Ailments & Conditions, Recipes, All Things Chinese Medicine and Lifestyle Blog Posts
Do you need to be taking supplements for fertility? And if so, which ones? As anyone who has struggled to conceive knows, infertility can be a hard journey with many treatment possibilities. But, one factor that may boost your chances can be relatively simple: your diet. Micronutrients you get through food or supplements play a
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How can acupuncture be used for IVF? Acupuncture is an exciting option for those undergoing IVF who are looking for some support. Acupuncture may help to improve the chances of conceiving from IVF and support a successful birth. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for couples who want to avoid the side effects of medication. So,
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So, what does the ideal period actually look like? When it comes to periods, our information may be relative to our own experiences or what we hear from friends and family. I’m here to share with you my idea of the ideal period! First off, understand your bleed. Volume: A light period can require less
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A sign saying menopause approaching warning for the symptoms including weight gain
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Let’s talk about Libido… I think the time has come, so let’s talk about Libido. Low libido essentially means low sex drive, but it can also be associated with no sex drive or not being able to get or sustain an erection. However, that issue could also be referred to as erectile dysfunction. They have different terms,
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Tired of waking up with stiff, achy joints that make simple movements a challenge? Acupuncture might hold the key to unlocking improved joint mobility and relieving discomfort. Let’s explore how acupuncture can help alleviate stiff joints and improve overall joint health. Understanding Stiff Joints: Stiff joints can result from various factors: age, injury, overuse, inflammation,
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This Dill and Cucumber Salad is the perfect summer side salad! This Dill and Cucumber Salad is the perfect summer side dish. Not only is it delicious, but it also has medicinal properties as well! In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the cucumber is known for its cool nature, giving it the ability to
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What actually happens in a Cosmetic acupuncture appointment? What should you expect? Are you wondering what exactly happens in a Cosmetic Acupuncture appointment? Liah runs us through what to expect during an appointment and shows us what a cosmetic acupuncture treatment actually looks like. What is Cosmetic Acupuncture? As the title implies, Cosmetic Acupuncture is
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Low back pain…. truly a pain in the backside! Careers where you spend a long time bent over at a desk, poor posture, and stress can all contribute to back stiffness, tension, and aching. However, acupuncture is here to help. Our main goals through treatment are to: and Within one session, you should feel immediate
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How are you doing?No, how are you really doing? Did anyone know during the month of June we had Men’s Health week? No? Well, I’m not surprised. We don’t really like to talk about it. But that’s the problem right there. So I thought I’d have a little rant about health in a way the chaps might find
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Chronic pain in can present in many different areas and with varying intensity. Chronic pain, usually present for a number of months, is often the result a specific injury, such as: lower back muscle strain or disc damage arthritis sciatic pain nerve impingement But it also might happen because of a treatment or procedure. An
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(see vegetarian option below ) This is a lovely winter dish! With its simple mix of meat and spices, it’s not only delectable but will nourish and warm you deep from the inside. Beef will warm your digestive system and directs warmth to the lower parts of your body. It improves circulation and blood production,
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Headaches can be a pain in the…… The reasons why we get headaches seems like a never ending list: The good news is, acupuncture is an excellent thing to do to help with your headaches. Interestingly a number of acupuncture points will can reduce headaches even if the cause of them is unclear. Some points are so
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Bitter melon is a gourd that originated from India and was introduced in China in the 14th century. Although bitter melon is not a common fruit, it has a lot of health benefits, especially in the warmer seasons. It is rich in fibre, iron, calcium, vitamin c and is great for overall well-being. From a
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Cosmetic acupuncture has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason! It is a celebrity-approved facial treatment that can transform ageing, acne-prone, scarred, and uneven skin tone. As a painless alternative to the injection of chemicals, laser and other invasive procedures, cosmetic acupuncture is relaxing and 100% natural. You may be asking, what
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Are you experiencing irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping at night, mood swings and approaching your forties? You may be approaching perimenopause or menopause. Menopause is a natural process that occurs when a woman stops having periods permanently and cannot become pregnant naturally. Perimenopause means ‘around menopause’ and indicates the time in which
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That persistent Melbourne cold loves to make its way into our bodies and lodge deep into our muscles and channels. Feeling creaky and stiff in the morning? Cold fingers and toes? Slow digestion? You may have Cold in your channels. Cold can also make its way into our bodies through diet: raw, cold, and energetically cold foods (such
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We are delighted to introduce you to you one of the newest members of the Gardenvale TCM team, Michelle! Michelle is an extremely passionate and knowledgeable practitioner that and we are thrilled to have join our team. Michelle is a registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist. Michelle’s commitment to incorporating both traditional and modern knowledge encouraged
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We tend to be more susceptible to colds during winter, as the wind and cold can force our immune system to work harder than it is used to. The nature of cold is slow and constricting and this can occur on a physiological level as it constricts our blood vessels and impacts circulation, leading to
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We spend most of lives in fear of getting pregnant, but now it’s now time to clear up some questions about the birds and the bees. Please send through any other questions you have, there is no such thing as a silly question. When should we have sex? Most women who I see have been
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Sleep Hygiene Hi it’s Jane and Nick from Gardenvale Chinese Medicine. A lot of our patients have problems when it comes to sleeping, either problems falling asleep, or trouble staying asleep. Today we thought we would share some tips and tricks for good sleep hygiene. It’s a bit of a buzz word lately, “sleep hygiene”,
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Chinese medicine has an interesting approach to food and eating for better health…
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– A root or two is mighty good for you! This soup recipe is jam-packed not just with one or two roots, but with multiple delectable and very colourful root vegetables. It is so easy to make and so full of goodness that it’s hard to believe. It will soothe your tastebuds, strengthen your digestive system, nourish your blood,
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Nick and Jane talk over hydration Simple tips and tricks to keep hydrated and to be aware not to drink too much.
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When you are reaching for your next coffee, perhaps stop and ask yourself “what is your body really trying to tell you?” If you’re tired and looking for an energy boost, I suggest you try 15 minutes of lying down with your eyes closed, that’s what I do. Alternatively, try a five minute walk with some deep belly breathing. Oxygen always helps fatigue.
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After the overindulgent festive season, many people ask about Chinese herbal medicine to assist with weight loss. Weight loss herbs selected will generally: Tonify spleen qi, Increase your energy, Enhance your immune system and Eliminate phlegm and dampness from the body. Herbs are selected according to your pulse and tongue diagnosis. However, a generic tea
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Bone broth is rich with minerals and proteins. These assist to strengthen joints and muscles, as well as reduce any inflammation. In addition, collagen is responsible for healing the lining of the gut and will strengthen the digestive system as well as increase metabolism. The immune system will also be strengthened as collagen promotes the
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Previously we’ve discussed weight training and exercise during our menstrual cycle, today I’d like to talk about how food can help keep our hormones in balance.
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Alcohol attracts a lot of attention, especially at this time of year. In Australia, we are known for binge drinking. European’s sip on it before a meal, and it is banned in the Middle East. In China, it has been used socially and medicinally for thousands of years. In fact, alcohol was first brewed in
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In addition to acupuncture, Chinese Medicine includes a range of treatment options including herbal medicine, diet therapy, cupping and acupressure. Acupressure involves the stimulation of acupuncture points by fingers, hands and elbows. Acupressure can be applied at home to keep up momentum in between treatments. Acupressure can also be used by partners to help their
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At the clinic, I meet lots of young girls who have been put on the oral contraceptive pill (referred to as the pill from here). I also meet lots more women who want to come off the pill after being on it from since they were teenagers and are now in their 30’s and want
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Finally we can wake and shake off the dregs of the cold damp winter. The arrival of spring brings warmer temperatures and less frost, the trees begin to bud and flower and the grass starts to grow. In Chinese medicine the season of spring relates to a Yang energy, which creates a growing upward and
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An attempt to explain Traditional Chinese Medicine – Part 1 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a unique system of health. It evolved over thousands of years in China, stemming from the Taoist philosophy. TCM looks at health as a system of balance. If the balance is comprised in any way this may lead to ill
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When is it appropriate to take antibiotics? How to know if your infection is viral or bacterial.
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Need some breakfast inspiration? Our nutritionist Margo White has created fruity baked oats that the whole family can enjoy! Ingreadients 2 cups oats 2 cups milk (coconut, almond, cows, soy) 1 tsp cinnamon 2 eggs I grated zucchini (extra nutrition and you can’t taste it) 2 tbsp hemp seeds 1 mashed banana 1/4 cup maple
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Spice up your weekend breakfast with these simple sugar free 3 ingredient crepes. Ingredients 110g flour/GF flour 2 Large eggs 230 mls milk Method Whisk flour and eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking – this should create a lovely pourable batter. Heat large frypan
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What is a BBT Chart: Basal Body Temperature (BBT) charting was first identified in the 1930s as a rhythm method of birth control. With the addition of monitoring cervical fluid and cervical positioning, the rhythm method of contraception upheld a 98% success rate. This newfound fertility awareness opened up a wealth of information to increase
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Cooking Tips & Tricks For Supercharged Meatballs Tips on how to make your meatballs superfood worthy (and extra delicious): Use almond meal as your binding agent for gluten free balls and blood sugar stabilisation Add bone broth powder and grass fed gelatine for gut support A pinch of seaweed flakes adds important trace minerals, such
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Apple crumble for breakfast?! Yes indeed. Making some simple swaps turns this dessert into a nutritious breakfast. Enjoy warm or cold with your favourite yoghurt. Filling: 4 cups of peeled and sliced apples (4 med) 2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Topping: 1/2 cup almond
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We have discussed Pulse Diagnosis so we thought why not touch on Tongue Diagnosis. Tongue Diagnosis is another tool used in a TCM consultation to reveal how the body is functioning. As you can tell by the image, when looking at the tongue we look at its colour, shape, coating and movements. These characteristics highlight
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Each and every consultation with our practitioners involves them feeling your pulses. But why do they do this? The pulse is a very important diagnostic tool in TCM. As you can see in the photo above, Nick has 3 fingers placed over the pulse. This is because of the three sections of the pulse, Cun
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These delicious bliss balls are the perfect snack to bring to a festive gathering. Goji berries are high in antioxidants, especially zeaxanthin which helps the eyes. They contain large amounts of vitamins A and C, which together with the antioxidants help the immune system. They also contain beta-carotene, which is known for its ability to
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