The Which Doctor in South Yarra, Victoria | Alternative & holistic health service

The Which Doctor

Locality: South Yarra, Victoria

Phone: +61 407 349 555

Address: 15 Luxton Rd 3141 South Yarra, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.thewhichdoctor.com.au

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• Medical and health
• Alternative & holistic health service
• Acupuncturist
• Health & wellness website

24.01.2022 Suns out, thank goodness for that! Spring has sprung and its glorious but we can always be sunshine for someone else If you are struggling (everyone) the best way to get out of your head is to do something nice for someone else. It really helps! I promise! And then you will get some excellent karma brownie points and someone else will do something nice for you. Weve got this team Art by @missneiradesigns Words by @butterfliesrising

23.01.2022 This is a question I get asked all the time! So lets go through what you have to do before your appointment; 1. Make your appointment (obviously) 2. Gather together any blood tests, scans, medication information and any other advice or recommendations from other treating practitioners (eg physio, osteo, chiro) 3. Wear loose fitting clothing that allows access to your stomach, arms and legs. 4. Eat something before your appointment to make sure you are not hungry (we mig...ht be there for a while) 5. Turn off your phone!!!! The clinic is a phone free zone so either leave it in the car or turn it on silent when you come in. Aaannddd thats it! Ill take care of the rest when you come in. My job for that hour or so is to look after you mind, body and spirit so you can handball all responsibility to me the second you step through the door. Its super easy, now we just need to be able to open the clinic See more

23.01.2022 This is one of the cutest phrases from Chinese Medicine and it refers to a uterus! Technically it translates as Palace of The Child but one of my lecturers at university called it the Baby Palace and that has stuck with me. A womans Baby Palace is essential to a healthy, hormonally balanced lady (even if you dont want or are unable to have children) So how do we keep your Baby Palace healthy? The magic of TCM is that everything is connected so there are many meridians th...at come into play with gynaecology. These are the Heart, Liver, Spleen and Kidneys. They all have to be functioning to make a palace fit for a baby. What makes a good palace? 1. Warmth. Imagine going into a giant castle in the middle of winter and there is no inviting fireplace? Warmth is crucial to creating a hospitable environment in the uterus. 2. Nourishment: Food is so important for creating a warming environment. Warm cooked foods support the uterus and allow blood to flow freely. 3. A clean environment. Palaces cant be cluttered, they need to cleared of anything that could be disrupting the babies pathway (stagnation). There is an acupuncture point called Zi Gong Xue (Palace of Child) which is used to treat infertility and irregular menses. Swipe across to check it out In Western terms for a healthy uterus you need; 1. Adequate blood flow to the pelvic area 2. Enough nutrients (iron etc) to create a thick lining 3. Blood testing and other scans to test for cysts, hormonal imbalances or structural abnormalities. Hows your baby palace going? Is it fit for a King or Queen? Image by @kanpobliss

22.01.2022 For whatever ails you, acupuncture helps Book online at the link in my bio

22.01.2022 I get asked this all the time and the answer is a resounding NO!!! Western Medicine is unbelievable! The advances in medicine have meant huge leaps forward in fertility, surgical and medical treatments. This has saved millions of lives and increased the life expectancy exponentially for the human population. The invention of penicillin for example is one of the greatest medical discoveries of all time saving between 80-200 MILLION people. Nice work Alexander Fleming! ... However Western Medicine has some gaps in the wellbeing space where Chinese Medicine picks up the slack. Chinese Medicine is generally more wellness based. It isnt about keeping you alive, its about giving you good quality life where your physical and mental health is strong. By using acupuncture, herbs, supps and lifestyle changes we can make sure that life is filled with good health and happiness. The two types of medicine are truly a collaboration not a competition. Check out more on my website, in the link in my bio and see if Chinese Medicine might be right for you! See more

22.01.2022 Lets talk Brain Fog! First things first, TCM doesnt have a brain meridian. In Chinese Medicine the Heart is the King of the Organs and controls consciousness. However as Chinese Medicine has modernised we have adapted this ancient medicine to explain some conditions of the brain. Are you feeling cloudy headed? In Chinese Medicine this cloudy feeling in your head is caused by excessive dampness from your Spleen. This can be caused by too much cold or raw food, over worr...y or too much alcohol or sugar(more heat as opposed to dampness).The Spleen then cannot digest all the food correctly and it leads to poor water metabolism and accumulation of mucus. This essentially blocks up the free flowing aspects on the brain leaving you feeling foggy and muggy. Other symptoms of Spleen type dampness include abdominal distension, loose bowels and fatigue. Forgetfulness is slightly different and is caused by a Kidney deficiency. A weak Kidney can also lead to a weak lower back, premature greying of the hair, dark circles under the eyes, impotence and incontinence. By supporting and strengthening the Kidney we can help decrease forgetfulness and get you on the track to being super productive! So what to do?? Herbs and Acupuncture are a great way to help clear your brain. Studies show acupuncture can have a positive effect on brain function by stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain. Fish Oil is an amazing supplement for brain power. However like any natural supplement make sure you are getting high quality fish oil and dosing correctly. Hydration is key. Water is crucial for any aspect of brain function. If you are a Spleen type dampness person be wary of your water intake because too much can flood the system, but still you need AT LEAST 1.5L a day. If you are a Kidney deficient person you can have more than that. Smoking, drinking and recreational drugs all affect brain function so make sure you are not indulging/ limiting those vices. Has your brain tuned to mush over lockdown? Join the club Amazing art by @antikorpo.brains.art

21.01.2022 Lets kick of womens health week with oestrogen dominance! Have you heard of oestrogen dominance? *Side note: Lots of people ask me if oestrogen and estrogen are the same thing. They are, its just the British vs American spelling Anyway back to oestrogen dominance. Oestrogen dominance is the term used when the oestrogen and progesterone are out of balance causing an excessive amount of oestrogen in the blood. Excessive oestrogen over time can lead to fibroids, endome...triosis, PMS, mood swings, weight gain, acne and fluid retention (yay) For the oestrogen in your system to effectively clear out it needs to pass through 2 stages of detoxification, the liver and digestive system. This requires a myriad of vitamins and minerals to support the liver as well as a healthy microbiome to support the guy. But why does oestrogen dominance happen? Unfortunately there are a lot of oestrogen chemicals in the food we eat and xenoestrogens in a lot of health/beauty products we use causing a imbalance in hormone levels (more so in women but sometimes men too) The Pill also causes massive hormonal shifts by providing the body with synthetic hormones and suppressing normal hormonal function (thats a whole separate post so lets leave that for now) So what do we do to help? 1. Increase your fibre. A slow gut means that you arent eliminating excessive oestrogen like you should be, moving those bowels could help you feel MUCH better. 2. Makes sure your beauty products are paraben, phthalate and Benzophenone free (Check the labels) at the BARE MINIMUM. 3. Try and choose organic meat and dairy. Suss our small local sources as they are less likely to add hormones into their livestock. 4. Support your Liver and check in on any nutrient deficiencies. Make sure you are limiting alcohol and having a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. 5. Drink out of a glass water bottle and only use glass storage containers. AND finally GET TESTED! A general blood hormone panel under the guidance of a health practitioner will show up any variations in hormone levels and get you on the road to recovery. FYI Im very happy to be that practitioner See more

21.01.2022 We are all a bit introverted this Christmas so keep the snacks coming

21.01.2022 Who has night sweats with their period? Have you ever noticed that you are more sweaty around your period? But why does this happen? According to TCM theory the menstrual part of the cycle relates to Blood and Yin. When your lining sheds during your period your body loses Blood and Yin.... Your Yin is the cool factor of your body and most prominent at night time. When your Yin is unbalanced you will deplete more of the fluids and have an overactive Yang (hot factor) causing heat and sweating. Sweat is seen as a fluid of the Heart and for night sweats it’s seen as a combination of depleted Kidney and Liver Yin (of which both control menstruation). Because the Yin is prominent overnight if the body is deficient or unbalanced sweating will occur at nighttime. As people age their Yin naturally diminishes so they are more prone to night sweating. Other symptoms that can happen with night sweats during your period include; thirst, anxiety, insomnia and general dryness. Are you sweating though your period? Come and have a chat and see what Chinese Medicine can do for you Ps night sweats in Chinese Medicine translates to burglar sweats because they sneak up on you which is just super cute See more

21.01.2022 Happy Womens Health Week Lets celebrate all things women and all things health! Women and men are biochemically and physiologically different to men so have a whole different set of needs medically. Women also have some massive fluctuations with hormones which can lead to a myriad of not so pleasant conditions This week Ill be focusing on some common womens health conditions and what they mean in Chinese Medicine as well as some general facts about being... a woman (yay!). Posts this week include; Bone Health in TCM and Western Medicine Pregnancy and Yoga What is Oestrogen Dominance? The Perfect Period How Anaemia (or Blood Deficiency in TCM) is affecting Womens Health. The Baby Palace Lets celebrate all the ins and outs of the mystifying world of womens health as we continue learning about our beautiful bodies

21.01.2022 This does not constitute medical advice

21.01.2022 This is me today, hopefully all of you are doing the same on this glorious Sunday Art by @ragonia_

20.01.2022 Hey everyone! how are we all feeling?? Exhausted, emotional, grumpy and hungry? Yep...I feel ya. With very limited guidelines following the new road map for Allied Health, it looks like we arent able to be fully functional until the end of October. So I have made a decision to go back to Echuca and see clients at Cohuna Health Balance for the next 6 weeks and reopen Melbourne (hopefully) at the end of October. Im sure you can understand how difficult a decision it... was taking into account my clients, friends, family, possible risk to the community, business and my own mental and emotional health. So I will be getting (another) COVID test then isolating until I get the all clear then driving up so there is limited risk and I will also be implementing strict cleaning procedures (obviously right?) I will be working weekly at Cohuna Health Balance from Friday the 25th of September (Fridays and Saturdays) so call Gina and Kath on 54562167 to book in Melbourne clients I am still here for you in all capacities so call, text, dm, email or send me smoke signals when you need a bit of love/ herbs/ a chat. If there is some movement on treating in Melbourne I will be able to travel back and treat people! (Now that after months of agonising I know I am allowed to travel back and forth for work, would have been handy to know 3 months ago but hey whatevs) This isnt an ideal situation but as soon as the treating guidelines are loosened in Melbourne Ill be back to seeing people face to face and back to my normal insane schedule (with a few tweaks) Thank you so much for your continued support and Im so excited to see you all soon See more

20.01.2022 Just a little reminder @shopsundae

20.01.2022 Dogs are just amazing This is Billie, shes neurotic, stubborn, clever and loves food! Patting random animals for just 10 minutes a day can decrease your bodies stress hormone (cortisol) Research shows patting animals reduced blood pressure and has an immediate effect on psychological stress AND most dogs are so clever that they sense when your mood has shifted and when you need some more loving and more pats. ... Did you know our clever pals can even sense changes in body physiology including early pregnancy and ovulation? Forget the period tracker apps, strange changes in your dogs behaviour may help you figure out when and if you are ovulating. It hasnt been particularly well researched but hey worth a shot right? What did we do to deserve dogs?? See more

19.01.2022 Are you eating your greens? Green vegetables are some of the most nutrient dense foods in the planet. Cruciferous vegetables are vegetables of the family brassicae and include broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower and brussel sprouts. These vegetables are high in Vitamin B9 (folate), Vitamin C, Vitamin E and fibre! They are also high in phytonutrients which are thought to reduce inflammation and decrease cancer risk.... Some greens (kale, Chinese cabbage and broccoli) are especially high in calcium so can help protect your bones and prevent osteoporosis. Lots of people ask me if they are dairy free how do they get enough calcium. Eat your greens! However it’s not all fun and games with cruciferous veggies. They also contain goitrogens and nitriles which have been linked to thyroid dysfunction. If you have a thyroid condition it’s best to limit your cruciferous veggies and increase other sources AND definitely cook them to reduce to the impact of the goitrogens. In Chinese Medicine diet therapy eating a mixture of all the different colours of food is the way to obtain true health. Each food has a specific energetic purpose and nature (hot, warm, neutral, cool) Most cruciferous vegetables are under the cooling category. This means that can help remove heat from the body caused by alcohol and fried foods. Have you eaten your greens today? Pic by @theseptemberproject_

18.01.2022 Happy Sunday! If you are anything like me you are probably curled up in bed desperately clutching a coffee. One of the things I find really interesting about being a health practitioner is the misconceptions some people have. So let’s debunk them Do acupuncturists drink alcohol? Well I can’t speak for everyone because every acupuncturist is doing their own thing but I sure do. Guys...health practitioners don’t have everything figured out either. We aren’t doing everyth...ing perfectly. We are running businesses and stressed and sometimes eat takeaway like everyone else and indulge in alcohol like everyone else I’ve found through my own health journey that alcohol doesn’t agree with me but do I still drink it occasionally ....hell yes! Lots of health praccies don’t drink much alcohol but some do. Does that make them a better or worse praccie? Nope! We are all just trying to live our best life by doing what we think is best for our physical and mental health. In Chinese Medicine alcohol moves Qi and Blood, stimulates Blood flow and increases appetite. It is actually used to increase the appetite of people in other countries. In TCM alcohol is very warming so it can be beneficial for cold type conditions. However if you suffer from heat conditions like poor sleep, constipation, low energy...its best to limit your intake. Science shows that a small amount of red wine can decrease cardiovascular risk (possibly caused by the reservatrol in wine) and increase longevity and wellbeing (although they think that might be the social interaction that comes with drinking). I am definitely not condoning heavy drinking, it’s a terrible habit but having a glass or 2 every now and again isn’t going to kill you. Cheers to the end of lockdown team...we made it See more

18.01.2022 Have you heard of seed cycling? Seed cycling is an alternative method of nutritional medicine that involves rotating through 4 types of seeds depending on the menstrual cycle. The theory behind this practice involves nurturing the hormones of a woman with essential fatty acids (from the seeds) to help keep them in balance. This is done to decrease PMS symptoms, increase fertility and assist regular menstruation. All hormones are made up of fat (cholesterol) which is why he...althy fats are essential for healthy, hormonal function. But which seeds and when? From Day 1-14 (Follicular Phase of your cycle) eat flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. 1. Flaxseeds are high in omega 3 fatty acids which have been show to positively impact inflammation and menstrual cramping AND they help increase ostrogen and assisting balancing of androgens (for women suffering from PCOS) 2. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc and selenium which are essential nutrients for egg health and hormonal balance. From day 15-28 (Luteal Phase) eat sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. 1. Sesame seeds have been shown to positively affect womens hormones and are high in lignans which help support progesterone (the hormone that is in charge post ovulation) and may help decrease your risk of breast cancer. 2. Sunflower seeds also contains essential fatty acids that are high in Vitamin E. So they help detox the liver from excessive estrogen therefore supporting progesterone. How much do you use? In general most practitioners recommend 1-2 tablespoons of ground seeds per day. You can put them in a smoothie, on your yoghurt and muesli or in your porridge. Seed cycling has plenty of anecdotal success and there is plenty of science on the benefits of eating nuts and seeds however there hasnt been much quantifiable research done into specific seed cycling. Do you want to give it a shot? There is very little negative affects from increasing your seed intake (unless you are allergic) but like everything in TCM it isnt right for everyone. * This will only be beneficial if you are not on any synthetic contraception (The Pill, Mirena etc) Happy Seeding @axeandroothomestead

18.01.2022 Teeth are such an important health area that is often overlooked but good oral hygiene is crucial to optimal health Oral hygiene is such a big deal for me that I cried when I got my first filling (People who had braces will understand the obsession) So lets learn about teeth; Teeth in Western Medicine are so important (they even have their own insurance) but why? Your mouth is a pretty handy body part, it talks, eats, kisses and does a bunch of other things so its cr...ucial its in tip-top shape. There are over 6 billion bacteria in your mouth including 700 species (of which 15 or so are considered bad). Oral bacteria hang out in your cheeks, gums and under your tongue. When you feel that slimy feeling it can be a build up of bacteria (gross) We have all heard of gingivitis and been warned against it but did you know harmful oral bacteria can cross the Blood Brain Barrier? New research has found the bacteria strain that causes gingivitis is at a much higher level in patients with Alzheimers disease and therefore may have contributed to the brain degeneration. What??? Poor oral hygiene has also been linked to pneumonia and rheumatoid arthritis. On top of that a lot of people have mercury fillings in their teeth. As we know mercury is a toxic heavy metal and EVEN though the amount is small in a filling most dentists agree it causes degradation of the tooth over time AND there are healthier alternatives (non toxic ones). In Chinese Medicine teeth are seen as an extension of bone and therefore are nourished by Kidney Essence. If there is a deficient Kidney Fire the gums may bleed and be associated with dizziness, ringing in the ears and lumbar soreness. The Stomach and Large Intestine meridians pass through the mouth and intersect. Too much Stomach Heat Large Intestine Heat will cause red and bleeding gums, constipation, a tooth ache and bad breath. There is also a deficient type of bleeding gums which may show a Spleen deficiency. Symptoms include a pale complexion, lack of appetite, feeble voice and loose bowels. How are your teeth feeling? I missed my check up and clean due to COVID but rest assured Ill be booking in ASAP! See more

18.01.2022 Patient Care Packages One of my favourite things to do is to give presents to people (thats why Christmas is my absolute favourite) So I spent the first week of lockdown coming up with something for my beautiful clients to help them feel loved and supported during this tricky time. What did I come up with? A cute acupressure hand out, a Moxibustion stick and a Which Doctor choccie. The response from my clients has been soooo heart warming and had the exact impac...t I wanted Sometimes something small ( a surprise package) or a phone call can really make someones day and make them feel loved so maybe send out a care package today! * If you havent got yours yet, the postage is extremely iffy at the moment BUT its coming!!! See more

18.01.2022 What do you have for breakfast? Are you fasting, eating cereal or cooking up some eggs? Or are you making the most out of freedom and sitting down to some brunch and coffee with friends?? According to Chinese Medicine and the horary body clock eating breakfast is best between 7-9am. This is the Stomach's time of activation and it is when your body is ready to receive it's first meal. From 9-11am the Spleen takes over and begins to digest and transform your breakfast into... energy! Having a sugary snack around this time can deplete the Spleen's function and lead to bloating and fatigue. The magic of Chinese Medicine is that everyone is different and everyone has different food needs at different times. Whatever you have found that gives you energy and makes your body feel good is the perfect breakfast for you Chinese Medicine recommends eating warm food first thing in the morning to make it easier on your digestion so think porridge with cinnamon, rice congee or eggs and veggies. If you are looking at finding a nourishing meal that's easy to digest first thing in the morning, check out my stories for my Veggie Scramble Happy Sunday! Thank you @foodiekyal for this delicious pic Check out his page for more foodie goodness

16.01.2022 You may have heard the expression "the eyes are the windows to the soul"....but I think the window to the soul is learning! I come from a family of people who love to learn. From a young age we sat around the table and discussed science, politics and history. I preferred to sit home and read than go out to parties in my teen years and my favourite thing in the world is to go out for breakfast and do the Herald Sun quiz I chose a career that insists on continuous learni...ng because I just love it! When I'm not in the clinic I'm constantly researching new things, looking up new formulas and doing seminars to learn as much as I can about this magical world! Life long learning is so important and it helps keep you humble as well...because the more you know, the more you realise you don't know And as my dad says "if you stop learning new things you may as well be dead"...he has some good quotes Are you a learning junkie too? @kyliecousinsphotography

16.01.2022 Hey guys, I hope everyone is coping ok. Unfortunately Melbournians have it tough for even longer and we are all forced social vegans for a little while yet. Its so bloody awful and my heart is broken for everyone that is struggling. Please dont hesitate to reach out if you need some extra love and allow yourself to be angry, upset, unmotivated and flat.... Ill still be keeping you as entertained as possible with videos, posts and quizzes which is my small way of helping (also keeping myself sane) Enjoy this glorious sunshine and dont do anything remotely productive. Your heart needs a break from the heart break See more

16.01.2022 So what is the deal with placenta encapsulation? I admit it sounds pretty gross but so many people rave about the health benefits so I thought Id write a post on it. First of all the placenta is an organ that forms when a woman conceived. Its a flat round organ that transfers nutrients to the baby and takes waste away. When a woman gives birth they also give birth to the placenta which weighs around half a kilo. Eating of the placenta (placentophagy) after giving birth i...s a practice followed by all mammals except for humans. However over the last couple of decades the practice has increased in humans. But why? Fans of this practice claim eating the placenta gives the mother much needed nutrients and helps prevent postpartum depression, increase milk supply and improve mood. Does this make sense? Sort of. There are a bunch of hormones in the placenta that are great for women like prostaglandins (to help contract the uterus) and oxytocin to help promote milk supply. However there is no research on humans that show that the concentrations are high enough to have a physiological effect. Studies showed that the process of drying the placenta into capsules loses most of the biologically active ingredients. When an animal eats the placenta it does so immediately and the placenta is at a relative body temperature to the animal meaning all compounds are active. In fact there are opiates in high doses in rat placenta which help with the pain relief of labour (super handy) But is it safe? Because the placentas job is to transfer substances from mothers to babies, there can be an accumulation of toxic metals like lead and mercury. Most studies show they are within normal limits but there hasnt been enough research into placentophagy to know if there are other harmful toxins in there. Theres also the risk of bacterial infection that once ingested may be transferred to baby (its rare but has happened). So with a possible positive effect and some well documented risks, do I think you should eat your placenta? Probably not until theres a stack more research done and we know its safe and beneficial for you and bub @placenta_art

15.01.2022 Lets talk exercise and pregnancy. This is one of the most common questions I get asked, should I exercise while pregnant? Answer! Hell yes! Exercising is a great way to prepare your body for pregnancy and birth. But what sort of exercise should you do? This is by no means my area of expertise but based on Chinese Medicine here are some general tips regarding exercise; 1. In Chinese Medicine terms undertaking light to medium exercise builds Qi and Blood (increases ene...rgy) but excessive exercise over time may deplete it. Over time this depletes the Kidney and Liver meridians which can lead to reoccurring injuries. 2. Chinese Medicine recommends being suitably covered while exercise. If you are outdoors and exposed while exercising and you over do it, your body is more susceptible to viruses (pathogens). Make sure you have as much of your skin covered as possible especially the lower back and the nape of the neck. 3. Engage in continuous low impact movements like yoga, Tai Chi, swimming and walking. But what about during pregnancy? Lets break it down into trimesters Trimester 1- The Stomach and Spleen meridians are taking charge and building blood but the mother is often unwell and very fatigued. During this time adequate rest Is important and extremely gentle exercise like yin yoga and walking. Trimester 2: Pregnancy is considered a hot condition.The body starts to heat up as the baby grows. The mother can notice heat symptoms like constipation, night sweats and heart burn. Limiting exercise that sweats too heavily is important (no Bikram yoga). The mother is usually feeling strong so weights can be added into the exercise routine with yoga classes. Trimester 3: The body is starting to slow as the baby reaches full growth, walking, swimming, yoga and prenatal Pilates are great in the final trimester. AND remember every woman and body is different! Some women are lifting weights their whole pregnancy and some women are happy just walking and stretching. The most important thing is to be surrounded by professionals that have training in pregnancy exercise to make sure you and bub are safe and healthy Art by @periclesarts

15.01.2022 Maybelline needs to use this in an upcoming ad campaign or what are they even doing?? Image credit; unknown (sorry! But you are hilarious)

15.01.2022 Water is the basis of all life but how does Chinese Medicine look at water consumption? In an ancient text renowned practitioner Sun Si Miao suggests those good at health dine when they are hungry and drink when they are thirsty. This falls into the Chinese Medicine way of moderation and actually listening to your needs. So what’s does this mean? It means that you need to know the signs of when you are drinking too much or too little water. Signs of drinking too littl...e water include; Constipation Dryness Yellow urine Feelings of warmth Signs of drinking too much water include; Heavy feeling in the body Low energy Sensations of cold We have all heard about the 2litre rule but water intake, like overall health, is different for everyone! Your water needs differ based on how active your lifestyle is, consumption of different foods (meat needs more water, lots of veggies will give you water) and any health conditions that are affecting your water metabolism. So what does Chinese Medicine say about water? 1. Take small sips throughout the day when you are feeling thirsty 2. Don’t drink water with your meals as it can dilute the stomach acid making it more difficult to digest your food. Instead drink water between meals. 3. Increase fruits and veggies to increase water intake without having to cart a drink bottle around. 4. Listen to your body! If you aren’t thirsty, don’t drink. But make the time to stop and ask yourself...am I thirsty? How’s your water intake going? Beautiful pic by @lkm2868 See more

14.01.2022 Oodie love! This is me post hair dye, leave in hair treatment, Gua Sha facial and face mask Im really getting the hang of this self care thing and oodies are the ultimate in self care. Do you have an oodie yet? Ive basically been living in mine for lockdown and Im going to be sad when I have to put on pants again

12.01.2022 Is this year over yet? I’m running out of terrible Christmas jokes

12.01.2022 Play that funky(meditative) music with an acu-nap

12.01.2022 What is The Perfect Period? A lot of women find discussing their menstrual cycle too embarrassing so they arent exactly sure what is normal. This has lead to many women suffering unnecessarily with undiagnosed endometriosis, pcos, fibroids and hormonal PMT or PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) So what are we aiming for with our periods? Most people have heard of a 28 day cycle BUT if you have always had a 26-32 day cycle and have normal hormonal function and limited... symptoms this is ok! Sudden changes in the length of your cycle may indicate a hormonal issue like stress, PCOS or peri menopause. The bleed length changes from woman to woman but we are aiming for at least 3 heavy-ish days of bleeding and 2-3 lighter days. A heavy-ish day means changing your pad or tampon every 1-3 hours. If you are bleeding more than that (menorrhagia) or less, theres possibly something else going on and it needs further investigation. Pain should be mild to non existent. Period cramps are often seen as normal but they are signs of imbalances in the system. While pain is common, helping limit to reduction of prostaglandin release (the chemicals that cause cramps) during the bleed can make for a comfortable period. We do this by reducing stress, taking certain anti inflammatory supplements, eating foods that decrease inflammation and doing gentle exercise. (acupuncture is also great!) Many women report the time before the period (premenstrual) being worse than the actual bleed. Symptoms around this time can include depression, irritability, constipation, manic behaviour, breast tenderness and fatigue. This often indicates an issue with progesterone and can be eased by decreasing inflammation and using blood test analysis to locate nutrient deficiencies. Ovulation is key to a healthy period. Ovulation signs include changes to cervical mucus, bloating, twinging in the ovaries and a higher sex drive. This should happen 14 days before your period starts (day 14 if you have a 28 day cycle, day 12 if you have a 26 day cycle). If youd like more information about a perfect period, check out the blog in the link in my bio & lets make those hormones happy See more

12.01.2022 Lets talk Bone Health and why its so important for women! Osteoporosis is one of the most common conditions that affects mostly women (80% of diagnosed osteoporosis cases are women) But why are women prone to this disorder? Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle. But why women? Oestrogen plays a role in helping form osteoblasts which create new bone. After menopause oestrogen levels drop dramatically meaning bones start to become weaker. This ha...s lead to approximately 14-20% of women over 50 suffering from osteoporosis. So how do we support those bones? Calcium: Contrary to long standing medical advice you dont need to eat dairy to have healthy calcium levels. By taking a supplement or increasing green leafy veggies you can increase your intake. Make sure you take the best absorbed form of calcium which is citrate or hydroxyapatite. Weight bearing exercises help build and strengthen bone so using your body weight or lifting weights can keep you healthy post menopause. Get some sun! Vitamin D is crucial to help calcium absorb into the bones so make sure you are getting minimum 20 minutes of sunshine daily plus taking a supplement. Reduce stress! High cortisol can impact calcium absorption and increase bone loss. Cut back on sugar, caffeine and booze. These things all negatively impact the detoxification process meaning you could be stripping the calcium from where its needed. In Chinese Medicine terms bones are supported by the Kidneys. The Kidneys Yin (oestrogen) and Qi starts to decline from age 49 (based on the women 7 year cycle) meaning that bones start to become weaker. Another reason that bones weaken is due to poor Blood flow and lack of Qi. Chinese Medicine recommends supporting the Kidneys as much as possible during this time, engaging in exercise that is slow moving and weight bearing like walking, swimming or Tai Chi. So how are you bones going? Feeling strong or needing some love? Loved this terrarium by @deadset.co

12.01.2022 If you have ever seen me as a patient you will know I ask about your bowel movements....a lot! Bowel movements are often put under the same umbrella as periods (embarrassing, suffering in silence, not a topic to be discussed) but it is sooo important to your general health and an amazing indicator about how you are travelling. So Im going to discuss it here so that you can learn while remaining anonymous What is a normal poo? There is no such thing but when we are tal...king about a healthy poo here are some things to look out for; 1. You should be moving your bowels everyday. There is some argument that if you have always gone every 3 days thats normal for you. No deal. Thats normal for you because you have some undiagnosed food intolerances, poor stress management, are unbalanced or dehydrated. 2. Your poo should be smooth, dark brown and come out easily without much of an odour and when you wipe it should be clean (this means its a complete movement and it isnt half stuck up there) A lot of women notice changes around their period (looser bowels) and pre-menstrually (slightly constipated), this is due to the fluctuation of hormones in your body and is normal! According to TCM bowel movements tell us a LOT! For example; Bowel movements with undigested food often means a Spleen deficiency (issue with digestion) or Kidney Yang deficiency. If the stool is dark, dry and hard to pass it could mean excessive heat in the Large Intestine. Or if the patient has thin stools and is consistently missing a couple of days its considered to be Liver Qi stagnation. Diarrhoea following a meal or excessive cold food is caused by a Spleen Qi deficiency that may go to a Kidney Yang deficiency over time. Alternating diarrhoea and constipation (IBS) is often a case of Liver (stress factors) over acting and impairing Spleen (digestion). Each of these types of movements has an accompanying set of symptoms that people may not know are related but in Chinese Medicine it makes perfect sense. Each bit of information you give me helps me figure out your treatment plan, so dont be shy! Its a normal part of life, lets talk poo! See more

11.01.2022 Welcome to Autumn! Autumn is the beginning of the Yin (colder) seasons and is considered a very drying season in Chinese Medicine. As the leaves dry and fall and the nights (Yin) get longer there are two organs that are predominant. The Lung and Large Intestine are the organs associated with Autumn and they are both prone to dryness from a Yin deficiency. Tomorrow we will talk about the Lung but let's chat about the Large Intestine today. The Large Intestine meridian ha...s 20 acupuncture points and is the Yang Ming meridian of the arm which means it is a Yang meridian. Disharmony in the Large Intestine meridian leads to abdominal pain, cramping and bowel disturbances. As the meridian passes through the nasal and oral cavities, Large Intestine disturbances can also cause nose bleeds, toothache and sinus congestion. One of the common conditions that arise in the Large Intestine is a Yin deficiency. Yin deficiency is caused by the change in weather, lack of hydration & lack of proper nourishment. This leads to a Yin deficiency in the body which leads to dryness. This dryness causes the bowel to lack lubrication and therefore it cannot move leading to discomfort and constipation. The Element that is associated with Autumn is Metal and there is a big emphasise on letting things go. In Chinese Medicine there is a huge connection between emotions, the body and the seasons. For example as the leaves begin to fall, we start to let go of past hurts and release toxins from our body through the bowel. Everything is connected! Today is the perfect day of letting go of past grudges and hurt as your body settles into Autumn living. And remember in Autumn hydration is key! With all the heaters and wind drying us out, water and electrolyte balance is even more important as we (literally and figuratively) LET THAT SHIT GO! See more

10.01.2022 Ive never enjoyed the simple things more A chai on the deck in the sunshine is ultimate happiness

10.01.2022 Lets go bananas! Bananas are one of natures best snacks and full of goodness but what about in a Chinese Medicine? Bananas are high in potassium, pectin (fibre), antioxidants and all the B vitamins which means they are a good mood food! They also can help lower blood pressure, possibly help asthma and lower the risk of some cancers AND they come packaged in perfect all natural wrapping! The banana peel is more bitter than the fruit and contains potassium as well. Bitte...r foods in TCM nourish the Heart so eating the skin may help with symptoms like insomnia and anxiety. In TCM bananas are considered medicinal (food is medicine) Bananas are sweet and cold by nature and they; 1. Helps lubricate the intestines to relive constipation (fibre) 2. Moistens the Lungs and treats a dry cough (asthma) 3. Nourishes yin for dryness in the body. 4. Clears heat and removes toxins for conditions such as high blood pressure and alcohol intoxication. Bananas have so many wonderful properties but like anything in TCM they arent for everyone. If you are considered Spleen deficient or damp too many bananas might be doing more harm then good. Bananas due to their nourishing qualities can cause too much dampness or phlegm which can lead to things like; 1. Bloating 2. Weight gain 3. Sinus problems 4. Loose stools 5. A phlegmy cough Damp causing foods in TCM include foods high in sugar, dairy products and things with a certain texture like avocado, mangoes and bananas. So have you been going bananas?? Maybe its time you did Image credit @urban_il See more

09.01.2022 Happy Monday! Today is a new day and the day to discuss a tough topic...Period Poverty. What is period poverty? Period poverty is the lack of sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education and lack of proper waste disposal. Why should you care? Because it’s not a women’s issue it’s a humanity and equality issue. It was initially suggested that 1 in 10 girls and women can’t afford sanitary products for their period and have to use makeshift products out of toilet paper a...nd clothing. It’s now estimated that number is closer to 1 in 4. As well as being a healthcare issue it’s affecting the education and work of women everywhere. 26% of women in a recent study had skipped work and school because they were unable to afford menstrual products. In countries in Asia and Africa girls often don’t go to school with their periods meaning they miss up to 145 days of education!! Girls, we all know the panic we feel when we are unprepared, imagine that feeling every month! Guys...the best analogy I have heard is with wet socks. Imagine stepping in a puddle wearing just socks on your way to work. Then having to go through the whole day with wet socks. When you get home you put on some fresh socks and immediately step in another puddle and soak them through. You repeat that for 5 days every month. Sounds horrendous right? Luckily there are some amazing organisations out there shedding some light on this topic. One such movement is called Share The Dignity and you can support it by; 1. Finding a pre loved handbag or buying a new one 2. Filling it with sanitary products, toiletries and essentials. 3. Adding a special something for a woman in need 4. Dropping it off at a Bunnings collection site 5. Spread the word and follow the hashtag #sharethedignity Share The Dignity passes out these gifts of handbags to women and girls who can’t afford the bare essentials. Often around Christmas time, women will go without to make sure they can provide for their family. Access to basic healthcare is not a luxury it’s a necessity. Every woman deserves dignity and every girl deserves an education Learn more in the link in my bio @kyliecousinsphotography See more

09.01.2022 It’s super cool we exist...don’t forget it Credit @finlandiahealthstore

08.01.2022 Wanna be best buds with acupuncture?? Womens Health is a complicated group of conditions that includes hormonal imbalances, menstrual pain, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, fibroids, fertility and many more! Chinese Medicine has been used for thousands of years to help alleviate symptoms and rebalance hormones. The research is just starting to catch up but there is still a ways to go however a 2011 Systematic review found that Management of female infertility with herba...l medicine can increase pregnancy rates 2 fold over a 3-6 month period compared to Western drug therapy When talking about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome the research stated "there was evidence of an improvement in regulating monthly menstruation rates in acupuncture compared to metformin AND in a separate study preliminary evidence suggests Chinese Herbal Medicine may be able to help regulate menses and correct endocrine abnormalities in PCOS. However we need more research is all areas of womens health because it is such a complex and mystifying group of conditions. Want to learn more about the science? Check out the science page on website and lets get learning See more

08.01.2022 Accurate...Jill of all trades Loved this by @deannacarellacupuncture

07.01.2022 Happy World Kindness Day! Kindness and compassion is even more important this year so please be kind. Try and do one kind thing for someone else today. Imagine if everyone in the world did that today! Kindness is always in fashion ... Art by @letterpieces

07.01.2022 After years of talking to us about plants and the benefits of gardening I think mum had given up because it took until I turned about 30 to get bitten by the gardening bug Mum made these 2 beautiful succulent pots and today we are going to make one for my house in Melbourne. Its so satisfying to hang out in the garden and plant things to watch them grow. Im also mentally planning my spring veggie garden (complete with strawberries and blueberries) for when I can have people on my deck. Are you a late bloomer when it comes to the joys of gardening? (pun intended)

07.01.2022 Lets talk iron Weve all heard about this mineral and how low levels make you tired but what else can happen if you dont get enough? Iron is an extremely important mineral that helps transport oxygen in the blood, build muscles and helps keep your immune system healthy. BUT approximately 1/3 of the worlds population has anemia (low iron levels) and most of those are women. Women are more prone to low levels of iron because they lose blood every month through menstrua...tion. Therefore women between 19-50 need more than twice the amount of iron that men need (18mg compared to 8mg). So how do we get it? 1. Meat and animal products like lean beef, oysters, chicken and turkey are high in iron but even a big juicy steak only has approx 2.4mg. The body absorbs 2-3 times more iron through animal sources. 2. If you are a vegetarian beans, lentils, potatoes and dark leafy greens are great sources of protein. However there has been further research to suggest spinachs role as a super iron booster may have been overstated. 100g of spinach gives you 2.2-2.7mg of iron BUT it has a low bioavailability meaning only about 2% in able to be used by the body. It also has Vitamin C however that can improve absorption from other sources. What about in TCM terms? Iron is seen to be closely linked to Blood. Women especially are prone to Blood Deficiency in TCM are suffer from symptoms like shortness of breath, brittle hair, irregular periods, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue and infertility. How do we help nourish the Blood in TCM terms? 1. Eat Blood building foods like slow cooked meats, organ meat (chicken liver has 11mg of iron per 100g) plenty of quality fats or if you are a vegetarian dates, goji berries, prunes, kidney beans or cherries. 2. Rest is crucial. Especially for a woman during her cycle. No excessive exercise during the period or the few days after as it depletes already low Blood stores. 3. Heal your Stomach. Chinese Medicine focuses on the Stomach and Spleen in digestion so improving them will improve the bodies ability to create Blood. So hows your iron going? Might be time for a check up? See more

07.01.2022 How good do these look? How are your sugar cravings going? Why do we crave sugary things when we are tired and stressed? From a nutrient level it usually means we are lacking in some important vitamins and minerals. But what happens in the brain? There are several areas in your brain are involved in this craving sensation including the hippocampus. In each hemisphere of your brain there is a reward seeking aspect that helps promote habits by using short and long term me...mory. For example remember how good it was when I ate that ice cream sandwich?? The insular part of each hemisphere brain links food to emotions. For example how eating cake might remind you of a birthday you had and make you think of family. But what causes cravings externally? There are dietary factors that can cause a sugar craving like a low protein or low carb diet. Not eating enough of these will make your body crave the sugar it needs to function (carbohydrates) in a simple form (cake, white bread, chocolate). Sleep can also be causing a factor. Your sleeping patterns drastically affect leptin and ghrelin levels in the body which impact when you feel hungry and full causing you to eat more. Stress is another factor that can be causing more cravings. Increased cortisol can burn through energy stores prompting hunger and cravings. Nutrient deficiencies like chromium, zinc, calcium and magnesium can leave you craving the sweet stuff. So are you craving sugar? It might be a good idea to increase protein in your diet, check your vitamin levels, chill out and have a nap Delicicious food by @thegingerbearbakery

06.01.2022 Thank you everyone who entered and thank you to everyone who donated or contributed to my giveaway. Sorry to everyone who didn’t win but unfortunately I can’t give you all presents! These were all drawn randomly, fingers crossed So here we go! Day 1: A massage with Christine at Hawksburn Health goes to @meredithzita Day 2: A family pass to @twisted_science goes to @amanda.j.will Day 3: A facial with Terri Hare goes to @michellequinn69 ... Day 4: A free Initial Consult with me at either practice goes to @sonia18 Day 5: A family pass to the @echucaparamount goes to @mkingma Day 6: A $50 voucher @leaf_lane goes to @jenni_jen_ Day 7: Free yoga passes from @kirstiecooke goes to Lauren Dehne Day 8: A Gua Sha pack goes to @jasminecara Day 9: A free assessment with Carly from Move It Exercise Physiology goes to @matthew_barker_writer Day 10: An energy healing with Atalie Warren from @atalieenergeticstherapist goes to @bec.dalla Day 11. 2 weeks of small group training and a myotherapy massage from @hopscotchfitness goes to @vartel Day 12: A Epsom salt and Chinese medicine balm from @tempesimmonsacupuncture goes to @mihaela.raguz Congrats to all the winners and I’m so excited for you! Please contact me to claim your prize or pick it up. Merry Christmas everyone and I’m already planning next years Giveaway! Remember to shop small and local this holiday season See more

06.01.2022 Who gets sick every time they go on holidays? All that rushing around, organising and adrenaline that leads up to taking time off often leads to a a couple of days in bed at the start of your holiday. That feeling of relaxing and allowing your body to go to its true exhausted state (no more adrenaline) means you usually get sick. My new exciting thing that happens (thanks COVID stress) is mouth ulcers (yay) Even with exercising everyday, supplements, no caffeine, g...luten and a bunch of veggies my body collapsed. This is a sign of False Qi in Chinese Medicine. This false energy masks the underlying exhaustion of someone very depleted. Lots of women suffer from False Qi and its this False Qi that causes people to crave high intensity exercise. The high intensity exercise gives you more False Qi while low intensity exercise like yoga give you real, true, sustainable Qi. False Qi in TCM could be seen as adrenal fatigue and it leads to a whole host of symptoms including thyroid issues, hair loss, menstrual problems and fatigue. Lets stop glorifying being busy and start focusing on true sustainable energy and prioritising our health over everything else Thanks @drmariza for this one

05.01.2022 Have you ever tried auricular (ear) acupuncture? Auricular acupuncture was not created 2,500 years ago with the original Chinese Medicine concept. In fact it was actually created in the 1950’s by a French neurologist named Paul Nogier. He saw someone treating lower back pain with stimulation of the ear and created a whole system. The ear is seen as a microsystem of the entire body and contains dozens of points that correspond to brain function in different parts of the bod...y. When he presented it to the world, many communities took and adapted it including Chinese Medicine. The Chinese Medicine adaptation is probably the most widely used in modern times and uses the inverted fetus theory. This means all points relating to the head are around the ear lobe and organs in the middle & spine is around the outside (image an upside down baby curled into a womb) Auricular therapy can be used for many conditions but one of its most well known applications is for addiction. The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol is a special protocol of points used to help treat the body for addiction of alcohol, drugs and withdrawal. It originated in the Bronx and is still used today in some rehab, community and private practice acupuncture clinics. Studies have shown that auriculotherapy may be successful in treating pain, anxiety, PTSD, menstrual pain and stress. One of the most common reasons I use auriculotherapy is to manage stress levels. So you may have all noticed that this year you’ve been getting more ear points One of the best parts of auriculotherapy is that we have little ear seeds that we can stick on so you get to take home that zen acupuncture feeling I unfortunately don’t have these very cool blinged out ear seeds but that may have to be a 2021 purchase because look how cool they are! Swipe across to see the full auriculotherapy ear and check out how many points are on it! Image via @earseeds and @daolabs

04.01.2022 What do you have for breakfast? Are you fasting, eating cereal or cooking up some eggs with smashed avo? Or are you making the most out of our freedom and sitting down to some brunch and coffee with friends?? According to Chinese Medicine and the horary body clock eating breakfast is best between 7-9am. This is the Stomach's time of activation and it is when your body is ready to receive it's first meal. From 9-11am the Spleen takes over and begins to digest and transfor...m your breakfast into energy! Having a sugary snack around this time can deplete the Spleen's function and lead to bloating and fatigue. The magic of Chinese Medicine is that everyone is different and everyone has different food needs at different times. Whatever you have found that gives you energy and makes your body feel good is the perfect breakfast for you However if you are looking at finding a nourishing meal that's easy to digest first thing in the morning, check out my stories for my Veggie Scramble Happy Sunday! Thank you @foodiekyal for this great picture! Check out his page for more delicious food and reviews

04.01.2022 Lets compliment peoples energy, drive, kindness, sense of humour, morality and ambition not their looks @thewickedpink

02.01.2022 Hang in there beautiful business owners, we have got this! Im so grateful for all the support of all my business buddies Shop and support local when you can team, we are all putting on a brave face but this is scary. The businesses are our babies and livelihoods and supporting a small business can make all the difference. Instead of supporting random people on Instagram who you dont know, reach out to your locals and spread the love. Thank you to @alittaberson, ...@hopscotchfitness & @brittsta_ from @wellsoulstudio for keeping my body functional. AND thank you to @calemkoek, @louise.spindler, @wikiyu, @tempesimmonsacupuncture, @sarahhand, @_alsplace for all the business support and love. Huge thank you to all my clients, friends and followers who have been so engaging and positive about my business. Thank you so much to everyone for all their support, I have a couple of changes coming up soon xx Big love See more

02.01.2022 Its the end of Womens Health Week and weve learnt allll about some mysterious and wacky womens health conditions. And I think Stevie Nicks sums it up perfectly to round out Womens Health Week Shout out to all the legends out there @stevienicks

02.01.2022 It’s all in the genes....or is it? There are so many links of genetics to a predisposition for certain diseases but have you heard of epigenetics? Epigenetics are another layer of genetics that explains how the environment can affect gene expression and turn these genes on or off. For example a nerve and muscle cell have the same DNA but work differently because epigenetics turn on certain proteins making a muscle cell do the job of a muscle cell. So what does this ha...ve to do with Chinese Medicine? Well in Chinese Medicine your genes are seen as your Kidney Jing (or essence). Your Jing is passed down from your parents (genetics) and is the basis for your genetic code. This is called congenital Jing. For example I inherited premature greying hair & dark eyes circles under my eyes from my parents (yay) which is a sign of a Kidney deficiency. However acquired Jing is easily influenced by diet and lifestyle (epigenetics). Acquired Jing is often called the Jing of the organs because it originates and nourishes them. Acquired Jing comes from the food and drink we ingest. This is transformed in the Stomach and Spleen and these nutrients are sent to the other organs. Acquired Jing can help to turn off certain genetic factors like predisposition to heart disease, depression and other disorders. So what does that mean? It means diet and lifestyle (rest, quality sleep, low inflammation foods) can counteract some of the congenital Jing your parents gave you and help you take control of your body. I mean how empowering is that? It’s not all in the genes but it’s definitely all in the Jing Art by @dev.doesart

01.01.2022 Does anyone know what they are even doing at the moment? @psychiatricmind

01.01.2022 Welcome to spring in the country where only the strong survive Spring has officially sprung which means big changes! The season of Spring is associated with the element Wood in Chinese Medicine. Wood is the sign of growth, renewal, cleansing and new life. The Liver is associated with the element Wood and its job is to detox the body and move Qi throughout the body.... Now is the perfect time to declutter, move your body and nourish yourself ready for summer. How? Add warm lemon water into your morning routine. Sour foods correspond to the Liver in TCM Diet Therapy, so increasing your sour food intake can help the Liver do its job! Switch your wardrobe around. Start packing away your winter clothes and get those florals out (maybe keep a couple of jackets because Melbourne is notoriously temperamental) Declutter your house and have a deep clean. This is the perfect time to declutter, get rid of objects that arent bringing you joy (thanks Marie Kondo) and start fresh Move that Qi! Get walking, running, planking, jumping, swimming (when the pools open), yogaing, pilatesing (wow thats definitely not a word) and moving. My best form of cardio in Spring is running away from the psychotic magpie near my parents house, any type of exercise works Welcome to Spring! See more