As the hit Netflix drama series The Queen’s Gambit continues to drive renewed interest in chess, new research has found that the ancient game reduces risk aversion in children.
Chess helps kids learn about risk
Q&A with Dr Jamie Rickcord from Ananda Clinics
The Northern Rivers of NSW is a region that’s long known the benefits of nature’s plants as medicine. Now, thanks to recent changes to the medicinal cannabis laws and progressive practices like Ananda, everyone can access these treatments in a modern, professional setting.
Happy childhood no guarantee for good mental health
While it’s well understood that a difficult childhood can increase the likelihood of mental illness, new research suggests that a happy and secure childhood doesn’t always protect a child from developing a mental illness in later life.
Participants needed for healthcare study
Southern Cross University researchers have announced a new study to better understand how parents choose healthcare interventions for their children.
Setback for Mind Medicine Australia
Last week the Therapeutic Goods Administration announced its interim decision not to reschedule medical grade psilocybin and MDMA for medical use, but Mind Medicine Australia is going to contest the decision.
Low dose CBD in pharmacies
Low dose cannabidiol (CBD) has just been approved for over-the-counter sale in pharmacies across Australia, following a decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Can VR give insights into dementia?
As dementia numbers in Australia continue to skyrocket, researchers have developed a new virtual reality program to help carers walk in the shoes of those who live with the condition.
Health going up in smoke?
Tobacco smoking is widely known as the leading cause of preventable diseases and death in Australia, but almost 12% of adults still smoke daily. On average, these smokers puff more than twelve cigarettes per day.
Are shoes making you a fashion victim?
Comfortable shoes might not always be the best looking option, but they are the path to better health.
Insights into itching
Research from the USA indicates that allergans in the environment are often to blame for acute itching in people with eczema, but there’s new hope for a cure.
New Year Resolutions, again?!
We’ve all been there. In the run-up to the New Year festivities, we feel very certain that turning the page on yet another year in our journey is a perfect time to reframe, restart, reshape and recommit to higher standards in our health, our practice and our aspirations to better ourselves. The details of how […]
CSIRO weighs in with diet quiz
CSIRO has developed a free, personalised weight loss tool to help Australians combat motivation slumps in the new year and beyond.
Eco-anxiety and what to do about it
Fears for the future of life on Earth are different to other forms of anxiety, and require a different response.
Carrots and sticks
New Year is the traditional time to change your life by giving something up or starting something new, so what works and what doesn’t?
Chimneying with Santa?
Loving relationships of the romantic kind are pretty important for human well-being and survival, but 2020 brought a whole new set of words, and challenges, to the ancient art of romance.
How motherhood changes the brain
Recent studies at Monash University are beginning to understand the long-term impacts of ‘baby-brain’ and how the hormonal changes that take place in a mother’s brain can benefit women later in life.
Ending loneliness together
A new organisation was recently launched to take on the national loneliness epidemic, by bringing people together.
The Pursuit of Happiness
Essentially, everyone wants to be happy. For many of us happiness is elusive. There can be long periods of elation, until life throws us a curve ball. At the other extreme we can be living in a state of despair that seems endless. For others and perhaps most of us, happiness is an experience that […]
Mind Medicine Australia pushes forward with new partner
As Mind Medicine Australia awaits the results of a rescheduling application before the Therapeutic Goods Administration to allow psychedelic medications to be used more widely in clinical therapy, the charity organisation has announced a new partnership with the company Emyria.
Food poisoning – it’s in your hands
It’s Food Safety Week, and Ballina Shire Council is urging everyone to take food poisoning seriously.
Are we eating our way into blindness?
The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists says too much sugar consumption means many Australians are literally eating themselves blind.
Self-care and health policy
Australians will achieve better health outcomes when self-care is a priority of the healthcare system and federal government policy, says the Director of the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine at SCU, Jon Wardle.
Mothers thrive working from home?
Working from home brings its own special challenges, but a recent study of public servants has shown women in particular see themselves as winners from more flexibility about work locations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Help is at hand for mental health
It’s Mental Health Month, and there’s no question that in 2020, across Australia, people’s mental health conditions have escalated significantly.
Showing appreciation for carers
There are over 2.7 million unpaid carers in Australia and about 904,000 in NSW. National Carers Week is a chance to give something back.
Not so great to stay up late
New research from the University of South Australia suggests there are perils associated with a late bedtime for kids and parents.
Boating is good for you
Boaties all swear there’s nothing better than being in a boat. Now there’s some evidence they might be right.
Buddy Boxes for kids with cancer
Each year, over 950 children are diagnosed with cancer in Australia. Cure Cancer has launched The Buddy Box to help kids who have cancer and also aid cancer research.
First aid in a pandemic
The Australian Red Cross has revealed 82% of Australians are worried they could catch COVID-19 from a first aid emergency that involves performing CPR.
Reducing cirrhosis threat for drinkers
New research shows that a healthy weight and coffee consumption may help lower the risk of high-risk drinkers developing alcohol-induced cirrhosis, which causes 300,000 deaths each year.
Psychedelics as medicine?
Mind Medicine Australia’s Tania de Jong AM and Peter Hunt AM recently spoke in a public webinar about the emerging role of psychedelics in mental health treatment.
Nipping allergies in the bub
The Australian federal government’s Nip Allergies in the Bub initiative is part of the National Allergy Strategy.
Fitness helps to avoid thyroid problems
Women are more likely than men to develop thyroid problems. The good news is that keeping fit can keep the thyroid healthy.
Does smiling help?
New research confirms that the act of smiling can trick your mind into being more positive, simply by moving your facial muscles.
SCU adventure app helps kids address climate change fears
Many young people are seriously worried about the climate emergency, with feelings of helplessness leading to adverse health impacts. In response, SCU has created a new adventure app.
The fine line between fighting and bullying
There is no universal definition of bullying, but it is widely agreed amongst researchers that there are three essential elements: that the behaviour is ongoing, that it is intended to be harmful, and that there is a power imbalance.
Extend your yoga practice to the table
Yoga is more ancient than most people realise. Sanskrit recordings of Ayurvedic medicine and practises date back over 5000 years to India. The food, the yoga asanas and the meditation form a symbiotic circle.
National Pain Survey results published
National Pain week starts today with the launch of a major new survey from Chronic Pain Australia which shows a serious deterioration in the way chronic pain sufferers feel medical professionals have helped them manage their pain since COVID-19.
World Breastfeeding Week
Particularly apt in this tough times, World Breastfeeding Week falls in a time where mothers have had to deal with all the standard challenges as well as some new ones due to the current pandemic.
Tai chi and qi gong
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art which is practised by many people around the world today for its health benefits.
Hearing is the final sense to go
New medical research appears to confirm the ancient Tibetan Buddhist belief that hearing is the last sense to go when people die.
Singing as a healing pathway
Singing isn’t just a way to bring joy to yourself and others, it also brings many health and healing benefits.
Keeping the world open for elders living with dementia
Elders around the world have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19. For those living with dementia, the new restrictions have made things even more difficult. Dementia Australia has launched a new campaign urging Australians to keep the world open for people living with dementia, not just during the pandemic, but every day.
The rise and rise of yoga
Yoga is continuing to rise in popularity in Australia and around the world. Research from Roy Morgan shows that the popularity of yoga has doubled since 2008, with over two million Australians participating.
Youth and post-COVID life
Amidst the current turmoil, there have been sparks of creativity and talk of the world emerging greater than it was before. In many ways, this is most important for the youth to embrace and that is exactly what Junior Landcare Australia’s ‘What’s in your backyard?’ campaign has shone a light on.
Stay cosy this winter
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is an Australian federal government agency responsible for scientific research. Who would have thought they would have such good tips for cold-proofing your house and staying warm and cosy this winter.
Help others to heal yourself
St Francis of Assisi once said ‘for it is in the giving that we receive.’ But you don’t need sandals and a lot of pets to find out if that’s true. According to scientific research, helping others doesn’t just feel good, it has measurable health benefits.
Crystal bed healing with Emma Bellamy
After taking a break for the COVID-19 lockdown, Bangalow-based crystal bed healer Emma Bellamy is taking bookings again and preparing to re-open fully on July 20.
Innermost harmony with Yasmin Lang
Remedial massage was one of the first essential services to be re-opened by the government after COVID-19 struck. Based in Byron Bay, massage therapist Yasmin Lang has been continuing to help clients who are struggling with aches and pains at this time. She offers treatment in the safety of a warm and nurturing space.
Not so fantastic plastic
Since the 1950s, plastic has proliferated everywhere. Eight billion tonnes has been thrown away. Nine percent of that has been recycled, and twelve percent has been incinerated. Humans and every other species are constantly exposed to this stuff. Unfortunately, many forms of plastic are fundamentally toxic.
Is this Covid disruption an opportunity to reimagine your habits?
Muhamad Ali was well known for his boxing achievements but less recognized for the fact he was an outstanding mindset changemaker. He once said “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”
Healing with dance
During lockdown, getting enough fun exercise has been a challenge for a lot of us. For professional dancers trying to maintain their skills and fitness, working alone, it’s been extra tricky. The bonus for people at home who love dancing is the profusion of online learning and training opportunities, many of them free.
Connecting inwards and outwards
‘Let’s focus on what’s going to support the love, the caring. What’s going to support kindness and compassion. Whatever we give our attention to is likely to grow, so much better we put our attention to those things than fear.’
Fabulous fungi
There’s more to mushrooms than meets the eye. Some species provide psychedelic trips, some are delicious to eat, others just want to kill you. But did you know fungi can also survive in space, build things and help with the climate crisis?
Here comes the sun
With the big upsurge in home cooking lately, and with lots of us having more time than usual, slow food is enjoying a resurgence. One of the most exciting (and environmentally sound) forms of this is solar cooking. As well as tasting incredible, solar cooking is great for your health.
Isolation inspiration
During all this time we have at home, either alone or with family, provides the perfect opportunity to do all the things you didn’t have time for before
There stands the glass
New polling suggests Australians are getting worried about what’s happening with their household drinking as the COVID-19 pandemic rolls on.
The power of play
At the moment many parents are spending more time with their children than ever before, which has its wonderful and awful aspects. There’s been a lot of focus on home-schooling and parents skilling up to become de-facto teachers. But the situation also presents possibilities for parents to learn from their kids – about play.
Manuka honey and its future
Honey has been used as a remedy for many ailments across history and has now found its way into people’s pantries across the world, for very different reasons.
Overcoming loneliness
Most people try and run away from loneliness. You’ve opened the fridge for the 197th time today and almost exhausted all the good shows on Netflix.
Self-healing during COVID-19
COVID-19 policies from governments and businesses are evolving quicker than I can type. NAB announced today (20/3/20) eligible customers will be able to freeze home loan repayments. China has reported no new local cases of the virus and has successfully managed to ‘flatten the curve’ in the viruses epicentre of Wuhan.
Are you an Iron Person?
Having not enough iron in your system (anaemia) is a common problem, especially for women, but some people have the opposite problem. Haemochromatosis is an inherited condition that affects one in 200 Australians. It leads people to retain too much iron in the bloodstream.
Accentuate the positive
There’s a theory that all human emotions boil down to fear and love. For every situation that we face in life, there are two basic response paths. Unlike computers though, we’re not binary – humans are more complicated.
Talking to Turquoise Coleman
Byron Healing spoke to Turquoise Coleman, an internationally acclaimed holistic beautician, Reiki Master, Temple dancer and Transformational practitioner about her life and work.
Talking about exercise addiction
Perhaps the most misunderstood of all types of addiction, exercise addiction can have some deep-rooted mental and physical effects if ignored. It’s harder to diagnose but easier to treat than most other forms of addiction but the naturally the first question should be – what is exercise addiction?
Dark chocolate – healthy or hoax?
So, with Easter just around the corner, I thought it would be very apt to talk about an ancient food that needs no introduction. Dark chocolate.
Virtual healing: Belle McPhee
One of the ironies of the current situation is that as the pandemic tightens its grip, many people are finding it harder to get the health care they need. Most alternative health practitioners in Australia are no longer able to see patients in person due to new restrictions. Luckily there are a number of people in our region who are ready and willing to bridge this gap using digital communications technology.
Virtual healing: Lin Bell
Next in our series about local practitioners who are maintaining their practices online at this time of isolation is Lin Bell, a healer and intuitive with many years experience across a range of healing modalities.
Talking about turmeric
Famed for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this vibrantly coloured botanical has held its spot on the health podium for a long while. Turmeric is a spice I’m sure you’ve heard of and if not, maybe you’ve noticed lattes, gelato and smoothies with a sunset-orange hue. Well, that’s turmeric
You can’t rely on the health rating system
We should all be familiar with the health star rating system (out of 5) that we see on some of our staple groceries each week. What you might not be a failure with is that it is outdated and can’t be relied upon; especially if this is the only measure you look at when deciding if a product is healthy or not.
If the rain is making you SAD – let there be light!
The onset of rain after a long dry spell is always a welcome relief, and though no-one wants to complain about life-giving water, extended cloudy periods can cause health issues.
Overuse of cold and flu tablets leads to health risk
Over the last decade, general medication use has only slightly increased however, the use of antihistamines alongside allergy and cold-and-flu drugs has risen by 3 million (tablets per year).
Are you a vaper? It could save your life
We all know the dangers of smoking. It has been unequivocally proven that cigarettes and cigarette smoke are a direct path to lung cancer and many other diseases. The latest scientific review of vaping nicotine has concluded it is an effective quitting aid for smokers and could help to substantially reduce smoking rates in Australia. […]
Discover the way to wellbeing
Find the secret to wellbeing and you’ve surely found the modern-day Holy Grail of peace, happiness and health – but how often do our busy lives divert us in the wrong direction? Can making small changes really result in big outcomes and a stronger sense of what you really need? At Aura-Soma, we think so! […]
Can anti-stress drugs slow the spread of cancer?
We all hope to see a future where the big ‘C’ word isn’t so scary and that cancers can be treated and cured with the same effort that it takes to clear up a throat infection. We are one step close to that according to a new study.
Australia’s obesity epidemic
You would be forgiven not knowing Australia has an obesity problem, given the area we live in. But through all the açai bowls, soy lattes and vegan delicacies, there is a real problem. It is said that our obesity epidemic is so dire that is undermining expert attempt to reduce cardiovascular disease.
The psychology of New Years resolutions
Most new years resolutions fail. Research has shown that although resolutions made at the start of a new year are ten times more likely to be followed through, most of them still fail. But why? And how do we avoid this?
Is cortisol weighing you down?
Cortisol is the new catch cry in conversations about obesity and weight loss and the impact on overall weight management, and stress and weight gain may be bedfellows in that discussion.
Surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures on the rise
All over the world people want to change the way they look by using cosmetic treatments and a recent study shows that both surgical and nonsurgical procedures are on the rise.
How to get rid of your unwanted drugs
Bin? Flush? Bury? What do you do with those leftover drugs? The incorrect disposal of medicines can have a major impact on the environment, a fact that has been reinforced in a recent study by Monash University.
How to avoid overeating during the festive season
It happens every year. Despite our best efforts – and promises to ourselves – healthy eating habits seem to fall apart in December. In between the family lunches and work parties, it is almost expected that we will eat more than we should, or more than we want to.
Tips for celebrating sound safely
Good hearing is the key to enjoying all the wonderful sounds this Christmas – your favourite carols, the sound of delighted children opening their presents and contented chatter from loved ones around the dinner table
Is looking good more important than feeling good?
Even in the twenty-first century, there are still people who value how they and others look over the really valuable personal assets, but it’s good health that will see you live longer than any other asset in your life – not great boobs or a tight toosh.
What’s new in peanut allergy?
The University of South Australia has developed a radically novel vaccination that’s poised to cure a potentially life-threatening condition – peanut allergies could become a thing of the past.
Drugs and driving – do they mix?
ot a lot of people read the warnings on the thin piece of folded paper with the teeny tiny writing inside their tablet box.
Do small testicles mean big health problems?
Just to be clear, generally speaking, small testicles are usually not a big health problem. Testicles come in all shapes and sizes. Whether lopsided or symmetrical, they’re all unique. But some men may worry about their size – are they too large or maybe too small?
Is camping the answer to a happier family?
A recent survey has shown that taking your kids camping can improve your relationship with your kids your partner and the entire family’s wellbeing.
Untouched tribes – exploring alternative lifestyles
Lachlan Cornell It is easy to forget that there are so many different lifestyles that people choose to live. And I don’t just mean cultural differences – although this may have a lot to do with it. I am talking about those who have little to no contact with the modern world and actively choose […]
The medical cannabis debate
Research into the safety and efficacy of cannabis for medical use has traditionally been very difficult. This difficulty has been exacerbated by the factors that made the drug illegal in the first place. Today, thousands of Australians are using medical cannabis to treat chronic pain and anorexia. Advocates of medical cannabis use say the drug […]
Can LSD increase productivity?
Lachlan Cornell Life can be exhausting. Most of us lead busy lives, trying to juggle 19 things at once – usually with little success. Even if you consider yourself a multi-tasking wizard, there are always ways to improve your productivity and efficiency. And LSD might just turn out to be one of the best ways. […]
Why my mum sees a psychic
Lachlan Cornell Rhonda is a gifted intuitive reader and medium practising from her home in the Tweed hinterland. I was trying to understand why someone would go and see someone like Rhonda, so I thought I’d ask someone who does go and see her. That happens to be my mum. Here is what she had […]
Is juice healthy?
Lachlan Cornell Juice has been a staple household item for years, however when the truth about sugar revealed itself, juice dropped in popularity. With the health-focused lifestyle that followed, people wanted to find a way to incorporate juice back into their diets without the added sugar. Enter, freshly squeezed, cold-pressed or home blended juices. Now, […]
Modibodi breaking down stigmas
The Continence Foundation of Australia The Continence Foundation of Australia is the national peak body promoting bladder and bowel health. Their vision is to have a community free of the stigma of incontinence. The hygiene issues around incontinence can be severe, yet people endure it because of this stigma. Thankfully now there are more than government […]
Exploring sugar alternatives
Lachlan Cornell In the 1960s a war raged between saturated fat and sugar. Both industries were paying scientists exuberant amounts of money to downplay the effect of their substance on heart disease. Sugar won. fat was labelled the villain and marketing was quickly geared towards ‘FAT-FREE’ labels whilst sugar wore a smug grin on its […]
The secret about superfoods
Lachlan Cornell Superfoods are an unofficial category of foods that are thought to be nutritionally dense and superior to other foods. Blueberries, salmon, kale and açai are four of the most popular foods to gain the honour of being considered a superfood. Due to the unofficial status, there are no specific criteria that a food […]
Take charge of stress and discover true emotional healing
Aura-Soma Our top five steps Whether it’s that daily tension in your shoulders, the heart-pounding that just won’t stop, the work-life-kids juggle or just trying to find a parking space – stress can spike up and whittle us down so that before we know it, it’s become our new normal. But by incorporating Aura-Soma […]
The 7 chakras
Lachlan Cornell Originating from Sanskrit, it literally means “wheel” by association with its function as a vortex of spinning energy interacting with various physiological and neurological systems in the body. Chakras are energy centres within the human body that help to regulate all its processes, from organ function to the immune system and emotions. There […]
Identifying crystals by colour
Crystal identification can be challenging for those who acquire them for healing and spiritual purposes and will often need to seek expert advice. There are many ways to identify crystals, one of the most simple is by colour. Here is a simple guide for those interested in the different meanings of crystals based on their […]
Learning about complete sensory deprivation
Lachlan Cornell A sensory deprivation tank also called an isolation tank or flotation tank is used for restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST). It is a dark, soundproof tank that is filled with a foot or less of saltwater. The water in a sensory deprivation tank is heated to skin temperature and nearly saturated with Epsom […]
Some like it hot, others like it cold
Lachlan Cornell In modern society, many people do not spend a lot of time outside. This reduces the potential influence of weather on their mental health. However, there’s no doubt that different people prefer different types of weather. And in turn, this can affect your mental health in the form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). […]