Nicole Woodcock Naturopathy in Gisborne, Victoria | Naturopath

Nicole Woodcock Naturopathy

Locality: Gisborne, Victoria

Phone: +61 490 881 509

Address: 43 Brantome Street 3437 Gisborne, VIC, Australia

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

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

25.01.2022 Magical crisp winter mornings like these . While the first steps outside take my breath away and I could easily run back inside to the warmth - it’s so uplifting and grounding breathing in the crisp air, looking through the trees into the big blue sky with my feet firmly planted on the earth. As the days get colder, we are more inclined to stay inside where it’s toasty and comforting. I’m like a hibernating bear in winter so some days I have to drag myself outside - but ...I’m thankful once I do. It’s so important that you spend some time outside everyday and deeply breathe in the fresh air, connect with nature and maintain your exercise routine (add another layer ). This will get your blood and lymphatic system flowing and you’ll feel warm, energised and have so much more clarity and perspective. Deep breathing, consciously enjoying nature and moving our body has shown in research to relax the adrenals which helps with management of stress and anxiety, sleep, depression, mood, digestion and our overall health. Simple things like this can make a massive difference to your day. It’s worth making the time for. Happy Friday peeps x

25.01.2022 Today’s a little bit different. I’m normally bustling around clinic Gisborne Health Essentials preparing many pots of tea for my clients in our face-to-face consultations, then preparing their herb mix and supplements while my next client waits. Saturday clinic is a hive of activity. Those days will be here again soon and I can’t wait to see you and brew you a pot of tea! Until then, today I’m busy with virtual home consults in the comfort of my home office, fire burning and... teapot on hand. It’s so wonderful that amongst all the uncertainty and fear, my clients are still prioritising their health and wellbeing. And I’m grateful we’re able to stay connected in a virtual space. For many, the goal posts have shifted slightly and we are focusing on immune health, stress and anxiety. But that’s okay because that will support all other areas of health and wellbeing. It’s all connected to the bigger picture. Take this time to rebalance and recharge. Focus on yourself now that you’re not so consumed with the everyday busy-ness of running around. There is no better time to put your health and wellbeing first. I’m here for you. Reach out if you need some direction and professional, personalised health advice. #homehealthcare #virtualnaturopath

23.01.2022 Hormone health isn’t just related to what your period looks like or your fertility. Hormones are so important throughout the whole month for sleep, moods, energy, vitality and cognition, libido and skin health. Throughout the month you may often experience fatigue, headaches, migraines, constipation, loose bowels, allergy symptoms (associated with increased histamine), thrush, urinary tract infections, depression or low mood, anxiety, a short fuse (often described as the fee...ling I just want to kill someone), cravings or changes in appetite. You may just find you don’t deal with stress as well as you normally do or small things trigger you. Do you have difficulty losing weight no matter what you do? These may all be clues that your hormones are on a roller coaster ride. Of course the commonly known symptoms of hormone imbalance also include PMS, breast tenderness, period pain, heavy periods, spotting, hormonal acne and irregular cycles (no, these are not normal ). Do you feel like you have one good week in every four? It’s like putting the puzzle pieces together and playing detective! Track your cycles and see if there are any patterns with your cycle. Do the same symptoms happen at the same time every month? You’ll be amazed. You may just get the answers why you’ve been feeling the way you have. Reach out for professional, individualised support. Let me play detective and get you back on track. Sometimes your symptoms and signs alone give a clear picture and if not I can do functional hormone testing to provide further insight.

23.01.2022 After hours appointments are in as much demand as toilet paper and hand sanitiser at the moment So, I’ve recently extended my Saturdays to open up more appointments in the afternoon for you. My new clinic hours are:... Thursday 9am to 8pm Friday 2:30pm to 8pm Saturday 8:30am to 5pm If you are self-isolating, in a lockdown area or are feeling unwell online consults are available. Otherwise, I can’t wait to see you face-to-face at Gisborne Health Essentials (we have lots of measures in place to keep you safe and healthy). Book online via link on this page or call Gisborne Health Essentials on (03) 5428 4484. Stay healthy, happy and safe xx

22.01.2022 Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of becoming. When nothing is certain, anything is possible - Mandy Hale This gorgeous maple is showing off in my backyard. Soon she’ll lose all her leaves and rest for the winter. But she’ll come back more beautiful and stronger than ever. Are you making time to stop and rest? ... #restandrecovery #autumnlessons

21.01.2022 Let’s talk PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and bust some myths. PCOS is defined by a combination of signs and symptoms of androgen excess (a hormone) and ovarian dysfunction in the absence of other specific diagnoses (Escobar- Morreale, 2019). Investigations (blood tests and an ultrasound) should always be done to get an accurate diagnosis. Many women that have been diagnosed or told they might have PCOS are done so without any investigations. This is not okay, don’t ac...cept this. Seek out a second opinion. Many women are confused and concerned because they think they won’t be able to have babies. Yes, unmanaged PCOS can make it difficult to conceive, but it doesn’t make you infertile if it is managed. PCOS can be reversed. It is not a life sentence. Some women are told the only treatment option is the oral contraceptive pill. The pill does not cure PCOS. It suppresses your hormones so you don’t ovulate. But when you stop the pill, you may still have PCOS - nothing’s changed. In fact, there is a condition called post-pill PCOS - meaning the pill can in fact cause PCOS (Alois & Estores, 2019). Some women are told their PCOS is genetic, so they’ve just got to put up with it. Yes, PCOS can be genetic (Escobar-Morreale, 2019). We cannot change our genes but we can change the way our genes behave. A PCOS diagnosis does not need to be permanent. Our environment (diet and lifestyle) significantly influences the way our genes behave and how our body responds to hormones. PCOS is strongly influenced by environmental factors including stress, nutritional deficiency, obesity, high glycemic diet (sugar and carbs) and lack of exercise (Escore-Morreale, 2019). Therefore, diet and lifestyle modifications are critical in managing PCOS. Research has also shown herbal and nutritional supplementation to be effective in managing PCOS (Alois & Estores, 2019). And finally, some women are told not to worry about PCOS unless they are trying to have a baby - no, no, no! PCOS is associated with an increased risk of many chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer, depression and anxiety. #hormonenaturopath

21.01.2022 #stayhome #staypositive #stayhealthy #stayathome #letsfightthistogether

21.01.2022 I’m here for you. Concerned about your immune health, stressed or anxious? Immune Support Consults now available for new or existing clients near and far (Australia wide). Get practical, evidence-based, professional and individualised advice on how to support your health through the next few months. We’ll also discuss strategies on how to manage acute stress or anxiety (that’s important to keep your immune system strong to!). Consults can be face-to-face in clinic Gisborne ...Health Essentials or online. If you choose a face-to-face consult you must have no symptoms of illness (contact me if you are unsure). Existing clients (you’ve seen me before) - 15 minutes $25 New clients (never had a consultation with me) - 30 minutes $60 PM me for more information. Book via @gisbornehealthessentials on (03) 5428 4484 or book now button in profile. We can deliver or post supplements direct to your door. . #immunesupport #foodismedicine #onlinenaturopath

20.01.2022 Happy Easter from my home to yours. Fill your day with love, laughter, rest and those things that bring you joy. One day closer to new beginnings.

20.01.2022 My beautiful colleagues Leisa and Naareda are sharing their wisdom tomorrow in an online session. It will be amazing xx

19.01.2022 Preconception care is the ultimate in preventative medicine. It is the opportunity for both partners to optimise their health to enhance fertility and give every opportunity for healthy conception, an uncomplicated pregnancy and a healthy baby. Stress, nutrition and environmental exposure are major factors that influence both fertility and the developing foetus, making these important areas to focus on prior to conception. Preconception care should ideally begin at least 4 m...onths prior to trying to conceive. This is because it takes an egg 3 months to mature and 2 to 4 months for sperm to develop. Men are often overlooked in preconception care but their contribution to half the genetic material is extremely important. Healthy sperm requires adequate nutrition and an absence of toxins - since sperm is susceptible to oxidative damage from temperature, environmental and dietary toxins. I absolutely enjoy working with couples to optimise their health to enhance fertility. I’m so grateful and honoured to have shared the journey of parenthood with many couples and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a healthy baby at the end. Reach out if you are planning to have a baby.

18.01.2022 My mumma and I many moons ago Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums and of course our Mother Earth. Thankyou for your nourishment, love and sacrifice. For many, today can be a difficult day. A day of mixed emotions - remembering, grieving, missing someone, loss or hope. I hear you. ... Much love x

18.01.2022 Over time as period problems have become more common they’ve become normalised. It can be surprising and unbelievable for many women to hear that a healthy period should come and go peacefully (yes, that is a word that can be used in the same sentence as PERIOD) without warning and symptoms. For many women, this in unimaginable. In the journey of helping my clients with their debilitating period symptoms, I just love seeing their faces when they tell me that their period... just appeared. Many say they actually thought that something was wrong when they just started bleeding - they’ve never experienced this before . Amen. I’m not going to sugar coat it, it takes time, patience and commitment to get from A to B. But, it’s worth it. We’re often working with period problems that have been happening for many, many years. We are correcting hormone imbalance and in some cases we’re working with underlying conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, polyps, genetics or imbalance elsewhere in the body. The fact is, when we’re working on your period health, we’re improving your overall health - your period is just telling the story. If you experience period symptoms including pain, heavy bleeding, mood changes or PMS (anxiety, irritability and depression), tender and aching breasts, acne breakouts or headaches - this is NOT normal. What is a normal period you ask? Your period should come every 21 to 35 days for adults and every 21 to 45 days for teens, and last between 2 to 7 days. The blood should generally be light to bright red, and darken as the flow slows. A few clots smaller than a 5 cent piece can be normal, but larger clots are not. You shouldn’t need to change your pad or tampon more than once every two hours during the day and your blood flow should settle overnight. I help women with period problems, hormonal conditions, natural fertility and pre-conception, pregnancy, and menopause. Reach out if you need help with your hormonal health.

16.01.2022 Does your acne get worse before or during your period or in the middle of your menstrual cycle? Hormone imbalance, specifically an excess of the hormone androgen, a type of testosterone, causes increased oil (sebum) production which blocks hair follicles and causes cysts. Hormonal acne is often seen on the lower part of the face around the jawline and neck area. ... What causes hormone imbalance? Some factors may include age (excess androgens are more common in teens and young adults), diet (nutrient deficiencies and some foods drive acne), environmental exposures to endocrine disrupters, stress and gut and liver health. You can improve the health of your skin and hormones naturally from the inside through diet, lifestyle, specific nutritional supplements and herbal medicine. I’d love to see you at my upcoming Skin eMasterclass Inside Out on May 2 where you’ll get loads of tips (see FB event). Or if you are ready to tackle your skin and hormones head on, book in to see me for a consult Gisborne Health Essentials. We’ll dig deep to get to the bottom of your skin and hormone concerns and you’ll walk away with a personalised Treatment Plan. #skinandhormonenaturopath

16.01.2022 Social distancing means physical distancing not social isolation. People need people. We need to stay connected. There are so many complex layers to what is happening the moment. It’s impacting everyone differently, whether financially or emotionally. There is so much fear, uncertainty stress and worry. People feel helpless and out of control. Everywhere we turn there seems to be devastation at a rate that it is difficult to comprehend. All these feelings play havoc on ou...r mental health. Recently, we’ve been talking about our immune health ALOT but taking care of our mental health is equally important. Even though we are isolated at home it’s really important to stay connected with our colleagues, friends and family. We’ve just got to be creative. Some things I’m doing: every morning at 9am the practitioners (my colleagues and friends) atGisborne Health Essentials are having a virtual catchup online. I’ve organised a virtual catchup online with a group of my girlfriends on Sunday night. I can’t wait, it’s going to be so fun and different! I talked to my dad on FaceTime. I had a good chat (and a good cry ) with my sister on the phone instead of messaging. I’m trying to talk to friends and family more over the phone instead of messaging. This is so much more engaging. Although the catch-ups are virtual it feels so good to see my loved ones faces. It makes everything feel so much better. Soon we’ll be so grateful for catch ups with our friends and family. Reach out if you are struggling. There is loads of support out there. Talk to your health practitioner or I can send you in the right direction. You are not alone. #peopleneedpeople #physicaldistancingnotsocialdistancing #physicaldistancingsocialconnecting

15.01.2022 FREE CONSULTS We’re here for you. Leisa @gisbornehealthessentials and I are working hard to support our community during these difficult times. We’ve made space in my diary for 4 FREE acute mini consults per week. These consults are ideal for helping you manage symptoms like increased stress, anxiety, low mood and insomnia, or to support your immune health during these uncertain times. These consults are available to people that have not yet seen me before (30 minutes) ...AND existing clients of mine (15 minutes). I can see you face-to-face @gisbornehealthessentials or in a virtual consult. You can expect to receive practical diet, lifestyle and supplemental recommendations to provide you with some relief. It’s important to keep these symptoms under control to ensure they don’t develop into bigger health problems later. To book in for these limited complementary consults, please call the clinic on 5428 4484. Offer available until further notice. Any prescribed supplements are not included in free consult. 4 free consults are available (3 existing and 1 new) per week. These appointments are for those who live in the Macedon Ranges Shire and Sunbury. Spaces will be filled in on a first in approach. You can still book in for standard consultations as normal.

14.01.2022 Words Thankyou for the best snaps Bec The Urban Sparrow Photography

14.01.2022 In my latest blog I talk about vitamin D, respiratory illness and how to increase your levels.

14.01.2022 This is the car that will deliver your supplements or other health essentials from my clinic Gisborne Health Essentials after your online or phone consult. I’m still offering face to face consults with strict hygiene practices in place. Check out this post to see what we at GHE are doing to support you and your family.

14.01.2022 I’m still here for you. From Monday all my consults will be virtual (via Zoom or phone). I’ve already done a number of virtual consults, so this is not new to me. I’m really pleased with the positive feedback from my clients. They are just as effective as face-to-face consults, the difference is you are in the comfort and safety of your own home. This also means I can support people anywhere in Australia. What to expect:... 1) Still book online or by phone (details in bio) 2) You’ll receive an email with a form (Personal Details and Health History), payment details and a link for the consult. Return form and pay prior to consult. 3) Before consult, download Zoom app on phone, tablet or PC (super easy). At time of the consult, click on the link to consult and you’ll join a room with me. Or I’ll call you for a phone consult. 4) Following the consult, you’ll receive a comprehensive Treatment Plan outlining Dietary and Lifestyle recommendations and supplements. 5) Your supplements can be delivered direct to your door (complementary for Macedon Ranges Region, postage charges for other areas). At this time, more than ever it’s important to reach out if you need support. Contact me if you need to. If I can’t help you, I’ll help you find the support you need. Yours in health xx #virtualnaturopath #nicolewoodcocknaturopath

13.01.2022 How do our children understand why they are staying at home, why they can’t see their friends or go the the playground? Here’s a beautiful story that they might better understand x

13.01.2022 The best bits about in-house exercise classes on demand (aka iso style): Not sticking to a timetable, choosing the class I feel like doing at the time I want to do it...40 minutes fits into my lunch break like a dream Bra-less and bed-hair The positive reinforcement from the coach on the sidelines (in the form of a sloppy lick ) Pausing the class mid way through for a much needed pee stop... Inhaling and exhaling (or groaning while holding plank) as loudly as I want Wearing my fave (and trusty old) iso activewear pants that should not be seen in public (let alone in a Pilates class) - due to growing hole in crutch Refining my technique...I can rewind as many times as I like to get it right...I’m coming out of iso like a pro Finding props - boy, does that take some creativity Have you tried virtual fitness classes yet? What do you love about them? Check out @changeituptraining for a great online platform. There’s an abundance of pre-recorded classes (strength, Pilates, HIIT, boxing, body weight, prop and yoga). There’s also live Zoom sessions and heaps of handy resources. You’ll love the variety and if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself getting slightly distracted admiring Kel and Lou’s awesome matching active wear.

11.01.2022 Pre-conception and pregnancy tip: many off the shelf pregnancy and pre-natal multi-vitamins may not contain the therapeutic dose of vitamins, minerals and nutrients required for optimal health of the mother and foetal development. And depending on your individual circumstances and health you may require more than a pre-natal supplement. The best investment you can make when planning to make a baby is to get advice from a Naturopath about the best therapeutic grade supplemen...ts appropriate for you. You’ll also get the best nutritional and lifestyle advice to support you on your baby-making journey. Zoom and face-to-face consults with me now available Gisborne Health Essentials

10.01.2022 Skin concerns? Acne, rosacea, redness or inflammation? Don't miss out on my Inside Out: Skin eMasterclass with my very special guest - our lovely Beauty Therapist Cassie from Gisborne Health Essentials guiding you through an in-home Inika facial. All the deets are in the Event.

07.01.2022 PERIOD PAIN. Painful periods are very common, but period pain is NOT NORMAL. In fact, period cramps and debilitating pain are one of the leading causes of female work and school absenteeism. Period pain is a sign that something is wrong or there is imbalance in the body. Some causes of period pain may be: hormone imbalance,... inflammatory response (contractions due to increased prostaglandin secretion to shed the uterus), anxiety and stress, reduced blood flow to the uterus, endometriosis, anatomical abnormalities in the cervix, polyps, fibroids, uterine / pelvic infections, pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted disease. It's so important that you get thorough investigations and treatment for period pain because it may compromise fertility and cause other problems. Again, PERIOD PAIN IS NOT NORMAL. Listen to your body. Common pharmaceutical treatment for period pain is the pill. The pill does not regulate hormones, it switches them off entirely and stops ovulation. It will not fix the underlying cause. So while the pain may stop, you haven't got to the root of the problem. The pill basically tells your body to shut up . The issue is, it is likely the problem will still be there when you stop taking the pill. Undiagnosed causes of period pain may compromise fertility. Of course, there are some situations where contraception is warranted, I'm just saying get to the why first, and investigate the pros and cons of all contraception (or ask me). As a holistic health practitioner I am passionate about getting to the bottom of period problems and supporting hormone health. Treatment of hormone conditions may include herbal or nutritional supplementation and dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Reach out if you're having period problems. N x #periodpainisnotnormal

06.01.2022 Hello feel- good cacao-berry-banana smoothie . A powerhouse of raspberries, banana, cacao, cashew, honey, protein powder and oat milk. But, I’m not here to brag about my awesome smoothie and smoothie making skills (it was btw), I’m here to share my tips on food and anxiety. Anxiety is becoming more common at the moment with so much uncertainty and fear surrounding us. I’m finding that some people that don’t normally present with anxiety are starting to experience it, an...d anxiety is exacerbated in others. Dietary triggers for anxiety include nutritional deficiencies (B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and omega 3’s), low blood sugar, high caffeine and sugary, processed foods. It’s important to eat regular, nutritious meals with plenty of protein. Focus on a diverse, balanced whole-food diet that is supportive for anxiety Protein sources: eggs, seeds, nuts, quinoa, oats, poultry, fish, meat, legumes and lentils. Aim for a palm-sized portion in each main meal. Magnesium rich foods: green veggies - spinach, watercress, kale, chard, collards and parsley. Enjoy a handful of almonds or cashews and a square or two of dark chocolate (80% cacao). Include raw cacao powder in your snacks or meals. Foods rich in B vitamins: brown rice, whole-grains, quinoa, buckwheat, steel-cut oats, nuts, seeds, meat, leafy green veggies and eggs are good sources. Awesome foods for zinc: oysters, seafood, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and grass fed beef or chicken. Omega 3 foods: oily fish (salmon), linseeds / flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds and hemp seeds. Stay hydrated with plenty of water and herbal tea - try passionflower, lavender, lemon balm, turmeric or chamomile tea. Foods you are better off ditching include fried foods and take-away, sugar, alcohol, coffee, energy and soft-drinks, fruit juices, white carbohydrates (bread, pasta, pastries) and processed foods. It’s important to know that hormone imbalances, sleep, stress, gut health and liver health all play a part in anxiety. If your anxiety is getting out of control reach out. You may need additional herbal or nutritional support or further investigations. DM me

06.01.2022 Virtual consults and what to expect

06.01.2022 In this time of uncertainty, I’m here for you. In the interest of your health and wellbeing I intend to continue to provide you with Naturopathic Consultations and do it in a way that brings you trust, reassurance, comfort and ease. Now, more than ever is the time to make your health and wellbeing a priority. My highest priority is doing my bit to ensure you, my colleagues, everyone's families and our community are safe. Hygiene and cleanliness is always important to me, no...w more than ever. As a professional health practitioner, I have completed the Australian Government Department of Health Infection Control Training (Covid-19). Here's what else I am doing: Providing hand sanitiser in the clinic room and counter for client use. Regularly washing my hands (hand washing facilities are also available for you in clinic) Cleaning doors knobs, surfaces, chairs and equipment before and after each consultation. Minimising physical examinations with clients unless absolutely necessary. And if so, using protective measures. Social distancing measures (layout of clinic room and minimising exposure to other clients) Extended hours if required (contact me if you cannot find appt availability when booking). Options for contactless payments. For those in isolation: Online or phone consultations. Phone orders for supplements. Contactless delivery or postage of supplements (or kerbside pickup). I will continue to provide you with as much information as possible to support your health and wellbeing at this time. If you have any suggestions of ideas, measures or services you would like me to offer during this difficult time, I’d love to hear from you. Thankyou for your ongoing support. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones and reach out for help if you need it. Nicole Gisborne Health Essentials

06.01.2022 Hormones are beautiful and incredibly powerful when in and out of balance. Hormones in women are beneficial for muscle gain, metabolism, energy production, sleep, mood, insulin sensitivity, brain bone and heart health, regulation of inflammation and immune function, thyroid function and breast tissue health. Hormone balance is imperative for short and long-term health. Hormones make women stronger, happier, grounded and healthier in the long and short term. ... How often do we just blame our hormones for feeling crappy. Your period doesn’t lie. It’s screaming that there is imbalance in the body. Is it time you got your hormones in balance to improve your overall health? Reach out to me. Online and face-to-face consults now available. MYTH BUSTER: the pill and other forms of contraception do not regulate or fix hormone problems. It suppresses them, we need those hormones In their absence, the long term health implications may be profound.

03.01.2022 My bare feet are touching the earth. I’m looking up into the beautiful blue sky, visualising myself as a tree planted firmly into the ground, my branches reaching out towards the warm sun. I breathe deeply and consciously. I’m aware of every single breath, inwards and outwards. I’m present. Are you conscious of your breath? Are you stressed, depressed or anxious? Do you struggle to concentrate or lack energy? There is one simple, but very effective strategy that you need to ...introduce into your toolkit. I also encourage that all children should be taught mindful breathing to support them to self-regulate. Breathe. Not shallow breathing, but mindful, deep-belly, conscious breathing. Studies show that diaphragmatic breathing or deep breathing may trigger relaxation responses in the body and benefit both physical and mental heath. Deep breathing involves contraction of the diaphragm, expansion of the belly, and deepening of inhalation and exhalation, which consequently decreases respiration frequency and maximises the amount of blood gases. Research shows that this reduces cortisol, your stress hormone (and it’s effects). Deep-breathing also stimulates the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain. Human studies report that regular daily deep breathing exercises decreased anxiety, depression, stress and helped reduce the affects of other stress-related emotional disorders. Mindfulness and deep-breathing has also shown to improve cognition, concentration, alertness and reduce fatigue. In fact, studies show that relaxation prompted by peaceful breathing helped to manage inattention symptoms in children with ADHD. If you need somewhere to start, download a free mobile app like Headspace, Calm or Breethe. You can also learn how to mindfully breathe through your local Yoga or Meditation studio. If you are a Macedon Ranges local, check out @reflectionwellness in Gisborne. Of course, deep-breathing is one part of the treatment of mental health and nervous system conditions. But, you may need more tools in your kit. For more personalised advice and a structured plan, please reach out and send me a DM. Find me Gisborne Health Essentials

02.01.2022 These bright and bubbly little fellas in my garden tell me the season is changing. I’m so grateful for nature’s daily reminders . What are you grateful for today? Practicing gratitude is something I prescribe many of my clients. You see as a holistic health practitioner I focus on the whole body and the whole being, so my treatment is not limited to the symptoms or just prescription of supplements or dietary recommendations. I’m trained and qualified in prescribing herba...l and nutritional medicine as well as providing specific dietary and lifestyle advice. All of my clients walk away with practical lifestyle recommendations that are specific to improving their health. It might be sleep hygiene, stress management techniques, more self-care or exercise recommendations. I’m known to prescribe a good-book, podcast, yoga, more downtime and a massage. It’s one part of the puzzle, but lifestyle advice plays a big part in balance and healing. #holistichealthcare #lifestylemedicine

02.01.2022 The first 3 years of life represent the most critical period for nutrition. This is the period when the gut bacteria, vital for health and neurodevelopment is e...stablished. Its alteration during this period has the potential to profoundly affect a childs health and development*- which, in a positive light, means we have the opportunity in their first 3 years of life, to improve what they were born with! Diverse gut bacteria is key. This means that if you are breastfeeding, its YOUR diet that needs good diversity. As tempting as it is go for the same foods every time (let's be honest, it sure takes up less brain space ) even just little changes and additional fibre options will make a HUGE difference! Nicole, not only the maker of the @naked_botanicals breastfeeding tea pictured, is also our Naturopath that will help you make positive changes to not only give your child the best start to their life, but also get you feeling better too. *https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4315782/ #happymothersday the GHE team X

02.01.2022 How are your sugar cravings going? One week post chocolate coma’s and today’s the first day I haven’t frantically searched the house for anything resembling sugar! It was driving me nutty. Whether or not you had a little or a lot, sugar is really addictive. The more we have, the more we want. Sugar increases our brains feel-good chemical serotonin which keeps us wanting more to maintain the high. We also look for sugar when we feel tired, stressed or down. But the downsid...e is sugar can trigger anxiety and stress, impact sleep, drive inflammation and suppress our immune function. To get off the sugar merry-go-round you’ve got to try to avoid all sugar all together. It’s sneaky, so check all food packaging. Eating protein snacks helps to stabilise blood sugar levels. Things like nuts and seeds, veggie sticks or crackers with hummus, yoghurt with seeds and berries. Or chia pudding with cinnamon and fresh fruit. Cinnamon helps regulate blood-sugar levels to reduce sugar cravings. Try drinking cinnamon tea. Make sure you have protein and ‘healthy fats’ in every main meal for energy and sustenance. You are less likely to go hunting for sugar. These foods can also make us feel good. Exercising releases feel-good hormones just like chocolate (yes, it’s true) - as does eating bananas, eggs, chicken, kidney beans, watermelon and mushrooms. Stay strong! If these tips don’t work, reach out to your Naturopath, there’s loads of herbs that are effective at reducing cravings. Gisborne Health Essentials

01.01.2022 Inside Out: Skin eMasterclass Need something fun to pencil in your diary while in lockdown? Skin need some love? Come to my live virtual skin workshop on Saturday May 2 at 3pm. We will talk about the underlying drivers of common skin issues and how you can make changes to your diet and lifestyle to get results from the inside out. There will be time to ask questions. I am a Naturopath with a special interest in skin health, so you can expect knowledgeable, quality, evidence ...based information. You’ll give yourself a mini in-home facial guided by the wonderful Gisborne Health Essentials Beauty Therapist Cassandra. Prior to the workshop you’ll receive a set of Inika samples to use for your facial (if you live close to Macedon Ranges - if not we can advise you what to have on hand). Get your tickets quickly so you receive your facial products and all the information you need before the workshop! For more deets and tickets see the FB event.

01.01.2022 Herbal hand cream for dry, sore over-sanitised and over-washed hands. Personalised, and made from scratch using nurturing, healing and soothing herbs @gisbornehealthessentials #herbalmedicine #personalisedmedicine #onesizedoesnotfitall