Women & Hormones

The recent headline publicity regarding HRT has generated a wave of panic and alarm in our society. May be its now time as women to empower ourselves, to listen & understand more about our bodies.

The hormones in a woman's body is like an intricate musical, where the flow and balance of hormones must perform in perfect synchrony. For every beautiful production there are initial problems. In the same way the initial months in the different phases of a woman's life can have some problems, like that dreaded teenage acne, PMS and hot flushes, insomnia, night sweats etc. However most of these symptoms are initial, and generally are self limiting.

As women we need to become aware and understand the different phases in our bodies. It is important that we do not treat symptoms as hormonal excess or deficiency disease, but rather as natural transitions in a woman's body.

All these cycles or transitions are based and driven by powerful microscopic hormones. These hormones are interrelated and have multiple functions effecting various target cells or organs within the body. Some sex hormones are also intrinsically linked to other hormones in our body like our stress hormones, thyroid hormones etc. Therefore interfering with this delicate balance of hormones and we could be asking for trouble.

From a Natural therapist view point we must address this imbalance from the cause and treat the whole person. Treatment of symptoms should be short term, generally not more than 3-6 months. Treatment would consist of herbs and supplements. A wholistic approach would also include dietary and lifestyle recommendations.

Women can take control and make choices with each stage of their lives. It is important as women to educate ourselves and our children to fully understand and appreciate the beautiful and intricate working of our own bodies. Its every woman’s right to make educated choices regarding her own body & there is just as much power in saying ‘Yes’ as there is in saying ‘No’.

Jacqui

The exercise ball is a simple but effective piece of training equipment that can be used to improve strength, posture, balance and coordination and can be used by people of all ages. The ball can be used to perform functional movements that are used in daily activities or be sport specific.

A major purpose of the ball is to increase core stability of the body, which is necessary for good body posture. A strong core is also the foundation for building strong extremities.

Using the ball as a seat in the workplace or at home is an effective beginners exercise that will increase stability of the pelvis and this can assist greatly in the treatment of existing back pain and in the prevention of back pain. To achieve maximum benefits your exercise ball needs to be matched to your height as a different size ball would be used for sitting in: office or home, as opposed to more advanced exercises. As with all exercises an adequate warm-up should be done first to safeguard against injury.

Nordic has exercise balls for demonstration.

Peter Jeffreys

Nordic was pleased to welcome Amanda Clark on her recent work experience with us. We hope Amanda has gained an insight into all facets of Natural therapies and running of a center. We would like to thank our clients who allowed Amanda to sit in on consultations. On behalf of Amanda we also would like to thank our Practioners who generously gave of their time in sharing their areas of expertise. For us it was a pleasure to have a bright, enthusiastic young lady, who inspired us and gave us confidence that the future is in good hands with youth like Amanda. Wishing you all the very best Amanda.

Jacqui & Dale

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. It presents with pain, stiffness, swelling, deformity & decreased range of motion.

Causes of arthritis are injury, wear & tear, infections, diet, lifestyle & in some cases autoimmune (where your own body attacks itself).

Treatment protocol includes supplementation, herbs, dietary & lifestyle changes. These changes can relieve inflammation, pain & in most cases stop degeneration & rejuvenate the affected joints.

Half a teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in a cup of warm water (can add teaspoon of raw honey to taste). Sip on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. This promotes proper utilization of minerals in the body, improves digestive function & maintains elasticity of body tissues.

Regular moderate outdoor (fresh air & sunshine) exercise like bicycle riding, walking & water exercise to reduce pain & retardation of joint deterioration. Avoid any activity that puts stress on the joints.

Have a healthy diet of wholegrain cereals, fresh 

Topically add 1/2 cup of Apple cider vinegar to 3 cups of hot water . Soak hands, feet, elbows for 10 minutes in the morning & evening. You can also use this as a compress for knees & shoulders. Appling hot or cold packs over joints will help relieve short term pain & stiffness, but don’t use either treatment for more than 20 minutes at a time. Regular massage will also help relieve stiffness and pain in joints.

Work a little - play a little, Do this every day !

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