News and Articles

Back to Blog

HOW DO OSTEOPATHS HELP ME OUT OF PAIN AND BACK TO HEALTH?

What does an osteopath even do?We get it. Lots of people don’t really know exactly what we do. First of all, it doesn’t help that our name is a massive misnomer, a relic of the past where bony “alignment” was emphasised far more than what we know to be useful today.In medical terms, Osteo = bones. Path = disease. Therefore, osteopaths treat diseases of bones right? Well, wrong actually!Secondly, osteopaths seem to be associated with mainstream medical clinics, but also alternative therap...

A Simple Walking Meditation

In our current adaptation to isolation and social distancing I have found a good routine with daily walks. When walking I often practise a simple and practical meditation that I learned whilst I was staying at an ashram in India studying yoga therapy. I find this walking meditation very helpful for quieting my internal dialogue and getting into the physical experience of my body walking.Walking meditation is a wonderful tool for practicing mind body connectedness and embodied awareness. It’s a...

Golfing Injury or want to improve your golfing performance

Athletic performance in golf seems to get little consideration outside of the professional game. You wouldn’t play rugby or cricket without training to improve athletic performance, so why do people do so with golf? All too often the only warm up a golfer will do before they hit the ball, is carrying their clubs to the first tee!As well as having the correct equipment and the correct technique, the golfer needs their body to have the correct mobility and stability, to create the movement neces...

DOES CELL PHONE USE AFFECT FERTILITY?

There is some conflicting information surrounding the effects of radio frequency electromagnetic waves (EMW) and their effects on the body and fertility. There is a large body of evidence however that supports the hypothesis that radiation from mobile phones has negative effects upon the body and fertility especially that of males. It has been difficult to conduct repeatable, strong experiments. This means that previous studies have produced antagonistic data. With increasing interest into this ...

EFFECTIVE OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF SUDDEN ONSET ECZEMA IN A CHILD

My son developed eczema under his arm and on the left side of his torso about three weeks ago. We had not changed his diet, nor the cleaning agents for our clothes or household. Life was pretty relaxed as we were on school holidays. I suspect the causative factor was some molluscum contagiosum which had recently popped up in the same dermatomal/skin area.It was typical atopic eczema, very itchy, with rough dry skin. No natural oils or other options from commercial eczema type creams to herbal ti...

Psychosynthesis Counselling

​Suryagita Cox, BA., ATTSNZ, Dip. Psychosynthesis CounsellingSuryagita is a qualified counsellor. Trained at the Institute of Psychosynthesis in Auckland, she now works works with issues such as:dissatisfaction with workstress, anxietydepressionbereavement, loss of meaningcrisis in life purposerelationship/communication issuesinability to change old patterns of behaviourdifficulty in making decisionsShe supports her clients to find their way through issues and to open to new ways to live ...

PAIN "IT COMES FROM THE BRAIN AND CAN BE TRAINED"

No one really wants to be in pain. This is understandable because it is unpleasant. But it does have its purpose and now that we are understanding so much more of what it involves, this allows us to reconsider our beliefs around it. Pain is complex. However having a basic understanding of the physiological foundation for pain is a great start. Understanding pain physiology will change the way we think about pain, reduce its threat value by empowering us and improve overall management of pai...

Real Deal Hurt Cream

If you or your children have been inflicted with the nasty coughing bug that has been going around in Wellington, then I suggest you try some of this special arnica cream. We discovered this recently on our own children when they were coughing at night, we rubbed this cream on their upper back and the cough would stop for the rest of the night. It meant they could get proper sleep and get better and we could sleep too. I then suggested this to patients and parents of coughing children and they h...

Thoracic Cage Stretches

Great for getting your back and ribcage freed up for more comfort and better breathing.What is amazing about the human body, is it's ability to adapt to a given situation or task.  Problems can occur though, when we spend to long in a fixed position, such as being sat at a work station.  The body does it's best to adapt to the sustained posture, but even then can end up fatigued.  So, we end up with restricted spine and ribs, with sore muscles and joints. Then when we want to be a...

Osteopathic treatment before and during Pregnancy

Supporting the changeOne of the most unique times in a woman’s life, pregnancy is quite a special state. Fortunately, many women have an easy, straightforward experience, but for those who don’t, osteopathic treatment can be very effective at easing discomfort and making this unique time enjoyable - the way it should be.In an ideal world, every woman who is planning to become pregnant would have an osteopathic assessment and treatment in preparation for the journey ahead. This is particularl...

Acupuncture during IVF can lead to success

Acupuncture during the stimulation phase of IVF can lead to success.A female patient very much wanting to get pregnant, presented with a history of two consecutive 'failed to respond to stimulation' IVF cycles. This meant that no eggs were able to be collected from the ovary, so no embryos resulted.The female patient then came in for a fertility acupuncture appointmentjust one week prior to undergoing her third cycle. Her case history revealed no underlying pathology affecting conception, except...

Ganglion Cysts Utilising Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be an excellent treatment choice for that annoyingly persistent GanglionWe use a unique treatment technique in acupuncture called ‘Surround the Dragon’ to treat ganglion cysts (this essentially is surrounding the cyst itself). By doing this, blood flow is stimulated to the affected area; increasing the circulation and assisting with reducing inflammation and encouraging the body to repair.​I recently had a patient present for acupuncture treatment of a general musculoskelet...

Reclaiming Vitality: Healing Chronic Fatigue and Long COVID with the help of Homeopathy

Living with chronic fatigue can be challenging and affect many aspects of daily life and your overall well-being. With the rise of "Long COVID" cases, where individuals continue to experience symptoms long after recovering from the initial infection, finding effective and holistic approaches to manage chronic fatigue has become increasingly important.Homeopathic medicine is now one of the most widely used and trusted alternative systems of medicine in the world and with its holistic and individu...

Immunity

By Reg Osteopath Venla KarkiNow that the pandemic is upon us, it might be of interest to you what you can do to boost your immunity. With good immunity you are likely to have a much less severe infection and recover more quickly. Let’s first take a look at some of the everyday things that contribute to lowered immunity and that you can control.  One of the biggest contributors to lowered immunity is stress. As discussed in the article about stress, stress isn’t always bad. You...

Restoring Balance: How the Alexander Technique and Psychotherapy promote recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Long Covid are debilitating conditions that can profoundly disrupt one's quality of life. While their origins may differ, both conditions share the common thread of persistent fatigue and a range of accompanying symptoms that can make everyday activities challenging. In the quest for relief, individuals often explore various avenues of treatment. One such avenue gaining recognition is the Alexander Technique, renowned for its holistic approach to improving...

The use of Herbal Medicine in Long Covid and Chronic Fatigue

Functional herbal therapy (meaning the clinical application of herbal medicine) can provide a level of support and healing which can help address some of the key health components that make up the puzzle of long Covid.   Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and restore balance.  There are several medicinal herbs that have been identified as having adaptogenic properties.  These herbs may offer benefits in managing Long COVID symptoms due to their st...

The Role of Osteopathic Hands-On Treatment in Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Long Covid are complex conditions characterised by persistent fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and various other debilitating symptoms. Long Covid is estimated to affect between 10% and 30% of people who become infected with SARS-CoV-2, with one in seven patients still symptomatic at 12 weeks (Davis et al, 2021; Rivera-Izquierdo et al, 2022). Traditional medical approaches often fall short in providing comprehensive relief. Osteopathic hands-on treatment, a...

Top Tips for Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid

Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Long Covid can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Here are some top tips for self-management:1. Pace YourselfOne of the most important strategies for managing CFS and Long Covid is pacing. Avoid pushing yourself too hard on days when you feel better, as this can lead to post-exertional malaise (PEM). Break tasks into smaller steps and rest frequently to conserve energy.The t...

Tips to help you achieve better sleep quality

In today's fast-paced world, quality sleep has become even more precious. As Osteopaths, we understand the integral role that sleep plays in maintaining overall health and well-being. Restorative sleep is essential for tissue repair, immune function, and mental clarity. Here are some tips to help you achieve better sleep quality:...

Rest Easy: How Homeopathy Can Help You Improve Your Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. Yet, many of us struggle with sleep issues, from insomnia to restless nights and as we know, sleep deprivation can lead to a host of health issues, impacting both physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, struggling to get the rest you need, homeopathy may offer a gentle and effective solution to help you improve your sleep quality naturally.Homeopathy is a holistic healing a...

Which position should I sleep in and which pillow should I choose to help my sore neck and upper back?

This is a question we are often asked as Osteopaths! Choosing a pillow is really down to individual preferences, however some useful questions to think about include: Do you sleep on your side or your back? (Please note: sleeping on your front can strain your neck and affect the blood supply to your brain, if you sleep on your front, please talk with one of our osteopaths to get advice on how to sleep as if on your front but without the neck strain!).We recommend people sleep on their side if po...

How to help Sleep Apnoea with Hyperbaric Oxygen

What is sleep apnoea?Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that is characterised by pauses in breathing while sleeping. Although this is a common disorder, many people have yet to get diagnosed. If left untreated, this disorder can cause a wide range of health issues such as high blood pressure, increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and stroke. What is the main type of sleep apnoea?Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) –  that occurs when throat m...

Navigating the years of perimenopause and menopause - Sleeping

Navigating the years of perimenopause and menopause can feel like a rollercoaster ride, especially when sleep becomes elusive. Luckily there are lots of natural remedies that can help support your efforts to get a better sleep.  These can play a vital role in promoting better sleep during times of stress and hormonal change.  If you are new to considering supplements to support your sleep, start with magnesium. This essential mineral plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmi...

The Restful Path: How Psychotherapy and Counselling Cultivate Better Sleep

In the busyness of our daily lives, a good night’s sleep is like gold and gives us energy for the next day. But many of us suffer from restless nights, tossing and turning amidst a sea of worries, anxieties, and unresolved emotions. However, psychotherapy and counselling are therapeutic modalities which offer not only solace for the troubled mind but also a pathway to emotional regulation and better sleep.Unravelling the Knots of AnxietyPsychotherapy provides a safe space where individuals can...

Massage therapy and sleep

Getting a good night's sleep can sometimes feel like an elusive dream. Fortunately, there's a holistic approach that's gaining recognition for its ability to promote deep relaxation and improve sleep quality: Massage Therapy.While many people seek massage primarily for its physical benefits, such as pain relief and muscle relaxation, its impact on sleep should not be overlooked....