Courtney Baker Naturopath in Geelong, Victoria | Alternative & holistic health service

Courtney Baker Naturopath

Locality: Geelong, Victoria

Phone: +61 400 595 389

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• Medical and health
• Alternative & holistic health service
• Naturopath

25.01.2022 I have so many fond memories from my teaching days Seeing the look on my students faces that indicated they had learnt something new, that resonated as truth for them. Getting to share with them knowledge and experiences that as an adult l wish l had been so fortunate to experience at their age were some of the most rewarding parts of teaching. ... At our Yoga, Mindfulness and Vibrant Health Workshop l was so very fortunate to be able to experience these joys of teaching once more. I always went into studying naturopathy with the intent of combining it with my teaching background. This workshop, which was full of connection, laughter, joy, aha moments and new experiences was such rewarding work, combining my two greatest passions and l can’t wait to do it again! Thank you dancers for coming along with your curiosity, open hearts and smiles

25.01.2022 While away camping we like to keep lunches simple and delicious l pack a container of my homemade hummus or you could just as easily pick up a dip at the supermarket. Makes for a great snack with rice crackers, vegetable sticks and in a wrap for lunch. Ruby and Winston were keenly eyeing off my hummus and salad wrap. Definitely a tick of approval

24.01.2022 Happiness is collaborating with like minded souls ~ This photo of Melanie @soulfulwomanguidance and Charlotte, The Yoga Bud and l was taken at a recent breakfast where we could hardly contain our excitement, as we added the finishing touches to our upcoming Soulful Sunday Retreat- 23 rd February 2020. ~ The early bird special is available until the 9th January 2020. But many people have snapped up tickets for Christmas presents for loved ones. So if you would rather skip the busy shops too you can purchase tickets at soulfulwoman.com.au/soulful-sunday

21.01.2022 Tonight my dinner goals were simple: Make use of what l had on hand Be cooked and ready to eat in about 10 minutes ... And finally be jam packed with the foods l enjoy - zucchini, cherry tomatoes and black olives since my teen who was out with friends, thinks these foods taste And it was delicious I think so many parents find themselves eating what the kids or their partner will eat just to keep meal times easy. I know l do! Tonights meal has inspired me to honour my cravings with simple meals, whenever the opportunity is there and l hope it does the same for you. Because food is one of lifes great pleasures. As is dark chocolate...

19.01.2022 Sleep Tip Gentle yoga or stretching as part of a night routine is a great way to wind down and make falling asleep easier. ~ You can do your own thing, follow a night time yoga routine on YouTube or as l have here, use yoga cards to design your own sequence. ~... I play relaxing music and dim the lights and it is bliss! ~ Of course one giant fluffy yoga cat is an optional extra but highly recommended as the purring adds to the atmosphere ~ @walaanimalsanctuary are selling Christmas stockings to help them take care of animals particularly in the heat, please head to their page if you would like to offer your support. See more

19.01.2022 Vulnerability hangover. Have you ever felt exhausted after being vulnerable? After wearing your heart on your sleeve? Last week l shared my personal story on how l came to be a naturopath, in a presentation l did for 25 other business professionals who l have come to respect and admire.... I then followed this up by being vulnerable and sharing what l have been feeling with a dear friend. At the same time others have blessed me with their courage to be vulnerable in sharing their stories, their grief, frustration and hurt. To close the business meeting the presenter shares a quote. I shared my favourite quote: You yourself, as much as anybody In the entire universe, deserve your Love and affection - Buddha And l have been following my own advice, taking my own medicine so to speak! I havent been as active on social media. I had an afternoon nap on Sunday because my work load had resulted in a few late nights and my body wanted to catch up on some rest. I went out for coffee and cake with my teen. Last night l took a relaxing bath. I started today off with a guided meditation. Then when l went into the clinic to work with clients l was fully present. Because l had refilled my own cup. We all sometimes feel vulnerable. Or find ourselves running on empty. In case you needed reminding, please read that quote again and do whatever you need to do to fill your cup once more, in whatever way lights you up

19.01.2022 I am very excited to announce l will be joining the team at Geelong Myotherapy and Wellness Centre from the 1st of October. Looking forward to working from this beautiful clinic space and presenting at Fionas amazing beginners yoga course on the 30th October. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements to come

19.01.2022 While food shopping on the weekend l saw the cauliflowers and thought YES l feel like cauliflower ~ I thought l would make cauliflower soup. ~ But l kept putting it off because l just didnt feel like eating my usual, as yummy as it is cauliflower soup ... ~ So that cauliflower has been staring back at me for a couple of days and l knew it would be delicious. So l paused and thought about what would l like to eat and decided a cauliflower curry would be the way to go. ~ With what l had in the fridge and the cupboard this is what l came up with. ~ It met my desire to eat cauliflower and tasted delicious! ~ Recipe: In a blender l combine the following: ~ 2 cup of water with homemade stock paste (you could just use water or vegetable stock) ~ cup cashews ~ What was left from a jar of passata approximately cup ~ 1 tsp cumin powder ~ 1 tsp garam masala ~ tsp ginger powder ~ tsp chilli powder In a saucepan l sauted one diced brown onion and 2 cloves of garlic I added in the chopped cauliflower and poured over the sauce from the blender I simmered it until the cauliflower was tender and then added in one can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, frozen peas and baby spinach leaves. Served it with brown rice

19.01.2022 While away camping last week l got the wonderful news our Soulful Sunday Retreat had sold out! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and shared our event. We have started a waiting list for the next retreat (date yet to be announced). If you would like to be the first to know about our next Sunday Soulful Retreat please email at [email protected]

19.01.2022 Merry Christmas For many Christmas time can be a time a challenging time of mixed emotions. I see this on the faces of clients who speak of loved ones no longer with them and l too can relate since my husbands passing back in January 2006.... Beside the fun of preparing reindeer food with my daughter would be deep sadness. Christmas time seems to highlight these contrasting emotions more than any other time of year. For those who are finding this time of year difficult please be kind to yourself. Rest when you can. Do things that nourish your soul. Whether that be reading a good book, walking in nature or listening to your favourite music. Ask for help and accept support when it is offered. When we are extra kind to ourselves at this time of year, which was the best advice l was given, it creates room for a spark of joy, hope and happy memories to be pondered and relished. This year l found my Christmas spirit in celebrating Christmas with my 2 and 4-year-old nieces on Sunday. Their smiles, joy, cuddles and humour was infectious. And while singing the Peppa Pig theme song, pig noises included isnt the song of choice that first comes to mind when we think about finding our Christmas spirit it reminded me that creating lasting memories and connection at this time of year can look however you would like it to. My wish is that everyone who is struggling this Christmas and even if you are not, that you all have your Peppa Pig moment of finding joy in the simple moments of love and connection

18.01.2022 This was tonights dinner thanks to the inspiration l found in @thrivingonplants Yes its nutritious, delicious and easy to cook but that isnt why l made it I actually picked this recipe because the moment I looked at it l thought that looks delicious! ... It was what tonight my body craved eating and l believe honouring this encapsulates self care

18.01.2022 Sometimes life gifts you just what you need, exactly when you need it. On Monday Charlotte from @theyogabud gave me the gift of the most beautiful sound healing. Here she is playing just a couple of her many various instruments. ... On arriving l was very emotional, having received heart breaking news the night before. Yet after this experience and Charlottes kind words l felt a sense of peace wash over me. I highly recommended connecting with Charlotte from @theyogabud for a sound healing

17.01.2022 While away camping last week l got the wonderful news our Soulful Sunday Retreat had sold out! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and shared our event. We have started a waiting list for the next retreat (date yet to be announced). If you would like to be the first to know about our next Sunday Soulful Retreat please email at [email protected]

16.01.2022 Moving house is done and dusted at last! One upside about moving was this painting has come out of storage and is now hanging in the kitchen. I enjoy cooking but seeing this bright and colorful artwork hanging as l enter the room has made cooking even more enjoyable.... To me it serves as a reminder of the connection between cooking and creativity. Add in a good podcast, music or company and l am ready to cook up a storm! Perhaps you find the inspiration to get into the kitchen and be creative when you have a nice wooden chopping board, a fancy kitchen knife or a new cook book full of delicious recipes. I would love to know what helps you to tap into the fun of cooking

16.01.2022 Over 6 months ago Melanie from @soulfulwomanguidance and Charlotte from The Yoga Bud and l began planning our first Soulful Sunday Retreat, which we held at the stunning location @hightide_yogamovement on Sunday. We were truly blessed to have so many beautiful women join us for a day which included a soulful guidance session, Australian bush flower essence formulating session, heart opening yoga and a sound bath. And lets not forget the delicious food catered for us by @cakeb_creative thank you to all who attended with your open hearts and warm smiles. We look forward to announcing further details of future retreats

15.01.2022 So happy to be supporting all the wonderful work Wala Animal Sanctuary Inc. does to rescue injured wildlife and animals in need. The commitment and love shown time and time again to the animals that call Wala home never ceases to amaze me. These stockings make wonderful gifts and further help this non-profit charity

14.01.2022 Heard the notion that it takes a village to raise a child? I believe that just as a child benefits from the influence of many loving adults, our health benefits from the support of a variety of practitioners. As a naturopath l encourage my clients to surround themselves with great practitioners, who are passionate about their chosen field and can help you reach and maintain your health goals. ... Today I went to see Dr Asef Anwar from Dentists & Doctors for my 6 month check up and can you believe it was a relaxing experience? Asef is as gentle as he is thorough and I left today with a greater understanding than ever before of not only my current oral health but also have great tips on how to maintain this for many years to come. And l am feeling empowered by this knowledge The whole team make visiting the dentist a relaxing experience, making taking care of your oral health a breeze and l cant recommend them highly enough! I then went to see Dr David Wright from David Wright Chiropractic also offers a pain free experience as a low force - no cracking, chiropractor implementing the neuro impulse protocol. There is a theme here, l dont like pain David fixed up a pesky knee injury in no time and is tweaking some other little issues to help make life all the more enjoyable. David is not only an excellent chiropractor he also understands the sentiment of laughter is the best medicine and l dare you to leave his office without having cried with laughter I am so grateful to have these men helping me to reach and maintain my health goals. We all deserve to live healthy, happy lives, so l encourage you to like me, find your tribe of health practitioners who have your back

13.01.2022 Vis Medicatrix Naturae the healing power of nature is one of the guiding principles of naturopathy. Today we spent the day exploring bush land l hadnt been to before. The scenery, sounds of birds, frogs and water flowing down stream was the nourishment my nervous system needed after all the packing and unpacking that is an inevitable part of moving.... Regularly spending time in nature is one of those simple things that we can do that has a profound impact on our health. We collected this bucket of rubbish at one site but overall it was great to see that there was very little rubbish elsewhere. The yellow fields on the drive home completed a wonderful day Hoping you too were able to enjoy some of the healing benefits that nature provides this weekend

12.01.2022 If l had to pick just two words to describe the highlights of the past few days, these would be the two community and connection. On Wednesday l attended the first World Heart of Connection Day and what an amazing and moving experience that was. To come together with like minded souls in our community and connect over a desire to send healing to the world was inspiring.... Yet the connection went far beyond those of us at our local botanical gardens, as people all over the world also joined in meditation and sending healing at that same moment. There were other moments too The assistance family and friends gave as we moved house. Thanks for the muscle power guys Being a part of a business group where people share both their knowledge, inspiration and support. Receiving beautiful messages from clients Getting to know a new friend better whilst sharing a delicious meal And last night watching teenagers play in their bands, demonstrating not only their passion and talent but also the joy that comes form coming together as a community and connecting through the power of music The aha moment at the end of all of this was how good it made me feel! Think lots of laughing, smiling, energy and at the end of the day a good nights sleep Making time to feel good has a positive flow on effect for our health hello relaxation response! This weekend my wish for you is that you too enjoy the health benefits that come from feeling good by connecting with your community

11.01.2022 This was tonights dinner thanks to the inspiration l found in Cherie Tus book Thriving on Plants. Yes its nutritious, delicious and easy to cook but that isnt why l made it I actually picked this recipe because the moment I looked at it l thought that looks delicious! ... It was what tonight my body craved eating and l believe honouring this encapsulates self care

10.01.2022 I have so many fond memories from my teaching days Seeing the look on my students faces that indicated they had learnt something new, that resonated as truth for them. Getting to share with them knowledge and experiences that as an adult l wish l had been so fortunate to experience at their age were some of the most rewarding parts of teaching. ... At our Yoga, Mindfulness and Vibrant Health Workshop l was so very fortunate to be able to experience these joys of teaching once more. I always went into studying naturopathy with the intent of combining it with my teaching background. This workshop, which was full of connection, laughter, joy, aha moments and new experiences was such rewarding work, combining my two greatest passions and l cant wait to do it again! Thank you dancers for coming along with your curiosity, open hearts and smiles

09.01.2022 Sunshine and a pot of herbal tea make the perfect combination for working outside Todays task was working on my presentation for the Geelong Myotherapy and Wellness Centre beginners yoga class this Wednesday. Where l will be talking about the health benefits of yoga from a naturopaths perspective, of which there are plenty!

06.01.2022 This is the lunch my teen made for me today Yep, you read that correctly My teen greeted me with this delicious chickpea salad when l arrived home from the clinic this morning. Feeling grateful l taught her to cook ... On a bed of rocket was shavings of carrot, slices of cucumber, diced capsicum, avocado and canned chickpeas that had been warmed up in the fry pan, with a teaspoon of turmeric powder. It was finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and just a little bit of siracha sauce. This is her special recipe, cause its the only thing she know how to make thanks for letting me share your recipe my teen

06.01.2022 There has to be a way. There must be an answer. I wont give up and just learn to live with this!... These are beliefs l have gathered regarding my health over the years. Today l thought l would share with you a bit about my story. I have had throughout my life my fair share of digestive problems, food intolerances, eczema, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, hormonal problems, fertility challenges and very painful periods due to endometriosis. None of which has been a lot of fun to live with! I can now see how every one of those symptoms is interconnected and what the underlying causes are. But when l was younger l didnt have that knowledge and nor did my parents. I didnt know that there were alternatives to the medications l was being given, that werent getting me the results l hoped for and were coming with their own set of unpleasant side effects. When l was 29 years old and my daughter was just 2, my husband died. My why for getting well became much bigger than ever before. I needed to be healthy in order to be there for my girl and so I really dug my heels in, looked for more answers and refused to give up. I read all the health books and magazines l could get my hands on but became quickly overwhelmed when so much of the information conflicted or despite making logical sense, didnt work for my body. Despite my best efforts, after having taken two lots of extended sick leave, my health problems resulted in my leaving a much loved career in teaching. Throughout this journey l discovered naturopathy. My naturopath and other holistic health practitioners made a real difference in improving my health. I was taking steps that were bringing me closer to being where l wanted to be. The more diet and lifestyle changes l made. The herbs and nutritionals l took; all brought me closer to feeling well and being pain free. It hasnt been easy making so many changes and trialling things to see what works for me and what doesnt but it has absolutely been worth it. I had such a strong desire to learn and deepen my understanding and connection to my own body, l decided to study a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy. I wanted to not only learn how to keep improving my own health but that of my daughters, other family members and friends. Today my health, while always a work in progress, is without a doubt the best it has ever been and this is a key reason why Im such a believer of naturopathy. I believe we all need to find what works for us and sometimes that involves a combination of natural and western medicine, trial and error. The key is to never accept that there isnt an answer or hope, to keep on searching for what works for you. It is my hope that as l share more of my personal story, what l have learnt though my years of studying, diet and lifestyle tips on this page, in consultations and workshops, that other people will find their steps to optimal health too.

05.01.2022 This sleep tip might help restless children who are hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa tonight A drop or two of lavender essential oil on the corners of your pillowcase can help switch on the relaxation response and support falling asleep quickly. My teen still uses this tip and combines it with relaxing music for a good nights sleep ... It is one of the last things l do at night and this along with playing a guided meditation before bed has me falling asleep in no time Wishing everyone a wonderful night sleep, especially those who are likely to be woken by excited little voices bright and early in the morning!

05.01.2022 As 2019 draws to a close l thought l would share with you a simple exercise that l felt called to do: Make a list of all the things you did this year that supported your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. A few things on my list were:... Meditating daily Reading for pleasure Walking in nature Learning something new Saying yes to new opportunities Journaling Quality sleep Couch cuddles And many more. This list serves as a reminder of what has supported your health in 2019. A reference list for what you can do in 2020 if you feel any areas of your health are in need of nurturing. The list will grow, evolve and change over time as will you. But it is comforting to have a list to refer back to should you need to reconnect with what you know works for you and feels good. I hope your list helps you to connect with all the ways you too show up for yourself on a daily basis. That it provides you with a great starting point to have grow and evolve as you take care of yourself in 2020, making it a truly wonderful year

05.01.2022 It is incredibly rewarding to be working with other like-minded professionals, who are just as passionate as you are about empowering young people to follow their dreams with vibrant physical, emotional and mental health. I am so excited to be part of the team hosting this Yoga, Mindfulness and Vibrant Health Workshop for Dancers. To have the opportunity to provide the dancers with practical tools to connect with their body and enhance their health, in turn helping them to... explore their full potential both on and off the dance floor. Looking forward to meeting the dancers next Friday and at 9:30 am at Geelong Myotherapy and Wellness Centre. There just a few spots left book at www.tomove.com.au See more

03.01.2022 2020 Soulful Sunday Retreat I am very excited to announce the details of our Soulful Sunday Retreat taking place at the stunning High Tide Yoga and Movement centre in Ocean Grove. It will begin with Melanie Oborne, a qualified psychologist, taking you through a deeply relaxing soul guidance and sacred mentoring session. This is a unique modality that uses a combination of Oracle cards, healing meditations and guided processes.... It will then be followed by myself and an information session on the Australian bush flower essences in which l will guide you through developing your own Australian bush flower essence remedy. This remedy will help you address any underlying emotions that are impacting upon your health whilst simultaneously bringing forth positive emotions, such as confidence or vitality, so that the health benefits of this retreat may be felt for several weeks to come. The retreat finishes with Charlotte Fraser, a qualified and experienced yoga teacher and educator, who has a research based Masters which focused on mindfulness. Charlotte will guide participants through a gentle heart opening yoga practice and sound bath giving your body the opportunity to release, restore balance and rejuvenate. A delicious afternoon tea will be provided by Bianca from Cake B and each attendee will leave with a gift bag containing their essences along with a few other little surprises. We have had lots of people booking in making the most of the early bird special of $99 per person (from the 10th January 2020 the investment is $129 per person). To reserve your spot for this unique afternoon retreat go https://soulfulwoman.com.au/soulful-sunday

03.01.2022 Sometimes life gifts you just what you need, exactly when you need it. On Monday Charlotte from The Yoga Bud gave me the gift of the most beautiful sound healing. Here she is playing just a couple of her many various instruments. ... On arriving l was very emotional, having received heart breaking news the night before. Yet after this experience and Charlottes kind words l felt a sense of peace wash over me. I highly recommended connecting with Charlotte from The Yoga Bud for a sound healing

02.01.2022 We are excited to announce that two thirds of the tickets to the Soulful Sunday Retreat on the 23rd of February have already been booked! Early bird special ends on January 9th so book in quickly to secure your spot https://soulfulwoman.com.au/soulful-sunday

01.01.2022 Exciting changes are taking place in my business! Big thanks to Lisa Hein and her team from Evolution Design Agency for all their time and thoughtfulness in designing my new logo as part of my rebranding process. Love the design and the new business cards too

01.01.2022 ~ Sleep Tips ~ It is that time of year when most people are saying they are tired and are looking for tips on how to have a better nights sleep As part of the @walaanimalsanctuary fundraiser I included my favourite @pukkaherbsaustralia Night Tea, which makes for a delicious way to end the day. ... So many of my clients have said that the simple act of drinking a cup of tea containing herbs that support a restorative nights sleep, has become a ritual they look forward to. They are also enjoying the improved energy that comes from a good nights sleep! I will be posting more sleep tips over the holiday period so that you can wake with more energy and enjoy this special time of the year See more