Issue 167

Melt Your Aches with Hot Stone Massage: By Body Essence Day Spas!

 

Those who take an active role in improving their overall health know that one needs to address all aspects of life - the emotional and mental as well as the physical. A great way to accomplish this is to help your body to relax with regular massages. If you are interested in experiencing the best bodywork session possible, you're going to love a massage that incorporates hot stones!

Stone massage is similar to a regular massage, with the addition of temperature. Generally, warm stones are strategically placed on or under the body, with a layer of insulating fabric to protect the skin. Examples of hot stones used are basalt stones, jade stones and Petoskey Stones. The therapist also uses the stones to massage and manipulate the muscles. The result is an incredible deep massage using long, flowing strokes. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. Not forgetting the vibrational energies of the stones themselves, this massage can bring about emotional and spiritual healing in a calming and comforting way.

The warm stones help expand the blood vessels, pushing blood and unwanted waste materials through the body. They also increase blood circulation, lymph and digestive fluids, which has a sedative effect on the nervous system. This ensures that every cell in the body receives more oxygen and nutrients while at the same time waste material is removed more effectively through the corresponding increase in lymph flow.

How did hot stone therapy originate?


Since the beginning of time, people have been drawn to the energy of stones. We have created monuments of stones, like Stonehenge, the pyramids, The Sphinx, and numerous others. All that is left behind is the reminder of mysterious and forgotten people, such as the Ancient Mayan Civilization. However, stone therapy is not new, but rather an ancient form of therapy practiced for thousands of years by many cultures. There is very little research written on the use of stones in therapy. Most information was passed down verbally from one healer, shaman or medicine person to the next. It was considered an honor to be chosen to learn the art of healing. Many traditions from the world over used and are still using stones and crystals in their healing ceremonies. Each color and type of stone reflects energy, purpose, clearing and releasing effect. Native Americans and even many European cultures wrapped heated stones or bricks in a cloth and placed them on sore and hurting parts of their bodies. Native Americans also use heated stones in their sweat lodges. In Hawaii the natives used lava stones wrapped in a kiti leaf for their healing treatments. The Japanese used the smooth black stones to keep their abdomen warm after a heavy meal. In Russia it is a tradition to use heated black stones in their bath. They line the bottom of the bath with hot stones and then lie down on the smooth stones, soaking in the soothing warm energy that radiates from each stone. In China the use of heated stones to relieve tired muscles dates back to before the Shang Dynasty (Circa 2000-1500 BC)

If you have never experienced a hot stone massage, book one soon! The numerous health benefits will enhance your lifestyle and keep stress at bay.

Miriam van Doorn Director, Body Essence Day Spa

New Farm

p: 07 3358 3100 Ground Floor, 612 Brunswick St New Farm Q 4005

Kedron

p: 07 3861 5822 Shop 6, 359 Gympie Road

http://www.bodyessencedayspa.com.au

 

 

 

Cut Calories not Carbs: By Great Ideas in Nutrition!

Low-carb diets can negatively affect your attention span and memory within one week, according to a recent study by scientists at Tufts University in Boston.

The author of a new diet book suggests cutting calories instead of carbs to feel your best with a balanced, low-kilojoule diet.

"Low-carb diets do result in greater fat burning but are notoriously impractical for long-term dietary change," says Portion Perfection author, dietitian Amanda Clark Adv APD. "You want to start in the way you plan to continue and just vary the quantity."

"Knowing how much to eat is the key, so you can enjoy pizza, pasta and all your favourite foods in the right quantity and frequency."

Here is how to fill your plate: The ideal proportion for a balanced meal is ¼ carbohydrate foods to ¼ protein foods and ½ salads and low-starch vegetables.

"Stick to low GI carbs like pasta, sweet potato, peas, corn, basmati or doongara rice, rice noodles or grainy bread. Occasionally you can also have medium GI carbs like small potatoes, pita bread, parsnip or pumpkin," says Amanda.

"The Portion Perfection plate helps you get these proportions right at home and remember how much carbohydrate is right to eat when you're out."

"During the holidays we tend to eat more occasional foods like bacon and eggs which is fine if you choose grainy bread, shortcut bacon and healthy cooking oil, like canola or olive oil."

Amanda Clark believes most people would like to eat the right amount, if only they knew what that was. Her new book Portion Perfection sets the record straight and gives the facts on how much food we should be having. It also lifts the lid on the out-of-control sizing of many of our favourite snacks that have more than doubled in size over the past 20 years, along with our waistlines.

Excessive portion sizes, promotion of energy-dense packaged foods, and passive overeating have left us dazed and confused about how much we really need to eat, according to Mrs Clark.

"When you know how much is right to eat, you can feel less guilty about eating higher calorie foods occasionally."

Portion Perfection is a visual weight control plan that shows you exactly the right amount to eat if you want to lose or maintain weight. It includes everyday and occasional foods (such as treats like chocolate or wine) and spells out just how much to eat for various age groups. It has hundreds of pictures showing popular packaged foods, including almost every brand of yoghurt, cereal, muesli bar and crisps available in Australia, as well as common take-away foods. There's also a Portion Perfection plate and bowl to help you serve up the right amount. All the Portion Perfection products are available at www.greatideas.net.au

About the Author Amanda Clark is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian who received one of the highest accolades in her profession when she won the Dietitians Association of Australia's President's Award for Innovation. Amanda has spent the past 15 years reviewing other nutrition authors' work for listing of the best on her online bookshop at www.greatideas.net.au

 



Weight Loss : By Robert Mascali ND!

Being even a bit overweight can adversely affect your health requiring you to take medications as you age.

However Australians are gaining weight at a rate that has never been seen before. There are 100 000 new cases of type 2 diabetes (a condition associated with weight gain around the waist) each year in Australia. This is the equivalent of the size of a small city each and every year developing this disease. Also 32%, or about one third of adult Australians suffer from "metabolic syndrome" which dramatically increases risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes type 2, several forms of cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

The common underlying cause of both type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome is "insulin resistance" which is a metabolic disorder where the muscle and liver cells are less able to use glucose for energy leading to fat storage around the waist as well as having less energy and some serious changes to body chemistry. Insulin resistance and the associated disease risk is strongly linked to waist circumference. The relevance of this is that waist circumference is a major controllable risk factor behind all these diseases and that prevention now is far better than trying to reverse damage done to body systems later.

The good news is that my naturopathic system can address this problem at its root cause reversing insulin resistance through diet, lifestyle, and supplementation leading to loss of fat, increase in energy, positive changes in biochemistry and dramatic decrease in risk for several major diseases.

The system I have developed which is based on medical trials as well as my own clinical experience has proven to be very effective at addressing fat loss and restoring body chemistry (fasting glucose, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides) leading to improvement in life quality and probable lifespan. Even if you think you do not need to lose weight I would recommend addressing any increase in waist circumference. I would be happy to share with you this advanced system, which has proven to be consistently effective with thousands of clients. I consider myself to be a specialist in fat loss offering the best in both the short and long term and am passionate about helping people in this very important area of health.

12 Mylne Street, Chermside 3350 2266

www.mascaliclinic.com.au

 

Let Food Guide You Back To Living Your Dreams-:By Narelle Stegehuis ND!


"Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food." Hippocrates 400 BC

Feeling 'not yourself' takes many shapes and forms, ranging from feelings of low energy to depression and depleted health. Life challenges influence eating habits, often leaving you to make unhealthy choices. Divorce, financial worries and family changes are but a few emotional influences that can send your food shopping list into an unhealthy spiral - it's a compounding effect.

Healthy food choices allow you to regain control of your health, improving vitality and energy levels. With new gusto you can better manage stressful challenges of all kinds. Most importantly, you can focus on living the life you dream of living!

Maintaining emotional wellbeing can sometimes feel like a continual balancing act. When life is going smoothly, it is easy to feel centred and secure; with your health usually falling into line. Difficult events inevitably arise and cause you to feel like you're not yourself'. Unfortunately, during times of high stress, nutrition falls by the way side. Your body becomes depleted of vital nutrients, resulting in chronic health conditions such as lowered immunity, headaches, hypertension, lowered libido and weight gain. If this is you, don't ignore the warning bells!

Isn't it time to change?


The key is to learn about yourself and what foods and lifestyle enhancements work for you. When you are in tune with what your body really wants and needs, you can integrate that information into all aspects of your life. Identify what's not working in your life, and seek resources and support to help you make positive life changes. Using diet and nutrition as cornerstones, you can build a sustainable foundation for living in balance with yourself. Improved nutritional focus will help to:

o improve health
o improve energy
o maintain a healthy weight
o support a more youthful appearance
o improve resistance to illness

By learning to make smart choices - whether you're cooking at home or eating out - you can enjoy flavoursome foods while you take control of your health and turn your life around!

Ensure your diet is delicious and varied - rich in vegetables and fruits, with whole grains, high-fibre foods, lean meats and poultry, eating fish at least twice a week. Poor dietary choices in your younger years can cause a depletion of nutrients such as selenium, manganese, zinc, vitamin C, E, B6, B12, all cited as influences on vascular related diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Identify your challenges and take the first step back to 'you'!

o Re-establish good eating habits after marriage

Often during marriage you 'pick up' the habits of your spouse. Do you eat more pasta and bread than you used to? Have you started drinking beer? Part of moving forward is letting go of the habits you may have formed.

o Focus on finances

Get your financial house in order. If you are constantly stressed about finances, you may believe you can't afford healthy foods - often opting for the cheaper processed varieties. It's hard to be optimistic about making lifestyle changes if you have a shaky financial future. Getting on top of your finances means paying less interest, fees and late charges and having more disposable income to invest in healthier food choices!

o Get your career in gear

If your career opportunities are not what you would like, get off your duff and make some changes. Taking the easy path and not feeling fulfilled at work can contribute to feelings of low self-worth and depression. Often when feeling like this the first vice we turn to is sugar! To begin a new life, you must move ahead rather than wallow in the past. Take some courses, prepare a resume, and explore the opportunities in the marketplace. You will be surprised at what you can do!

o Tie up loose ends
Getting on top of your paperwork and feeling organised feels good and frees up more spare time to dedicate to healthy living. Rewrite your will, change the beneficiaries on your insurance policies, review your retirement plan documents, and straighten your files. You can't move ahead if you are tripping over your shoelaces.

o Deal with changes to the family structure

Are you affected by empty nest syndrome - silently grieving your child moving out of home? A sense of emptiness is often felt by many parents when the house is 'suddenly empty' - food becoming the emotional outlet. If you are feeling lonely or depressed, speak to your health professional - herbs such as St Johns Wort can take the 'edge' off things.

Are you still cooking food for a family - do you need to adjust your shopping habits to cater for your new changes? An adult child moving out of home is seen as a normal, healthy event. In many cases, empty nest syndrome is compounded by other difficult life events or significant changes happening around the same time, such as retirement or menopause. Try to see the change as refreshing - enabling you to have more time to devote to improving your health and establishing a new kind of relationship with your adult children.

Becoming a caregiver to parents

Looking after ageing parents involves major changes for all concerned - physically, emotionally, socially and financially. Learning to cope with the changes in a healthy way is important to ensure you maintain your health.

As you try to juggle the multiple demands, stresses and responsibilities of your new situation, you may find your health, marriage, job, and relationship with your children threatened. Be on the lookout for signs of stress and burnout. Symptoms may include: depression, constant fatigue, poor concentration, hostility, low self-esteem and / or physical illness. You may find yourself craving bread, chocolate and caffeine- based drinks to help get you through the day. Ultimately these have the reversed effect - often leaving you feeling tired, depleted and carrying excess weight.

Becoming a parent Being a parent can be one of life's most joyful and rewarding experiences, but you can find yourself falling into poor dietary habits 'because the kids were wanting it'. Too many times parents that historically have lived healthy lives begin to purchase packaged snack foods to 'keep the kids happy'. A better plan of action would be to make healthy choices that are suitable for the whole family. Over time and with explanation the rest of the family adapts to a healthier way of living. Setting good healthy nutritional standards teaches your child invaluable skills that will guide them on the right path for good health later in life.

Along with coping with the stress of parenthood, there may not be enough time for parents to find time to shop for fresh produce or spend time preparing food - often opting for quick pre-prepared meals. Of course, at times parents feel angry, anxious, or just plain stressed out. These tensions are a normal, inevitable part of family life. To implement healthy changes and move forward, parents need to learn ways to cope so that they don't fall into the trap of making poor dietary changes. Although we love our children, we soon realise that love isn't all that's needed. We need patience and creativity too and, sometimes, these qualities seem to be in short supply. Caring for small children is tiring. On bad days, we can feel trapped by the constant responsibility. Caring for older children is less physically draining but more worrisome because they spend much more time outside the home. Getting the pantry organised is one of the most important steps to take towards better health. If you don't have time to buy fresh produce, speak to your local green grocer. Often they deliver free of charge and accept payment over the phone. Have a set menu each month. Make a shopping list before you go and stick to it.

How to combat these challenges NOW - creating a plan of action

It is helpful to step back and take a long-range point of view. Have confidence that you can turn your life around and heal your health.

o Reserve time each week to shop for healthy food and prepare your weekly menu.
o Keep a diary - often this helps us to keep track of where we are.
o Take care of your health with a good diet and regular exercise.
o Avoid fatigue. Go to bed earlier and take short naps when you can.
o Take a break; this helps keep stress from building up. Ask for help from friends or relatives.
o Talk to someone. Sharing your worries is a great stress reducer!
o Look for appropriate courses and groups in your community.
o Learn some ways of unwinding to manage the tension. Simple daily stretching exercises help relieve muscle tension. Vigorous walking, aerobics or sports are excellent ways for some people to unwind and work off tension; others find deep-breathing exercises are a fast, easy and effective way to control physical and mental tension.
o If you're feeling pressured, tense or drawn out at the end of a busy day, say so. Tell those around you that you will be happy to give them some attention soon but first you need a short 'quiet time' so that you can relax.

Remember, making the right nutritional choices today can make a difference to how you live your life in older age. The ability to deal with your stress, restore your health, lose weight and feel great is already inside you. Your inner wisdom wants you to be healthy, vital, energetic, free of excess weight, clear of mind and be joyful of heart. Listen to your body - it knows what it needs!

The time for living the life you want is now - go for it!

Narelle Stegehuis, CEO of MassAttack, is a practicing Naturopath specializing in natural treatment programs for women with hormonal imbalance, such as PCOS, Fibroids, Endometriosis & Thyroid imbalance. Uniquely for patient convenience her programs are also offered via the Internet. She is both an accomplished writer and recent recipient of the Australian Naturopathic Excellence Award 2006. Visit the MassAttack website at www.massattack.com.au

MassAttack is a recognised specialist in the natural treatment of hormonal, weight and health conditions. We don't ignore the symptoms, we address their source.



Introducing CHE® Skin Care: By Clinic Aesthetic!

 

At Clinic Aesthetic, located in South Brisbane our mission is to provide clinically qualified, medically accredited and quality, non-surgical aesthetic products and procedures.

We offer a comprehensive range of clinical skin care products and treatments performed by our highly trained and qualified aestheticians and registered nurses. We pride ourselves on our strong links with fully trained and registered Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons throughout Queensland.

NEW TO AUSTRALIA!

Experience the CHE® difference….

CHE® Clinical. Healthy. Effective.

CHE® skin care is finally here! If you are tired of your current skin care regime and looking for an effective, comprehensive, medical skin care range, this product will make the difference for you!

CHE® products are made in Australia for Australian conditions, are chirally corrected and contain no preservatives or parabens.

What does chirally correct mean? Chirality refers to "handedness" and the inability to superpose two identical objects onto each one another. A great example of this is our hands - the left hand is a non-superposable mirror image of the right hand.

When we refer to Chirality in skin care we refer to the molecular makeup of the product. Some molecules are easily absorbed by the skin's receptors whilst others are not. Usually only one of the mirror images is good for your skin. By removing the molecules which are not easily absorbed by your skin (and are therefore only going to irritate) the developers of CHE® were able to increase the activity of ingredients while reducing any associated irritation.

The range is plant based and is without colours or fragrances. CHE® is more active and less irritating to your skin. CHE® is suitable for all skin types and is individually tailored for you to effectively exfoliate, nourish and stimulate your skin addressing your specific individual concerns. With your 2009 budget in mind each item in the range is priced under $100.

Clinic Aesthetic also offer a range of CHE® peels to further enhance and improve the appearance and texture of your skin. The CHE® peels are chirally corrected therefore less traumatic, less irritating and safe for all skin types. They are results driven and very effective in helping to correct a number of common skin conditions including pigmentation, rosacea (redness), acne, sun damage and premature ageing.

Included in the range is also a calming lotion, Che Balm™ great for use after shaving, laser hair removal or sun exposure. See in store for more information.

Call us on 3010 3388 today to book your Che® skin analysis. Mention this article during the months of June, July or August 2009 and your skin analysis will be free of charge… already that's a saving of $50!

Winter special!

With winter now well and truly upon us Clinic Aesthetic are offering a personalised "Medi-Facial" to effectively revitalize your skin. Mention this article during the months of June and July 2009 to receive your ninety minute personalised "Medi-Facial" for $110… that's a saving of $60!

Mater Private Clinic 550 Stanley Street 07 3010 3388

www.clinic-aesthetic.com.au

 

 

 


My Health Specials: Weight Loss!

Sowelu Naturally Different Fitness(Paddington) Take advantage of our introductory 4 week wellness special, $605 in value ALL for ONLY $99 - You don't beat it for Value! clickhere for details

Healthy Inspirations (Nationwide) 7 Day Free Trail clickhere for details

Boot Camps Australia(QLD wide) 1 week free clickhere for Details

Brisbane LiveWell Clinic (Wavell Heights)- FREE zen spa treatment voucher Valued at $50! . click here for details

 

 

Short and Sweet:Roast Vegetable and Lentil Salad!

Serves 4

8 baby beets, trimmed and washed ½ butternut pumpkin trimmed cut into small wedges 4 Roma tomatoes, halved 1 tbsp olive oil 1 red onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 bay leaf 1½ cups puy lentils 3 cups water 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar rocket leaves Preheat the oven to 180ºC.

Drizzle the beets, pumpkin and tomatoes with olive oil and roast until cooked through.

Add olive oil to pan and cook the onion until softened. Add the garlic, bay leaf, lentils and water. Cover with a lid and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the lentils for 25 minutes or until softened.

Transfer all ingredients to a bowl and stir in the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar and season to taste with sea salt and pepper.

Brought to you by www.massattack.com.au

Download our new FREE e-book 7 Secrets of Weight Loss Revealed

http://www.massattack.com.au/sevensecretssubscribe.html

 

Laughter is the best medicine!

This Little Piggy

This little piggy went to market.

This little piggy stayed at home.

This little piggy had roast beef.

This little piggy had none.

And this little piggy went “cough, sneeze” and the whole world’s media went mad over the imminent destruction of the human race, and every journalist found ut that they didn’t have to do too much work if they just did “Find ‘bird’, replace with ’swine’” on all their saved articles from a year ago, er, all the way home.

.Quote of the week!

"Experience shows that success is due less to ability than to zeal. The winner is he who gives himself to his work, body and soul." Charles Bexton

For a Good Cause: Why Support The Fred Hollows Foundation?

Our vision is for a world where no one is needlessly blind, and Indigenous Australians enjoy the same health and life expectancy as other Australians.

http://www.hollows.org.au

 

BACK ISSUES OF NATURALLY HAPPY

In the next issue of "Naturally Happy"

  • Ion Spa!
  • Holistic Dentistry!
  • Green Apple Wellness Centre!
  • Brisbane Live Well Clinic!
  • Health and Harmony College!
  • nourished.com.au!
  • Short and sweet!
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My Health Specials provides this information for your personal education and enrichment. Information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Nor should the information replace the advice of your health care practitioner. Always seek professional advice if suffering an illness. My Health Specials Pty Ltd and all parties involved in the conception, production, ongoing maintenance and operation of Naturally Happy accept no liability and no responsibility for any damage whatsoever arising from or in connection to your use or operation of the website or information contained in this e-magazine.