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Acupuncture. How it helps with Pregnancy Conditions.

Acupuncture and how it helps with Pregnancy Conditions


While pregnancy is a wonderful, life-changing event in a woman’s life, it can also result in the development of many physical and mental health conditions as the body adapts to carrying a child. These conditions range from nutrient deficiencies, morning sickness and back pain to stress and depression. Acupuncture has been found to be a great way to alleviate many of the common conditions caused by pregnancy.

 

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture and herbs are both an integral part of Chinese medicine practice, which may help patients to manage a range of symptoms including pain, stress and fatigue. Chinese medicine is generally considered to be safe but occasionally (as with all health treatments) may be associated with possible adverse reactions in individual cases.

 

Before performing acupuncture, a qualified practitioner will assess a patient to find out their health concerns, both physical and mental. After isolating these concerns or conditions, the practitioner then inserts fine, sterilised needles into specific points of the body. Each of these points is related to an ailment or specific issue. By stimulating these points with acupuncture, the practitioner’s aim is to correct imbalances in the body, thereby restoring it to better health.

 

Pregnancy conditions treated with acupuncture.

There are numerous different physical and mental conditions which can affect women during pregnancy that can be treated with acupuncture. It’s common for women to experience depression and stress during pregnancy, as they deal with the hormonal, physical and lifestyle changes resulting from bringing a new life into the world. A study from the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research on the “Effect of Acupressure, Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Women with Pregnancy-Related Anxiety and Previous Depression”, conducted between 2014 and 2016, uncovered acupuncture as a beneficial treatment for pregnant women needing perinatal mental health care.

 

General, pelvic and lower back pain are other conditions which commonly arise during pregnancy, due to the back strain caused by the additional weight of carrying a child. Another study on “Treating Pain in Pregnancy with Acupuncture,” undertaken in 2017 and published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, highlighted 89% of the pregnant test subjects reported a reduction in pain and symptoms after treatment

Some of the other conditions which can benefit from acupuncture treatment for pregnancy care include:

• sleeping concerns

• reduced energy levels

• cramps & muscular aches

• lack of concentration

• morning sickness

Cartoon Woman Pregnancy Stages or Steps and Birth Set Care Health Concept Flat Style Design. Vector illustration of pregnant stage

Acupuncture in preparation for labour

As well as offering many benefits in treating the mental and physical conditions which often develop during pregnancy, acupuncture can also assist with preparing the body for labour in the third trimester.

If you’re experiencing depression during pregnancy, morning sickness, back pain, stress, nutrient deficiencies or any other pregnancy-related conditions discussed in this article, contact us to arrange a consultation for acupuncture treatment as part of your pre-natal care.

Yours in Health and Happiness

Brisbane Livewell Clinic 

 

Please phone and talk with us on (07) 3861 5881 or click any of these links.

Bookings – Website – Facebook – Instagram – Google+ 

 (Clinic Directions) – Chermside, Cannon Hill, Kenmore

References: (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5412528/ – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2005290117301085)

Pregnancy and Naturopathy are Great Partners.

Pregnancy Wellbeing


Pregnancy is a very special time in any woman’s life. It’s also a time of enormous change: not only is the body going through all the adaptations needed to prepare for the birth and motherhood, the baby is also growing and changing, developing from a small ball of cells into a fully formed human being. Although these processes are entirely natural, they require a complex blend of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in order to be completed successfully. In addition, pregnancy and birth can also create a number of health problems in themselves. For many expectant mums, changes in diet and lifestyle may make the pregnancy wellbeing journey an easier one, as well as maximising the chances of everything going well. 

 

Pre-conception nutrient deficiencies may make pregnancy harder

 

Although many women tend to think about taking care of themselves once they know they are expecting, the reality is that health at conception may be critical in determining how well the early stages of pregnancy progress. Women lead busy lives, so finding the time to eat regular nutritious meals, have sufficient sleep, take regular exercise and adopt other stress-busting techniques may be a challenge. The right supplementation can help to ensure that the body has all the nutrients it needs to optimise conditions for conception to occur.

 

Pregnancy care for a healthy mum and healthy foetus

 

In addition to supplementation such as folic acid (found to significantly reduce the risk of having a baby born with spina bifida), there are a number of other nutrients which are important to aid healthy development. As well as supplementation, mums-to-be need to follow a healthy diet which excludes foods that are a high risk for food poisoning or may contain harmful bacteria. Our nutrition experts can advise on the right diet for pregnancy health.

 

Natural pregnancy – pre-natal care gives a chance to take care of yourself

 

Because the body undergoes such dramatic changes during pregnancy, it’s important that women look after themselves. Although in most cases pregnancy does not present any particular issues, some women can suffer from problems such as fatigue, anxiety, stretch marks, varicose veins and morning sickness. click here for more advice and information. We have a range of therapies that can be beneficial in treating these conditions. Unlike medication, which often can’t be used by pregnant women because of the potential effects on the foetus, dietary interventions, acupuncture, the Bowen technique and kinesiology are all considered safe to use in order to help relieve many pregnancy-related conditions.

 

Pregnancy health may maximise the chances of a trouble-free labour

 

Although each labour is different and complications may occur even after a normal pregnancy, it’s common sense to ensure that the body is in peak condition in order to meet the demands which giving birth places on it. We are able to offer a complete spectrum of care options, empowering women to take control of their own well-being and access the support and care they need to make sure they are doing everything they can to support their body during the pregnancy journey.

Yours in Health and Happiness

Please phone and talk with us on (07) 3861 5881 or click any of these links.

Bookings – Website – Facebook – Instagram – Google+ 

 (Clinic Directions) – Chermside, Cannon Hill, Kenmore

Ok, everyone stop now. I am taking some time out for all of me.

Nice girl asking for silence

The Wonders of Hot Stone Massage and Aromatherapy 


Hot stone massages are becoming an increasingly popular treatment in Western countries, particularly Australia. Yes, they can help with alleviating pain and soreness associated with excessive exercise or general pains and sprains. But, more interestingly, hot stone therapy has been shown to offer a number of additional benefits to your mind. When combined with aromatherapy, you can access a whole diverse range of health benefits, including:


Relieved muscle tension:


The primary aim of hot stone therapy is to relieve pain in your back. During the process, heated stones, usually basalt, are placed on strategic parts of your back. Over time, these help to improve blood flow across your back and can offer:

– Improved range of motion

– Reduced inflammation

– An easing in back pain and tension

– Greater flexibility


Improved sleep:


If you struggle to sleep, then any form of massage can be beneficial in helping you to relax. At the same time, the essential oils used in aromatherapy can greatly assist in encouraging you to sleep. There have even been cases where aromatherapy has been shown to relieve long-term insomnia.


Reduce anxiety and stress:


Similarly, hot stone massage and aromatherapy are wonderful ways to reduce mental stress and anxiety, especially if you receive your massage in the evening. To maximise the stress-relieving benefits of aromatherapy, you should opt for the following essential oils in your treatment:

– Peppermint

– Lavender

– Vetiver

– Bergamot

– Sandalwood

– Ylang Ylang


Strengthening your immune system:


Studies have taken place in both aromatherapy and hot stone massage to show that they can be helpful in strengthening your immune system. In aromatherapy, the following oils have been shown as particularly beneficial: cypress oil, sweet almond, lavender oil, sweet marjoram oils and tea tree oil.


Brisbane Wellness Clinic has spent more than 3 decades helping relieve pain and stress. We are experts in Eastern medicine and offer a whole range of massage services that can be tailored to fit your needs and requirements. 


Yours in Health and Happiness

Please phone and talk with us on (07) 3861 5881 or click any of these links.

Bookings – Website – Facebook – Instagram – Google+ 

 (Clinic Directions) – Chermside, Cannon Hill, Kenmore

Test Your Food Relationships and dump the ones that don’t love you.

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Food intolerance and food allergies – why are they different?

As more becomes known about the complex relationship which our bodies have with the food we eat, a growing number of people are discovering that there are some foods, or groups of foods, that don’t seem to agree with them for some reason. Symptoms vary from fairly mild issues, which often pass almost unnoticed, or put down to “one of those things”, through to life-threatening conditions where prompt medical treatment is absolutely essential.

It’s important to note that the body doesn’t react in one way to a foodstuff which causes an adverse reaction: the way in which the body reacts to a food it is intolerant to is different to an allergic reaction.

Here we take a look at the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy, as well as provide advice regarding what to do if you suspect you may suffer from either.

If your body perceives a food as a toxin, your immune system is triggered to deal with it. People who have a food allergy have a body which perceives a particular food as a toxin. The immune system is activated, resulting in symptoms which include asthma, related breathing difficulties, swelling, runny eyes and nose, itching, hives or coughing. Some or all of these symptoms may be present. The degree of severity varies: some people will experience only mild symptoms; others will need to be hospitalised promptly (particularly if the allergic response has resulted in asthma, swelling of the nose and throat or other breathing difficulties).

An extreme allergic reaction may result in the body going into anaphylactic shock. This is a very severe allergic reaction, which, in addition to the symptoms previously described, may also result in swiftly lowering blood pressure, cardiac disturbances and unconsciousness. Symptoms may begin within minutes of coming into contact with an allergen or occur several hours afterwards. Food allergies can be life-threatening, so it is vital to avoid the harmful foodstuff. A simple test will help you identify which common foods which trigger an allergic response include: shellfish, nuts, eggs, fish and dairy products.

What is a food intolerance?

Food intolerance is usually recognised when a person has problems digesting a particular food or group of foods. Although not usually life-threatening in the same way as an allergy, food intolerances can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms which include sickness, diarrhoea, bloating, IBS, a runny nose or eyes, coughing, headaches or migraines and general feelings of unwellness.

People may attribute their symptoms to other things, meaning a food intolerance remains undiagnosed and continues to make life miserable. Intolerance to a food may develop in later life; conversely, some adults find that over time their food intolerance lessens, potentially enabling them to include the offending foodstuffs in their diet once more. If you have noticed any of the above symptoms and have not been tested for food intolerance, testing could be a sensible option.


What to do if you suspect you have an allergy or intolerance?

If you notice unwanted symptoms after consuming a certain food or group of foods, prompt testing to establish if the item is causing an allergic reaction or an intolerance is important. Although in both cases the offending foodstuff needs to be avoided, allergy sufferers may need to take particular care: if there is a severe allergy present, the sufferer may need to carry an epi-pen to use in the event of unexpected contact. The epi-pen releases epinephrine which works to reverse many of the most damaging symptoms of anaphylaxis.


If intolerance or allergy is diagnosed, avoiding the foodstuff which causes the reaction can cause a dramatic improvement in symptoms. Book an appointment today to get Test your Food relationship.

We hope to see you soon. Please phone and talk with us on (07) 3861 5881 or click any of these links.

Bookings – Website – Facebook – Instagram – Google+

(Clinic Directions) – Chermside, Cannon Hill, Kenmore

Acupuncture and Musculoskeletal Pain

Acupuncture: Waiting for a cure on pins and needles.

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Musculoskeletal pain and Acupuncture

If you are one of the millions of Australians who suffers from some form of musculoskeletal pain, you’ll know how disabling the condition can be. Whether it’s acute pain from sports injuries, or a chronic pain due to conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, sciatica, tendinitis or planter heal pain, the discomfort can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Unfortunately, there are few effective treatments out there, other than prescription painkillers which can have unwanted side effects. This leaves many people struggling with back pain or shoulder pain with few options for relieving it. In such circumstances, acupuncture can frequently make a real positive difference.


Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for your bad back, work injuries or Sports Injuries.

Traditional acupuncture which is based on the principles of Chinese medicine. The theory of acupuncture is that for optimal well-being, the energy flows within the body all need to be working well. When one of the energies becomes depleted, health problems can be the result. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body which are believed to give the energy flows the assistance needed to regain balance. Acupuncture works holistically, so your acupuncturist may also suggest dietary and other lifestyle changes which could help to treat your injuries successfully.

Acupuncture can treat anything from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) right through to pain relief for postoperative bone fractures.

Acupuncture is one of the mainstays of TCM and has historically been used to treat an enormous variety of conditions. Acupuncture can be particularly effective in treating pain, helping people to improve their mobility and start doing the tasks they had to give up because their discomfort was too great. Acupuncture may work in almost any area of the body; often only a few sessions are needed before patients notice a marked difference in the severity of their symptoms.


Acupuncture and TCM are easily accessed in Brisbane

There are skilled practitioners here at Brisbane Livewell Clinic in Brisbane who will be able to complete the detailed assessment needed to determine if acupuncture is going to be right for you, as well as provide the treatment for you. Suitable for almost anybody and safe to use alongside conventional medical interventions, acupuncture is the therapy of choice for a growing number of people who want a well-tolerated, clinically proven method of reducing the severity of the unpleasant symptoms which musculoskeletal pain may cause.

“Where there is pain, there is no free flow. If there is free flow, there is no pain.” – Chinese Proverb

We hope to see you soon. Please phone and talk with us on (07) 3861 5881 or click any of these links.

Bookings – Website – Facebook – Instagram – Google+

(Clinic Directions) – Chermside, Bulimba or Kenmore

Nutrition and Naturopathy for a healthy diet

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In today’s busy and complex world, where we increasingly value convenience over everything else, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is difficult. The way we understand nutrition is changing every day, and it seems we are being bombarded with different health messages each week, sometimes contradicting other things we hear. More and more healthy eating “fads” are taking over from proper advice, and it can be hard for the average person to know where to start, or who to believe.
In order to make meaningful, long-lasting changes to your diet, you need advice from practitioners who understand the complex mechanics of food, and how what we eat interacts with our body chemistry.

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Why should you consider naturopathy?

Naturopathy has an undeserved reputation as being unscientific and “wooly”. Nothing could be further from the truth. Naturopathy is grounded in scientific evidence, which is then applied to practical solutions designed to help prevent and treat medical problems. More than that, the logic behind naturopathy is very simple; that the body is a naturally balanced system that works best when kept fit, and fuelled by natural produce. While complex synthetic compounds like modern drugs do have a part to play in healthcare, the first response to health problems is preventing them in the first place!

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Why is nutrition important, and why should you consider changing your diet?

The first step to changing your diet and cutting down on unhealthy eating is understanding why you should do it. Nutrition is the science of nutrients (in food), and how our body reacts to different kinds of nutrients. It’s important because we all need to eat to survive and understanding what you should eat gives you the information you need to make informed choices about diet. It’s worth noting that your diet is a good indicator of current and future health, in conjunction with other measures. For example, the health impact of obesity is still yet to be fully understood, but available research suggests being overweight carries risks of many diseases and disorders. Diet is an integral part of such challenges and controlling your food intake is an exceptional preventative measure to stop getting sick in the future.
The principle is the same for car engines. If you use high-quality, premium fuel with less additives, that burns more cleanly and efficiently, then your car will run better. The engine will be cleaner, more resistant to damage, and will perform at a higher level generally than if you were using a cheaper, lower quality fuel. Your body is the same. Unhealthy foods are full of things that your body doesn’t want or need, and while they might taste great, they do very little good to you, and have lots of negative effects like weight gain, increased cholesterol, lethargy, and stress on your organs. Naturopathy is all about balance and maintaining your body’s natural equilibrium. Nutrition is a fundamental part of that balance, and so how you eat will affect the rest of your life too.
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Some simple strategies for improving your diet.

– Radical changes rarely work, and this is especially true of diets
There’s a reason why people are sceptical of modern dieting trends. The majority of those who decide to go on a diet will have initial success, and then gain the weight back within a year or two, and in some cases actually put on more weight than they started with. One of the reasons for this is that most of these diets are radical and difficult to maintain long term. Some are also not based on science at all, but an unfounded set of principles.
Healthy nutrition is a long term pursuit that fits into a broad health narrative. Naturopathy understands this and understands that making long lasting change takes time and careful planning. The key to successful diet change is taking gradual, achievable steps that change behaviour in the long term.
Slowly eliminating unhealthy foods from the weekly shop is a good place to start. Junk food is often chosen as a snack, so making sure to choose healthy alternatives like fruit or grain-based foods as tasty alternatives is important. Once those smaller changes become new habits, then new changes can be introduced, so that each week you’re contributing to change, without having to go without everything you’re used to straight away.

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– Don’t forget about the drinks!
It’s easy to focus too heavily on food, and forget about the unhealthy drinks in our lives. Soft drinks are a major issue, but they are also a bit of a scapegoat when it comes to people who already only use them as an occasional treat.
Remember to look at your daily staples like tea and coffee, which might be healthy in moderation, but if combined with sugar can add up to an unhealthy amount over the course of each day. Similarly, things like fruit juices and smoothies, especially if bought rather than homemade, can be full of sugar and other unhealthy additives that are hidden beneath a healthy veneer.
– Needing help is not a failing
Discipline and personal responsibility are important to having a healthy diet, but they are not a magical cure to break unhealthy eating habits. It’s important to understand your limitations. Altering your diet to include more healthy food is a major lifestyle change that will be challenging, as well as taking time to implement properly. Speaking to industry professionals will make your healthy eating journey easier and more grounded.

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Naturopathy is about understanding how the body works in practice. Our naturopaths are trained professionals who know how to craft individualised plans that incorporate nutrition into your personal health needs. This includes all the other aspects of mental and physical health that are part of healthy living. It’s a holistic approach that treats nutrition as part of an overall strategy to improve your health. We understand that sticking to a healthy diet is hard, and our experts are here to help you make meaningful changes that you’ll be able to maintain into the future.

Vegetarian and Vegan diet – making and managing the changes

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Making the decision to embrace a plant-based diet, whether as a Vegetarian or as a Vegan, can have a life changing impact on health and well-being. Many people report feeling healthier, having more energy and notice an improvement in the progression of chronic illnesses once they remove meat and/or dairy products from their diet. If you have always eaten a conventional western diet, which incorporates animal products in fairly large quantities, eliminating them from your diet can cause significant changes in the type of nutrients your body receives, as well as the quantities of vitamins and minerals provided. Sometimes adjustment to a new way of eating takes time or requires the ingestion of larger amounts of particular foods in order to avoid nutritional deficiencies. If you are eager to embrace the benefits which a Vegetarian or Vegan diet may bring, but are concerned about the impact a diet free of animal products may have on the quality of your nutrition, read on to discover why there is nothing to fear.

The right type of diet can help

If you don’t know quite where to start when it comes to going meat free, why not ask our Dietitian or Clinical Nutritionist for some advice? At the Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we offer high-grade dietary advice which is personalised to meet your individual requirements. Not only do Vegetarians and Vegans need to eat a wide variety of foodstuffs to make sure they get all the micro-nutrients that they need for optimal well-being, but some people may also need to adjust their diet in order to take account of pre-existing medical conditions, allergies or intolerances. We can work with you to support and modify your chosen dietary regime, tweaking it so that it provides optimal nutrition for your individual situation. This type of structured approach ensures that you are able to make the switch to a plant-based diet without putting any undue stress on your metabolism.

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Supplementation could really make a difference

Although a Vegetarian or Vegan diet can provide the vast majority of nutrients needed for health, the less variety there is in the foods that you eat, the easier it is for a nutritional deficiency to occur. In addition, some people (for example older people or those with a chronic illness) may need to take on additional vitamins, minerals or plant compounds in order to enjoy the very best health. We work with each of our patients to devise a supplement regime that will ensure they receive the nutrients they need.

Use nutrition to treat individual ailments

Studies show that the right sort of nutrition can have a powerful effect on a range of medical conditions. Anything from mental health problems through to diabetes, fibromyalgia and more can benefit from taking on board appropriate nutrients. Our Dietitian and Clinical Nutritionist can complete a detailed medical assessment of your requirements. Using their expert knowledge, they can pinpoint areas where additional nutrients, often in the form of herbs or carefully chosen supplements can be used to have a physiological benefit on the disease’s pathology. In many cases, a carefully chosen plant-based diet, used alongside the right type of supplementation, can really make a positive difference to many different long-term health conditions.

Maintaining balance with a Vegetarian or Vegan diet

Following a Vegetarian or a Vegan diet is not necessarily a guarantee of eating well! Vegetarians and Vegans are as capable as meat eaters of making bad dietary choices. Considerable work is needed to ensure that if you choose not to eat meat or dairy products, you are still getting all the nutrients you need. Some people tend to opt for either a highly restrictive diet when they decide to go meat-free, or conversely compensate for feelings of “missing out” by consuming large quantities of Veggie junk food. Neither of these two extremes are healthy choices, particularly in the longer term. We work with our clients to modify and support their dietary preferences, at the same time as providing them with eating choices which maximise nutrition at the same time as being palatable and offering a sustainable choice. Research shows that gradual, positive dietary changes are often the best way forward.

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More and more people across the country are making the decision to go meat and/or dairy free. Whether you are doing this for ethical reasons, or because of the health benefits, it is important to ensure that your body continues to receive all the nutrients (particularly micro nutrients) which it needs for health. At the Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we can advise on suitable nutrition for diets which are free of animal products, giving you the information you need to optimise the healthy choices you are making. We can also advise on additional supplementation, offering a tailored nutritional solution that helps Vegetarians and Vegans find a diet that works for them and supports their commitment this life change.

The Greatest Gift a Man can give his Family is his own Health

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How can a naturopath help with common men’s health issues?

Sometimes men prefer to ignore the symptoms that something is wrong with their health rather than seek treatment, opting towards a ‘take it on the chin’ mentality. However, men’s health can be extremely complex, and ignoring minor issues now can lead to bigger problems later on. Men are sometimes also unaware of the common ailments that affect so many men and might not know where to begin when it comes to treatment.

A Naturopath is a great way to treat men’s health, because our Practitioners take a holistic approach, and will ensure they treat the entire issue, not just prescribe you some quick fix medications. More and more men are turning to Naturopaths for treatment of a variety of conditions, looking for long-term solutions that will serve them well later in life.

To assist in understanding some of the common ailments faced by the men that we treat every day, we have compiled this helpful list. As you will see, you are not alone, and treatment doesn’t need to be overwhelming!

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Stress

Some men have a tendency to keep their feelings private and can become stressed when external factors such as balancing life and work become difficult. We see many men who are feeling the symptoms of stress but don’t want to be treated with pharmaceutical medicines. Commonly, nutrient and diet deficiencies can be a cause of many stress-related symptoms. For example, B vitamins and magnesium are crucial ingredients in managing mood in the body. Natural therapists work with each individual to find a balance of ingredients that not only improve stress levels but overall health and wellbeing.

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Sleep disorders

In today’s hectic society, it is so hard to turn our brains off. Many men take the stresses from the office home, or simply can’t stop thinking about all the things they need to fix around the house on the weekend. Sleep disorders are an extremely common ailment and can leave you with a crippling sense of fatigue. Chemical treatments for sleep disorders might work in the short term, but many people find themselves becoming accustomed to the drugs used, needing to take higher and higher dosages. Many sleep-inducing drugs are also addictive. Natural remedies for sleep employ herbs that have been used across cultures for thousands of years to help you get a better night sleep.

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Candida infections

Candida infections are itchy, annoying and can be a real set back when they hit. Candida is the most common form of yeast infection and occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the body. Candida infections are very common among women, but men can get these infections too. Sometimes candida infections occur in the mouth or throat, they can appear in the form of athlete’s foot or can affect the genitals. Candida loves warm and moist environments and men might find themselves particularly susceptible when their immune system is already low. You can find all the facts about candida infections HERE

Commonly topical creams and antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of candida infections, but these treatments are not always effective and don’t always treat the cause of the problem. Naturopathy uses treatments that kill fungus naturally and work with each individual to prevent future infections.

Blastocystis

Blastocystis is a single-celled parasite often found in people suffering from gut health related illnesses such as diarrhoea and other intestinal infections. Common symptoms of Blastocystis include watery or loose bowel movements, pain in the abdomen, an itchy anus, weight loss and gas. However, some people don’t show symptoms at all. You can read more about the Blastocystis parasite HERE.

Intestinal parasites are very often overlooked as potential causes for disease in the digestive system and in other seemingly unrelated health issues. However, there is increasing evidence that these common parasitic organisms can be detrimental to health in a number of ways. Antibiotic treatment is often ineffective at fixing intestinal parasites because parasites become antibiotic resistant. Luckily, natural remedies such as a rotating treatment of antimicrobial herbs make it much harder for the parasites to become resistant and also support the gut lining, liver, and absorption of nutrients, hastening the healing process and yielding long-term suppression of future infection.

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In Australia, men already have a lower health expectancy than women, which is likely linked to this tendency to ignore the early symptoms of health concerns. Naturopathy and Natural Therapists don’t only help men treat immediate issues, but also work to set them up with more healthy life patterns. For example, many men that visit our practice skip meals, have a poor diet and do not have healthy habits. We understand that changing habits can be hard, but we are dedicated to sharing a holistic approach to health that will see our male patients enjoy happier and longer lives.

Why Nutrition Is More Important Than Exercise

Why Nutrition Is More Important Than Exercise

Food For Thought: Why Nutrition Is More Important Than Exercise

Do you find yourself eating unhealthy foods and then thinking that you will just go to the gym and burn it off?

How far are you behind your fitness goals?

While exercise or any physical exertion is important, without a proper nutrition plan to back it up, the required results can never be achieved.

Exercise would only compensate the extra calories

There are several studies that prove proper nutrition is as important in weight loss as exercise.

People looking to lose their excess weight without controlling their diet will only be able to loss the extra calories that they are consuming every day with exercise. This is why it is important to have a strict diet, that ensures no extra calories are being added to the body.

Only then will the exercise start yielding results.

Exercise increases appetite

Studies have proven that regular exercise can increase appetite; it improves the overall metabolism. This has several implications, but the most significant one is that it can trigger certain subconscious eating patterns, that go unnoticed.

This is why it is important to keep a strict check on your calorie intake from the start. Feeling hungrier while losing weight is natural, but it doesn’t mean that the body is craving for more calories.

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Exercise alone does not have any relation to weight loss

A very comprehensive study conducted in the US, proved that exercise has no direct relationship to weight loss. The study proved that increase in physical activity does not lead to any significant weight loss, or control in weight gain, with exercise alone.

However, it does not mean that exercise isn’t important. Regular exercise, combined with dietary changes can lead to more sustainable weight loss over the long term.

Food comes before exercise

Many people misunderstand the relationship between food and exercise. Food should be the fuel that drives exercise, rather than hamper it. Only with proper nutrients, energy and caloric intake, can the body exercise at an optimum level and give you your desired fitness results.
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Making your next move a successful one

Many people think that eating healthy means stripping off everything that is tasty from the diet plan and not being able to enjoy the pleasures of food that are available. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

It is important to consult a Clinical Nutritionist or a Dietitian who will be able to guide you properly, according to the needs of your body and your lifestyle. This will ensure that you’re is getting enough nutrients and aren’t consuming empty calories.

You are welcome to phone us on 07 3861 5881 or  book an appointment today.

6 Treatments You May Not Know Are Traditional Chinese Medicine

6 Treatments You May Not Know Are Traditional Chinese Medicine

What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been in use for thousands of years to treat, diagnose, and prevent disease. Conventional medical practices have continued to embrace Eastern medicine alternatives, also known as integrated or complementary methods of treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine encompasses a natural and holistic health care system that began about 2,000 years ago.

TCM is considered holistic because it stimulates the body’s own natural healing mechanism and takes into consideration the life of the patient. The treatment method does not only recognise the visible signs and symptoms but views the body as a series of interconnected of organs. The broader concept is known as Qi and does not isolate separate organs or systems. The primary focus is on understanding life, fighting diseases accumulated in daily life, and maintaining health.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine Works

TCM works by correcting problems in the body in three significant ways:

  • Addressing the external factors and environment of a patient
  • Helping patients manage stress by relating to their internal emotions in a healthy way
  • Improving lifestyle factors like exercise, routine and diet.

The practice mainly focuses on significant organs like the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, gallbladder, small and large intestines, and the lungs. Depending on the specific type of therapy applied, Traditional Chinese Medicine presents a lot of health benefits for a patient.

What does Traditional Chinese Medicine Treat

Traditional Chinese Medicine has traditional evidence to support the use in the treatment of:

  • Acute lower back pain (1)
  • Chronic pain (2)
  • Migraines and headaches (3)
  • Women’s health concerns such as: painful periods, fertility support (4)
  • Menopausal symptoms such as: hot flushes and anxiety
  • Peri menopausal and menopausal insomnia
  • Pregnancy symptoms such as: nausea, vomiting and musculoskeletal pains

6 Types of Techniques Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM encompasses several methods designed to help people remain healthy and deal with various conditions not treatable by conventional medicine.

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture refers to the approach of inserting needles into the subcutaneous tissue of the superficial skin. The aim is to manipulate muscles at acupuncture points to improve hormonal balance, lower pain, and combat stress. It is believed that the body has close to 2,000 acupuncture points, all of which are connected by the meridians that conduct energy. Qi, or energy, travels through these meridians between the internal organs and the surface of the body. Acupuncture serves to allow for the normal flow of Qi in the whole body, hence restoring it to a healthy status, both physically and emotionally.

2. Tui Na Massage

Tui na is a combination of acupressure, massage, and other forms of manipulation of the body. It is an Asian bodywork technique that has widely been used in China for many years. Before treatment, the practitioner asks the patient some questions that determine the kind of treatment required. The massage therapy can be extremely vigorous and involves the use of ointments and herbal compresses to make the technique more effective. The method is best suited to treat musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain.

3. Moxibustion

It refers to a type of therapy that entails burning mugwort root or moxa made from a spongy herb to enhance healing. When moxa is heated, it produces a lot of smoke and a repulsive odour that closely resembles that of cannabis. Inhaling the smoke helps invigorate the blood, strengthen the kidneys, stimulate the flow of Qi, dispel cols, expel wind, and dissolve stagnation. Historically, the therapy was also quite useful in treating menstrual pain.

4. Scraping or Cupping

Cupping is another form of massage in Chinese culture. It entails placing several plastic cups or several glasses on the body. The cups or glasses are warmed using cotton balls which are placed inside the cup to get rid of all the oxygen. The essence is to have the open sphere part of the cups pressed against the skin after removing the cotton balls. As the air inside cools, it creates pressure inside the cup, makes a vacuum and results in the cup sticking to the skin. The fleshy sites that result are considered the best treatment areas. The skin is scraped using pieces of smooth jade, animal tusks, bones, smooth stones, or horns to release obstruction and toxins trapped on the skin. The scraping continues until red spots and bruising appear on the area of treatment.

5. Chinese Herbs

Most of the substances used by TCM practitioners come from different flowers, roots, leaves, stems, and seeds of plants such as ginger, cinnamon bark, ginseng, rhubarb, and liquorice. Ginseng is the most common among them and can be used for the treatment of a broad set of conditions. Chinese herbology recommends the use of herbs combined into a formula that is given in the form of traditional tea, granule, capsule, powder, or liquid extract.

6. Chinese Nutrition

This mode of dieting in China is rooted in the knowledge that food produces various effects on human organisms. In the tradition, a balanced diet consists of five tastes, mainly bitter, spicy, salty, sweet, and sour. Foods with specific flavours have particular properties. In Chinese culture, there are no forbidden foods, and no one diet fits all in matters of nutrition. Diet plays a very crucial role in health promotion.

Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Reduction of headaches and chronic pain
  • Lowers inflammation
  • Supports the function of the liver
  • Can assist in fertility support
  • Decreases the bodies stress response
  • Assists with muscle recovery and pain
  • Supports hormonal health

TCM has been used for years and is beneficial to patients. However, before choosing a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, ensure that they are certified and have undergone consumer-driven development programs. At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we have a certification for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Call us today on 07 3861 5881 and talk to our nationally qualified and experienced practitioners or Book Online Now and you will be well on your way to wellness.



References:

  1. Liu, L., Skinner, M., McDonough, S., Mabire, L., Baxter, G. (2015). Acupuncture for Low Back Pain: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine.  10.1155/2015/328196
  2.  Vickers, A., Vertosick, E., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N., Sherman, K., Irnich, D., Witt, Cl., Linde, K. (2018). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. American Pain Society. 19(5), 455-474.  
  3. Da Silva, A. (2015). Acupuncture for migraine prevention. Headache. 55(3), 470-3. 10.1111/head.12525.
  4. Jo, J., Lee, Y. (2017). Effectiveness of acupuncture in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acupunct Med. 35(3), 162-170  10.1136/acupmed-2016-011163
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