Welcome to the February 2010 issue of the LaVida Health Newsletter.

LaVida Health Services

- Naturopathy
- Herbal Medicine
- Nutrition
- Myotherapy
- Massage Therapy

In this Issue

	Welcome...
	Is your body trying to tell you something?
	Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy
	Myotherapy now available all week
	Disclaimer
	We love feedback.....

Website Articles

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Welcome...

Welcome to the February 2010 issue of our newsletter.

I hope you have had a lovely summer and that you are feeling rested and revitalised for the year ahead.

Welcome to those of you who are receiving our newsletter for the first time. I hope you find the information contained within interesting.  This newsletter is published every two months and contains information on different topics related to health and wellbeing.

This month I thought I would talk about some of the ways in which our body tells us something is not right.  There are lots of signals...are you receiving them?

Also, we introduce the services of our psychotherapists, Stephen Boezalt and Olivia Hanlon-Stokes who are now based in the LaVida Health CBD clinic.

Finally, our Myotherapist, Eri Yoshida has extended her hours to offer more flexibility to her clients.

Make sure you get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts.

Yours in good health,

Kaye Wright
Naturopath and Owner

Is your body trying to tell you something?

Our bodies are incredibly complex.  There are eleven systems which all need to be working effectively and in harmony with each other in order for you to be feeling healthy and vital.

These systems are your digestive, respiratory, immune, cardiovascular, endocrine (produces hormones), nervous, skeletal, muscular, reproductive, urinary and integumentary (skin, hair, nails, sweat glands).  Your body likes to keep these systems in dynamic equilibrium (a state called homeostasis).  As you can imagine, this requires a constant interplay between these systems to maintain harmony and adjust for the effects of diet, lifestyle, daily demands and changes to the external environment in which we live. 

Our bodies are remarkably good at keeping in balance however, should one or more of these systems lose their ability to contribute to homeostasis some form of illness can manifest.

So, what are some of the signals that your body might be struggling to maintain this dynamic equilibrium.  There are literally hundreds but I thought I would mention some of the more subtle ones which we often ignore, overlook or don't even recognise.

• Sleep - difficulty getting to sleep, frequent waking, waking early or waking unrefreshed are all signs that something is not quite right.  Ideally, you should fall asleep readily, sleep soundly and wake refreshed.
• Energy - frequently feeling tired, falling asleep in front of the TV, fatigue after minimal activity, slow recovery after exercise, lethargy and not having the energy to do all the things you want to do.  Why isn't your body producing the energy you need to get you through your day?
• Poor immunity - frequently succumbing to infections, especially when they linger on suggests that your immune system is not getting what it needs to fight off the bugs. Why?
• Digestive problems - heartburn, bloating, wind, pain, reactions to foods, nausea, food cravings, diarrhoea, constipation are all signs that your digestion is not what it should be.  Poor diet and/or an inability to digest and assimilate nutrients can impact on all the other systems in the body.
• Mood - "not your usual self", mood swings, irritablity, sadness, anxiety, not your normal ablity to cope with stress, short fuse, loss of pleasure in things that used to give you pleasure and difficulty concentrating could all be signs of nutrient deficiency, hormonal or nervous system imbalances.
• Aches and pains anywhere in your body
• Skin problems - dryness, rashes, acne, itchiness, brittle or flaking nails, dry/dull hair, running hot or cold.  What is your body trying to tell you?
• Sinus problems or a persistent cough
• Menstrual problems such as pain, PMS, heavy flow, irregular cycles
• Unexplained changes in your weight

Many of us don't even realise our body is trying to tell us it's not happy.  We tune out to these signals or just "put up with them".  By doing this, not only do we put ourselves at risk of developing more significant illnesses later on but we also just miss out on the opportunity to make the most of our days now.  We lack vitality and life becomes a little bit more of a chore.

So, my challenge to you is to "tune in" to your body.  Pay attention and listen to the signals and if you realise that something is not right don't put up with it.  Make an appointment with your healthcare professional and get it sorted out.  Your body will thank you and you will reap the dividends now and in the future.

If you are not sure whether your body is talking to you, please feel free to call me on 9620 9503 and we can talk about it and work out the best next step for you.

Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy

Stephen Boezalt is a qualified Psychotherapist specialising in hypnotherapy and neuro linguistic programming.  He has years of experience in helping clients move away from an "undesired state" and towards the "desired state".  Working at both a conscious and subconscious level, hypnosis can quickly help you to achieve your goals.

Olivia Hanlon-Stokes is also qualified in hypnotherapy and neuro linguistic programming.  She works with both individuals and corporate clients to achieve their desired outcomes.

Hypnotherapy can help in the treatment of fears and phobias, addictions (including smoking), low self esteem, stress and anxiety, overcoming grief and trauma and many other issues.

Both Stephen and Olivia are now working out of LaVida Health. To find out more or to make an appointment please call Stephen directly on 0417 579 879.

Myotherapy now available all week

Eri Yoshida is a degree qualified myotherapist.  She has been helping her clients through the techniques of deep tissue massage, dry needling, cupping, trigger point therapy, myofacial release and much more for many years. 

Eri has now extended her hours and is available for appointments Monday to Friday as well as the first and third Saturday of the month.

Myotherapy is a wonderful, hands-on modality for the treatment of injuries, pain, stiffness, loss of mobility, headaches, pre and post natal conditions and more.

More information is available on the LaVida Health website www.lavidahealth.com.au or you can call Eri directly on 0410 700 073.

Disclaimer

Naturally, the advice in this newsletter is of a general nature for educational purposes and should not be taken as a substitute for personalised advice from your healthcare professional. It is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. If you have, or suspect you have, a medical condition you should seek expert advice prior to taking any supplements or treatments.
 

Self-diagnosis and treatment may be ineffective, costly and possibly even harmful in some circumstances.

We love feedback.....

If you have any questions relating to any of the above or suggestions for topics you would like covered in subsequent newsletters, please feel free to email me at info@lavidahealth.com.au or call LaVida Health on 9620 9503.