Why Choosing a Women’s Massage Specialist Matters

There are many benefits to choosing a women’s massage specialist to perform your massage. Your specialised masseuse takes a women catered approach to ensure you have the best experience tailored to your needs.  

Each of our therapists is trained to take a trauma informed approach to your treatment. The therapist work’s on problems that are specific to women’s health and wellness drawing on their anatomical knowledge of women’s bodies to improve your overall health. 

Women’s massages can help to treat muscle tension, headaches, anxiety, stress, pain and specific injuries or challenges you are feeling in your body. Treatments can be tailor to your life stage. Our team specialises in our signature body bliss massage treatment, Pre and post-natal massage, Pregnancy massage, womb and fertility treatments and induction massage. The team at Louisa Carter Health offers massage treatments for women in a woman only space (eve studio) in Preston, Melbourne.

Benefits of Women’s Massage

The release of tension and increase of relaxation that you get from women’s massage can have positive effects on managing stress levels and supporting  your overall emotional and physical wellbeing. 

Other benefits of women’s massage include:

  • A treatment that is tailored to the specific life stage of the women presenting to the therapist. Taking into account the physical and emotional wellbeing of the client.
  • Deep tissue releases on targeted areas can help to reduce a women’s pain and increase mobility. 
  • Encouraging the flow of the lymphatic system to avoid fluid retention, support detox and the immune system, 
  • Lower back and specialised belly massages can help reduce period cramps and pain by improving blood flow and reducing tension.
  • Promote feel good hormones that help decrease anxiety or stress.

Women’s Massage for Pregnancy

Specialty massage treatments are available for pregnant and post-natal women. The treatment offer relief and relaxation for mothers-to-be. A combination of deep tissue, lymphatic and relaxation massages are utilised to assist pregnant women with aches and pains, as well as relieve tension and improve blood flow. 

At Louisa Carter Health, you can experience a pregnancy massage on our specialised pregnancy mat, which allows you to lay safely face down to get the most comfortable and therapeutic treatment. 

In the late stages of pregnancy an Induction massages can be booked.  This specialised treatment aims to encourage the arrival of baby through numerous safe and natural techniques. It includes the use of essential oils, acupuncture points unique to this stage of pregnancy, and specialised work releasing the muscles around the pelvic region. It also aids in moving the nervous system into the parasympathetic mode sending messages to the body that it is safe to go in to labour. 

Are There Disadvantages to Women’s Massage?

There are very few disadvantages to women’s massage, when given by trained professionals. It is a non-invasive and natural option for women to increase a positive connection to their body, enhance wellbeing and overall health. It offers all the benefits of general massage, but with specialised features designed specifically for women in all stages of life.

Choose a women’s massage from Louisa Carter Health to assist your relaxation, health, or wellbeing. Book your massage in Preston today.

Women’s Wellness: Five Everyday Health and Wellness Tips

When you listen to your body, it will often give you clues if something isn’t right. If you are constantly feeling as if you’re tired, sapped of energy, run down, stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, it could be your body’s way of sending you a message. Here, we look at some common, everyday tips for women’s wellness that you can work on right away to zap away the brain fog. Talk to Louisa Carter Health if you would like a women’s wellness consultation in Preston or online. 

Tip 1: Don’t Stint on Sleep

Sleep is essential to your wellbeing. It can affect both your physical and mental wellbeing.
Without quality sleep we can spend the day feeling tired, overwhelmed and lacking concentration. Ensuring you are getting approx. 8hrs sleep a night will make all the difference to your daily energy, mood and motivation levels. 

Start by checking exactly how many hours you are getting each night? 

If you have trouble with your sleep (falling asleep or staying asleep) start by exploring basic sleep hygiene strategies. Here are a few to consider. 

  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals before bed. 
  • Keep your bedroom dark, cool and quiet.
  • Turn off devices at least an hour before sleep time. 
  • Relax before bedtime – create your own bedtime ritual and routine.

Tip 2: Eat for your vitality!

Food plays a very important role in determining how you feel day to day. You want to ensure you are nourishing your body with food and drinks that are packed full of life giving nutrients to help you feel your best.  

Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food. 

  • Drink water. Aim for 2lt+ daily. Start the day with 2 large glasses of warm water (add lemon if you like).
  • Eat whole foods that come from the earth and avoid processed and packaged foods.
  • Load up on vegetables into your diet. Eat the rainbow every day!
  •  Ensure good quality protein and fat.
  • Avoid too much sugar.

Tip 3: Move your body daily.

Regular movement and/or exercise has a positive effect on how you feel. It is well proven that exercise combats against many common health problems like anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, bone density and some forms of cancer.

  • Tune into your body and move in a way that feel good for you. Allow that to be different day to day depending on how you feel.
  • Try a mixture of cardio and weight bearing exercises. 
  • Remember that walking is one of the best forms of exercise.
  • Make movement fun. Try a dance class, walk with friends, go swimming in the ocean.
  • Aim to move your body daily, add in some more vigorous exercise 3-5 x week.
  • Take rest when your body calls for it.

Tip 4: Reduce Your Stress

Stress can have such a profound effect on both your mental and physical health, impacting on the quality of your life. Research shows that it is linked to higher risks of so many health conditions including depression, anxiety and heart disease. In today modern world it feels hard to avoid. Here are some ideas (that are backed by research), on how to reduce stress to improve overall women’s wellness:

  • Take the time to do things that you enjoy. Catch up with your girlfriends, go for a bush walk, do some painting, see a comedy show.
  • Try some physical exercise. Get those endorphins pumping.
  • Try meditation or breathing techniques. There are so many great apps out there these days (smiling minds, stop, think breath, insight timer). Start with just 5 minutes a day and see what impact that has on toggling your stress levels.
  • Get a massage – This has been shown to reduce stress and calm the nervous system. It releases tension throughout your body and mind. Book now.

Tip 5: Keep on Top of Health Check-ups

See your doctor at least once every year for a blood test and every two years for a pap smear. More often if your doctor recommends it or if you are unwell. 

Explore women’s wellness with Louisa Carter Health in Preston To learn more about how we can help you, visit our women’s wellness website and contact us online to book a massage or Naturopathy session today.

What exactly is Induction Massage & What are the Benefits?

An induction massage is a specialised massage given to pregnant women in the final week of pregnancy to support and encourage the body in preparation for labour. 

Induction massage targets three areas in order to encourage natural induction of labour.  The first is utilising the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine and the activation of acupressure points in the body. 

Second is lower back and glute massage which encourages relaxation of the muscles around the pelvis and sacrum. This may allow the baby to move down into the pelvis in preparation for birth.

Third and sometimes most importantly the treatment calms the nervous system moving the mother to be into a state of relaxation (parasympathetic dominance), sending a clear signal to the body and baby that it is safe to go into labour.  Louisa Carter Health, located in Preston (9km from Melbourne CBD), offers this specialised massage treatment.

Benefits of an Induction Massage

The benefits of an induction massage for mothers-to-be include,  a blissful massage experience for the women, the targeting of acupressure points and the relief of  stress and anxiety in the body and mind. It can also assist with the individuals unique pregnancy aches and pains. We also draw on the use of essential oils such as clary sage, yoga and lifestyle suggestions to enhances the induction massage outcomes. 

When Should You Book an Induction Massage?

An induction massage is carried out to prepare the body for childbirth in the final stages of pregnancy. This treatment can be done around the 39th or 40th week of Pregnancy. However, the women’s unique circumstances should be taken into account as there are circumstances when this may be done earlier.

The therapists at Louisa Carter health are always happy to discuss the best treatment plan to match your unique circumstances.   It is important to note that although the benefits of induction massage are always felt by the women it is not guaranteed to induce birth. It is however always a positive way to naturally prepare yourself for the best possible labour outcome. 

To find out more about our induction massage at Louisa Carter Health. in Preston, visit our massage page.

The Benefits of Massage for Women & Women’s Health

Recent studies have shown that there is a significant difference in the way that male
and female physiologies experience stress. Differences in lifestyle, responsibilities and
gender specific considerations indicate that women are more likely to register the
effects of stress. As mothers, homemakers and working professionals, women have a
unique set of challenges to face which lead to different stress effects, all of which can
be addressed by trained women’s massage therapists. Read on to find out the benefits
of massage therapy.

Combat Stress and Anxiety

Massages help increase blood flow to parts of the brain which are associated with mood
and stress. Studies show that a quality massage treatment can drop cortisol hormone
levels by 30% while boosting serotonin and dopamine, which improve mood.

Improve Posture and Fix Imbalances

By loosening tight muscles and reducing knots, the body is encouraged to return to its
natural posture which helps reduce discomfort, pain and even chronic muscular issues
caused by tensing due to stress. A good posture ensures that your body experiences
less wear and tear even in later years.

Boost your Immune System

At Louisa Carter Health, our approach to healthcare is rooted in the notion that the
human body and mind are part of an interconnected system which needs to be care for
with a holistic approach. By stimulating blood circulation, relaxing muscles, regulating
hormonal levels in the body and destressing the mind, you can greatly improve the
performance of your immune system. Studies show that mental stress has a direct and
negative impact on the immune system, which can leave you vulnerable to a wide range
of diseases and conditions.

Address other Health Conditions

Massage therapy can also help women tackle other health conditions such as:

  • Back pain
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Reduced mobility due to arthritis
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Conditions which may arise during pregnancy or after childbirth

Women’s Massage Therapists

At Louisa Carter Health, we believe that a holistic approach to healing, customised to
suit your exact needs, is an invaluable way to take back your health. Our team of
women’s massage therapists has the knowledge and experience to provide massage
therapy which specifically addresses the psychological and physiological challenges
faced by women today. Contact us now to find out about our non-pharmaceutical
approach to tackling depression, anxiety and pain.

Post Natal Massages Can Help Recovery After Birth

Post Natel Massage

At Louisa Carter Health, we always recommend that our pregnant clients visit a trained
pregnancy massage therapist during their pregnancy to ensure that both body and mind
are able to cope with the changes that inevitably come with bearing a child. However,
the key to starting the journey with your new baby is to ensure that your body is able to
recover fully with the help of trained massage therapists. A post natal massage program
is extremely important as it helps both physical and emotional recovery, regulating
hormones, relieving pain, reducing swelling and can even improve breastfeeding.

Read on to find out more about the benefits of post natal massage.

Benefits of Post Natal Massage

Post natal massages have been shown to help recovery and promote overall health.
Just some of the benefits include:

Stress Reduction

Whether it’s a light massage or a deep tissue massage, post natal massage helps to
reduce physical and psychological stress caused by the pregnancy process. Many new
mothers experience temporary postpartum depression or feelings of overwhelm, and a
skilled massage therapist can help them get through this challenging time.

Pain Relief

Post pregnancy aches and pains are sometimes exacerbated by breastfeeding and
holding the child, which can cause pain in the arms and shoulders. Post natal massage
can help your body adapt to these new demands without the need for painkillers. Even
chronic or severe pain can be alleviated over multiple sessions.

Hormone Regulation

Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone in the body increase during pregnancy.
After childbirth, prolactin and oxytocin increase to help with breastfeeding. During these
hormonal changes, a massage program can help reduce unwanted hormones such as
cortisol, regulate dopamine and serotonin as well as maintain cardiovascular health.

Improved Breastfeeding

By relaxing the body with massage therapy, a new mother experiences better blood
circulation which has a direct impact on the production of milk. Massage therapy
increases prolactin hormone levels and improves lactation by relaxing shoulder and
back muscles.

Post Natal Massage Therapists

At Louisa Carter Health, we recognise that post natal healthcare is crucial to your
recovery and the ability to tackle all the challenges that come with caring for a newborn
baby. Contact our expert team of naturopaths and massage therapists today to begin
your post natal recovery the right way.

5 Reasons Why Massage is Good for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy Massage Therapist

Over the years, of the fields which has seen a resurgence is holistic pregnancy care.
Prenatal massage programs are designed to help boost health and wellbeing for
mothers who are expecting, while keeping their needs in mind. At Louisa Carter Health,
we recommend a pregnancy massage to all expecting mothers to help with a wide
range of health issues.

What is a Pregnancy Massage?

A pregnancy massage is specially adapted to take into consideration the anatomical
changes that your body goes through during pregnancy. A trained massage therapist
has the knowledge and experience to recognise the changes that your body is
undergoing and change their approach as required. Special cushioning systems allow
you to lie down comfortably without harming yourself or the baby. At Louisa Carter
Health we always take into consideration the emotional aspect that plays a significant
part throughout a women’s pregnancy journey, we offer a truly nurturing a holistic
approach to support both the physical and the emotional.

What are the Benefits of a Pregnancy Massage?

Studies show that a professional massage can help to reduce stress hormones
produced by the body. Here are some of the benefits of a pregnancy massage. Some of
the key benefits of a pregnancy massage include:

Treating Insomnia and reducing the impact of stress

A massage helps boost blood circulation and reduce stress hormones that have been
released by the body. Stress hormones adversely affect your sleep cycle and can lead
to anxiety and insomnia.

Alleviating Joint Pain

By massaging the joints, blood flow is increased in the tendons and other parts of the
joint, which helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Helping with Neck and Back Pain

The neck and back area are made up of a large number of muscles, nerves and blood
vessels. Stress often causes these areas to tense up, causing discomfort and a skillful
massage can help open these parts of the body up and relax them.

Sciatica relief and management

The lower back, buttock muscle and lower leg pain associated with sciatica is caused by
inflammation of the sciatic nerve. A massage helps find the root of the pain and help
alleviate the discomfort.

Minimising Headache and Sinus Congestion

A massage which focuses on the sinuses allows the areas around the head and nasal
passages open up for easier breathing. In general, a good massage helps oxygenate
the body, reduce inflammation and improve breathing.

Relief from Nausea and Fatigue

A good massage will help alleviate nausea symptoms that can often be overwhelming
during pregnancy. The time to rest and restore will help reduce symptoms of fatigue and
the women capacity to manage day to day life while growing a baby.

Pregnancy Massage Therapists

Contact Louisa Carter Health today to speak to our experienced team of naturopaths
and massage therapists. Click to find out more about prenatal healthcare and the
benefits of a pregnancy massage today!

CHICKEN AND VEGGIE CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

·      1 tbsp. coconut oil (or oil of choice)

·      1 kg chicken thighs

·      1 brown onion, chopped

·      3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

·      2 carrots, halved lengthways and cut into discs

·      2 potatoes, peeled and diced.

·      1 cup frozen peas

·      2 Roma tomatoes, diced

·      2 tablespoons flour of choice

·      400 ml (2 cups) chicken bone broth/stock

·      Sea salt and black pepper

·      ½ tbsp. fresh thyme

·      ½ tbsp. fresh oregano

·      1 zucchini, diced

·      1/2 a small broccoli head, cut into small pieces

·      2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large, flameproof casserole dish or large frying pan to medium heat. Season chicken thighs and brown and seal on both sides for few minutes each. Remove and set aside. Preheat oven to 200ºC (180ºC fan oven).

2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, oregano, thyme and potatoes to the pan, and cook, stirring, for around 5 minutes. Add the tomato and cook for further 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. While the vegetables are cooking, chop the chicken into bite sized pieces.

  1. Stir in the flour, cook for 2min, then pour in the stock.
  2.  Season to taste, then return the browned chicken to the casserole dish and pour over the vegetable/broth mixture. Add zucchini, pea’s and broccoli.
  3. Cover and cook in the oven 30min (or if cooking in saucepan – cook on low on stove top) until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is piping hot and thickened. Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, salt and pepper to taste

 

Vitamin C Flush

Vitamin C  – How to dose to match your bodies needs.

 

As Naturopath it is common practice to dose vitamin C until bowel tolerance, a nicer way to describe it is the Vitamin C flush. This involves taking as much Vitamin C as your gut can tolerate in order to saturate your cells. Once you hit the point at which you can no longer absorb vitamin C from your gut, you will experience an enema like evacuation, like diarrhoea, from your bowel.

There is some evidence to show that the amount of vitamin C which can be tolerated orally, without producing loose stools, increases in correlation to how unwell you are. (2,4)
Most people reach bowel tolerance at around 10-15g, but in an acute illness like a cold that tolerance can increase up to 50g within 24 hours. A bad cold can increase tolerance to 100g, the flu up to 150g and viral pneumonia to as much as 200g within 24 hours.(4)
Large doses of vitamin C should always be given in divided doses and consultation with your health practitioner is always best.

  

What you need:

       A buffered Vitamin C powder that includes Calcium ascorbate or potassium ascorbate. Best to avoid the ascorbic acid as can cause irritation in such high dose.

How to do it:

-Choose a day when you are at home or close to a toilet you feel comfortable using.

-Start by taking 1000mg of vitamin C in a glass of water

-Repeat this every hour, on the hour, recording each time you take a dose

-Continue taking 1000mg hourly until you go to the toilet with loose stool – a watery stool. Once this occurs you can stop taking the vitamin C. Take note of how much you took in total before hitting bowel tolerance. i.e.: every hour for 6 hours = 6,000mg.

– Continue to drink water throughout the day, you may notice some continued loose stool.

– The following day take 75% of the total amount in 3 divided doses i.e. 75% of 6,000 = 4,500mg which would be 3 divided doses of 1,500mg.

– Each day reduce the total amount you are taking by 1000mg. i.e. The next day take total of 3,500 in 2-3 divided doses until you are down to 500-1000mg daily.

 

Who shouldn’t do this? Although vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and your cant actually overdose I would advise against people with the following conditions to avoid.

       Irritable bowel or inflammatory bowel disease

       Gilbert’s disease

       Haemochromatosis

– Preconception, Pregnancy or breast feeding

Reference:

1.Cathcart RF. Clinical trial of vitamin C. Letter to the editor. Med Tribune 1975. [Link]
 

2.Cathcart RF. The method of determining proper doses of vitamin C for the treatment of disease by titrating to bowel tolerance. J Orthomolecular Psychiatry 1981;10:125-132. [Full Text]
 

3.Cathcart RF. Vitamin C: titrating to bowel tolerance, anascorbemia, and acute induced scurvy. Med Hypotheses 1981;7(11):1359-1376. [Full Text]
 

4.Megascorbate therapies: vitamin C in medicine. The Vitamin C Foundation 1997 [Link]

 

Healing the gut with food as medicine.

GUT BUILDERS Food that supports and encourages a healthy and diverse gut population

Prebiotics encourage fermentation to happen inside your gut and can have a greater impact on the gut microbiome than probiotics. Super important!!

o   Vegetables: cruciferous veg, Jerusalem artichokes, radish, onions, shallots, beets, leek and garlic, leaky greens like dandelion greens, burdock and chicory root, kale, collards, asparagus, fennel.

o   Starches, beans, chickpeas, lentils and other legumes cooked and cooled white potato, green bananas and sweet potato.

o   Nuts and seeds – chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans almonds, cashews and pistachio. Sunflower, pumpkin, LSA mix, Flaxseed meal, black tahini

o   Fruits – black elderberries, black currants, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, black berries, plums, raspberries, apples (red), black grapes.

o   Partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG). This can be purchased from health food shop and is a great prebiotic to add to smoothies or cooking.

Fibre is our friend: Beneficial metabolites in the form of short chain fatty acids (SCFA’s) are produced when fibre is broken down by the gut bacteria. We know that these SCFA’s nourish the gut barrier, increase immune function and reduce inflammation.

One of the most important SCFA’s is Butyrate. It is shown to reduces mucosal inflammation and oxidative stress, reinforces the gut defence barrier, and modulates intestinal sensitivity and intestinal motility. All important!  A growing number of studies have stressed the role of butyrate in the prevention and inhibition of colorectal cancer. Outside the intestine, butyrate exerts potentially useful effects on many conditions, including genetic metabolic diseases, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, ischemic stroke and hemoglobinopathies.

 

How to increase butyrate producing bacteria

Include: Psyllium husks and ground flaxseeds, PHGG, Inulin-FOS as supplement, and different types of resistant starch.

 

Resistant starch can be found in:

o   Whole grains, seeds and legumes –  buckwheat, sorghum.

o   Potato starch (must be eaten unheated) raw potato, green bananas, legumes.

o   Root veg cooked then cooled -e.g. cooked potato or sweet potato eaten in salad, legumes.

 

Probiotics supply active bacteria cultures as a result of fermentation that happens outside the gut. When food is fermented, its digestibility is enhanced and its nutrient levels are increased.

o Cultured dairy – fermenting dairy digests the milk sugars that may otherwise cause digestive issues. Yoghurt, butter milk, crème fraiche and some cheese. Non-dairy milks can also be fermented.

o Fermented soy – the best type of soy as the fermenting introduces beneficial bacteria and improves the digestibility. Tempeh, miso, soy, sauce and fermented bean curd.

o Fermented foods and beverages – kefir, kombucha, kvass, fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi. Any fermented veggies really.

Healing foods that are healing to the gut

o Bone broths

o Gelatine and collagen

o Good quality fats – olive oil, coconut oil, meat

o Herbs & spices – basil, cilantro, caraway, cinnamon, garlic, thyme, turmeric.

SHEPHERD’S PIE

LCH SHEPHERD’S PIE

6-8 servings 

1.5hours

 

Ingredients:

  • 500 grams Extra Lean Minced Chicken, Lamb or Beef
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 Yellow Onion (chopped)
  • 3 Carrot (diced)
  • 3 Garlic (cloves, minced)
  • 1 cup Mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 2 tbsps Almond Flour
  • 1/2 cup Organic Vegetable Broth
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt (divided)
  • 1/2 tspvBlack Pepper (divided)
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas
  • 4 Sweet Potato (peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks)
  • 1 head Cauliflower (cut into florets)
  • 2/3 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 2 tbsps Coconut Oil

 

  1. Cook your minced meat in a fry pan over medium heat. Stir every minute until cooked through. Drain liquid and transfer to a bowl. Set aside.
  2. Place the skillet back over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the onion and carrot and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until carrot starts to soften. Add the garlic, mushrooms and thyme and cook for another 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer your cooked meat back into the skillet. Add the flour and stir until well mixed. Add the vegetable broth and stir in half the salt and half the black pepper. Bring to a simmer stirring frequently. Once simmering, add the peas and stir well to evenly mix. Now transfer the mixture into a casserole dish and spread evenly across the bottom. Set aside.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
  5. Steam your sweet potato chunks and cauliflower florets together in a large steaming basket. Once they are tender (about 10 to 15 minutes), transfer to your food processor. Add the almond milk, coconut oil and remaining sea salt and black pepper. Process until smooth and creamy.
  6. Transfer the potato mix to the casserole dish and spread it evenly so it covers the meat and vegetable mix. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes (or longer if you like the edges crispy).
  7. Remove from oven. Let cool for about 5 minutes. Cut into slices and lift onto plates with a spatula. Enjoy!

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