Sample shiatsu treatments at the Diamond Creek Indoor/Outdoor Market.

9am- 3pm at the Masonic Hall 46 Main Hurstbridge Road, Diamond Creek, opposite Diamond Creek Train Station.

Over 45 stalls, free entry.

Shin Ma    Shiatsu and Toyohari

Sustainable Health Summer 09

“Time spent laughing is time spent with the gods “

~Japanese proverb

Hello and welcome to the summer edition of Sustainable Health. 

So how do we work with nature during the so called ’silly season’ to maintain optimum health and vitality?  In eastern medicine, summer corresponds to the element of Fire.  Other Fire correspondences include the colour red and the sound of laughter.  It is the season of festivals, fun, family and friends. To sustain the energy required of the Fire element we need to maintain the cornerstone of our connection with others which is in fact the connection with our own heart.

Body

Foods at this time of year can afford to be cooler and lighter to balance out the heat. However, you can also include chilli and spicy foods which open up the pores to release heat.  Think high temperature cooking for short periods of time such as stir fry or quick pan frying.  Red foods such as berries, cherries, tomatoes and peppers are also good Fire element foods.

Mind

The meridians governed by Fire are the Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium and Triple Burner.  An imbalance in these meridians can lead to an increase in anxiety, agoraphobia and sleep disturbance or a decrease in joy, communication and energy. If you find this time of year has your fire blazing out of control or leaves you exhausted and with nothing left to give, try giving yourself the gift of stillness. Light a candle and allow your gaze to rest gently on the flame. With one hand on your heart and one hand on your hara (lower belly), allow your breath to settle as you reconnect with your inner peace.

Spirit

Fire is expansive and generous and creates connection with others. Ways to nourish the spirit of Fire at this time of year include playful social interactions, creative gift giving and heart to heart conversations. Laughter is the ultimate heart tonic that is available to us all if we are open to being just a little bit silly this season.

Wishing you health and happiness, Elizabeth

Hello! Welcome to this edition of my ‘Sustainable Health’ newsletter and an especially warm welcome to those of you receiving it for the first time.

Melbourne has been turning on quite a spring spectacle for us recently. We have been lucky enough to have some early spring rains and have certainly had spring wind. Spring is the time when everything is on the move, upwards and outwards. In Eastern Medicine, this corresponds to the element of Wood, the Liver and Gall Bladder meridians and the colour green. Things that have lain dormant or accumulated over winter are pushed to the surface with this vital new energy.

So, how do we take these cues from nature and interpret them into healthy living choices?

Body

Typical spring complaints are all signs of our qi rising upwards and to the surface with the warmer, sunnier weather. These include itchy eyes and skin, respiratory illnesses, blood noses, stiff necks and shoulders, stabbing pains and headaches. Health Tips Keep your neck covered when outside, increase fluids to counteract dryness, include hot water and lemon first thing in the morning, consider a gentle fast by eliminating inflammatory foods for 10 days such as caffeine, alcohol, dairy products, red meat, fried food, salt and sugar.
Stretch, stretch and stretch again.

Mind

Spring brings with it a restlessness that can turn into irritability, frustration or uncontrolled anger. Health Tips Embrace this increase in energy and channel it into spring cleaning and new projects. Communicate feelings as they arise rather than trying to hold them in, practice deep breathing and include sighing and yawning to get stagnant qi moving.

Spirit

Now is the time to start that yoga intensive or daily walk with the dog, rearrange the furniture and get as gorgeous as a spring blossom! Spring is the season of love, after all.

Wishing you health and happiness,
Elizabeth