Bask in the revitalising atmosphere. Breathe in the tranquillity. Relax and be restored.

Services

Colon Hydrotherapy

Available Monday-Saturdays

Colon Hydrotherapy, also known as Colonic Irrigation, is an ancient therapy that has been well documented: by the Egyptians as early as 1500 B.C, and also by the Chinese and the Greeks. In the late 1800's American doctors implemented more modern procedures with colonics and had great success during a cholera outbreak. Some of the modern day European countries have been doing regular bowel cleansing programs incorporating colonics, cleansing herbs and diet adjustments, within living memory. We have clients who grew up with their Russian grandfathers enema kit hanging up in his bathroom. The Yogis in India do regular bowel cleansing, quiet often incorporated with the change of seasons.

In our hectic lifestyles, regular cleanses are of paramount importance to maintain a zest for life by cleaning out cellular debris and toxic build up. The build up creates a perfect breeding ground for parasites and other pathogens creating a cycle of autointoxication or self-poisoning. This is a contributing factor to all disease.

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Naturopathy

Available Monday-Saturdays

Naturopathy is a term coined from nineteenth and twentieth century doctors who provided 'Nature Cure' regimes to help bring people back to health.

Naturopaths view people as a whole; a whole composed of body, mind, emotion and spirit. A problem arising in any aspect of one's being can cause ill health.

It is a Naturopath's job to listen to a person's story and endeavour to discover a deeper cause to their ills than a set of symptoms. Addressing this underlying cause of disease, and supporting the person's natural tendency towards health, allows a rebalancing of the person at a deeper level. Better health and increased energy is the result.

Naturopaths use a variety of restorative modalities and diagnostic aids including:

Nutrition, herbal medicine, remedial massage, lifestyle councelling, flower essences, hydrotherapy (colonics and spa), iridology, case history, and hair mineral and pathology analysis.

Naturopaths are the champions of the cause of preventative medicine, and are the best people to see for health care and longevity programs.

First visit takes one and a half hours, when a personalised program is outlined for you. Follow-up treatments are half hour.

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Available Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

TCM is a sought after style of treatment all around the world because:

“With a vast body of knowledge and practice to learn from, practitioners of TCM are able to offer their patients a wide array of treatment techniques.” says David. “By combining some, or all, of these strategies patients have the best chance of quick and effective recovery from injury and enhanced performance in everyday life.”

Techniques used include,

Patients usually feel relaxed, happy, even slightly euphoric after a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment This type of health care has developed over thousands of years and patients reap the benefits of that extensive process of research and refinement.

Who wouldn’t benefit from Chinese Herbs! They have been used medicinally for well over 5000 years with hundreds of generations of Chinese Herbalists passing on their knowledge of what works and what doesn’t to the following generations. The end result of this extensive period of research is a thorough understanding of the herbs and how they affect the human body. 

In Australia today Chinese Herbalists are tertiary trained and regulated by professional associations, government standards, private health care insurers and animal welfare treaties (*no animal products are used in Alchemy’s range of Chinese Herbs). We treat a full range of medical complaints including digestive, gynaecological, paediatric, dermatological, psychological, musculo-skeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, geriatric, hormonal, genito-urinary, lymphatic, reproductive, and neurological.

Alchemy’s range of Chinese Herbs include:

 

Ayurvedic Medicine & Massage

Available Thursdays

Ayurveda : Ayus; Life ; Veda: Science/Knowledge Ayurveda is based on the ancient wisdom of healthy living. Ayurveda is a synergy of science, nutrition, philosophy and an understanding and awareness of both our internal and external environments. Ayurveda treats the whole person, taking into consideration the seasons, environment, food combinations and the Panch Mahabhutas (the 5 great elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth). For each person there is a specific and unique line of action tailored to suit the individuals constitution and needs. The aim is to achieve balance of the doshas through diet correction, exercise, meditation, and when necessary the use of medicines (Traditional Ayurvedic Herbal Formulations.)
Ayurveda is a beautiful and holistic healthcare system which has something to offer everyone. Therapies include: 

 

Homeopathy

Available Monday-Saturdays

Samuel Hahneman, a German physician, discovered Homoeopathy around 200 years ago. Homoeopathy is based on the natural Law of Similars. It works on the principle that if a substance can produce symptoms in a healthy person it has the ability to cure similar symptoms in a disease. For example, coffee can produce insomnia in a healthy person so it can relieve similar insomnia symptoms.

Samuel Hahneman systematically tested substances on healthy humans and recorded the changes observed. From this, he compiled 'remedy pictures', which have been confirmed by many years of clinical experience. Hahneman also observed that only minute doses of the similar medicine are required to stimulate the body's own healing process to restore health and build up resistance to disease. Medicines are diluted many times to produce a homoeopathic remedy, leaving no trace of the original substance, only the 'memory' of it.

Anyone can use Homoeopathy at any age for most physical or emotional problems. Sometimes symptoms are too vague for other systems of medicine to treat, but you know something is not right. Homoeopathy is often used as an alternative to potentially harmful drugs because it is gentle and non-invasive. This is especially appropriate during pregnancy and for children's health problems such as earaches, asthma, eczema and sleep, emotional or behavioural problems.

It can help arthritis, hypertension, headaches, migraine, hay fever, allergies, menstrual and digestive disorders and more. Emotional states such as grief, anxiety, trauma or depression respond very well to Homoeopathic treatment. Sometimes these states can manifest in physical symptoms and Homoeopathy can help to overcome this.

During the consultation, the necessary time is spent getting to know all about you. You will be asked many questions about yourself, your illness, your lifestyle, your past health and that of your family. All the information is taken in the strictest confidence.

After careful consideration of your case, a remedy is prescribed for you. This is usually in the form of easy to take sugar pills. They are non-toxic ad not habit forming. You will normally be asked to return for a follow -up consultation. This enables your Homoeopath to monitor your progress since taking the remedy, and to prescribe more medicine if necessary.

 

Kinesiology

Available Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

Kinesiology accesses the body’s own natural intelligence using muscle testing. In this way the practitioner can “ask” the body and higher self what the person needs to heal. A balance is then done by channeling healing energy into various areas of the body both directly and through crystals.

Kinesiology heals physical problems by balancing the underlying emotional and spiritual causes of the problem. This can even include past life issues that are causing ill health in the present. The client experiences a deep and long-lasting healing, with feelings of peace, relaxation and well-being.

Kinesiology can be used for any physical or emotional issue. Holistic therapies all acknowledge the mind-body connection, and the deepest and most effective way to heal the physical is to heal the underlying emotional and spiritual cause. It is especially useful for physical problems which have resisted other types of treatments. Kinesiology can also be used as a personal growth tool, because muscle- testing can be used to give you information about what issues are current in your life at the moment, as well as healing them.

 

Herbal Medicine

Available Mondays - Saturdays

The use of herbal medicine to heal and restore the body has been the traditional medicine of many cultures for centuries. It is a safe and effective way to prescribe medicines for all ages. It can be used to treat any ailment whether acute or chronic. We offer herbal medicine consultations and over-the-counter prescriptions.

 

Nutritional Advice

Available Mondays-Saturdays

The first and most important point you need to know about a nutrition consultation at Alchemy in Bellingen is that we take an individualized approach to your needs.  First we look at your relationship with food, what you eat, how you eat, why you eat and how this is affecting you and your health.  Then we look at your nutrient status. This will show us whether you are absorbing all the nutrients you require for good health or there is problem. Our experienced Naturopaths can assist you in fixing any issues that may be found.

Weight Loss and Gain

We can help you with healthy weight loss. How often do you go on a diet lose some weight, and it comes back on almost immediately. We can explain why this happens, and teach you how to avoid the trap, and keep a healthy weight. Equally if there is a problem with putting on weight we can get to the bottom of it.

Got a cupboard full of Vitamins?

We can assist you with the most current advice and protocols on the use of nutritional supplements, offering the best quality and most appropriate products for your needs.

 

Acupuncture

Available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays

Who would have thought that a fine needle inserted in precisely the right location could relieve physical and emotional distress?

“Patients usually feel relaxed, happy, even slightly euphoric after Acupuncture treatment” says David, Alchemy in Bellingen’s dedicated and patient Acupuncturist. “This type of health care has developed over thousands of years and patients reap the benefits of that extensive process of research and refinement.”

Acupuncture is a sought after style of treatment all around the world because:

 

Shiatsu Therapy

Available Thursdays

Shiatsu (she-at-sue)  is a Japanese word that literally translates as finger pressure.

Deep and gentle pressure is applied along the meridians of the body using the palms thumbs fingers elbows knees or feet and when appropriate dynamic rotations and stretches.

Shiatsu works by nourishing soft weak yin areas [kyo] and relaxing hard tense yang areas [jitsu]of the body.

It is based on the principles of Oriental Medicine. The aim is to promote harmony by improving the function of the internal organs. This will enhance physical emotional & spiritual wellbeing. Shiatsu evolved from a 5000 years old tradition of oriental healing arts originating in Japan and having roots in China . It remains the most popular and highly respected form of body therapy in Japan today.

On a physical level Shiatsu has the effect of stimulating circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid. It also works on the autonomic nervous system; helps to release toxins and deep-seated tension from the muscles, and can also stimulate the hormonal system. On a subtler level Shiatsu allows the receiver to deeply relax, stimulating the body ' s inherent ability for self-healing and regeneration.

Shiatsu is excellent for general health maintenance and as a preventative therapy. Conditions that can respond well to a Shiatsu include …

Allergies, arthritis, asthma, back, neck & shoulder pain, constipation, depression, digestive problems, fatigue, headaches & migraines, insomnia, menstrual issues, RSI, sports injuries, sciatica, stress,  stop smoking, weight loss

Shiatsu is performed traditionally on a comfortable futon mat on the floor.

No massage oil is applied so the patient remains fully clothed during the session.

Treatments are for 1 or 1.5 hours.

The receiver usually leaves with a profound feeling of being grounded relaxed and healthy.

 

Remedial Massage

Available Monday-Saturdays

Remedial massage is an effective treatment for sports and work related injuries, tendonitis (including tennis and golfer’s elbow), headaches, tight, sore muscles, conditions such as sciatica, frozen shoulder and carpel tunnel syndrome. As well as treating musculoskeletal problems and injuries remedial massage can help prevent them by maintaining length and suppleness of muscles and tendons.

Sometimes the source of the pain is not where the pain is actually felt so when treating clients, a careful assessment is done to reach the cause of the problem.

Along with treating specific problems Remedial Massage has wholistic benefits, helping to alleviate stress and bring about a general feeling of wellbeing.

Massage promotes increased circulation of lymph and blood and brings about a healing effect on both the physical body and the mind. It can be therapeutic in managing and reducing pain and stress. It supports the body in a feeling of deep relaxation and wellness, optimising the body's own capacity for healing. With repetitive activities, whether it is sport, work or hours spent using a computer tension can build up in the muscles causing them to become tight and contracted. The muscles then may not function properly because their ability to lengthen is reduced. Over time this effects posture and puts stress on other muscle groups.

 

Deep Tissue Massage

Available Monday-Saturdays

Deep Tissue Massage is used to relax, lengthen and release holding patterns in the different layers of muscle tissue.  It employs very specific techniques with the intention of releasing the layers of muscle tissue concentrating on certain areas when the need arises.

Deep Tissue Massage would benefit those looking for alleviation of pain from muscular restriction, bringing about a better posture, more flexibility and suppleness.   It is also beneficial in helping to relieve headaches, muscle soreness or sporting injuries.  The emphasis is less on relaxation and more on freeing up muscular restrictions.

 

Myofascial Release

Available Mondays & Tuesdays

Myofascial Release works towards correcting postural and structural imbalances brought on by incorrect use of the body or injury.

Very slow intentional techniques are used with deep and/or light pressure that are designed to release the fascia that surrounds muscles in areas that are causing pain or have limited movement.  This release allows nutrients to feed the muscle and encourage it to fall back into it’s natural postural position, which then helps to restore the body’s structural balance.

Fascia is a form of fibrous connective tissue that lies beneath the skin enveloping muscles or groups of muscles.  It is continuous and connects the body as a whole unit from the top of the skull to the tip of the toes.  Any distortion to this fibrous network can affect underlying and/or surrounding structures, and even those most distant to the area causing muscular imbalance and/or dysfunction.

It is fantastic for people who have chronic pain and postural issues that seem to be stuck.  The sessions are quite intense and can involve participation from the client. 

 

Indian Head Massage

Available Saturdays

Indian head massage restores balance and harmony.

The hair and head are extremely sensitive, as the face and scalp are full of nerve endings and so very receptive to touch. Through the massage a range of different movements are applied including deep kneading and compression over the head, shoulders and scalp.

An Indian Head Massage takes 30 minutes. Initially pressure points are stimulated in the head along the “ governing Channel” or main meridian. These 4 main points rejuvenate the whole system and prepare the body to open and relax. The massage then takes place on the back of the head. Once this is complete the front of the face and head are treated. Facial pressure points are manipulated along with sweeping movements to release toxins and pressure. Cool compresses are added to the eyes after the treatment.

People often feel a sense of calm and clarity after an Indian Head Massage. Through these strong yet rhythmic movements of the head, blood and lymph flow is increased, flexibility of the neck and shoulders is felt and the elimination of the accumulation of toxins and waste products has been enhanced. Therefore ailments or conditions such as headaches, insomnia, tiredness and vagueness are relieved.

BENEFITS:

 

Bowen Therapy

Available Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

Bowen Therapy is a gentle form of therapy which gives lasting relief for a wide range of muscular problems and pain. These include back and neck problems, headaches, sports injuries, RSI, frozen shoulder, TMJ and other jaw problems.

Subtle movements over the muscles and connective tissue activate the nervous system to relax and reset the muscles. Bowen frees and rehydrates the tissues, allowing easy movement and reducing or eliminating pain. Even long-standing problems will respond to Bowen Therapy.

 

Reiki

Available Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

Reiki is a method of becoming aware of the Life Force Energy that is naturally available to us and using that energy for the personal development and healing of self and others, for the highest possible good of all.

A Japanese teacher, Mikao Usui, founded Reiki in the 1920’s. ‘Rei’ is a Japanese word translating as ‘universal’ or ‘spiritual’ and ‘Ki’ translates as ‘Life Force’. Reiki therefore translates as universal life force.

Reiki is a form of healing to promote balance, peace and harmony.

A Reiki session facilitates deep relaxation, emotional release and balancing of the chakras and energy body.

 

Reflexology

Available Saturdays

There are 7,200 nerve endings in the feet alone! Reflexology accesses the nerve endings in the feet and these are linked to every organ and system of the body. For example, when we work on the ball of the foot we actually see this as the respiratory/circulatory system, the heel of the foot being the re-productive system and toes being the head, brain, eyes and ears. So by receiving a soothing rhythmical massage of the feet all aspects of our body are being treated, cleansed and restored.

This skilful manipulation can help unblock the flow of energy in the organs and therefore restores balance and enhances the healing process.

It is not necessary to have a symptom to benefit from Reflexology.  Stress related conditions or stress responses for example; poor sleep, infertility, digestive conditions, muscular pain, headaches etc stem from our ‘automatic’ part of the brain when we become overloaded. This part of the brain does not respond to logic so therefore we cannot just turn off the stress without changing the chemical balance within the brain. Reflexology is one of the best ways to help do this. It is very relaxing and therefore remedies stress and tension. To become balanced and relaxed we can therefore heal and in turn cope with the situations and ‘life’ issues better.

An initial consultation entails a brief discussion of medical history and current ailments.  The treatment will revolve around the specific condition the patient is currently hindered by and all associated areas.

The patient will be lying down with shoes and socks removed. The atmosphere is calm and quiet. I then begin an hour of all reflex points being activated in a rhythmical sequence.

The following is a general list of conditions/ailments that may benefit from Reflexology:

Transpersonal Art Therapy

Available Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

Megan provides a safe, sacred space for deepening self understanding and for powerful healing of the psyche (the ancient word for soul).

Through a range of carefully supported art therapy processes you can explore and discover insights and experience energy shifts that empower you in your life.

Megan has a positive, person-centered approach (not deficiency/clinical analysis paradigm) and deeply values the uniqueness of everyone. Each person holds the keys to their path and is the expert on their own life. Through connection, understanding and art comes the unlocking of the individual’s own healing.

Some people come wishing to put some time into personal growth, coming from a place of curiosity, and some come with deep distress and seemingly insurmountable troubles, or anything in between.

It is safe to bring concerns about anything from  sanity to sexuality to spirituality here. Recovery from trauma, or addiction are supported with art therapy too. You will learn more about your own ability to empower yourself and to experience success and balance.

An initial session of Transpersonal Art Therapy with Megan Bliss usually involves some talk and some facilitated art processes using pastels and charcoal on paper. No previous art experience is necessary at all.
You can expect to gain insight into yourself and your situations and life patterns. You may experience what is known as an"Aha" moment, as you are supported to discover realisations, understandings that emerge from your own inner wisdom. This is a great feeling as you make real, experiential shifts that you can feel are powerful, so much more helpful than those weak purely mental conclusions such as "Hmm, yes I realise I shouldn't.. (some kind of negative habit)" or "Hmm, yes my life would be better if I could only..(some kind of good behaviour). When your full awareness adjusts to an experienced insight then you will notice a wonderful result. It is like riding a strong wave into the shore instead of falling off the backs of waves or even continually being dumped.
As you delve more deeply into Transpersonal Art Therapy you find that the forms of art that can be explored are as infinite and nearly as rewarding as the richness that comes from the depths of the Self.
 
Self-help tip: Keeping a dream journal is a very valuable practice in itself. Simply recording your dreams raises your self-awareness in subtle ways. It is also excellent material to bring in to a Transpersonal Art Therapy session as it can be explored with great results within Transpersonal Art Therapy. Dreams hold amazing knowledge from the deeper mind. Dreams speak in a language of symbols that can be perfectly approached with Transpersonal Art Therapy for healing or soul growth.

Concessions may be available especially to those experiencing severe financial hardship.

Rebates for sessions with Megan Bliss are available for holders of Medibank Private Insurance with Package Bonus.

 

Astrological Charting

Available Wednesdays, Thurdays & Fridays

Astrology is a fantastic tool for getting to know the different aspects of your personality, and using them wisely. Mira will give you a printed birth chart as well as the planetary transits that are coming up for you for the upcoming year. In an hour-long appointment, she will take you through your chart and your transits step by step. You will be fascinated by what you learn about yourself! The appointment will be taped for you to keep.


Clairvoyant Readings with Mira

Available Wednesdays, Thurdays & Fridays

Mira has over 10 years' professional experience as a clarvoyant and medium. This includes reading at the Mind Body Spirit Festival in Sydney. Mira's readings focus on empowerment. As well giving guidance about what is coming up for you in the future, she will give you insight into what healing steps or practical changes you can undertake to gain more of what you want. Our only limiting factor is our belief system and our unhealed issues. Mira's readings will give you positive tools for removing those limits. Mediumship (contact with loved ones who have passed over) is available on request. 

 

Luxury Spa

Available Monday - Saturday

A surprising haven waits, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main street, and yet so accessible. Enclosed by bamboo fencing and bathed in Zen-like serenity, it is immediately apparent that this is a place to unwind. Those fortunate to have been the guests of Alchemy leave smiling, with serene faces and glowing skin, and a great gift idea for family and friends.

The chlorine-free therapeutic spa is temperature-adjusted to suit the season. Lie back beneath the drifting clouds or star-sparkling evening sky as therapeutic fingers of swirling water work their magic. With forty-four different jets to enjoy, including a powerful lumber and three foot jets, the spa easily accommodates up to four people

spa

Detox Box/Far-Infrared Sauna

Available Monday - Saturday

“You realize Far Infrared is the closest we can probably get to the fountain of youth”
DR SHERRY ROGERS, M.D.
- Detoxify or Die

Modern technology has combined with traditional wisdom to provide the pleasant healing experience of the far infrared sauna.
The Detox Box incorporates the natural healing effects of the sun's far infrared rays, delivered through a patented ceramic "bio-spectrum wave" heater system. It emits a frequency range of safe and gentle far infrared rays designed to provide optimum absorption by the human body, at comfortable temperatures of around 35 - 45'C.
When using the Detox Box, you will notice a great sense of relaxation and revitalization as your body releases endorphins into your system. These "Happy Hormones" are linked to a reduction in pain and stress, enhanced immune system, and a postponing of the aging process.

Regular sessions in the detox box safely and effectively detoxify the body of many lifelong accumulated toxins and heavy metals. It is also useful in improving skin tone (by supporting the energy of the body's cells), helping with weight management, and energizing the body whilst relaxing the mind. Alchemy in Bellingen invites you to experience the ambience of our private back deck with far infrared sauna and spa.

detox box

Alchemy's Own Product Range

Our team of qualified natural therapists have created a unique range of therapeutic creams, massage oils, bath mixes, herbal teas and other health related products. Using all natural, high quality herbs and essential oils, these products are designed to restore the body and mind both medicinally and scentually.

 

Herbal Dispensary &
Practitioner-Only Products

We stock a vast range of practitioner-only products including nutritional supplements, homeopathics, and herbal medicines. These products contain therapeutic doses of active ingredients effectively utilised to restore optimal health. Our professional practitioners can offer complimentary over-the-counter advice or extensive private consultations to suit your needs.

© Alchemy in Bellingen 2007