Wowzers – anything else feel like we’re watching and listening to something unfold that doesn’t yet make full sense, but is quite unsettling…..yeah, me too. We are living in changing and unsettling times.

For us in South Australia, and particularly in our little corner down here in the South East, at the moment things seem relatively ‘normal’. Having said that, we all have a responsibility to adhere to the guidelines set out by our Department of Health and the World Health Organisation – we want our health system to be able to manage this pandemic…..and this means following the rules and looking after each other.

As far as my Naturopathic and Bowen/Body work practice goes, at the moment it’s business as usual. The normal (albeit super amped up) hygiene practices remain in place. If you would rather, a phone consult is an option for Naturopathy.
I do really appreciate your continued support of my small business at this time – you guys are literally my livelihood.

Yoga will also continue – we will clean our mats after every class (as we normally do), and for the moment refrain from using any communal props (these are harder to sanitise after every use). Ill also refrain from any hands on adjustments. You are welcome of course to bring your own mat and props for your personal use.

I will of course be a assessing this daily with the information and recommendations as they become available.

So what else can we do? Lots actually.

Practice Peace – fear/stress/anxiety/panic really are the worst enemy of your immune system (and of your fellow humans for that matter). Replace panic with reason, practice compassion for yourself and others, and be discerning about where and how you get your news. By all means stay updated, but once you’ve got your daily info, switch it off (think of it like a ‘Media Fast’). This is a powerful way to keep calm and not get caught up in feeling overwhelmed.

Basic Hygiene – wash your hands (I’m sure this is already part of your life), but really – wash your hands for 20 seconds each time.

Stay Home if you’re even a little unwell – this is as much for you as it is for others. This virus is most dangerous for those in our community who are elderly or already immune compromised. We want to look after EVERYONE. Obviously right now those who have been overseas are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days – It’s inconvenient, but we’re all grateful you’re doing it.

OTHER BASICS – there is much we can do to keep ourselves well, robust and resilient (at any age & in any circumstance):

– REST – get enough sleep. If you need to, think of it like the ultimate excuse to enjoy a lie in. We do all our best work when we get good quality rest (particularly – the recharging of our immune system). If possible, switch off screens 1-2 hrs before bed.

– HYDRATE – Drink plenty of H2o

– MOVE – enough but not too much. Balance here is essential – no exercise is suppressive for your immune system, but too much is also. Practice listening to your body and doing what is enough for you. Move, Rest, Recover, Repeat.

– SUNSHINE – (Vitamin D is ESSENTIAL for your Immune regulation)

– Eat LIKE YOU LOVE YOURSELF – & eat for your Immune system (lots of colour – veggies and fruit, quality proteins & fats, good ol fashioned chicken soup, lots of herbs – garlic, turmeric, ginger, anything fresh that you are growing etc).
Keep in mind that sugar and highly refined food will suppress your immune system.

– MEDITATE INSTINCTIVELY…..allow yourself to drop into the many good moments – what I like to call ‘the exquisite ordinary’. These are still occurring on the daily and are worthy of our attention.

Herbal and Nutritional Medicine – we have SO much in our Natural Medicine arsenal – if you want more specific advice/dosage/personalised info, don’t hesitate to make an appointment time (or we can do that over the phone if that suits you better or if you’re in isolation).
Listed below are my faves for immune support (keep in mind, you won’t need all these things, that’s simply unnecessary) but use what’s most appropriate &/or most accessible for you. There is no specific protocol for COVID-19 treatment or prevention (and I know no-one who has personally contracted it or treated it yet), but what we really want is to PREVENT infection and boost our innate immunity.

Zinc – An essential mineral that aids in the activation of the Natural Killer Cell response (among other things), but absolutely essential for healthy immune function and response.
Vitamin C – a potent antiviral & immune supportive vitamin (nothing new here – it’s got one of the longest records of being used safely & successfully in varying doses).
Vitamin A – (this one is not for use when pregnant) but is a potent anti-viral for everyone else.
Vitamin D – essential for immune regulation in general, and easy (plus cheap) to supplement.
Iron – (only supplement this one if you’re actually deficient), but again, essential for a robust immune response.
Herbs – there are SO many: Numerous medicinal mushrooms (Reishi, Shitake, Maitake), Echinacea, Elderberry, Andrographis, Astragalus, Licorice. Hit me up for what will suit you personally.
Probiotics – a healthy microbiome goes a long way to supporting immunity. There are specific strains more indicated for supporting a healthy immune response.

This email in not intended to detract from the severity or importance of this current situation, but simply to offer information that I hope many of you will find helpful. I am always here to answer questions if you have them.

Look out for each other and remember these simple things:

Food is your first medicine.

Trusting your body (and its immune response) is a radical practice of self love and immune nourishment.

We are in this together.

Hayley xx