Innehållsförteckning för Issue 212 från WellBeing

The surface of the planet Venus reaches a temperature of about 450°C, which is hot enough to melt the minerals lead and zinc. The pressure on the surface is 90 times the pressure that exists on the surface of Earth. In all, it is an inhospitable place and not conducive to life. That is, the surface of Venus could not host life, but what about its clouds? Astronomers have discovered the existence of two gases in the Venusian clouds that might point to life. The first of these is phosphine, which on Earth is produced by microbes in oxygen-depleted environments such as the intestinal tracts of badgers. On rocky planets, phosphine is regarded as a biomarker that indicates life. The other gas to be detected is ammonia, which on Earth…

The winner of our Star Letter will receive an All Around Travel Tumbler 946mL from Hydro Flask. With a comfortable and durable handle, you can take this tumbler anywhere and it will fit most cupholders. TempShield® double-wall insulation ensures cold stays cold, and the flexible straw makes for easy sipping. For more, visit hydroflask.com.au Hi WellBeing, I am a huge fan of WellBeing magazine and have been for many decades. Over the years, I have appreciated the many changes you have made — most notably this new redesign. Thank you for not compromising on the quality of articles despite adding more images and space. You have retained depth and substance, and I am sure that isn’t an easy balance. I really enjoy learning from my trusty WellBeing guide — thank…

All the latest in environmental issues Scientists turning rubbish into sustainable jet fuel The aviation industry contributes to approximately 3 per cent of the world’s emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to achieve net zero. Sustainable aviation fuel plays a crucial role in reducing these emissions. Australian researchers have devised a novel way to convert rubbish into sustainable jet fuel. Scientists at The University of Sydney have developed an innovative chemical process to produce sustainable aviation fuel from gases emitted from landfills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the same time. Methane emissions from various human activities, including landfills, oil and natural gas production and agriculture, are significantly more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. Landfills are among the largest polluters producing substantial amounts of methane. This…

The naked human body evokes powerful and often contradictory emotions. Nakedness can excite or repulse. It can signal sexiness or innocence, peace or aggression, and unity or separation. The point is human nudity always means something but that meaning depends very much on the culture and timeframe of the viewer. Hair today Humans are the only primates that have shed their hair. Every other member of our extended evolutionary family has a covering of dense fur. We are the sole naked ape. Hair provides insulation, protects against abrasion and allows for impressive displays. The reasons for humanity’s evolutionary decision to embrace nudity go back 3 million years when the Earth entered a phase of global cooling that reduced rainfall, changing the habitat of human ancestors in East and Central Africa…

We’ve all heard the saying “age is just a number”, but so often it is seen as a defining factor. Now, a new movement is challenging the norm, celebrating living fully and vibrantly no matter your age. The “perennial mindset” invites individuals to transcend generational labels and stereotypes, embracing a way of life that prioritises authenticity and self-expression. This liberating philosophy proves age really is just a number and societal norms need not dictate our potential or happiness. The age of agelessness We’ve all attended parties where someone has reached a “milestone” age. Whether it is “fabulous at 40” or “the big 50”, we’ve been programmed to think that there is an inherent meaning attached to this chronological progression. Our life is on a timeline from cradle to coffin. By…

There is a long-standing debate regarding human health and development — nature vs nurture. The science of epigenetics crosses this divide, bridging these polarities into a holistic framework, giving us greater insights and inspiration to support our health within our environment. Our genetic background is determined by our ancestors. We are the sum total of our hereditary DNA plus the environmental impacts on the genes of our ancestors, which were then transmitted to their offspring. We inherit more than our genes — research shows that we also inherit the biological consequences of epigenetic modifications in our ancestors. The genetic background a person inherits determines a “susceptibility” to health or disease — with varying degrees of potential severity. Whether genes are switched on and off, and therefore manifest as health or…

It’s the buzzword on everyone’s lips. Rewilding is a big new trend in the field of nature conservation that involves restoring degraded ecosystems to their natural state, often via the reintroduction of carefully selected species. Benefits include increased biodiversity, more carbon absorbed and the therapeutic effects for human visitors. Central to rewilding, according to its early founders, are the “Three Cs”, namely cores (reserves), corridors and carnivores (predators.) Small, fragmented, protected areas are often deliberately connected via wildlife corridors, while long and broad extended corridors of this type are sometimes referred to as “wildways”. One project that has been pursued for decades in piecemeal fashion is the Western Wildway, a stretch of more than 9500km linking Canada, the US and Mexico. The 30x30 initiative aims to protect 30 per cent…

For those who dare brave it, the four-day-long Tabletop Track offers unparalleled solitude and natural beauty in a serene wilderness. High above the sheer-drop waterfalls that fill Litchfield National Park’s most popular spring-fed waterholes, a loftier wilderness beckons. On the High Plateau’s rugged upper realm, a foot trail carves a path over stony gibber plains and lush wetland streams, luring walkers to fern-fringed rock spas where a riot of birdlife gathers in the quiet, cool hours of day. This little-visited slice of heaven pulls very few visitors out of the plunge pools far below, but a few hardy souls strap on boots and hiking packs and set out on the four-day-long Tabletop Track. It’s easy to understand the hesitation. With a reputation as being hot and dry, this track attracts…

For something delicious Salad for Days Alice Zaslavsky Alice Zaslavsky’s Salad for Days is an exceptional blend of inspiration and practicality, transforming the humble salad into a culinary adventure. Scheduled for release October 1, 2024, this book serves as both a seasonal reference and a daily guide to elevate your salad game. Packed with creativity and flavour, Salad for Days offers a wealth of ideas, from vibrant Cauliflower Tabouli with Lemony Tahini and Pomegranate to comforting Honeyed Butternut Risoni Salad with Marinated Feta. Zaslavsky’s approach turns everyday vegetables into extraordinary dishes, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate, whether for warm or cool days. Additionally, the comprehensive dressings index is a treasure trove of ideas, perfect for adding a burst of flavour to any salad. Salad for Days promises to…

The most important thing for all skin types is to do no harm. Our skin is our largest organ and much of what you put on it can be absorbed into your bloodstream. When I’m formulating my organics, the one thing I always add is natural active ingredients. For example, vitamin C at the right dosage and type brightens and targets pigmentation, evens skin tone and boosts collagen production. It’s truly a phenomenal ingredient. Oily, acne-prone skin My heart really goes out to those who suffer from acne as I did from my teens to my 20s. It can really be a blow to your self-confidence and self-esteem. To those people, I say, keep it simple: • Double cleanse with a gel or foam cleanser (not a cream cleanser). You…

For the millions suffering from the debilitating effects of long Covid, the path to recovery can seem long and uncertain. In my new book, Nature’s Way to Healing: A Long Covid Guide, I outline an integrative approach to managing extended Covid symptoms naturally through diet, lifestyle and complementary therapies. I am so excited to release this book having suffered from long Covid myself. As a clinical nutritionist, I have discovered what the research now shows — adopting a low-histamine diet is one of the most important lifestyle changes for those suffering with long Covid. Histamine is a compound released by the immune system that can trigger inflammation and a wide range of symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, brain fog, breathing difficulties and more — many of the same issues plaguing…

Silicone valley savants call it biohacking the DNA as if their singular smarts could magically be utilised to realign nature’s divine template. In the age of the measured self, when we’ve become addicted to a range of technological wizardry from aura rings to smart phones and even smart mattresses providing us with data to optimise our performance and outsmart and outlive the relentless march of time, there’s seemingly no end to the steps we’ll take to remain forever young. For starters, how about a full-body MRI? For those who want a panoramic vista of any lump or growth that might be a lethal, evolving cancer, which once identified and removed, can pre-empt a mounting catastrophe, look no further than a whole-body MRI. No doubt this sophisticated technology with its capacity…

When I was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer at 38 years old, I was working in a corporate and had no idea I would become an entrepreneur one day. After an emergency surgery and 12 sessions of chemotherapy, I decided to go back to my old career to bring some normality into my life. As I went back to my old role, I felt I was no longer that person and I didn’t belong there anymore so I decided to quit my job. Cancer made me feel in my body, mind and soul that life is short. This is not a concept. So, I embarked on this unknown journey of becoming an entrepreneur without a plan, or any tools or a plan B. I went all in. I naively…

Learning is a timeless treasure. In an ever-changing world, knowledge is a steadfast companion that stays with you, enriching your life and empowering you to grow. Once you acquire knowledge, it becomes a part of who you are. In natural therapies, learning not only broadens your understanding of holistic health, but also deepens your connection with nature and your ability to help others. The skills and understanding you gain from studying natural therapies are yours forever. Whether you pursue a career as a practitioner or simply apply your knowledge to improve your own life, the benefits of your education will be everlasting. By embracing education, especially in the realm of natural therapies, you are investing in a gift that endures forever. Your knowledge and skills not only enrich your life,…

It’s time to lean back and widen your synapses because we are going to let ourselves play with the idea of consciousness. You only need to own a coffee mug or T-shirt to know that the 17th-century philosopher René Descartes came up with the aphorism, “I think, therefore I am.” In saying “I think”, Descartes was not referring to intelligence, he was saying that if “I” am thinking, then something with a consciousness must exist, and that something is “I” or “me”. The philosopher Thomas Nagel encapsulated consciousness by saying that consciousness is “what it is like”. Nagel’s example was a bat. If there is “something it is like” to be a bat, then a bat has conscious experience. Let’s drill deeper. Your physical brain (not your mind) is formed…

Spring Fruit Apples (Lady Williams), banana, cherry, cumquat, grapefruit (pink and yellow), lemon, loquat, lychees, mandarins (Ellendale and Murcot), mango, melons (honeydew, rockmelon and watermelon) oranges (blood and Seville), papaya, pawpaw, pineapple (smooth leaf), starfruit, strawberries, and tangelo. Vegetables artichoke, Asian greens (bok choy, choy sum, gai laan, wonga bok), asparagus, avocados, beans (broad and green), broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, choko, cucumber, leek, lettuce, mushrooms (Morel), onions (salad and spring), peas (green, snow and sugar snap), sweet potato, potato, pumpkin, silverbeet, spinach, watercress and zucchini flowers.…

It is a privilege to breathe uninhibitedly every day — to think, to feel, to speak, to move. My friend’s wife recently passed at age 38 from an extremely rare lung cancer. She wasn’t a smoker, and she lived a very healthy and clean lifestyle. The diagnosis was cruel and fast-acting, but with resilience she held on to the very end. While her physical presence may no longer be here, the thought of living with even a fraction of the tenacity and strength she exhibited continues to inspire so many who knew her, including me. I’ve been reflecting on what it means to live in a healthy body. It is a privilege to breathe uninhibitedly every day — to think, to feel, to speak, to move. Her passing has taught…

Medical findings for a healthier body Matcha mouthwash helps keep gum disease at bay Periodontitis is an inflammatory gum disease caused by a bacterial infection, primarily Porphyromonas gingivalis, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated. This condition is also linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. A Japanese study from Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo tested the effectiveness of matcha solution against 16 oral bacterial species. Matcha is produced from finely ground green tea leaves. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is well-known for its antimicrobial properties. Matcha proved highly effective with nearly all P. gingivalis cells killed within two hours and all dead after four hours. In a clinical study with 45 periodontitis patients, participants used either matcha mouthwash, barley tea mouthwash or sodium azulene sulfonate…

When Sir Keir Starmer romped into victory in the July 2024 UK elections, his opening speeches pledged his government to “service”. In his first speech outside No. 10 Downing Street, having just won the election, Starmer said, “When the gap between sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation.” Then, in his first speech to parliament, Starmer returned to his service theme saying, “Whatever our political differences, it is now time to turn the page, unite in a common endeavour of national renewal and make this parliament a parliament of service.” Starmer is a politician, so whether he lives up to his words remains to be seen. It meets his political needs to…

Ageing is a journey marked by growth, wisdom and transformation, and your skin tells the story of each chapter. Embracing and adapting to the natural changes in your skin is key to preserving its health and vitality. Your skin is ever evolving through the decades, from the hormonal upheavals of your teens to the graceful changes of your 60s and beyond. By understanding the unique needs of your skin at each stage, you can craft skincare routines that not only enhance your natural beauty, but also support your skin’s resilience and radiance. The way forward: “pro-ageing” Gone are the days of “anti-ageing” — today’s updated beauty philosophy is all about celebrating each chapter of your life. A refreshing paradigm of “pro-ageing” is paving the way for how beauty is approached.…

Do you struggle with a busy mind? Do you get caught up in your thoughts and forget to experience the world through your body? If you’re anything like me, you may have spent most of your life feeling like your body is just a vehicle for your brain. In Western culture, intellect is often valued over bodily wisdom, so it’s not unusual to have a “brain-heavy” approach to life. American author Gretchen Rubin noticed this brain-heavy approach shortly after finding out she had a higher risk of retinal detachment, which could leave her blind, vowing from that moment to better appreciate her body and senses. Rubin wrote about her journey towards a more body-centred existence in her book, Life in Five Senses. She writes: “I needed to connect with my…

The green-eyed monster. We have all met this foe at some point in our lives. It is part of the human condition to feel jealousy, and yet those of us who find ourselves face to face with our green-eyed friend can be racked with shame and guilt. But just as every story needs a bad guy, jealousy is part of our narrative so we can overcome the obstacles necessary to warrior up and become our best selves. What is jealousy Jealousy may be defined by feelings of anger or bitterness that we don’t have someone else’s possessions or qualities. It’s a state of being suspicious or fearful. Possessiveness and fear sit at the heart of it, whether it’s fearl about judgement, being replaced or the threat of a third party…

Superfood powders are dehydrated powdered foods containing a range of vegetables, fruit and plants that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Although they’re not designed to replace a healthy balanced diet of wholefoods, these potent superfoods are a great way to give you a daily nutrition boost and support your overall health and wellbeing. Since they are highly concentrated, you only need a small amount, so they are an easy and convenient way to add to your favourite recipe or drink. Whether it’s maca, cacao or Kakadu plum, here are some of our favourite superfood powders and tips on how to incorporate them in your lifestyle. Kakadu plum The Kakadu plum is known to have the highest source of natural vitamin C of any plant in the world and…

Ever caught yourself daydreaming about a career in health? Whether you’re stepping into the workforce for the first time or thinking about switching careers, navigating these changes can seem like a complex challenge. But isn’t it fundamentally about chasing something more fulfilling? And, really, what better way is there to boost your wellbeing than by pursuing what truly makes you tick? If the healthcare sector is where your heart lies, then a degree at Torrens University Australia could be your golden ticket. Torrens University’s Diploma of Health Science is one of many options to help kickstart your career in health. This one-year qualification lays the foundational knowledge and skills you need. From here, you can seamlessly progress, transferring a year’s worth of credits towards a bachelor’s degree in areas such…

PRESENTED BY The team at WellBeing know how much our pets contribute to our wellness each and every day. The WellBeing PET Awards was born to celebrate these furry friends and all that they do for us. Our team wants to thank everyone who entered and shared their adorable fur babies with us. We were overwhelmed by the incredible response and heartwarming stories. We had a tough job selecting our winners but without further ado, presenting to you the 2024 WellBeing Pets of the Year! The Runners Up Meet Cinnamon Cinnamon (pawsitive therapy assistant), my intuitive Border Collie, is part of my Ayurveda clinic. She brings “paw-sitive” vibes and charming antics, ensuring everyone leaves with a dose of laughter and a prescription for smiles! Meet Jellybean My cat Jellybean contributes…

It’s chilly, which is short for: “I am wearing five layers of clothing each time I go out into the garden”. I’m also suffering from “gardener’s withdrawal”. Our garden has decent numbers of winter lettuce, perennial leeks, spinach, silver beet, lemons, native limes and much more, all ready to be picked and eaten. But I want to grow something, not just pick it. Luckily, there is an easy way to grow your greens, or reds, even in winter. All you need is daylight (or a grow light that will give the right light for plants to grow), a baking tray, good compost or potting mix, water, seaweed-based fertiliser or home-made compost water. First things first, choose what you’d like to grow (and eat). I like non-hearting lettuce, especially the curly…

Much has been written about the management of premenstrual syndrome and it is said to affect up to 90 per cent of menstruating women in varying degrees of severity. A 35-year-old woman visited the clinic complaining of significant premenstrual symptoms that were interfering with her lifestyle — and they seemed to be getting worse. During the week prior to her menstrual cycle, she was experiencing swollen breasts, fluid retention, sugar cravings, abdominal bloating, constipation and fatigue. On the first day of her cycle, she had severe abdominal cramping (dysmenorrhea), which necessitated her taking four-hourly Nurofen to get her through the day. Her anxiety also increased during this time and sleep patterns deteriorated. Her cycle was about 29 days and reasonably regular, indicative of a relatively normal follicular phase (the first…

01. Weleda This highly effective night cream for mature skin leaves features rested and nourished overnight. Formulated with our 100 per cent natural, patent-pending Collagen+ Active Complex with organic blue gentian, edelweiss and centella asiatica to increase skin’s collagen content for plumper and brighter skin. weleda.com.au 02. MV Skin Therapy Recently welcoming its latest industry award, MV’s Rose Plus Booster is not only an eight times Award Winner, but also its hero product for delicate, dehydrated, and hormonally imbalanced complexions. Formulated with prized organic and natural ingredients, and made on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. mvskintherapy.com 03. Jurlique A unique 2-in-1 advanced formula powered by eight farm-grown botanicals. Holy basil, a potent adaptogen and antioxidant that helps minimise signs of skin ageing, has been combined with iris root, echinacea and black…

The Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) is a trusted multi-modality natural healthcare association of highly skilled practitioners qualified in traditional and natural therapies. ANTA’s mission is to provide the public with best-practice health care and the highest possible standards for the conduct and safety of traditional medicine and natural therapy practitioners. Working with governments, researchers, educators, health funds, WorkCover authorities, professional organisations and other like-minded bodies, ANTA represents the interests of the following natural therapy modalities: • Acupuncture• Aromatherapy• Ayurvedic Medicine• Chinese Herbal Medicine• Clinical Nutrition• Homeopathy• Myotherapy• Naturopathy• Oriental Remedial Therapy• Remedial Massage Therapy• Shiatsu• Western Herbal Medicine Why join the Australian Natural Therapists Association? Practitioners who belong to ANTA have achieved high educational and professional standards, consistently improve their skills and knowledge and abide by a strict code…

In the 1930s, workers for the United Fruit Company of Costa Rica were clearing jungle in the Diquis valley. As they cleared, they kept discovering stone balls sculpted into almost perfect spheres that were totally smooth to the touch. Most of these petrospheres were made from gabbro, a type of volcanic rock, while a few were made from limestone and some others from sandstone. The spheres range in diameter from just a few centimetres to 2.5m and the largest weighs around 16 tonnes. Known locally as “Las Bolas” (“The Balls”), they’ve been hidden in foliage for centuries. Radiocarbon dating of material found associated with the spheres suggests they were made sometime between 500 and 1500 CE, which places them at the time of the Chichban people, a Pre-Colombian civilisation that…

Friends are much better than mirrors. For one thing, you raise a few eyebrows if you settle in for a conversation over a latte with a mirror perched on the seat opposite you in a cafe. For another, friends reflect far more than two dimensions back to you, as I was brutally reminded when I was planning this column. I had decided to run my plans past a friend, who we will call Gigi for our purposes here. I’d been inspired while clothes shopping with my daughter. I was lingering, as fathers do, with a patient yet long-suffering air, aimlessly wandering the clothes store while my daughter tried on the 63rd variation of a “little light top”. As my weary eyes scanned the environs for something that might inspire, I…

Interesting slices of life Yoga provides cognitive benefits in post-menopausal women at risk of Alzheimer’s disease Women face approximately twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to men, attributed to factors such as longer life expectancy and hormonal changes during menopause. A recent study discovered that Kundalini yoga offers cognitive and memory benefits for post-menopausal women at risk of Alzheimer’s. More than 60 women aged 50 and above, reporting memory concerns and cerebrovascular risk factors, were divided into two groups. One group engaged in weekly Kundalini yoga sessions for 12 weeks, while the other underwent weekly memory enhancement training. The participants in the Kundalini yoga group experienced multiple benefits not observed in the memory-enhancement training group. These benefits included notable improvements in memory complaints, prevention of brain matter decline,…

Also known as sweet Annie, sweet wormwood, huang hua hao (Chinese) and commonly referred to as qing hao, Artemisia annua is one of the most important plants in traditional Chinese and African medicine. The Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, whose research led to the discovery of arteminisin and its antimalarial properties, received a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for this discovery. Traditional uses Artemisia annua was traditionally used as a tea or pressed juice in Chinese medicine, as a cooling herb for dyspeptic conditions and as a major plant for treating malaria. Active ingredients Artemisia has more than 600 secondary metabolites, the main one being arteminisin (a sesquiterpene lactone), with artesunate, a water-soluble derivative, essential oils, flavonoids, steroids, coumarins, alkaloids, along with amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Actions…

In February 2021, one Instagram post changed the trajectory of Chanel Contos’ life. In it, Contos posed a simple question. “Have you or has anyone close to you ever been sexually assaulted by someone who went to an all-boys school in Sydney?” Within 24 hours, 203 people – 73 per cent of respondents – said yes. Since then, thousands of people from all over the country have got in touch with Contos to share their stories of sexual assault. This response was the catalyst for Contos, then a university student, to drive a complete overhaul of sexual consent education in Australia. Following the post, Contos created a petition calling for more holistic and earlier consent education in Australian schools. The petition garnered 44,000 signatures and resulted in unanimous agreement from…

You can’t wander anywhere in India without the seductive scent of a spiced chutney luring you to sample the local delicacies. Chutney flavoured my Asian adventures — coconut crowned every meal I ate in south India and mango sweetened the spiced dishes of the country’s north. So finger-licking good, even the word “chutney” comes from the Hindi word “chatni”, meaning licking or lapping up. In Tamil Nadu, a state in the southern part of India, chutney is called thogayal. In the south-eastern state of Andhra Pradesh, it is called pacchadi, and in Kerala it is known as chamundi. Chutney spread to all continents from Indian kitchens. The British Raj were particularly taken with this piquant accompaniment, morphing it into more jammy styles such as the famous Major Grey’s sour, spicy,…

Resilience is the capacity to withstand and recover from adversity, and our homes should embody this strength. As places of shelter, nurture, rest, sustenance and increasingly where we work, a more resilient home supports our ability to meet our needs and navigate life’s challenges in an ever-changing world. By fortifying our living spaces, we create environments that support and sustain us through all circumstances. Planning for change A resilient home is prepared for change. Creating one begins with anticipating potential challenges and planning for the future. This involves incorporating adaptability into your home’s design, considering the evolving needs of the life cycle and health. It also means accounting for social, economic, environmental, political, local and global trends, as well as technological advancements and property laws that impact our way of…

In a world where technology use is prevalent, it is crucial to understand the significance of maintaining optimal health in our wrists, hands and fingers. These body parts play a fundamental role in our daily activities, whether it is typing on a keyboard, playing a musical instrument or simply gripping objects. Neglecting their health and flexibility can lead to various issues that can impact our overall wellbeing and productivity. Before delving into the significance of flexibility and movement, let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of our wrists, hands and fingers. Our hands consist of 27 bones along with an intricate network of muscles, tendons and ligaments that work together to allow us to perform a wide range of tasks. The wrist is a complex joint that connects the…

If only Baby Food Bible by Julia Tellidis and Lauren Skora was around when I started my son on solids! The cookbook is a comprehensive guide designed to help parents navigate the process of introducing solid foods to their babies. It features more than 100 nutritionist-approved recipes that cater to the whole family, aiming to make meal preparation simple and nutritious. The authors, Julia Tellidis, a clinical nutritionist, and Lauren Skora, a baby nutrition consultant, provide a wealth of information on starting solids, including baby-led weaning and purées. They also cover essential topics such as food safety, choking prevention and introducing common allergens. The book includes a variety of recipes, from breakfasts and dinners to snacks and sweets, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will find something they enjoy. It’s…

Repetitiousness can sometimes take a firm grip on life, and I had been feeling its grip for a while. I needed a weekend away to reconnect with the world’s magic. A forest bathing retreat at Crane Lodge, an eco-friendly haven nestled in Sydney’s Palm Beach, for myself, my husband and our five closest friends, came at just the right time. The stunning lodge, cushioned among ancient forests and boasting luxurious interiors, offers a unique combination of comfort and natural immersion. What made our visit truly memorable was the introduction of forest bathing, or “shinrin-yoku”, led by the expert guide Mayu Kataoka from Forest Minds. Crane Lodge is more than just a place to stay, it’s a transformative experience. The property, sprawling over 1800 square metres, is a sanctuary surrounded by…

In a world where beauty products promise miraculous transformations, it’s easy to forget that true beauty emanates from within. As a naturopath, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact that nutritional medicine can have not only on one’s overall health, but also from a more aesthetic perspective — one’s appearance. The key to unlocking your natural beauty does not lie in the latest beauty trend but in nourishing your body with wholesome foods that support its innate healing processes. Nutritional medicine is not merely about eating to sustain life, it’s about using food as medicine to optimise health and vitality from the inside out. Our skin, hair and nails are outward reflections of our internal health and when we provide our bodies with the essential nutrients they need, the results speak…

Addressing dysbiosis is a key strategy in integrative veterinary medicine. Microbiome support is part of treatment for gastrointestinal diseases, skin allergies, immune-mediated diseases, ear infections, recurring urinary tract infections, behavioural problems, liver diseases, metabolic disorders and cancer. So, what is dysbiosis? Dysbiosis refers to changes in the diversity of the microbiome. It may also mean an increase in pathogenic species. A leading cause of gastrointestinal dysbiosis is treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Other causes include gut disorders, diet, medications, chemotherapy and stress. Our understanding of the structure and function of the microbiome is evolving. To keep it simple, I like the following definition: The microbiota refers to the complex ecosystem of microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa) within the gastrointestinal tract (ie: who is there). The microbiome refers to their extensive…

Aries The last eclipses of 2024 include a lunar eclipse at the Full Moon on September 18 and a solar eclipse at the Libra New Moon on October 3. These events revive old matters and soulful concerns from last April. While the Eclipse Axis moves through Aries/Libra until January, the eclipses conclude. The Aries Full Moon on October 17 brings a sense of lightness and freedom, helping you move past demands and dramas to become actively present. October 29-31 presents challenges, but the New Moon and soothing Mars harmonies’ from November 1-3 facilitate deep, healing conversations. Taurus Venus in your partner sign from September 23 to October 15 may test your patience, as others’ responses might seem inappropriate. Solitude and mindfulness are your best support, with September 25, 30 and…

Do you practise multiple modalities such as meditation, yoga and acupuncture? Perhaps you’re a health or life coach? Maybe you run a counselling or massage practice? Having professional membership and insurance for all of your modalities under one policy will simplify your life immensely. That’s where the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) comes in. IICT is a vibrant community of dedicated individuals who share a passion for healing. Founded by Lawrence Ellyard 22 years ago, IICT’s independent professional body has provided membership, access to insurance and resources to a growing global community of complementary therapists just like you. IICT is the preferred choice for therapists working with multi-modalities as it offers the world’s largest list of complementary therapy modalities. With recognition of 1100+ modalities across more than 35 countries,…

There is no better time to think of a career in the natural health and nutrition industries. People are increasingly turning to preventative health so they can lead a healthy lifestyle and prevent future disease. Risk factors such as smoking, obesity, stress and lack of physical activity increase the risk of developing ill-health. We can prevent many of these conditions from developing, or reduce their impact, by creating systems and environments that support people to live a healthy lifestyle. Chronic diseases are caused by a range of risk factors. While some of them such as age and genetics cannot be changed, there are many risk factors that can be changed to help prevent chronic disease. Preventative health can include counselling on such topics as quitting smoking, losing weight, eating healthily,…