Issue 205
 

3 Ways to Inner Harmony: by Crystal Ambience.

Today’s modern world is full of stress on both the mind and the body. The constant physical and emotional toll on our bodies is ever increasing and with this stress we are doing harm to ourselves. With more stress and anxiety related illnesses on the rise, It is becoming more and more evident about the importance of taking the time to truly release our stresses, clear the mind and find a way to relax and take care of not only our physical body but also our emotional state of mind. 

1.    Meditation
Meditation is a wonderful practice that anyone can use to help them cope with stress and anxiety by way of thought, contemplation, and reflection. There are numerous physical & emotional benefits that you will experience when meditation becomes a part of your life. Some physical benefits of meditation include a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. Those who use meditation regularly also find that their energy levels increase and their sleep patterns improve. Meditation also promotes youthful skin and a youthful appearance.

2.    Reiki
Reiki is Japanese form of natural therapy its administered by palm healing or hands on healing it is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to become ill or feel stressed and tired, however if our “life force energy” is high, we are more happy and healthy.  When this “life force energy” is low our bodies work at a diminished capacity. Reiki helps lower stress levels, gives you move energy and a deep sense of relaxation helping to restore your “life force energy”.

3.    Holistic Counselling
Holistic counselling looks to your whole being and well-being rather than just focussing on a person’s particular physical, mental or emotional state.
We are all individuals and we all have different responses to stressful situations. Some people may experience insomnia or headaches, while other people may feel frustrated or angry. In some cases, we can feel lost or that we no longer have control over our lives, or that we are somehow victims of external circumstances.
Holistic counselling promotes self-empowerment so we are able to take responsibility, accept ourselves, and find the courage to make positive changes in our lives.
Holistic counselling will incorporate stress management techniques, listening and communication skills, relaxation exercises, Reiki and meditation to assist us in realising our full potential.

All 1 hour treatments half price
Save $35.00 can only be used at the Wooloowin clinic
cannot be used in conjunction with any ofter offer


AVAILABLE IN THE WOOLOOWIN & JIMBOOMBA AREAS
Crystal Ambience        
Bringing harmony and balance to Mind, Body and Spirit.
Mary: CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS



 

 

Relieving Headaches/neck Pain/Soreness: with Assiram Clinic.

 

Do you find yourself suffering from headaches? Neck pain/soreness? Well you are not alone. Statistics show that 1 in every 6 people suffer from headaches.

Headaches can be caused by any number of things, for example: incorrect diet, stress, muscle strain, and incorrect posture.

At Assiram Clinic we offer many different treatments and assessments to help alleviate your pain. These treatments include: Remedial Massage, Cupping, Musculoskeletal Therapy, Acupuncture, Dry Needling and Naturopathy.

Remedial Massage: improves blood flow and decreases muscle tension, removes blockages, damaged cells, scar tissue and adhesions left after injury, speeds up recovery and encourages complete healing.

Cupping: stimulates the nervous system, brings blood flow to stagnant muscles and loosens adhesions, connective tissue and stubborn ‘knots’.

Musculoskeletal Therapy (MST): may help prevent and alleviate pain, enhance movement and function, and help in maintaining the structural alignment of the skeletal system.

Acupuncture: corrects imbalances in the body, improves blood flow and relieves muscle tension.  It stimulates the release of the body’s natural pain relieving hormones to assist in pain relief.

Dry Needling: deactivates trigger points in tight muscles to relieve tension.

Naturopathy: addresses nutritional deficiencies and lifestyles stressors- focusing on naturally occurring substances and minimally invasive methods to encourage natural healing.

We also offer products to complement these treatments, such as:

Wheat bags & Zen Spray: increases circulation and soothes pain.

RockTape (Kinesiology Taping): increases blood flow and provides support for areas under stress.

At Assiram Clinic we specialise in recognise that everybody is different with varying needs and goals. With this in mind, we can tailor treatments and treatment plans to suit your individual health needs.

**10% Rebooking Discount** - If you rebook an appointment after your treatment, you will receive a 10% discount on your next treatment!

Naturopathy Gift Package $215 = Initial Naturopathy Consultation/Treatment (45mins) + Hemaview (30mins) + Follow Up Naturopathy Consultation/Treatment (30mins) + 15min Seated Massage (more packages available)


99 Creek Street
Brisbane City QLD 4000

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

 

 

 

Which Sweetner For Me?: by Vive Health.


XYLITOL, AGAVE, STEVIA, HONEY, SUGAR AND ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS…SWEETNESS…A COMPLEX DECISION?
by Megan Crockart

What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is neither a sugar or an artificial sweetener. Xylitol is a simple carbohydrate alcohol and is usually found naturally in some fruits (plums), berries (raspberries), minor amounts in spinach, mushrooms and carrots but most commonly from the wood of birch trees. While the simple carbohydrate Xylose is removed from the tree (usually from the wood pulp of birch trees), it is then converted to xylitol with the help of yeast. Because of this process it can be metabolised differently and have favourable effects on blood sugar levels as it is not insulin dependent, making it an ideal natural sweetener for diabetics or for people wanting to maintain consistent blood sugar levels. It has an extremely low glycemic index of 7 with sugar being 100. It has a lower calorie and carbohydrate content compared with regular cane sugar (around 40% less calories and 75% less carbohydrates) even though it looks and tastes exactly like it. It is more slowly absorbed than glucose. It can be made from natural sources (the human body even produces it itself) but it can also be commercially produced. Extremely high doses have been known to cause gastric problems such as diarrhoea and/or weight gain. Although there are more health benefits than dangers such as it does not promote dental decay it can actually reduce it as it also has anti-bacterial properties (often added to chewing gum, toothpaste and mouth washes), stabilises blood sugar levels and hormone levels, it will reduce sugar cravings and will also alkalise the body (whereas sugar is acid forming). So instead of reaching for regular cane sugar when making your coffee or baked goods, reach for xylitol instead.

What is Agave syrup?

Agave is a commercially produced sweetener made from several species of agave plants produced in Mexico. It is a syrupy liquid thinner then the consistency of honey and can be dark or light depending on processing. It can either be produced by heat or without heat processing. Its comprised primarily of fructose and some glucose which makes its glycemic index lower than sugar (less than 30) making it absorbed in the bloodstream slowly and being an ideal alternative for diabetics. It doesn't ™t significantly raise blood sugar levels but maintains a consistent level providing a steady source of energy. It is about one and half times sweeter than sugar. It contains inulin (a type of fructan/fibre) which has health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and increasing absorption of certain nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. It contains saponins which have anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing effects on the body including antimicrobial. It can be a good alternative to honey for Vegans. The darker the colour the stronger the flavour. Light coloured agave is mild with a neutral flavour and dark coloured agave has a stronger caramel flavour and being unfiltered it has more minerals. Raw agave has its natural enzymes intact. Large consumption is not encouraged as high amounts of fructose can have damaging effects in the body similar to sugar.
What is Stevia?
Stevia is a natural and safe alternative sweetener derived from the herb Stevia rebaudiana (native to Paraguay) whose leaf is naturally sweet. It is commonly found as a powder, granulated, liquid or tablet form. It does not impact on sugar levels at all as it regulates the pancreas and blood sugar levels, making it ideal for diabetics or people with hypoglycaemia. It also does not help feed candidia like sugar does. The leaf is 15-30 times sweeter than sucrose (refined extracts can be up It can be up to 300 times sweeter) therefore not much is needed and it has no calories . It can help reduce sugar and fat cravings and does not impact on weight and is not addictive. It has high levels of phytonutrients such as beta-carotene, high in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, rutin, vitamins A and C. It does not affect the body in the same way as sugar and other sweeteners in that the body doesn't™t have a spike in high energy followed by fatigue. Stevia increases energy, aids digestion and gastrointestinal function, can also reduce plaque with many other health benefits.

What is Sugar?


Sucrose (table/white sugar) is made commercially from sugar cane and sugar beets and is found in maple syrup, molasses, sorghum and pineapple. It is comprised of fructose and glucose. One tablespoon of cane sugar contains 50 calories and no other nutrition. Its glycemic index is 100 (this index is a rating on how fast a food is absorbed and how quickly it raises blood sugar levels with the highest ratings being between 100-150. Anything under 55 is considered low on the glycemic index any foods between 55-80 should be eaten with more caution). Sugar is highly addictive and has been implicated in such serious health conditions as obesity, tooth decay, diabetes, psychological and emotional problems as well as not so serious problems such as behavioural changes (difficulty concentrating/hyperactivity), yeast problems and excessive food cravings. It provides a peak in energy levels followed by fatigue, depression, irritability or anxiety. Sugar in one form or another is in just about every processed/packaged food on the market as our desire/addiction for it has encouraged the demand.

What is honey?


Honey is made naturally from bees mixing nectar from flowers with bee enzymes which gives it a concentrated source of essential nutrients such as vitamins B, C, D and E. As honey is mainly composed of fructose it contains 64 calories and has a glycemic index of 75. It should be used with care by diabetics and those with hypoglycaemia as it affects blood sugar levels much the same way as sugar does. It can contain spores of bacteria that can cause botulism so is not recommended for those under one year of age although this poses no problem for older children or adults. Fructose is not absorbed efficiently and can cause gastrointestinal problems in some people. Raw honey which has been unprocessed and unheated is loaded with enzymes that help us digest carbohydrates, it contains various vitamins and minerals, is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal, has wound healing properties and many antioxidants. Honey is not generally suitable for vegans as it is an animal by-product.

What are artificial sweeteners?


The main artificial sweeteners are aspartame, saccahrin and sucralose (commonly known names are Nutrasweet, Equal, Splenda). These are chemically made sweeteners with no nutritional content at all. Some artificial sweeteners have been banned in the past due to studies showing cancer producing tendencies. They are generally not tolerated by most people and can irritate a person’s nervous system (eg headaches, insomnia and depression) also affecting their energy, similar to how MSG is not tolerated well. They are poorly absorbed by the body and cannot be metabolised to provide energy. These sweeteners were developed mainly to help with weight loss and regulate sugar levels as they contain no calories and are sweeter then sugar, but it has been proved that in the majority of cases they don't make any difference to weight loss unless a person is eating a low-calorie diet. If weight loss is the main reason to look at artificial sweeteners, a diet high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables (naturally sweet) and fibre is more successful in weight loss than eating foods that contain artificial sweeteners.

If sweetness is required the best alternatives to reach for would be stevia and xylitol followed by agave. Limiting sugar in the diet is beneficial to everyone.

36 Riding Road
Hawthorne QLD 4171

CLICK FOR MORE DETAILS


 

 

The Power of Intention: by Sue Lester Head Transition Coach, at Growing Content Pty Ltd.


Setting an intention for the day, or even for an event, gets you powerful results by focussing on what you do want instead of what you don’t.   If you set it before you go to bed, your unconscious mind has more time to draw on resources and get motivated for you. Writing your intention down, and carrying it in your pocket all day, likewise sharpens your focus even more.  Short and sharp works best e.g. ‘healthy choices’ (diet/exercise)  or ‘breathe fresh air’ (smoking cessation) or ‘1000 steps’.
 
You can add a quality question which implies you are already doing it, such as “How many more ways can I make even more healthy choices now?”  Read the intention first, then the question, throughout your day.  It takes 28 days to change a habit, or you can use a different intention each day or week if you are focussing on a short term target.

Paddington and North Lakes

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

 

 

 

 

The Effects of Stress on the Gut & the Effects of Hypnosis on the Gut: by Peter McMahon.

Life is beautiful. Each individual has his share of all its wonders; however, one culprit that hinders the uncovering of these wonders is stress. A person can be stressed either mentally or physically. Challenge, threat or excessive worries about adverse circumstances are all causes of mental stress. As a result of stress, the stress response systems of the brain are activated, affecting the physical body. Though stress influences all the human body systems, gut is primarily affected leading to symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, nausea, constipation, diarrhea etc.
Stress reactions on the gut have been studied on experimental animals such as rats. Stress reduces the stomach and intestinal motility and increases the motility of large intestine in these animals. Hence the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea are produced as defense mechanisms to remove toxins from the body. The response to stress on the gut is found to be similar in human beings and is manifested as decreased gastric emptying and increased colonic transit. It has also been found out in various studies that stress increases the sensitivity of the gut, thereby lowering the threshold of the gut to sense intestinal events. For example, in a patient suffering from gastroesophageal reflux the probability of sensing reflux as a heartburn symptom increases.

Two of the most common functional disorders of the gut: irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia demonstrate similar changes in gut motility and sensitivity as is observed due to stress. In functional dyspepsia, the gastric emptying time is reduced and in IBS, the contractions of the colon are increased. Moreover, gut of IBS patients becomes more sensitive to stress.

Effects of hypnosis on the gut
Hypnosis is a focused state of mind, facilitated by a trained hypnotherapist and requires a willing individual to put the body in a state of deep relaxation. The brain then works to change one’s perception of pain and controls various body activities, which alleviates the symptoms of diseases such as disorders of the gut.
Hypnosis can be used to create imagery of a normal-functioning alimentary tract. It works by relaxing the dynamic support system of the gut and lengthening the duration, the ingested substances from the oral cavity take to reach the colon.
The client is also taught ways to create positive energy that encourages normal gut function and reinforces one’s ego. As a result, it brings symptom relief by discouraging abnormal prolonged contraction of the bowel, regulating gastric secretion and emptying and by promoting gut muscle relaxation. With mastery, recurrence of gut disorders is prevented.

Though found successful in 80% of uncomplicated Irritable Bowel Syndrome, some cases require behavioral therapy prior to gut directed hypnotherapy to make the individual a more optimistic and willing candidate for hypnotherapy. Successful treatments have been reported for individuals with Crohn’s disease, peptic ulcer and dyspepsia.

The Peter McMahon IBS Solution

 

 

 

Vitale Blog

 

Vitaleblog.org is a blog (weblog) website aimed at those interested in Natural and organic skin and body care. You will find: * A repository of useful articles for education about how to choose the best organic and natural skin care. These articles are aimed to help you with all aspects of understanding the ingredients and making the right choices for your skin and the environment. * A collection of videos about natural skin care. You can listen to the recordings at any time through your computer speakers rather than having to read through pages of content. * Fresh content is added regularly including vidoes on ingredients, interviews with other skin experts, how-to instructional articles dealing with current hot topics like greenwashing and effecitve ingredients, as well as news and information from the natural beauty world.

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Short and Sweet:Rocket, Cucumber & Black-Eyed Pea Salad!

 

Serves 4

1 cup black-eyed peas, soaked in cold water overnight ½ Spanish onion, thinly sliced 100 gm pitted kalamata olives 2 tbsp lemon juice ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling 100 gm rocket 1 punnet cherry tomatoes 1 small Lebanese cucumber diced Drain peas and cook in a saucepan of boiling water for 20 minutes or until tender, then drain. Transfer to a bowl, add remaining ingredients except rocket, season to taste and toss to combine.

Brought to you by Mass Attack.

http://www.massattack.com.au


 

 

Laughter is the best medicine!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPJQME400TE
 

.Quote of the Month!

"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning." Louis L'Amour

 

 

For a Good Cause: Why Support the RSPCA QLD?

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queensland (RSPCA Qld) is the state’s oldest, largest and leading animal welfare charity, dedicated to improving the lives of all domestic, farmed and native animals throughout Queensland.

RSPCA Qld requires $30 million annually to support our animal centres, programs and services. As a non-government, community based charity, RSPCA Qld receives less than 1% of government funding and relies on donations, bequests and sponsorships from ordinary Queenslanders, just like you.
Our mission statement is simple, but powerful: Helping Animals, Empowering People, Changing Lives

 

http://www.rspcaqld.org.au/

 

BACK ISSUES OF NATURALLY HAPPY

In the next issue of "Naturally Happy"

 

  • Happy Feet Detox Patches
  • Maqui Berry
  • Happy Ear Candles
  • Happy Tea

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My Health Specials provides this information for your personal education and enrichment. Information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Nor should the information replace the advice of your health care practitioner. Always seek professional advice if suffering an illness. My Health Specials Pty Ltd and all parties involved in the conception, production, ongoing maintenance and operation of Naturally Happy accept no liability and no responsibility for any damage whatsoever arising from or in connection to your use or operation of the website or information contained in this e-magazine.