Winter in upon us! The sun has danced its way across the sky to visit the other side of our Earth, to give way to summer above us in the northern hemisphere..
Any how will you spend the next few cooler quieter months?
Massage for Winter
Massage for Winter
Have you noticed your body has suddenly begun to spasm, tighten or hurt in areas that felt fine only a short time ago? Or do you occasionally experience acute episodes of sudden neck pain, headaches or chronic lower back tension?
As the weather begins to change, become cooler, our bodies start to slow down. We don’t move around as much, the blood flow decreases and our body is working harder to keep us warm. All in all it may result in symptoms of increased acute pain, muscle spasms/tension and headaches.
Regular massage during winter is an ideal way to encourage blood flow to the muscles and soft tissues. It also helps to keep the joints mobile, muscles more flexible and enhances a general overall feeling of wellness – which in turn lowers stress – which then helps to keep the immune system functioning – keeping pesky colds and flu’s at bay.
Winter check list for health and wellbeing:
- Stock up on your vitamins and minerals, Vit C, B vitamns, Zinc
- Regular exercise at least 3 times per week to keep your blood healthy
- Massage every 3-4 weeks - for circulation and tissue health
- Keep the water up. Less appealing in winter but still vital for hydration
- Hearty healthy soups and stews packed with seasonal vegies (see recipe for a great chicken soup)
- Stay warm, our body works harder in winter to keep us warm and to keep us moving, so make sure you keep yourself rugged up when out in the cold. Try to keep your neck and lower back warm.
- Rest!! If you feel a little run down or under the weather, then stop, rest and recover.
Winter Chicken Noodle Soup Quantities can be adjusted the following serves 1 or 2.In a pot combine cut and cover with water
2 -3 Organic Chicken drumsticks or 1 Chicken Maryland
1 Medium Onion
1 Celery Stalk
1 Carrot
Garlic & Ginger root diced
Any root vegetables you fancy, Parsnip etc
Sweet Potato
A Few Kale Leaves (black cabbage)
Star Anise
Chilli
Buckwheat Soba Noodles - add in final 5 mintues f cooking
Cook for 20 minutes, serve with fresh herbs.
Garlic & Ginger root diced
Any root vegetables you fancy, Parsnip etc
Sweet Potato
A Few Kale Leaves (black cabbage)
Star Anise
Chilli
Buckwheat Soba Noodles - add in final 5 mintues f cooking
Cook for 20 minutes, serve with fresh herbs.
WHATS NEW!!
Exciting news – we now have Marcel - a fabulous Naturopath and Sarah an Ear Candling Specialist available for sessions above Clay Health.
Naturopathy is about tapping into your body’s natural ability to heal itself. It can help you achieve balance on a holistic level and is useful for treating specific health conditions as well as improving general health.
My approach is to identify the underlying causes of your health condition while managing your symptoms. This is achieved by investigating all the body’s systems (not just those with the presenting symptoms) through specific questions about your medical history as well as physical examinations. A naturopathic examination is undertaken which includes an iridology assessment, and tongue and nail diagnosis.
From there we work together to design a personalised treatment plan with short term and long term goals. The modalities that I use are Herbal Medicine, Homoeopathy and Nutrition which facilitate the healing process.
Common Conditions that are treated in Naturopathy
- Cold/flu: Improving immunity as well as relieving immediate symptoms
- General Fatigue: Maximising your body’s energy by optimising your organ and cell function
- Sleep disorders: Getting to and staying asleep
- Digestive complaints: IBS, bloating, constipation, cramps
- Sports performance/injury: Increasing performance ability and healing capacity
Marcel Makdessi
Qualification: B.H.Sc (Naturopathy)
0421 077769
At Clay: Wednesday 2-8pm and Friday 8-2pm
Initial consultation: $90 (1-1.5 hours)
Return visit: $60 (30-45mins)
(Concessions available for students and pensioners)
Winter Solstice – Midwinter - 21st June
Winter is a time for coming together as a community, with family and friends as a time for celebration - sharing meals together during the darker months creates light & warmth that wards of the cold & less joyous feelings that winter can sometimes bring.
Traditionally the winter months were of withdrawal, healing and rest. Our existence is divided into day and night - light and dark, activity and rest, thus nature is telling us that Winter's to be embraced as time for inner reflection. As we begin to descend into the darkest point of the year, I personally intend to indulge in quiet withdrawal & contemplation, study & rest. Figuratively 'planting seeds' for new growth as the waxing year begins after the Winter solstice.
Reflection: Winter Solstice is at the end of the wheel of the year. Time is spent reflecting on the year before
Reviewing this year gone – what will you take with you, what can be left behind in the darkness
New goals: what do you want to give light to?
Yule, or the Midwinter Solstice, is the festival that celebrates the longest night of the year. This was the darkest moment of the year for our ancestors
For us, Yule generally means feasting – but it is still that moment when we draw together in the darkness, to draw strength from what we know in our hearts but cannot yet see with our eyes -the rebirth of the sun king, and the return of the light. It is a joyous occasion as we celebrate the turning of the Wheel of the Year from the Dark towards the Light.
Enliven - Balance - Inspire www.hilltreehealing.com.au
