Kim Harris Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine in Bangalow, New South Wales | Acupuncturist

Kim Harris Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine

Locality: Bangalow, New South Wales

Phone: +61 416 219 973

Address: 72 Byron Street 2479 Bangalow, NSW, Australia

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

Likes: 517

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Medical and health
• Acupuncturist
• Therapist
• Health & wellness website

25.01.2022 Mental hygiene - makes sense, and I love the simple but powerful tools at the end!

22.01.2022 As we begin welcoming the cooler temperatures of Autumn, Ive put together some useful and practical tips for keeping healthy and supporting immunity. With a focus on protecting the functions of the Lungs and Large Intestine, a disharmony in these systems may show up as: - colds & flus... - viral infections - sinus - hayfever - skin conditions - dry and itchy skin such as psoriasis, dermatits, eczema - muscualar tension in the neck, jaw, chest and shoulders - constipation or sluggish bowels If you wish to discuss how Oriental Medicine can help you, please reach out to arrange a Telemedicine consultation with me now.

21.01.2022 Moxibustion!! Cant sing the praises of this herb enough. Need an invigoration of energy?

21.01.2022 The evidence is mounting on the side-effects of regular use of antibiotics. Not just by our own medical consumption via the GP, but by the meat industry!

21.01.2022 Ready to transform your health this Spring? -

20.01.2022 How well is your General leading you?

20.01.2022 New season calls for new recipes! Yum feeling some Autumn inspiration with this delicious Green Minestrone from #carlaoatesrecipe * What are your favourite recipe books right now? * *... * #foodie #orientalmedicine #foodismedicine #autumn #findinginspiration #renewal #changeisconstant #soulfood See more

19.01.2022 3.30itis is so common that it is considered a normal part of the day, and even treated as a joke in many workplaces. But a regular energy crash in the afternoon... is not normal and it is serious. Afternoon cravings for sugar or caffeine is a warning sign that your lifestyle is consuming far more Chi than you generate, and that your tank is nearing empty. Your organs cant function without Chi and if you maintain that lifestyle you are accelerating the onset of lifestyle disease, but also a deep-seated emptiness, the feeling that you are going nowhere in life. 3-5pm can become the most depressing part of the day. If you follow the natural flow of Chi (Chi-cycle Lifestyle) you generate more Chi than you consume and during Bladder time you feel that Chi. A sense of inner peace, wellbeing and connection, as if you are in synch with the whole universe, flooding every cell in your body. You are in a flow state - you are going places. Meet the Driver - the antidote to 3,30itis

19.01.2022 Antibiotics 9x Over-prescribed Undermines Herd Immunity Shes a lovely woman your GP, and obviously smart because she went to medical school, so when she said ...little Tommy needed antibiotics for his viral sore throat to be on the safe side of course you listened. Turns out she was wrong. A five-year study released last month showed Australian doctors over-prescribed antibiotics for acute respiratory infections such as bronchitis, influenza and tonsillitis in the mistaken belief they were erring on the side of caution. Not just a little bit of over-prescribing, but 9 times the conservative government guidelines. This means Australians are ending up with about twice as many antibiotics as the best performing countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands in regards to the same conditions. Commenting on the situation Professor Del Mar states: "In fact not using antibiotics at all is actually safe, you dont end up with missed cases of meningitis and menieres disease all sorts of really nasty things." Rather than being on the safe side this practice has some terrible consequences like significantly undermining general herd immunity. Ironic right? As several commentators note, those who leave the doctors office with a drug they dont need are also contributing to the global resistance to antibiotics. This puts everybody at risk. On top of this, in a shocking double blinded research published in the lancet recently it was shown that people who use antibiotics also spread antibiotic resistant bacteria to healthy individuals. A group of 224 healthy volunteers were randomly selected to receive antibiotics (either azithromycin or clarithromycin) or a fake treatment. Terrifyingly, the researchers found that roughly 28 per cent of the streptococci in the mouths of all subjects were resistant from the start. But whereas that level didnt change for participants who received a placebo, the proportion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the mouths of treated participants spiked to about 90 per cent shortly after treatment and could be spread to others. At six weeks out, the resistant bugs still made up about 60 per cent of streptococci and at six months, 50 per cent. Paul Cosford, medical director at Public Health England, added to this in an unrelated statement to parliament that children are 12 times more likely to contract drug-resistant infections in the three months after being prescribed antibiotics, suggesting that their unnecessary use poses a direct risk to individual patients as well as a broader threat to society as a whole. Finally, for those that feel like that probiotics are the antidote to antibiotics think again. Your gut flora is an old-growth microbial rainforest and probiotics are like a packet of plantation pine seeds in comparison. Furthermore, "Short courses of antibiotics can leave normal gut bacteria harbouring antibiotic resistance genes for up to two years after treatment", say scientists writing in the latest issue of Microbiology, published Nov. 3. The take home point is this: antibiotics are incredibly precious medicines, they really can mean the difference between life and death. They therefore need to be reserved for serious conditions, with common infections being treated with common household remedies. Read More On This Subject Here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378521/ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas/2010//101101083144.htm http://www.abc.net.au//australians-overloaded-with/8693600 http://mobile.abc.net.au//antibiotics3a-27disturb/6947900

18.01.2022 Bad Habits - great name for a band - but also the cause for an unhappy and unhealthy life. Trying to eradicate bad habits can put your head in - its impulsive ...rather than deliberate - and the aim is to get a grip of the triggers. Each morning as the clock strikes five, your Large Intestine is ready to eliminate all your old physical and emotional crap. Meet the Cleaner - your daily detox service. The Cleaner eliminates waste, helps clears obstructions in your arteries and enhances your blood flow (essential for superb health) but its the metaphysical clean by flushing out the 12 meridians with Chi to remove blockages which is the way to freedom as its in the meridians were the triggers are seated. Bad habits live and die in the meridians. To get the most out of the Cleaners time and the best cleaning job possible, get up as early as you can in this time slot, drink around one litre of water, flush the system (toilet training) and then get into rigorous Chi practice (focus on your core, glutes and thighs). All this lubricates your body with fluids, blood and Chi. These are your cleaning products, and the Cleaner will enthusiastically get to work. It hoses out old emotional negativity, it sweeps away guilt, it vacuums up toxic stress and it wipes away bad habits.

18.01.2022 How To Survive In A World Awash With Estrogen The entire planet that we inhabit is being poisoned by estrogen alligator testicles are smaller, oyster hormone...s are all over the place, young girls are menstruating earlier and earlier, young men have lower sperm counts, old men have larger prostates and older women are succumbing to breast cancer all because of estrogens. Xeno-estrogens are industrial pollutants that behave like estrogen in living systems and they are now unavoidable male penguins are even exposed and will soon be evolving pelvic floor exercises to assist with their erectile dysfunction and weak bladder. So this is comprehensive discussion of some of the crucial take home points for navigating this tricky landscape. The first point is avoiding the sources of xeno-estrogens (XE) which include the following common sources: Red food colourings Most insecticides and some preservatives (BHA) Anything packed in plastic Chlorine in drinking water A large number of orthodox skin care products The subject rarely spoken of in such discussions is the manner in which the body breaks down xeno-estrogens. This is done via the liver and is dependent upon an enzyme known as P450. Some common household inhibitors of P450 are grapefruit juice, tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. A range of medicines are strong inhibitors of P450 and estrogen clearance including: Anti-inflammatories Aspirin Anti-biotics Antifungals Activated turmeric / black pepper Golden seal St Johns Wort Finally, Xenoestrogens are stored in our fat cells. This makes for a difficult bind at times because you often need to initiate a detoxification process to allow the body to release the toxic fat. I use a range of strategies that hinge upon estrogen clearance for men with prostate enlargement and testosterone decline, and also for endometriosis and breast cancer clients as well but the first step is limiting exposure to the above lists. So weve moved on from Nazis and communists being the global villains to estrogen - itll make you fat, make you grumpy, make you bald and give you breast cancer - but what about all those phyto-estrogen foods? To estrogen or not to estrogen, that is the question! I have a lot of clients confused about the phyto-estrogens in plants like soy and pomegranate that are supposed to assist with hormonal balance and ease menopause. The things is, like minority groups, races and men - estrogens aint all the same. The strongest form of estrogen is technically called 17 beta-estradiol or simply estradiol when its amongst friends. This is the OG form that arises in puberty and helps your breasts grow during adolescence, but it is also the form of estrogen associated with breast cancer and cell proliferation. The thing is, there are actually a bunch of other shapes and sizes that estrogen comes in, and unlike the estradiol that turns-on the proliferative cell functions associated with breast cancer, some forms actually occupy the same cell receptors blocking estradiol from doing this. The process of hormones binding in receptors like a lock and key is effectively sex on a molecular level" - but you want it to be sweet internal hormonal love-making to your cells that leaves you radiant. And thats exactly what these more gentle estrogen-sisters do - they displace the more potent estradiol and without a cellular receptor to fit in float around in the blood, powerless until they get broken down in the liver. Thats where herbs come in. Phyto-estrogen rich plants like soy and pomegranate contain their own estrogens including 17 ALPHA-estradiol. This form of estrogen is actually a mirror image of the trouble-making beta-estradiol. Her sweet twin-sister, 17 alpha-estradiol, is actually an exceedingly mild-manner estrogen and would never even dream of giving you breast-cancer however. The opposite is true in fact, and studies show that herbs like pomegranate are amongst our most powerful herbal allies in assisting with both menopausal symptoms, estrogen dominant PMS and breast cancer. There are also a whole host of other pomegranate compounds that are not estrogens that also compete with bad-girl cancer problem-causing estrogens in your body too. Researchers have found that the conjugated fatty acids found in pomegranate, such as punicic acid, shut out other estrogens from binding with receptor sites in a manner similar to the cancer drug tamoxifen. And alpha-eleostearic acid, newly identified in pomegranate, seemed especially potent in inhibiting estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells. This appears to be because pomegranate extracts not only block estrogen activity, but block the enzyme that makes estrogen from its precursor androgen. This makes pomegranate a potential aromatase inhibitor (AI), the name of a class of drugs used for the treatment of estrogen-positive breast cancer. And unlike AI drugs, pomegranate has none of the side effects like joint pain, heart problems or bone fractures. I combine organic pomegranate powder with the liver-loving and estrogen-clearing effects of broccoli sprouts in a rainbow super-food combo with 12 other ingredients for women I call Persephones Powder - but there are a wide range of options available out there. The take-home point is that although we need to approach them with caution in estrogen-dominant conditions, phyto-estrogens are often exactly what is needed to balance out the effects of the more toxic xeno-oestrogens. Non-technical summary: avoid nasty chemicals, improve liver function and eat more plants.

18.01.2022 I finally did it! After reaching my 20 year anniversary of practicing in the health and wellness industry and over 10 years since my last website, Im super excited to announce that I have just launched my new website: www.kimharris.com.au Those who know me or have followed me this far, know that Oriental Medicine and its principles is what I am most passionate about sharing. ... And to make my services most freely available to you, no matter where you live in Australia, I am now offering Telemedicine Consultations!! Enjoy checking out the new website - Ill be posting new resources regularly, health tips, recipes, blogs, special offers, packages and products all to help support your health and wellness needs. I look forward to connecting with you.

18.01.2022 Are you an Allied Health Professional looking for a modern, newly refurbished space to work from? Our Wellness Space is somewhere for our clients to feel supported while taking a journey towards their highest level of wellbeing. Situated above one of Sydneys leading yoga studios and wholefoods caf offering over 60 yoga classes weekly, right in the heart of Rozelle. We are only 10 minutes bus ride from Sydneys CBD.... The Wellness Space: air-conditioned modern reception area plenty of natural light beautifully furnished includes massage table HICAPS machine 2hr free council carpark nearby What would complement our team is a bodyworker remedial / sports massage, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, myofacial release, or similar. You would have experience in establishing and running your own practice. Our current team specialises in Acupuncture, Eastern Herbal Medicine, Yoga, Counselling, Nutrition and Theta Healing. Full day rentals available. Contact Kim 0416 219973

15.01.2022 The Gallbladder, bile and fat metabolism. Read on...

15.01.2022 For me, Mondays are a day for meal planning! I love doing soups or stews that get better over time plus make it easier on the chef (moi!) so Im not required to cook every night. ;-) Todays nutrient rich restorative stew comes from the tradition of making therapeutic medicinal soups and stews with Chinese tonic herbs. Im highlighting 2 ingredients below that come from my herbal dispensary. The others you are very familiar with - but did you know how incredibly important th...ey are for you right now? IMMUNITY BOOSTING is key right now and I hope everyone is doing their best to take care of themselves and their families. ASTRAGALUS: a potent Qi, or vitality, tonic is traditionally used in many anti cancer formulas, is antiinflammatory and promotes the production of white blood cells - part of the army of the immune system. DANG GUI: a rich root traditionally used to nourish blood, rich in Vitmain B12 and folic acid, it has a claming effect on your nervous system and commonly used to treat iron deficiency and anaemia, among other things. SHITAKE Mushroom: rich in polysaccarides they increase the immune modulating benfeits. GINGER: also big on the anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as immune boosting and great for relieving nausea or upset tummy. GARLIC: In Chinese Medicine garlic enters the meridians of the Spleen, Stomach and Lungs. It helps boost immunity via those organs - although it should be avoided if you have fever, sore throat, yellow phlegm, skin rashes, reflux, stomach or mouth ulcers. ** its in the pot as we speak, simmering away. Ill post a photo later of the finished product **

13.01.2022 Loneliness is now considered to be a lifestyle disease and lifestyle medicine has the cure. As soon as you meet someone the Lungs engage. You get a feeling (y...our Lungs provide feelings and sensations). If your organs are healthy contact with people can feel good. If your organs are undernourished interacting with people can make you feel exposed and vulnerable. You dont know how to communicate, you feel like you dont fit in, contact becomes painful and stressful and you start to withdraw socially. Its not people that are the issue, its your Lungs. Given that it is now common to have a lifestyle that weakens the organs, loneliness is increasing. Independence (healthy contact) and a strong sense of identity is the lifestyle medicine grail. In Chinese medicine the strength of our sense of identity depends on how dedicated we are to cultivating our chi, and how we conduct yourself with others. Cultivate chi via chi practices and lifestyle, and we will act honourably; act honourably and we build chi. The two are interdependent and inseparable. Every contact with people either builds or disperses chi. When you lose it and throw emotional grenades which have a negative impact on others, you weaken your chi. But when you act nobly you are polishing your armour and raising your shield. People can do you wrong, trash you behind your back, cheat on you, or whatever, but with strong chi you will respond honourably. This, in turn, builds your chi. The quest for health, happiness and destiny requires to make changes and to detach from the expectations of others, from wanting to fit in and feel socially accepted. To be able to move forward you may have to sever ties with people who are holding you back. Maybe your friends continue partying and you no longer want to, or family keep you trapped in old reactive patterns, or your job is eroding your spirit and health, or a relationship is toxic. Follow the chi-cycle and your sword is at the ready to cut these old ties. Meet the Knight (your Lungs). The Knight ensures that you participate and engage with everyone on your own terms. This is not about suddenly cutting everyone off, that is against the Dao, but about being able to detach and simultaneously create new bonds. Detaching and reattaching is an art you need to master for your health. The chi practices in the morning, and the entire chi-cycle prep you for this. With full organ health, every connection, even if it is brief, can be joyful and you cant ever feel lonely. You have a strong sense of identity and dont blame circumstance, people never disappoint you, you lead rather than criticise, you see solutions not problems and you know what you want and why you are here.

11.01.2022 An important read!

11.01.2022 The Cholesterol Myth Exposed: Do You Know Someone Taking Statins? Stains are used to lower cholesterol in an attempt to reduce heart disease and are a 29 billi...on dollar industry world-wide that is aggressively marketed to GPs and policy makers. In fact, the statin drug Lipitor is heralded as the most profitable drug in the history of mankind. Sales to date from this one particular drug have exceeded $140 billionUS. An editorial in The Lancet recently argued that everyone over 50 should take statins like lipitor to lower their cholesterol, and their use is rapidly increasing in otherwise healthy individuals, so it is high time the public did their own research on the matter. It is critical for patients to be informed however that three-quarters of people having a first heart attack, have normal cholesterol levels and that at least 500 healthy people need to take statins for a year to prevent just one death. At best, the actual overall risk reduction has been claimed to nudge down the chances of a cardiac incident from 4.04 percent to 3.27 percent per year, a difference of just 0.77 percent. This may be fine if statins were themselves safe, but regrettably they are far from it. Its long been known that statins suppress immune function, increase the risk of hemorrhagic strokes, diabetes, sexual dysfunction and severe liver complications. In February 2012 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers that the drugs might also increase the risk of diabetes and memory loss. Women in particular need to think very seriously before taking statins due to a clearly established increased risk of developing diabetes. Since April 2014, over 1200 lawsuits have been filed by women against Pfizer claiming Lipitor caused them to become diabetics, and lawyers believe it could well exceed 10,000 cases. Furthermore, mainstream studies have suggested that low cholesterol may actually be associated with a higher risk of death! One study demonstrated that The relative risk of non-cardiac death was 2.27 times higher in the low cholesterol group than in the controls whilst another from the American Heart Association concluded The risk-factoradjusted rate of all-cause mortality was 30% higher among persons with a decline from middle (180 to 239 mg/dL) to low (<180 mg/dL) total cholesterol than in persons remaining at a stable middle level. A third study conservatively but clearly warns that If our findings are generalized, clinical and public health recommendations regarding the dangers of cholesterol should be revised. According to the World Health Organisation, 80% of cardiovascular disease is caused by smoking, inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and other lifestyle factors. Pharmaceuticals give the illusion of protection to many people who would be much better served by changing their lifestyle to include more positive healthful practices. For those who still feel a prescription is necessary however, a Chinese herb called Huang Lian provides a great alternative to Statins. In hamsters fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet for 2 weeks, the oral administration of berberine 100 mg/kg for 10 days reduced total serum cholesterol from approximately 4.8 to 2.7 mmol/l, and LDL-cholesterol from approximately 2.5 to 1.4 mmol/l. In subjects with hypercholesterolaemia, berberine hydrochloride (0.5 g b.i.d. for 3 months) reduced LDL-cholesterol (from 3.2 to 2.4 mmol/l) without any effect on high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Berberine also caused a reduction in triglyceride levels from 2.3 to 1.5 mmol/l. The study cloncluded: As berberine and statins both upregulate LDLR, their lipid-lowering profiles are similar. Thus, this mechanism is unlikely to make berberine an attractive alternative to statins for lipid lowering in most circumstances. However, the other effects of berberine (antihypertensive, inotropic and class III antiarrhythmic properties) may make it a useful agent in the treatment of cardiovascular disease Finally, a recent study I came across reports that the effect of simply eating an apple a day exceed the heart protection effects of statin therapy. Sources: Low total cholesterol is associated with high total mortality in patients with coronary heart disease, European Heart Journal, January 1997 Low Serum Cholesterol and Mortality, American Heart Association, June 1994 Is the use of cholesterol in mortality risk algorithms in clinical guidelines valid? Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, February 2012

11.01.2022 Helping People You Love To Die: Death Midwifery Medicines Overwhelming the role of the healer-physician is to restore and safeguard life, but there inevitably c...omes a time when some people need assistance, not with their living, but with their dying. This is not just a role for the professionals however, as in general we do it so badly. This is knowledge that belongs in the hands of families and beloveds. During my time researching at the Tibetan Medical Institute I had a great many conversations with doctors and lamas about the role of medicine in spiritual practice. To cut a very long and profound story short, this is what I absorbed from these remarkable men and women: To be human is an incredibly rare opportunity to practice and realise high states of consciousness. This requires a healthy body for three reasons: 1) so that consciousness is not disturbed by an imbalanced body, 2) so that lifespan may be increased hence allowing greater opportunities to gain wisdom, 3) so that we may have a good death. Death is considered by the Tibetans to be a very precious opportunity, and whether you see this as they do in spiritual terms that relate to bardos and reincarnation, or more social and psychological terms about resolving lingering issues with yourself and those around you it is an idea worth considering deeply. At the point of death we want to be in a clear and calm state of consciousness so that we may say our goodbyes well, and that we may leave with grace. I have found that the willingness to face death with people who are already doing so is one of the deepest gifts we can give them: Yes this may kill you, but I will walk this path with you to the end. In fact, death can be seen as the ultimate opportunity for healing - regardless of your spiritual beliefs. Given this intellectual/ spiritual backdrop herbs can assist in several ways. 1) Mitigating pain and calming the mind To consider here are gentle herbs such as mistletoe, rose, lavender, Melissa and passionflower for mild pain and anxiety. Stronger anxiety needs Kava or Blue Lotus. For stronger mental and emotional demons and ghosts from the past traditionally Wood Betony and St Johns Wort are used - but this is not in the final stages. When pain is very strong then herbs such as medical-Marijuana, wild lettuce, Jamaican dogwood and corydalis can supplement or replace orthodox pharmaceuticals but if the patient is over-drugged they are counter-productive and consciousness declines. Essential oils are particularly useful in this space with Cypress having a very, very long history of use in the dying process that spans back to the last ice-age at least. Frankincense, and cedar are also well indicated, but anything the patient loves can calm the mind. 2) Enhancing consciousness and increasing subtlety The second class of herbs are used to actually enhance the patients ability to see clearly during this incredible time where the brain releases all sorts of rare neuro-chemicals and deep spiritual insight is possible. Reishi (The herb of spiritual potency) is well indicated here, as is Safron and Ginkgo Biloba to list a few. If fear of death is present then very small doses of Aconite / Fu Zi can be administered by those who know about the dosages. If shock is clouding the mind similarly low doses of Arnica can calm the heart-mind and prevent shock (1-2 drops of a tincture or a 10% dilution). Hysteria with exhaustion calls for Camphor. For general assistance with clarity of mind during death then Gotu Kola is possible. If exhaustion is present then potentially herbs like Rhodiola and Ginseng may be helpful. Again, essential oils bring a subtle quality to the space and the mind that should not be overlooked. (Space does not permit a deeper explanation of the subtle qualities of the above herbs - suffice to say they are precious gems one and all - use them at the deathbed with trust and reverence) I have actually had only a handful of experiences in this arena, and mostly felt hopelessly poorly equipped. It is my sincere hope that some of the above will be of assistance, but as this herbal information is not from the Tibetan Tradition (they use complex precious pills) but from my own research, please take it as a rough guide only. With heart, Jimi

11.01.2022 Dementia diagnoses are becoming increasingly common in younger people, and I believe the contemporary lifestyle of lethargic mornings and active nights is the... culprit. Poor sleep is a major contributing factor in dementia and an entire generation of people now work late, stay up even later binge-watching entertainment, and then regularly check their phones throughout the night. Next morning there is no energy to get up early (ideally 5am) and exercise or to stomach a nutritious breakfast. At 9am when the chi enters the Spleen it feels impossible (physically and mentally) to get into work mode. Brain fog rules the morning and the downward spiral towards cognitive impairment begins. In TCM, your Spleen builds your life, it is the residence of thought: it influences your capacity for thinking, studying, concentrating, focusing and memorising. But the Spleen is also affiliated with your muscles - and muscles need to work to prevent atrophy. You have to keep the Builder busy from 9am onwards (a happy builder is one who has work, not too much not too little, just the right amount). Work towards your goals, work on your projects and you have a strong foundation for your thoughts; your mind wont atrophy. This helps in preventing the symptoms of Alzheimers Disease. Your organs support brain and body health together, and you need to exercise them both for ultimate health. If you are retired or not working make your own job and commit to it as if you were getting paid for it. We are here on spiritual business and just because we dont have a paid job it doesnt mean we are out of work. Our organs dont care about pay they care about purpose and their currency is chi. If you are retired or unemployed you have an incredible opportunity to focus on realising your purpose and building your chi. Get involved with a cause that is meaningful to you. Ideally join a community group as face to face contact is crucial for mental and physical health. Try an internet group if you cant find a community group. Be businesslike about your day. Set out a space at home that is your office, set your goals and focus on them until lunchtime. Youll have a happy Builder, and that will help you avoid Alzheimers or dementia.

10.01.2022 Is The Microbial World Really Trying To Kill You - Amazing Microbial facts Its a dog eat dog world out there, with every single species trying to murder each o...ther in a bloody competition for survival. Or so our popular biological mythic narrative goes. This kind of makes sense when we look at it from the surface, but as soon as we dive into the microscopic realm of bacteria it starts to come under question. To begin with, whilst there are almost 9 million species of big cute cuddly things like us on earth (chickens, pandas, cobras and beetles etc) it is thought that there are around a trillion or 1 000 000 000 000 species of bacteria so most of the web of life is invisible to us. Inside our bodies the situation is similar: we have around 70 trillion human cells, yet according to latest estimates that I encountered in the US recently we have 10-20 fold or more bacteria peacefully living within our bodies or around 1.5 -2 Quadrillion of the little darlings. Apparently for our single species around 40 000 bacterial species per individual is considered ideal. If you are still convinced that the bacteria of the world are trying to kill you, please consider that there are bacteria that can accomplish the following remarkable feats: dissolve concrete (Thio. Concretivorus), withstand heat of up to at least 169 degrees celcius (Pyro. Fumarii) and possibly as high as 250 degrees, thrive in the strongest known Sulphuric acid powerful enough to dissolve metal and rated ph O (Thio. Thio-oxiddans, Pic. Oshimae), conquer the salination of the Dead Sea (Halo. Halobium), withstand radiation strong enough to crack petri dishes and shatter its genome into thousands of pieces only to pull itself back together ala terminator 2, (Din. Radiodurans), live in pressure hundreds of times our normal atmosphere (E Coli), or in the total absence of any atmosphere such as a 2 year stint on an unprotected camera lense stationed on the moon, (Streptoccocus B.) withstand freezing to temperatures just 0.2 degrees above absolute zero where even matter itself comes to a grinding halt (tardigrades), reproduce like rabbits in the incredibly alkaline environment of pure ammonia and quite literally eat sulphur (as found in many antiobiotics) for breakfast (Pyrodictium). Lucky these guys dont want us dead right? Before you exhale too deeply however consider this: not only can one bacteria become billions in a single day, but as acclaimed microbiologist Lynn Margulis suggests, we may be making a terrible mistake to think in terms of different species of bacteria at all for as she notes: Bacteria evolve as an enormous, worldwide, interacting, loose network.(...) Bacterial evolution is flexible in principle, all bacteria can exchange DNA (mate) with any other. Margulis, Kingdom Animalia, 106 This means if we annoy it enough Golden Staph (MRSA) may genetically download the genes to withstand pure acid, eat uranium, withstand freezing and go on a rampage that we are completely powerless to stop. Pondering the significance of this, and obviously aware that many microbes differ more from each other than they do from us, Bryson draws the analogy of a human somehow drawing out the genetic information of an insect and biologically learning how to grow wings or walk on ceilings, concluding: it means that from a genetic point of view bacteria have become a single super-organism tiny, dispersed, but invincible. None of this is even mentioning the 5 million odd fungal species we co-exist with, or the 300 000 odd parasites within our bodies - let alone the viruses that comprise our virome which I am told by a researcher number 10 with 31 zeros or 10 million times as many stars as there are in the known universe. These viruses are even making at least 35% of the messenger RNA in your blood - so 1/3 of the genetic messages in your blood is non-human (with 15-25% of this being fungal). SURELY IF THE MIGHTY MICROBIAL WORLD WANTED US DEAD WED BE LONG GONE!? Considering this it appears to me that our adaptability as mammals comes from our adaptable genome which incorporates so many other species genes. Symbiosis is the law of the jungle when it comes to the microbial world, with Endo Symbiotic Theory suggesting that this is the major driver behind major evolutionary processes. In summary, our species-centric micro-phobic narrative about the war of life may reflect a lot more about us as a species than it does about the biology of this planet as a whole. Either way, hug a microbe today and at least try making friends with the web our survival may depend upon it.

10.01.2022 There are profound health benefits of tucking in and falling asleep by 9:30pm. Night Owls take note!

09.01.2022 Interesting info to disrupt the festive season :) Mens Health magazine says the average Australian (whoever that is) consumes 560 gram of meat a week, but prod...ucing 500 grams of beef uses the same amount of water as spending seven hours in the shower. Aargh!!! Eating one less steak a week saves enough energy to charge an iPhone for 5 hours, taking a car off the road for 600km, or saving enough water to fill ten bathtubs - and if cows were to form their own country they would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter. Vegan obviously has to become an essential part of our life, and the latest advances in nutritional sciences and superfoods will make this attractive, tasty and potent - very potent in fact, much more than beef. Hemp Foods have a protein-oil-iron ratio that leaves red meat for dead - literally :) Hemp Hearts for example have 35% clean protein, 10% omega 3, 30% healthy omega 6, and only 3% carbs. Then there are all those yummy Hemp snack-bars made with cacao, turmeric, ginger, nuts and sulphur free dates. Hemp products are definitely the next stage in the evolution of the human species and once again the Hippies were right See more

09.01.2022 Meet the Bodyguard - who is responsible for spiritual and material success. In Chinese medicine our behaviour has two drivers: Po and Hun. Po is the animal inst...inct. It is concerned only with survival, with establishing our position in the battleground of daily life, and with eating and procreating. When we die our Po dies with us. Hun is our spiritual instinct. It is love and giving and compassion, and it is eternal. At death our Hun leaves our body and returns home to the spiritual realms (carrying with it an appearance of your physical form). The perfect interplay of Po and Hun makes for a healthy life. In a job interview, for example, youd go into Po mode. You present yourself as invincible, hard-working, and prepared to do whatever it takes for the company to succeed. You hold your ground and fight for pay that matches your worth. If you went to the same interview in Hun or spiritual mode, youd hug everyone on the interview panel, suggest that the company focus on world peace instead of worrying about business goals, and youd say that the pay didnt matter because you are a soul temporarily on earth, and that love is all that matters. We all are here on a mission, but the physical world is a hostile environment for the soul and Po makes sure we survive. Po is the drive to succeed in physical matters. Hun is the drive to succeed in spiritual matters. All day dealing with work, business, school, maintenance, bills and duties, we are presenting our physical success self. But from 7pm it is Pericardium time to nourish our spiritual drive. Shut the door on work and business. The only business to concern ourself with now is that of our soul. Joy originates in the Pericardium so its lovey dovey time. If you are with friends or family focus on contributing to a joyous atmosphere. If you are with your kids, read them a story (children are great for encouraging people to let their soul come forward). Or have a romantic dinner with your partner, your organs are up for it. If you are on your own at this time you need to discover the joy within yourself. Art or creativity is good for this. Calligraphy, playing an instrument or reading a great book are all ideal activities for this time in the circadian rhythm. Or watch an inspiring TV show with a glass of good red (one episode only though). The goal is to balance yin and yang - this will put the Bodyguard in top shape to negate the perfect interplay of Po and Hun

07.01.2022 Expectant mummas and pappas....read on...

07.01.2022 Helen is running an informative and holistic workshop on weight loss. Not to be missed! Click on the link below to register.

06.01.2022 Summer delights and Christmas wishes -

06.01.2022 And 4hrs later I come back to the pot to serve this up! Bon appetit everyone If youre wanting the recipe drop me a line.

06.01.2022 Perhaps the most attractive drawcard for staying up late (especially past 1am) is the feeling of finally having time for yourself. The pressure releases and tim...e stretches out, it is the antidote to the relentless rush of the day. But what you are really experiencing here is the function of your liver (the General) to regulate your perception of time. The liver vibe is personal and intimate. Its that classic scene: late at night around the kitchen table with a bottle of wine and deep and meaningful discussions about your plans for your life. While you talk you feel resolute, you are convinced you are on track, and all doubt, fear and confusion is gone. You dont want to waste this great feeling by going to bed! The next morning though, all sense of direction has vanished along with your resoluteness, and youve either forgotten your plans or feel embarrassed about having shared them. Or you might think the whole thing was alcohol induced. But its not the beer-goggles at work, rather an increased awareness of your livers functions. You have witnessed this function but not activated it. If you sleep though, the General updates your destiny files and you activate them by waking up and following the chi-cycle morning routine. The best time to talk meaningfully about your dreams and life is between 11am and 1pm when chi is in your heart. Meet the Emperor. The Emperor holds the key to your destiny. It knows who you are, what you are here for, and what you need for a healthy, happy and purposeful life. It is via your heart that you feel, that you develop intuitive understanding, and in TCM your heart is also the home of your mind and rational thought. So, as chi flows through your heart between 11am and 1pm you are more attuned to both these qualities at once. This is a rare combination. You are a spiritual being with a purpose and the Emperor has the maps, the scrolls, and the secrets of your destiny. To meet all 12 organ characters go to my website www.thelifestylemedicineman.com

06.01.2022 Kim has been a practitioner of Oriental Medicine for the past 20 years. Her approach incorporates a unique combination of all of the Oriental healing techniques, not just Traditional Chinese Medicine. This supports her clients to restore balance and harmony with treatment plans that acknowledge their own particular lives and needs. These plans may draw on: Acupuncture, Cupping and Moxibustion, Chinese Patent Herbal Medicine, Oriental Nutritional Medicine, Massage/Bodywork, Oriental Counselling, I-Ching Astrology, and Feng Shui Inner/Outer Alignment.

05.01.2022 Suffering brain fog? Memory loss? Read on....

05.01.2022 INFLAMMATION Hundreds of my clients now use Josts book The Perfect Day Plan to understand and align with their bodys natural Qi (energy) cycle. Here he goes into a great point about Stomach time (7-9am) and not just choosing the right foods, but choosing the right environment in which to eat in. Inflammation can be a lifestyle you may not realise you are living.

04.01.2022 See....a hug can do a whole lot for your mental wellbeing as well as your physical health Go enjoy some hugs today!

03.01.2022 Bren Brown on empathy, compassion and boundaries...

02.01.2022 Oriental Medicine consultations are now available from 2 beautiful spaces in the Northern Rivers area - Monday's in Bangalow - just 15 minutes from Byron Bay - and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in Lismore - just 25 minutes from Ballina. Specialising in gut health, skin conditions such as acne and eczema, stress / chronic fatigue / general exhaustion, muscular and joint pain / inflammation. Don't forget that Telemedicine consultations are also still available to anybody w...ithin Australia with the convenience of herbal prescriptions Express posted to your front door! Please contact me to discuss any health needs you may have. Make the commitment to your wellbeing today! #acupuncture #bangalow #wellbeing #byronbay #orientalmedicine #healthyliving #naturalmedicine #kimharrisacupuncture