Sam Adkins

How to Prevent the Flu Naturally

Aug 162017

How to prevent the flu naturally is a topical question, because this last month my wellness clinic in Sydney has been seeing an unprecedented numbers of cases. The Sydney Morning Herald wrote about it today and it seems the Influenza strains around this winter are particularly virulent and not only make you feel rotten, but continue to make you exhausted and not feeling yourself for up to 3 weeks if left untreated.

Now we all know that there is no conventional flu treatment except rest, fluids and the use of drugs to reduce fever and aches and pains. Homeopaths, however, have a whole different take on this illness and can provide effective relief from your symptoms both in the acute stages as well as afterwards. I have been treating so many cases of post flu symptoms: Tiredness, lack of motivation, general malaise and feelings of depression.

If it sounds like I am describing you, then you, my friend, need a Homeopathic pick you up! This is a constitutional prescription (you will recall that this means treating you as a whole person with an individualised prescription Homeopathic medicine); and this will help you get back to your old balanced and energetic, positive self soon as you can say: “Homeopathy Works!”

So if you want to avoid it, how can you prevent the flu naturally?

Less Contact:

Firstly stay away from people who have symptoms as much as you can. Wash your hands after public transport to prevent additional transfer of the virus and stop any avoidable close contact with current sufferers. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Diet and Nutrition:

It’s important that your diet is high on healthy, unprocessed foods and low on sugar. Eat as much fresh green leafy vegetables as you can and colourful foods high in antioxidants. Cut back on gluten and try avoiding dairy produce as this can make many of us more prone to mucus production. Head over to Bodhi Organic Tea for their current article for more immune boosting foods and tea ideas.

Nutrients:

Zinc: This mineral is your friend during winter especially as it plays a significant role in immunity. If you are unsure if you need Zinc get your wellness practitioner to test you on the spot or let me test you. If your levels are very low it’s important you supplement right way but also that you investigate why your levels are so depleted.

Vitamin D: The levels of this super hormone fall during winter months as we get less exposure to sunlight on our skin. Studies have shown vitamin D supplementation to be effective in preventing Influenza A strains and there is clinical evidence that supplementation at significant doses can assist in influenza recovery. Ensure you take an active form of Vitamin D3 and get professional advice.

Vitamin C: Eat plenty of vitamin C rich foods to boost immunity and increase mineral absorption – you can find Dr Axe’s list of the top 10 foods here. Brussel sprouts and oranges here we come.

Garlic: Several strains of the influenza virus have been shown to be impacted by an active ingredient in Garlic, Allicin, and in this study (1) by Josling et al, garlic supplementation was show to effectively reduce the incidence of colds as well as reduce their duration significantly due to suppression of antiviral activity.

I have a favourite all round flu and cold prevention supplement and it is Ethical Nutrients Immune Defence. Easily to obtain from most large chemists here in Australia, I like the formula which is combination of Zinc, vitamin A and the herb Andrographis which is excellent for treating upper respiratory infections and in this case, – preventing them.

Homeopathy:

So what other avenues are there on how to prevent flu naturally?

Homeopathy of course! I have saved the best until last. As soon as the flu season begins you can take a preventative medicine called Oscillococcinum. This is the number one flu treatment in France including all conventional treatments. Myself or other Homeopaths can supply it to you and your family.

Pre-Winter Tune-up:

In addition, have a constitutional Homeopathic treatment form your Homeopath. This will boost immunity and make your system less likely to succumb to the flu and if it does, deal with it better and faster. A pre winter tune-up is always a good idea, so next year get yourself booked in during April and May. At this consultation we will go through diet and supplement recommendations as well as prescribe an immune boosting treatment. If you want to learn more about what Homeopathic Medicines to use to treat your flu yourself, check out my previous post.

If it’s winter already, and you do not already have the flu book in with me as soon as you can and let’s prevent it naturally, together.

Josling, P., 2001. Preventing the common cold with a garlic supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Advances in therapy, 18(4), pp.189-193.

My name is Sam Adkins, known also as The Homeopathic Coach. I have been working as a Homeopath since 2003 in both Australia, the UK and internationally via skype. I am also a qualified and experienced holistic counsellor using a Process Oriented Psychology approach. I like to combine both these skill sets to facilitate greater balance, wellness and happiness for my clients.

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How to Listen Powerfully

Homeopathic

Nov 082016

We like to think we are listening properly to our partners, children, and work colleagues. But are we doing an effective job of it? This blog post explores a new way of understanding both how to listen, and consequentially how to communicate more effectively.

Listen Differently and Improve Your Relationships

Most people only consider counselling when they hit a substantial roadblock in their life and have difficult life decisions to make; or when they are feeling depressed or anxious. I would like to suggest that both counselling and coaching can be seen differently, as an opportunity to learn new tools and empower yourself with life skills to not only understand yourself better, but to make all your relationship interactions easier. You only have this life, and moving through it joyfully and effectively is a worthwhile goal.

Counselling and Coaching can teach you some tools to make you a more effective communicator at home and in the workplace.

One of the life skills that is underused is to listen powerfully. In this post I will outline some theories around listening. However, if you want to understand how to be a more effective partner, parent, colleague or leader, I suggest you book a session with me to determine your listening tendencies and how this effects your communication style.

Are We Speaking The Same Language?

If someone was speaking French to you, would you speak German back? For effective communication in personal relationships as well as at work, we need to use a language that communicates effectively for us, otherwise we can feel ignored or frustrated. To be able to communicate and be understood, we need to first know more about exactly how we are listening.

Four Levels of Listening

Otto Sharma who developed Theory U explains there are 4 levels of listening. They are as follows:

Level 1: Downloading
When you listen from your own perspective and from what you already know. You are listening to confirm your current viewpoint is correct. Listening from this position reflects the past and is a projection and is about habit.

Level 2: Data
When you listen for facts and notice the difference from what you already know. This is listening from an open mind and is the kind of listening that scientists do for example.

Level 3: Empathic
You listen from the viewpoint of someone else. It involves an open heartedness and involves an emotional connection.

Level 4: Generative
This deep form of listening is underused in everyday situations. When you use this deep listening technique, we use an open will and are essentially connecting with possibilities and the future that is trying to emerge.

Powerful Leaders Listen

Effective leadership comes from being able to consciously employ all levels appropriately. If you can do this for a substantial part of your interactions, you will not only be a more effective leader, but also more innovative, because you are permitting emergent ideas and thought processes to be more accessible to you. This is part of what I would term powerful leadership and it is something I teach during corporate coaching sessions as well as counselling sessions.

Parents are Underrated Leaders

One of the most important leadership roles in life does not happen in a corporate environment; it happens right at home. Effective listening skills help your children be themselves, and helps you as parents to facilitate that growth. Children are developing quickly, so they are perfect examples of how they are constantly moving into their own future. Parenting is the perfect learning environment! As parents, it is your job to facilitate an openness in our children to allow who they are becoming, to emerge. We do this by listening consciously to allow their future to come to them with ease. I can also teach you how to do that.

If you would like to access some new tools for your home life or work life, you can work with me online or in person.

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Anxiety is Outmoded

Homeopathic

Sep 052016

What Does Anxiety Mean to You?

Today a wonderful client of mine said that for her “Anxiety was outmoded” as a word to use to describe how she now feels. I loved her meaning because she has been a sufferer of significant and debilitating anxiety for years. After being treated by me for some months, she now feels like the word ‘anxiety’ no longer applies to her. She came to see me 6 months ago wanting because she wanted to get rid of the feeling of anxiety that had been troubling her and to see how she should go about stopping her low level medications.

How Did We Do It?

I listened, thoroughly. I heard this client at the core of my being to understand what the feelings she labelled ‘anxiety’ were like for her. I was very careful not to make any assumptions about how she felt, even if she used words I had heard before. I really wanted essentially to listen to her on such a deep level of empathy and listening skills that I could almost experience momentarily, what her anxiety felt like myself. Then I did something that I have found to be essential when treating any kind of experience, I went entirely at her own pace. Each time we met and talked I re evaluated exactly what she was saying to me about her fears and needs and ideas; and each time I changed our treatment pace to match her exactly. In essence, I responded to every fluctuation of pace that she presented me with.

I Listen Very Deeply

This level of deep listening is very relational. That means it has the ability to track the ebbs and flows in a client and know when to gently encourage and when to sit back and let the client metaphorically take my hand and show me the way….their way. This delicate process is like a dance and as a counselor it is key to know how to follow as well as lead.

What Else Did I do?

I used effective and well prescribed Homeopathic medicines as well as coaching and counselling to treat the anxiety symptoms. As soon as a client has an experience where anxiety levels begin to alleviate they can start to feel confident that they can improve. The Homeopathic medicines are entirely natural and support the client to eliminate the anxiety feelings in her head, as well as the emotions she feels about them. When anxiety has been present for a long time, there is always a lot of feeling about it and it is important to address this side also.

The Result?

This client now feels anxiety is an outmoded word for her. She relates to the idea of anxiety as something outside of herself that she has previously experienced. Although we are still on her journey and have some way to go, we are now dealing with a very different set of experiences. Anxiety does not rule her life anymore, nor follow her around inside her head. She is empowered and realistic. She sees the change in herself and relationships including how she relates to her mothering (which was excellent anyway). She is now one of my biggest advocates and sends me anyone she knows who has a health, or emotional issue or a difficulty. I am very grateful for this client and what she still continues to teach me as a clinician and as a human being.

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Teenager Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Homeopathic

Aug 042016

Anxiety, Stress and Depression can be Experienced by Our Teenagers.

It’s true to say that many of us experience life as busy and sometimes stressful. Teenagers are no exception. They have their own stressors whether from family, or school. To add to their load, they also have significant peer group stressors and this can sometimes be experienced as overwhelming. How I treat Teenager Stress, Anxiety and Depression is detailed in this Blog.

Problems Manifest Differently in Teenage Girls and Boys

In my counselling clinic I see children as young as 9 or 10 developing emotional or psychological difficulties that I used to see more often in teenagers. With these children it’s very important that they gain some insight into their struggle. So I work with them to give them tools and strategies to assist them as they enter their teenage years. Social pressures amongst girls can escalate as hormones kick in during puberty, so the children who already have a toolkit of strategies to draw on can often cope very well.

With boys I tend to see those who are well into puberty and are not coping at all well with those disruptive hormones; and who become sullen and withdrawn as well as sometimes angry. Often this is mostly contained at home which means the parents take the brunt of it all; but sometimes it spills over into school life and you can find your son getting into trouble and under performing in class.

Pressure Can Translate Into Anxiety

When teenagers find there is too much pressure they can sometimes become either depressed or anxious. I treated a teenage boy a few years back who was suffering from anxiety and finding simple things like getting public transport to school difficult, or attending assembly due to the crowd. I treated this client with a combination of Counselling and Homeopathy and after a few sessions he was back on track. He went on to have a happy, successful school life and achieve his goals.

Counselling is a Tune-Up For our Emotional Selves

Counselling no longer has the stigma it did. Many of us need it, and I like to think of it as a tune up for our emotional selves. After all we take care of our physical body but tend to leave out mind and emotions to just sort themselves out. During puberty we know the brain gets almost completely re-wired. This is why we as parents, often feel like we no longer know our distant teenager. Well I can tell you a secret…they often feel they no longer know themselves!

Teenagers are sometimes resistant to visiting a counsellor. When you talk to them about it, it helps to find out their reasons why and then address them one by one. Sometimes teenagers find it embarrassing to talk to another adult about their difficulties. Sometimes they do not understand the process of counselling and think they will have to divulge their inner most secrets. I would like to dispel that myth right away and describe how counselling can help your teenager when they are in need.

Teenagers Respond Well When They are Really Listened to.

I work with teenagers by normalising their problems. This does not mean I dismiss them, far from it. I hear and acknowledge their difficulties, within the context of them not being alone in experiencing their issue. We discuss the whole issue from many angles and my aim is to help your teenager develop their own internal guidance system of how to act and react in certain situations. Importantly, I also expand their awareness around why they think, feel, and experience things the way they do; as well as bring their awareness to the impact of their actions on others. If they need to be more assertive and powerful we will work on that (and vice versa,) but never at the expense of helping to develop and whole, balanced individual who can meet the challenges of their teenage years with empowered self-understanding.

How to get Counselling Help for Your Teenager

If you want to come and see me with, or about, your teenager I work face to face in my Sydney clinic in Rose Bay, or via Skype. Teenagers are usually great with technology and find the Skype process works well for them. Feel free to make contact and have a chat to hear more about how I work.

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Anxiety and Bullying in kids

Homeopathic

Jul 282016

School Playgrounds Can be Scary Places

Does your child have anxiety? The playground at school can be a daunting place for young children. For some who have experienced even minor incidents of bullying, there is a significant fear present around larger children. Imagine for a moment that you are 5 or 6 years old. You enter the school playground and look up at all the older children running fast and confidently enjoying themselves. It seems like a foreign world and at first can be overly intimidating, especially for those who are naturally more timid.

Is Your Child with Anxiety the Eldest?

The eldest child in a family is often a ‘pioneer’. They do everything first and you as parents share that experience with them in your parenting decisions. When they go to school however, they have to do it alone. If they do not have older siblings, their experience of older children may be small. Not only is a small child being asked to cope with a whole new social structure and set of routines and rules at school; but they are also being asked to adapt to the unspoken rules of the playground. This is important for the psycho-social development of all children, but can also be very challenging to some.

What are the Playground Rules?

Who is in charge?
What is it ok to say and do?
If I visit the bathroom will I miss out?
What happens if I’m a slow runner/poor catcher?
Will other kids make fun of me?

“Suddenly peer pressure is intensely present for the very first time”

Most children can rise to the occasion and gradually find their feet. Occasionally a child can find the challenge overwhelming and anxiety arises. When I see little kids in my clinic, I sometimes find that this anxiety can attach to a specific person or incident and appear out of proportion to the event/person described. This is not unusual. Ensure as parents that you are listening without judgment, and listening without dismissing the fear and trying to shrug it off. Using loving , open discussion about what your child is frightened of will help. Letting the teacher know that the anxiety exists will also help to create a warm supportive environment for your child. If these steps are not making a difference, then seeing a counsellor such as myself, can be an excellent idea. It’s likely that your anxious child may have a tendency to be sensitive to situations that others are not, and so forming a bond with an experienced counsellor early on in their life, means you have an expert to return to should anything else arise as your child grows.

I Treat Anxiety in Children Differently From Most Counsellors

I use a powerful combination of Holistic Counselling and Homeopathy. I determine the best homeopathic medicine to support your child, as well as using fun techniques to empower your child and build their confidence. I saw a gorgeous little boy this week who when asked where the feelings of anxiety were in his body, pointed to his chest and said “In my Heart”. His anxiety was not in his tummy as is often felt by kids and adults alike, or in his legs……it was very clearly in his heart and he knew it.

Never under estimate the ability of your young child to articulate what they feel and what they think and what they need. They are perfect sources of information about their worlds and listening to them impartially is a very powerful process.

So how did I help him?

This young boy knew he was good at running and it was important for him to feel a sense of his own ability and prowess. So we spent a few minutes running races up the corridor at my clinic and talking about his speed. I also wanted him to have a physical experience of his own power as he had been having daily experiences of his own perceived powerlessness in the school playground in the face of larger children. To do this I had him push against my hands (experiencing his own strength) and see that he could push me across the room. You should have seen his back sit straighter and his little face light up! I also prescribed an effective homeopathic medicine for him to take before school when he feels most anxious to alleviate the anxiety.

Treating anxiety in little kids is my passion. I step into their world for a moment and really deeply listen to what they are trying to tell me. That in turn allows them to stand in their own shoes more powerfully. If your child is being bullied or feels anxious, I would love to help them.

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6 Reasons to do Counselling or Homeopathy with The Homeopathic Coach

Homeopathic

May 052016

There are many reasons why I love my job and since I have used a unique healing modality combining Counselling, Homeopathy and Coaching, I have enjoyed the results even more. Here are 6 reasons why you should consider coming to me for your Counselling, Coaching and Homeopathy.

Experience Brings Wisdom
Life is about trial and error. If we don’t make mistakes we tend to learn less; and I can safely say I have made prescribing errors in my time as a Homeopath (as have my patients in NOT following their dosage instructions!). I have been a Homeopath for 13 years now and have been using my counselling skills for all of that time completing my qualification in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy a few years back. In this time I have treated all ages, men, women, children, families, couples; with varied physical and or emotional ailments; and have tried and tested different ways of working for the most effective results for my clients. Human beings are both complex and exquisite in their design, and the road to healing is sometimes the road less traveled. Therefore, as a practitioner, I need to be inherently flexible to each new client and their needs, and determine as we move into a therapeutic relationship, what road they are on and how I can make that journey both worthwhile and most importantly, assist them in reaching their desired destination of better health.
My International Client Base
Diversity breeds new ideas and new ways of working. At any one time I can be consulting individuals, families and couples in my Rose Bay, Sydney clinic; whilst also managing and treating overseas clients all around the world. I have treated people in Bali, Hong Kong, Singapore, The UK, Canada, Japan, the USA, Turkey, France, Switzerland to name a few places. This occurs for several reasons. Firstly I am set up for overseas work with skype, automated systems and an online booking system so all my clients can easily send forms, book in and communicate with me. Secondly, I have some specialities as I work with children on the autistic spectrum as well as people with chronic ailments and conditions that I have had great success in treating effectively. I believe there is no such thing as an un-treatable condition there are only un-treatable people, and once a chronic ill health sufferer starts to see their condition as something to do with them, then they are ready to begin to heal. I really enjoy facilitating this deep shift in thinking and the results can be astounding. Thirdly, in my own experience as a cancer patient at 17/18 I get the experience where “nothing has worked”. My aim is to make the road to recovery possible and to smooth out some of the road bumps that recovery often entails.
I am a Facilitator of Your Wellnesss
Since finally qualifying as a Holistic Counsellor, I have found that when I treat chronic health issues with a combination of Homeopathy, Counselling and Coaching, the healing that occurs is often profound and significant. Often the spiritual or personal journey of the client comes to the fore as the physical complaint recedes. It can be very rewarding work for both the client (as they get better) and myself (as they get better 🙂 ); and I am often humbled by the amazing moments of clarity and healing that occur. It seems the Homeopathic medicines not only cure ailments but also open someone up for larger and greater possibilities; and the counselling seems to cement realisations and convert new concepts and ideas to concrete actualities.
Wellness Packages and Discounts
I understand that healing from chronic complaints can sometimes be expensive and realise that there are the practical realities of income, and budget restraints. So I try and assist my clients by providing multi session packages with 10-20% discounts. This helps my clients afford the best care that they both desire and deserve. I also provide a 90 minute combined session of Homeopathy and Counselling as a follow up which has a massive reduction of $70!! Find all my pricing here.
Support For Families:
If you are a current client phone consults are available to you. This means that when you or your child is sick at home you can call me, get a prescription over the phone and use your comprehensive Homeopathic kit that you have purchased in advance from me to self dose with Homeopathic Medicines. This means as Simone Denny from The Nourishing Hub found out recently, prevents antibiotics being needed for sick kids and means that you feel supported in your choice of natural medicine whilst supporting your child’s immune system.
Online Learning
Being empowered around health is important to me, so I have designed an online Homeopathic and Natural Healing course for families to learn how to treat themselves with Homeopathic medicines for First aid, Cough, Colds and Flu as well as Digestive issues and Fevers. The course is easy, you can learn in your own time, and refer back to the teaching videos whenever you need to; and feel very confident that you know what to prescribe for your child or yourself. You can see for yourself the amazing effects that Homeopathy can achieve.

If you are a past or current client , thank you for being part of my road less traveled and for allowing me to be part of yours. Long may we continue to grow alongside one another!

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Family Homeopathic Needs

Homeopathic

Nov 102015

As a homeopath running a busy Family Homeopathy clinic in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, I need to regularly sit back and take stock of what is coming through my clinic door most often in terms of ailments. It seems that over the last decade, the nature of repetitive upper respiratory infections has changed and all too often, I see a family recycling coughs and colds and not being able to shake them. These clients are usually one of two types:

The Bemused Home Prescribers: Firstly they are homeopathic home prescribing ‘experts’ with a kit at home and have tried several acute home prescriptions and not had their usual success.
The Desperate Stuck on the Antibiotic Train: They are new to homeopathy, have tried their GP’s advice with no luck, and have heard that Homeopathy is the way to get off the antibiotic train where their child goes from one infection to another with many courses of antibiotics and it never seems to stop.

So How Can Homeopathy (and I) Help?

If we take the first group of Home Prescribers, I encourage my regular clients to build their home knowledge of how to use Homeopathy successfully at home. If you give a well prescribed Homeopathic medicine at the onset of an acute infection such as a cough or cold, you will find that it either heals, or comes mildly for a few days with no time off school. This is such a bonus for parents as they have the peace of mind that they are supporting their child’s immune system; as well as helping them get well fast. They also have the peace of mind that they will not be looking for childcare alternatives, or taking time off work, which becomes such a difficult dynamic for working parents.

I support this learning in several ways. Firstly when the parents come for treatment for their children I tend to offer clear explanations of how Homeopathic medicines work, and how they are being prescribed. If they show interest in learning, I teach them as I treat their children by sharing explanations and tips as we go. As they get used to using Homeopathic medicines, I suggest they get a comprehensive and compact Homeopathic kit so they can have 36 remedies in their home, at their fingertips. I offer acute phone consults so they can see what options they have from their kit when an illness occurs, so they can get their hand held when learning to select medicines. And lastly, I teach them via online videos, how to prescribe for a whole range of family ailments from my Easy Family Online Homeopathic Course. This course is in four modules and you learn at your own pace with no marking or assignments. It covers:

Homeopathic Background and how to treat fevers
Coughs, Colds and Influenza
Homeopathic First Aid
Gastric Grumbles and Tummy Troubles

I also offer a First Aid E-Guide which is a low cost way into the basics of Homeopathy and teaches you how to prescribe for all those first aid situations you may encounter as a parent.

Stuck on the Antibiotic Train?
These are a group that need some extra help. The over use or repeated use of antibiotics has caused a depression in immune function. Often this is due to the gut biome which has been compromised by the drugs killing off the important bacteria that actually play a huge role in fighting infection. When I prescribe a constitutional Homeopathic medicine in this situation, the immune system of the child gets a huge boost, and then we have to walk a homeopathic line through the next acute infection to ensure the whole cycle does not start again. This means that when the next acute infection is encountered, we work together to use Family Homeopathy Medicines so that antibiotics do not get used and the immune system has a chance to practice what is good at again – fighting infections.

If you need extra help with your family’s health; or you are interested in finding easy ways to learn how to use natural medicines such as Homeopathics yourself, feel free to get in touch with me or come and see me.

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How to De-Stress Yourself

Homeopathic

Nov 042015

Sometimes I sit down to write a blog post and wonder what it is I am going to write? It’s not that I don’t have loads of ideas in my head buzzing around, but the block is around selection. I want to write something useful to my readers and this very conundrum started me thinking about busy minds and the topic of stress. Everyone feels stressed sometimes in their lives and some of us feel it often as we are constantly doing too much and juggling too many things. When I start having daydreams of taking time out to go and sit on a empty beach with my nearest and dearest, I know it’s time to step up the things that help me de-stress. Here are the things that help me most when my head and/or life feels over loaded.

Increase Your Protein Intake:
Stress makes me want to stop my usual healthy eating habits and reach for the sugar. This would be so easy for me as my adrenals are a little on the low side in terms of function and the cravings for sugar can sometimes be very strong. However, if I resist it and eat exceptionally healthily instead, which means frequent protein snacks and meals and drinking lots and lots of filtered or alkaline water, I feel so much better!

Move Your Body More:
Exercise is my friend and yours too! Although when beginning an exercise regime it can cause cortisol levels to rise; once the regime is regular and established, it diminishes the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. It’s the endorphins that give that runner’s high that you might have heard of.

Breathe Properly:
This one is very important. We all know that breathing is essential but did you know that when you are stressed you tend to breathe in a shallow way? This helps ramp up the activity of the Sympathetic Nervous system (SNS) which manages the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. So what we want is to turn this dial down and turn on the Parasympathetic Nervous system (PNS). Well, it is actually very easy to do this with your breath. To do it you have to initiate and practice diaphragmatic breathing. I teach this to my anxiety or adrenally fatigued clients all the time. This is how you do it simply and easily:

Breathing for Stress Relief Exercise

You can do this standing, sitting, in a queue, car anywhere but when you are trying it out I suggest sitting or lying in a place you can concentrate.

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Use your hands to help you feel your belly expanding as you inhale

Place your hand on your belly and one on your upper chest. Take a normal deepish breath sufficient to allow you to feel your belly pushing out as your breath fills your lungs. Allow yourself to completely exhale. Then WAIT until your body wants you to take another breath. Repeat. Start counting the counts of the exhalation. If you exhale for 8 counts, wait at least 4 to take your following breath. If you exhale for 6 counts, wait 3 and so on. The secret is to not HOLD your breath but make this light, easy and relaxed.

Repeat for 10 breaths.

If you are stressed, I promise you that doing this at least 3 times a day will make a huge physiological difference as your PNS takes over from your ANS and those stress hormones subside. This has far reaching health effects.

Walk in Nature
It is known that being outside in nature rather than in a city or inside buildings facilitates great relaxation. If you are working in a city try and find a green space that you can sit in or walk in for 10 minutes during your lunch break. If you are lucky enough to live in a beautiful city like Sydney, get to the water and feast your eyes on the blue water. If you can take your shoes off for a moment and stand on the green grass.

There are many things you ca do to release stress and manage your busy mind. What kind of things do you like to do?

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6 Tips for Natural Healthy Skin

Homeopathic

Oct 282015

Our skin is our largest organ in the body and serves many different functions such as protection and elimination. Often we just take our skin health for granted and when we have small dry patches or outbreaks we tend to reach for a quick fix rather then look deeper into what the underlying causes might be. In this post I’ll be sharing 6 dos and don’ts for skin.

Do eat plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids:
These important fats help keep the skin soft and hydrated and can reduce the risk of wrinkles. Add chia seeds to your muesli or smoothies, or eat more Salmon as a regular part of your diet. “Omega 3 fatty acids help lock moisture into skin cells along with maintaining and boosting elastin and collagen production” says Lisa Guy ND.

Do Drink Plenty of Water:
Hydrated skin is good looking skin. Dehydration tends to make your skin look dull and show more fine lines. Your skin is 30% water so drink as much pure, clean water as you can, – up to 2 litres per day is ideal.

Do Eat Chocolate!:
This one may surprise you but chocolate in the form of raw cacao is actually beneficial for your skin. It has both Omega 3 fats an antioxidants, as well a Vitamin C, so you can eat raw, unprocessed chocolate guilt free! Just avoid the processed kind full of sugar!

Do Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant found in your skin. When you eat foods containing vitamin E you will be feeding your skin and helping it to maintain its protective layer. Good vitamin E sources include avocado, cold pressed virgin olive oil, dark green leafy vegetables and nuts such as almonds and pecans.

Don’t Use Chemical Skin Products:
Many skin products have harsh chemicals that damage or upset the balance of your skin. It is known that skin absorbs around 60% of chemicals found in skin products. You really don’t have to spend a fortune on skin products as simple unadulterated natural products can do a better job and cost very little. Organic Rose Hip oil for example takes care of the integrity and protective outer mantle of your skin and helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines as well as scarring at the same time. As it is very important to maintain the natural PH of your skin to allow it to do its protective job. The main chemicals to avoid are parabens, DEA, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Para-Dioxane and PEG; also avoid petroleum based products and bismuth. Choose 100% organic, natural skin care products.

Don’t Forget Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is more important in the body than many realise; and is key for healthy skin renewal. Vitamin D3 is made in the skin when it is exposed to UV-B rays so it is important to expose your skin sensibly in the sunshine without sunblock to ensure your body can make the required levels. Some studies have shown that an SPF 0f 15 reduces your vitamin D protection in your skin by 98%. Lisa Guy ND recommends 10-15 minutes exposure in the summer to allow your body to create valuable Vitamin D that can help fight free radicals in the epidermal layers of the skin. Vitamin D food sources include: oily fish, egg yolks and mushrooms.

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Homeopathic Help! I have hives!

Homeopathic

Oct 222015

For those who suffer from them, hives can be a real pain, Hives are raised, red, itchy welts that appear suddenly on the skin, usually lasting 2-4 hours, only to reappear somewhere else. Correctly known as Urticaria, occasionally hives can persist and become chronic. Fortunately Homeopathy can treat it effectively so if you suffer from hives read on…

Causes for Hives:

There are many potential causes for hives and sometimes the cause is simple and easy to eliminate. When the cause is stress related, as a Homeopath I work closely with my client to change their emotional, psychological and physiological reactions to stress increasing their resilience. Here is an comprehensive but not exhaustive list of potential causes:

medication – such as antibiotics, aspirin and codeine
some food additives
infections – including bacterial, viral or parasitic
certain underlying conditions – such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rubella and hepatitis
emotional stress
contact with plants or animals
sunshine and heat
cold temperatures
exercise and sweating
bee and wasp stings

What is Actually Happening in my skin?

The reason hives appear is mainly due to a release of histamine from cells called mast cells. This brings blood to the area hence the redness and causes intense itching. Unfortunately scratching the itch will increase histamine release, so if you can, refrain from scratching. Although Homeopathic medicines can treat the hives very effectively, if you are a frequent sufferer it will be important to make an appointment with your Homeopath, Naturopath, or doctor to determine the underlying cause. Once this cause has been identified and eliminated then the chronic sufferers of hives can really relax.

Homeopathic Hives Medicines

There are many different medicines for hives and this is by no means an exhaustive list but here are several homeopathic medicines to try if you have an acute attack.

Histaminum: My favourite has to be homeopathic Histaminum. This medicine can only be obtained through a specialist homeopathic pharmacy or from your homeopath, but it can work rapid wonders if you suddenly get an attack of acute hives. It’s also brilliant for hay fever sufferers who have not yet been on my hay fever desensitization treatment.

Apis Mellifica : This remedy is for swollen, red attacks of hives with stinging and burning pain which is worse at night. The welts are painful and tender and there is some heat in the skin.

Arsenicum Alb: There is burning pain and restlessness and this medicine is particularly relevant if the hives have occurred from eating shellfish. The patient will be anxious and restless.

Bovista: This is the medicine for hives all over the body. There will be a burning sensation and intense itching not relieved by scratching. The pain will be worse at night.

Urtica Urens: This is for hives with burning, itching with specific pain points. The rash will be pale and less red than with some other hives and the patient will have a desire to constantly rub the affected area. The hives will be better for lying down and worse on rising.

What to do if you get hives:

There are several topical things you can do that are natural:

Cool Compress: Applying cool compresses will help on the affected area although avoid iced water as this can make it worse.

Oatmeal: Use your blender to create oatmeal from rolled oats. Add a cupful to a cool/warm bath as this will help soothe the itching.

Pineapple: The natural enzyme in Pineapple called Bromelain sometimes helps. You can apply pineapple directly to the skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Dip cotton wool balls in vinegar diluted in cool water and apply directly to your skin.

Bicarbonate of Soda: Dissolve a teaspoon of bicarb powder in a glass of water and apply directly to the skin with cotton wool balls.

It’s very important to identify your trigger as treating the acute hives attacks will not stop them occurring. If you want to determine why you get hives book an appointment with me and let’s determine your triggers and how to avoid them so you can have a hives free life!

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