Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 206 i WellBeing

As a parent to two teenage daughters, there are times when you feel as though you have been thrown into a blender that has been set to purée. Our family experienced one such liquefying week recently. Our routine is typically hectic, and we have a finely tuned roster that manages to get everyone where they need to be on time, but like most delicately adjusted instruments it only takes a nudge to send it out of kilter. In the week in question that nudge had a seismic quality. The nuts and bolts of it were that Daughter 1 had a dance festival that entailed daytime rehearsals, matinée performances and night-time shows. On top of that, seven months earlier we had purchased tickets for both daughters to attend a K-pop concert…

Good day, workers shine Researchers surveyed more than 11,000 workers and found there are five “types” of workday. The day types were: • Toxic: Low in stimulation, freedom and support but high in obstacles such as time pressure and conservative attitudes.• Disengaged: Low in stimulation and obstacles.• Typical: Average levels of stimulation and obstacles.• Ideal: High in stimulation, low in obstacles, with moderate levels of time pressure.• Crisis: High in stimulation and obstacles, with “good conflict” involving grappling with key work problems. Creative output was found to be significantly impacted by the type of day the worker experienced. While workers estimated their creative output was as high on Crisis as on Ideal days, in fact it was much higher on Ideal days. Management plays a major role in the type of…

Schisandra chinensis is native to northern China and Manchuria in northeastern China. In Japan it is called gomishi, and in China wuzweizi (five flavours fruit). Schisandra has been said to have the perfect blend of the five main flavours: salty, sweet, sour, bitter and pungent or spicy. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, schisandra is one of the most important herbs to improve the function of the liver, kidneys and heart, and is indexed in the Chinese and Japanese pharmacopoeias. Schisandra, also called Chinese magnolia vine, belongs to the magnolia family and often grows in coniferous forests where it is a perennial, deciduous climbing vine up to 9 metres tall, found at high altitudes in cool climates. Medicinally the part that is used is the dried, ripe fruit which contains polysaccharides and…

Resonance. You’ve probably heard the buzzword in relation to quantum physics or quasi-spiritual ideas. A newish paradigm for understanding our relationship with the world, what’s key to know: resonance, whether we’re aware of it or not, plays a leading role in our everyday lives. It influences what we do, where and with whom, how we feel, think, and more. So, what the bleep is it? The science of resonance Resonance is a scientific principle of how matter and energy behave. It’s based on an underlying law of the universe: all matter vibrates at different frequencies, emitting energy fields capable of influencing what’s around them. Resonance is the proven phenomenon that energies of similar frequency are attracted to each other and synchronise through the principle of “like attracts like”, in turn…

Vegan Thai Almond Tofu Serves: 4 Almond Sauce ½ cup coconut cream¼ cup almond butter1 tbsp 100 per cent maple syrup2 tbsp tamari2 tsp ground ginger Juice 1 large lime¼ cup water½ cup rice flour500g hard organic tofu, cut into thick slices1 Lebanese cucumber, thinly sliced½ red capsicum, thinly sliced Handful shredded purple cabbageBig handful bean sprouts2 shallots, sliced Handful almonds, roughly choppedHandful coriander, roughly choppedCooked brown jasmine rice, to serve Pour rice flour into a medium bowl. Pat tofu dry with a paper towel. Coat tofu slices in rice flour. In a frying pan over medium heat add some olive oil and fry the tofu until it’s golden brown each side. Set aside. Place sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until well combined. Add…

The saying that “you are what you eat” is true when it comes to your overall level of health and vitality. When you are fuelling your body well, this will in turn support all the different aspects of your wellbeing, including sexual health. Going even deeper, the connection between the foods you consume and key aspects of your sexual wellness (think hormones, libido and sexual function) can be used more specifically to help you set the mood each time you set the table. From enhancing your mind–body connection and relieving stress to revving up your sex drive and stimulating blood flow, we explore the foods, herbs and substances that can help take your pleasure beyond culinary delights, along with supporting lifestyle tips to stoke the fire. The link between what…

The framework of today’s growth-based economic system was established with the formation of the Bank of England in the late 17th century as the world’s first central bank. An agreement was made between the bankers and King William III, allowing the bankers to issue money as a debt, repayable with interest. Debt is a key driver of growth. As the long-standing argument goes, it is impossible to have infinite growth on a finite planet. The shortcomings of exponential population and economic growth were most famously highlighted in the 1972 book Limits to Growth, which used a computer model to predict ecological overshoot and a crunch in resource availability in the first half of the 21st century. A 2014 update by Graham Turner, a research fellow at the University of Melbourne,…

Zarah Adaniel always felt in tune with nature and the human body, but her cultural background propelled her into a career in banking and finance. Later, realising the profession involved long hours for little joy, Zarah decided to change her path. “At first, I didn’t know what to do, but I’m a hands-on person and I enjoy helping others, so I did beauty therapy and massage,” Zarah says. “After I had children and started working part-time, I decided to study naturopathy part-time. At Endeavour College, I stumbled upon Chinese medicine and jumped ship. I really like that the profession is accredited and that everything is evidence-based. “Chinese medicine requires intuition and care. Some of the skills I used in banking and finance like attention to detail are also useful in…

I have always believed that the name of an illness or condition is not always the most important feature. I believe the important feature is the interconnectedness of our mind and thoughts, our physical body, our emotions and feelings and our spirit and the powerful influence they have on our health and wellbeing. I was an intensive care registered nurse for 10 years, and I bring my combination of medical system training and complementary therapies training to every consultation, bridging the divide between orthodox medicine and naturopathic medicine. For me, I focus on the body–mind–emotional connection and the way our body reflects everything that we think and feel. I understand that our bodies want to be as well as possible and can be incredible in their ability to regulate and repair…

Gaze up at the sky on a regular basis: you’ll likely glimpse them every once in a while. Long, wispy cloud-like lines that span the horizon. Captured across Earth in scores of videos and photos, the white trails, too straight to be natural and increasingly sighted by the public, have become fodder for debate. Significant numbers of people — US polls taken in 2016 and 2017 suggest somewhere between 20 to 40 per cent of Americans for instance — believe the sky trails are chemtrails har-bouring harmful chemicals covertly used for purposes that include weather manipulation. The official story — backed by governments, media giants and most scientists — insists that what we are viewing are condensation trails (contrails) emitted by high-altitude jets. Whether or not you’ve already chosen your…

esoteric Tarot Magick LINDSDAY SQUIRE, MURDOCH BOOKS In Lindsay Squire’s fourth and final instalment of The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to series, Tarot Magick, you’ll be cast into the world of tarot cards. I’m new to the tarot world and I found this beginners’ guide to be the ideal start. It’s filled to the brim with attention-grabbing spells, rituals, tips and tricks for interpreting all 78 cards in the modern tarot deck! Accompanied by imagery, Tarot Magick covers the different methods for learning all the cards, like employing numerology, walking The Fool’s Journey and using symbolism to unlock a deeper understanding of their meaning. Whether you’re new to tarot cards or you’re an avid witch already, Tarot Magick will provide you with a deeper sense of ease and understanding when…

When did you first fall in love with yoga? I fell in love with yoga while I was in India back in 2001. I would hear the chanting from the temple close to our hotel, and it resonated deep inside me. That was where I bought my first yoga book, which was called Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health by BKS Iyengar. Little did I know at the time how much it would help me transform my life. What are some of your highlights of your yoga journey to date? Highlights of my yoga journey would definitely be completing my 200- and 150-hour teacher trainings five years ago. After 15 years of being a student, I finally felt confident enough to take the next step. Teaching was never something that…

[Silvanberries] ripen mid-spring and fruit till midsummer, the longest cropping season of all the brambles. Berries are the fruit that anyone can grow, given a sunny window or eaves and a hanging basket, or pots on the patio. There are berries for freezing winters and tropical summers, and every home-grown berry will taste like paradise, not the plastic they were wrapped in from the supermarket. Goji berries Goji bushes grow to about two metres high and wide and are tough. They grow well in pots too, and a friend has one in a hanging basket. They lose their leaves in winter in cold climates, and once established tolerate drought, heat and cold. Mulberries Plant bare-rooted trees in winter. Potted mulberries can be grown any time. Ours is a dwarf mulberry:…

Did something resonate with you in this issue of WellBeing? Tell us! Write to WellBeing, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde, NSW 1670, email wbletters@umco.com.au, comment on our Facebook or Instagram page: @WellBeing _Magazine. We reserve the right to edit all letters. WIN! Winner of the STAR LETTER! We couldn’t wait to get our hands on the 10th Anniversary Limited Special Edition of Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Colouring Book by Johanna Basford. Inside, beautiful pen-and-ink illustrated pages filled with wonderfully intricate flowers, plants and tiny creatures are waiting to be coloured. The winner of our Star Letter will also receive this gorgeous adult colouring-in book.…

I like to put on my favourite music and have a dance while I prepare a meal. Laughing a lot, being silly and not taking life too seriously. @divinefeminine.au Dancing with my dear daughter. @pamperology.au Dancing in the sunshine with my son and peeking into his world — he spends all day in play and it’s a beautiful invitation to do so myself! @katieedee Walking barefoot in the grass and laughing at a secret handshake I have with my son. @marysueeez…

Plants clean your office The World Health Organization estimates that around 6.7 million deaths per year result from poor indoor air quality. Offices and apartment buildings often connect directly to parking garages, either via doorways or lift shafts, allowing harmful petrol-related compounds to seep into workspaces and homes. Many freestanding buildings are also exposed to exhaust fumes from nearby roadways. These fumes can lead to lung irritation, headaches, nausea and increased risked of conditions such as asthma and even cancer. In a new study, researchers used a small green wall made from a mix of indoor plants placed in a sealed chamber and infiltrated the chamber with petrol exhaust fumes. Analysis revealed that 97 per cent of the most toxic compounds were removed from the air in eight hours. The…

According to the Australian Organic Market Report for 2021, the Australian organic food industry is blooming. As a whole, the organic food industry in this country is estimated to be worth $2.3 billion annually and has seen an annual growth rate of 13 per cent every year since 2012. Consumer demand for organic produce is growing at between 20 and 30 per cent each year, and estimates are that 60 per cent of households buy organic food on some occasion. Unsurprisingly, as a result of this eager embrace of organics, the number of certified organic food producers has increased by 38 per cent since 2011. Clearly, there is an established demand for organic food, but if we want to understand the role organics can play in our society, we need…

“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.”~ Alfred Adler “I’m an empath,” proclaimed Dave at a dinner party. “I can’t stand bright lights, loud music, strong smells …” However, when another guest teared up at their parent’s demise, Dave didn’t bat an eyelid. He continued to tuck into his meal, criticising how it was undercooked, oblivious to the offended chef. While Dave might be a highly sensitive person (HSP), it’s doubtful he’s an empath. An empath feels and honours the emotions of others — while Dave totally dismissed them. The term empath comes from the Greek em (in) and pathos (feeling). Empaths have the ability to feel what others are feeling without any verbal or visual…

It’s perhaps one of the biggest ecological and political questions of our time: how do we honour and protect our planet through understanding its natural and traditional cycles of rejuvenation, while still embracing modern technologies and sciences of the 21st century? On the one hand, hundreds of years of colonisation and intensive farming has meant our understanding of the natural cycles of the earth have been ignored. On the other, the pace of our world requires an equally frantic pace of production. So what’s the answer? How do we advance without destroying what we have? This is the question that Josh Gilbert — climate and Indigenous agriculture activist — has been contemplating his whole life, ever since riding the back of a tractor as a small child on Worimi country,…

Grief can cause physical sensations such as a tight chest, aches and pains and headaches, driving sufferers to turn to treatments like counselling, support groups, self-care and medication to help navigate the rollercoaster of emotions. According to the Australian Psychological Society, some psychologists may recommend yoga and other mindfulness-based practices as part of a holistic approach to managing grief. Research has found that practices such as meditation, yoga and tai chi may be useful in helping people to manage the intense emotions that often accompany grief. Alongside self-care activities such as exercise, meditation and journaling, research suggests yoga can help shift the heavy energy of grief and begin the process of healing. A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that yoga intervention programs helped participants with grief-related…

Welcome to another instalment of WellBeingTV. In this issue, you’ll hear from Sensei Sheryn Gung, a natural health practitioner, martial artist, writer and presenter. Her experience spans over two decades in the healing arts and three decades in the martial arts. She has studied with some of the world’s most renowned masters in her disciplines. Combined with her deep understanding of spiritual law, Sheryn offers excellence in the East Asian healing arts, martial teachings, and oriental and spiritual wisdom. For more, visit wellbeingmag.tv…

Impotence, or erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability for a man to sustain an erection long enough for satisfying sexual intercourse. Some men who suffer from ED are able to achieve an erection but are not able to maintain one, while others are not able to achieve an erection at all. ED can be caused by a variety of physiological and physical factors, including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety and hormonal changes. Natural medicines including herbs, nutritional supplements and dietary and lifestyle changes are a safe and effective way to treat ED and improve men’s sexual health, so they can enjoy a fulfilling and satisfying sex life. Common symptoms of ED include an inability to have or maintain an erection, low sex drive, problems with normal ejaculation, difficulty having…

Coles Coles is proud to be awarded Australian Organic Retailer of the Year for 2022. Our Coles Organic brand supports certified organic, with our entire range 100% certified. Discover a wide range of delicious Coles Organic products in store. W: coles.com.au PureHarvest PureHarvest Organic Oat Milk Unsweetened was the first oat milk sold in Australia more than 25 years ago. A delicious and creamy milk that’s made from 15% whole organic oats with no additives. It’s no surprise PureHarvest Organic Oat Milk remains a family favourite today. W: pureharvest.com.au Cleaver’s Meat Cleaver’s Organic does things differently so you can feel good about the food you love. Leading the way in certified organic and sustainable meat, we make it easy for you to enjoy tasty and healthy meals, without compromise. It’s…

When was the last time you sang like nobody was listening? There’s a science behind the feel-good factor of singing; it isn’t just a placebo. Studies show that singing releases endorphins, your “happy” chemicals, and lowers levels of your stress hormone cortisol. Singing can also evoke nostalgia and comfort, as music can connect us with memories long since forgotten. Has a song on the radio or a playlist ever immediately transported you back to a time, place or special person? Like that catchy tune you hummed during your European holiday, or the chart-topper that you and your best friends belted out at high school? Hit Play and sing along while you clean the house or brush your hair. Whether it’s alone in the car, in the shower or with friends…

Since 2000, SFI Health has been passionate about making natural medicines more accessible for Australians who are seeking different ways to support their health. Why are natural medicines important and what should people look for? Complementary medicines have been used for centuries across the globe and are the backbone of many of the medicines we know and use today. The World Health Organization estimates that around 80 per cent of the world’s population still use traditional medicines today, so it is important that we produce evidence-based efficacious products that support the demand worldwide. The research and evidence in complementary medicines have come a long way, and we are now able to produce complementary medicines with specific active constituent profiles that are reflected in clinical trials to ensure we are providing…

When I started working as the Relationship Coordinator for the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS), I was tasked with helping students find their feet and learn about their industry. I am a naturopath and have been a member of ATMS for almost 20 years. My own experiences moving from student to accredited practitioner are what make me so driven in my role to ensure that others know the benefits of becoming a member of an accredited association. When we are studying, we become so focused on the content that it’s sometimes hard to see past the studies and into the future of being an accredited practitioner. There are several reasons I was initially attracted to ATMS and why I continue to renew my membership each year. The main reason is the…

Have you ever got into your car and driven off and wondered why it felt a bit sluggish? Then you realised the handbrake was still on. Often our movement patterns — sitting at the computer, driving, carrying things, reacting to pain or recovering after injury, surgery or illness — mean that we have muscles holding us still. Just like the handbrake in the car, they stop us from moving freely. We can still move, but we get tired more quickly, things begin to hurt or we feel unsteady and off balance. Exercise designed to strengthen muscles can sometimes aggravate the problem. We need to find ways to switch off these muscles, releasing our muscular handbrakes, so movement becomes freer, easier and more efficient. Finding new, easy ways to move or…

GENERAL COURSES ACS Distance Education T: +61 7 5562 1088 E: admin@acs.edu.au W: acs.edu.au Atwea College T: +61 2 4925 4200 E: enquiries@atwea.edu.au W: atwea.edu.au Australasian Academy of Wellness Therapies T: +61 8 9355 5239 E: admin@aaowt.edu.au Australasian College of Natural Therapies T: 1300 575 803 E: info@acnt.edu.au W: acnt.edu.au The Australian College of Eastern Medicine T: +61 2 9715 5668 E: tom@orientalmedicine.com.au W: orientalmedicine.com.au Australian Institute of Higher and Further Education T: +61 8 9417 3553 E: info@aihfe.edu.au W: aihfe.edu.au Australian College of Kahuna Sciences T: +61 2 6684 4883 E: college@kahunasciences.edu.au W: kahunasciences.edu.au Australian Institute of Personal Trainers T: 1300 616 180 W: aipt.edu.au Australian Natural Therapists Association T: 1800 817 577 E: info@anta.com.au W: australiannaturaltherapistsassociation.com.au Australian Traditional-Medicine Society T: +61 2 8815 1540 E: info@atms.com.au W: atms.com.au…

Rugged granite peaks slide gently into the sea, surrendering to the waves tiny crystalline grains of quartz that shimmer and shine as the tide rolls in. A heady seascape of turquoise, teal and baby-eye blue, this far western coastline is so utterly bewitching that even kangaroos venture out of the heathlands to forage the shoreline as the sun goes down. Tucked into an arid, unpopulated corner of the country’s southwest, Cape Le Grand National Park has long received accolades for its beautiful, arcing, white sand coves. Its beaches blow every visitor away, but the park’s remote location — 750km by road from Perth — reserves this unspoilt wilderness for unhurried travellers, ideally with their own beds on board. I arrive by road too, steering my Landcruiser through the seaside town…

Greek yoghurt contains zinc, which can help to reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne. We all have heard the famous phrase, “You are what you eat.” But did you know that common foods that you likely have in your kitchen can do wonders for your internal health and external glow? Beauty really does start on the inside. Below you will learn about the beauty benefits of three common kitchen staples that can help you maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. Greek yoghurt Greek yoghurt is high in protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, including the skin, hair and nails. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12, all of which are important…

It feels like the general stress levels have ramped up since COVID. Contributors to stress in the Western world include a fast-paced culture, feeling the need to multitask, FOMO, lack of kindness and consideration for others. It’s magnified by our constant connectedness to our devices, overwhelming information, constant incoming bad news and current issues that affect us all like the economy or climate change. Chronic stress leads to fatigue, reduced immunity, increased cortisol and increased inflammation, and can be associated with allergies, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. Stress impacts pet carers dealing with their pet’s chronic illness or health challenges. Their stress may impact their pet’s emotional environment. Stress also impacts those working in the pet health industry, vet support staff and vets. Causes of stress for animal health professionals…

At 30 years old, one would not expect a major medical condition, but this young woman came to the clinic because she had been to her local GP, who had diagnosed her condition as hyperthyroidism, having carried out a series of blood tests and a thyroid scan that proved positive. She initially went to her doctor when she became concerned because her anxiety levels had suddenly increased, her heart was racing, she was having trouble sleeping and she felt like her whole system had speeded up. She was becoming increasingly irritable and restless, was very fatigued and was losing weight. Her menstrual cycles had also become more irregular over the last few months for no apparent reason. She had been taking thiamazole for several months; initially it was only given…

Less than three months after my wedding, I found myself unexpectedly pregnant. The initial shock wore off and I settled into the discomforts of my pregnancy. Soon it became apparent something beyond pregnancy was happening in my body. For starters, I stopped sleeping: my new average became one to two hours per night. “Well, you know, pregnancy’s rough,” my doctor stated unhelpfully. My symptoms persisted and continued to worsen. When nothing had changed by the time my baby was born, I knew I had to do something. I began my quest for answers. I started with the unhelpful doctor. She offered me an antidepressant over the phone, without examining me or running a single test. I declined and moved on. Over the next several months I saw numerous allopathic specialists.…

Improving overall health and wellbeing is at the forefront of most people’s minds, and taking a natural approach can add significant impact on your health and wellbeing. Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) has collated a guide to help you understand what natural medicine is, how it works, the different types of therapies available and how they can support your health. Why is natural medicine different? Natural medicine therapies take a holistic approach, meaning that a trained natural medicine practitioner will consider the person, not a named health condition. Natural medicine incorporates a combination of therapies with the underlying belief that your body, when given the right support, can heal itself. It often takes a preventative approach, and many people believe that when we restore and maintain the equilibrium of the body,…

Junk sleep You know that what you eat you are, and that extends to your sleep as well. In a new study, subjects were divided into two groups, one being given a healthier diet and the other an unhealthy diet. The diets contained the same number of kilojoules. The unhealthy diet contained higher levels of sugar, high saturated fat and more processed food. Each diet was consumed for one week and the subjects’ sleep was monitored; then after each week on the respective diets the subjects had their sleep monitored in a sleep laboratory. It was found that participants slept for the same amount of time on both diets but they found that when participants had eaten junk food there was less slow-wave activity in deep sleep. This means that…

While there are at least two major varieties of cinnamon, the one considered to be the most valuable and least toxic medicine is Cinnamomum verum (or C. zeylanicum), or true cinnamon. This is a small evergreen tree about 10 metres high, native to Sri Lanka and a member of the Lauraceae family. The bark is widely used as a spice. The name comes from the Greek kinnamomon, originally from Phoenician and akin to Hebrew and Malay, meaning “sweet wood”. Cinnamomum verum is harvested by growing the tree for two years then coppicing it. The following year the shoots are stripped of their bark which is left to dry. Only the inner bark is used. As the bark dries it curls into rolls, and each quill is made up of numerous shoots…

How do you start your day? For the past 31 years in the same way — bringing my wife a cup of tea in bed every single day. Tell us, what does ambition look and feel like for you? Completely different to what it looked and felt like before the events I wrote about in my first book Fat, Forty and Fired. Up until then I was the classic corporate warrior focused single-mindedly on moving up the ladder. Now my ambition is simply to be passionately focused on short-term goals I find meaningful. Basically, do whatever is in front of me at the time (this interview for example) to the best of my authentic ability and not worry about where it might lead. To the second part of the question…

The vagus nerve is the 10th of the 12 cranial nerves, and the longest. It’s technically a pair of vagus nerves, stretching from the lower part of the brain stem (medulla oblongata) and travelling down both sides of the neck, all the way to the colon. The word “vagus” is Latin for “wanderer”, which describes how the vagus nerve stretches around the body, with nerve branches connecting to the gut, liver, heart and lungs. Often referred to as an “information superhighway”, the vagus nerve is one way the body and brain communicate. The vagus nerve is both efferent and afferent, which means it sends signals from the body to the brain, and vice versa, from the brain to the body. Eighty per cent of its nerve fibres communicate from the…

Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular due to their many health benefits and positive environmental impact. One important aspect of a plant-based diet is the inclusion of good-quality plant proteins, which can be found in a variety of foods such as legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Importance of good-quality protein in the diet Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are crucial for the proper functioning of our brains and body. When we eat foods that contain proteins, our bodies break down these proteins into individual amino acids through the process of digestion. Once these amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream, they are transported to different parts of the body where they are used to build and repair muscles and other tissues, maintain hair, skin and nails,…

In today’s society, it seems like there’s a new diet trend popping up every other week. From veganism to low-carbohydrate, juice cleanses and intermittent fasting, people are constantly searching for the “perfect” way to eat in order to achieve their health and beauty goals. However, what many fail to realise is that these modern diets can often lead to adverse symptoms that they are trying to avoid in the first place: skin breakouts, weight fluctuations, stress and exhaustion. This is because many modern diets are restrictive in nature, leaving you depleted of essential nutrients and minerals that the body requires to feel, function and look your best. Instead of turning to these restrictive diets, perhaps the answer to optimal internal and external radiance can be found by looking back at…

Sensei Sheryn Gung is a natural health practitioner, martial artist, writer and presenter. Her experience spans over two decades in the healing arts and three decades in the martial arts. She has studied with some of the world’s most renowned masters in her disciplines. Combined with her deep understanding of spiritual law, Sheryn offers excellence in the East Asian healing arts, martial teachings and oriental and spiritual wisdom. 5 tips for creating a low-tox life As a natural health practitioner and a mum, I’m often asked for my top tips on creating a low-tox life. From feng shui and building biology to salmon tataki burgers and jeans with split-toe tabi socks, there are certainly some “East–West fusions” that work better than others. As an oriental-based natural health practitioner, I’ve seen…

Cheers, it’s finally wine o’clock, thinks single mum Katarina as she tucks her son into bed with his favourite story, then reaches for the prosecco bottle to get her through the lonely night ahead. During the global pandemic, working mum Dianne joked with her girlfriends about taking up daytime drinking to help her cope with home schooling her tribe of three. These women are not alone. Many women, particularly those who are middle-aged, are pouring glasses of wine to signal the end of the workday. A ritual, they say, that helps them to relax and unwind. There’s no doubt the wine market is skewed to the feminine palate — blokes will pour a beer while slapping each other on the back and cheering on their favourite footy team. Wine for…

A strong backside is for a good thing. These form-building muscles are your “human cushion”, also known as your gluteal muscles. These muscles help your body stay upright, keep your body moving forward and help you power through your workouts. Keeping your posterior healthy can make a big difference in your every move. The gluteus is the glue for total body function. The gluteus medius can be the source of mobility problems, and strengthening your gluteus can have huge benefits for your body and improve your mobility. The three muscles that make up your gluteal or bottom muscles are the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. The trio are an important part of our overall function and wellbeing. Together they provide movement and stability at the hip joint as well…

What is the Australian Natural Therapists Association? The Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) is a historic, trusted 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 and professional organisations, ANTA represents the interests of the following modalities: • Acupuncture• Aromatherapy• Ayurvedic medicine• Chinese herbal medicine• Homeopathy•Myotherapy• Naturopathy• Clinical nutrition• 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 of…

Health Academy Australia Since starting enrolling students in 2008 as one of the first online training providers in health and wellness, Health Academy Australia has had thousands of happy students who have gone on to establish their careers or flourish in their current careers. Health Academy Australia has earned a solid reputation as the college for career-focused and professional development courses with excellent student support and course quality. They have also picked up numerous awards in appreciation of their services and courses. One-on-one care Health Academy Australia offers one-on-one care to its students. From its student services team to knowledgeable tutors, it provides students with individual support and training. Health Academy Australia doesn’t treat its students as one of many; rather it treats each student’s individual needs and requirements. Contrary…

Practical experience is a hallmark of Torrens University Australia’s innovative educational philosophy, which puts the critical issues of your future profession front and centre. By grounding its studies in industry, it bridges the gap between study and work. Its undergraduate and postgraduate programs are taught by leading experts, who prepare you for employment and fast-track your career. Building relevant skills, experience and networks from day one, you won’t just learn about your industry, you’ll live it. Bringing together Australia’s leading health colleges By bringing together renowned institutions such as Australasian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT) and Southern School of Natural Therapies (SSNT), Torrens University provides an unparalleled educational experience. Its respected health qualifications come backed by six decades of excellence, a strong emphasis on the needs of tomorrow’s industry and…

Stressfree Management Promoting positive lifestyles. Stressfree Management is an innovative clinic run by Jenetta Haim in Sydney’s western suburbs. The clinic caters for a multitude of modalities to assist healing on all levels. Jenetta offers more than 40 years of experience in a holistic program specifically designed for what you need. Do you require help with diet and nutrition? Or would you like to change negative habits with cognitive behaviour therapy, hypnotherapy, counselling or neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)? Do you need help finding causes for your inflammation and allergies? Maybe you’d like to quieten your mind and emotions with meditation and mindfulness? Perhaps you’d like to learn more about house clearing and feng shui? Or would you like to balance your energy with body scanning, crystal healing, reiki, theta healing, colour…

What’s the best gift you ever received? And more importantly, how did it make you feel? Gift giving is something we do at times of festivity or celebration — it’s a sign of appreciation, love and connection. But showing someone that you care needn’t require a special date on the calendar or a tap of your credit card. What gifts can you share with loved ones each and every day, to remind them of how special they are? Perhaps that’s the gift of a genuine compliment, a listening ear when they’re down or a warm hug at the end of a long day. Or maybe it’s an act of service: babysitting for a frazzled friend so she can catch up on rest or filling your partner’s car with petrol when…

There’s nothing better than a delicious meal slow cooking in the kitchen, filling the home with aromas and leaving your mouth watering. Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Slow Cooker Book by Nathan Anthony features 80 easy, healthy and delicious slow cooker recipes that will do just that. From pastas and risottos to curries, “fakeaways” and family favourites, the cookbook is packed with dishes for any day of the week or occasion such as Honey Chilli Beef Noodles, Garlic Mac and Cheese, Lemon Butter Chicken and even a Sunday Roast. With simple, foolproof methods and no fancy or hard-to-find ingredients, Bored of Lunch is the perfect book for anyone who wants delicious meals that make you feel great too. Place the pine nuts, tinned tomatoes, red pesto, garlic, vegetable bouillon, herbs…

I’ve always been curious about ancient methods of medicine and healing. Chinese medicine, also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a comprehensive medical system that has been practised for thousands of years in China and other parts of East Asia. It is based on a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, aiming to restore balance and harmony within the body. As a qualified yoga teacher and massage therapist, I find learning about the body, mind and soul addictive so, in a rare moment of pause in my life, I decided to undertake an online course with Endeavour Short Courses, titled Introduction to Chinese Medicine: ancient holistic healing. With up to 30 CPE/CPD points earned, the course is academically rigorous and very well rounded. It is designed and supported by…

As the winter chill settles into the nooks and crannies, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of vegetable soup. But what if that soup could not only satisfy your taste buds but also give your immune system much-needed support? Well, soup enthusiasts! Brace yourselves for a wild ride through the land of veggies and flavours that I have for you this issue. We’re about to unveil a secret recipe for an ultimate immunity-supporting meal: my one and only winter vegetable soup. This soup is not your average sidekick; it’s packed with colourful veggies, intense tastes and spices that’ll warm you up instantly. And guess what? It’s not just delicious — it’s a true gut-health champion! So fasten your aprons and prepare for an epic veggie quest that’ll…

There are a number of natural substances that are less fraught that have the ability to regenerate lung tissue … Betting agencies won’t give you odds on your principal organ, but when it comes to your most primal survival-based functions, your lungs are arguably your saviour. It’s your sacred temple where you exchange oxygen, the vital resource that keeps you alive by fuelling your energy with carbon dioxide, a substance sequestered by plants that provides them with essential sustenance. It’s a universe preserving symbiosis, plants in turn recycling carbon dioxide that supplies us with oxygen, and so humans survive in tandem with their natural environment. Your lungs are also your initial and primary defence against invading microbes. They are your pre-eminent fortress where foreign insurgents are corralled and annihilated before…

Virgo Mercury brings a Retro cycle to Virgo Time, prompting you look back to learn. When Retro Mercury leads the way, you can benefit greatly from thorough research, from poking around behind the scenes. From September 4–25 your focus builds, with most effective results after September 15. Then Mercury directly energises your plans, plus a Virgo New Moon seeds a fresh start to your year. Creative pleasures move up another level on October 9 when Venus enters Virgo, ensuring rich rewards as October unfolds. Libra Venus, your lovely ruler, is vibrant in Leo, finally shifting into her strongest cycle on September 4. Meanwhile, Mars in Libra makes opportune links with Venus from September 17 to October 4. You shine, and in early October, you often find yourself in the right…

Spring September September 1–30, AU Australian Organic Awareness Month austorganic.com/awareness-month September 1–30, Mudgee, AU Mudgee Wine + Food Month mudgeewine.com.au September 11–14, Sydney, AU Fine Food Australia Show finefoodaustralia.com.au September 18–24, AU National Organic Week organicweek.net.au September 22, Global World Carfree Day worldcarfree.net/wcfd September 23, Mudgee, AU Flavours of Mudgee flavoursofmudgee.com.au October October, Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 3–8 (TBC), Sydney, AU Sydney Night Noodle Markets nightnoodlemarkets.com.au/sydney October 7–15, AU Queensland Mental Health Week qldmentalhealthweek.org.au October 8, Melbourne, AU Olivia’s Walks for Wellness walkforwellness.com.au October 10, Global Mental Health Day  who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day October 12–15, Sydney, AU MindBodySpirit Festival mbsfestival.com.au October 13–14, Jervis Bay, AU South Coast Food & Wine Festival southcoastfoodandwinefestival.com.au October 20–November 6, Sydney, AU Sculpture by the Sea sculpturebythesea.com/bondi October 27–29, Brisbane, AU Brisbane Good Food & Wine…