natural therapy Archives -

Navigating Perimenopause to Menopause Together

Featured by DriftRemedialandRelaxationMassage, posted in Women's Health

Perimenopause and Menopause doesn’t need to be suffered through, with the right professional help your journey will be supported with a holistic and empathetic approach.

In my 18-year tenure as a doctor, I’ve noticed a concerning trend in women’s health. While contraception and pregnancy care receive significant attention, menopause and perimenopause are often sidelined in medical training.

This oversight leads to misunderstandings and neglect of these crucial phases, with women sometimes being discouraged from considering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) due to unfounded fears perpetuated even within the medical community.

Over time, a significant portion of my patients have been women grappling with perimenopause and menopause, revealing a glaring gap in their healthcare. This realization has driven me to focus on serving these women who have long suffered in silence.

Specializing in their care has been incredibly fulfilling, witnessing the transformative impact of tailored treatments on their well-being. I firmly believe that expanding our understanding of women’s health beyond conventional boundaries is essential.

By addressing the specific challenges of menopause and perimenopause, we can provide more holistic and empathetic care, ultimately reshaping the landscape of women’s healthcare for the better.

Understanding Your Transition

Perimenopause often starts subtly in your 40s, sometimes earlier, signaling a time of change. You might notice periods becoming less predictable, unexpected warm sensations, or shifts in your mood. This period, potentially lasting about a decade, marks your body’s natural progression towards a new phase.

Menopause, defined by a year without menstruation, usually occurs between 45 and 55 years. It signifies a noteworthy transition, concluding fertility and bringing its own experiences, such as continuous hot flushes and mood adjustments.

Moving Beyond Standard Medical Consultations

It’s common to feel overlooked during standard medical consultations, with complex symptoms quickly attributed to stress or aging. Frequently, this leads to leaving with prescriptions—antidepressants, sleeping aids, or painkillers—that address symptoms superficially without tackling the hormonal imbalances at the core. This approach can leave you feeling misunderstood, with the root cause of your discomfort unaddressed.

Embracing an Integrative Approach

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At Drift Wellness Centre, I adopt a holistic, tailored approach to health during this
transition. By understanding each symptom in depth, I can customize your care, whether it’s through personalized hormone therapy, lifestyle adjustments to enhance your overall well-being, or natural remedies and supplements specifically chosen for you. My goal is to address your well-being in its entirety, ensuring a balanced, effective strategy for symptom management and hormonal support.

Walking This Path Together

Choosing this journey with me at Drift Wellness Centre means you’re not navigating this alone. I’m here to support you with empathy, expertise, and personalized care every step of the way. Together, we’ll navigate this transition aiming not just to manage symptoms but to thrive, embracing these changes with confidence and well-being.

WRITTEN BY anna ord, intergrated doctor

Dr Anna is passionate about helping women with their perimenopause and menopause journey. She dedicates each Monday to assisting women at Drift Wellness Centre in Clarkson. You can find out more about Dr Anna and book in your appointment at her website www.drannaord.com

The benefits of combining Massage and Stretch and Mobility Training

Featured by DriftRemedialandRelaxationMassage, posted in Importance of Movment

When you are in the pursuit of a healthy balanced life, it’s essential to consider a holistic approach to wellness. Integrating stretching, mobility training, and massage therapy can be a game-changer in achieving optimal physical and mental well-being.

This synergistic combination offers a myriad of benefits that go beyond relaxation and pain relief.

The Power of Stretching and Mobility Training

Stretching is more than a pre or post workout ritual; it’s a cornerstone of maintaining a functional agile body. By engaging in regular stretching routines, you unlock a host of advantages:

1. Enhanced Range of Motion: Stretching encourages joints to move through their full range, crucial for day-to-day activities and athletic performance.

2. Injury Prevention: A flexible body is less prone to strains and injuries, safeguarding you during physical activities.

3. Improved Posture: Stretching corrects muscle imbalances, promoting proper alignment and reducing strain on the spine.

4. Stress Relief: Stretching induces relaxation, releasing muscle tension and calming the mind.

5. Better Balance and Coordination: It fosters a strong mind-body connection, enhancing coordination and reducing the risk of falls.

Complementing stretching, mobility training focuses on functional movements. It hones in on the body’s ability to execute tasks efficiently and safely, translating to improved performance in everyday life.

The Integrative Magic of Massage

Adding massage therapy to your wellness routine elevates the benefits of stretching and mobility training:

1. Deep Tissue Release: Massage targets knots and tension, ensuring muscles are pliable for effective stretching and mobility exercises.

2. Improved Blood Circulation: Enhanced blood flow aids in nutrient delivery, waste removal, and overall tissue health.

3. Stress Reduction: The calming effect of massage complements stretching, offering a holistic approach to relaxation.

4. Accelerated Recovery: Post-stretching and mobility session massages promote muscle recovery, reducing soreness and expediting healing.

The Synergy Unleashed

When stretching, mobility training, and massage therapy work in harmony, their collective benefits are amplified:

1. Optimized Performance: The combined effects lead to improved physical performance, whether it’s excelling in sports or tackling daily tasks with ease.

2. Enhanced Mind-Body Connection: This trio fosters a profound connection between your mental state and physical abilities, promoting a balanced, centered sense of self.

3. Longevity and Quality of Life: Regular practice of these three components contributes to overall health, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing longevity.

The integration of stretching, mobility training, and massage therapy is a powerful trifecta in the pursuit of holistic wellness. By adopting this approach, we are excited to bring Move Pilates to Drift Massage clients. Providing this synergistic approach to elevate your physical capabilities and nurture your mental and physical well-being.

You will not only elevate your physical capabilities but also nurture your mental well-being. Remember, true wellness is a journey, and with the right tools, you can pave the way to a healthier, happier you. Embrace this and unlock the full potential of your body and mind.

Written by Deborah Swan, Sport Physiologist & pilates instructor

Deborah runs Move Pilates in Kallaroo and holds regular Stretch and Mobility classes at Drift Remedial and Relaxation Massage in Clarkson. Deborah is passionate about helping you to be able to move and function so you can get the most of of your day and achieving your fitness goals through semi-private small classes that are tailored to suit your needs and capabilities.

How to manage Stress and Anxiety with your subconscious

Featured by DriftRemedialandRelaxationMassage, posted in Workshops

Are you feeling stress and anxiety and don’t know what to do about it?

Well… you are not alone, as a Remedial Massage Therapist I see and feel what stress and anxiety does to my clients, and while a regular massage does help to reduce stress, there are alternative therapies that have a longer effect that does not involve medication.

Life is busy, and juggling a career, family, aging parents, running a household and finances can take a tole making stress a part of your day-to-day life, and while many of us can recognise when we are under stress, however sometimes stress can develop over time, and we may not be aware of the effect it is having on us.

Feelings of stress and anxiety:

Worried most of the time
Tense and on edge
Scared
Panicky
Irritability
Detachment from your body

Long term stress can affect may aspects of your mental and physical well-being and can lead to:

Insomnia, sleeping problems
Headaches
Problems concentrating
Malnutrition, gaining or losing weight
Pounding heart
Increased blood pressure
Feeling irritable, teary and or angry
Addictions: alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax

Stressed or Anxious? You are NOT alone!

As a matter of fact:

72% of Australians feel that stress is impacting their physical health

64% of the population think that stress has an impact on their mental health

but… only a few people are seeking professional help.

One way to naturally reduce stress and anxiety is through Hypnosis.

how can hypnosis help you?

Stress and anxiety are subconscious reactions to situations and circumstances.

Sometimes we know what triggers these strong stressful feelings; other times, we do not, and they overcome us straight out of the blue.

The mind is a deeply intricate organ that can be retrained through the therapeutic process of Hypnosis. By getting to the root of the problem, Hypnosis will reveal things that your conscious mind is unaware of.

Hypnosis (as described by the Mayo Clinic) is a trance-like state in which you have heightened focus and concentration. Hypnosis is usually done with the help of a therapist using verbal repetition and mental images. When you’re under hypnosis, you usually feel calm and relaxed, and are more open to suggestions.

Hypnosis can be used to help you gain control over undesired behaviors or to help you cope better with anxiety or pain. It’s important to know that although you’re more open to suggestion during hypnosis, you don’t lose control over your behavior.

During Hypnosis, you get access to your higher mind (subconscious) and changing these programs has a powerful effect on your daily life. This can occur with or without relaxation and therefore Hypnosis is not sleeping, but rather a focused concentration on some idea or image.

Surprisingly, people who had a significant anxiety problem over the years and choose Hypnosis as a last resort and after attending a program of 5 sessions, they don’t recall precisely why they were coming because they don’t experience these problems anymore.

Drift Remedial and Relaxation Massage and Urslua from Hypnosis Joondalup has run previous hypnotherapy workshops in the past. For more information about the benefits of Hypnosis please go to www.hypnosis-joondalup.com.au

Raising the Vibe!

September 26, 2018September 27, 2018 by DriftRemedialandRelaxationMassage, posted in Art en Soul, Wellness Fundraiser

Talk about raising the vibe… I do believe we successfully did that recently at “Raise Your Vibe – Meet Your Tribe” event, where at Art en Soul, we threw open our doors and created a memorable night for all.

Art en Soul Wellness Centre, located near Clarkson Station, has been carefully designed, decorated and harmonised, using Feng Shui remedies, to become a beautiful relaxing haven. A place for calm, healing and peace. A place to escape the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives.

The evening opened with an introduction to the Art en Soul therapists, followed by a group meditation, facilitated by Sarah, our Reiki Master and designed to connect, centre and raise the vibe, and boy it did so, what a buzz was felt in the room.

From there the guests were able to explore the centre, chat with the therapists, get free advice, create a heart-felt message for the Message Tree, which was designed and created especially for the night by Larah from Art Therapy Connect who specialises in helping people connect and heal by expressing and using their hands in creative ways.

Our meeting room was full when Sarah from Neuro Body Balance held a discussion on hormones and hormone balancing and the effects everyday living has on them, including a demonstration showing how we balance hormones with kinesiology. Beth our Naturopath from Naturally Thyroid who shared her wealth of knowledge on the effects of yo-yo dieting on our bodies and how to stop it once and for all with the proven and effective metabolic balance easy weight loss solution.

Sara, with her amazing Feng Shui knowledge and experience, is the creator of our beautiful centre and its nurturing energy. In keeping with her Healthy Home philosophy, on the night she introduced a new natural skin care range called Oxymax. An Australian made chemical free range of skincare products with high quality, natural ingredients that promotes healthy skin and cell rejuvenation. Oxymax is exclusive to Art en Soul in WA.

Venturing outside you came across Narda from Perth Soapworks and her luxurious display of handmade all vegan body soaps and shampoo bars. Not only were you able to purchase her handmade soaps but you could sign up to experience one of her soap making courses.

Elaine from Balance for Life Pilates was on hand to talk to those who wanted to know more about practicing Pilates every Friday morning in Art en Soul’s tranquil courtyard, which makes you feel like you have left the suburbs behind and are on a retreat in Bali.

You could not go pass an organic wine tasting with Howard from Raw Wine Estate, his knowledge and passion for organic wine is infectious and to top it off they are delicious.

Back inside you were able to experience Emmett therapy, a unique form of non-invasive body work, with Riana from Valentino Sanctuary.

While our guests were experiencing all the centre has to offer, I was having a great time meeting guests and helping them to relax, release and reinvigorate their body and mind through a chair massage.

Prizes and giveaways were draw and the night was even more special as we had over 30 people attending the event, and managed to raise over $500 for the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre. A non-profit centre that has built a thriving community of children and parents in Western Australia, supporting them to face the challenges of type 1 diabetes with confidence, through unique educations programs, inspirational role models, support, connection, clinical care, action packed camps and events. As a mum of a Type 1 Diabetes child, the wealth of support and knowledge the centre have given me and my family is invaluable.

Definitely a night enjoyed by all, and we look forward to organising and holding our next one, we hope you can make it!

Massage Therapy for Children

September 1, 2018September 26, 2018 by DriftRemedialandRelaxationMassage, posted in Massage is for everyone

Like adults, children of all ages can benefit both physically and mentally from massage.

As a mum or two busy boys and as a massage therapist I have had experience in working with children to help them through the power of massage.

Both of my boys have enjoy playing football (Aussie Rules) over this winter and both started to complain about heel pain, through palpation I noticed that both boys, who have had growth spurts (still struggling with the fact my 13, now 14 year old is taller than me!) had tight hip flexors, hamstrings and calves. Through regular massage I have been able to release the tightness, reduce their pain and prevent injury. I even sent Will to school the other day with Rock Tape on his legs for his inter-school athletics training to help reduce the tightness in those muscles.

During last years footy season I had been privileged to be able to volunteer my massage services to a year 9’s footy team, with release and recovery massage after training and sports massage before their final game – which they won yay!

This year I have been able to assist my sons year 8 footy team, through massage during training, and with both teams tight hip flexors, gultes and leg muscles was the common issue. Through massage I was able to release these muscles and give the boys tips on how to self massage, self assess and the importance of prevention management.

Our kids can be doing sport and training every day of the week and just like professional athletes, they need time to rest and recover and through massage we can prevent injury, increase their longevity and help them to learn more about how to listen to their muscles.

Here are some of the benefits of massage your child may receive;

Improved sleep patterns
Stress and anxiety reduction
Increased ability to concentrate
Reduction in pain associated with growth spurts and associated injury prevention
Recovery from injury
Prevention of sports related injuries by reducing muscle tension and stiffness while increasing flexibility and range of motion
Reduce post sporting activity soreness and assist in preparing the body for the next event
A better understanding on how their muscles, bones and joints work during sporting activities, how to listen to their body to prevent injuries and the importance of rest and recovery, stretching and rolling are to have longevity as an athlete
Decrease in headaches, shoulder and neck strain from school work, study or ipad use

I offer offers 30 or 60 minutes relaxation, remedial or sports massage as well as kinesiology taping for children of all ages, and is a registered provider for Private Health Insurance so if you cover includes Remedial Massage you may be able to claim my services.

Remedial or Relaxation Massage for Children 16 years and under
30 minutes massage – $30
60 minutes massage – $50 (SPECIAL PRICE – normally $60)
For bookings and further information please call me, Belinda on 0417 176 122 or book online.