Welcome note

Season’s Greetings to everyone,

Welcome to the last issue of Discover Healths newsletter for 2009,

I can hardly believe that it is only 23 sleeps till the big jolly man comes sliding down my chimney. This year for some reason seems to have gone much faster than any previous one that I can remember; perhaps it is because it has been such a busy year, shifting the premises and the inclusion of our new vision into the practice.

Here at Discover we are all looking forward to the commencement of summer and perhaps taking a step out of the usual day to day activities will allow us all the time to enjoy the weather.  It is often once we stop for awhile, take a deep breath and look around that we notice things that we haven’t taken in for some time.  It is essential when our lives are busy to stop every now and then, recharge, rejuvenate and refocus. 

Tarryn has written some great tidbits on taking a break, breathing correctly and fun ways to bring this into our daily lives.  Check out the fun Christmas gifts and don’t forget if you are stuck for ideas we are here to help out.  Our Christmas hampers have always proved to be popular in the past and this year we have the added bonus of the beauty spa for those guys and gals who love to give gift vouchers.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support.  As we move into the New Year of 2010 please continue to contact us to let us know what pleases you, and also wherever we can improve our services to assist you further in your journey.  We do appreciate your feedback and encourage it with open arms.  Our hours over the festive season will be as follows:

December 23rd 2008 – closing for business at 6pm.
January 11th 2009 – opening for business at 8am.

However, Kamal our Spa Therapist will be available for any treatments over this period should you desire relaxation massage, waxing, tints, pedicure/manicures, facials etc. 

As things get more frantic leading up to the holiday period, don’t let others stresses become your stress.  Take time for yourself, keep happy and healthy.  Embrace life and surround yourself with positive energetic people.  It makes the journey so much more rewarding.  Remember it is a season to be enjoyed and although there are additional stresses put upon us all – watch the children and see their excitement.  It is infectious if you let it be. 

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous Christmas and New Year.  I look forward to seeing you all in 2010.

Jen

Tea of the month  Christmas Cookies 

A perfect Christmas companion: black tea together with cinnamon, spicy coriander, cardamom, cloves, pepper and orange make this delicious taste experience a yuletide treat. The orange spicy smell is just delicious too! And it helps that all these spices will help your poor digestion after the overindulgence ocf Christmas food!

Running short on time and ideas for Christmas Gifts? We have a range of gifts available in different price range and various options.  Some examples below:

Dr Hauschka Trial Size:
A great introductory to luxurious natural skincare, and very handy for travelling.

Body Care Kit $39

This handy tin features soap-free Lemon Body Wash and Rose Body Wash; Hand Cream; Lavender Bath; Quince Body Moisturizer and Rose Body Moisturizer; Lemon Lemongrass Body Oil and Rose Body Oil. Nurture, soothe and restore the whole body to a state of health and beauty. Click here for more details

Daily Face Care Kit $39

This great pack will help keep skin fresh, clean and supple. Discover a combination of products that results in healthy, toned and radiant skin. Includes travel sizes of Cleansing Cream, Cleansing Milk, Facial Toner, Moisturizing Day Cream, Rose Day Cream and Quince Day Cream. Click here for more details

Dr Hauschka Citrus Summer Luvin $39
Includes an After Sun Lotion (100ml) to soothe sunkissed skin, and protect and keep your tan, Blackthorn Body Wash (30ml) to soothe and refresh the skin, and Lemon Lemongrass Body oil (trail) to refresh and revive skin after a day in the sun.  A perfect summer Christmas present!!  Clcik here for more details

Himalayan Salt Lamps (ranging from $15 – $59.95)
A lamp for any room, with health benefits! The salt lamps emit negatives ions – similar to that of the ocean, cleaning up pollution and neutralising electromagnetic stress such as from computers and electrical appliances.  They also draw in moisture, create a great ambience and fantastic for a child’s night lamp.
Click here for more details

Discover Health Vouchers $value of choice
This voucher is a fantastic gift for any family, friend or colleague.  The voucher is redeemable for any Naturopathic appointments or for any therapy with our beautician (please click here for services and prices) click here to contact us

Gift Pack $value of choice
Stuck on ideas? Let us make up a beautiful basket of beautiful products whether it is teas, skin care, salt lamps, oils etc we can help! click here to contact us

Chocolate (cacoa) and Cashew Bliss Ball:

1/2 to 1 cup of cashews blended until smooth ( or you can cheat and buy cashew butter)
2 Tablespoons of honey
1 Tspn vanilla extract
4 - 8 dates (to your taste)
2 Tablespoons organic cacoa
Optional: roll in coconut

Throw into a blender if needed, then roll into a ball.

 The Importance of Breathing

It seems that with the Recession and the Doom and Gloom the Media have portrayed on us, our general society has become a lot more anxious, wound up and stressed over the past year.  One of the main things, which is unfortunately something we tend to not think about is the importance of proper breathing.  Generally when we are going through our day to day activities, and are fairly relaxed, our system stays in what is known as the Para Sympathetic Nervous System which governs the natural functioning of our body such as breathing, heart rate, digestion etc.  However, when we become more frantic (which Pre Xmas is always such a time) our body switches to our Sympathetic  Nervous System.  This is where we are in fight or flight, and our general stress response kicks in with higher cortisol and Adrenaline, increased Blood Pressure, etc and as a result, our normal functions such as breathing, and digestion are lowered. 

When we are in this state, our breathing is affected by becoming faster and shallow.  The effect of this on our body is reduced vitality which at this time of year is the last thing we want to be decreasing.  Shallow breathing can also be a contributing factor in fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety, stomach upsets, heart bum, gas, muscle cramps, dizziness, visual problems, chest pain and heart palpitations.

It is essential in order for us to regain charge of our body and to correct the functioning of our vital systems to take the time to stop, relax and revive ourselves.  Particularly at this time of year, we tend to go, go, go without letting our system and body catch up.  We also tend to get caught up in the small things and let them become a focus and a stress.  When we take a step out of our shoes, and take the time to reflect, we can start to appreciate the big picture, and be grateful for where we are and the loved ones we are surrounded with.  The small stuff can fix itself, and when we are looking back on our years, it is these moments that won’t matter in the great scheme of things. 

When we allow ourselves to stop, and focus on our breath, we get the following benefits from ensuring we are taking long, slow deep breaths.

1. Improvement in the quality of the blood due to its increased oxygenation in the lungs. This aids in the elimination of toxins from the system.

2. Increase in the digestion and assimilation of food. The digestive organs such as the stomach receive more oxygen, and hence operates more efficiently. The digestion is further enhanced by the fact that the food is oxygenated more.

3. Improvement in the health of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerve centers and nerves. This is due again to the increased oxygenation and hence nourishment of the nervous system. This improves the health of the whole body, since the nervous system communicates to all parts of the body.

4. Rejuvenation of the glands, especially the pituitary and pineal glands. The brain has a special affinity for oxygen, requiring three times more oxygen than does the rest of the body. This has far-reaching effects on our well being.

5. Rejuvenation of the skin. The skin becomes smoother and a reduction of facial wrinkles occurs.

6. The movements of the diaphragm during the deep breathing exercise massage the abdominal organs - the stomach, small intestine, liver and pancreas. The upper movement of the diaphragm also massages the heart. This stimulates the blood circulation in these organs.

7. The lungs become healthy and powerful, a good insurance against respiratory problems.

8. Deep, slow, breathing reduces the work load for the heart. The result is a more efficient, stronger heart that operates better and lasts longer. It also means reduced blood pressure and less heart disease.

9. Deep, slow breathing assists in weight control. If you are overweight, the extra oxygen burns up the excess fat more efficiently. If you are underweight, the extra oxygen feeds the starving tissues and glands.

10. Relaxation of the mind and body. Slow, deep, rhythmic breathing causes a reflex stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which results in a reduction in the heart rate and relaxation of the muscles. These two factors cause a reflex relaxation of the mind, since the mind and body are very interdependent. In addition, oxygenation of the brain tends to normalize brain function, reducing excessive anxiety levels.

Some of the most beneficial ways to start incorporating deep breathing exercises into your daily practise are regular yoga classes, tai chi or even meditation.  These classes are not only great for the body physically, but also teach you to breathe properly and by focusing on this breath, it allows your body to slow down, readjusting hormone levels and stress responses.  The progression of these activities has been significant over the last few years, improving them to be tailored more towards “professionals” and no longer only something that “tree hugging hippies” do.  I would suggest finding a local class to begin practising one or more of these to start focusing on your breathing, and improving your longevity.

This holiday period, ensure to take the time out to breathe, readjust and revive yourself.  Enrol in some classes, or at home start focusing on breathing exercises every night, ensuring your exhale is longer than the inhale, and the breath is coming from your belly not your chest.

Enjoy the holidays, and hopefully you will find the time to relax, unwind and refresh to start 2010 with a bang!