Pete and I have just returned from a trip to England where we caught up with family and old friends. This time the main purpose was to celebrate my parents' 60th wedding anniversary. My father also celebrated his 92nd birthday while we were there and it is wonderful to see how active both of them are. I put it down to their daily swims (in a heated indoor pool of course) and their good diet that includes daily home made soup with handfuls of fresh herbs from the garden.

The clinic survived excellently in our absence and we are always so grateful to have such reliable and capable practitioners and office staff to run the clinic in our absence.

The weather is finally turning a little colder and for those more warm blooded people this can be a relief. For others it is a concerning time as we move into the winter months and cold and flu's are more prolific. Many of our clients who have dealt with us over the last 22 years know there are precautions that can be taken to assist our bodies immunity to avoid getting a severe case of the flu (and I'm not referring to the flu injection!).

One of our most popular remedies is Andrographis Complex. Those who have taken this remedy when you have started to get sick, will I'm sure, vouch for your speedy recovery. This practitioner range of tablets consists of three herbs: Andrographis paniculata, Echinacea angustafolia and Ocimum tenuflorum. The blend of these herbs supports normal immune function. Andrographis is used in both traditional Chinese and Auyervedic medicine for flu, sore throat and cough. Echinacea is a well known herb that was originally used by the American Indians to reduce the symptoms of mild respiratory complaints. It is now known to be a wonderful immune boosting herbs to prevent disease as well as to treat immune disorders. Ocimum, known commonly as Sacred Basil, reduces the symptoms of upper respiratory diseases and also acts as a mild tonic.

For some people taking just two of these tablets a day can prevent them from falling prey to the viruses that tend to be more prolific during the winter months. If you do manage to get sick with a virus or bacterial infection, then large doses of this remedy can be taken and the results can be phenomenal. If you know you are someone who is prone to catching colds or flu's talk to your practitioner about boosting your immune system.

Mary

Ear candles are a wonderful soothing treatment particularly for children, those with chronic sinusitis or sufferers of ear, nose and throat congestion.

Candles are made according to a traditional recipe using linen, beeswax and medicinal herbs.

Our clinic only uses high quality candles that are tested for safety regularly. They burn cleanly and evenly without dropping any wax. Candles are placed in the auditory canal opening and the combined chimney effect inside the candle and the vibration of a rising air column within the ear serve to massage the ear drum and promote clearance of the sinuses. Warmth also stimulates the immune, circulatory and lymphatic systems. Please ask any of our practitioners about this form of treatment.

Debbie

There is reluctance among men to talk about certain health issues as there is still the "All Australian Male" syndrome present in our culture. However statistics show that there are some very real problems out there which needs to be addressed. Some of these hidden concerns are impotence, low libido, erectile dysfunction, prostate problems and infertility. Here are some of the statistics related to the above:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is present in 90% of men by the age of 85;

Premature ejaculation occurs in as many as 40% of men; and

Erectile dysfunction affects up to 30% of men between 40 and 70 years of age.

An estimated 10% of men eventually develop prostate cancer.

Women tend to live longer than men in general. This is due to a range of factors but one that stands out is the fact that women take a more active role in their health care. In America women visit their doctor more frequently, 150% more than men. Women start visiting their doctor at an earlier age and put more emphasis on their health whereas men are more performance oriented and put less emphasis on longevity and health. If they are feeling good then they don't think about their health but wail until there is a crisis.

As men age there is a natural decline in testosterone levels in the body. In men with higher body fat the increase is much greater leading to an increase in the above symptoms. The lower the testosterone levels go the greater the increase in abdominal body fat and decrease in lean muscle. This is a vicious cycle and one which needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Most of the conditions mentioned above can be helped and are either treatable or reversible.

There are a number of things which can be done to intervene in this downhill spiral such as:

Sweet potatoes are great in casseroles and curries, or as part of a warming winter soup - see below!