Pre & Post Surgery Tips - Day#3 blog writing challenge

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This one is for a client of mine who has just had major surgery - I hope you get better soon.


There can always be a lot of unknowns when it comes to surgery so it is best to be as prepared as possible, both mentally and physically. Of course your surgeon will give you a rundown on what needs to be addressed and be sure to seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking any herbal medicines or nutritional supplements pre-surgery.


Here is a list of supplements that may aid in your recovery.

Arnica -Homeopathic arnica taken before and after surgery assists the body in healing, it assists in the reduction of swelling and bruising, it also helps the body deal with the trauma and shock of the surgery. 

Zinc - A trace mineral will improve wound healing and assist in reducing the appearance of scarring. Zinc is an antioxidant as well as an important nutrient for growth and development, immune responses and reproduction.

Vitamin C - is known as the KING antioxidant, it has a huge spectrum of actions and assists with many health issues. Vitamin C maintains connective tissue and assists in the production of collagen, it helps stimulate the immune system, assists with brain and nerve function, and is known to aid wound healing.

Probiotics -  are good bacteria which will restore healthy bacteria into your GIT which, if you have been prescribed antibiotics after surgery, will improve gut health and improve your immune response and support your immune system preventing any post surgery health compromises.

Why some girls do and some girls don't

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Lately it is all I keep getting asked about - morning sickness. Everyone I know that is pregnant seems to be sick too! I am very lucky and in both of my pregnancies I have never suffered from morning sickness - I have other problems. No one it seem escapes scott free!


It is a bit of a mystery in the medical world why some women suffer so badly and others seem to go unscathed. Hormones seems to be the answer or more specifically the bodies response to changes in hormone levels, namely oestrogen and HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) which increase in early pregnancy. Also the increased sensitivity to smells and odours that many women experience that can trigger a gag reflex in some people and those with a pre disposal to stomach upset may also suffer.


Here are some ideas to treat morning sickness:

• Ginger tea - macerate ginger in warm water, let it seep for at least 10min before drinking.
• Peppermint tea - forget the tea bags from the supermarket, there isn't enough 'real' or quality herb to make a medicinal difference, buy some good quality organic tea, again infuse for at least 10 min before drinking.
• Avoid dehydration and if it is too difficult to drink large cups, drink small frequent sips.
• Soups are a great way to intake fluid - try a yummy chicken broth or home-made veggie soup.
• Carbonated drinks may be used to help create belching if that helps to settle the nausea.
• Ipecac is a homeopathic that may help settle morning sickness, see your Naturopath, Homeopath or purchase from a Health food store
• Snacking is usually the most effective way to relieve nausea, small meals every few hours may help keep your sugar levels stable. 
• If morning sickness is worse in the morning, then keep some dried biscuits beside the bed.
•  Rest is necessary.  The body is undergoing huge changes in pregnancy – especially in the first trimester the tiredness alone is exhausting, the body has to supply blood and nutrients to its growing foetus taking a huge toll on the mothers system. 

In case of extreme nausea and vomiting you may need to be prescribed pharmaceutical medication or even possible hospital admission to have fluid rehydration via an IV drip. 

Hopefully your morning sickness eases within the 12-16 weeks and you get to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

The Seven Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

Traditionally Naturopathic medicine or the Practice of Natural medicine is based on Seven Principles:

Here they are:

1.The Healing Power of Nature: (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)

Naturopathic medicine recognizes that all living systems have an innate ability to heal it-self. Our vital force promotes self-cleansing, self-repair, and thus self-healing. The Naturopaths role is to facilitate this natural process.

2. Treat the Cause: (Tolle Causam) Naturopaths are trained to identify and remove the underlying cause of disease; these causes can exist at the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. It is a Naturopaths role to identify, treat and remove the cause rather than suppress symptoms.

3. First Do No Harm: (Primum Non Nocere) Naturopaths use safe and effective methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, they use the least force necessary to diagnose and assist in the restoration of health.

4. Treat the Whole Person: Naturopaths treat the person holistically, they take into account the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental factors that make up the total state of health.

5. Doctor as Teacher (Docere): The original meaning of the word "doctor" is teacher. Naturopaths educate their patients by empowering, encouraging and motivating patients to assume self-responsibility for their health by adopting a healthy attitude, lifestyle and diet.

6. Preventative Medicine: The Naturopaths health approach is all about preventing minor illnesses to avoid the development of more serious diseases. They achieve this by educating and encouraging people about life habits that support health.

7. Wellness: A Naturopaths role is to help the patient establish and maintain optimum health and balance by promoting wellness. Wellness is inherent in everyone no matter what dis-ease(s) are being experienced.

Do you need to see a Naturopath to help balance your health or address underlying issues?

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy can easily and succinctly be broken down to define the ‘Natural Path’.

However, Naturopathy has really evolved over centauries and can be traced to ancient Greek times. In about 400 B.C, Hippocrates, ‘the Father of Medicine’, first formulated the concept of the ‘healing power of nature’ linking the body, mind and spirit to inherently be able to heal itself.

Naturopathy is the practice of health care that combines both traditional wisdom of natural medicine with modern scientific based evidence. It is the practice of treating the body as a whole and taking the body, mind, spirit and environment into account whilst preventing, assessing and treating conditions that are presented.

Naturopathy takes into account physical conditions, possible pathological presentation, psychological and emotional factors, diet, inherited genetic characteristics, lifestyle and environmental factors when rebalancing or aligning the body’s natural state.

The role of a naturopath is to work with a person to promote their body’s natural balanced state and their ability to maintain optimal order and function of their body (homeostasis). As a practitioner I will take a detailed case history assessing your current health concern/s, medical history, family history, current environmental and lifestyle factors that may influence your wellbeing, including exercise, diet, nutrition and stress levels. Pathological tests may also be required. From there I will be able to make an assessment and be able to recommend a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Follow up visits assess your progress and treatment strategies are adapted to best suit you and your health, as well as providing further education for you to maintain optimal long term homeostasis.

The therapies I use may include; Herbal remedies (liquids, tablets or capsules), Homeopathy, Nutritional supplements, Diet and Lifestyle recommendations.

Naturopaths are able to treat most ailments by assisting and facilitating treatment plans. Naturopaths can treat: Women’s hormonal imbalances; PMS, PMT, painful periods, inconsistent periods, Pregnancy issues and pregnancy support. Children’s ailments and illnesses including; common coughs and colds, anxiety and stress. Men’s Health issues; exhaustion, stress, aid and support prostrate health. General health problems relating to the skin, energy levels, stress and tiredness just to name a few.