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SPRING & SUMMER 2017

VOL. 5, ISSUE 2

Your health and wellness must-read

WHAT THE MTHFR? HOW TO OUTSOURCE THE RIGHT WAY SAM GOWING TAKES US TO BYRONREVIEW: LOLA BERRY’S ‘HAPPY PLACE’ LANDING A BIG BREAK THROUGH INSTAGRAM

CREAM OF THE CROPNATUROPATH TURNED ENTREPRENEUR TAKES ON THE WORLD’S BEAUTY GIANTS

Jacqueline Evans

SPECIAL FEATURE

TIGHTEST BONDS IN THE WELLNESS

INDUSTRY

Wellspring is published by Endeavour – Level 2, 269 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Qld 4006

Editor in Chief: Dana Kennedy Features Writer: Nina Tovey Design: Raymond Koo Cover Photography: Arnaud Domange

Editorial and advertising enquiries: [email protected]

Phone: +61 7 3257 1883 Fax: +61 7 3257 1889 All material in Wellspring is wholly copyright and reproduction without the written permission of the publisher is forbidden. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Endeavour Learning Group shall not have any liability for errors or omissions.

Feature: Jacqueline Evans (page 4)

4 More than skin deepNaturopath Jacqueline Evans and her unique botanical formulations are disrupting the beauty industry one product at a time.

10 How to strike internship goldClinic founder Katherine Maslen on how to stand out as an intern in the health and wellness industry.

11 The rise of flower powerWe speak with naturopath Natasha Zamburro to shed a light on flower essences.

12 How my Instagram account led Blackmores to my doorWe hear from one natural health practitioner about how she landed an unexpected deal through Instagram.

14 The power of the napDr Jenny Brockis talks about why power naps are the ultimate productivity tool.

15 Dose me upHerbal medicine devotee Reece Carter’s latest labour of love is three years of toiling, networking and manifesting in a bottle.

16 A few of my favourite things… with Sam GowingSam Gowing takes us to Byron Bay.

18 The special twoThis new special feature explores some of the tightest bonds forged within the health and wellness industry.

22 How I scored a job with Sarah Wilson before I graduatedNaturopath Emily Seddon shares what she learnt through landing a job working for best selling author Sarah Wilson.

23 MTHFR – It’s all in the genesWe share everything you need to know about the MTHFR gene mutation.

24 Fab FindsWe bring you the health and wellness items turning our heads.

26 Let it go and watch it growCassie Mendoza-Jones on the power of outsourcing the right way.

27 A seafood feast worth reeling inJessica Sepel’s herb and almond crusted snapper creation is simple to prepare and impossible to forget.

28 You’ve got to have soulBriony Goldsmith takes us behind the scenes of her Soul Star Spring Festival.

29 Where I eat… review by Meg ThompsonNaturopath Meg Thompson reports back on Lola Berry’s new smoothie bar Happy Place.

IN THIS ISSUE

Wellspring is printed on paper which contains 100% post consumer waste recycled fibre. It is also certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and ISO 14001 EMS accredited. We have also made an online version available at endeavour.edu.au/wellspring as part of our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and paper consumption.

Herb and almond-crusted snapper

27

24Randa Karzon (left) and Amie Steel

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2 WELLSPRING SPRING & SUMMER 2017

INSIDE

FIRST WORD

Celebrating the power of human connectionWhen we started to piece together this issue, it became clear one theme was at the heart of it – the power of human connection. The reality that the most joyful and productive aspects of our lives and work can spark from those authentic connections we make along the way. After all, there is only so much we can achieve on our own.

With a mountain of apps and software platforms now catering to our every imaginable need, we shouldn’t forget about how human interaction can fuel our lives on every level. Technology may be the future, but there is no device that can replace human connection and its ability to inspire true innovation.

Take naturopath Jacqueline Evans who graces this issue’s cover as the perfect example. Far before she built her natural beauty empire, it was her close working relationship with renowned pharmacist and

homeopath Margo Marrone that brought about her lightbulb moment. The intense and fruitful working connection they shared ended up changing the course of Jacqui’s career, as she became consumed with using her naturopathic knowledge to create a natural skincare range.

A decade and many thousands of stylish bottles later, Jacqui’s unique botanical formulations are in demand around the world. Her story is a reminder of how one shared experience can change everything.

On the theme of connection, I’m thrilled to introduce a regular feature revealing the most meaningful bonds formed within the health and wellness world. We all know the best stories are about the human heart, and our editorial team will give you an inside look at the relationships that mean the most to the rising stars of our industry.

As human beings we all crave authentic connection, and this is just as relevant in the workplace. Sadly, this can be too easily forgotten when the pressure mounts. So here is my challenge to myself and each of you – make more time to jump off the treadmill, disconnect from all things digital and connect with the people around you.

Because this is where the real magic happens.

Yours in wellness

Carolyn J Barker AM Chief Executive Officer Endeavour

SNAP & SHAREOur readers are the heart of Wellspring Magazine and we love hearing from you after each issue is released. Keep talking to us over Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by using the hashtag #wellspringmagazine and #futureofwellness.

We will give one lucky reader who posts their feedback and tags us a hand packed natural beauty gift box consisting of rustic round soaps, foot balm, massage bar, body cream and body balm worth $25.

3SPRING & SUMMER 2017 WELLSPRING

More than skin deep

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP When natural health practitioner Jacqueline Evans learned to concoct natural beauty products under the watchful eye of renowned UK pharmacist and homeopath Margo Marrone, she quickly realised there was no turning back. Ten years and tens of thousands of bright bottles later, Jacqui’s skincare range is stocked around the world and her unique botanical formulations are disrupting the beauty industry one product at a time.

by Nina Tovey


Jacqueline Evans

INTERVIEW

Many people feel compelled to embark on a natural health career after having a transformative health experience of their own. Not the case for skincare entrepreneur Jacqueline Evans – it was learning about Chinese philosophy while studying a Bachelor of Arts that switched a lightbulb permanently on. This fascination led Jacqueline to the world of natural health, and the prospect of helping others while learning about Eastern ideology and the science of the body led to the future entrepreneur switching to study naturopathy with Endeavour College of Natural Health.

When Jacqueline graduated at 23, she packed her bags for a two-year gap break and started a new life in London. After working part-time in a video store, her interest was piqued by a revolutionary alternative pharmacist, called the Organic Pharmacy, building its now famous herbal and homeopathic dispensary and looking for naturopaths to come along for the ride.

Jacqueline swiftly applied and was soon spending her days mixing herbal formulas for clients, treating customers on site, and helping the company ‘glam up’ the world of herbal medicine.

“Margo [the founder] was ahead of her time and was so bold to set up such a disruptive business in London’s King Road, a really affluent part of town. It was a groundbreaking period, and an honour to be part of her team,” said Jacqueline.

Margo was particularly focused on developing a natural skincare line to prove there were safer ways to look after the skin, and she took Jacqueline under her wing as public interest in the range quickly built.

“Margo essentially trained me in how to make natural skincare products and it was such a turning point for me, particularly when I learned about the effects traditional skincare chemicals can have on the skin and body. Most importantly, I realised so many of these ingredients were harmful and frankly, unnecessary,” said Jacqueline.

“My eyes were opened to the amazing suite of incredible ingredients we have at our fingertips with remarkable benefits for our skin, and I couldn’t understand why so many people continued to use such cheap, synthetic options.”

It was an experience that instilled in Jacqueline a lifelong addiction to the rush that went along with creating handpoured products.

“I was blown away by the process of blending simple ingredients that transformed into a soft, luscious cream before my eyes. This has continued to this day – when I make a batch of cream it still takes my breath away,” said Jacqueline.

Returning to Melbourne after working with the Organic Pharmacy for two years, Jacqueline stepped into the next chapter of her career in a customer service role for a prominent functional pathology lab owned by healthcare provider Healthscope, dedicated to assessing nutritional, biochemical,

metabolic and hormone levels unable to be measured by regular pathology testing.

It was there Jacqueline learnt how certain types of laboratory testing could help pinpoint for patients not only the type of disease affecting them but often the cause itself.

Jacqueline moved from working with practitioners analysing patient reports to a technical writing role with the company, writing two books for Healthscope in the process including the Functional Pathology Practitioner Manual which published 10,000 copies.

“Pathology was my heart and soul in those days – I lived and breathed it, so seeing those books come to life were very proud moments for me. I actually still see my book in doctors’ offices from time to time which is always surreal,” said Jacqueline.

Soon after Jacqueline was promoted to Technical Manager where she took on responsibility for developing diagnostic tests and educational programs. A huge win came Jacqueline’s way when after a massive lobbying effort she was able to make general pathology available to all naturopaths across Australia.

“It was big news at the time as patients previously had to go back to their doctor to ask for their test results and the changes we made allowed clients to order routine pathology through their naturopath for the first time,” said Jacqueline.

Jacqueline’s successes came thick and fast in this role, with the opportunity to travel to seminars around the world and apply what she learned on the road to develop new pathology tests, including the original MTHFR gene test which she helped launch with the support of a dedicated team of scientists.

Yet Jacqueline’s passion for creating her own skincare products was never far away, with the naturopath making creams for her friends and family after working all day at the lab.

After becoming concerned by the prevalence of hormone imbalances she saw in female test results, Jacqueline started to draw an important link that would change the future of her career.

“I was coming across so many cases of oestrogen dominance, premenstrual syndrome and endometriosis impacting women, and I noticed some of the ingredients from traditional skincare products coming up again and again as hormone disruptors. That’s when I thought there might be a place for me to show people a different way forward,” said Jacqueline.

After meeting with a designer to decide on a name and logo for the skincare range in her head, Jacqueline was approached by then Channel 10 morning show 9AM with David and Kim to feature her range on a beauty segment after a guest presenter heard about her creations through a friend.

“It was absolutely crazy – I didn’t even have a website so I stayed up late putting together a basic website and bracing for the hundreds of phone calls I’d no doubt receive as soon as the segment aired,” said Jacqueline.

Jacqueline’s products made it on the program alongside brands like Aesop and Jurlique, but the throngs of customers didn’t follow immediately as she’d hoped.

“Nothing at all happened as a result of the show, but the blessing was I’d officially launched the business. It was the push I needed to get moving and put the brand out there into the world,” Jacqueline said.

I was blown away by the process of blending simple ingredients that transformed into a soft, luscious cream before my eyes. Even today when I make a batch of cream it still takes my breath away.


INTERVIEW

The budding entrepreneur was determined to draw on her natural health background to go beyond just selling a product.

“I wanted to show people beauty is so much more than skin deep, and to encourage them to take a look at what was happening on the inside. I wanted to create a brand people could trust and be sure they were using something safe,” Jacqueline said.

Jacqueline also knew she wanted her products to make an immediate aesthetic statement, and invested heavily in the designing process.

“At the time there was no beautiful organic skincare, and so we worked hard to create modern and elegant packaging and branding our customers would remember. It has worked well for us, particularly with the rise of Instagram which saw many of our products being photographed by our

customers and shared organically with their networks,” said Jacqueline.

Jacqueline then launched herself headfirst into her new role as founder of the new kid on the skincare block to establish herself in the market.

“Looking back I really catapulted myself into the beauty industry. I worked so hard networking and learning everything I could about marketing and social media, and our online business and stockist list slowly started to grow from the exposure we were getting from social media and the press,” said Jacqueline.

Two beautiful daughters soon followed, and Jacqueline steamrolled ahead as she became a consummate juggler. Two days after getting home from hospital with her second daughter, an offer rolled in she couldn’t refuse.

“I remember sinking into the couch after dropping my daughter at daycare with my newborn beside me when an order came in from Fitzroy restaurant Kumo Izakaya for six made to order hand soaps. I remember crying because I was so happy as it was the chance to secure an ongoing order, and then quickly wondering how on earth I was going to deliver,” said Jacqueline.

Jacqueline quickly made the soaps when her daughter was asleep, whizzed herself up a green smoothie in an old pesto jar, popped her daughter in the car and drove 45 minutes to the restaurant to hand deliver the products.

“I remember thinking I couldn’t believe I was taking this on, and I actually had to hand my baby to the manager while I ran back to the car to grab the order,” Jacqueline said.

It was such a great collaboration given Attica’s focus on sustainability and local, great quality ingredients. We came up with this incredible blend featuring lemon myrtle – it was extremely exciting to see it featured in such an iconic establishment.

Jacqueline on …How I keep centeredOur family gets up around 6am, and I like to open the blinds in my lounge room to watch the sun rise. I take a moment to sit and be present to give myself a tiny bit of calm before I start the day – it is my saviour. I am also addicted to having baths – it brings a bit of feminine energy back after stressful days. I love using my rose and vanilla bath salts.

The myth of work life balanceI’ve learned for me there is no such thing as balance. At some point work needs me more, at others the kids or my husband will take priority. It is a constantly dynamic force and always changing.

My biggest lesson in businessI’ve learned I’m a single tasker not a multi-tasker, and that just because I can doesn’t mean I should. I used to do 50 million things at once and think I was a superhero. Now I realise it’s one thing at a time – that’s made my life a lot better.

Valuing your time and productsLearning I can say no has been life changing for my business – whether that be to a stockist or request for free product. We get emails asking for free products daily and once upon a time I said yes blindly, whereas now I always think about what is best for the business. It’s ok to say no.

The importance of getting the right hands on deckAs the business grows you face a different set of challenges and I’ve learned I can’t do everything and neither should I. Today I outsource where needed to an HR professional, I get help with my bookkeeping and I also have leaned on several business coaches along the way when I need a sounding board.

After running the business from home for several years, Jacqueline’s range started really hitting its straps when she moved to an office space, employed a small team to support her and invested in technology to automate more processes and allow her to make bigger batches of products.

It wasn’t long before American multinational clothing corporation Urban Outfitters came knocking, which saw the range sold across America. The business soon received an invaluable endorsement when Vogue Australia featured Jacqueline and the range in a story on women in wellness, and named Jacqueline Evans Skincare one of Australia’s top 100 beauty brands in a later issue.

There have also been plenty of lessons along the way, such as when a $5,000 product order was damaged on its way to France and Jacqueline ended up losing the products and the client as a result.

“It was such an expensive mistake to make as a small business. But I grabbed onto what I could learn from it – and as a result we now have better training manuals and processes around quality and ensuring lids are on tight,” Jacqueline said.

Today the range has more than 100 stockists around Australia and is featured in the bathrooms of some of the country’s most acclaimed restaurants including Attica, recently named Australia’s best restaurant in the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for the fourth year running.

A career high for Jacqueline came when Attica approached her to formulate a bespoke handcream for the restaurant’s diners to complement its menu and enhance the dining experience.

“It was such a great collaboration given Attica’s focus on sustainability and local, great quality ingredients. We came up with this incredible blend featuring lemon myrtle – it was extremely exciting to see it featured in such an iconic establishment,” said Jacqueline.

Jacqueline gave the range a retail presence for the first time earlier this year when Eastland Shopping Centre approached Jacqueline Evans Skincare to sign on as the only natural skincare brand for their ‘beauty garden’, a picturesque shopping experience featuring 12 brands under a canopy of 150,000 preserved flowers. This

saw Jacqueline’s products sold opposite the likes of Kiehl’s, Mecca Cosmetica and Napoleon Perdis.

“I jumped straight away as our business had been so heavily online focused and it was a great opportunity to test the retail waters and get to understand our customers’ needs and feedback in a much more intimate way,” said Jacqueline.

With Jacqueline still making every product herself, she could hardly be more hands on as a business woman. And that’s just the way she likes it. With new products on the way to launch before Christmas and plans to create an online platform offering recipes, exercises and even meditations for good skin, this is an entrepreneur with one bright future.

jacquelineevans.com.au

Jacqueline’s daughter Georgia in the backseat on the way to a special delivery


Lessons from the inside: how to strike internship gold

INSIDER

Lessons from the inside: how to strike internship goldNaturopath and founder of thriving multi-modality clinic Brisbane Natural Health Katherine Maslen knows more than most about what it takes to stand out as an intern in the health and wellness industry.

Katherine on how to make yourself indispensable when interning• Have an inquisitive mind. We always

look for interns who immerse themselves in the experience and are curious to learn the nitty gritty of clinical practice. The team members who ask lots of questions and take an active interest in our patients and work because they are hungry for knowledge are the ones we remember.

• Contribute your own knowledge. It’s always fantastic to see interns come in eager to apply their own insights and expertise to our work. It can be as simple as putting your hand up with an idea to give our promotional posters a boost, but it is that enthusiasm and team mentality people appreciate.

• Look for jobs to do before you’re asked. In a busy practice we always appreciate it when interns see the gaps and put their hand up for tasks before they’re asked. It can be as simple as taking the bins out but we will notice it every time.

Since developing her unique internship program Katherine has taken dozens of aspiring natural health students under her wing, and has even plucked several up and comers to join her team permanently. Here she shares with Wellspring everything worth knowing about making the ultimate impression as an intern.

When Katherine Maslen created her internship program several years ago she was determined to give natural health students the ultimate insight into how a multi-modality health practice runs, describing the opportunity as a ‘triple win situation’.

“Not only do students get to experience working in a real health clinic specialising in collaborative care, it also gives us valued help with admin and in our dispensary, and patients win as the whole experience is smoother as a result,” said Katherine.

The twelve week Brisbane Natural Health internship program is designed for third and fourth year naturopathy students in addition to their practicum subjects in Endeavour’s teaching clinic at each campus, Wellnation Clinics. The internship consists of one six hour observational shift giving interns the chance to sit in on a client session, and another second six hour shift spent in the dispensary, per week.

As part of participating in the program, each intern gets one-on-one time with Katherine and the other naturopaths on her team, together with the chance to sit in on team meetings where client cases are workshopped.

Katherine also made the decision to offer the program exclusively to Endeavour College students.

“It was an easy choice as our Endeavour interns have been committed and dedicated – it’s like a breath of fresh air to have them around,” said Katherine.

Naturopathy student Iwa Brown was one of the determined students who caught Katherine’s eye while interning, and she was quickly snapped up for a part-time reception role.

“As an intern I had the opportunity to observe at least 50 naturopathy consultations with clients which covered a huge range of clientele and cases, and also got the chance to pick the brains of the practising naturopaths to learn as much as I could following each consult. To get that kind of one-on-one time in a real world scenario is invaluable,” said Iwa.

“When Katherine offered me my current position I took it straight away. The whole experience has proven to me that I’m in the right place and this is absolutely what I want to do.”

When asked what students could do to secure an internship at their dream clinic, Katherine had some insightful advice.

“I would put together a meaningful and tailored proposal outlining your background and areas of interest and offering to help out with dispensary and admin tasks. Why not

put up your hand to look after their stocktake in return for sitting in with their team for a day?” Katherine said.

“We receive student requests all the time, and it is the thoughtful ones that make it through. Put yourself in the business owner’s shoes and it’s hard to go wrong.”

brisbanenaturalhealth.com.au

Brisbane Natural Health intern Jessica Kirkpatrick with her first herbal tincture for eczema treatment.


The rise of flower power

The rise of flower powerWe’ve all seen fresh flowers transform someone’s spirits, but did you know the ‘essences’ of flowers were used in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece for emotional, physical and spiritual healing?

Flower essence therapy was re-introduced to the West when English surgeon Edward Bach made his own flower essences, now available commercially with the creation of his Bach Flower remedies in the 1930s. His flower essences are based on the theory that blocked emotions are a precursor to disease. This form of healing is becoming more mainstream, with flower essences now available commercially on every continent and attracting a growing throng of high profile fans including Cate Blanchett and Miranda Kerr.

Flower essences are a gentle therapy with no side effects, most often prescribed by natural health practitioners to balance people’s mental and emotional states. We spoke with naturopath Natasha Zamburro to find out more about one of the world’s most intriguing natural therapies.

What captivated you about flower essences?I discovered Bach’s flower essences in my late teens and was intrigued to learn of their ability to help regulate emotions. When I learnt more about Dr Bach’s medical background and read his quote about health needing to be in harmony with our souls, this really resonated with me. For more than 15 years I’ve used flower remedies with my clients as a catalyst for behaviour change and to release unwanted emotional states.

I’ve also had the chance to visit Dr Bach’s home, known as Mount Vernon, and see the exact spot in his garden where he used the sun method to create some of his remedies. I was also able to visit Nelson’s

production facilities to get an insight into how his remedies reached more than 70 countries worldwide.

Tell us the story behind your Bach Flower Essence Cards?When I was teaching students about flower essence therapies I noticed a gap in the flower essences market. I’d always wanted a pack of Bach flower cards with full colour photographs that showed off the flowers in all their glory, and I knew they would be a really helpful resource for natural health students and practitioners. There was limited choice of these types of cards around, so it inspired me to create my own!

The idea behind the range was for each card to feature beautiful images alongside an affirmation and information about the positive aspects of each flower to share Dr Bach’s emotional healing system in an accessible and modern way.

What is the difference between essential oils and flower essences?Essential oils are made from the part of the plant which contains volatile oils (the flowers, leaves, seeds, roots and bark) through a distillation process or cold extraction method. With flower essences, people consume the spring water a flower (and its buds, branches, resinous bark, leaves and catkins) has been steeped in under the sun (sun method) or through boiling (boiling method) to absorb the benefits of the flower’s energy.

Tell us about the practical side of taking flower essences?People can place a few drops under the tongue, add the drops to a glass of water and sip slowly or use as an addition to topical applications, spritzes, compresses, balms or creams.

What should people do if they are interesting in trying flower essences?I’d recommend visiting a naturopath for a professional flower essences consultation. This will ensure your full case is taken, differentials are considered and referrals made if required.

Your five favourite flower essences?That’s easy!

1. White chestnut to move from unwanted thoughts and mental chatter to a calm and quiet mind.

2. Larch to promote self-confidence and help you stop doubting your own ability.

3. Wild rose to bring about motivation and a zest for life.

4. Walnut for times of transition, new beginnings and protection.

5. Rescue Remedy for people facing traumatic situations, stress and emergencies. I also love the version suitable for use by animals.

Love to learn more?Endeavour College has a single unit subject available on Flower Essence Therapy to give students the knowledge and skills to use Bach and Australian flower essence therapy in a clinical setting. Single Subject Study offers interested students a way to find the right area for them, and give practitioners a chance to hone their skills. Interested students can enrol in up to five individual subjects. This subject available to study both online and at Endeavour’s locations around Australia.

endeavour.edu.au

Bach Flower Essence CardsNatasha Zamburro’s Flower Essence Cards are a resource for the practitioner, student or those interested in learning about Flower Essence Therapy, based on Dr. Edward Bach’s healing system. There are 39 cards in the deck with Images, affirmations and positive aspects of each flower.

endeavourbookstore.com.au

$44Available at

Wellspring Bookstore and Endeavour’s

Wellnation Clinics


How my Instagram account led Blackmores to my door

HOW MY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT LED BLACKMORES TO MY DOOR

What started as a one-off opportunity for Roberta to apply her artistic flair by creating three recipes for the Blackmores blog quickly turned into a broader partnership. Today the 26 year old dreams up every recipe featured on Blackmores’ website, with Roberta’s name and creations regularly shared with more than 120,000 people through the company’s Facebook page.

“It was such a shock when Blackmores contacted me to tell me they loved my work. I didn’t have to sell myself because they already had such a good sense of my message and style,” said Roberta.

“I’ve always been interested in recipe creation, so it has been an incredible opportunity to launch into that area relatively easily. It takes me to the kitchen a few days a week and allows me to be paid for doing exactly what I love, and it doesn’t get much better than that.”

Roberta said being degree qualified helped her stand out from the crowd of wellness personalities vying for commercial partnerships.

“A lot of people create food but aren’t necessarily qualified natural health practitioners, so I always felt my Bachelor of Health Science gave me a solid platform to talk from. Blackmores also liked the simplicity of my dishes – I always make sure they are well presented, healthy and yum!”

Opportunities to collaborate have come thick and fast, with Roberta creating recipes and articles for hip hop yoga studio Yoga 213 in Richmond, and designing tea blends for women with Bambala Tea after being recommended to the tea brand’s creator by fellow Endeavour graduate Reece Carter.

Equally committed to her career as a practitioner, Roberta operates her own practice out of the Naturopathic Collective of Australia in Prahan and works part-time alongside renowned naturopath and reproductive health guru Ruth Trickey as an assistant.

“When my clinic supervisor Jenny Adams put me forward to Ruth as someone to consider hiring, it was life changing for me. I owe Jenny the world for that gesture,” said Roberta.

“Ruth’s clinic is extremely successful and it has been an honour to learn from her. It has shown me the business of naturopathic medicine and how it can support IVF and fertility medicine.”

Roberta said Ruth had strongly influenced her style as a practitioner for the better.

“Ruth has taught me the importance of doing your research and leaning on that to draw out your own understandings. Working with Ruth made me feel so positive about finishing my degree and knowing you can build a very successful business if you put your mind to it.”

Having completed a Masters in Public Health and with plans to cement her place as a reproductive and mental health specialist, we expect to be hearing much more from this beacon of positivity in the future.

naturomedico.com @naturomedico

Melbourne naturopath Roberta Nelson learnt firsthand about the power of social media as a marketing tool when vitamins giant Blackmores contacted her out of the blue with an enticing offer after becoming a fan of her Instagram account.

INTERVIEW

Roberta’s take – putting yourself in the best position for that big offerStay on messageSpend a lot of time trying to clarify what you stand for and the message you want to put out there. You need to pin that down before establishing your brand because it is what people tap into, particularly when you’re on social media. And make sure you maintain a consistent message and voice.

Network – a lot Keep talking to like-minded people and develop a genuine interest in their journey. Every authentic conversation you have with someone in the wellness industry will get

your name out there. I would talk to people who were up for a chat at yoga or even my friends in the industry about wanting to get into writing and recipe creation, and before you know it people will start to carry those conversations with them.

Keep a positive mindset I work hard to keep an open and positive outlook, and expect things to come my way. At first it wasn’t easy, as there can be a lot of self-doubt that comes with entering a profession that was so new. But I find that positivity rubs off on people and good things start to happen.

Be selective in your partnerships Make sure you only work with people who align with your message, because your audience will quickly become confused and disillusioned if this isn’t the case.


The power of the nap

The power of the napMaybe you’ve heard about power naps and wondered how they work?

Power naps are so called because studies have shown they act as a cognitive refresher or pick-me-up, boosting attention and alertness by up to 40 per cent with the effect lasting between two to three hours.

Which means they are perfect for getting through that horrendous afternoon of back-to-back meetings, phone calls and deadlines.

Being so busy and often sleep-deprived too, maintaining sufficient mental energy throughout our day can be a challenge. That 20 minutes devoted to a light sleep refreshes your brain to be more alert, more creative and able to work at full speed.

The cost of insufficient sleepIt has been estimated 18 per cent of workplace accidents and injuries are the result of workplace fatigue. Being overtired can lead to loss of motivation, increased stress, anxiety and depression.

A South Australian study in 2010 revealed of 970 people surveyed, 30 per cent reported often feeling fatigued – that is either extremely tired or completely exhausted.

Some workplaces now provide a quiet room where staff can relax, chill out or nap. In the United States six per cent of all workplaces are now deemed nap friendly and whilst some employers may not be so keen to see staff sleeping on the job, the benefits in increased productivity and efficiency speak for themselves.

Poster child companies such as Google, Huffington Post and Nike where a high degree of creativity is required, recognise tired brains find it harder to innovate and come up with new ideas. They provide futuristic pods that enable the user to dim the light, listen to music or just zonk out.

While not every company or every staff member needs naps, understanding how mental fatigue is linked to an increase in errors, slower work and lapses in concentration can help shift workplace culture to recognise how mental tiredness is a cognitive menace best avoided.

Here are my three tips on how to master the power nap.

1. Try short naps to avoid sleep inertiaThe 20 minute rule was devised to avoid sleep inertia, that horrible groggy feeling we experience if we fall into a deeper phase of sleep. Some people find it hard to get to sleep in 20 minutes, however just resting quietly provides similar benefits.

2. Give the coffee-nap combo a goDrinking a cup of coffee just before taking a power nap provides an extra zing on waking because it takes the caffeine around 20-30 minutes to exert its effect. Perfect timing to awake refreshed and fully alert!

3. Nap earlyThe best time to take a power nap is in the early afternoon. Napping later can otherwise interfere with your nocturnal sleep pattern. If you are sleeping poorly at night, a regular power nap in the day can be a lifesaver to help prevent too much sleep debt accruing.

Next time you feel your mental energy sagging and you’re in need of a mental boost, try a power nap. Your brain will thank you for it.

About Dr Jenny Brockis

Dr Jenny Brockis is the Brain Fitness Doctor and author of Future Brain: The 12 Keys to Create Your High Performance Brain (Wiley).

drjennybrockis.com

OPINION


Where did the idea for Dose Vitality Tonic come from?It came from my desire to get people excited about liquid herbal medicines. I knew from the start the first product I developed on my own would be an energy and revitalising tonic because 90 per cent of my clients wanted help to have more energy and support healthy cognitive function. I was already giving my clients a variation of the Dose formula I took every morning to help with my own wellness and energy and so it made sense for me to base it on this.

Dose is a liquid blend of Chinese Qi tonic herbs and is basically my answer to the declining wellness levels that can come with modern lifestyles. It is the antithesis to caffeine and sugar-laden energy products.

How did you get from concept to actuality?When I started studying naturopathy I didn’t realise I could do something like this. I remember speaking with my Endeavour tutor who told me about product development and contract manufacturers that can make your formulas and package

them ready to be sold over the counter. I was so excited by that idea I started saving money while I was still studying.

Between working on Dose, running my clinic, my writing commitments and my TV spots there was plenty of opportunity for self doubt along the way. But I always chose to follow my heart and plough ahead. And to finally hold the product in my hand was such a surreal moment. I had to pinch myself a bit.

What was going through the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) process like?I had a great support in Simone Abaron (hpspecialists.com.au) who helped me navigate through the whole process. She is a gun and we got approval the first time! It was smooth but also slow and expensive. Some people might not know this, but if you want TGA approval for your product, you can’t make it yourself unless you happen to have a manufacturing facility that has been approved by them which is very difficult to get and not likely to happen in your spare bedroom!

There is a really rigorous process involved in getting TGA approval to supply your product

to market. I had to submit research and scientific evidence that backed my claims – everything from the ingredients, quantities, the claims and benefits, the text size on the packaging and labelling needs to be reviewed and approved.

The Dose branding is so unique – who designed it?I’m really proud to say I came up with the logo and branding (see page 25) myself. I worked with a designer to bring the details together. I wanted the branding to be a throwback to that old school apothecary vibe while also having a fresh feel. I wanted it to look appealing to people who might not fit the ‘usual’ demographic for herbal medicines.

We understand investing in legal advice was particularly important for this product?It isn’t something to scrimp on – that’s for sure. I really believe the health and wellness community can only benefit from rigorous testing and scrutiny to show to the wider population that our products are safe and actually work.

DOSE ME UPHerbal medicine devotee Reece Carter’s latest labour of love is three years of toiling, networking and manifesting in a bottle.

What launching Dose taught me1. Learn to embrace risk. These days there

seems to be a lot of risk averse thinking around, and it can seem like stepping out into a new industry is daunting. But without risk there is no reward. If you believe in something you have to put it all on the line to give it a shot.

2. Back yourself. And then back yourself again. You have to have faith in what you’ve learned. I based Dose on my own personal formula that I knew worked for me and that made it easier to decide to go to market.

3. Get comfortable putting your hand up. I leaned heavily on all kinds of people during this process. From suppliers, colleagues, my friends, family and extended networks. Even friends coming back to me with suggestions on the formula and product packaging was very helpful.

TRAILBLAZER


We Are Combi I had the great pleasure of helping the crew at Combi open their new store in Byron Bay. Famous for its raw cakes, organic treats, superbowls smoothies and down to earth toasted sangas, Combi is Byron Bay’s newest, friendliest place to go for organic nourishment. wearecombi.com.au

Surfing I was lucky enough to be guided by former US surfing pro Rusty Miller who gave me my surfing wings. Onshore I was encouraged to learn the action of standing up was not dissimilar to that of Chataranga Dandasana, a yoga position that makes up part of the Vinyasa Flow. Surfing is a daily connection that becomes a part of your existence. It provides a deeper respect for the ocean and the Zen-like experience that it delivers when you are tuned into the immediate experience of what you are doing. Not before, not after, the right here and now.

The Healing Feeling I’m so proud of my first book, packed with information and inspiration to eat and live well every day. Inside you’ll find natural remedies you can easily whip up in your own kitchen to cleanse your liver, calm your nerves and restore your gut with the good bugs.

foodhealthwealth.com/the-healing-feeling

Join the Wellspring team as we ask Australia’s health and wellness game changers about the products, services and experiences they can’t live without. This issue Sam Gowing takes us to Byron Bay. A FEW

OF MY FAVOURITE

THINGS…

Bikram YogaI took up Bikram yoga 18 months ago after a few false starts. I love how it affects my skin, my digestion and most importantly the stubborn scar tissue from a fractured femur.

Paper DaisyOnce upon a time, a shabby beach shack lived on the roundabout headed out to Cabarita Ocean Health Retreat, where I was Head Chef for a few years. Recently the old Hideaway has undergone such a transformation, it is barely recognisable to me. Enter Halcyon House with its feature restaurant Paper Daisy where I had the nicest Sunday lunch for some time. A signature pastrami beef on rye with sauerkraut and pickle is a breakfast must have and on my first visit, the paper bark grilled cod with white onion and seaweed was such a triumph I insisted we have French champagne to celebrate (there was little protest)! halcyonhouse.com.au

A few of my favourite things… with Sam Gowing

Celebrate WellThis delicious body of work is a tasty bunch of recipes that reflects the amazing journey I have been on since self-publishing my first book. The recipes I’ve selected are purely a reflection of what I cook at home. They are intended to be shared over festive times, and I have included a selection of my tried and true tonics to help you heal from acute ailments throughout the year.

foodhealthwealth.com/product/celebrate-well-ebook

Brokenhead Coconut MilkOh how I love this stuff! The milk is made from coconut meat and Byron springwater and is just so smooth and creamy. It’s a local product, gluten free, vegan and paleo friendly and full of good fats. It is delicious on its own, one of my go-to-milks for smoothies and the perfect ingredient to bring out the best in any Asian inspired dish. And there’s plenty of coconut in each bottle compared with some of the other coconut milks on the shelf too. thebrokenhead.com

The Byron at ByronWe’re so blessed to have Australia’s premiere resort at our feet. The Byron is great for conferences, cocktails, Christmas parties and year-round terrific dining. Pop in for coffee and stay for lunch one day. Say hi to Chef Gavin and check out my books in the gift shop while you’re there!

thebyronatbyron.com.au

Brookfarm Lime and Chilli Infused Macadamia OilThe best thing about living in Byron Bay, other than the ocean, is the amazing food bowl of the Northern Rivers and the bounty it has to offer. My number one ingredient is macadamia oil, and this local lime and chilli infused oil is the backbone of so much of my cooking. Rich in omega-7 with a flash point of 210°C, macadamia oil is a healthy chef’s best friend. brookfarm.com.au

FoamFoam Restaurant, in the nearby beachside town of Lennox Head, has a unique blend of dynamic surf location, a weekly changing menu, beautifully appointed, precise wine list and food service that guarantees a refreshing dining experience amongst a sea of ordinary, tourism-driven hospitality venues within the region. There’s no place like Foam! foamlennox.com

LIFESTYLE

About Sam GowingSam is an author, keynote speaker,

clinical nutritionist and hat-winning

restaurateur who creates spa

menus for luxury hotels and health

retreats worldwide. Renowned for

her nutritional wisdom and influence

amongst healthy lifestyle audiences,

her Food Health Wealth business runs

mentoring programs to help food and

health entrepreneurs create successful

and sustainable businesses.

foodhealthwealth.com


THE SPECIAL TWOThis new regular feature will see Wellspring uncover some of the most meaningful bonds forged within the health and wellness industry. We’ve gone looking for those rare relationships that are impossible to replace – the treasured friends who lift each other higher, offer unconditional support and bring with them that little bit of magic…

Randa Karzon (left) and Amie Steel

The special two

SPECIAL FEATURE

RandaI was introduced to Amie when we started tutoring together and I thought she was a goddess. She had such confidence, yet at the same time there was no ego about her at all. There was just pure presence. I wondered who this amazing woman was, and we quickly became close friends.

Because I’m older than Amie you’d think we had a mother-daughter dynamic, but it’s not the case as she has so much wisdom. I describe her as my soul sister, and there’s a lot of truth that comes with that, as I can be who I am and she can be who she is. But we also speak our truths and challenge each other with the security of knowing it doesn’t mean we are going to lose the friendship.

People never get it when I call Amie my best friend. And that’s because we come across as opposites in so many ways – she’s tall and I’m really short just for a start. She has this high flying business career and I come along looking like a hippie. But that’s just part of who we are – Amie has a deeply spiritual side and I’m also confident on the academic side. Society sees her academic achievements, but underneath the suit she is very much mother earth.

Amie is such a multi-faceted woman – she’s both a wild horse and a born leader. She’s forthright, strong and very ‘left brained’, and anyone who knows her will tell you her ability to process information quickly is magnificent to watch. She’ll get it last year and I’ll get it next year. But Amie’s taught me that is ok and that I am more than capable of achieving great things – it just has to be at my own pace.

I see one of Amie’s most special qualities as her ability to accept people’s personalities and see people for who they truly are. This has given me the confidence to stand in my truth. Our friendship has taught me I don’t need to justify or validate myself and that being a pleaser can be detrimental to my health. I come from a Middle Eastern family background where girls can sometimes be forgotten, and Amie has helped me realise I have a right to stand up and express myself. What a gift!

This has also played out professionally. I’ve just submitted my first paper to publish, and I remember saying to Amie that the next paper I write will stir up a few people in our profession. And she was the one to say “Good – that’s just what our profession needs!”.

I have so much belief in Amie. She is the person I look up to for being herself fully

and living truthfully. I also have so much respect for her commitment to advance the naturopathy profession globally. This isn’t just a job to her – she lives for it. People don’t realise how much time Amie has spent outside of work rallying and doing everything in her power to protect and further our profession. She has so much dedication for the wellbeing of our planet.

We went through a tougher time years ago when I was quite harsh to her and wouldn’t back down for a period. But I received the biggest gift possible from her, and that was unconditional forgiveness. There was a time when my husband had a stroke and I didn’t want to burden her with the news as she was going through her thesis. When I eventually told her she understood why I had held off, but was also really disappointed. She said ‘You have always chosen to be there for me – did you ever stop to think I want to be there for you too?.’ That moment always stuck with me.

I tell my naturopathy students the degree is like a self-development course on every level. For me my relationship with Amie was like doing another degree. From the moment we met in the supervisor’s clinic I started to grow again. She’s the person beside me accepting me and believing in me unconditionally.

AmieI met Randa 15 years ago when we were both tutors at the Endeavour student clinic. I loved her free spirit straight away – her passion and love of the world and everything in it. She’s incredibly intelligent and committed to every aspect of her life. Each of those qualities are amazing, but to find them all in the one person can really take you by surprise.

Randa is someone who very quickly invites people into her personal world, and so it didn’t take me long to form a connection with her. I’ve always felt blessed that she considers me such a close friend, as I know she could have a special connection with anyone she wanted. That’s the type of person she is.

I’ll always remember inviting Randa to my wedding at the end of our first semester of working in clinic together. She was so overwhelmed she started crying, and I was so moved by that. Randa is someone who recognises the importance of all the big moments in a way many people easily disregard these days. She makes everyday things special and makes special things amazing.

In many ways Randa and I couldn’t be more different. I’m very analytical, spend a lot of time in my head and can be quite reserved, whereas Randa is a free spirit who lives in her heart space. She’s someone who thinks nothing of showing up to clinic wearing fairy wings, and here I am in my suit giving presentations at conferences. We’re very yin and yang in that way. We walk such different paths but have the strongest connection.

From writing curriculums together to being each other’s rock through some trying times, we’ve gone through a lot. And I love how it’s built this rich tapestry between us.

Sometimes I find it frustrating when I watch her ignore her own needs. She’s that person who will offer you her seat if you walk into the room, or give away her last piece of food. She always sees the good in people and will do everything in her power to make sure people are cared for. It’s a beautiful thing, but occasionally I wish she’d look after herself more.

Interestingly, we don’t actually do a lot of socialising together. We both lead such full lives and spend a lot of time with our families. We’ve actually only had one ‘for no reason’ social occasion over the last year. But our relationship is deeper than that. It’s a fixed force in the world – it just ‘is’. When we do see each other we talk about the real stuff – no small talk.

When I found out I was pregnant with my son [Asher] it was an absolute no brainer that I would ask Randa to be his godmother. Randa made the time to be there with my closest family in the waiting room until crazy o’clock when he arrived. Having her in that precious circle in that moment in time was so special to me.

I’d describe Randa as my quiet strength. I remember being nervous about my first live TV media appearance, and I pulled out a jewellery set she had given me because I know that by wearing it I would have her energy with me.

Having Randa in my life has inspired me to have deeper connections with people which has been such a gift. She makes me want to be a better person in the world. The love between us is unconditional – we understand inherently who the other is. She is one of the people I’d call if I was in a difficult place, and she knows that I am that person for her. More than anything, she’s my right arm. She’s my best friend.

Randa Karzon and Amie SteelFor naturopaths, educators and ‘opposites’ Randa Karzon, 50, and Amie Steel, 37, what started as a work association evolved into an irreplaceable connection and the friendship of a lifetime.


AdeleI was studying my acupuncture degree at Endeavour in 2010 when I first met Jiang. Before I had even met her I was already well aware of her by reputation. Everyone involved in acupuncture knows and talks about Jiang and sometimes it seemed as if she was this mystical character! Everyone wanted to be in her classes.

In my third year of study Jiang was my clinic supervisor. At the time I noticed a few areas that could be improved and took the lead and started to make some changes and organise which students would practice in which room. Jiang noticed and said: “I need your skills. You have to come and work for me”. I was simply blown away. At the time I was working in a natural health food store and so I rang them straight away to resign.

My first day at Jiang’s clinic was incredible. She had expanded to have multiple rooms and needed an admin person to organise bookings and manage the front end of her business. She had four to five rooms booked solid every hour, every day. It was a massive workload but an invaluable experience for me. Fast forward five years and I now run my own clinic which has two busy rooms and plans to expand, and it’s all thanks to the experience I got with Jiang.

I worked for Jiang for more than a year before going back to study full-time. By that stage we had a special friendship and in 2013 we went on holidays to Thailand. We had a fantastic time seeing the beautiful sights and sharing delicious local cuisine. I remember one day I got really bad food poisoning at the hotel by myself. It was quite late when Jiang returned loaded with shopping, not knowing I was sick. Jiang gave me an acupuncture treatment on the spot using needles we bought with us and then went out to buy special herbs to speed up my recovery. She even asked the hotel to cook me chicken congee and I was back to my normal self within 24 hours. That’s just the type of person she is.

Jiang is a very calm and caring person who is so passionate about Chinese medicine. She always gave her students extra time after lectures or practical sessions to ensure they were able to get as much from the lesson as possible. From observing her treatment style I came to understand the two sided treatment approach to acupuncture. It involves treating not only the immediate area of pain or discomfort but

the corresponding areas all over the body that are interconnected, which brings instant pain relief. This way clients are treated in a more holistic way and I’m always blown away by the results.

I think of Jiang every time I treat someone. I know I can pick up the phone anytime there is a case I’m stuck on and get Jiang’s recommendations on herbs and certain skills to use. She is an incredibly hard worker with an amazing work ethic.

She has such a special place in my heart. We are both very busy which makes staying in regular contact more difficult but when we do spend time together it’s as if no time has passed. I was so blessed to have Jiang come into my life.

JiangI first met Adele when she was in the third year of her acupuncture degree at Endeavour. I was a lecturer there and also her supervisor in the student clinic. I quickly saw Adele was smart, very organised, assertive and good at talking to people. After seeing her interact with and treat patients in the student clinic I knew she would create a successful practice in the future. I was so impressed I actually offered her a part-time job working for me in my clinic. I knew I could put her organisational skills to good use whilst helping her grow.

We worked together for more than a year and during that time I saw Adele grow and develop fine business skills and continue her passion for Chinese medicine. I very much enjoyed having Adele in clinic with me as she was great at organising the business side and put in place new systems that helped it run more efficiently. Over that time I watched Adele develop not only her acupuncture skills but her ability to network and market a business.

It was easy to see Adele would do very well practising in her own clinic. Adele is very organised and has a great mind for business. She is caring, has a great bedside manner and treats her patients very well using her knowledge of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

One of my favourite memories was a few years ago when Adele and I travelled to Thailand for a holiday together. We shared many laughs, enjoyed some great food, rode on a scooter and saw a lot of interesting things. I had never been snorkelling before and Adele took me to the reef where we had a wonderful time. I remember I also got quite sick during the trip and Adele took good care of me.

I admire Adele for her happy and caring nature. She has helped me understand English much better and also taught me more about the Australian way of life. I truly admire her focused and determined attitude. She is dedicated and passionate about Chinese medicine and this will make her very successful.

I am very proud to have had a positive influence on Adele. It makes me happy to watch her create a successful practice and continue to grow. She means a lot to me and I cherish the time we’ve had together.

Adele Bishop and Jiang ManWhen acupuncturist Adele Bishop met lecturer Jiang Man during her studies she couldn’t have imagined the impact the Chinese medicine guru would have on her future. Jiang quickly spotted Adele’s potential, becoming her mentor, lifelong friend and shaping the way she practiced forever in the process.

Adele Bishop (left) and Jiang Man


JamesWhen I first met Debbie her beauty and intelligence struck me at once. When I learnt she ran a successful business I actually thought she’d be out of my league as I’d just had a business fail and wasn’t at my best. When I met her the first thing I saw was a streak of blonde in her brunette hair which reminded me of the character Rogue in the X-Men comics – fair to say it was love at first sight!

We became close friends, married and eventually started our healing and wellness coaching business which has been a great ride. The more we studied our passion we realised we shared a yearning to help people become the best version of themselves.

It was challenging getting our business off the ground as we offered such niche services, and it was disheartening at times going through the highs and lows of building a client base. So seeing our business gain traction has been a real high point for us as a couple. We also love sharing the miraculous healing work that happens around us every day.

I think one of the reasons it works well between us is that we give each other freedom. We have separate offices and

clients, so we’re not in each other’s space all the time. We also make sure we find the time to connect with nature to disengage from our work life, and we make a point not to take work calls or complete work outside of set hours.

I’m not very confident on the technology and admin side of the business, which has resulted in Debbie taking on most of the load in those areas and this has caused some tension at times.

On the personal side, Debbie is my soul mate. It might sound corny, but we just naturally fit together. We were born four days apart and at pretty much the exact same time of the day. Many people who’ve met us comment on our chemistry and connection. We don’t argue much, and peace is very important to us.

I feel completely supported and backed by Debbie. At the start of my career Debbie supported me financially while I did my training and developed my practice – I’ll never forget that. I love her tenacity, positive attitude and her drive to make things happen. She inspires me to think bigger and play my part in creating positive change in the world. We have decided not to have children in this lifetime, so we can focus on contributing to the greater world. That’s what feels right for us.

DebbieI was studying metaphysical healing energy work with a psychic on the northern beaches of Sydney, when I received a special invitation that would change everything. My teacher had a long-term friend called James and she invited us both to dinner. I felt a really strong connection to James straight away – he was not only handsome but highly emotionally intelligent as well. We were engaged less than three years later.

We are both natural intuitive coaches and healers and had been running our own businesses respectively since we were in our 20s. We reached a point where we clarified our joint vision, and it just made sense to start a business together. We launched Rezinate (www.rezinate.com.au) to offer personal healing, metaphysical transformation and coaching.

Our skills blend really well. I channel my healing work into coaching entrepreneurs and James specialises in deep personal transformation and is one of only a few people worldwide trained in an Aboriginal healing modality called Holographic Kinetics.

As we both work in the same business we don’t have any income coming in from anywhere else, so juggling that has been stressful at times. We’ve had to delay making personal investments as we’ve placed all our resources into growing the business. We also occasionally clash on how we spend money. I’m more likely to take risks with my ideas, whereas James is more conservative and patient.

Working with your partner really makes or breaks a relationship. You need to have common values and a common vision or it just doesn’t work. We’ve found giving each other space and having our own mentors and peers to keep growing outside of the relationship has worked well for us.

Earlier in our relationship we were living in Sydney full-time which didn’t offer us the natural space we needed to really thrive. We’ve changed things around so that we now spend part of our time in a rainforest near the Mid North Coast of Bellingen. This move has been restorative for us as a couple.

I can be totally myself with James. Men in the past were put off by my independence and strong-minded nature, but James embraces that in me. If I think about the Olympic Games and the sprinting relays, that is what James and I are like. We pass the baton on when the other is tired and give each other a rest so we can remain healthy. The perfect example of this is when James took on more client work and gave me extra space to finish my book Zenful Business. This is what a true partnership is all about – putting the relationship first when it counts.

James and Debbie PaskJames and Debbie Pask met in 2006 and quickly fell in love, a bond that only strengthened when they realised they shared a fixation with the field of energy healing, health and wellness. They swiftly launched a business together and are still thriving professionally and personally a decade later.

James and Debbie Pask


How I scored a job with Sarah Wilson before I graduatedIf there is one lesson 27 year old naturopath Emily Seddon has learnt in her career, it is the power of ‘just going for it’. Staying true to that mantra saw Emily follow her heart to a degree in natural health, and eventually land a job working for best selling author Sarah Wilson’s business I Quit Sugar in her final year of studies.

The popular and rapidly growing startup selected Emily from a huge group of candidates to take on the role of Customer Service Manager and later resident naturopath. Before she knew it she was working alongside one of Australia’s most loved authors at I Quit Sugar headquarters.

Emily soon learned working on the brand behind the groundbreaking eight week program and website lived up to her every expectation, with the office boasting its own huge kitchen, worm farm and compost bin.

“It was unreal – there was recipe testing most weeks which was always one of my favourite parts of the job. Because it was a startup and growing so quickly, there was also an opportunity to get involved in pretty much every part of the business which was an incredible experience,” Emily said.

During her time with the I Quit Sugar team Emily provided naturopathy support to clients going through the 8-Week program, got stuck into recipe testing, tried her hand at social media posting and kept on top of client queries. Emily also had the chance to meet some iconic figures from the world of nutrition like Lee Holmes, and take advantage of generous professional development courses to further her skills.

Emily also had the chance to work with Sarah Wilson directly, and said what struck her most was the authenticity she applies to her work.

“I didn’t know what to expect given her huge popularity, but I quickly realised after working with Sarah that she has great intentions and is guided by this huge desire to want everyone to be healthy and live their

best lives. I wish everyone in the world had the same intention,” Emily said.

With almost 1.2 million people having quit sugar through the program and Sarah’s books, Emily took the chance to soak up as much corporate wisdom as possible.

“The biggest things I took away from working with Sarah and the I Quit Sugar General Manager Zoe Eaton was that if you have an idea and put all your energy into it there’s no reason why you can’t achieve your vision. That’s what Sarah and Zoe did – they used whatever they had at their disposal to share I Quit Sugar with the world, and it eventually became what it is today,” said Emily.

“It taught me that anyone can start their own business if they really want to.”

Emily left I Quit Sugar earlier this year to take the next step in her career and secured a job as a naturopath for health goods manufacturing company Australian NaturalCare.

“I work alongside a team of naturopaths to design the products and also to conduct telephone consults with customers as we get lots of questions about our supplements and possible interactions with different medications. It’s taught me about the huge amount of time and effort that goes into the claims made to market supplements and tablets, and the important role the Therapeutic Goods Association plays,” Emily said.

Emily said her last two roles had given her valuable insight into the natural health industry and rounded out her experiences.

“I always thought I wanted to practice, but realistically going straight into practising from uni can be difficult. I’ve really loved

how the route I’ve taken has allowed me to learn about the business world from a different angle,” Emily said.

Emily has also teamed up with fellow Endeavour naturopathy graduate Gemma Shelton to create a mobile clinic and information service called the Wellness Pod. The duo is also committed to supporting recent naturopathy graduates through quarterly networking events.

wellnesspod.com.au

How I scored a job with Sarah Wilson before I graduated

Sarah Wilson (left) and Emily Seddon

What working at I Quit Sugar taught me about social media

It’s all about the strategy Most people look at a social media platform like Instagram and think it boils down to sharing photos wherever you can. For your account to be successful there needs to be a reason behind everything you’re doing.

Don’t forget to talk back! It is one thing to put up an article and image. But when people talk to you, it’s what you say back that counts.

Figure out your sweet spotI learnt quickly through working at IQS that our audience loved food, and puns! If we could work on a post that combined both we knew we were onto a winner. Find out what your audience is craving, and give them lots of it.

PROFILE


MTHFR – It’s all in the genes

INSIGHT

MTHFR – It’s all in the genesThe MethylenetetrahydroFolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation is gaining widespread attention from researchers and medical professionals. Those in the know believe it could hold the answer to a plethora of medical conditions – anxiety, depression, fatigue – even miscarriages. With 40 per cent of people having the mutation, we brought in Carolyn Ledowsky, Founder of MTHFR Support Australia to talk us through the basics.

Carolyn Ledowsky has always had a thing for blood. The prominent Sydney naturopath, herbalist and nutritionist finds folate and B12 levels fascinating and it was while studying her patient’s bloodwork that she noticed an interesting pattern.

“I used to regularly check B12 and folate levels and I noticed half the patients had an asterisk next to their red blood cell folate count. I called lab technicians and doctors, trying to figure out why some people have this elevation and some don’t,” said Carolyn.

Most of her enquiries returned the same response – the patients must be eating a lot of leafy green vegetables.

“I knew that wasn’t the case, and was sure something biochemical was going on,” said Carolyn.

It was at a conference in Melbourne that Carolyn first heard about the MTHFR gene when an expert mentioned that elevated red blood cell folate was associated with this particular gene. She quickly made a beeline for the speaker and after some investigating came to a biochemical conclusion – that by studying a patient’s biochemical pathways, it is possible to determine whether said that patient carries the MTHFR gene. Once this is established, intervention can occur, potentially resolving many of the wide-ranging symptoms that MTHFR carriers present with.

The MTHFR gene is the difference between two people sitting in front of you with chronic fatigue for example. One responds beautifully to treatment, and the other doesn’t at all. Why? It’s really about genetics and how their environment affects those genetics," said Carolyn.

It was this discovery that led Carolyn to leave her previous practice and start up MTHFR Support Australia, Australia’s only clinic dedicated to gene testing and supporting people with the commonly occurring MTHFR gene mutation.

It is there Carolyn devotes her time to the MTHFR gene, an enzyme that helps a person convert B9 or folate into a usable form of the vitamin called 5-methyltretrahydrofolate. This process is so important because when you eat food or take a vitamin that contains folic acid it can only benefit the body if it is converted to an active form.

“Folate absorption is required for so many of the body’s critical functions. It affects our neurotransmitters, hormones, detoxification pathways, immunity, cell regeneration and reduces inflammation,” Carolyn said.

Inhibited methylation as a result of the MTHFR gene mutation can present in a number of ways.

“We need methylation to support immune function, energy and brain function. In addition, low methyls can cause multiple chemical sensitivities and allergies. We also need methylation to support the production of serotonin, dopamine, GABA and melatonin which is why we often see patients with sleep problems, anxiety and depression,” said Carolyn.

However, that’s not to say that everyone with the MTHFR gene will present with health concerns.

“Just because you have the gene mutation doesn’t mean you will certainly run into health issues. Stress is one of the biggest environmental factors that affects people with this gene mutation,” said Carolyn.

A simple and cheap blood test can tell you if you carry the MTHFR gene and there are simple steps you can take to combat it. Folate is one of the B vitamins but it’s important to note that ‘folate’ is an umbrella term under which three kinds of folate exist. To improve any condition related to the gene, the right type of folate must be administered.

Other treatment methods include support in the form of clinical nutrition, supplementation, prescription medication and lifestyle changes.

Knowing the difference between each form of folate is essential to benefiting from it, which is why Carolyn and the team at MTHFR Support Australia have released their own range of step-by-step products to combat the gene mutation.

When it comes to proactive testing for the MTHFR gene mutation, health experts are split on whether it is necessary. However, if there’s one message Carolyn wants to spread, it’s the importance of gene testing for MTHFR before pregnancy and preconception.

“If you’re wanting to fall pregnant in the next six to eight months, you should check for the MTHFR gene because it has so many ramifications in conception and pregnancy. The majority of women we treat with this gene have miscarried in the past. I really think we could stop so much heartbreak if we just get people to check for it,” Carolyn said.

With product companies starting to formulate products for people carrying the MTHFR mutation, it seems more people are getting on the front foot in exploring how their inherited DNA could potentially impact their lives.

mthfrsupport.com.au


Fab Finds

The Wellspring team loves nothing more than trawling the country to bring you the health, wellness and beauty products

on our ‘must have’ list.

The Fit Foodie Chocolate + Chia Protein Ball MixAfter moving to Australia several years ago, health and fitness blogger and ‘Fit Foodie’ founder Sally O’Neill was inspired to overhaul her unhealthy diet and curb the regular snacking urges which saw her gain 14 kilograms. Sally went on to create these tasty fructose-free snacks as a healthy, IBS friendly treat that don’t require any kitchen equipment to make. Simply add a bowl, some coconut oil and your hands! You can add any of your favourite superfood ingredients to make an already good thing even better. Our pick of the bunch was the vanilla and coconut mix.

fit-mixes.com

$14.95for 185g bag


Kylie’s Professional Mini Pro Traveller Brush SetWhen eco-warrior Amanda Rootsey raves about a product, we always listen. One of her beauty must-haves is Kylie’s Professional brushes, which are made with fine synthetic brush fibres designed to hold shadows and powders far better than traditional brushes. We like how these vegan and cruelty-free brushes make application easy and help blend your makeup to give an airbrushed look. Not only that, they’re easy to clean and resistant to bacteria.

shinefromwithin.com.au

180 Protein Superfood This vegan high-protein meal replacement superfood was created when Guy Lawrence and Stuart Cooke realised there were few true ‘healthy’ meal replacements on the market for people short on time. Made from all natural ingredients and gluten free, 180 Protein is loaded with flaxseed, almond meal, sunflower kernels, coconut flour, chia, pepita and psyllium husks, to name a few key ingredients. When mixed with water or added to your smoothie it tastes delicious and can be prepared in minutes for a quick nutritious meal to help curb your hunger levels for several hours.

180nutrition.com.au

LIFESTYLE

Dose Vitality TonicEndeavour graduate and everyone’s favourite herb nerd Reece Carter has released Dose, a liquid vitality tonic made from powerful Chinese Qi tonic herbs. Designed specifically for those with hectic lifestyles and flagging wellness and energy levels, Dose provides and replenishes energy the natural way (bye bye caffeine) whilst supporting cognitive processes and relieving the effects of stress. Dose us up!

$29.95 for 50ml bottle $109.95 for 200ml bottle (free shipping on orders over $70)

dose-vitality.com

$29.95for 50ml bottle

Undivided Food Co. Good Bones Organic Bone BrothThe Undivided Food Co. mantra is simple – to create a better and more ethical food system for ourselves and the planet, and to use food in its whole form to fuel and feed the body effectively. This organic chicken bone broth is simmered at a low heat for up to 12 hours, drawing out nutrients from those lovely bones and creating a final product that is packed full of vitamins, minerals and gelatin.

undividedfoodco.com

EatWell MagThis offshoot of Wellbeing Magazine is dedicated to sharing healthy food ideas and mouth-watering recipes. Each issue contains more than 70 recipes complete with shopping lists and is packed full of wisdom and ideas from passionate chefs and wellness bloggers, including our very own graduate Meg Thompson.

Stocked at Wellspring Bookstores in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney or at

endeavourbookstore.com.au

$12$10.80 for Endeavour

College of Natural Health students

Pumpy JacksonWould you believe it if we told you there was a block of chocolate on the market that had less sugar per 100 grams than a carrot? This dark chocolate is more whole food than junk food, boasting high fibre and antioxidants, next to no fructose and using the East Asian Monk Fruit to sweeten the product naturally. Available in amber orange, coconut, rocky pink salt and original, it’s chocolate Jim, but not as we know it.

pumpyjackson.com

06

wellbeing.com

.auEatWell

Issue 06 AUS $12.00* NZ $12.00 (Both incl. GST)

EatWellJoin the food revolution 100+

NOURISHING RECIPES

MEALS, SNACKS & DESSERTS FOR ENTERTAINING & LIVING WELL

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SENSATIONAL STIRFRIES

$125RRP

$14.95for four serve starter pack

$16.50for two 90g bars

$11.50for 500ml sachet

Let it go and watch it grow

Cassie has since landed a Hay House book deal and written her first book You Are Enough, created a popular series of digital courses, books and guides and built a thriving online army. Wellspring caught up with the talented natural health personality to find out what she’d learned from the rewarding yet challenging task of finding the right people to do some of the work for you.

Why are you so passionate about outsourcing?I’ve learnt as a small business owner while it is crucial to be across every element of your business, you don’t always need to be the one doing everything yourself. You might be ok doing everything until it hurts, but when it starts to hurt, outsource it. I’ve found at its best, outsourcing can help people grow their business from a space of ease and flow, without burning out in the process.

Holding on to every task as a business grows can leave us in the throes of what I call ‘perfecto-whelm’, where it feels like nothing we can decide is good enough and yet every task in front of us matters. When this happens good decisions don’t get made – there is no space for them. It’s a dead zone for creativity, ease, self-compassion and flow.

Can you tell us about your outsourcing journey?In the first few years of my business I didn’t mind doing everything myself and I loved learning what was required to run my business. It was when things really started to pick up I found I couldn’t keep up. I decided to hire a reception service, and I immediately got back a few hours in my week. It was an incredible and freeing experience.

Next up I got a bookkeeper and moved to an online accounting program called Xero. I just wish I had done it sooner, as I’ve found the ability to track revenue from the get-go to be priceless. I learnt so much about outsourcing through this process I funnelled all my lessons into my Business Guide for Solo Wellness Entrepreneurs.

What are the downsides of refusing to outsource?You run the risk of not doing a particular task as effectively as someone else who is trained to do that job, or who is in their zone of genius doing it. It is also too easy to burn out because you’re doing too much, or not running your business as effectively as your time, energy and expertise could be better spent elsewhere.

What tasks do you personally outsource?I have a virtual assistant who lives interstate, and she helps me with email and admin. I also outsource bookkeeping, website coding and maintenance and graphic design. I occasionally outsource to an Ontraport consultant (my CRM system) or hire their support team for certain projects that need to be built out from my system’s back end. I also love the patient order systems from the herbal medicine companies, so I think of that as outsourcing my dispensary too.

What would you never dream of outsourcing?I can’t imagine outsourcing things like writing for my blog, newsletters or online courses. It’s just way too personal. In the past, I’ve hired copywriters to help with some website copy, and copy editors to polish my work, but only after I’ve written it all. Now I write and edit all my online content myself.

What advice would you give people looking for the right person to outsource to?For design and development, find websites you love and scroll to the bottom – the designer and developer credits will often be linked at the bottom and you can look them up.

If you’re part of any wellness Facebook groups you can ask to see if anyone has any personal recommendations. When you find someone you’re considering bringing on board to help you, apart from trying to get a sense of their work ethic and personality, ask them these questions:

• What are your working hours?

• What are your invoice terms?

• Do you charge hourly or per project?

For certain tasks, you’re paying for the outcome, not the amount of time necessary.

Are there any unexpected places you can find the right people to outsource to?Consider reaching outside of your immediate industry. Speak with friends and family members, and people from other sectors. The first website developer I worked with was a recommendation from my makeup agency from the days I worked as a hair and makeup artist.

Should people expect to experience resistance along the outsourcing journey?Absolutely. I still have to occasionally remind myself it’s ok to give my virtual assistant certain jobs I sometimes think I should be doing. It can be hard to ‘give up’ jobs to someone else, but if it’s something someone else can do, and it gives you time back to work on something important to your business and life, then it’s 100 per cent worth it.

If you can’t afford to outsource when you start your business, that’s ok too. Don’t give yourself a hard time. Just be smart about it and when it becomes feasible for you, choose one thing to outsource like your bookkeeping until you know what else you’re able to outsource as your business grows.

elevatevitality.com.au

Let it go and watch it growCassie Mendoza-Jones has learnt the hard way about the down side of holding on too tightly and doing it all yourself in business. Since coming back from the brink of burnout and opening her mind to outsourcing select tasks, this naturopath and kinesiologist’s business is soaring. Cassie Mendoza-Jones


A SEAFOOD FEAST WORTH REELING INWhen Wellspring came across Jessica Sepel’s herb and almond crusted snapper creation, we were thrilled when she agreed to share it with you. This delicate, flaky snapper paired with a flavoursome herb combination is sure to impress everyone at your table.

A seafood feast worth reeling in

Serves 4 Prep time: 25 minutes, including cooking

Ingredients:• ½ cup raw or toasted almonds

• ¼ cup parsley

• ¼ cup basil + extra leaves (to serve)

• ¼ cup coriander

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp grated parmesan (optional)

• Himalayan salt and ground pepper

• 4 x 180g snapper fillets or other firm white fish fillets such as barramundi, skin off

• Olive oil (to serve, optional)

Method:1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C

fan-forced). Line a large baking tray with baking paper.

2. Place the almonds, parsley, basil, coriander, lemon juice, olive oil and parmesan, if using, in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Season with Himalayan salt and pepper.

3. Place the fish on a large plate. Coat the fish with the herb and almond mixture, pressing firmly into the flesh.

4. Place the fish, herb-side up, on the tray and bake for 12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Serve drizzled with extra olive oil, if desired.

The Healthy Life This book contains more than 120 recipes, meal plans and takes readers through nutritionist and health blogger Jessica Sepel’s kind approach to creating better health and stress-free living. Jessica’s focus is on fresh produce, prepared simply and with love.

jessicasepel.com

$31.50Available in-store

and online at Wellspring Bookstore


RECIPE

I craved an experience more beautiful and whole than the spiritual festivals and conferences I’d been to. One thing that always stuck with me was that they didn’t seem truly cohesive, holistic or genuine. I couldn’t find anything nourishing to eat, and there was nothing to keep me engaged between presentations or speeches. I wanted to create an event to reflect the beauty and abundance of spirituality I felt was missing.

We aimed to deliver one magical evening... We brought together three inspiring world-class mentors, a bohemian twilight fair, and healthy food trucks offering everything from kombucha to paleo waffles. Guests had the opportunity to experience healing sessions, psychic readings, massage, kinesiology and more. Every person we involved was completely committed to holistic health and spiritual development – it’s what ties us all together.

The idea behind the Soul Star Festival came from a conversation with a psychic medium.I was speaking with her off air when I was hosting the Simply Wellbeing radio show in

Melbourne, and she ended up channelling that my soul purpose was to put festivals like this on. That same psychic channel (Kate Williams) will have a stall at the festival, and it’s really special to have her involved.

My time as a radio announcer has helped the festival come together in a huge way. I got to speak with so many amazing people over that period, and it really prepared and inspired me for this experience. It also gave me incredible connections to lean on to bring the event to life.

It wasn’t until this experience that I really knew I was on the right track with my career. It’s taken me reaching my thirties to realise what I want to do with my life. Health has always been my passion since studying nutrition at Endeavour, but I wanted to incorporate my journey with spirituality too, and this is my answer.

Getting YouTube sensation JP Sears on board was a huge rush. We all know him from his comedy videos, but he is also an accomplished emotional healing coach with a heap of heart. I approached him after seeing him speak at Byron Bay with the idea of headlining

the festival and was so excited when he agreed. We loved having some male energy amongst the speakers to remind people that spirituality is not just a feminine process.

I couldn’t have come this far without my business partner Lauren Watson. I’ve known Lauren for 20 years since we met at school. As a kinesiologist with her own events company, I thought she was the perfect person to get the idea off the ground. We both bring such different strengths and qualities to the partnership. I have the big ideas, creativity and dreams and Lauren has the vision to take ideas and bring them to life and the business experience to bring it all together. Our friendship has thrived over this period and we work as a real team.

My ultimate dream is to launch Soul Star Festivals around Australia. Now that the first event is over we will put our heads together and figure out where to next. Once we have gotten the formula right we will go for it – what a dream come true.

soul-star.com.au

YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE SOULAfter feeling underwhelmed by the holistic health festivals she’d attended across the world over the years, nutritionist Briony Goldsmith hatched a plan to create a spiritual festival unlike anything Melbourne had ever seen before. We asked Briony to take us behind the scenes of her Soul Star Spring Festival which rocked the health and wellness world in November.

You’ve got to have soul

Briony Goldsmith (left) and Lauren Watson


Perfectly situated on the corner of the South Melbourne Market, Happy Place is a little gem for those searching for some liquid nourishment to sustain their shopping. The brain child of Lola Berry and Salvatore Malatesta (from St Ali), the new smoothie and juice bar offers cold pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, bone broth, kombucha and various interesting hot drinks – including a pretty looking hibiscus beetroot latte!

No coffee though – caffeine lovers will need to get their fix in the form of green tea or cacao infused drinks. In the solid food department, you’ll find energy balls, mini raw cheesecakes and slices, as well as chia puddings and some small salads. As I arrived, I chatted to two lovely girls who had just ordered acai bowls and were singing their praises.

Happy Place is fresh and clean in design, and even on the dim Melbourne day that I visited it seemed light and bright. The foliage dotted around is lovely, and Lola’s penchant for crystals is on display with a giant beauty on the front counter.

Looking through the menu, it is obvious that Lola has tried to accommodate different dietary preferences, and has chosen low allergenic and easily digested ingredients in much of the offerings. There are plenty of dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and low sugar options. The nuts are activated for better nutrient absorption and easier digestion, and gut healing winners like bone broth and kombucha are on tap. Fellow naturopaths and flower essence lovers will be excited about the inclusion of flower essences in

each smoothie, and the gift of an individual crystal with selected smoothies is a thoughtful touch.

The smoothies on offer are $12.50 each, and follow a rotating seasonal menu. Dairy free? Can’t do nuts? No problem – you can customise your smoothie with one of four milks on offer. And there are some delicious creations to choose from, including ‘Green Gaia’ with spinach, spirulina, chlorophyll, celery, avocado, soaked chia seeds, cold brew sencha green tea, vanilla bean and stevia; or the popular ‘I Love Oprah’ with dried figs, medjool dates, blueberries, oats, activated pecans, almond milk, nutmeg, cinnamon and maple syrup.

I tried the ‘Pumpkin Pie’ smoothie, which was a blend of jap pumpkin, ABC butter, medjool dates, clove, cinnamon, maple syrup and almond milk. It was super creamy and had all those familiar pumpkin pie flavours – delish!

There is a big list of extras you can add for $2 including vegan protein, chlorella shots, maca, bee pollen and powdered mushrooms. And you can also treat yourself to extra flower essences for $1.

If cold pressed juices are more your thing, Happy Place has collaborated with Organic Avenue to bring you a rainbow of delicious options, with low fructose/sugar choices too.

I would have loved to sit and sip, but there is limited seating – hey, you can’t have everything can you! Definitely worth checking out if you’re a smoothie lover.

About Meg Thompson

Meg is a practising naturopath, holistic nutritionist, real food devotee and freelance recipe and health writer.

mywholefoodromance.com

Where I eat…When we heard best selling author and Endeavour alumnus Lola Berry had opened a smoothie bar and café called Happy Place centred around holistic principles in Melbourne, we had to check it out for ourselves. We sent one of our favourite naturopaths Meg Thompson along to report back on her experience of this new addition to the Melbourne health food scene.

Review by Meg Thompson

Where I eat… review by Meg Thompson

Happy Place 116 – 131 Cecil Street South MelbourneOpen daily 7am – 5pm

@happyplacelb

Food: 8 Ambience: 7 Service: 9

RATINGS 10: perfect, 9: excellent, 8: great, 7: good, 6: passable, 5: disappointing, 1-4: needs work

Lola Berry


Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture)This degree turns students into acupuncture practitioners, equipped to restore the harmonious flow of energy by influencing acupuncture points with needles, lasers or finger pressure. Students are also taught about Traditional Chinese Medicine, practised alongside Acupuncture, which uses Chinese herbs and traditional medicines to stimulate and strengthen healing mechanisms and restore balance.

Acupuncturists often practise independently as a sole trader, or provide treatment in a multidisciplinary setting. Acupuncturists often work alongside other allied health practitioners such as medical doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and naturopaths.

Practitioners may choose to focus on particular areas of interest such as women’s medicine, sports medicine, men’s medicine, chronic disease or other areas.

Course Duration4 years full time or 8 years part time

Study ModeFace-to-face on campus with selected subjects available online

Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)Endeavour’s naturopathy degree is one of its most popular, and arms students with an array of natural therapies to support healing and health. Its core principle, “the healing power of nature”, guides the naturopath’s use of nutrition, dietary counselling, herbal medicine, manual therapies, flower essences, lifestyle education, homeopathy and other modalities to treat illness and restore health.

Many naturopaths work in private practice, setting their own hours and developing and managing their own businesses. Others join multidisciplinary clinics with other natural and conventional medicine practitioners. Some naturopaths catch the research bug and pursue graduate education research, whereas others pursue a career in the media as a writer or personality in their own right. Many natural product companies hire naturopaths to help formulate new products, conduct research, perform technical writing or provide sales and marketing support.



Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine)This extremely popular degree offered by Endeavour prepares students for a successful career as a qualified clinical nutritionist capable of approaching disease prevention and management through a multidimensional lens. Graduates of this degree are equipped to integrate scientific evidence and sound clinic reasoning to motivate people and communities to eat well and live healthier lives.

Graduates may choose to work in private clinical practice or in an integrative healthcare setting. Many nutritionists also decide to pursue careers in corporate health, provide nutritional consulting to health-related businesses, complementary medicine safety and compliance, nutraceutical innovation and development, nutraceutical sales and marketing, and health writing and blogging.



A NATURAL EDGEEndeavour College of Natural Health is Australasia’s largest degree conferring tertiary institution offering qualifications in complementary medicine and natural health. It has campuses in Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, five Bachelor degrees, four Honours degrees, 5,000 students, 350 staff, leading academics in the field, and an active Office of Research. Here is a round up of the Bachelor of Health Science and Honours degrees Endeavour offers.

Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy)This degree is designed to develop myotherapists equipped to treat and manage musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Myotherapy uses standard methods of assessment such as postural evaluation and neurological and functional testing to determine the particular cause of musculoskeletal pain and associated problems.

Many myotherapists choose to practise independently as a sole trader, or provide treatment in conjunction with other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary setting. Practitioners may choose to focus on particular areas of interest with specialised groups such as pre and postnatal care or working with athletes.



Bachelor of Complementary MedicineThis non-practitioner online degree provides students with a broad perspective on the scope of this dynamic field in the overall context of public health, ethics, research, health promotion and health behaviour. It exposes students to a wide variety of natural medicine streams to develop a sophisticated understanding of multiple disciplines in this rapidly growing sector. A range of electives enable students to gain knowledge in specific natural medicine professions and may lead to interest in further study to become a practitioner.

Graduates can pursue employment in a variety of fields including public health, public administration, health administration and social work. They may also work in the allied sectors of the natural medicine industry as patient services coordinators in a multidisciplinary clinic, managers of multidisciplinary clinics or health retreats, government policy advisors, health store owners and operators, and product sales representatives for natural product companies.


Study ModeFully online

Honours ProgramEndeavour offers a sought after Honours degree – a specialised year of study that follows the successful completion of an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Health Science).

The Honours degree allows graduates to draw together the theoretical and practical skills gained in undergraduate studies and develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of your particular modality or an area of interest through research and additional course work. The Honours degree provides an indication of a student’s research potential and introduces students to basic research training.

Four Endeavour Honours degrees are available:

• Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) (Honours)

• Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) (Honours)

• Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine) (Honours)

• Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy) (Honours)

Potential career pathways from the Honours degree include working as a research assistant, enrolment in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program, research consultant, clinical trials coordinator, research and development officer or technical writer.

Course Duration1 year full time or 1.5 to 2 years part time

Study ModeFully online


ALL CAMPUSESSaturday 21 January 2017 | 10am – 1:30pm

Register at naturalhealthopenday.com.au

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