The Vital Spirit experience is a comprehensive one. Using a combination of medical based assessment methods and an understanding of the impact of psychological and emotional stress on the body, I endeavour to find and address the cause of your health problems and in doing so focus on the Body, Mind and of the course, the Spirit.
SERVICES
Welcome to Vital Spirit Natural Health
Welcome to the start of a healthier, happier you. Find out information on Natural Medicine, the types of conditions that can be treated with naturopathic strategies (herbs & nutrition) and what to expect from a consultation with a thorough, caring and qualified Medical Herbalist and Nutritionist.
One of the philosophies of Western Herbalism is the concept that symptoms do not appear in isolation and so it is futile in simply treating them as such. There is usually a complex web of changes in the body and in turn, effects on the person. Ultimately, illness is a diminution of the 'life force' or 'spirit' which is the basis of the name 'vital spirit'. The end goal of treatment is always to rejuvenate the spirit.
Liz Johnstone BHSc (N&D) Dip Med Herb
Medical Herbalist and Nutritionist
I have a Bachelor Degree in Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) from the University of Newcastle and trained to be a Medical Herbalist at Southern Cross Herbal School (Diploma) with renowned Hunter Herbalist, Denis Stewart.
Before studying to be a herbalist, I worked in the health promotion field where my focus was on promoting good nutrition and physical activity. This experience enables me to support others in embracing lifestyles that will make a positive contribution to their health.
I am fascinated by the chemistry of plants and the innate wisdom of tradititional cultures in using particular plants for specific illnesses and my practice is very much influenced by both levels of knowledge.
I have a special interest in food allergy and intolerance and infertility and am a a member of the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), the governing body of herbalists in Australia.
What to expect
The first time you come for a consultation at Vital Spirt Natural Health I spend up to forty five minutes with you undertaking a detailed case history. I will ask questions about your medical history, the medications you take, your family history, your lifestyle and specific questions relating to the health problem you are presenting with. Where relevant, I may undertake some simple tests such as your blood pressure or a urine analysis. Please bring along any reports from pathology or radiology to your appointment.
At the end of this case history I devise a specific program with you based on all or any of the following:- A personalised formula of herbal medication that I will make up for you;
- Nutritional supplements;
- Lifestyle changes; and/or
- Referral to another health practitioner.
A follow-up half hour consultation (usually in a fortnight) is scheduled. Before your first appointment I send you a thorough questionnaire to complete which is returned at the initial appointment. The results of this questionnaire, which forms a take-home report for yourself, helps us formulate long term health goals together.
All consultations are conducted and documented with the utmost confidentiality.
Treatment
Vital Spirit Natural Health offers herbal and nutritional medicine and lifestyle guidance for:- Womens Health eg, Infertility, Endometriosis, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Menopause, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), period pain
- Joint conditions eg. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout etc
- Allergies eg hayfever, sinus, sinusitis
- Low immunity eg, Colds and coughs, chronic fatigue, glandular fever, bronchitis, tonsilitis
- Weight issues
- Skin Conditions eg, eczema, psoriasis, acne
- Digestive conditions eg Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, burping, constipation, reflux, ulcers
- Urinary and Prostate Conditions eg, interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infections (UTI), bedwetting, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
- Cardiovascular and Endocrine Health eg, Blood Pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid conditions
- Mental Health eg stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, emotional eating, memory & forgetfullness
- ...and much more
Herbal medicine is most useful for chronic illnesses therefore it takes a little while to see improvement (around 4-6 weeks). Health problems are the result of long term imbalance in the body therefore it is reasonable to expect that it will take a while to find relief. Acute conditions such as flu can be treated successfully in a few hours to a day.
Shake It Weight Loss System
Shake It is a scientifically proven weight loss program developed by respected nutritional company Metagenics. It assists you in losing fat and maintaining lean muscle mass which is the key to ensuring your metabolism does not slow down and you do not put the weight back on again. Shake It also corrects nutritional imbalances which are common, such as chromium, which curbs sugar cravings and essential fatty acids which turn on fat burning. These are keys to the success of KetoSlim, and ultimately to your weight loss.
Another important feature of Shake It is that it is supervised by a qualified Nutritionist and Herbalist rather than a sales assistant with on-the-job training so that hurdles along the way are dealt with appropriately and other conditions contributing to weight such as low thyroid function and hormonal imbalances can be addressed. What’s more, you are taught healthy eating practices which set you up for long term success.
Detox Program
Need a spring clean? Ask yourself these questions:- Are you often tired or lethargic?
- Do you regularly suffer from bloating, diarrhoea, constipation or other digestive disturbances?
- Do you get recurrent headaches?
- Are you regularly suffering from muscle aches and pains?
- Does poor short term memory and concentration affect your ability to function at work?
- Do you have allergies or sensitivities?
- Do you suffer from depression, anxiety and/or mood swings?
If you answered yes to many of these questions you may suffer from a detox program. The Metagenics detox program is a safe, simple and effective detox program that involves three steps.- Remove
This phase focuses the removal of 'bad bugs' from the digestive system.
- Renew
This stage is aimed at replacing the 'bad bugs' with healthy ones and improving the function of your digestive tract.
- Release
In this final stage you will be taking natural products to support and enhance the capacity of the liver and kidneys to remove wastes.
There are also dietary recommendations that go along with the program and you receive regular newsletters for support.
Wellness Program
One of the ways natural medicine differs from conventional is the strong focus on prevention or 'wellness'. If you want to be proactive about your health and stave off illness before it strikes a wellness program might be for you. It encompasses:- Staying healthy, active and free of chronic disease for as long as possible
- Maintaining vitality, activity and health into old age
- A simple, easy to follow diet, lifestyle and supplementation program
- Regular patient reassessments to monitor progress and reinforce healthy behaviours
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
MAP
Herbalists, Nutrition, Weight Loss
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