INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS
We are all the leaves of one tree, we are all the waves of one sea. THICH NHAT HANH
Mellow Endo Nutrition has this same philosophy at their foundation - Everything is connected.
On an individual level; identifying and connecting the links between seemingly unrelated symptoms in different bodily systems. And also; the larger consequential impact of how personal health and wellbeing can have ripple effects to other aspects of life, and on those around us.
By working in collaboration with clients, and incorporating elements of Integrative Wellness and Naturopathic Medicine, optimal physical health and improved mental wellbeing can be attained.
This is achieved by a thorough holistic assessment using the Functional Medicine Model, focusing on preventative healthcare, and supporting any chronic health conditions using various modalities of Health and Wellbeing described below.
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HOLISTIC HEALTH
WHAT IS HOLISTIC HEALTH?
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Holistic Health looks at five main aspects of wellbeing; Physical, Emotional, Social, Spiritual and Mental health. Our lives are a made up of a complex interdependence of these. A disparity in even one of these areas, can have significant effects on the others, creating physical manifestations of disease and disharmony to overall wellness.
Holistic health aims to restore balance in these five main aspects of Self, by using various Complementary & Alternative approaches and therapies, to achieve a balanced and fulfilled life.
ANCIENT HEALTH AND WISDOM
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The ancient civilisations had a deeper understanding of this interdependence, not only relating directly to the individual, but also the important connection with our environment and nature. By using their methods of traditional healing, herbal & plant medicines, together with supportive measures, they were able to effectively address physical ailments and other manifestations of disease many thousands of years ago.
Ancient cultures also had a profound understanding of the body’s own healing capabilities, and how to harness this power.
AYURVEDA
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WHAT IS AYURVEDA?
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AYURVEDA is an ancient Indian science, it literally means The Science of Life.
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AYUR – Life, VEDA – Science or Knowledge
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Written records are thought to be over 4500 years old, with the science itself being much older, as it was originally passed down verbally via scholars through song and verse. The ancient texts of Ayurveda describe disease states, medical treatments and surgical procedures.
Ayurveda also provides a guide for wellness by following daily practices to lead a healthy and considerate way of life - all still highly relevant and very much applicable today. Ayurveda also considers the internal harmony of the individual, between other people and nature, and with their local environment.
As well as addressing disease states and chronic conditions, it focuses on optimising the current health status of the body in preparation for future life phases. Via preventative and supportive management, improvements to the quality of health, life and longevity can be achieved.
Ayurveda categorises imbalances and faulty tendencies of the body in to three main groups; Vata, Pitta and Kapha. By using Pulse and Tongue diagnosis, the body’s innate constitution, Prakriti, can be determined. The presence of any additional overlying imbalances and disease states, usually due to the impact of various internal biological, external social and environmental stressors, can also be identified; Vikriti.
Using diet and lifestyle amendments, Ayurvedic Herbs, Medical Massage and Therapies, these cellular and energetic imbalances can be corrected, aiming to restore the body to its original constitutional state, with renewed vigour and vitality.
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NUTRITIONAL MEDICINE
WHAT IS NUTRITIONAL MEDICINE?
Nutrition is an essential aspect of Holistic and Naturopathic Health. It ensures vital nourishment to the 30 trillion cells that make up our bodies, and is absolutely paramount for optimal cellular functioning, efficient systemic processes and overall health and wellbeing.
A whole range of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins & minerals should make up our daily diet. Deficiencies or excesses in any of these lead to imbalances, and inefficient functioning of cellular processes. If not addressed in a timely manner, these can progress and lead to disease states.
By carefully assessing the diet, amendments can be made to ensure vital nutrients and vitamins are delivered and efficiently utilised by the body. This enables cellular repair and improved function, aiming for restored health.
Where appropriate, a whole host of specialised testing can be used to further assess the current status of the body and functioning of various systemic pathways. Measurements of specific levels of vitamins and nutrients, hormones, toxins, gut bacteria, and countless other elements can be requested, to aid identifying these imbalances.
As well as dietary and lifestyle suggestions, additional vitamins or nutrient supplements are usually advised. There are also various protocols, and Detoxification or Gut Repair programmes which could be recommended, depending on an individual’s health presentation.
All plans will be unique to each client, and formulated based on individual presentations and needs.
Food is not just fuel. Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well. MICHAEL POLLAN
LIFESTYLE MEDICINE
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WHAT IS LIFESTYLE MEDICINE?
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Lifestyle Medicine is a newly developing holistic branch of today’s standard medical model.
It is a clinical, individualised and evidence based approach to address wellbeing, with many Health Care Professionals and auxiliary teams involved.
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There are 6 main aspects of focus;
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A healthy diet, optimising nutrition
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Regular physical activity
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Managing stress and promoting emotional wellbeing and mental health
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Adequate rest and good quality sleep
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Reducing harmful substance exposure with support groups as needed e.g. Smoking cessation and reducing Alcohol intake
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Creating an enjoyable social life, with good relationships and harmonious interactions with others
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The importance of having wellness and balance in these 6 key areas of life is increasingly being recognised. Research shows direct and measurable affects on health and disease states, adding to the credibility of advice offered.
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HEALTH & LIFE COACHING
WHAT IS HEALTH AND LIFE COACHING?
There is an increased awareness of the value of Coaching in recent years. Coaches work with clients over a period of time, meeting regularly over several weeks or months.
By encouraging Clients to identify specific areas for improvement in their own lives, and highlight desired goals or aims - Health and Life Coaches empower clients to achieve these objectives. The Coach and Client work together to identify areas where small, sustainable, healthy habit forming changes can be made, and easily be incorporated in to the Client’s life. The aim is to gradually make adjustments to reach these desired goals.
By having weekly achievable targets, tangible progress can be seen - making the overall transformation seem effortless.
Nurturing yourself is not selfish – it’s essential to your survival and your well-being. RENEE PETERSON TRUDEAU
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MINDFULNESS
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?
In today’s Digital Age, our bodies and minds are constantly bombarded with a whole range of stimuli, which can lead to mental, emotional and physical fatigue.
Today, more than ever, it is so important to have few minutes for ourselves each day – to detach from the daily pressures we constantly face, by carving out some time to focus on the Power of our Breath, the Life Force within us, and just be…
For some, ‘switching off’ to quieten and calm the mind is the greatest challenge of all – especially for those who are constantly active; mentally or physically.
Mindfulness is the practice of choosing one activity, and focusing on just this in its entirety. No multitasking, and no distractions. It settles the mind’s activity, drawing it in on one thing only. This might be silently having a cup of tea, focusing your whole mind on every step, from filling up the kettle, to tasting the last drop. Or mindfully eating - taking time away from your work desk to enjoy lunch outdoors, slowly chewing and tasting each bite.
Mindfulness allows us to have a bit of Me-Time, letting the Mind slow down, and feel a sense of calm spread through your body – over time, the beneficial effects from this can be profound.
