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Nutrition

Wellpark / Nutrition (Page 2)

Vetiver Essential Oil Blends

Vetiver – Essential Oil for Capricorn The signature oil for January and the Zodiac sign of Capricorn is Vetiver which reflects perfectly with earthy nature of Capricorn. Vetiver is a grounding and tranquility oil which will be helpful for the ambitious Capricorns. Try putting a drop of Vetiver on the soles of your feet before bedtime to assist you with a good night sleep. Capricorn starts from 22nd December to 20th  January. Capricorns may be very ambitious and career-oriented people, who will climb painstakingly from one objective to the next to achieve their goals. No wonder the part of the body associated with Capricorn are the knees. Vetiver Essential Oil Blends Grounding Blend Aromatherapy Reflexology combined with a relaxing leg massage is  recommended for Capricorns as they need regular help to...

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Black Pepper Oil – Essential Oil for November

The signature Essential Oil for Sagittarians is Black Pepper. Tonic, stimulant, fiery, Black Pepper reminds us of the Sagittarians. This is an Essential oil that ‘gets straight to the point’ like the Archer’s arrow. Sagittarius starts from 23rd November to 21st  December. The last of the Fire signs. The Greeks called it ‘the Archer’. Today, we recognize Sagittarius as a Centaur or a Man Horse; represents two sides of human nature: the animal and the divine. Sagittarians are inquisitive and enthusiastic who wants to clarify and comprehend what they have learnt and pass it on to others. Many Sagittarians become teachers. Black Pepper essential oil Blends for November / December My Comfort Zone Massage is highly recommended for Sagittarians. Their ‘ teacher’ quality often needs relaxation and calming. A...

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Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia – English lavender With the days getting longer and warmer there are so many changes happening around us in nature; new spring growth, flowers bursting with colour and fruit beginning to develop on trees. Spending more time outside and in nature is healing for the mind, body and soul. Many medicinal herbs are starting to spring forth with new life and growth. The flowering season of lavender is underway and will last throughout summer. There are many different species of lavender in the Lavandula genus, and many different cultivated varieties. The most commonly cultivated and utilised for medicinal use is Lavandula angustifolia  (English lavender). The medicinal effects of L. angustifolia have been well researched, particularly the use of its essential oil which comprises of a variety of volatile oils including...

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The Thoracic Therapist – Running a successful home Massage Therapy Practice

From a career in dance to setting up and running a successful home practice, Massage Therapist and Wellpark College Graduate Shannon Leticia took time out of her busy day to talk to us about her career journey and why she loves Massage and working from home. What first attracted you to learn more about massage?  Back at Unitec where I trained in contemporary dance we were always exchanging massages as our bodies were in constant fight or flight often resulting in acute injuries training for upcoming performances. At some stage, I became “best hands” and was receiving daily lolly bribes and flat whites in exchange for lunchtime back massages. I guess a seed was planted way back then.  What made you decide to change careers and focus on getting a...

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Remote Learning via Live Stream Classrooms at Wellpark College

A decision that you will have to make when you enrol to study for your Bachelor of Naturopathic and Herbal Medicine at Wellpark College is whether you will study face to face on campus of choose remote learning (for years 1&2) via live stream classrooms and Immersion weeks. Andrea Steen is a 3rd year Naturopathy student who has tried both study options. Andrea took the time to answer a few questions about E Learning at the college and the pass on advice about setting up a study area at home and self-management.   You started at Wellpark College as an on-campus student but swapped to online remote learning, what prompted that decision? I was a part-time on-campus student for 3.5 years then due to COVID-related lockdowns I transitioned into becoming an online student. Initially,...

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Mapping the Natural Health Landscape: a research study into complementary healthcare practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Abstract –  Phillip Cottingham, Principal Emeritus Wellpark College of Natural Therapies, ND, BHSc, Grad Dip HSc.(Herbal Medicine), PG Dip HSc, Dip Hom Background to the study In 2004 the Aotearoa/New Zealand Ministry of Health commissioned an advisory committee to investigate complementary health care in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Ministerial Advisory Committee into CAM recommended that there be a quantification of the contribution of the complementary sector towards the Aotearoa/New Zealand health strategy. However, this did not happen immediately. In 2010 Wellpark College initiated a research project in the form of a survey of complementary practitioners in New Zealand. The survey was designed to respond to the recommendation of the Ministerial Advisory Committee’s identification of a gap in knowledge of the complementary health care sector in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The survey was completed, with...

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Herb of the month – September – Sow Thistle

Sonchus oleraceus - Pūhā / Pūwhā / sow thistle A member of the Asteraceae family, this herb is one that many people consider a weed in their garden. It is flourishing at this time of year, and if you aren’t aware of its nutritional and medicinal uses, you may just pull it out (New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, 2021). Pūhā is an important plant to many Māori, while it is an introduced species to Aotearoa, it is a significant food and medicine which has been used historically. It is eaten today by many in different meals including boil-up.  Boil-up is a nourishing broth can be made from meat and bones, greens (including pūhā and watercress), kūmara and potatoes, although there are many variations (Landcare Research, 2021). Eating pūhā...

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Essential Oil for August

Lavender ~ August Essential Oil of the month. Virgo runs from 24th August to 23rd September. Virgo means a young woman; originally associated with mother-goddesses, suppliers of food and nurture. Not a surprise if Virgo is also associated with the sign of service and work as well as health and healing. Virgoans are highly organized people, precise with strong attention to details manner. They work long hours.  Many Virgoans are chronic worries and extra liable to stress, therefore, to help them re-establish their strength, it is important for Virgoans to be nurtured by others in return for their generosity to give. Lavender is a perfect signature oil for Virgoans. It is calming, soothing, antidepressant and promoting restful sleep and nurture. August Lavender Blends Rest and Relax Regular massage is beneficial for...

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Jasmine Essential oil for July

July Essential Oil of the month Leo starts from 24th July to 23rd August. The sign of performers, actors, musicians, dancers, pop stars and creative people. The signature oil for Leo is Jasmine. An essential oil with a powerful aroma. Bold, with confident energy, ready to be the centre of attention. Leo's need to find time for recreation or creative activities.  Leo's should be mindful of health issues such as high blood pressure, palpitations or heart problem. A calming and comforting environment will help to create a nurturing and caring ambience that energize their hearts. July Blends  Love me unconditionally A regular massage is beneficial for Leo’s emotional well being. Make this blend by mixing 20 or 30 ml sweet almond oil with 3 drops Jasmine, 3 drops Clary sage and...

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Kawakawa – Herb of the Month of June

Herb of the month - June Kawakawa – Macropiper excelsum This precious native from the Piperaceae family has heart shaped leaves is an important taonga in Aotearoa. It has many uses traditionally both internally and externally due to its healing actions which include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and astringent.  For topical ailments, kawakawa is known to be used traditionally to aid toothache, cuts, wounds, boils, disorders of the skin and bruises. Kawakawa is beneficial for the digestive system and its carminative and spasmolytic actions make it an excellent digestive tonic. The orange berries are edible when ripe and make a delicious peppery snack, best covered in dark chocolate! The leaves covered in holes are the best to use as they are highest in medicinal plant chemicals. These holes are made...

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