But, what are causing these squeaks and squawks to pop up from our throats, IS THERE A CURE?! And, is there ever a time we should worry about them?  

Ok, so first thing’s first – in almost every case, having the hiccups is a totally normal phenomenon (even though the whole hiccupping thing doesn’t feel that normal), and are nothing to get too worried about.

Whoah, what is happening???

The sensation of hiccupping occurs when our diaphragm becomes irritated, which causes it to suddenly contract. As the diaphragm contracts, the space between our vocal chords quickly closes in order to check how much air the body is taking in, in a slamming kind of motion (hence the ‘hic’). The same thing can occur when the nerve extending from the neck to our chests is also irritated.

So, what conjures our hics up?

Although hiccups can be associated with a lot of different conditions, there are none found that are said to be the sole cause of this strange sensation. Having said that, there are a few things that are known to often cause hiccups, including…

• eating too fast , causing us to swallow air as well as that scrumptious meal we’re scoffing down
• hot or spicy foods
• indigestion
• fizzy drinks
• smoking cigarettes
• stress
• bad odours
• pregnancy

How to hic-down?

As anyone who’s experienced the hiccing of ups - or the up-hiccing - or the hiccups – knows, they usually go away after a few short moments, minutes at the worst. But, there are a few old pieces of folk law floating around that claim to work (and most of them do!)

Try…

• holding your breath or breathing into a paper bag
• eating some fresh ginger
• sucking on a lemon
• a hot drink made with honey and lemon
• eating a spoonful of sugar
• sitting down and leaning over the knees
• getting a fright

The reason why most of these suggestions actually work is due to the build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood, which stops hiccups from surfacing. Drinking water or pulling on your tongue is also said to work because it’s stimulating our vagus nerve.

A fun hic trick

Try This! – If you notice a friend with the hiccups, simply ask them casually, “hey, what’s your favourite number?” – in most cases, your hiccupping friend will pause, ponder, and produce an answer – and subsequently notice that their hiccups have disappeared!

(Although I’m unaware of any scientific explanations, my guess is that it has something to do with distraction!) 

When hiccups can be hostile

As we pointed out earlier, it’s unusual that hiccups mean serious problems, but sometimes, hiccups can be a sign of a bigger picture issue… Lung or brain disorders can affect the diaphragm, and can also be a side effect of surgery or some types of medication - these hiccups usually last a lot longer. There are other things that can cause long-lasting hiccups, too!

• an overactive thyroid
• pleurisy
• abdominal or chest surgery
• certain epilepsy medications
• nicotine gum

Although usually totally harmless, if you have the hiccups for an extended period of time (over three hours), you experience abdominal pains, or you notice blood, seek a professional health professional.

So, now you know the ins and outs, the ups and down -hic!- Oh, no… -hic!-

 Unt -hick!- il next time, -hic!!!- live well everyone! :)

-hic!!!-

Did you know that over 20% of women wear shoes that hurt their feet at least once a week? And, about half of those toes are squeezed into uncomfortable shoes E-V-E-R-Y single day?!

Gents, you’re not off the hook either – all that running in trainers, work boots, and those uncomfy dress shoes can leave your feet feeling pretty worse for wear too!

SO! Here a few quick tips to relieve tension and pain and get those wiggly toes feeling cosy again –STAT!

1 Raise ‘em to the roof – One of the fastest, and most effective ways to relieve foot pain is to elevate your feet. Lie on your back on the floor, couch, bed, or wherever’s comfortable, and raise your feet at a 45 degree angle. This will change your blood flow, moving away from your toes and towards your heart which will reduce any swelling or inflammation in the lower parts of your body. Keep them there for 10 – 15 minutes and you’ll feel rejuvenated in no time at all!

2 Wading through the water – Soak those tired feet in some warm water with good quality bath salts (we love ila cleansing bath salts, available from the LiveWell shop). The salts will reduce any swelling, and the warmth will relax the muscles. Even just 10 minutes soaking time will help tension-tired toes.

3 Pressure seeker – This one’s our favourite… After all, who doesn’t love a massage?! Give yourself a foot rub to enhance blood circulation and to get those thousands of nerve endings tingling again – kind of like DIY reflexology. Or, better yet, come and see us for a relaxing reflexology session and let somebody else do the hard work for you! 

But! What about when love feels just out of reach, difficult to accept, or ends up turning sour time, and time again?

The truth is that many of us end up subconsciously repeating patterns that are destructive to our relationships and happiness, but are unaware that this is even occurring, or how to fix it.

The great news is, Katrina Beg-Howard, our qualified and experienced counsellor and coach has extensive understanding in this area. Through our facilitated program – Relationship Bootcamp, Katrina can work with you to help establish and consider your patterns, and overcome emotional boundaries and self-perceptions with professional guidance and support.

To find out more about this program please visit our Relationship Bootcamp information page, or contact the office on 02 6295 0400.

Until next time, live well, everyone, and love! 

Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you this year, as we are thrilled to announce a few additions to Live Well that are sure to leave anybody feeling EXTREMELY lucky and well-loved! (Perfect timing, we know!)

Here are a few suggestions…

Live Well Spa Menu

The ultimate way to say “I love you”. Our Spa treatments are the ultimate conception of love and luxury, complete with a welcoming flower ritual, herbal tea, and a post-treatment relaxation pod session, we think there is no sweeter treat under the sun!

Bliss Signature Treatment – The name says it all, our ultimate rejuvenating experience. Includes… Flower essence welcome ritual | dry brush exfoliation | full body massage | body serum wrap & reflexology | recovery pod & herbal tea.

Splendour Signature Treatment – A delightful treatment combining face & body elements to leave your loved one feeling deeply relaxed and radiant. Includes… Flower essence welcome ritual | full body massage | facial | recovery pod & herbal tea.

Divine Love Body Treatment – Surround your loved one with feelings of love and roses with our Infinite Love Wrap. Following gentle exfoliation, let them enjoy being pampered with a silky oil infused with Roses and Orchid Tree elixir for enhancing deep feelings of love on all levels.

Radiance / Rejuvenation Facial Treatments – Using divine products from the ila Spa range, relieve stress and tension, and create love and glowing radiance. Includes full facial and invigorating and rejuvenating massage techniques.

Radiant Man Facial Treatment – Tailored to meet the skin requirements of the most discerning of men, show him that you love him with our custom men’s treatment.

Pamper Me Massage – A luxurious and delightful experience incorporating Infinite Love serum, enjoy a full body massage with hot stones and blissful reiki.

Live Well Shop

ila – We have a range of beautiful creations by ila, an exclusive and luxurious skin care range priding themselves in their “beyond organic” approach to producing natural, nurturing products for all skin types. Pick up one of our Glowing Radiance Gift Pack & candle (ALREADY WRAPED!) for just $ 159 (RRP $310!), or choose from their range from our shop front at reception.

Lotus Wei – We’ve previously spoken about these divine Elixirs and Mists containing fragrant flower extracts to alter moods and perceptions. Both Joy Juice and Infinite Love are sure to create feelings of love and put a smile on the face of the one you care for.

So, when you know that you can’t get away with presenting your loved one with another single rose, obvious (afterthought) chocolates, or a card with an “IOU” inside for the third, fifth, or 20th year running, pop in and see us and we’ll help you select the perfect gift.

Psssssst! Also, your partner’s probably read this too and is now already lusting after a little Live Well luxury… you know what you need to do.

Click here to book now, or phone us for more details! 

Until next time, spead the love, and live well everybody! 

We’ve all shared a silent smile at an unexpected blossom peeping out of its bud during a stroll between destinations; we use flowers to mark celebrations and ceremonies, to farewell loved ones, and they’re an age old fallback option for romantic interests everywhere…

Our reaction to flowers and their scents makes it undeniable that they mingle with our psyche, and indeed have the ability to alter a mood or intention, but have you ever wondered how our bodies are actually influenced by these bouquets and blooms of beauty?

According to Lotus Wei, a concept using flower mists and elixirs to balance and alter moods and perceptions, it’s actually quite a simple hypothesis.

Similar to the way that acupuncture nurtures our bodies, flower essences flow through our meridian system. The science behind this concept is known as sympathetic resonance.

An easy way to grasp this concept is to imagine two tuning forks: when one tuning fork is struck to create a tone, the other will also vibrate, even though it is not physically in contact with the original instrument. This is because the vibrations in the sound waves expand outward, causing the second tuning fork to hum in resonance. This reverberation is also found between our energy and flowers.

Essentially, like the tuning fork paradigm, flower essences strike a chord deep within us, as we absorb the sensations of the natural and profound health benefits found in plants and flowers. 

Lotus Wei creations play on three of our main senses, smell, touch, and our sixth sense (or state of mind) and create through resonance immediate feelings of positivity (similar to when we’re noticing that blossom, or breathing in a lily received from a loved one). Used consistently, they revitalise, uplift, energise and bring peace to our mind and body, and eliminate non-constructive patterns that tend to build up over time. 

If you would like to experience the rebalancing qualities of the beautifully scented Lotus Wei Mists or delightful Elixers, please feel free to visit us in our new tranquil Spa & Wellness Centre in Manuka.

Until next time, live well everyone! And stop, and enjoy the flowers!

Jemima Daly

These days we’re all fairly conscious of the benefits that vitamins can produce for our bodies, and where we can find them. No longer are spinach, oranges, bananas, carrots, strawberries (and pretty much every other fruit or vegetable out there) a safe hiding spot for those sought-after supplements we use to keep ourselves nourished and feeling well.

BUT did you know that there is one vitamin that is essential for our bodies that is nearly impossible to get from food?!

What is this mystery vitamin? Why, Vitamin D, of course!

Now, I say it’s nearly impossible to absorb this through food, as my assumption is that the vast majority of us are not Eskimos who see fish liver and blubber as a delicious feast (yuck!)… luckily there’s another way… Sunshine! Yup, it’s true!

Australian culture particularly has a strong emphasis on the damage that the sun can do to our bodies, which to some extent is of course true… However, it’s now believed that we Aussies have perhaps gone too far, and that our fear of sunshine might actually be preventing us from a healthier and happier existence.

I’m not suggesting that you don’t take head to the slip, slop, slap message that we’ve been echoing for generations, it’s important to stay sun-savvy! But being savvy means knowing the facts!

Research now suggests that the sun-lovers amongst us are actually better off than those who choose to stay indoors. Data reveals that people with higher levels of Vitamin D have lower rates of around 13 different cancers! It’s also a bit of a mood and energy booster, too!

How does this phenomenon occur? Basically, our bodies soak up the Vitamin D at the same time as we’re soaking up the rays - it’s formed when ultraviolet B light radiates onto our skin – sinch, right?!

So what is the right amount of sun exposure? While children should still wear sunscreen right away, all you need as an average adult is 10 minutes, 3 times a week of unshielded sun exposure, and you’ll be feeling happier, healthier and more energised in no time!

So, get out there and enjoy the sun, and live well!

Into inversion, assuming the position...

Start lying down flat on your back, with your legs propped up at a 90 degree angle, knees bent, resting your lower legs on some pillows. Alternatively, for all you couch potatoes out there, using the seat of an arm chair to lie on while resting your legs over the back rest can work a charm.

Rest assured, having an excuse to climb over the furniture isn’t the only fun you’ll have with inversion.

Being upside down triggers the release of mood enhancing hormones serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, giving your mood a leg-up in more literal ways. These neurotransmitters are responsible for keeping a positive outlook & will help you to kick any seasonal blues or depression to the curb. Not only will your emotions be in check, your heart will be happy. In the horizontal position the heart doesn’t have to fight the effects of gravity to circulate blood to the upper body, giving your ticker a chance to tick-tock at a nice, relaxed pace.

Boost your brain. In this pose, your mood won’t be the only thing defying gravity; having your head on a level plane to your heart helps to improve blood circulation to the brain. If you’re thinking it will be one sudden unpleasant rush of blood to the head, think again. The body has mechanisms for controlling brain pressure under different gravity situations; the very reason why our blood pressure lowers when we sleep. The extra blood flow to the brain helps to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the brain cells for optimal brain function. A study by Dr Robert M Martin showed that the brain operates 14% more accurately when in an inverted position. So you can expect to feel thoughtful with increased awareness, concentration and memory.

A tissue, a tissue, we all jump up. Inversion is great way to improve the immune system, promoting lymphatic drainage & blood purification. As it enables fluids to pass through the body with such ease, resting in this position for 5 to 10 minutes will allow a thorough detox of the lymphatic & cardiovascular tissues, leaving you feeling fresh & cleansed from the inside out.

Of course when we’re feeling well on the inside it shows on the outside too. Improved circulation to the head & scalp will help to give your skin a nice glow & even tone, while also stimulating hair growth for luscious locks. You’ll be standing up tall & proud in no time.

After bearing the weight of the world on your shoulders all day, lying down & putting your feet up will allow your spinal column a chance to decompress. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re taller in the morning it’s because over the course of the day, gravity squishes the vertebrae & discs together. Inversion is an easy way to alleviate pressure on the lower back, all in the comfort of your home. This gentle stretch will help to improve posture, enhance spinal mobility and relieve back pain.

Slumber Party! If you’re short of a few Z’s in your week, you will find this inverted position to be something of a dream! It is estimated that a 20minute nap with your legs elevated is equivalent to a 4 hour sleep. From this position your lungs and diaphragm are able to work far more efficiently and muscle tension is said to decrease by 37%, swiftly lulling you into a relaxed slumber and prompting a deeper level of sleep.

(: spuǝıɹɟ ʎɯ llǝʍ ǝʌıl puɐ dn sǝoʇ ǝsoɥʇ ʇnd -os

Leila Siiteri

Kind of true.

Carrots won’t cause the kind of “I can see, I CAN SEE AGAIN, IT’S A MIRACLE, IT’S A MIRACLLLEEEE!” reaction that some may hope for, but surprisingly, there is an element of truth to the claim. Carrots contain high levels of beta-carotene. This is a substance, which once congested, is converted by the body to vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for overall eye health. In fact, vitamin A deficiency is the leading factor of blindness around the world. So, while eating carrots won’t make a blind person see, it will improve eye health and contribute to preventing blindness in years to come. (But note; eating too many carrots will give you a slightly orange tinge, so don’t go overboard, Wonka isn’t hiring)

Old wife says: Sleeping on your back encourages snoring.

Very true.

When sleeping on your back, gravity pulls on the tongue, causing it to fall to the back of the throat. This placement of the tongue partially blocks the airways, and makes breathing more difficult than if someone was lying on their side. This airway blockage results in snoring. To make matters noisier, as the air struggles to pass through the airway and down the throat, the tongue may vibrate lightly -adding extra noise to the already noisy snorer. So, if you’ve got a repeat snoring offender in the midst, recommend they sleep on their side. Alternatively, hit them with a pillow.

Old wife says: Sitting too close to the television causes permanent eye damage.

False.

Sitting close to the TV will cause eyestrain, but not permanent eye damage. Focussing on any one object for prolonged periods of time usually causes eyestrain. Symptoms of eyestrain include fatigue, dizziness, dry, itchy or watery eyes, blurred vision, and spasms/twitches around the eye.

Old wife says: Swallowed chewing gum takes seven years to digest.

As false as grandma’s teeth.

I don’t know where this one came from. There is no evidence to suggest that this is anywhere near true. Who started this vicious rumour? It’s terrifying! After chewing gum is swallowed, digestive juices start to work on the chewing gum and it loses it’s stickiness, therefore being excreted at the same rate as any other food. Take that, mum!

Old wife says: Cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis.

False.

A quick anatomy lesson! Between our joints is articular cartilage. Surrounding this articular cartilage is the joint capsule. Inside this joint capsule is something called synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant between the joints. When we crack our fingers, it makes a ‘pop’ noise; this noise is actually a result of gases being rapidly dissolved and released from the synovial fluid within the joint capsule. It has been found that repeatedly cracking the knuckles may wear the joints – causing swelling and weakness to the fingers, but this joint weakening is very different to arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints. So, while constantly cracking the knuckles may cause some kind of pain,  it will not cause arthritis.

Until next time, Live Well everyone!

Erica Mallett

It feels almost as though you should be one amongst fifty, in a packet labelled ‘party balloons’ in the function section at the supermarket. You feel sluggish, slow and slightly sick – Just all around bleh. (I remain convinced that ‘bleh’ perfectly describes the feeling of bloating, and should definitely be a legitimate word)

There are many reasons one may experience bloating.

Possibly the biggest reason that someone may end up feeling bloated is as a result of a food allergy. Many people experience minor food allergies and have no realisation of it, for the simple reason that it is just not extreme enough. If you are day in, day out, feeling bloated, it is important to assess your diet. Which food is it that leaves you feeling bloated? A great idea is to keep a food diary; a record of all meals and snacks consumed, as well as a short description of how you are feeling after each. This will make the food at the source of the allergy easy to acknowledge. Milk products are usually the guiltiest food groups. Otherwise, seek the advice of a naturopath or holistic GP.

There they are… sitting in the kitchen: the left over meatballs from dinner. Actually, they really weren’t meatballs at all. They were joyballs. Yes, Balls of pure joy – and how could you possibly resist a second serving of joyballs? They just tasted so damn good the first time around…
Stop right there! Overeating is another cause of bloating. When eating too heavily, the body has trouble digesting as it usually would. Overeating will often result in bloating.

You may have Aerophagia. Don’t worry, you are not turning in to an aeroplane. This simply means that you may be swallowing Excess air whilst eating or otherwise. This air gets caught in the digestive system and causes some trouble digesting. 

People with irritable bowel syndrome are likely to experience bloating because of digestive track inflammation, which is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.

For partial relief of bloating:

- Drink Water
- Consume food slowly
- Avoid chewing gum
- Do not smoke!

Other remedies include antacids (which minimize gas and prevent some discomfort) and fibre supplements (which help to get the digestive system back on track) But for a professional opinion, see a doctor, holistic GP or naturopath. 

Until Next time, Live well, Everyone!

Erica Mallett

In Chinese medicine, the shape, colour and coating of the tongue all indicate whether the body is functioning perfectly well or whether particular organ systems are under stress. 

There are many variables to consider when assessing a tongue and the different nuances can take some time and experience to fully understand, but if you look at your own tongue in the bathroom mirror you’ll notice it will change from day to day, and if you look at your friends tongues, you’ll notice how different they all are… interesting!

For a brief overview, here are some common tongue signs and what they could indicate:

Red Tip:

A red tip to the tongue indicates a nervous system that is over stimulated; you might experience feelings of anxiety or difficulty switching off leading to insomnia.

Thick coating:

A thin white coating on the tongue surface is considered normal, if you get a cold or flu or have chronic digestive disorders you’ll notice the coating becomes thicker.

Teeth marks:

If the tongue has scalloped edges then it is considered to be slightly swollen and is an indication of sluggish energy which is another way of saying you’re likely to feel tired and low in motivation.

Cracks

Fine cracks are common, deep cracks can indicate long term stress which has led to the depletion of energy reserves. You might be feeling exhausted or burnt out.

If your tongue looks like this...

Congratulations! you are the owner of a normal, healthy tongue.

If you want a professional opinion on your tongue just ask your practitioner for an assessment next time you visit Live Well.