Holistic Health

01/06/2026

Nasturtium are much more than a beautiful edible flower. Their vibrant leaves and flowers are packed with alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids/steroids, protein, volatile oils, glycosides, tannins, folic acid, vitamin C, A, E and K, iodine, iron, potassium, sodium and calcium. These are traditionally valued for supporting respiratory and immune function and helping the body defend against unwanted microbes. There's so much to love about this plant!!

Combined with healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil, cashew nuts, chilli and limes, nasturtium pesto becomes a nutrient-dense addition to salads, vegetables, fish, chicken or pasta.

Nature always provides some of the most colourful and nourishing foods. If you have nasturtiums growing in your garden at the moment, why not turn them into a delicious pesto (before the NZ frosts finish the plants for the season) and enjoy both the flavour and the nutritional benefits?

🌱💚

19/05/2026

Anyone else crave nutrients??? Steamed veges, extra virgin olive oil with roasted seeds and nuts. Because eating well can be pretty simple ...

15/05/2026

Proxemics is the study of how humans use and perceive space, distance and physical proximity in communication and relationships.

In massage therapy it is highly relevant as I work within a client's intimate personal space for extended periods of time.

Not everyone feels comfortable un******ng for a session of massage therapy and that’s completely okay.

Holistic care is about meeting people where they are at and creating a space where they feel safe, respected and comfortable.

That’s why I’ve introduced chair massage as an in-clinic service now. Chair massage allows clients to remain fully clothed while still receiving the benefits of therapeutic touch, tension relief and relaxation 🌿

holistichealth.org.nz

Feel welcome to book an appointment with me via my website 👆

12/05/2026

The foundation of health starts with nutrition 💯

If you want to have more energy and show up in the world feeling more content and less stressed, evaluate your diet choices.

I'm a huge advocate for wholefoods and supporting diversity of the gut microbiome. Organically grown if possible.






Holistichealth.org.nz

06/05/2026

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Cold water swimming is emerging as a powerful natural therapy for mental well-being. A study from University College London suggests that regular exposure to cold water can significantly ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, sometimes surpassing the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs.

The sudden temperature drop triggers a strong release of neurochemicals like endorphins, dopamine, and noradrenaline, which naturally lift mood and sharpen mental focus. Swimmers often report benefits including better sleep, reduced stress, and a deeper sense of emotional balance.

Beyond mood enhancement, the cold also reduces inflammation in the brain and strengthens the immune system. Due to these holistic benefits, mental health programs across Europe are now exploring cold water therapy as a drug-free treatment, highlighting the remarkable healing power of nature.

29/04/2026

Angelic Reiki is such a beautiful space for healing

28/04/2026

Over the past few months, I’ve had the absolute privilege of providing relaxation massage therapy and reflexology to some very special clients in an aged care facility here in Wellington 💛 The Clinical Manager has observed improvement in patient wellbeing and has praised this mahi. This experience has deepened my practice, which is grounded in compassion and aroha for our elderly.

There’s something incredibly meaningful about bringing gentle, nurturing touch to those who may not otherwise have access to it, supporting comfort, connection and a sense of calm in their day.

If you have elderly loved ones, a parent, grandparent or whānau member who could benefit from this service, I’d love to help you create a time of care and connection for them. Even a weekly session can make a big difference.

Feel welcome to reach out if you’d like to explore arranging something special 🌿

03/04/2026

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A large international genetic study has identified vitamin B1 (thiamine) metabolism as a surprising factor influencing how often people have bowel movements. Published in Gut (January 2026), researchers analysed genetic data from 268,606 individuals of European and East Asian ancestry to investigate stool frequency, a commonly used proxy for gut motility. They identified 21 independent gene loci, including 10 novel signals implicating bile acid synthesis (KLB) and cholinergic signalling (COLQ). Fine-mapping pointed strongly toward two genes involved in thiamine transport and activation, SLC35F3 (a thiamine transporter) and XPR1 (phosphate exporter essential for thiamine activation).

This B1 connection was then reinforced by the scientists’ analysis of observational data from nearly 100,000 UK Biobank participants. It showed that higher dietary (food-derived, supplemental intervention was not assessed) thiamine intake was associated with more frequent bowel movements, with the strength of this relationship significantly modified by an individual’s genetic profile. Specifically, the combined SLC35F3/XPR1 genotype score significantly modulated this effect (p

22/03/2026

Just back from the NMHNZ conference in Wellington that ran this weekend. Wow!! My cup is running over 💚 It was jammed packed full of guest speakers, complete subject matter experts, in their fields of all things naturopathic. We got down to biochemistry and physiology of gut microbiome, covered certain health presentations in depth, energetic quantum healing, analysis of functional testing, case studies, looked at endocannabinoid systems and more. My brain has gone on a huge download. So grateful to one of my professional associations for organising this weekend. Very grateful for the connections.

16/03/2026

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The splenius cervicis is one of the posterior cervical muscles that lies deep to the upper fibres of the trapezius and inferior to the splenius capitis. It belongs to the splenius muscle group, which forms part of the superficial layer of the intrinsic back muscles in the neck region.

Anatomically, it runs obliquely upward and laterally from the upper thoracic spine toward the cervical transverse processes.

Origin
Spinous processes of T3–T6 and the supraspinous ligaments.

Insertion
Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C1–C3 (sometimes C4).

Innervation
Posterior rami of the lower cervical spinal nerves.

Functionally, its actions depend on whether one side or both sides are contracting.

When one side contracts (unilateral contraction), the muscle produces ipsilateral rotation and ipsilateral lateral flexion of the cervical spine. In other words, it turns and side-bends the head toward the same side as the contracting muscle.

When both sides contract (bilateral contraction), the splenius cervicis contributes to extension of the cervical spine, helping bring the head backward.

From a biomechanical perspective, the oblique fibre direction explains this behaviour. Because the fibres run superolaterally, shortening the muscle pulls the cervical transverse processes posteriorly and laterally, creating the combination of rotation and side bending.

Clinically, the splenius cervicis often becomes tender in people with neck pain or upper thoracic stiffness, particularly where there is reduced movement in the lower cervical or upper thoracic segments. Since it attaches from the thoracic spinous processes to the upper cervical transverse processes, it can influence motion across multiple cervical levels, linking thoracic and cervical mechanics.