms and using my garage as my warehouse. Actually, I’m still selling the Hurraw lip balms, seven years later. Now, my little blog is Australia’s home for toxin-free shopping and I’m so proud of how far we’ve…

I was born with a hole in my heart. At two years old I had surgery to resolve it and, thankfully, I haven’t experienced a single problem since. It’s all but a distant memory. However, since becoming a yoga teacher I’ve become acutely aware of the tightness in my shoulders, especially compared to that of my students. This tendency to curl into myself has left me constricted and strong back bends often bring up feelings of extreme fear and vulnerability. Over the years, as I’ve enquired into this restriction, I’ve been flooded with memories of this childhood experience. Certain movements, when explored, often come with a primal surge of emotion, a strong feeling that I want my mother and a deep sympathy and sadness for my two-year-old self. You’ve likely…

Biological diversity (often shortened to biodiversity) is a term that came into widespread use during the 1980s but is based on far earlier groundwork carried out in the 18th century by naturalist Carolus Linnaeus. Biodiversity is greater in tropical regions, the world’s most biodiverse countries being Brazil followed by Colombia and Indonesia. Loss of biodiversity as a global phenomenon is increasingly considered to be a crisis on a par with climate change — and perhaps even more urgent. Scientists are starting to abandon their customary cautious, measured language. A three-year study from the UN-affiliated Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services warned that biodiversity collapse threatens humanity and is likely to result in mass human migration. According to the figures, the world’s wild animal populations have declined by an…

“The bus is running a bit late this morning,” says ranger Annie. “The barge is pushing the tide.” On K’Gari (Fraser Island), life revolves around these forces of nature: wind, weather and tides. Especially the tides. We are at Kingfisher Bay Resort, waiting for our 4WD from Fraser Explorer Tours to cross the Great Sandy Strait from River Heads, a trip of about 45 minutes, for the “Beauty Spots” tour. Once on board, our guide Des explains that K’Gari, meaning “paradise”, is the local Butchulla people’s name for Fraser Island. Covering approximately 166,000 hectares and 123km long, K’Gari is the world’s largest sand island with features including dunes, lakes, mangroves and forests that spring from seemingly infertile sands. K’Gari’s international significance was recognised with its World Heritage listing in 1992.…

As a way to quickly and effectively take back control over your body and mind, the breath has long been used as a way to calm even the most fevered of emotions. Yet most people don’t breathe very well; they over-breathe, chest-breathe or hold the breath when they should be filling their lungs with rejuvenating oxygen. Given that breathing is an automatic function of the body, this chronic lack of skill is a curiosity of the modern era. The breath, it would seem, is often only focused on when compromised. In so many ways, breath and breathing are intrinsic to wellbeing. Becoming more attuned to the breath can improve memory, anxiety levels, digestion and chronic pain among other things. Learning about the breath and becoming more efficient at breathing can…

ikatan Retreat Day Package Set in a beautiful Balinese oasis, ikatan’s all-inclusive personalised Retreat Day is an experience like no other. Begin with yoga and/or meditation, breakfast then treatments before lunch. Afternoon tea, beverages and upgrades to treatments are offered and included. Enjoy eight hours of rejuvenating wellness. Value $950. W: ikatanspa.com Tints of Nature For over 20 years, Tints of Nature has been committed to creating high-performance hair products that are not only more natural, but ethical, cruelty-free and better for the health of consumers, their hair and the world they live in. W: tintsofnature.com.au Eco Tan Certified Organic Glory Oil Certified Organic Glory Oil™ is a drenching blend of omega-abundant super seeds that harnesses their phenomenal healing powers to help reduce the appearance of scars and fine lines.…

I am writing this from hospital, which is somewhere no WellBeing reader wants to be. Hospitals lack the necessities for getting truly well, plus you risk getting yet another problem that will mean yet another stay in hospital, which is why I am here now. I miss my garden. And it occurred to me that my garden does contain all the necessities for living well. Fresh food What is fresh? Supermarkets and chefs boast about it, but increasingly it means “unprocessed”. A truly fresh orange is so fragrant you can smell it metres from the tree. And watermelon — you’ve never really tasted watermelon till you’ve eaten one straight from the garden. Don’t get me started on fresh potatoes, onions and garlic, vegetables we think of as “storage crops”. They…

They say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. “They” usually mean that genetics dictate that children don’t differ too greatly from their parents. It might well be true that apples don’t generally fall too far from the parent tree but it’s also true that sometimes there can be a sizeable wind blowing when the fruit drops. As a case in point, I give you my younger daughter and me. We share many traits, I’m happy to say, but when it comes to handiwork we are light years apart. The genetic winds were blowing a gale on the day I passed to her my DNA regarding handcrafts. Even my most ardent admirers (and yes, they do exist) will tell you that giving me a hammer is like handing…

Downward dominance People’s faces tell you a lot about what they are feeling but new research shows the way the head is held can tell you just as much. Researchers generated variations of avatars with neutral facial expressions and one of three head positions: tilted upward 10 degrees, neutral (0 degrees) or tilted downward 10 degrees. Subjects rated the avatars with downward head tilt as more dominant than those with neutral or upward-tilted heads. This is due to the fact that tilting one’s head downward leads to the artificial appearance of lowered and V-shaped eyebrows, which in turn creates perceptions of aggression, intimidation and dominance. Additionally, the portion of the face around the eyes and eyebrows is both necessary and sufficient to produce the dominance effect. Subjects rated downward-tilted heads…

Cardamom, the “queen of spices”, is the world’s third most expensive spice after saffron and vanilla. The first records of its use date back to ancient Sri Lanka, where even today it is an important component of Ayurvedic medicine. Today the largest producer is Guatemala with India second. Arab countries consume more than half of worldwide production of cardamom, using it mainly for flavouring coffee. There are two types: Elettaria cardamomum, green or true cardamom (the best quality); and black cardamom, which is a different plant (Amomum subulatum), although both are in the ginger family. These two types of cardamom were distinguished in the 4th century BCE by Theophrastus, the Greek father of botany. Both types of cardamom are used worldwide as flavourings, as cooking spices and as medicines but…

Beetroot and Sweet Potato Quiche Serves 6 Base ½ cup almond meal⅓ cup wholemeal spelt flour¼ cup chia seeds1 cup rolled oatsPinch sea salt80g organic grass-fed butter Filling 1 cup diced sweet potato(½ medium sweet potato)1 small onion, finely chopped240g raw grated beetroot(around 1 medium beetroot)1 small sprig fresh rosemary3 cloves garlic, crushed2 tbsp apple-cider vinegar2 heaped tbsp raw honeyPinch sea salt & pepperSmall handful fresh mint,roughly chopped4 organic eggs100mL organic milk of choiceHandful crumbled feta Topping Decorate with either nuts or seeds of choice (walnuts, pepitas, sunflower seeds) or fresh rosemary. Preheat oven to 180°C. Place all base ingredients in food processor (except butter) and blend to fine, well-combined mixture. Add butter and pulse. Add around 2–3 tbsp water, adding 1 tbsp at a time until mixture forms dough-like…

Self-reliance is a desirable personal trait in most developed countries around the world: the self-made (wo)man; pulling yourself up by your bootstraps; Bear Grylls battling alone in the wilderness. The Western psyche is teeming with ideas and ideals — both unconscious and overt — that celebrate those who go it alone, reject assistance and single-handedly conquer, overcome and succeed. But does this idea go too far? What damage is it doing to society and your own wellbeing when you prioritise self-sufficiency over seeking support? The concept of mastering one’s own destiny was encapsulated (and perhaps bolstered) by the 1841 essay Self-Reliance by American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. In it, Emerson openly rebukes the wealthy city men who expect their careers to be handed to them on a platter and praises…

You’re sitting on a plane, comfortably resting your head near the window and looking down at the world below. You’re at 35,000 feet and soaring above the clouds — you cannot contain your excitement! You’re off on your next adventure: where are you going? The snowy mountains of Nepal? A secluded island somewhere in the Pacific with nothing but crystal-clear water and open plans awaiting you? Your mind drifts off as the cabin crew dim the lights. You begin to think about all the sights you’re yet to see, the smells you’re yet to inhale, the people you’re yet to meet. There is so much world out there to experience — how will you even scratch the surface? There’s only one way to find out. Flip to page 122 to…

13 Seeds 13 Seeds Hemp Farm in Tasmania has grown from humble beginnings to now offer Australia’s largest range of hemp-based superfoods and skincare products. Founders Terry Memory and Gemma Lynch-Memory live on an organic, sustainable farm with their six children in the Huon Valley. W: 13seeds.com.au The Shoalhaven Region Just two hours from Sydney and Canberra, the Shoalhaven is known for its green rolling hills and 100 unspoilt beaches. Discover the freshest of ingredients from farm gates, farmers’ markets, local producers and providores with the Shoalhaven Producers Guide, created in partnership with Slow Food South Coast. W: shoalhaven.com/foodie Melrose Health Discover a new way to cook with coconut oil! This multi-purpose oil stays liquid and has a mild nutty flavour to complement all types of cooking. Derived from 100…

From the moment my baby girl surprised me with her existence, she has been teaching me compassion, kindness and unconditional love. When I lost her, I could have closed off my heart or lived on with love. I chose love. At only 24 weeks and two days into my first pregnancy, I received the terrifying news that my body was going into preterm labour. My baby girl, Roni Mira, was delivered by emergency caesarean and, after being gifted nine precious days with her, I endured what no parent should ever have to: I said goodbye. I left hospital without Roni, my arms empty. The pain was so unbearable it felt like my heart had been ripped from my chest. In the following days and weeks, the grief of losing my…

It was a Wednesday afternoon and I was dropping envelopes into my friends’ mailboxes. On each of the envelopes I had written, “to be opened on Saturday”. My friends didn’t know it yet, but inside the envelopes were blindfolds (well, airline eye masks and a few headscarfs). Come Saturday, I was taking six friends and my fiancé, Henry, on a surprise adventure. Before I continue sharing this great adventure story, I’ve got to take you to the summer of 2017. Henry and I had just moved to the area and were spending our days at the beach. A crew of us would surf until dark, throw comfy clothes over our salty skin and meet for a chicken parmigiana at the local bowling club. There, we’d discuss the waves of the…

The purpose of zebra stripes Zebra stripes are not for camouflage. They probably are to confuse biting flies, but new research indicates they may also be for temperature control. The researchers collected field data from live zebras and found that during the middle seven hours of the day the black stripes become 12–15°C hotter than the white. The differential temperatures and air activity on the black and white stripes set up small-scale convective air movements within and just above the stripes — a zebra’s own personal breeze. They also found that zebras have an unexpected ability to raise the hair on their black stripes while the white ones remain flat. The researchers proposed that the raising of black hairs during the heat of the day, when the stripes were at…

It’s late on Monday afternoon and I’m walking up Meditation Hill as the sun shines across the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley. I’ve just finished meditating so I’m in the perfect space to walk mindfully, noticing each step on the gravel as I tread with ease. I look to my right to follow a fluttering butterfly and see two young kangaroos beside me. They’re standing upright, watching me as curiously as I’m taking them in. A smile creeps across my face and I let out a giggle in delight at what I see. This innocent, free-spirited expression takes me back to my younger self when uninhibited playfulness was second nature. Despite the fact that I am now 25 — a fitting time to be staying at Golden Door as…

Take a deep breath in. Feel the lower part of your belly expand and the cool air tickle the skin just above your top lip. Exhale. This time keep your awareness at the base of your spine and take another breath. Notice how the breath starts there, at the tailbone, then moves in an upwards motion, expanding your ribcage outwards and lifting your heart. Hold the breath in the lungs, just for a moment. Release the breath. Did you feel your shoulders soften downwards and your belly slightly pull in? Inhale. How well do you know your breath? When you’re feeling calm, how does it feel? Smooth, deep and steady? When you’re feeling frazzled, what’s the quality of your breath like? Sharp, gasping and frantic? You should get to know…

The recent removal of 16 natural therapies from the list of treatments approved for private health insurance rebates is one of the most significant measures to affect the Australian natural health landscape in decades. In the aftermath of the ruling, many therapists are trying to understand the impact of the changes upon their business and clientele and what the future holds for private health cover rebates. What can therapists do to minimise any impact and how worried should they be? What is being done to reverse this decision and where do we go to from here? ANTA’s overview of the private health reforms Executive Officer and Company Secretary of ANTA (Australian Natural Therapists Association), Jim Olds, was ANTA’s representative on the Australian government’s Natural Therapies Review and Assessment Committee, the…

Found only in tropical north Queensland, the cassowary is most frequently sighted in Mission Beach, 140km south of Cairns, where rainforest spills onto 14km of idyllic, tricoloured coastline and the highest density of cassowaries is found. But that’s nothing to brag about. Sighting a cassowary in Mission Beach might be easy but it’s not because there’s a lot of them left. In fact, the town’s forests may harbour as few as 50 adult birds — nobody knows for sure — and refuge for these endangered creatures is dwindling. As developers continue to carve up what’s left of available land squeezed between the Coral Sea and the soaring mountain divide to the west, the cassowary’s future looks ever bleaker. Championing the town’s burgeoning growth is an expansionist local council keen to…

I open the wooden window shutters of the hotel bedroom to the sight of the red terracotta roofs of the medieval city of Gubbio being circled by swallows. The sound of a nearby church bell reverberates in the cool air. My husband Steve and I are walking the 60km Path of Peace, part of St Francis’s Way, from here to Assisi, with my cousins, Charles and Carolyn, her partner Graham and their son, Wolf. St Francis and the Wolf As Charles leads us through the cobbled streets to Taverna del Lupo for Sunday lunch, he explains to 18-year-old Wolf the significance of his namesake — il lupo, the wolf — to this city. In the early 13th century, a wolf was terrorising the people of Gubbio and they sought the…

The Moonchild Tarot DANIELLE NOEL The Moonchild Tarot card deck, written and illustrated by talented Danielle Noel, is one of the most exquisite collection of tarot cards we’ve ever seen. With thick gold glitter edges, the cards shimmer with brightness and curiosity. How do they work? What will they have to say? With them, you’ll learn the sacred wisdom of the tarot through the world of ancient mysticism, the moon and the divine goddess. Embellished on the cards, you’ll find Noel’s stunning artwork of animals, humans, nature and symbols that will hook you in immediately. To help you decipher the tarot cards, Noel has included an almost 300-page guide sharing everything you need to know about shuffling and reading for yourself and others. KD The Montessori Toddler SIMONE DAVIES, HARDIE…

Eat Sleep Yoga Retreat Byron Yoga Retreat Centre offers guests affordable wellness programs with accommodation to suit your budget. While this is not a luxury resort, the rooms are clean and comfortable. The focus on the natural surrounds fosters a deep sense of peace, allowing guests to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with themselves. W: byronyoga.com Bosisto’s Enjoy the wellness properties of Australian native flora layered with essential oils for an aromatherapy experience like no other. Bosisto’s Australian Native Botanicals are available in five different blends and as an oil, mist or roll on. Find them at Chemist Warehouse now. W: bosistos.com.au Living with Essential Oils Clarycalm is a proprietary blend of essential oils especially designed for women. Containing a topical blend of clary sage, lavender, bergamot, chamomile…

Symptoms of stress can emerge in lots of forms such as headaches, migraines, tiredness, fatigue, immunity issues and feeling run down as well as through neck and back pain. To celebrate Natural Medicine Week in May, WellBeing and the Australian Traditional Medicine Society hosted a wonderful morning event. Dr Karen Bridgeman, long-time contributor to WellBeing and highly regarded naturopath, asked Anthia Koullouros, Shareen McLeish and Madeleine Ong their top tips for reducing stresses in everyday life. Anthia Koullouros is the founder and CEO of Ovvio Organics, a naturopath, herbalist, author and educator determined to make good health simple. How can naturopathy and herbalism help people suffering from stress? As a naturopath, addressing the underlying cause is key. I prescribe herbal adaptogens to help manage stress while addressing the root cause…

A friend of mine shared some wise words with me after I felt I’d let her down by not attending her yoga class … again. I’d been trying to get there for a few weeks but something always seemed to come up: a deadline, a surprise visit from a friend, last-minute dinner plans. Ready to go and craving a juicy yoga flow, I was suddenly struck with a horrible headache. Just the thought of getting upside-down — even for a downward dog — made my head pound harder. I texted an apology and went to bed, feeling like a bad friend and an even worse yogi. A few hours later, I woke up to a message from her sharing this quote from Dr Seuss: “Those who mind don’t matter, and…