Homemade cold and flu remedies

Photo: supplied

It’s hard to avoid getting sick sometimes, especially if you’re in an office all week or with the little ones in and out of daycare, even public transport can pose cold and flu risks. There are, however, some great simple and easy homemade ways to ease your symptoms and see you through until you can get to your healthcare practitioner.

These helpful tips and remedies can reduce the severity of your symptoms naturally without having to resort to pharmaceutical cold and flu medications. These medications can often make you feel better by suppressing your symptoms and allowing you to ‘soldier on’ tricking you into feeling better, thus prolonging your recovery time.

For swollen, sore and painful throats: 

The following techniques are great to help reduce a sore and swollen throat that often marks the start of an illness. Try both or one to help reduce and calm the inflammation and pain.

1. Gargling with warm salty water. Your mother or grandmother may have got you doing this as a child, and it does help. Add a teaspoon of unrefined salt to warm water and stir. Gargle and spit several times, using up the whole glass if you can manage it, to help reduce the swelling and pain in your glands and throat. It’s important to do this several times a day to keep getting results. Salt and warm water acts as an antibacterial wash and helps to cleanse the inflamed tissues and reduce the heat in the affected area.

2. Gargling with Apple Cider Vinegar and warm water is also a strong way to calm a burning sore, swollen throat. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and gargle when necessary. It’s quite a strong taste and may not be to everyone’s ability so alternatively it can be made into a throat soothing drink with the additions of honey and ginger. Here’s how:

Grate a knob of ginger into a small pot or milk pan with 2 and a half cups of water and simmer for 10 mins. Strain the liquid into a bottle and add 1-2 teaspoons of honey and stir, add 30mls of Apple cider vinegar (adjust to taste). You will find this apple cider vinegar tea really helps to take the edge off your bad throat and helps to reduce sinus congestion and phlegm. It does taste good and will help reduce the duration of your illness.

Coughs and sinus congestion: 

Homemade Ginger, Onion and Honey Cough Mixture 

 

This is a great recipe for the whole family and can be used in conjunction with steam treatments to help with coughs and congestion. It is particularly good for children who suffer from sinus and chest congestion that haven’t mastered blowing their noses, as this cough mixture can work wonders to help expectorate phlegm and reduce coughing.

How to make:

1 red onion – finely chopped so the juices can easily seep into the honey (alternatively use 8-9 cloves of garlic if you prefer)

1 cup of raw honey

1 good size knob of ginger – grated so the juices can easily seep into the honey

Add the chopped onion and grated ginger into a glass jar (that has a good tight fitting lid).

Add in the honey and stir well.

Replace the lid and let sit for a few hours or overnight to marinade and become nice and strong. The sediment may settle on the bottom

Take one spoonful every hour as needed. For children, it may be easier for them to take the mixture without much sediment (onion, ginger bits) in it so spoon off the top for them.

* Red onion or garlic both strengthens the immune system and works as a natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant.

* Honey is good at moistening and soothing itchy and irritated throats. It too has natural antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

* Ginger is spicy and warm and helps to stop cough and promote light perspiration and reduce a slight fever. It also warms and strengthens the digestive system.

  If symptoms get worse or persist, please see your health practitioner or GP.
 

Nicola Loizou,

Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Nicola is available for appointments Wednesdays 9.30am – 1.30pm, Thursdays 1.30pm – 7pm and Saturdays 10am – 6pm.  Book in with Nicola online or call us on reception on 9482 4325 so we can find a time that works for you

Getting well doesn’t need to be complicated

Photo: supplied

  

It’s that time of the year when Melbourne’s winter shows it’s ugly teeth. Work environments become time bombs of who will be off work next and for some of us this cycle of getting sick time and again can last all winter.

So how can you change this cycle?

– Be aware of hygiene

Use a tea tree based antibacterial hand spray or wipes and regularly wipe down common phones, computer keyboards and after you sneeze. Have your own cup and wash this regularly with very hot water.

– Drink herbal teas

This  will support your digestive system, which is our first line of defence at preventing infection. There are so many amazing thermos tea vessels now that having herbal tea’s at work is easy. Some of my favourite go-to’s are;

Echinacea; stimulates your defensive immune system, decreases swollen glands and reduces pain

Thyme; reduces cough spasm, clears sinuses and stimulates your defensive immune system

Elder Flower; supports your natural fever mechanisms to stimulate your immune system, stimulates defensive immune system and great for blocked ears

Any herbal teas used must be part of your treatment plan and are best used raw, 4 cups a day and make it strong, 1 teaspoon per cup.

– Know your “I’m getting sick” signs and make sure you rest when this occurs

For some, this is the sore throat or blocked ears or a headache; whatever your indicators are listen to your body and get to bed early. You may need to repeat this rest pattern several times until your body has cleared the impending infection.

Kitchen remedy to ward off colds

5 cm piece of ginger (peel and slice, crush slices with the handle of a knife)

1 stick of cinnamon (broken)

1 teaspoon of coriander seeds

3 cloves

1 lemon

1 clove of garlic crushed

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Tablespoon of Manuka honey (or 1 teaspoon of honey per cup)

Add 5 cups of water and these ingredients into a pot and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and drink 1 cup every 2 hours. Be aware that the cayenne pepper will be spicy hot and can support your natural fever so this is good to do at night or when you can rest in the day.

You can also add fresh thyme to this (a handful of stalks).

Getting sick frequently is exhausting, depressing and frustrating so if this is occurring often and you feel you are doing “everything right” then perhaps it’s time to see a Naturopath to get the guidance you need for a full recovery.

Beth Ladwig,
Naturopath

Beth is available for appointments Thursdays 10am – 7pm and Saturdays 2pm – 5.30pm and for on the floor consults: Monday to Wednesday & Saturday mornings. Call us to book in 9482 4325

Did you know that Babies react to our smell?

Photo: supplied

I’ve had a terrible time of it the last month.  I got a cold sore on my eye, delivered with precision from my wonderful 3 year old and 11/12^th month old.  I’ve never had them before so of course I got the full systemic delightful affect.  I can only say that I’m so glad I’ve haven’t had to put up with them before and “oh my gosh” I never knew how painful they were, to all of you out there who have had them before!

But that’s not what I wanted to talk about today.  I was telling my very informative Dad, who is an amazing GP, how of course when I was sick, my two lovely children woke up more, played up more and gave me a hard time.  He reminded me about something that he had told me when my first child was a baby.

Babies react to our smell!

I would like to say that I smell like roses all of the time, but this is not what he was getting at.  Humans release a chemical from under their arms when they are stressed or anxious.  Researchers from Stony Brook University in New York undertook a study and found that people become more alert to threats when inhaling this “stress sweat”.[1]  It is interesting to note, that they found that this chemical didn’t have any obvious smell and the smell we usually associate with underarm smell is actually from the growth of bacteria.   So we may not even know that we are doing it.  If we think about what this means to our little babies, we can start to understand the significance of this information.

Our little babies are relying on us to keep them safe and sound, when they smell this “stress sweat” on us, they start to become more alert to danger and they will begin to feel stressed themselves.  This can put them into a fight or flight response, redirecting resources away from systems like digestion and creating stress induced changes to the gut.  So what does this mean on the ground?  Little bubs may cry more to be picked up, they may exhibit signs of colic, reflux and/or gut pain.

The reality is that caring for a little baby can be very anxiety provoking.  So what can we do to change this situation?  Well of course trying to become less stressed or anxious is an important start and I’ll outline some techniques for this below.  But… if you think you may be releasing “stress sweat” and it is affecting your baby then simply have a shower, change your clothes and put on some good deodorant or essential oils! It can be that easy.

Dad shared with me a beautiful case study of a woman who was beside herself as her little one had reflux and none of the medication seemed to be working.   Dad asked her what happened when her baby was being looked after by her grandmother and she mentioned that the symptoms seemed to settle.  He explained to her about releasing chemicals when we are stressed and to try to make sure she showers, changes her clothes regularly and uses a good deodorant.  She came back the following week and her baby’s symptoms had largely disappeared! J  There was no need for any of the medication she had previously been giving her bubs.

It may not be the whole picture about why our babies are upset, but it is good to be mindful of this and give it a try when things get a little stressful.

Techniques to help with stress and anxiety:

• Yoga and meditation
• Exercise; 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. i.e. heart rate over 120 BPM
• Deep breathing
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Chamomile tea
• Walking in nature

And if things are too much, picking up the phone and calling a friend or loved one is very important.  Or make sure you speak with your practitioner or GP about how you can be supported during stressful and difficult times.  Remember you are not alone.

 

If your baby will not settle and you suspect something is wrong, make sure you speak with your doctor.  This alone can also settle anxiety.

 

Pip Atherstone-Reid is an Owner and practitioner at Kundalini House.  She has been practicing Chinese Medicine for over 15 years and has two beautiful little children.

[1] http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/08/19/stress.sweat.smell.pheromones/index.html?iref=24hours

My Journey: Yoga, Sodarshan Chakra Kriya & Me

This blog is written by Sophie Miles, a student at Kundalini House and a true spiritual warrior dedicated to the path of truth & transformation through yoga and natural health.

Dearest Yoginis…

Even after a few days in to the Sodarshan Chakra Kriya challenge, and I could already feel a shift in my consciousness and my body. It’s the second time around for me practicing this meditation and I feel moved to share my personal experience about what Sodarshan has done for me. I was going to post in the Facebook group, but Billie suggested the topic might be worthy of a longer blog post; so, here goes…!

When I first practised the Sodarshan Chakra Kriya for 40 days, I had been a faithful Kundalini House member for a while. And I had already experienced profound changes for the better in my mind, body and soul. With the kind encouragement of the dear teachers at K-house (Billie, Nancy and especially Jai Inder), I started a home practice as well as coming to class. Actually, this was becoming a necessity; I was travelling frequently for my work, and I work in an industry fuelled by alcohol and drugs, so I desperately needed a daily routine to help protect my newfound sobriety and serenity from getting smashed by the “rock’n’roll lifestyle” which is my working environment every summer.

The truth is, when I first came to Kundalini House, I was struggling. Even though I was blessed with a loving marriage and a fulfilling working life; inside, I was a nervous wreck. Years of alcohol and stress had taken their toll. I was exhausted, fearful, overweight, puffy, irritable, prone to anxiety attacks and crying jags. But from the day I walked through the doors of K-house, everything changed.

After two and a half years, I still feel like a newcomer, but I have been around long enough to see what has happened within me, happening to others; the softening, the opening, the awakening, the youth-ening, the radiance and the quiet joy that kundalini yoga brings into our lives. As I dipped my toes into the practice, I started to feel changes I hadn’t thought possible. Alcohol – which had always been a problem for me – gradually, then suddenly, melted away. The decision not to drink anymore, when it came, was obvious and simple; a relief and a blessing. Finding myself on a new path, I’ve just keep walking, and my old self destructive habits get further behind me. This in itself has been a huge shift.

There are other shifts still taking shape; a growing stillness and calm within, a presence of intuition and trust. And very slowly, a feeling that I am being taken care of… by my self. My body and mind are growing stronger, and yet also softer, less rigid. And to my great surprise — having lived in my head all my life, and seen my body mostly as an ugly, awkward emcumbrance — a little bit graceful. These are some of the great gifts that a daily (well… most days) practice has given me.

When Jai Inder suggested that I practice the Sodarshan Chakra Kriya, almost two years ago, she told me “It’s full on. But I think you’re ready.” As I began, I read Yogi Bhajan’s words that it would clear out the trash from my subconscious mind. Aha, I thought, “the shadow self”, thinking of the Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell books I’d read. And I felt apprehension at the idea of facing the dark side of my personality, all the “ugly” aspects of self that I repress and deny, the wounds I’d kept hidden, or thought I had.

But what I didn’t expect was the physical response. Very quickly, my body started falling apart… or so it seemed to me. The dis-ease in my subconscious manifested as disease — real, painful, horrifying disease. I had occasionally suffered from alopecia areata (patches of hair loss) in the past, but now the alopecia began to rampage; my hair fell out in clumps, and soon I had alarmingly large bands of complete baldness on both sides of my head, with just a few straggles of thinning hair on top.

I tearfully told my husband that I looked like a “nasty doll”; you know, one of those creepy dolls in your grandma’s closet with a few clumps of hair sticking out of the holes in its bald head. On the funny side, I became a “turbanista”, wearing my kundalini turban out on the streets, and fortuitously finding that I was on trend; young women come up and ask me all the time where I got my turban!

At the same time, another pre-existing condition, lichen planus (a very painful rash inside my mouth) flared up with a vengeance, ravaging the inside of my cheeks, my gums, my tongue and palate. My mouth was so badly inflamed and full of open wounds and lacerations that I could barely eat solids, let alone the spicy food that I used to love. I was in constant pain, and painkillers were no use; the last thing I wanted was a painkiller dependency (hey — I’ve been there). I went from specialist to specialist, and wept when they told me there was no treatment that was acceptable to me. All they could offer were systemic steroids, or immuno suppressant drugs, and considering the horrific side effects, these options were completely insane to me. I had to face the reality that like so many sufferers of auto immune conditions, western medicine had no answers for me.

I shared my fears with Jai Inder and she told me, “These symptoms are a blessing. Don’t be afraid, this is an opportunity for you to be in a place of surrender.” Her words rang true, and I suddenly considered the freedom I had been given by western medicine not having any options for me; I could choose to see my symptoms in a non traditional way. The idea came to me that my symptoms were not signs of disease, but of healing; that my body and mind were striving to heal themselves, with the guidance of my soul. And actually my soul was now in charge; now that I was listening to my inner voice, it could help my body to heal.

Gradually my worst imaginings that my symptoms were signs of some hideous, undiagnosed and no doubt terminal disease, were replaced by a perception of my symptoms as old wounds which were surfacing in order to be healed. And perhaps most radically, I saw the visibility of my woundedness (my poor balding head), as an opportunity to learn to accept kindness — something I’ve always struggled with. I always felt that I had to be a strong independent woman, and not show any weakness. But of course that meant my heart was not open to accept the love and kindness that I, along with all of us wounded and imperfect humans, deserve and need so very much.

Two years later, and back on the Sodarshan Chakra Kriya challenge — now with a community to share it with — I can look back on the transformation that has taken place. With the support of the amazing Pia Williams (and previously Pip Atherstone) at K-house, I have been healing with herbs and acupuncture, finding a diet that nourishes my body, learning to give my self what I need. Perhaps the most profound change is that I no longer see my body as diseased and fragile, ready to betray me at any turn with its mysterious maladies. Now my body is my beloved friend. I no longer feel I have to hide my bald patches (which are much subtler now, anyway), although I still do rock the turban in and out of class. I am happy to talk to people about my condition without fear or shame, and believe me that took a long time. I look in the mirror and no longer see a “nasty doll” but a healthy and vibrant woman. I can smile into my own eyes and treat myself with kindness and compassion. And I hope that love can radiate out to those around me.

So what will Sodarshan Chakra Kriya hold for me this time? honestly, I don’t know, but I am so up for it; and so very grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with the beautiful souls at Kundalini House.

Blissful blessings & sat nam,

Sophie Miles

 

Visit our website: http://www.kundalinihouse.com.au for more information.

Please rate this post using the stars below. Your ratings will provide us a better understanding of  topics that are important to our readers.   We also wish to thank everyone for their continued support of Kundalini House and the Kundalini Houses Blog.  Sat Nam.

Ayurveda for the Spring

Spring is traditionally a time for new life and renewal.  Envision spring to be a time for weeding the garden (de-cluttering and cleaning) and for sowing the seeds and establishing roots (setting intentions and new routines) for the season ahead after the months of hibernation and stagnation that is winter.  The Earth is getting closer to the sun and the days are getting longer.  The long cold darkness of winter is fading but the heaviness can still remain with us for a time. This reflects in our bodies, our minds, our homes and in our relationships with others.

Doshas have a yearly cycle.  There are three seasons each ruled by a dosha and Kapha represents the cool, damp months of late winter and spring.  Each dosha naturally accumulates in the body during its associated season following the Ayurvedic principle of ‘like increases like’.  Kapha season (water and earth) provokes excess kapha.   Too much water combined with excess earth leaves us feeling heavy, muddy and full of toxins (ama) much like in nature as the frosts melt away and the rivers start to rise.    There is a higher likelihood of hay fever, colds, congestion, respiratory ailments and allergies at this time.  In spring, the emphasis is on cleansing the lungs and warming the kidneys.

Ayurveda works in two ways:  prevention and cure.   Our awareness gives the key to maintaining good health in these conditions by counterbalancing powerful environmental conditions through managing the body and mind.  Becoming self-aware and administering self-care is your first step.  We can counter these external influences though changes in our diet and lifestyle.

Ayurveda is actually yoga’s sister science and they work beautifully when practiced together.

By introducing qualities like hot, dry, sharp and pungent (air and fire elements) into all aspects of life during this transition, they can aid to absorb and remove excess fluid present in the body.  The stagnation will be encouraged to move in the body as well as the mind.

Some Ayurvedic principles help to support you through the month ahead and the transition into spring:

o    Rise early.  Just as the seasons are governed by a dosha, so too are the daily cycles. Sunrise marks the beginning of the morning period, approximately 6am so aim to rise at this time to reduce kaphas’ heavy and sluggish effects – we tend to feel more lethargic when we sleep into the late hours of the morning;

o    Aim to go to bed at the same time each night.  The best time to get to sleep is before 10pm when kaphas’ settled energy is prevailing;

o    Eat well.  Aim for lighter cooked foods and warming spices.  Flavour foods that are lightly steamed or stir-fried;

o    Digestive spices such as garlic, ginger, black pepper, cayenne, chilli, turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel, cinnamon, mustard, cardamom and licorice will aid in cleansing and balancing your system;

o    Reducing dairy, heavy and oily foods (kapha/mucous producing);

o    Avoid cold drinks;

o    Use more honey (not heated higher than 80degrees);

o    Eat less meat;

o    Add legumes such as yellow split peas, red lentils and chickpeas;

o    Introduce more yoga;

o    Spring is also a wonderful time to reap the benefits of pranayama.  Kapalabhati and bhastrika will bring a sense of lightness to the mind and are both very cleansing practices – perfect for the spring season;

o    Reconnect; not only with self.  Spring is a time to socialise after the winter hibernation;

o    Dry sauna;

o    Garshana – dry massage with silk gloves, dry brush or cloth;

o    Try something new, embrace playfulness and adventure;

o    Dress in bright colours like red, orange and yellow;

o    Feed your soul; find time to read that book you’ve been meaning to, or join a class!;

o    Stay warm when you venture outside in this changeable weather.

By honouring the Ayurvedic principles with sensitivity and wisdom and achieving balance though diet and lifestyle according to our nature, we can achieve health, happiness and prosperity in this life and the next.  It is not wise or possible to try everything at once.  Just like kapha – slow and steady is the best route to successful change.

“The ultimate constituent of the universe
is found not outside us at all but
deep within our own consciousness”

Pratima Raichur, author of Absolute Beauty

Want to find out more?

A discussion with an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant is the best place to start to understand your own unique constitution (prakruti) and how to keep it in balance in your everyday life.  The consultation is conducted through traditional diagnostic methods such as observation, pulse and tongue diagnosis.  Strength of your digestion can be determined, the level of toxins (ama) in your system indicated and finding the root cause of presenting symptoms.

After careful consideration, you will be given a report outlining your constitution and your imbalances (vikruti).  It will include recommendations for diet, lifestyle and exercise in a comprehensive plan for bringing your body and mind back to balance including suggested treatments and herbs.

Phillipa Joy is an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant and Reiki Master who delights in sharing the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with many others so they too can experience its profound effects of bringing the body and mind into balance.

Phillipa now consults from Kundalini House on Wednesdays from 2pm

Or visit Phillipa’s website

Please rate this wake up world post using the stars below. Your ratings will provide us a better understanding of  topics that are important to our readers.   We also wish to thank everyone for their continued support of Kundalini House and the Kundalini Houses Blog.  Sat Nam.

Addictions, Understanding our body chemistry

Addictions, Understanding our body chemistry 

Understanding how our body chemistry works can help us to prepare and to succeed in cutting down and withdrawing from addictive foods and other substances.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that form part of the body’s chemistry and are released within the brain and body. They help to create our moods, our sleep cycle, muscle co-ordination, pain regulation and alertness. They can also stimulate cravings through the “pleasure and reward cycle”.

Let’s look at Dopamine in particular. Dopamine controls our muscle movement, our pleasure/pain sensations, our ability to emotionally express our addictive tendencies and ourselves. For example, when we receive nicotine from cigarettes, dopamine is released from our brain, which makes us feel good. So when our dopamine drops, we crave nicotine because our body has learnt that this substance will cause a release of dopamine in our body, and we will then feel pleasure. This is the “pleasure and reward cycle”, seeking out substances or learnt behaviours that will give us a boost of dopamine and other neurotransmitters to make us feel good. Please note, this theory is based on a large proportion of our population being deficient in dopamine to begin with. Caffeine and various forms of sugar also work on this “reward and pleasure” pathway. Causation of this deficiency in neurotransmitters in our population can also come back to inadequate nutrition. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are formed from protein and other important nutrients, such as magnesium, B vitamins and iron. Without these important nutrients, our body cannot make neurotransmitters. Hence, by supporting our neurotransmitter production we can begin to decrease our reward seeking behavior because we are producing adequate amounts of dopamine.

The careful balance in our body between our neurotransmitters can be affected by:

1. What food we eat (we can’t make these guys without the ingredients)
2. How well our digestion is breaking this food down
3. How well our body absorbs and transports these nutrients from our food to our brain and other organs.

So eating whole foods, paying attention to our digestion and resolving any symptoms of pain, bloating, excessive flatulence, constipation or diarrhoea is vital to treating addictions. As well as, being mindful of our cravings and checking in with our motivations can be a giant step forward in resolving our addictions. This is one of many links in our understanding of addictions and there are many tools that we require to resolve them. The most important tool being support; so whether you have a Naturopath, Counselor or another Practitioner at your side; it’s important that you step forward with support.

With warmth,

Beth, Naturopath at Kundalini House

To book in with Beth please call 94824325.

Or visit our website: http://www.kundalinihouse.com.au for more information. Naturopathy is listed under the health clinic link.

 

Please rate this wake up world post using the stars below. Your ratings will provide us a better understanding of  topics that are important to our readers.   We also wish to thank everyone for their continued support of Kundalini House and the Kundalini Houses Blog.  Sat Nam.

Is your conscious mind getting in the way of your health, happiness and potential?

The beneficial results of using HYPNOTHERAPY, as supported by Statistics and Empirical data.

In many cases, past experiences set our future behaviours and sets up limitations which effectively constrain our full potential.

Hypnotherapy, is commonly used to facilitate adjustment to set new behaviour, and helps free the shackles of behaviour patterns that previously were difficult to counter or overcome.

“It is genuinely exciting to know that Hypnotherapy can not only help individuals overcome poor habits but it can offer individuals exceptional change that optimises their performance potential” says Jane Johnson, Clinical Hypnotherapist. 

Hypnotherapy can be genuinely life changing and liberating for people, many of whom had simply never heard of it, or passed it off without proper consideration”

One of Jane’s clients Tony Prado, a chronic smoker who had struggled with a long term smoking addiction talks about the benefits of a Hypnotherapy to his health and happiness 

“To be honest, I doubted that Hypnotherapy would have any effect on me but was keen to get rid of my smoking habit and had tried Champaks , Cold Turkey and other methods to no avail. I was referred by a friend who had been to see Jane and was amazed at how easy it was .  After completing the program i was never inclined to even think about smoking again. After 30 years as a heavy smoker i am thrilled to have reclaimed my health and my life again. I look and feel younger happier and even less stressed. Thanks Jane I would refer you to anyone considering quitting. It was so easy.” Tony Prado

In a study conducted in 1992 the University of Iowa, Journal of Applied Psychology reported that:

 “Hypnosis is the most effective way of giving up smoking, according to the largest ever scientific comparison of ways of breaking the habit. A meta-analysis, statistically combining results of more than 600 studies of 72,000 people from America and Europe to compare various methods of quitting. On average, hypnosis was over three times as effective as nicotine replacement methods and 15 times as effective as trying to quit alone”. 

“It saddens me that fantastic results such as this continue to be enjoyed by so few people prepared to try what many have traditionally believed is no more than quackery” states Jane.

But Hypnotherapy offers a great deal more than just a therapy to help smoking addicts. 

“It has been incredibly satisfying to enable and empower individuals with other behavioural issues, such as abusive tendencies, relationship problems, addictions, eating disorders and those with anxiety manifestations from negative thinking to low self esteem, and show people how Hypnotherapy offers real benefits for long term health, happiness and potential.”

Hypnotherapy is excellent for birth preparation

“As a mother, one of the areas that I personally find most satisfying is to help expectant mothers prepare for a more enjoyable birthing experience.”

Hypnotherapy during childbirth is based on the theory that women experience an easier more comfortable birth, when unencumbered by fear, by reducing /eliminating the ill effects of the fear-tension-pain cycle during the birthing process.

Birthing women and their support partners are taught non-pharmacological strategies, such as breath work, relaxation, visualisation, and techniques to trigger endorphins.

“The breathing techniques and visualisation kept us reassuring and focusing on baby Sophie , rather than fear, pain or apprehension. Sophie’s delivery was an amazing experience.”  said Mari (another Hypnotherapy devotee) after her babies fast safe natural delivery , “During the labour my husband Ben, who attended the hypno birthing with me,  was able to remind  me the techniques and breathing.  It really helped us both . Naturally and fairly comfortably she arrived safely into our arms”.

In 1942, Childbirth without Fear was published; written by English obstetrician Grantly Dick-Read. The book introduced the idea of using hypnotherapy for childbirth.[12]

Obstetrician Grantly Dick-Read first wrote about the use of hypnosis to reduce pain in the 1930s in his work on natural childbirth and since the 1980s a range of different techniques have been developed that utilize hypnosis in a natural childbirth.

 There have been numerous studies showing that hypnosis is effective in reducing or eliminating pain during childbirth..

There have been numerous studies confirming these key findings that compared to general population figures, hypnosis and self-hypnosis during childbirth leads to:

• decreased average length of labour

• lower cesearean rates

• decreased use of pain relief medication such as gas and epidurals

• increased ease and comfort of labour and birth (self-reported and observed)

• greater emotional satisfaction for mothers as a result of having their birthing partners informed, involved and supportive.

Many Mums are turning to natural Hypno birthing support to overcome fears of childbirth, and experience more comfortable births . Midwives commonly report , the best births are usually where the mum was so deeply focused , relaxed  and that’s exactly what Hypno birthing creates;  deeply focused , relaxed , confident birthing mums  . A birthing mum deeply focused feels that beautiful deep connection to their body and baby during the process.

In a world of pharmacological solutions or expensive, long, yet unrewarding strategies to life’s everyday obstacles, Hypnotherapy offers a powerful, natural, real solution for all people, helping them to live a fuller more satisfying and healthy life….. Try it!

Jane can be contacted directly via text or phone call: 0417 545 475. Her practise is at Kundalini House, 391a St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North, VIC 3068.

 

 Please rate this wake up world post using the stars below. Your ratings will provide us a better understanding of  topics that are important to our readers.   We also wish to thank everyone for their continued support of Kundalini House and the Kundalini Houses Blog.  Sat Nam.

 

 

Pelvic Instability during Pregnancy: A case study

This case study on Pelvic Instability during pregnancy needs to start at the birth of my gorgeous boy, Junah, who unfortunately became posterior during the labour and remained that way as we laboured together for well… lets say for over 35 hours. Thankfully years of Yoga and some incredible Birth Support people I managed to push him out naturally without pain relief for a natural birth that I truly wanted. He came out healthy and well and ready to attach and take part in the world.

Unfortunately when I went to get up after the birth I couldn’t walk, my pubic synthesis had pulled apart. It may have been from his positioning or the fact that I ended up on my back in stirrups so that a crowd of concerned medicos could be ready for his late arrival, which would have left my pelvis unsupported and prone to movement.

Whatever the reason, I had a healthy baby but was left unable to walk, turn over in bed and in significant pain for the first months of his life. I trundled along on a borrowed Zimmer frame and prepared to repair, while trying to work out how to be a mother. So after 2 long years of personal trainers, Yoga, Acupuncture, Bowen and Osteopathy I walked away feeling finally recovered.

So when I became pregnant with my second bundle of joy and I found that less than 20 weeks into my pregnancy I started to get pelvic pain reminiscent of my pubic synthesis pain, my heart sank. And it was becoming very painful, very quickly. A check up with the Physiotherapy at my Maternity Hospital confirmed Pelvic Instability, probably made worse by a pubic synthesis that was not completely healed from the last injury. It felt like I was heading towards crutches quickly.

Pelvic Instability is a term used to describe a group of conditions causing pelvic girdle pain. Symptoms can range from lower back pain, to groin and sacral pain and can vary in severity, 25% of women can experience serious pelvis pain and 8% are severely disabled according to a recent study[1].

There are some practical points you can follow to help with Pelvic Instability (see below), that I started straight away, but I also started my own programme.

• Stop all heavy lifting
• Avoid climbing stairs
• Keep knees together
• Strapping (which didn’t help much for my particular instability)
• Early referral to a physiotherapist specialising in women’s health (unfortunately, because of how busy they were seeing so many women with Pelvic instability, I only got to see her once for a diagnosis)
• Decrease walking and your stride

My own programme included:

• A change in my daily yoga program to a pelvis strengthening Kriya (Kundalini Yoga) slightly revised. Prescribed by a Kundalini Yoga Therapy Teacher
  • Cat/cows
  • Cat/cows with leg lifts
  • Straight leg lifting
  • 20 frog squats
• A one on one Pilates consultation – every week
• Bowen Therapy – every 3 weeks
• Acupuncture – every 3 weeks[2]
• An Osteopathic treatment

The Bowen Therapy was my most consistent treatment and after the first treatment I stood and walked away with decreased pain and more stability. It was bliss, but I was still sore. In the second treatment she was able to do some deeper work and she managed to adjust my sacrum. This treatment was stronger and the next day I was in pain but I didn’t realise until the 4^th day that the pain was not structural but muscular and in a different spot. 5 days after the treatment, as the Bowen Therapist suggested I felt my best – strong and pretty much pain free! However the third treatment was the most responsive, again the treatment was stronger but my body was handling it. I stood up straight after the treatment pain free! The weakness and instability I had been feeling just didn’t seem to be there, a condition I had been told was only going to get worse, was actually getting better.

I followed this third treatment with a Cranial-Sacral Osteopathic treatment, which again left me a little sore, but a week later I was walking, feeling clearer in my head and softer in my body.

The Acupuncture treatments were less consistent though, just through my own availability and having a busy 3 year old. I tended to use them to help my nausea, dizziness tiredness and mood swings rather than asking her to directly treat my hips; as these symptoms were significant too.

My personal morning practice increased to include exercises the Pilates instructor gave me, including adductor strengthening. I added a Kundalini Yoga meditation to help me find balance and work on my mental and emotional health. Some mornings I was too sore and tired to do the full routine and I noticed if I missed it more than 2-3 days in a row, my pelvic floor would feel significantly weaker and I’d have incontinence problems when I sneezed. A problem I hadn’t experienced since early after my first birth. It was as if the muscles would stop working. My 3 year old and husband were crucial to these hour long sessions and Junah learnt to sit patiently and play as I went through my routine, with occasional stops to get a piece of vegemite toast for him along the way.

The individual Pilates sessions were incredible, my instructors’ focus to detail about how my body was actually moving was eye opening. She would take me through an exercise for 5 to 10 repetitions and then stop, but my body memory responded and I found that within the first week I was walking differently, moving differently and feeling differently within my body. Each week, with her tiny adjustments and instructions my body was learning to move and strengthening in a way that was therapeutic and more conducive to health.

At 30 weeks into my pregnancy I feel confident to say that my Pelvic Instability is not such a problem. With experienced guidance and some skilful practitioners my body has healed and I have regained health. This process has not been easy at times and I have shed tears of frustration and fear at my own limitations but slowly I have learnt and listened to my body and again I have found a profound ability in my body to heal and repair. Although I still feel pain at times and I am still following all the advice and keeping up my daily practice, I am 90% pain free unless I lift something or “someone” heavy. I feel a vulnerability in my Pubic synthesis area but I am confident that my pelvis is stable and my pelvic floor is strong to take me into the last trimester.

Pip Atherstone-Reid

Owner & Founder of Kundalini House

Acupuncturist

9482 4325

If you are experiencing Pelvic pain during pregnancy, see your specialised Practitioner or Therapist before starting any programme.

Pracitioners:

Billie Atherstone

Kundalini House

Yoga Therapist and Teacher

Bowen Therapist

Brooke Campbell

Kundalini House

Acupuncture

Jen Savage

Kundalini House

Osteopath

Maggie MacGill

Orb

Pilates Instructor

Nicole Zurzolo

Catherine Rice

Kundalini House

Prenatal Massage

[1] Wu WH, Meijer OG, Uegaki K, et al. Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain (PPP), I:Terminology, clinical presentation, and prevalence. Eur Spine J 2004;13:575–89.

[2] After treatment, pelvic pain was reduced significantly in the group who had stabilising exercises compared with controls (median difference 9 points (P = 0.0312) for pain in the morning; 13 points (P = 0.0245) in the evening), but the reduction in pain was even greater for those who had acupuncture (12 in the morning and 27 in the evening, both P < 0.001). Elden H, Ladfors L, Olsen MF, Ostgaard HC, Hagberg H. Effects of acupuncture and stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain: randomised single blind controlled trial. BMJ 2005;330: 761.

 

Please rate this wake up world post using the stars below. Your ratings will provide us a better understanding of  topics that are important to our readers.   We also wish to thank everyone for their continued support of Kundalini House and the Kundalini Houses Blog.  Sat Nam.

The V Word

Vulnerability is the new word on the block. Thanks to Brene Brown and her inspiring ted talk, (if you haven’t checked it out yet then jump on board: http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability) the word vulnerability is finally being understood and accepted for its authentic meaning rather then the condemning it has received in our culture for so long.
vulnerable
/ˈvʌlnərəbəl/
adjective
1.
capable of being physically or emotionally wounded or hurt

To be honest, I experienced a moments hesitation to include the dictionary definition of vulnerability in this article for fear of scaring people off in the first paragraph. But I recognised that to truly honor this article I must include it, because although the fear was trying to shove me back into my little nest of safety, I intuitively felt that it was important to include it. So there it is. And that, right there my friend, is vulnerability.

Recently I was discussing the V word with a dear friend and when I mentioned how practicing it on a daily basis was empowering me, her eyes glazed over with doubt. Finally she said that she had always understood vulnerability to be a weakness therefore it seemed a contradiction that I was feeling stronger through practicing it. Her honesty in that moment was a perfect example of how vulnerability has received such a bad rap over the years, The V word is right up there with the F bomb. People recoil from vulnerability from the understanding that it is showing weakness, therefore as a defense most of us have learnt to armor up to prevent being wounded. But as we know, it is the scars that we learn the most from and which make for the most interesting stories. A cliche ain’t there for no reason – what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger.

I know this defensiveness this first hand, I wore one hell of a silver-plated-breast-plate over my heart for years. It was impenetrable. I put it on after a relationship break up and this armor represented me as a “strong independent woman, I don’t need no man nah-ah” which kept any and all levels of intimacy in far reach from my heart. I now recognise that this armor of not needing ANYONE was actually my fear of opening myself to being wounded again. Because let me tell you, behind that solid wall that I had built was a heart that longing for connection and intimacy.

It is through practicing vulnerability that I have learnt of the healing power of connection. And it is only through vulnerability that we connect. Truly connect. It does seem like a contradiction that speaking our truth cultivates stronger bonds with people since sometimes there is the risk of hurting the other person, but its seems to be the law of the universe, because it just works, you simply have to try it to believe it. This is why the premise of all Hollywood block busters include the hero’s journey – the protagonist having to face his or her fears – slay the dragon, face the high-school bully, climb to the dark depth of Mordor – they are all opening themselves up to wounding but end up winning the girl, slaying the dragon, saving the world…

So what the heck does practicing vulnerability look like you say? Vulnerability is being honest. Its there in those moments where intuitively you want to say your truth but instead you say nothing either for fear of hurting someone, being ridiculed, misunderstood, or just not being heard. Or you tell a little white lie, a manipulation of your truth, suffocating your authentic voice into the dark depths of doubt and insecurity. Therefore to practice vulnerability you must practice speaking your truth. And this can be really tricky as it is not something that a lot of us have been taught to do in a conservative culture of manners. But what I understand from depression and anxiety (from first hand experience and through my clients) is that it can manifests from repression of truth, holding back on emotions, swallowing down hopes and dreams.

Therefore, practicing vulnerability is good for our health! Why? because it cultivates connection. Humans crave the truth – this is why celebrity mags – stars without make up! – fly off the shelves and rock star autobiographies are so popular – we all crave to know the truth behind the super ego of Hollywood, we drool over pages of photos of celebs at their most vulnerable moments. We resonate with truth as human beings. Truth is the universal language.
You are worth being heard, and the reality is that you might be wounded along the way, although at least you honored yourself in the process and that is where true healing begins.

A wise man once said “do something everyday that scares you”. This is how we grow. This is how we learn. Mine for today was posting this article.

I would love to hear about yours and what came of it.

Be honest. Speak your truth. Challenge yourself to be vulnerable. And welcome the surprising reward of connection that follows. You deserve it.

Written by Laura Griffin

Laura Griffin offers Trans-personal Counselling sessions from Kundalini House on Tuesdays from 9:00-6:00pm. To book, contact Laura on 0402179377.

 

Please rate this wake up world post using the stars below. Your ratings will provide us a better understanding of  topics that are important to our readers.   We also wish to thank everyone for their continued support of Kundalini House and the Kundalini Houses Blog.  Sat Nam.

Winter Solstice and Qi Gong

Winter is the season of regeneration and repair, so it is the perfect time to tone the yin and to call on the wisdom of the Water element. This is the most Yin season, energy is now stored deeply down solid in the roots in nature. Winter is the season to nourish and support the kidneys, a time to nurture the most vital structures of the body, to focus on restoring kidney vitality so that when spring comes we have enough energy to grow and to function well. During winter the body changes from weak Yin to extreme Yin, qi deficiency occurs in the Kidneys and Wei Qi (protective qi) shrinks to the centre of the body. The Kidneys are associated with the emotion of fear and during this season the spirit can sink and depression increases. Winter is the time to let go of fear, a time to find acceptance for the changes in your life and to cultivate your ability to adapt and flow as we move into a deep resting and hush of the season.

In addition to the Kidneys during winter there is a focus on the paired organ; the Urinary Bladder, as well as the Adrenal Glands, Ears, and Hair. During this season our Qi retracts from the outer area of the body and settles in the Bones, Kidneys, and Lower Dantian which can leave our protective Qi vulnerable to germs and viruses. This is a time for mild – moderate physical exercise, it is recommended to shed just a little sweat, not too much, otherwise it hurts the yang energy of the body. Its a wonderful time for Qigong,
Taiji, Yoga and Walking. You can strengthen the Wei Qi energy through stimulating and massaging the ears, kidneys and balls of the feet.

Winter is also a time to conserve energy spiritually, to recollect your thoughts, do sitting meditation, rest more, and cut down on overstimulation and busyness. If possible don’t stay up too late during this period, try to go to bed earlier, 9 or 10 o’clock and rise a little later, after the sun comes up. Not conserving energy in winter is certain to lead to illness in the coming spring. During Winter, people with heart and lung problems should take extra care to keep warm, the coldness contracts the blood vessels and can exacerbate conditions such as asthma and other respiratory issues.

The foods of the winter season are Salty with an emphasis on warming foods such as soups and stews, root vegetables, beans, miso, seaweed, garlic and ginger, as well as herbs; coriander, fresh peppercorns, marjoram, oregano, thyme and fennel. Salty foods include crab, crayfish, clams, oysters, mussels, sardines, pork, pork kidney, flake, squid, soy sauce, millet and barley. The Chinese tradition is to eat turnips in winter, which can help to clear up excessive heat. It is also essential to drink plenty of fluids, especially warm fluids such as warm water or tea.

Join me in my Winter Solstice Seasonal Qigong Workshop to explore gentle stretches, stimulation and massage, flowing movements and standing postures complementary to the season. We will look inward, strengthen our kidney essence, release stored fears, increase wisdom and stimulate the removal of toxins from the body.

Written by Qigong teacher Nicole Betts. Nicole teaches at Kundalini House on Wednesday 8-9am and Thursday 12:15-1:15pm.